bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bending strain-tunable magnetic anisotropy in Co2FeAl Heusler thin film on Kapton®
Authors: Gueye M. , Wague B. M. , Zighem F. , Belmeguenai M. , Gabor M. S. , Petrisor T. , Tiusan C. , Mercone S. , Faurie D.
Published: August 2014

Bending effect on the magnetic anisotropy in 20 nm Co2FeAl Heusler thin film grown on Kapton® has been studied by ferromagnetic resonance and glued on curved sample carrier with various radii. The results reported in this Letter show that the magnetic anisotropy is drastically changed in this system by bending the thin films. This effect is attributed to the interfacial strain transmission from the substrate to the film and to the magnetoelastic behavior of the Co2FeAl film. Moreover, two approaches to determine the in-plane magnetostriction coefficient of the film, leading to a value that is close to λCFA = 14 × 10−6, have been proposed.
Influence of voltage magnitude on the dynamic behavior of a stable helium atmospheric pressure plasma jet
Authors: Ning Wenjun , Wang Lijun , Wu Chen , Jia Shenli
Published: August 2014

Effects of voltage magnitude on the development of a stable helium atmospheric pressure plasma jet are investigated by current measurements and high temporal-resolution streak images. Generated by a coaxial dielectric barrier discharge structure, the entire discharge can be classified into three regions: discharges in the tube gap, downstream jet, and up-streamer. The discharge morphologies of each region are analyzed. In the positive discharge phase, there are two discharges in the tube gap between the electrodes; the first one is ignited as corona and then developed into streamer corona, and the second one is similar with positive glow. The downstream jet is ignited independently from the discharge in the tube gap. Referred as “plasma bullet,” the dynamic behavior of the jet can be well described as a positive streamer. Under specific applied voltage, the jet is found to be composed by double bullets in which case the jet length decreases since that less charge is carried by the first bullet. The up-streamer can be captured as long as the discharge in the tube gap is activated. Propagating with velocity of ∼4 km/s, the up-streamer can be regarded as the extension of the first discharge in the tube gap. In the negative discharge phase, the discharge is confined in the tube gap with nearly symmetrical morphology with the positive one. Besides, with the rising of voltage, the negative discharge is initially intensified and then turns weaker after surpassing certain voltage, which may provide suitable condition for the occurrence of double-bullet phenomenon.
Multiscale modeling and experimental validation for nanochannel depth control in atomic force microscopy-based nanofabrication
Authors: Ren Jiaqi , Liu Pinkuan , Zhu Xiaobo , Zhang Fan , Chen Guozhen
Published: August 2014

Nanochannels are essential features of many microelectronic and biomedical devices. To date, the most commonly employed method to fabricate these nanochannels is atomic force microscopy (AFM). However, there is presently a very poor understanding on the fundamental principles underlying this process, which limits its reliability and controllability. In this study, we present a comprehensive multiscale model by incorporating strain gradient plasticity and strain gradient elasticity theories, which can predict nanochannel depths during AFM-based nanofabrication. The modeling results are directly verified with experiments performed on Cu and Pt substrates. As this model can also be extended to include many additional conditions, it has broad applicability in a wide range of AFM-based nanofabrication applications.
Examination of the role of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 in endothelial responses to shear forces
Authors: Baratchi Sara , Tovar-Lopez Francisco J. , Khoshmanesh Khashayar , Grace Megan S. , Darby William , Almazi Juhura , Mitchell Arnan , McIntyre Peter
Published: August 2014

Shear stress is the major mechanical force applied on vascular endothelial cells by blood flow, and is a crucial factor in normal vascular physiology and in the development of some vascular pathologies. The exact mechanisms of cellular mechano-transduction in mammalian cells and tissues have not yet been elucidated, but it is known that mechanically sensitive receptors and ion channels play a crucial role. This paper describes the use of a novel and efficient microfluidic device to study mechanically-sensitive receptors and ion channels in vitro, which has three independent channels from which recordings can be made and has a small surface area such that fewer cells are required than for conventional flow chambers. The contoured channels of the device enabled examination of a range of shear stresses in one field of view, which is not possible with parallel plate flow chambers and other previously used devices, where one level of flow-induced shear stress is produced per fixed flow-rate. We exposed bovine aortic endothelial cells to different levels of shear stress, and measured the resulting change in intracellular calcium levels ([Ca2+]i) using the fluorescent calcium sensitive dye Fluo-4AM. Shear stress caused an elevation of [Ca2+]i that was proportional to the level of shear experienced. The response was temperature dependant such that at lower temperatures more shear stress was required to elicit a given level of calcium signal and the magnitude of influx was reduced. We demonstrated that shear stress-induced elevations in [Ca2+]i are largely due to calcium influx through the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 ion channel.
Three-dimensional symmetry analysis of a direct-drive irradiation scheme for the laser megajoule facility
Authors: Ramis R. , Temporal M. , Canaud B. , Brandon V.
Published: August 2014

The symmetry of a Direct-Drive (DD) irradiation scheme has been analyzed by means of three-dimensional (3D) simulations carried out by the code MULTI (R. Ramis et al., Comput. Phys. Commun. 49, 475 (1988)) that includes hydrodynamics, heat transport, and 3D laser ray-tracing. The implosion phase of a target irradiated by the Laser Megajoule (LMJ) facility in the context of the Shock Ignition scheme has been considered. The LMJ facility has been designed for Indirect-Drive, and by this reason that the irradiation scheme must be modified when used for DD. Thus, to improve the implosion uniformity to acceptable levels, the beam centerlines should be realigned and the beam power balance should be adjusted. Several alternatives with different levels of complexity are presented and discussed.
The emergence of magnetic properties in (Pb0.845Sm0.08Fe0.035)(Ti0.98Mn0.02)O3 and (Pb0.88Nd0.08)(Ti0.98Mn0.02)O3 perovskite ceramics
Authors: Craciun F. , Dimitriu E. , Grigoras M. , Lupu N. , Vasile B. S. , Cernea M.
Published: August 2014

The emergence of magnetic properties and quadratic magnetoelectric coupling in a material with outstanding ferroelectric properties has been pursued. Thus, the multiferroicity driven by the substitution of rare earth R3+ ions (R = Sm, Nd) on the A-site of PbTiO3 perovskite ceramics has been investigated. In some samples, a transition element with large ionic radius, like Fe2+, has been also added on the A site. Polycrystalline ceramic samples with composition (Pb1-3x/2-yRxFey) (Ti0.98Mn0.02)O3 (R = Sm; x = 0.08, y = 0.035) and (Pb1−3x/2Rx)(Ti0.98Mn0.02)O3 (R = Nd, x = 0.08) have been prepared by conventional solid state ceramic processing, starting from reagent grade oxide powders. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the obtaining of a crystalline phase with tetragonal P4 mm symmetry. Transmission electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy investigations have been carried out in order to analyze the local structure. Temperature dependence of dielectric permittivity revealed a strong anomaly at the temperature Tc of the paraelectric-ferroelectric phase transition. Transition temperature values depend on the R ion type and are lower than in pure lead titanate by 80–100 K. A broad anomaly of dielectric permittivity is found below 140–180 K, where magnetization also increases due to the quadratic magnetoelectric coupling between ferroelectric and magnetic states. For the (Pb0.845Sm0.08Fe0.035)(Ti0.98Mn0.02)O3 composition, the piezoelectric charge coefficient at room temperature was d31 ∼−6.5 pC/N and the remanent magnetization Mr at room temperature was about 0.1 emu/g.
Electron diffraction study of the sillenites Bi12SiO20, Bi25FeO39 and Bi25InO39: Evidence of short-range ordering of oxygen-vacancies in the trivalent sillenites
Authors: Scurti Craig A. , Auvray Nicolas , Lufaso Michael W. , Takeda Seiji , Kohno Hideo , Arenas D. J.
Published: August 2014

We present an electron diffraction study of three sillenites, Bi12SiO20, Bi25FeO39, and Bi25InO39 synthesized using the solid-state method. We explore a hypothesis, inspired by optical studies in the literature, that suggests that trivalent sillenites have additional disorder not present in the tetravalent compounds. Electron diffraction patterns of Bi25FeO39 and Bi25InO39 show streaks that confirm deviations from the ideal sillenite structure. Multi-slice simulations of electron-diffraction patterns are presented for different perturbations to the sillenite structure - partial substitution of the M site by Bi3+, random and ordered oxygen-vacancies, and a frozen-phonon model. Although comparison of experimental data to simulations cannot be conclusive, we consider the streaks as evidence of short-range ordered oxygen-vacancies.
Joint first-principles/continuum calculations of electromechanical properties of MoS2 monolayer
Authors: Sun Sheng , Zuo Heng , Zhang Tong-Yi
Published: August 2014

Joint first-principles and continuum calculations were conducted on a system of a MoS2 monolayer inside water electrolyte, showing that the monolayer thickness and inplane dimension decreases and increases, respectively, and almost linearly with negative or positive excess charges. The calculated charge volume expansion coefficient of 0.081 |e| −1 under negative charging is about 27 times as high as that of 0.003 |e| −1 under positive charging. The changes in Fermi level and band structure induced by excess charges are also investigated by the joint calculations.
Prediction of giant magnetoelectric effect in LaMnO3/BaTiO3/SrMnO3 superlattice: The role of n-type SrMnO3/LaMnO3 interface
Authors: Chen L. Y. , Chen C. L. , Jin K. X. , Wu T.
Published: August 2014

We study the magnetoelectric coupling for the [001]-oriented (LaMnO3)2/(BaTiO3)5/(SrMnO3)2 superlattice, by means of the density functional theory. An interesting transition between ferromagnetic ordering and antiferromagnetic ordering is demonstrated by switching ferroelectric polarization in short-period superlattice structure. The predicted ferroelectrically induced magnetic reconstruction is less sensitive to the choice of Coulomb-correction U within GGA + U scheme. A possible explanation is given in terms of the favorable effect of n-type SrMnO3/LaMnO3 interface. Our results suggest that a sizable magnetoelectric effect may be achieved in the short-period LaMnO3/BaTiO3/SrMnO3 superlattice, hence promising application in electrically controlled magnetic data storage.
Temperature dependence of magnetoelectric coupling in FeBSiC/PZT/FeBSiC laminates
Authors: Ye Jun-Xian , Ma Jian-Nan , Ma Jing , Hu Jia-Mian , Li Zheng , Feng Ming , Zhang Q. M. , Nan C. W.
Published: August 2014

Temperature dependence of the magnetoelectric (ME) coefficient was studied for FeBSiC/Pb(Zr, Ti)O3(PZT)/FeBSiC laminates over temperature range of −35 ∼ 85 °C. The variation in ME coefficient as a function of temperature was found to be significantly dependent on the volume fraction of FeBSiC layers and the lateral dimension of the laminate composites. Our results show that minimum number of FeBSiC layer with smaller lateral dimension can provide more stable ME coefficient in wide temperature range, due to the competition of the effects of temperature influenced piezoelectricity, magnetostriction, and mechanical properties of the constituents and the interfacial bonding layer. This finding indicate that it is beneficial to promote miniaturization of the ME composite based devices in view of temperature stability.
Influence of anharmonic phonon decay on self-heating in Si nanowire transistors
Authors: Rhyner Reto , Luisier Mathieu
Published: August 2014

Anharmonic phonon-phonon scattering is incorporated into an electro-thermal quantum transport approach based on the nonequilibrium Green's function formalism. Electron-phonon and phonon-phonon interactions are taken into account through scattering self-energies solved in the self-consistent Born approximation. While studying self-heating effects in ultra-scaled Si nanowire transistors, it is found that the phonon decay process softens the artificial accumulation of high energy phonons caused by electron relaxations close to the drain region. This leads to an increase of the device current in the ON-state and a reduction of the effective lattice temperature.
Simultaneous distributed generation and capacitor placement and sizing in radial distribution system considering reactive power market
Authors: Rahiminejad A. , Aranizadeh A. , Vahidi B.
Published: August 2014

In this paper, Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO) algorithm is used to determine the location and size of capacitor banks and Distributed Generation (DG) units simultaneously, in order to maximize the Benefit in regards to Cost (BRC). The benefits which are considered for DG units and capacitor banks are based on economic aspects. Therefore, for the DG units, the benefits are loss reduction, active power selling in the active power market, and energy not supplied reduction. On the other side, capacitor placement is performed to decrease the active power loss of networks, and reactive power selling (i.e., not purchasing reactive power as ancillary service from reactive power market). The DG units and capacitor banks are owned by distribution utility; consequently, their operation is controlled by the utility. The costs of DG units and capacitor banks include investment, operation, and maintenance costs. In addition, the cost of reactive power purchased for DGs is taken into account for non-unity power factor DG's (i.e., induction generator). The maximization process of BRC is performed using TLBO algorithm which has been selected from two alternative algorithms, i.e., particle swarm optimization and shuffled frog leaping algorithm. The study looked at a 69-bus radial distribution system. The results were reviewed, concluding that simultaneous DG and capacitor placement, considering the reactive power market, is a profitable way for loss reduction. Moreover, the strong performance of TLBO is shown.
Proposal for a phase-coherent thermoelectric transistor
Authors: Giazotto F. , Robinson J. W. A. , Moodera J. S. , Bergeret F. S.
Published: August 2014

Identifying materials and devices which offer efficient thermoelectric effects at low temperature is a major obstacle for the development of thermal management strategies for low-temperature electronic systems. Superconductors cannot offer a solution since their near perfect electron-hole symmetry leads to a negligible thermoelectric response; however, here we demonstrate theoretically a superconducting thermoelectric transistor which offers unparalleled figures of merit of up to ∼45 and Seebeck coefficients as large as a few mV/K at sub-Kelvin temperatures. The device is also phase-tunable meaning its thermoelectric response for power generation can be precisely controlled with a small magnetic field. Our concept is based on a superconductor-normal metal-superconductor interferometer in which the normal metal weak-link is tunnel coupled to a ferromagnetic insulator and a Zeeman split superconductor. Upon application of an external magnetic flux, the interferometer enables phase-coherent manipulation of thermoelectric properties whilst offering efficiencies which approach the Carnot limit.
Lensless imaging based on coherent backscattering in random media
Authors: Xu Lei , Yang Hao , Hong Peilong , Bo Fang , Xu Jingjun , Zhang Guoquan
Published: August 2014

We studied lensless imaging due to coherent backscattering in random media both theoretically and experimentally. The point spread function of the lensless imaging system was derived. Parameters such as the volume fraction of the scatterer in the random scattering medium, the diameter of the scatterer, the distance between the object to be imaged and the surface of the random scattering medium were optimized to improve the image contrast and resolution. Moreover, for complicated objects, high contrast and quality images were achieved through the high-order intensity correlation measurement on the image plane, which may propel this imaging technique to practical applications.
On magnon mediated Cooper pair formation in ferromagnetic superconductors
Authors: Kar Rakesh , Goswami Tamal , Paul Bikash Chandra , Misra Anirban
Published: August 2014

Identification of pairing mechanism leading to ferromagnetic superconductivity is one of the most challenging issues in condensed matter physics. Although different models have been proposed to explain this phenomenon, a quantitative understanding about this pairing is yet to be achieved. Using the localized-itinerant model, we find that in ferromagnetic superconducting materials both triplet pairing and singlet pairing of electrons are possible through magnon exchange depending upon whether the Debye cut off frequency of magnons is greater or lesser than the Hund's coupling (J) multiplied by average spin (S) per site. Taking into account the repulsive interaction due to the existence of paramagnons, we also find an expression for effective interaction potential between a pair of electrons with opposite spins. We apply the developed formalism in case of UGe2 and URhGe. The condition of singlet pairing is found to be fulfilled in these cases, as was previously envisaged by Suhl [Suhl, Phys. Rev. Lett. 87, 167007 (2001)]. We compute the critical temperatures of URhGe at ambient pressure and of UGe2 under different pressures for the first time through BCS equation. Thus, this work outlines a very simple way to evaluate critical temperature in case of a superconducting system. A close match with the available experimental results strongly supports our theoretical treatment.
Structural insights into +1 frameshifting promoted by expanded or modification-deficient anticodon stem loops
Authors: Maehigashi Tatsuya , Dunkle Jack A. , Miles Stacey J. , Dunham Christine M.
Published: August 2014

Significance

Biological fitness is dependent on the accurate flow of genetic information from DNA to mRNA to protein. Breakdown in ribosome translational fidelity is detrimental because of its central role in the production of proteins. Altering the 3-base genetic code usually results in the expression of aberrant or nonsense proteins that are degraded. Here, we describe molecular snapshots of the ribosome in the process of decoding a 4-base codon by a frameshift suppressor tRNA that results in a +1-nt shift of the mRNA reading frame. Conformational dynamics of the anticodon stem loop seem to drive remodeling of the tRNA–mRNA interaction to promote the +1 movement, which we predict occurs after accommodation of the tRNA onto the ribosome.
Oxidoreductase activity is necessary for N-glycosylation of cysteine-proximal acceptor sites in glycoproteins
Authors: Cherepanova Natalia A. , Shrimal Shiteshu , Gilmore Reid
Published: August 2014

Stabilization of protein tertiary structure by disulfides can interfere with glycosylation of acceptor sites (NXT/S) in nascent polypeptides. Here, we show that MagT1, an ER-localized thioredoxin homologue, is a subunit of the STT3B isoform of the oligosaccharyltransferase (OST). The lumenally oriented active site CVVC motif in MagT1 is required for glycosylation of STT3B-dependent acceptor sites including those that are closely bracketed by disulfides or contain cysteine as the internal residue (NCT/S). The MagT1- and STT3B-dependent glycosylation of cysteine-proximal acceptor sites can be reduced by eliminating cysteine residues. The predominant form of MagT1 in vivo is oxidized, which is consistent with transient formation of mixed disulfides between MagT1 and a glycoprotein substrate to facilitate access of STT3B to unmodified acceptor sites. Cotranslational N-glycosylation by the STT3A isoform of the OST, which lacks MagT1, allows efficient modification of acceptor sites in cysteine-rich protein domains before disulfide bond formation. Thus, mammalian cells use two mechanisms to achieve N-glycosylation of cysteine proximal acceptor sites.
Polymorphisms in the haemagglutinin gene influenced the viral shedding of pandemic 2009 influenza virus in swine
Authors: Lorusso Alessio , Ciacci-Zanella Janice R. , Zanella Eraldo L. , Pena Lindomar , Perez Daniel R. , Lager Kelly M. , Rajão Daniela S. , Loving Crystal L. , Kitikoon Pravina , Vincent Amy L.
Published: August 2014

Interactions between the viral surface glycoprotein haemagglutinin (HA) and the corresponding receptors on host cells is one important aspect of influenza virus infection. Mutations in HA have been described to affect pathogenicity, antigenicity and the transmission of influenza viruses. Here, we detected polymorphisms present in HA genes of two pandemic 2009 H1N1 (H1N1pdm09) isolates, A/California/04/2009 (Ca/09) and A/Mexico/4108/2009 (Mx/09), that resulted in amino acid changes at positions 186 (S to P) and 194 (L to I) of the mature HA1 protein. Although not reported in the published H1N1pdm09 consensus sequence, the P186 genotype was more readily detected in primary infected and contact-naïve pigs when inoculated with a heterogeneous mixed stock of Ca/09. Using reverse genetics, we engineered Ca/09 and Mx/09 genomes by introducing Ca/09 HA with two naturally occurring variants expressing S186/I194 (HA-S/I) and P186/L194 (HA-P/L), respectively. The Ca/09 HA with the combination of P186/L194 with either the Ca/09 or Mx/09 backbone resulted in higher and prolonged viral shedding in naïve pigs. This efficiency appeared to be more likely through an advantage in cell surface attachment rather than replication efficiency. Although these mutations occurred within the receptor-binding pocket and the Sb antigenic site, they did not affect serological cross-reactivity. Relative increases of P186 in publicly available sequences from swine H1N1pdm09 viruses supported the experimental data, indicating this amino acid substitution conferred an advantage in swine.
Orb prevents autophagy in theDrosophilagermline through translational repression ofAtg12mRNA
Authors: Busseau Isabelle , Pierson Stéphanie , Séverac Dany , Dantec Christelle , Simonelig Martine
Published: August 2014

DrosophilaOrb, the homologue of vertebrate CPEB is a key translational regulator involved in oocyte polarity and maturation through poly(A) tail elongation of specific mRNAs.orbhas also an essential function during early oogenesis which has not been addressed at the molecular level. Here, we show thatorbprevents cell death during early stages of oogenesis, thus allowing oogenesis to progress. It does so through the repression of autophagy, by directly repressing, together with the CCR4 deadenylase, the translation ofAutophagy-specific gene 12(Atg12) mRNA. The uncontrolled autophagy observed inorbmutant ovaries is reduced whenAtg12mRNA levels are decreased. These results reveal a role of Orb in translational repression and identify autophagy as an essential pathway regulated by Orb during early oogenesis. Importantly, they also establish translational regulation as a major mode of control of autophagy, a key process in cell homeostasis in response to environmental cues.
Transposable elements contribute to activation of maize genes in response to abiotic stress
Authors: Makarevitch Irina , Waters Amanda J. , West Patrick T. , Stitzer Michelle C. , Ross-Ibarra Jeffrey , Springer Nathan M.
Published: August 2014

Transposable elements (TEs) account for a large portion of the genome in many eukaryotic species. Despite their reputation as “junk” DNA or genomic parasites deleterious for the host, TEs have complex interactions with host genes and the potential to contribute to regulatory variation in gene expression. It has been hypothesized that TEs and genes they insert near may be transcriptionally activated in response to stress conditions. The maize genome, with many different types of TEs interspersed with genes, provides an ideal system to study the genome-wide influence of TEs on gene regulation. To analyze the magnitude of the TE effect on gene expression response to environmental changes, we profiled gene and TE transcript levels in maize seedlings exposed to a number of abiotic stresses. Many genes exhibit up- or down-regulation in response to these stress conditions. The analysis of TE families inserted within upstream regions of up-regulated genes revealed that between four and nine different TE families are associated with up-regulated gene expression in each of these stress conditions, affecting up to 20% of the genes up-regulated in response to abiotic stress and as many as 33% of genes that are only expressed in response to stress. Expression of many of these same TE families also responds to the same stress conditions. The analysis of the stress-induced transcripts and proximity of the transposon to the gene suggests that these TEs may provide local enhancer activities that stimulate stress-responsive gene expression. Our data on allelic variation for insertions of several of these TEs show strong correlation between the presence of TE insertions and stress-responsive up-regulation of gene expression. Our findings suggest that TEs provide an important source of allelic regulatory variation in gene response to abiotic stress in maize.
Genetic and molecular identification of three human TPP1 functions in telomerase action: recruitment, activation, and homeostasis set point regulation
Authors: Sexton Alec N. , Regalado Samuel G. , Lai Christine S. , Cost Gregory J. , O’Neil Colleen M. , Urnov Fyodor D. , Gregory Philip D. , Jaenisch Rudolf , Collins Kathleen , Hockemeyer Dirk
Published: August 2014

Telomere length homeostasis is essential for the long-term survival of stem cells, and its set point determines the proliferative capacity of differentiated cell lineages by restricting the reservoir of telomeric repeats. Knockdown and overexpression studies in human tumor cells showed that the shelterin subunit TPP1 recruits telomerase to telomeres through a region termed the TEL patch. However, these studies do not resolve whether the TPP1 TEL patch is the only mechanism for telomerase recruitment and whether telomerase regulation studied in tumor cells is representative of nontransformed cells such as stem cells. Using genome engineering of human embryonic stem cells, which have physiological telomere length homeostasis, we establish that the TPP1 TEL patch is genetically essential for telomere elongation and thus long-term cell viability. Furthermore, genetic bypass, protein fusion, and intragenic complementation assays define two distinct additional mechanisms of TPP1 involvement in telomerase action at telomeres. We demonstrate that TPP1 provides an essential step of telomerase activation as well as feedback regulation of telomerase by telomere length, which is necessary to determine the appropriate telomere length set point in human embryonic stem cells. These studies reveal and resolve multiple TPP1 roles in telomere elongation and stem cell telomere length homeostasis.
17β-Estradiol regulates histone alterations associated with memory consolidation and increases Bdnf promoter acetylation in middle-aged female mice
Authors: Fortress Ashley M. , Kim Jaekyoon , Poole Rachel L. , Gould Thomas J. , Frick Karyn M.
Published: August 2014

Histone acetylation is essential for hippocampal memory formation in young adult rodents. Although dysfunctional histone acetylation has been associated with age-related memory decline in male rodents, little is known about whether histone acetylation is altered by aging in female rodents. In young female mice, the ability of 17β-estradiol (E2) to enhance object recognition memory consolidation requires histone H3 acetylation in the dorsal hippocampus. However, the extent to which histone acetylation is regulated by E2 in middle-aged females is unknown. The mnemonic benefits of E2 in aging females appear to be greatest in middle age, and so pinpointing the molecular mechanisms through which E2 enhances memory at this age could lead to the development of safer and more effective treatments for maintaining memory function without the side effects of current therapies. Here, we show that dorsal hippocampal infusion of E2 rapidly enhanced object recognition and spatial memory, and increased histone H3 acetylation in the dorsal hippocampus, while also significantly reducing levels of histone deacetylase (HDAC2 and HDAC3) proteins. E2 specifically increased histone H3 acetylation at Bdnf promoters pII and pIV in the dorsal hippocampus of both young and middle-aged mice, despite age-related decreases in pI and pIV acetylation. Furthermore, levels of mature BDNF and pro-BDNF proteins in the dorsal hippocampus were increased by E2 in middle-aged females. Together, these data suggest that the middle-aged female dorsal hippocampus remains epigenetically responsive to E2, and that E2 may enhance memory in middle-aged females via epigenetic regulation of Bdnf.
Retrieval is not necessary to trigger reconsolidation of object recognition memory in the perirhinal cortex
Authors: Santoyo-Zedillo Marianela , Rodriguez-Ortiz Carlos J. , Chavez-Marchetta Gianfranco , Bermudez-Rattoni Federico , Balderas Israela
Published: August 2014

Memory retrieval has been considered as requisite to initiate memory reconsolidation; however, some studies indicate that blocking retrieval does not prevent memory from undergoing reconsolidation. Since N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) glutamate receptors in the perirhinal cortex have been involved in object recognition memory formation, the present study evaluated whether retrieval and reconsolidation are independent processes by manipulating these glutamate receptors. The results showed that AMPA receptor antagonist infusions in the perirhinal cortex blocked retrieval, but did not affect memory reconsolidation, although NMDA receptor antagonist infusions disrupted reconsolidation even if retrieval was blocked. Importantly, neither of these antagonists disrupted short-term memory. These data suggest that memory underwent reconsolidation even in the absence of retrieval.
A unifying model of the role of the infralimbic cortex in extinction and habits
Authors: Barker Jacqueline M. , Taylor Jane R. , Chandler L. Judson
Published: August 2014

The infralimbic prefrontal cortex (IL) has been shown to be critical for the regulation of flexible behavior, but its precise function remains unclear. This region has been shown to be critical for the acquisition, consolidation, and expression of extinction learning, leading many to hypothesize that IL suppresses behavior as part of a “stop” network. However, this framework is at odds with IL function in habitual behavior in which the IL has been shown to be required for the expression and acquisition of ongoing habitual behavior. Here, we will review the current state of knowledge of IL anatomy and function in behavioral flexibility and provide a testable framework for a single IL mechanism underlying its function in both extinction and habit learning.
Impact of conscious intent on chunking during motor learning
Authors: Song Sunbin , Cohen Leonardo
Published: August 2014

Humans and other mammals learn sequences of movements by splitting them into smaller “chunks.” Such chunks are defined by the faster speed of performance of groups of movements. The purpose of this report is to determine how conscious intent to learn impacts chunking, an issue that remains unknown. Here, we studied 80 subjects who either with or without conscious intent learned a motor sequence. Performance was tested before and up to 1-wk post-training. Chunk formation, carryover of chunks, and concatenation of chunks into longer chunks, all measures of motor chunking success, were determined at each time-point. We found that formation, carryover, and concatenation of chunks were comparable across groups and did not improve over the training session and subsequent testing times. Thus, motor learning progressed in the absence of improvements in chunking irrespective of conscious intent. These data suggest that mechanisms other than chunking contribute to successful motor learning with and without conscious intent.
A review on human reinstatement studies: an overview and methodological challenges
Authors: Haaker Jan , Golkar Armita , Hermans Dirk , Lonsdorf Tina B.
Published: August 2014

In human research, studies of return of fear (ROF) phenomena, and reinstatement in particular, began only a decade ago and recently are more widely used, e.g., as outcome measures for fear/extinction memory manipulations (e.g., reconsolidation). As reinstatement research in humans is still in its infancy, providing an overview of its stability and boundary conditions and summarizing methodological challenges is timely to foster fruitful future research. As a translational endeavor, clarifying the circumstances under which (experimental) reinstatement occurs may offer a first step toward understanding relapse as a clinical phenomenon and pave the way for the development of new pharmacological or behavioral ways to prevent ROF. The current state of research does not yet allow pinpointing these circumstances in detail and we hope this review will aid the research field to advance in this direction. As an introduction, we begin with a synopsis of rodent work on reinstatement and theories that have been proposed to explain the findings. The review however mainly focuses on reinstatement in humans. We first describe details and variations of the experimental setup in reinstatement studies in humans and give a general overview of results. We continue with a compilation of possible experimental boundary conditions and end with the role of individual differences and behavioral and/or pharmacological manipulations. Furthermore, we compile important methodological and design details on the published studies in humans and end with open research questions and some important methodological and design recommendations as a guide for future research.
Fitting optimization based on weighted Gaussian imaging method for auto body taillight assembly
Authors: Gao Xiang , Wang Hua , Chen Guanlong
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– Fitting evenness is one key characteristic for three-dimensional objects' optimal fit. The weighted Gaussian imaging method is developed for fitting evenness of auto body taillight fitting optimization.

Design/methodology/approach

– Fitting boundary contours are extracted from scanning data points. Optimal fitting target is represented with gap and flushness between taillight and auto body. By optimizing the fitting position of the projected boundary contours on the Gaussian sphere, the weighted Gaussian imaging method accomplishes optimal requirements of gap and flushness. A scanning system is established, and the fitting contour of the taillight assembly model is extracted to analyse the quality of the fitting process.

Findings

– The proposed method accomplishes the fitting optimization for taillight fitting with higher efficiency.

Originality/value

– The weighted Gaussian imaging method is used to optimize the taillight fitting. The proposed method optimized the fitting objects' 3-D space, while the traditional fitting methods are based on 2-D algorithm. Its time complexity is O(n3), while those of the traditional methods are O(n5). The results of this research will enhance the understanding of the 3-D optimal fitting and help in systematically improving the productivity and the fitting quality in automotive industry.
Entrepreneurship and engineering: the triumph of All India Warehousing Private Ltd
Authors: Koul Saroj , Guha Ankush
Published: August 2014

Subject area

Operations management.

Study level/applicability

Logistics, Warehousing, India.

Case overview

Joy Banerjee and Gaurav Tripathi have recently joined as Managers in the Planning Department at All India Warehousing Private Limited (AIWPL). Their on-job training is completed. They have met with almost all the officials at the warehouse, have interacted with labour to understand the company and its functions, and are planning to meet Kamlesh Patel, their Managing Director, to discuss the challenges and opportunities and to suggest strategies. Will they be able to make a satisfactory presentation to Kamlesh Patel on the company performance and the parameters that are going to be crucial to AIWPL's continued success? This case study may prove useful to practicing managers and management students on understanding the working of a family run private warehouse, business environment in the warehousing sector, use of technology and organizational capability to manage multi-product, multi-location warehouses.

Expected learning outcomes

To illustrate typical organizational responsibility structure at a private warehousing site. To illustrate the planning and administrative control mechanism in implementing strategy at a warehousing site. Offer students opportunity to understand and take view of a typical operational (project) structure. Opportunity for students to speculate adaptations in the wake of ever-changing business and company environment. Opportunity to introduce Logistic Scenario in India, warehousing technology and relate with the case in context.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Mysore Sandal Millennium, the launch of India's most expensive soap
Authors: Reddy Srinivas , Joshi Havovi
Published: August 2014

Subject area

Marketing, innovation, strategy.

Study level/applicability

Undergraduate, post-graduate and executive education.

Case overview

This case is set in January 2012, a few days before the launch of Mysore Sandal Millennium, a super-premium luxury soap offering from the Indian public sector enterprise, Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd. (“KS&DL”). Three years of research had been put into this product, which contained some of the finest, high-quality ingredients. KS&DL had, over the past decade or so, observed a significant fall in brand image for its signature product, the Mysore Sandalwood soap. While this soap had for many years been considered the premium brand in India, it had lost its place when well-known foreign brands became available in India, and local manufacturers moved towards this segment, manufacturing a whole new range of competitive products such as liquid body washes and gels. It was with an aim to rebuild its image that the company decided to launch the Millennium soap. KS&DL was clear that the product would be initially aimed at the high-income Indians, and then move to expand into the overseas market. However, it remained to be seen if the company could be truly successful in marketing a product priced at a level which would make it unaffordable to most Indians, other than a very thin layer of the ultra-rich. The question remains as to how KS&DL could best go about executing and communicating its strategy to make this launch a success.

Expected learning outcomes

This case provides students the opportunity to learn about the challenges faced when a company launches a new brand, particularly a luxury brand in a developing country such as India. Through this case, students will learn about the concepts of brand extension, and, above all, vertical brand extension. It can also be used to discuss the spill-over effects of the launch (and its success) on other existing brands of the company, as well as the overall corporate brand.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email: support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
CSR as an organizational routine: Bintulu Development Authority
Authors: Loi Teck Hui
Published: August 2014

Subject area

Business ethics, corporate social responsibility (CSR), corporate strategy and public administration.

Study level/applicability

Undergraduate (final year) and Master level course (e.g. MBA, EMBA, Master in management and Master in public administration).

Case overview

This case accounts the experience of a Malaysian Governmental Development Agency cum City Council, Bintulu Development Authority (BDA), in organizing and strategizing its CSR initiatives so as to discharge its self-interests and societal expectations. BDA was established following the discovery of huge reserves of natural gas and oil offshore in Bintulu, an industrial town in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia. It serves as the governmental instrument to undertake and coordinate development initiatives in Bintulu. There have been several driving forces prompted BDA to be more vigilant in discharging its social obligations along with its statutory obligations as a development agency and municipal services provider. They are, namely, the BDA Ordinance 1978 that governs its legitimate existence, the emergence of social media era that alters the access of people to information, the growing ecological and social concerns, and the unpredictable geopolitical environment that makes the logic of long-term strategic planning questionable. To ensure discharging its statutory and social obligations, BDA articulated vision and mission statements with strong social orientation. Two master development plans, embedded with social and environmental considerations, have guided BDA in translating its strategic mission into real structured development and action plans from 1978 to present. Through institutionalization of CSR elements as part of the organization's core business routines, annual budget allocation, performance control and reward mechanisms, CSR becomes an organizational routine of value to BDA.

Expected learning outcomes

This case has three learning objectives: it assists students to understand the contextual background of the case so as to establish the strategic position of CSR initiatives within the organization; it assists students to assess the embeddedness of CSR in an organization's core business routines and its potential sources of value creation; and it encourages students to examine the possible critical factors that enable or impede the initiation and implementation of regular CSR programs in an organization.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
GranuLab: positioning GranuMaS in the bone graft substitute industry
Authors: Adham Khairul Akmaliah , Isa Rosmah Mat , Senik Zizah Che , Yasin Norjaya M.
Published: August 2014

Subject area

Developing and communicating a positioning strategy covering issues on market positioning, product lifecycle, product differentiation strategies and developing the marketing mix strategies in order to compete with competitors.

Study level/applicability

Advanced undergraduate and MBA student, taking courses of marketing management, strategic marketing, and brand management.

Case overview

GranuLab is a private limited company based in Shah Alam, about 30 km from Malaysia's capital city of Kuala Lumpur; it was a producer of synthetic bone graft substitute GranuMaS. GranuMaS was launched in the Malaysian market in late 2010. At that time, the company aimed to capture 50-70 percent of the Malaysian bone graft substitute market by the end of 2015. However, by the end of 2012, GranuLab was experiencing low sales and the company had suffered a two-year loss due to manufacturing at low capacity. GranuLab also faced stiff competition from multinational competitors that had penetrated the Malaysian market earlier with competitive product offerings. The pressure to increase the sale ofGranuMaS was mounting for Mr Romli Ishak, the Managing Director of GranuLab, Mr Fadil Dalal, the new General Manager of Marketing, and GranuLab's management team. This is especially so since the company's contract to supply GranuMaS to government hospitals under the Ministry of Health (MOH) program would end soon. These situations forced the company to make a quick decision. In December 2012, Mr Romli and his team pondered upon the best strategy that the company should pursue to achieve its objective of being a dominant player in the Malaysian bone graft substitute industry. This teaching case is designed to stimulate case analysts' thinking on positioning a medical device product in a market which was already conquered by established multinational companies.

Expected learning outcomes

Understanding of the concept of product positioning, product lifecycle, marketing mix strategies, and social exchange theory, enables case analysts to extend the concepts to analyzing many other products and services in organizational settings.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Discharge planning in a cardiology out-patient clinic: a clinical audit
Authors: Ingram Shirley , Khan Barkat
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to audit the active discharge (DC) planning process in a general cardiology clinic, by pre-assessing patients’ medical notes and highlighting those suitable for potential DC to the clinic physician.

Design/methodology/approach

– The cardiology clinical nurse specialist (CNS) identified patients’ for nine- to 12-month return visits one week prior to attendance. The previous consultation letter was accessed and information was documented by the CNS in the medical record. The key performance indicator (KPI) used was patient DCs for each clinic visit. The process was audited at three separate times to reflect recommended action carried out.

Findings

– The CNS pre-assessment and presence at the clinics significantly increased total DCs during the first period compared to usual care, 11 vs 34 per cent (p<0.0001). During the third audit period, DCs fell (9 per cent) with a reduction in CNS pre-assessed DCs (10 per cent). Recommendations were implemented. The process was continued by clinic administration staff, colour coding all nine- to 12-month returns, resulted in a 19 per cent DC rate in 2012.

Practical implications

– CNS pre-assessment and highlighting DC suitability increased the number of patient DCs. As the CNS presence at the clinic reduced so did the rate of DC. Specific personnel need to be responsible for monitoring and reminding staff of the process; this does not always have to be medical or nursing.

Originality/value

– Implementing positive discharging procedures is aimed at improving quality, increasing efficiency and accessibility of services for patients. This audit describes a process to promote DC planning from cardiology outpatients.