bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement in Rehabilitation — Lies, damned lies and statistics
Authors: Dickson Hugh G.
Published: August 2016

Measurement in Rehabilitation Medicine commences with clear definitions of the terms used and clear ideas about the nature of the entity being measured. In this lecture, issues such as goal based measurement, the difficulties of comparison, weighting systems, different types of scales, and the mathematical problems they present are discussed. Scales discussed include the American Medical Association Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Caution is necessary when drawing conclusions from statistics generated from ordinal scales, especially when comparisons are being made. The Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine supports the use of standard measures and has developed an Australian Standard Data Set for Rehabilitation Medicine. The functional measure used in this data set is the FIM.
Individual Rehabilitation Plans, Goals and Outcomes: An Argument for Utilizing Individually Determined Outcome Measures in Rehabilitation
Authors: Grow Steven La , Craig Graeme
Published: August 2016

The advent of managed care as a system driving purchasing in the health sector has brought with it an emphasis on purchasing outcomes rather than inputs. Although any change in purchasing schemes will have an effect on service providers, it should not prove to be too disruptive for those of us in rehabilitation since rehabilitation as a service system has always been outcome driven. In fact, our entire system is driven by needs based assessment and directed toward the meeting individually identified goals for service. These goals reflect the desired outcome of the service we provide for each individual served. The challenge we face, then, is translating our emphasis on goal directed, outcome driven services to meet the language, understanding and expectations of our funding agents as they begin to adopt a regime of outcome based contracts. The purpose of this paper is to argue the validity of individually determined outcomes as opposed to institutionally determined measures and to propose one method of measuring those outcomes in a manner that is applicable to the needs of the purchaser.
The Minority Group Model and Persons With Disabilities: Toward a More Progressive Disability Public Policy in the United States of America
Authors: Moore Corey Leshandon
Published: August 2016

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are evidence of the progress, in relation to civil rights, made in the disability public policy arena. Similarly, much progress has been made in regard to societal values and attitudes toward persons with disabilities. Although much progress has been made for persons with disabilities, there is much work to be done. An abundance of concerns have recently surfaced regarding whether the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA effectively address the rights of persons with disabilities. In light of recent concerns, some social scientist have advocated the minority group model as a catalyst for creating public policy that will effectively address the rights of persons with disabilities. The belief is that this perception of persons with disabilities would further progress society's value of promoting the well being of others, respecting the rights of others and promoting the fair distribution of society's resources. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to support the hypothesis that society's perception of persons with disabilities as a bona fide minority group will change societal values resulting in a more progressive public policy.
Services Available from Providers in the Disability Field to Older Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Buys Laurie
Published: August 2016

As most older adults with intellectual disabilities reside in community based accommodation, the availability of support programs and services becomes important to the maintenance of independent living. Thirty nine community based organisations in Brisbane, Australia that assist people with intellectual disabilities were surveyed regarding the types of programs offered to older adults with intellectual disabilities. The results showed that 75% of the organisations had provided assistance to an older adult with an intellectual disability in the past 12 months. However, none of the agencies surveyed reported that they provided specialised programs or services to older adults with intellectual disabilities.
Incorporating Multicultural Counselling and Gender Issues into Rehabilitation Counsellor Education
Authors: Brodwin Martin G. , Havranek Joseph E.
Published: August 2016

In today’s rapidly changing society, counsellors need to have knowledge and skills to work effectively with a diverse consumer population. A review of rehabilitation counsellor education programs in the United States applying for CORE (Council on Rehabilitation Education) re-accreditation between 1991–1994 revealed that two-thirds of the programs had content deficits in multicultural and gender issues. Australia and other countries besides the United States have experienced increases in the number of cultural minorities entering the workforce. The role of women in the modern workforce also has undergone significant change. These issues need to be considered by rehabilitation counsellors in all countries. The importance of infusing these content areas in graduate training is addressed. The authors offer suggestions for infusion of cultural and gender issues into rehabilitation counselling curricula.
Disability-Related Information on the World Wide Web
Authors: Fullmer Steven L.
Published: August 2016

Computer technology is constantly improving the means of people with a disability to access information. From the earliest electronic bulletin board systems, to listserv software on mainframe networks, to gophers, and now world wide web software, access to a vast amount of disability-related information is becoming much easier and affordable. A brief overview of these developments and several resources for disability-related information are presented in this review.
Individual differences in L2 parsing and lexical representations
Authors: HOPP HOLGER
Published: August 2016

In an impressive review of recent research on the L2 processing of syntactic and anaphoric dependencies and ambiguities, Cunnings (Cunnings) convincingly demonstrates that the evidence from studies conducted within the last decade is not compatible with the Shallow Structures Hypothesis (SSH) which posits that L2 readers engage in structurally less detailed parses than native speakers. He also concludes that invoking capacity limitations in working memory in L2 learners cannot account for the full range of findings. Instead, he puts forth a novel approach to non-native processing in the context of cue-based models of memory retrieval. Cunnings assumes (i) L2 learners are more susceptible to interference, and (ii) L2 learners weight retrieval cues differently from native speakers.
Design of a graticule indicating central axis position for use with portal imaging
Authors: Cooke K. , Askew L. , Howson D. , Collins S.
Published: August 2016

This technical note describes a port film graticule that can be used to determine the central axis of a portal image when used with megavoltage film or on-line electronic portal imaging. The construction and quality control of the portal film graticule are highlighted.
Mind the gap: a national audit of radiotherapy prescription conformance and traceability
Authors: Smith A.
Published: August 2016

The Board of Faculty of Clinical Oncologists and The Royal College of Radiologists published the first edition of explicit guidelines in 1996 for “the management of the unscheduled interruption or prolongation of a radical course of radiotherapy”.

The recommendations highlighted the significant detrimental effects on local tumour relapse rates in some cancer types, when the time taken to deliver a radical radiotherapy prescription is increased.

A national audit was carried out in February 2001, to establish compliance and trace ability of radiotherapy prescription delivery. The audit aimed to establish if local protocols are in place and if regular audit process took place to promote continuous improvement to treatment delivery compliance.

Sixty-four radiotherapy managers were invited to participate in the study, by completing a short questionnaire. A response rate of 74% was achieved.

The findings from the study indicated that the majority of radiotherapy centres within the United Kingdom have a protocol for the management of radiotherapy prescription compliance, where causes in non-compliance are documented. In contrast, a statistically significant number of radiotherapy department fail to monitor or evaluate causes of radiotherapy prolongation.

The author recommends, that, in order to reduce local tumour relapse rates, the use of a strategic, robust local and national audit system must be in place.

The second edition of recommendations for managing radiotherapy prolongation was published in 2002. The theme of strategic auditing remains high on the agenda.
Career Plateauism: End of the Road or Just Another Fork?
Authors: Joseph Jacob , Simmons Bret , Abramowicz Kenneth , Girardi Tonia
Published: August 2016

This paper is based on a study of a large U.S. multinational corporation, examining the importance of career plateauism, the condition whereby more employees find that opportunities for promotions are limited or non-existent. This phenomenon has gained special attention with corporate downsizing and the emergence of “flatter” organizations. This exploratory study suggests that plateauism is a multi-faceted construct. Plateauism can have adverse effects upon certain employees in the organization; however, a segment of plateaued employees commonly referred to as “solid citizens” can manage to function effectively. Instead of viewing plateauism solely by its traditional definition of hierarchical movement, the assessment of plateauism needs to be expanded to include factors such as the content of the job, change in work responsibilities, and the learning of new skills. “Content” plateauism is contrasted as being distinctly different from the conventional measure referred to as “structural” plateauism. This difference in the assessment of plateauism may explain why one type of plateauism has detrimental effects while the negative repercussions attributable to the other type of plateauism can be moderated; consequently, the different types of plateauism may require different interventions. The implications for managers, organizations, and plateaued employees are discussed.
Sister State Agreements - Developing a Screening Grid to Aid Public Sector Management in Improving Performance Outcomes
Authors: Gatfield Terry
Published: August 2016

Australia is highly dependent on imports of products and services. The cost of these has to be serviced by exports to achieve a balance of trade. Unfortunately in most years the result is a deficit. Contemporary international trade theory indicates the need for a State government and private industry nexus to initiate and enhance trade outcomes. One of the key aspects of this nexus is the role of Sister State Agreements. However these high level government-to-government agreements are not subject to extensive research. This paper explores the Sister State Agreements of Queensland by designing a screening grid map using two axes each a construct of multiple variables. The map is designed with a view to examining how public sector management can advance the effectiveness of trade outcomes.

Note: A conference working paper based on this article was presented at the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management 2001 conference.
Telecommuting and Perceived Productivity: An Australian Case Study
Authors: Tamrat Elsabet , Smith Malcolm
Published: August 2016

The concept of widespread “telecommuting” in a community envisages the presence of large numbers of employees who, instead of commuting to work, perform either all or a significant fraction of their tasks at home. It is widely accepted that large-scale adoption of telecommuting is just a matter of time in those countries with the necessary telecommunications infrastructure.

This paper reports on the conduct of a telecommuting project in a large Australian organisation. The data and the analyses demonstrate that, overall, the telecommuting project has been successful and brought benefits to both the employees and the organisation. The results also indicate the presence of strong positive links between the relationship/interactions telecommuters had with their supervisors, and the telecommuters' perception both of their own productivity, and their levels of satisfaction with the telecommuting experience. The tasks which telecommuters performed were also related to the employees' perception of productivity and job satisfaction.
An Involvement-Based Framework For The Study Of Environmentally Concerned Consumers
Authors: Bloch Peter H , Banjeree Subhabrata Bobby
Published: August 2016

During the 1970's there was considerable research interest in environmentally concerned consumers. Mirroring societal interest levels, such research waned in the 1980's. Today, this topic has regained its relevance, however. Marketers actively target these consumers and public policy makers strive to increase their numbers. In addition, research activity pertaining to these consumers has increased noticeably in recent years. Despite the increased attention to environmental concern, a viable conceptual framework for its study is still lacking. A review of past work indicates that environmental concern has been variously treated as a group of behaviours, attitudes, affect, and intentions. In order to clarify the construct and provide needed theory for its study, a framework of environmental concern is provided here. This framework is drawn from existing work on environmental concern and research pertaining to consumer involvement. The nature, outcomes, and sources for environmental concern are discussed along with marketing and public policy implications.
Operationalising Vision and Mission
Authors: French Steven N , Kelly Stephen J , Harrison Jennifer L
Published: August 2016

This paper discusses an exploratory investigation into vision and mission, the starting points of the classical strategic planning process (Ginter, Rucks and Duncan 1985). Constructs measuring vision and mission are identified, as well as three other items that are frequently cited in the literature as being critical for effective formulation and implementation of vision and mission statements (latent abilities, market focus and competitor focus). It is argued that clearer definitions of these constructs and others discussed in strategic literature are a necessary step to allow empirical investigation into the interactions inherent in the strategic process.
The Human Side of Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Wiesner Retha , McDonald Jim
Published: August 2016

The limited research conducted on Human Resource Management (HRM) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) suggests that acquiring, developing, compensating and retaining employees is a major problem. A Queensland-wide study of Human Resource Management Practices in SMEs (with a sample of 431) found a surprisingly high take-up of human resource management practices. The present paper discusses this study, presents the results obtained and reflects on its implications for human resource management in SMEs.
Australian Management Attitudes Toward Public Relations: Strategic Opportunities Lost
Authors: Steiner Carol J.
Published: August 2016

This paper reports some empirical research that examines how senior managers in large Australian organisations view and use public relations. The results suggest few Australian organisations practice ‘symmetric public relations,’ which means encouraging stakeholder participation in decisions, especially in corporate strategic planning. This may well represent lost strategic opportunities as it limits the scope of a firm's orientation to its external environment and denies firms the benefit of such an orientation.
Bringing a Client Focus to International Marketing: A Change Management Case Study
Authors: Patterson Paul
Published: August 2016

Consumers the world over are becoming more homogeneous thanks to the unifying forces of travel, media, technology, information transfer and the like. Furthermore, today customers have higher expectations than ever before regarding the quality of service they should receive from a wide range of service organisations (professional as well as non-professional). As customers are increasingly exposed to world best practice in a wide range of service industries, expectations spiral upwards. Slow, discourteous, unresponsive and unprofessional service will no longer be tolerated - but especially when the service is highly customised, complex, costly and high involvement, professional service.

Few, if any, studies have examined service quality issues for professional services in an international context. Hence, this case study documents the problems experienced by the Australian Trade Commission's (Austrade) Bangkok, Thailand Post in providing a level of service consistent with clients' (and senior managements') expectations, the steps taken to overcome
these long standing service quality shortcomings, as well as the key lessons to be learnt from the process. Today Austrade provides a professional consulting service and thus possesses similar characteristics to many professional service firms (project management, engineering consulting, general management consulting, etc.) and thus the lessons from this successful change management program may be generalisable to other professional services. Furthermore, the lessons should prove invaluable for Australian firms operating in South-East Asia staffed by expatriates and local nationals.
The Myth of the Disposition: Motivation and Personality in Management
Authors: Spillane Robert , Martin John
Published: August 2016

Readers of management books frequently find themselves among experts who claim to know about motivational and personality dispositions. However, they find it impossible to agree on the most basic of details. This paper argues that dispositions are myths derived from an inadequate grasp of their dubious logical and linguistic status. Concepts such as need, motive and trait are logically deficient because of the inherent problem of circularity and linguistically inadequate because of the vagueness of definition that applies to all dispositional theories. Two leading representatives of the motivational dispositional perspective in management [David McClelland and Abraham Maslow] serve as the basis for case studies in which the notions of need and motive are shown to be problematic. Personality traits are also analysed critically and reveal similar deficiencies. An analysis of the authoritarian personality serves as a third case study and reveals an important negative relationship between personality and intelligence. It is argued that personality reflects deficiencies rather than dispositions and an alternative view is offered which treats individuals as pattern perceivers and rational choosers of goals. Such a view, however, works against dispositionalism's scientism, which has found much favour with managers and their consultants for the past fifty years. Why this should be the case is briefly explored.
Australian Management Research: Prospects for the New Millennium
Authors: Elliott Gregory R.
Published: August 2016

This paper is an abridged and revised version of a report that was originally published in the Australian Research Council (ARC) report ‘Management Research in Australia’, jointly funded by the ARC and the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management (ANZAM). It documents the results of a Delphi study into the future of management research in Australia over the coming decade. An important finding was that there might be a ‘shortfall’ between the likely and desirable level and character of Australian management research. A dominant view of the panel was that management research will become more relevant to the needs of its important client groups, including students, government and business. Significant divergence within the respondent panel is also identified.
Leadership Activities of Australian Executives
Authors: Sarros James C. , Tanewski George A. , Santora Joseph C.
Published: August 2016

Our study examines the nature of Australian business leadership. Various extant concepts of leadership are reviewed in terms of current trends in Australian business leadership. Some of these concepts are used in the development of the Corporate Leadership Descriptor (CLD), and its sub-scales, namely the Leadership Operations Scale (LOS), Leadership Attributes Scale (LAS), and Job Outcomes Scale (JOS). Data were collected over a three year period from a variety of executive samples. Major findings indicate that key leadership functions focus on direction setting, team building, problem solving, and change agent responsibilities. Recommendations for further research and application of the CLD are provided.
HRM: A Management Science in Need of Discipline
Authors: Cooksey Ray W. , Gates G. Richard
Published: August 2016

Human Resource Management (HRM), as a sub-discipline of management science, is in its infancy. HRM practices are often Utopian in expectation and fail to incorporate a realistic view of existing knowledge bases in the psychological, social, and biological sciences. The HRM discipline relies upon theoretical approaches (eg theories of motivation, satisfaction, and performance) which are: (1) almost invariably linear in conceptualisation and depend largely upon correlational evidence, (2) frequently validated within nonrepresentative contexts that are overly constrained by researchers and (3) overly simplistic in that the constraints and patterns imposed by our biological, psychological and social systems are frequently ignored or assumed to constitute random error within the models. This frequently translates into HRM practices which map reasonably well onto theory yet fall short of yielding expected outcomes. The theories do not match the realities observed. We point to nonlinear dynamics and chaos theory as a way of conceptualising how common HRM practices may translate into observable outcomes. Such an approach will force managers to pull back from simple reliance on linear predictions and realise that truly effective HRM practices should be sensitive to the unique, complex and less systematically predictable patterns of human behaviour.
Adaptive and Maladaptive Neural Plasticity Due to Facial Nerve	Palsy
Authors: Klingner Carsten M. , Brodoehl Stefan , Volk Gerd F. , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando , Witte Otto W.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. This paper reviews adaptive and maladaptive mechanisms of cortical plasticity in patients suffering from peripheral facial palsy. As the peripheral facial nerve is a pure motor nerve, a facial nerve lesion is causing an exclusive deefferentation without deafferentation. We focus on the question of how the investigation of pure deefferentation adds to our current understanding of brain plasticity which derives from studies on learning and studies on brain lesions. The importance of efference and afference as drivers for cortical plasticity is discussed in addition to the crossmodal influence of different competitive sensory inputs. We make the attempt to integrate the experimental findings of the effects of pure deefferentation within the theoretical framework of cortical responses and predictive coding. We show that the available experimental data can be explained within this theoretical framework which also clarifies the necessity for maladaptive plasticity. Finally, we propose rehabilitation approaches for directing cortical reorganization in the appropriate direction and highlight some challenging questions that are yet unexplored in the field.
Rocks in Chile Help Scientists Hunt for Life on Mars
Authors: McKinnon Mika
Published: August 2016

Investigating oxalate minerals in the Atacama Desert provides a terrestrial analogue to test techniques that could be used to study the carbon cycle in the cold deserts of Mars.
Stromal Hedgehog signalling is downregulated in colon cancer and its restoration restrains tumour growth
Authors: Gerling Marco , Büller Nikè V. J. A. , Kirn Leonard M. , Joost Simon , Frings Oliver , Englert Benjamin , Bergström Åsa , Kuiper Raoul V. , Blaas Leander , Wielenga Mattheus C. B. , Almer Sven , Kühl Anja A. , Fredlund Erik , van den Brink Gijs R. , Toftgård Rune
Published: August 2016

A role for Hedgehog (Hh) signalling in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been proposed. In CRC and other solid tumours, Hh ligands are upregulated; however, a specific Hh antagonist provided no benefit in a clinical trial. Here we use Hh reporter mice to show that downstream Hh activity is unexpectedly diminished in a mouse model of colitis-associated colon cancer, and that downstream Hh signalling is restricted to the stroma. Functionally, stroma-specific Hh activation in mice markedly reduces the tumour load and blocks progression of advanced neoplasms, partly via the modulation of BMP signalling and restriction of the colonic stem cell signature. By contrast, attenuated Hh signalling accelerates colonic tumourigenesis. In human CRC, downstream Hh activity is similarly reduced and canonical Hh signalling remains predominantly paracrine. Our results suggest that diminished downstream Hh signalling enhances CRC development, and that stromal Hh activation can act as a colonic tumour suppressor.
Ultrafast acousto-optic mode conversion in optically birefringent ferroelectrics
Authors: Lejman Mariusz , Vaudel Gwenaelle , Infante Ingrid C. , Chaban Ievgeniia , Pezeril Thomas , Edely Mathieu , Nataf Guillaume F. , Guennou Mael , Kreisel Jens , Gusev Vitalyi E. , Dkhil Brahim , Ruello Pascal
Published: August 2016

The ability to generate efficient giga–terahertz coherent acoustic phonons with femtosecond laser makes acousto-optics a promising candidate for ultrafast light processing, which faces electronic device limits intrinsic to complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology. Modern acousto-optic devices, including optical mode conversion process between ordinary and extraordinary light waves (and vice versa), remain limited to the megahertz range. Here, using coherent acoustic waves generated at tens of gigahertz frequency by a femtosecond laser pulse, we reveal the mode conversion process and show its efficiency in ferroelectric materials such as BiFeO3 and LiNbO3. Further to the experimental evidence, we provide a complete theoretical support to this all-optical ultrafast mechanism mediated by acousto-optic interaction. By allowing the manipulation of light polarization with gigahertz coherent acoustic phonons, our results provide a novel route for the development of next-generation photonic-based devices and highlight new capabilities in using ferroelectrics in modern photonics.
Lipid Regulated Intramolecular Conformational Dynamics of SNARE-Protein Ykt6
Authors: Dai Yawei , Seeger Markus , Weng Jingwei , Song Song , Wang Wenning , Tan Yan-Wen
Published: August 2016

Cellular informational and metabolic processes are propagated with specific membrane fusions governed by soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNARE). SNARE protein Ykt6 is highly expressed in brain neurons and plays a critical role in the membrane-trafficking process. Studies suggested that Ykt6 undergoes a conformational change at the interface between its longin domain and the SNARE core. In this work, we study the conformational state distributions and dynamics of rat Ykt6 by means of single-molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET) and Fluorescence Cross-Correlation Spectroscopy (FCCS). We observed that intramolecular conformational dynamics between longin domain and SNARE core occurred at the timescale ~200 μs. Furthermore, this dynamics can be regulated and even eliminated by the presence of lipid dodecylphoshpocholine (DPC). Our molecular dynamic (MD) simulations have shown that, the SNARE core exhibits a flexible structure while the longin domain retains relatively stable in apo state. Combining single molecule experiments and theoretical MD simulations, we are the first to provide a quantitative dynamics of Ykt6 and explain the functional conformational change from a qualitative point of view.
Adaptive finite difference for seismic wavefield modelling in acoustic media
Authors: Yao Gang , Wu Di , Debens Henry Alexander
Published: August 2016

Efficient numerical seismic wavefield modelling is a key component of modern seismic imaging techniques, such as reverse-time migration and full-waveform inversion. Finite difference methods are perhaps the most widely used numerical approach for forward modelling, and here we introduce a novel scheme for implementing finite difference by introducing a time-to-space wavelet mapping. Finite difference coefficients are then computed by minimising the difference between the spatial derivatives of the mapped wavelet and the finite difference operator over all propagation angles. Since the coefficients vary adaptively with different velocities and source wavelet bandwidths, the method is capable to maximise the accuracy of the finite difference operator. Numerical examples demonstrate that this method is superior to standard finite difference methods, while comparable to Zhang’s optimised finite difference scheme.
The Pressure induced by salt crystallization in confinement
Authors: Desarnaud J. , Bonn D. , Shahidzadeh N.
Published: August 2016

Salt crystallization is a major cause of weathering of rocks, artworks and monuments. Damage can only occur if crystals continue to grow in confinement, i.e. within the pore space of these materials, thus generating mechanical stress. We report the direct measurement, at the microscale, of the force exerted by growing alkali halide salt crystals while visualizing their spontaneous nucleation and growth. The experiments reveal the crucial role of the wetting films between the growing crystal and the confining walls for the development of the pressure. Our results suggest that the measured force originates from repulsion between the similarly charged confining wall and the salt crystal separated by a ~1.5 nm liquid film. Indeed, if the walls are made hydrophobic, no film is observed and no repulsive forces are detected. We also show that the magnitude of the induced pressure is system specific explaining why different salts lead to different amounts of damage to porous materials.
In Vivo Imaging of Retinal Hypoxia in a Model of Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy
Authors: Uddin Md. Imam , Evans Stephanie M. , Craft Jason R. , Capozzi Megan E. , McCollum Gary W. , Yang Rong , Marnett Lawrence J. , Uddin Md. Jashim , Jayagopal Ashwath , Penn John S.
Published: August 2016

Ischemia-induced hypoxia elicits retinal neovascularization and is a major component of several blinding retinopathies such as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), diabetic retinopathy (DR) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Currently, noninvasive imaging techniques capable of detecting and monitoring retinal hypoxia in living systems do not exist. Such techniques would greatly clarify the role of hypoxia in experimental and human retinal neovascular pathogenesis. In this study, we developed and characterized HYPOX-4, a fluorescence-imaging probe capable of detecting retinal-hypoxia in living animals. HYPOX-4 dependent in vivo and ex vivo imaging of hypoxia was tested in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Predicted patterns of retinal hypoxia were imaged by HYPOX-4 dependent fluorescence activity in this animal model. In retinal cells and mouse retinal tissue, pimonidazole-adduct immunostaining confirmed the hypoxia selectivity of HYPOX-4. HYPOX-4 had no effect on retinal cell proliferation as indicated by BrdU assay and exhibited no acute toxicity in retinal tissue as indicated by TUNEL assay and electroretinography (ERG) analysis. Therefore, HYPOX-4 could potentially serve as the basis for in vivo fluorescence-based hypoxia-imaging techniques, providing a tool for investigators to understand the pathogenesis of ischemic retinopathies and for physicians to address unmet clinical needs.
CCBE1 promotes GIST development through enhancing angiogenesis and mediating resistance to imatinib
Authors: Tian Guang-Ang , Zhu Chun-Chao , Zhang Xiao-Xin , Zhu Lei , Yang Xiao-Mei , Jiang Shu-Heng , Li Rong-Kun , Tu Lin , Wang Yang , Zhuang Chun , He Ping , Li Qing , Cao Xiao-Yan , Cao Hui , Zhang Zhi-Gang
Published: August 2016

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most major mesenchymal neoplasm of the digestive tract. Up to now, imatinib mesylate has been used as a standard first-line treatment for irresectable and metastasized GIST patients or adjuvant treatment for advanced GIST patients who received surgical resection. However, secondary resistance to imatinib usually happens, resulting in a major obstacle in GIST successful therapy. In this study, we first found that collagen and calcium binding EGF domains 1 (CCBE1) expression gradually elevated along with the risk degree of NIH classification, and poor prognosis emerged in the CCBE1-positive patients. In vitro experiments showed that recombinant CCBE1 protein can enhance angiogenesis and neutralize partial effect of imatinib on the GIST-T1 cells. In conclusion, these data indicated that CCBE1 may be served as a new predictor of prognosis in post-operative GIST patients and may play an important role in stimulating GIST progression.
Loss of ADAMTS4 reduces high fat diet-induced atherosclerosis and enhances plaque stability in ApoE−/− mice
Authors: Kumar Saran , Chen Mo , Li Yan , Wong Fiona H. S. , Thiam Chung Wee , Hossain Md Zakir , Poh Kian Keong , Hirohata Satoshi , Ogawa Hiroko , Angeli Véronique , Ge Ruowen
Published: August 2016

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by formation of lipid-rich plaques on the inner walls of arteries. ADAMTS4 (a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-4) is a secreted proteinase that regulates versican turnover in the arterial wall and atherosclerotic plaques. Recent reports indicated elevated ADAMTS4 level in human atherosclerotic plaques and in the plasma of acute coronary syndrome patients. Nevertheless, whether increased ADAMTS4 is a consequence of atherosclerosis or ADAMTS4 has a causal role in atherogenesis remains unknown. In this work, we investigated the role of ADAMTS4 in diet induced atherosclerosis using apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE−/−) and Adamts4 knockout mice. We show that ADAMTS4 expression increases in plaques as atherosclerosis progresses in ApoE−/− mice. ApoE−/−Adamts4−/− double knockout mice presented a significant reduction in plaque burden at 18 weeks of age. Loss of ADAMTS4 lead to a more stable plaque phenotype with a significantly reduced plaque vulnerability index characterized by reduced lipid content and macrophages accompanied with a significant increase in smooth muscle cells, collagen deposition and fibrotic cap thickness. The reduced atherosclerosis is accompanied by an altered plasma inflammatory cytokine profile. These results demonstrate for the first time that ADAMTS4 contributes to diet induced atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice.
Collective dynamics of identical phase oscillators with high-order coupling
Authors: Xu Can , Xiang Hairong , Gao Jian , Zheng Zhigang
Published: August 2016

In this paper, we propose a framework to investigate the collective dynamics in ensembles of globally coupled phase oscillators when higher-order modes dominate the coupling. The spatiotemporal properties of the attractors in various regions of parameter space are analyzed. Furthermore, a detailed linear stability analysis proves that the stationary symmetric distribution is only neutrally stable in the marginal regime which stems from the generalized time-reversal symmetry. Moreover, the critical parameters of the transition among various regimes are determined analytically by both the Ott-Antonsen method and linear stability analysis, the transient dynamics are further revealed in terms of the characteristic curves method. Finally, for the more general initial condition the symmetric dynamics could be reduced to a rigorous three-dimensional manifold which shows that the neutrally stable chaos could also occur in this model for particular parameters. Our theoretical analysis and numerical results are consistent with each other, which can help us understand the dynamical properties in general systems with higher-order harmonics couplings.
The use of thermographic imaging to evaluate therapeutic response in human tumour xenograft models
Authors: Hussain Nosheen , Connah David , Ugail Hassan , Cooper Patricia A. , Falconer Robert A. , Patterson Laurence H. , Shnyder Steven D.
Published: August 2016

Non-invasive methods to monitor tumour growth are an important goal in cancer drug development. Thermographic imaging systems offer potential in this area, since a change in temperature is known to be induced due to changes within the tumour microenvironment. This study demonstrates that this imaging modality can be applied to a broad range of tumour xenografts and also, for the first time, the methodology’s suitability to assess anti-cancer agent efficacy. Mice bearing subcutaneously implanted H460 lung cancer xenografts were treated with a novel vascular disrupting agent, ICT-2552 and the cytotoxin doxorubicin. The effects on tumour temperature were assessed using thermographic imaging over the first 6 hours post-administration and subsequently a further 7 days. For ICT-2552 a significant initial temperature drop was observed, whilst for both agents a significant temperature drop was seen compared to controls over the longer time period. Thus thermographic imaging can detect functional differences (manifesting as temperature reductions) in the tumour response to these anti-cancer agents compared to controls. Importantly, these effects can be detected in the first few hours following treatment and therefore the tumour is observable non-invasively. As discussed, this technique will have considerable 3Rs benefits in terms of reduction and refinement of animal use.
Stress-dependent phosphorylation of myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) by the p38MAPK/MK2 axis
Authors: Ronkina Natalia , Lafera Juri , Kotlyarov Alexey , Gaestel Matthias
Published: August 2016

Myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) is a known actin-regulated transcriptional coactivator of serum response factor (SRF). Stimulation of actin polymerization activates MRTF-A by releasing it from G-actin and thus allowing it to bind to and activate SRF. Here, we compared protein phosphorylation in MK2/3-deficient cells rescued or not by ectopic expression of MK2 in two independent phosphoproteomic approaches using anisomycin-treated MEF cells and LPS-stimulated mouse macrophages, respectively. Two MRTF-A sites, Ser351(corresponding to Ser312in human) and Ser371(Ser333in human), showed significantly stronger phosphorylation (12-fold and 6-fold increase) in the cells expressing MK2. MRTF-A is phosphorylated at these sites in a stress-, but not in a mitogen-induced manner and p38MAPK/MK2 catalytic activities are indispensable for this phosphorylation. MK2-mediated phosphorylation of MRTF-A at Ser312and Ser333was further confirmed in anin vitrokinase assay and using the phospho-protein kinase-D (PKD)-consensus motif antibody (anti-LXRXXpS/pT), the p38MAPKinhibitor BIRB-796, MK2/3-deficient cells and MRTF-A phospho-site mutants. Unexpectedly, dimerization, subcellular localization and translocation, interaction with actin, SRF or SMAD3 and transactivating potential of MRTF-A seem to be unaffected by manipulating the p38MAPK/MK2-dependent phosphorylations. Hence, MRTF-A is stress-dependently phosphorylated by MK2 at Ser312and Ser333with so far undetected functional and physiological consequences.
Chiral recognition at self-assembled multivalent (SAMul) nanoscale interfaces – enantioselectivity in polyanion binding
Authors: Chan Ching W. , Laurini Erik , Posocco Paola , Pricl Sabrina , Smith David K.
Published: August 2016

We investigate structure–activity effect relationships at the nanoscale chiral molecular recognition interface between enantiomeric self-assembled multivalent (SAMul) systems and biological polyanions, heparin and DNA.
Total synthesis of dehaloperophoramidine using a highly diastereoselective Hosomi–Sakurai reaction
Authors: Wilkie Ross. P. , Neal Andrew R. , Johnston Craig A. , Voute Nicholas , Lancefield Christopher S. , Stell Matthew D. , Medda Federico , Makiyi Edward F. , Turner Emma M. , Stephen Ojo O. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Lebl Tomas , Mullen Peter , Harrison David J. , Ireland Chris M. , Westwood Nicholas J.
Published: August 2016

Synthesis involving diastereoselective Hosomi–Sakurai reaction to install the contiguous quaternary stereocentres.
Increasing the Brønsted acidity of Ph2PO2H by the Lewis acid B(C6F5)3. Formation of an eight-membered boraphosphinate ring [Ph2POB(C6F5)2O]2
Authors: Kather Ralf , Rychagova Elena , Sanz Camacho Paula , Ashbrook Sharon E. , Woollins J. Derek , Robben Lars , Lork Enno , Ketkov Sergey , Beckmann Jens
Published: August 2016

The strong acid (C6F5)3BOPPh2OH, was prepared in situ by the reaction of the rather weak Brønsted acid Ph2PO2H with the strong Lewis acid B(C6F5)3.
Solvent H-bond accepting ability induced conformational change and its influence towards fluorescence enhancement and dual fluorescence of hydroxy meta-GFP chromophore analogue
Authors: Chatterjee Tanmay , Mandal Mrinal , Mandal Prasun K.
Published: August 2016

The effect of structural rigidity towards enhancement of fluorescence quantum yield of GFP chromophore analogues has been documented.
Molybdena deposited on titania by equilibrium deposition filtration: structural evolution of oxo–molybdenum(vi) sites with temperature
Authors: Tsilomelekis George , Panagiotou George D. , Stathi Panagiota , Kalampounias Angelos G. , Bourikas Kyriakos , Kordulis Christos , Deligiannakis Yiannis , Boghosian Soghomon , Lycourghiotis Alexis
Published: August 2016

The temperature evolution of the Mo(vi)–oxo species structures in molybdena/titania catalysts is studied from the wet (prior to drying) to the final calcined catalyst state.
Substituent effects of N4 Schiff base ligands on the formation of fluoride-bridged dicobalt(ii) complexes via B–F abstraction: structures and magnetism
Authors: Cho Yae In , Ward Meredith L. , Rose Michael J.
Published: August 2016

We report the synthesis and magnetic studies on two fluoride bridged cobalt(ii) dimers derived from propyl-bridged N4 Schiff base ligands via B–F activation.
Potent sirtuin inhibition with 1,2,5-trisubstituted benzimidazoles
Authors: Yoon Y. K. , Osman H. , Choon T. S.
Published: August 2016

Benzimidazole analogs were previously shown to inhibit sirtuin activity. Novel compound 5i was found to be a potent SIRT2 inhibitor with an IC50 value of 2.92 μM.
Structure, luminescence and magnetic properties of an erbium(iii) β-diketonate homodinuclear complex
Authors: Martín-Ramos P. , Pereira L. C. J. , Coutinho J. T. , Koprowiak F. , Bolvin H. , Lavín V. , Martín I. R. , Martín-Gil J. , Silva M. Ramos
Published: August 2016

The photoluminescence properties and field-induced single-molecule-magnetic behavior of a novel erbium(iii) β-diketonate homodinuclear complex, [Er2(nd)6(μ-bpm)] (nd = 2,4-nonanedione and bpm = 2,2′-bipyrimidine), are presented.
Regioselective synthesis of imidazo[1,5-a]quinoxalines and methyl N-phenylbenzimidats on an ionic liquid support
Authors: Chen Li-Hsun , Kao Chih-Hsien , Dhole Sandip , Barve Indrajeet J. , Shen Li-Ching , Chung Wen-Sheng , Sun Chung-Ming
Published: August 2016

An ionic liquid supported synthesis of imidazo[1,5-a]quinoxalines and methyl N-phenylbenzimidats was explored to generate polycyclic imidazo[1,5-a]quinoxalines and methyl N-phenylbenzimidats during the cleavage of the support.
Phase relation, structure and ionic conductivity of Li7−x−3yAlyLa3Zr2−xTaxO12
Authors: Matsuda Yasuaki , Itami Yuya , Hayamizu Kikuko , Ishigaki Toru , Matsui Masaki , Takeda Yasuo , Yamamoto Osamu , Imanishi Nobuyuki
Published: August 2016

The phase relation, structure and ionic conductivity of garnet-like Li7−x−3yAlyLa3Zr2−xTaxO12 were investigated.
Cadmium sulphide quantum dots with tunable electronic properties by bacterial precipitation
Authors: Marusak K. E. , Feng Y. , Eben C. F. , Payne S. T. , Cao Y. , You L. , Zauscher S.
Published: August 2016

E. coliprecipitate CdS nanocrystals either intra- or extracellularly, with bandgaps from quantum-confined to bulk and is promising for photovoltaics.
Identification of novel cathepsin K inhibitors using ligand-based virtual screening and structure-based docking
Authors: Wang Yali , Li Ruolan , Zheng Zhihui , Yi Hong , Li Zhuorong
Published: August 2016

Compound 21 was identified as a cathepsin K (Cat K) inhibitor through pharmacophore virtual screening and molecular docking studies.
ZIF-derived nitrogen-doped carbon/3D graphene frameworks for all-solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Wan Li , Wei Jing , Liang Yan , Hu Yaoxin , Chen Xiaofang , Shamsaei Ezzatollah , Ou Ranwen , Zhang Xiwang , Wang Huanting
Published: August 2016

Nitrogen-doped porous carbon/3D graphene frameworks were prepared by decorating ZIF-8 or ZIF-67 onto graphene aerogels and subsequent carbonization and etching processes. The composite showed excellent performance in all-solid-state supercapacitors.
Influence and mechanism of different molecular weight organic molecules in natural water on ultrafiltration membrane fouling reversibility
Authors: Sun Weiguang , Nan Jun , Xing Jia , Tian Jiayu
Published: August 2016

To investigate the influence of different molecular weight distribution to UF membrane fouling, NOM in natural water was fractionated into five components based on their size and their potential to develop the membrane fouling was conducted.
Nanoscale deposition of metal–organic framework films on polymer nanosheets
Authors: Ohara Hiroaki , Yamamoto Shunsuke , Onodera Tsunenobu , Kasai Hitoshi , Oikawa Hidetoshi , Miyashita Tokuji , Mitsuishi Masaya
Published: August 2016

We demonstrate the first example of surface-attached metal–organic framework film deposition on polymer nanosheets fabricated using Langmuir–Blodgett technique.
Fast colorimetric screening for visible light photocatalytic oxidation and reduction reactions
Authors: Poznik Michal , König Burkhard
Published: August 2016

The discovery of new photocatalytic transformations in organic synthesis is accelerated by a rapid parallel screening based on UV measurements or visual inspection.
Photochemical pump and NMR probe to monitor the formation and kinetics of hyperpolarized metal dihydrides
Authors: Procacci Barbara , Aguiar Pedro M. , Halse Meghan E. , Perutz Robin N. , Duckett Simon B.
Published: August 2016

Pulsed-laser experiments validate photochemical pump-NMR probe spectroscopy for monitoring the rate of rapid H2 oxidative addition to a metal centre.
Metalloporphyrin-modified semiconductors for solar fuel production
Authors: Khusnutdinova D. , Beiler A. M. , Wadsworth B. L. , Jacob S. I. , Moore G. F.
Published: August 2016

A novel synthetic method is used to prepare metalloporphyrin-modified gallium phosphide photocathodes for solar-driven hydrogen evolution from water.
Mononuclear ruthenium polypyridine complexes that catalyze water oxidation
Authors: Tong Lianpeng , Thummel Randolph P.
Published: August 2016

Representative mononuclear Ru polypyridine water oxidation catalysts were discussed by organizing them into four groups according to their ligand environments so as to elucidate the correlation between activity, mechanism, and ligand structure.
A highly thermally conductive electrode for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Zhao Bo , Jiang Li , Zeng Xiaoliang , Zhang Kai , Yuen Matthew M. F. , Xu Jian-Bin , Fu Xian-Zhu , Sun Rong , Wong Ching-Ping
Published: August 2016

A binder-free flexible graphene–SnO2 film electrode with a high thermal conductivity of 535.3 W m−1 K−1 is developed for lithium ion batteries, which is beneficial for the thermal management of batteries.