bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building farmers' capacity for innovation generation: Insights from rural Ghana
Authors: Tambo Justice A. , Wünscher Tobias
Published: January 2017

Innovation is essential for agricultural and economic development, especially in today's rapidly changing global environment. While farmers have been recognized as innovation generators, many innovation studies continue to consider them as recipients or adopters of externally promoted innovations only. Based on household data from Ghana, this study, in contrast, investigates the innovation-generating behavior among rural farmers. Inspired by two innovation theories—induced innovation and innovation systems—we specifically focus on how to build the capacity of farmers to generate innovations. Controlling for selection bias, we show that participation in farmer field fora (FFF), a participatory extension approach, can play a positive role in strengthening farmers' innovation-generating capacity. Specifically, we show that FFF participants have about 27% higher probability of generating innovations than non-participants, and FFF participation appears to increase the number of innovation-generating practices implemented by a farm household by about 49%. However, we do not find significant spillover effects of FFF on the innovation-generating capacity of non-participants, which has implications for the cost-effectiveness of the FFF program. The results also indicate that education and risk preference are important drivers of farmers' innovations. We conclude that policies for the generation of innovations among farmers should focus on building innovation capacity through institutional arrangements that permit interactions and learning between stakeholders.
Determinants of farm diversification in integrated crop–livestock farming systems in Ghana
Authors: Asante Bright O. , Villano Renato A. , Patrick Ian W. , Battese George E.
Published: January 2017

Agricultural diversification has been identified as one of the mechanisms for managing household food security and poverty in developing economies, because it can spread the risk among multiple production enterprises and provide a range of food items for the households. By examining the integrated farming systems of 608 smallholders in Ghana, this paper presents empirical evidence to support the development of effective strategies that enhance diversified farming systems. The estimated mean diversification indices were 0.45, 0.32 and 0.59 for crop, livestock and crop–livestock diversification systems, respectively. Using the Cragg two-step regression model, this paper shows that the decision to diversify and the extent of diversification are distinct decisions affected by different sets of factors. Likewise, the effect of these factors also varied across the three categories of diversification examined. Careful consideration needs to be given to the selection of factors and the methods for examining the diversification process to avoid confounding recommendations. The findings underscore the importance of households’ access to tillage equipment, fertilizers, credit and market information in encouraging farmers to diversify.
Quantification of network structural dissimilarities
Authors: Schieber Tiago A. , Carpi Laura , Díaz-Guilera Albert , Pardalos Panos M. , Masoller Cristina , Ravetti Martín G.
Published: January 2017

Identifying and quantifying dissimilarities among graphs is a fundamental and challenging problem of practical importance in many fields of science. Current methods of network comparison are limited to extract only partial information or are computationally very demanding. Here we propose an efficient and precise measure for network comparison, which is based on quantifying differences among distance probability distributions extracted from the networks. Extensive experiments on synthetic and real-world networks show that this measure returns non-zero values only when the graphs are non-isomorphic. Most importantly, the measure proposed here can identify and quantify structural topological differences that have a practical impact on the information flow through the network, such as the presence or absence of critical links that connect or disconnect connected components.
The transcription factor EPAS1 links DOCK8 deficiency to atopic skin inflammation via IL-31 induction
Authors: Yamamura Kazuhiko , Uruno Takehito , Shiraishi Akira , Tanaka Yoshihiko , Ushijima Miho , Nakahara Takeshi , Watanabe Mayuki , Kido-Nakahara Makiko , Tsuge Ikuya , Furue Masutaka , Fukui Yoshinori
Published: January 2017

Mutations ofDOCK8in humans cause a combined immunodeficiency characterized by atopic dermatitis with high serum IgE levels. However, the molecular link between DOCK8 deficiency and atopic skin inflammation is unknown. Here we show that CD4+T cells from DOCK8-deficient mice produce large amounts of IL-31, a major pruritogen associated with atopic dermatitis. IL-31 induction critically depends on the transcription factor EPAS1, and its conditional deletion in CD4+T cells abrogates skin disease development in DOCK8-deficient mice. Although EPAS1 is known to form a complex with aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) and control hypoxic responses, EPAS1-mediatedIl31promoter activation is independent of ARNT, but in collaboration with SP1. On the other hand, we find that DOCK8 is an adaptor and negative regulator of nuclear translocation of EPAS1. Thus, EPAS1 links DOCK8 deficiency to atopic skin inflammation via IL-31 induction in CD4+T cells.
Environmental stresses induce transgenerationally inheritable survival advantages via germline-to-soma communication in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kishimoto Saya , Uno Masaharu , Okabe Emiko , Nono Masanori , Nishida Eisuke
Published: January 2017

Hormesis is a biological phenomenon, whereby exposure to low levels of toxic agents or conditions increases organismal viability. It thus represents a beneficial aspect of adaptive responses to harmful environmental stimuli. Here we show that hormesis effects induced in the parental generation can be passed on to the descendants in Caenorhabditis elegans. Animals subjected to various stressors during developmental stages exhibit increased resistance to oxidative stress and proteotoxicity. The increased resistance is transmitted to the subsequent generations grown under unstressed conditions through epigenetic alterations. Our analysis reveal that the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signalling effector DAF-16/FOXO and the heat-shock factor HSF-1 in the parental somatic cells mediate the formation of epigenetic memory, which is maintained through the histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylase complex in the germline across generations. The elicitation of memory requires the transcription factor SKN-1/Nrf in somatic tissues. We propose that germ-to-soma communication across generations is an essential framework for the transgenerational inheritance of acquired traits, which provides the offspring with survival advantages to deal with environmental perturbation.
Enhanced tumor-targeting selectivity by modulating bispecific antibody binding affinity and format valence
Authors: Mazor Yariv , Sachsenmeier Kris F. , Yang Chunning , Hansen Anna , Filderman Jessica , Mulgrew Kathy , Wu Herren , Dall’Acqua William F.
Published: January 2017

Bispecific antibodies are considered attractive bio-therapeutic agents owing to their ability to target two distinct disease mediators. Cross-arm avidity targeting of antigen double-positive cancer cells over single-positive normal tissue is believed to enhance the therapeutic efficacy, restrict major escape mechanisms and increase tumor-targeting selectivity, leading to reduced systemic toxicity and improved therapeutic index. However, the interplay of factors regulating target selectivity is not well understood and often overlooked when developing clinically relevant bispecific therapeutics. We showin vivothat dual targeting alone is not sufficient to endow selective tumor-targeting, and report the pivotal roles played by the affinity of the individual arms, overall avidity and format valence. Specifically, a series of monovalent and bivalent bispecific IgGs composed of the anti-HER2 trastuzumab moiety paired with affinity-modulated VHand VLregions of the anti-EGFR GA201 mAb were tested for selective targeting and eradication of double-positive human NCI-H358 non-small cell lung cancer target tumors over single-positive, non-target NCI-H358-HER2 CRISPR knock out tumors in nude mice bearing dual-flank tumor xenografts. Affinity-reduced monovalent bispecific variants, but not their bivalent bispecific counterparts, mediated a greater degree of tumor targeting selectivity, while the overall efficacy against the targeted tumor was not substantially affected.
SDF-1/CXCR4 axis induces human dental pulp stem cell migration through FAK/PI3K/Akt and GSK3β/β-catenin pathways
Authors: Li Mingwei , Sun Xuefei , Ma Liang , Jin Lu , Zhang Wenfei , Xiao Min , Yu Qing
Published: January 2017

SDF-1 (stromal cell derived factor-1) has been found to be widely expressed during dental pulp inflammation, while hDPSCs (human dental pulp stem cells) contribute to the repair of dental pulp. We showed that the migration of hDPSCs was induced by SDF-1 in a concentration-dependent manner and could be inhibited with siCXCR4 (C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4) and siCDC42 (cell division control protein 42), as well as drug inhibitors such as AMD3100 (antagonist of CXCR4), LY294002 (inhibitor of PI3K) and PF573228 (inhibitor of FAK). It was also confirmed that SDF-1 regulated the phosphorylation of FAK (focal adhesion kinases) on cell membranes and the translocation of β-catenin into the cell nucleus. Subsequent experiments confirmed that the expression of CXCR4 and β-catenin and the phosphorylation of FAK, PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase), Akt and GSK3β (glycogen synthase kinase-3β) were altered significantly with SDF-1 stimulation. FAK and PI3K worked in coordination during this process. Our findings provide direct evidence that SDF-1/CXCR4 axis induces hDPSCs migration through FAK/PI3K/Akt and GSK3β/β-catenin pathways, implicating a novel mechanism of dental pulp repair and a possible application of SDF-1 for the treatment of pulpitis.
The effects of vacuum fluctuations on teleportation of quantum Fisher information
Authors: Jin Yao
Published: January 2017

The teleported quantum Fisher information of the phase parameter of atomic state is studied in consideration of vacuum fluctuations. Our results show that the teleported information is determined by the wavelength of the atoms as well as the distance of teleportation. When the wavelength of the atoms is much smaller than the teleportation distance, the teleported information decays with time and the decay rates are determined by the spontaneous emission rate of the atoms. However, when the wavelength of the atoms is much larger than the teleportation distance, the teleported information remains unchanged with time. The information of the phase parameter of atomic state has been absolutely transmitted.
Transcription regulator TRIP-Br2 mediates ER stress-induced brown adipocytes dysfunction
Authors: Qiang Guifen , Whang Kong Hyerim , Gil Victoria , Liew Chong Wee
Published: January 2017

In contrast to white adipose tissue, brown adipose tissue (BAT) is known to play critical roles for both basal and inducible energy expenditure. Obesity is associated with reduction of BAT function; however, it is not well understood how obesity promotes BAT dysfunction, especially at the molecular level. Here we show that the transcription regulator TRIP-Br2 mediates ER stress-induced inhibition of lipolysis and thermogenesis in BAT. Using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo approaches, we demonstrate that obesity-induced inflammation upregulates brown adipocytes TRIP-Br2 expression via the ER stress pathway and amelioration of ER stress in mice completely abolishes high fat diet-induced upregulation of TRIP-Br2 in BAT. We find that increased TRIP-Br2 significantly inhibits brown adipocytes thermogenesis. Finally, we show that ablation of TRIP-Br2 ameliorates ER stress-induced inhibition on lipolysis, fatty acid oxidation, oxidative metabolism, and thermogenesis in brown adipocytes. Taken together, our current study demonstrates a role for TRIP-Br2 in ER stress-induced BAT dysfunction, and inhibiting TRIP-Br2 could be a potential approach for counteracting obesity-induced BAT dysfunction.
Proteomic analysis of Cry2Aa-binding proteins and their receptor function in Spodoptera exigua
Authors: Qiu Lin , Zhang Boyao , Liu Lang , Ma Weihua , Wang Xiaoping , Lei Chaoliang , Chen Lizhen
Published: January 2017

The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis produces Crystal (Cry) proteins that are toxic to a diverse range of insects. Transgenic crops that produce Bt Cry proteins are grown worldwide because of their improved resistance to insect pests. Although Bt “pyramid” cotton that produces both Cry1A and Cry2A is predicted to be more resistant to several lepidopteran pests, including Spodoptera exigua, than plants that produce Cry1Ac alone, the mechanisms responsible for the toxicity of Cry2Aa in S. exigua are not well understood. We identified several proteins that bind Cry2Aa (polycalin, V-ATPase subunits A and B, actin, 4-hydroxybutyrate CoA-transferase [4-HB-CoAT]), and a receptor for activated protein kinase C (Rack), in S. exigua. Recombinant, expressed versions of these proteins were able to bind the Cry2Aa toxin in vitro assays. RNA interference gene knockdown of the Se-V-ATPase subunit B significantly decreased the susceptibility of S. exigua larvae to Cry2Aa, whereas knockdown of the other putative binding proteins did not. Moreover, an in vitro homologous competition assay demonstrated that the Se-V-ATPase subunit B binds specifically to the Cry2Aa toxin, suggesting that this protein acts as a functional receptor of Cry2Aa in S. exigua. This the first Cry2Aa toxin receptor identified in S. exigua brush-border membrane vesicles.
Chimeric virus-like particles containing influenza HA antigen and GPI-CCL28 induce long-lasting mucosal immunity against H3N2 viruses
Authors: Mohan Teena , Berman Zachary , Luo Yuan , Wang Chao , Wang Shelly , Compans Richard W. , Wang Bao-Zhong
Published: January 2017

Influenza virus is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, with worldwide seasonal epidemics. The duration and quality of humoral immunity and generation of immunological memory to vaccines is critical for protective immunity. In the current study, we examined the long-lasting protective efficacy of chimeric VLPs (cVLPs) containing influenza HA and GPI-anchored CCL28 as antigen and mucosal adjuvant, respectively, when immunized intranasally in mice. We report that the cVLPs induced significantly higher and sustainable levels of virus-specific antibody responses, especially IgA levels and hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) titers, more than 8-month post-vaccination compared to influenza VLPs without CCL28 or influenza VLPs physically mixed with sCCL28 (soluble) in mice. After challenging the vaccinated animals at month 8 with H3N2 viruses, the cVLP group also demonstrated strong recall responses. On day 4 post-challenge, we measured increased antibody levels, ASCs and HAI titers with reduced viral load and inflammatory responses in the cVLP group. The animals vaccinated with the cVLP showed 20% cross-protection against drifted (Philippines) and 60% protection against homologous (Aichi) H3N2 viruses. Thus, the results suggest that the GPI-anchored CCL28 induces significantly higher mucosal antibody responses, involved in providing long-term cross-protection against H3N2 influenza virus when compared to other vaccination groups.
Tensile property improvement of TWIP-cored three-layer steel sheets fabricated by hot-roll-bonding with low-carbon steel or interstitial-free steel
Authors: Park Jaeyeong , Kim Jung-Su , Kang Minju , Sohn Seok Su , Cho Won Tae , Kim Hyoung Seop , Lee Sunghak
Published: January 2017

TWIP-cored three-layer steel sheets were newly fabricated by hot rolling of TWIP steel sheet surrounded by low-carbon (LC) or interstitial-free (IF) steel sheets. TWIP/LC or TWIP/IF interfaces were well bonded without pores or voids, while a few pearlites were thinly formed along the interfaces. The strengths and elongation of the TWIP-cored sheets increased as the volume fraction of TWIP-cored region increased, and were also well matched with the ones calculated by a rule of mixtures based on volume fraction or force fraction. According to digital image correlation and electron back-scatter diffraction analyses, very high strain hardening effect in the initial deformation stage and active twin formation in the interfacial region beneficially affected the overall homogeneous deformation in the TWIP-cored sheets without any yield point phenomenon occurring in the LC sheet and serrations occurring in the TWIP sheet, respectively. These TWIP-cored sheets can cover a wide range of yield strength, tensile strength, and ductility levels, e.g., 320~498 MPa, 545~878 MPa, and 48~54%, respectively, by controlling the volume fraction of TWIP-cored region, and thus present new applications to multi-functional automotive steel sheets requiring excellent properties.
Glucose-6-Phosphate Isomerase (G6PI) Mediates Hypoxia-Induced Angiogenesis in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Lu Ying , Yu Shan-Shan , Zong Ming , Fan Sha-Sha , Lu Tian-Bao , Gong Ru-Han , Sun Li-Shan , Fan Lie-Ying
Published: January 2017

The higher level of Glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (G6PI) has been found in both synovial tissue and synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, while the function of G6PI in RA remains unclear. Herein we found the enrichment of G6PI in microvascular endothelial cells of synovial tissue in RA patients, where a 3% O2 hypoxia environment has been identified. In order to determine the correlation between the high G6PI level and the low oxygen concentration in RA, a hypoxia condition (~3% O2) in vitro was applied to mimic the RA environment in vivo. Hypoxia promoted cellular proliferation of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASFs), and induced cell migration and angiogenic tube formation of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs), which were accompanied with the increased expression of G6PI and HIF-1α. Through application of G6PI loss-of-function assays, we confirmed the requirement of G6PI expression for those hypoxia-induced phenotype in RA. In addition, we demonstrated for the first time that G6PI plays key roles in regulating VEGF secretion from RASFs to regulate the hypoxia-induced angiogenesis in RA. Taken together, we demonstrated a novel pathway regulating hypoxia-induced angiogenesis in RA mediated by G6PI.
Supra-operonic clusters of functionally related genes (SOCs) are a source of horizontal gene co-transfers
Authors: Pang Tin Yau , Lercher Martin J.
Published: January 2017

Adaptation of bacteria occurs predominantly via horizontal gene transfer (HGT). While it is widely recognized that horizontal acquisitions frequently encompass multiple genes, it is unclear what the size distribution of successfully transferred DNA segments looks like and what evolutionary forces shape this distribution. Here, we identified 1790 gene family pairs that were consistently co-gained on the same branches across a phylogeny of 53 E. coli strains. We estimated a lower limit of their genomic distances at the time they were transferred to their host genomes; this distribution shows a sharp upper bound at 30 kb. The same gene-pairs can have larger distances (up to 70 kb) in other genomes. These more distant pairs likely represent recent acquisitions via transduction that involve the co-transfer of excised prophage genes, as they are almost always associated with intervening phage-associated genes. The observed distribution of genomic distances of co-transferred genes is much broader than expected from a model based on the co-transfer of genes within operons; instead, this distribution is highly consistent with the size distribution of supra-operonic clusters (SOCs), groups of co-occurring and co-functioning genes that extend beyond operons. Thus, we propose that SOCs form a basic unit of horizontal gene transfer.
Gomisin N inhibits adipogenesis and prevents high-fat diet-induced obesity
Authors: Jang Min-Kyung , Yun Ye-Rang , Kim Ji-Hyun , Park Mi-Hee , Jung Myeong Ho
Published: January 2017

Gomisin N (GN) is a physiological lignan derived from Schisandra chinensis. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of GN on differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and the anti-obesity effects of GN in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Incubation with GN significantly inhibited the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a dose-dependent manner. This inhibitory effect primarily occurred at an early adipogenic stage through impairment of mitotic clonal expansion (MCE) caused by cell cycle arrest at the G1/S phase transition. GN inhibited the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling in the MCE process and activated AMP-activated protein kinase. Furthermore, GN downregulated CCAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) and histone H3K9 demethylase JMJD2B during early stages of adipogenesis, and therefore repressed the expression of C/EBPβ-targeted cell cycle genes. In addition, GN also repressed the expression of histone H3K4 methyltransferase MLL4 and reduced PPARγ expression. Moreover, GN effectively lowered the final body weight, adipose tissue mass, and reduced the serum levels of glucose, total triglyceride, and cholesterol in the HFD-induced obese mice. GN also markedly reduced hepatic triglyceride level induced by HFD. Collectively, these findings suggest that GN has potential as a novel agent for the prevention and treatment of obesity.
A comparative study of hydrogen evolution reaction on pseudo-monolayer WS2 and PtS2: insights based on the density functional theory
Authors: Mir Showkat H. , Chakraborty Sudip , Wärnå John , Narayan Som , Jha Prakash C. , Jha Prafulla K. , Ahuja Rajeev
Published: January 2017

In this study, we investigated the catalytic activity of ultrathin PtS2 and WS2 nanostructures for the hydrogen evolution reaction by electronic structure calculations based on the spin-polarised density functional theory.
Photocatalytic methane conversion coupled with hydrogen evolution from water over Pd/TiO2
Authors: Yu Linhui , Li Danzhen
Published: January 2017

A new photocatalytic reaction system involving H2 evolution from aqueous water and CH4 conversion is established over Pd/TiO2.
Mechanistic insights into the formation of butene isomers from 1-butanol in H-ZSM-5: DFT based microkinetic modelling
Authors: John Mathew , Alexopoulos Konstantinos , Reyniers Marie-Françoise , Marin Guy B.
Published: January 2017

First principles microkinetic modelling provides in-depth mechanistic insights into the competing reaction pathways for zeolite-catalyzed conversion of 1-butanol to butene isomers.
Mild thermal reduction of graphene oxide as a lubrication additive for friction and wear reduction
Authors: Zhao Jun , Li Yingru , Wang Yongfu , Mao Junyuan , He Yongyong , Luo Jianbin
Published: January 2017

Mildly thermal reduction of graphene oxide (MRGO) offers significant potential for combination between excellent lubrication ability and advantages of green, low-cost and simple synthesis operation.
Adsorption properties of pyridylphenylene dendrimers
Authors: Serenko Olga , Strashnov Pavel , Kapustin Gennadiy , Kalinin Mikhail , Kuchkina Nina , Serkova Elena , Shifrina Zinaida , Muzafarov Aziz
Published: January 2017

Sorption and surface properties study of the first three generations of polypyridylphenylene dendrimers.
n/n junctioned g-C3N4 for enhanced photocatalytic H2 generation
Authors: Zhou Minjie , Hou Zhaohui , Zhang Li , Liu Yan , Gao Qiongzhi , Chen Xiaobo
Published: January 2017

Enhanced activity in photocatalytic hydrogen generation is achieved with synergistic effects in homogeneous n/n junctioned graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4).
Supergranulation and multiscale flows in the solar photosphere
Authors: Rincon F. , Roudier T. , Schekochihin A. A. , Rieutord M.
Published: January 2017

The Sun provides us with the only spatially well-resolved astrophysical example of turbulent thermal convection. While various aspects of solar photospheric turbulence, such as granulation (one-Megameter horizontal scale), are well understood, the questions of the physical origin and dynamical organization of larger-scale flows, such as the 30-Megameters supergranulation and flows deep in the solar convection zone, remain largely open in spite of their importance for solar dynamics and magnetism. Here, we present a new critical global observational characterization of multiscale photospheric flows and subsequently formulate an anisotropic extension of the Bolgiano-Obukhov theory of hydrodynamic stratified turbulence that may explain several of their distinctive dynamical properties. Our combined analysis suggests that photospheric flows in the horizontal range of scales between supergranulation and granulation have a typical vertical correlation scale of 2.5 to 4 Megameters and operate in a strongly anisotropic, self-similar, nonlinear, buoyant dynamical regime. While the theory remains speculative at this stage, it lends itself to quantitative comparisons with future high-resolution acoustic tomography of subsurface layers and advanced numerical models. Such a validation exercise may also lead to new insights into the asymptotic dynamical regimes in which other, unresolved turbulent anisotropic astrophysical fluid systems supporting waves or instabilities operate.
Characterizing physical properties and in vivo OCT imaging study of Cu-Sn-S nanocrystals
Authors: Liang Yaotian , Liu Liwei , Hu Siyi , Zou Peng , Wang Yue , Liu Yingyi , Ren Yu , Huang Yulin , Ren Sheng
Published: January 2017

Highly yield Cu2SnS3 nanocrystals (CTS NCs) have been attracted more attentions in these years, the CTS NCs with strong absorption in near-infrared (NIR) region which can serve as the contrast agent of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging. These NCs can be synthesized by facile method, and exhibit a Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) peak in NIR region. The LSPR peak position of the CTS NCs depends on the ratio of copper to tin in the synthesis process. The highest intensity of LSPR at 1380nm when Cu:Sn ratio reach to 9:1. The TEM analysis and X-ray diffraction pattern reveals the formation of CTS NCs with an average size of 6nm and the structure is kesterite crystal phase. In order to apply the NCs in vivo and in vitro study, we used PEGylated phospholipid (DSPE-PEG) to modified NCs, and the colloidal stability and cell viability of DSPE-PEG CTS NCs are very suitable for the in vivo OCT imaging study. To quantitatively analyze the contrast effect of DSPE-PEG CTS NCs, the contrast agent was injected from the tail vein of ICR mice, then applied the SD-OCT system monitor the vein of the mouse pinna for 30 minutes. The results indicated that the DSPE-PEG CTS NCs created an obvious signal in the OCT imaging process, which provide the basis for the application of CTS NCs as the contrast agent for the bioimaging study.
Crystal quality of two-dimensional gallium telluride and gallium selenide using Raman fingerprint
Authors: Susoma Jannatul , Lahtinen Jouko , Kim Maria , Riikonen Juha , Lipsanen Harri
Published: January 2017

We have established Raman fingerprint of GaTe and GaSe to investigate their crystal quality. As unencapsulated, they both oxidise in ambient conditions which can be detected in their Raman analysis. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis shows a good agreement with Raman analysis. 50-nm-thick Al2O3 encapsulation layer deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) inhibits degradation in ambient conditions.
Tailoring the soft magnetic properties of sputtered multilayers by microstructure engineering for high frequency applications
Authors: Falub Claudiu V. , Rohrmann Hartmut , Bless Martin , Meduňa Mojmír , Marioni Miguel , Schneider Daniel , Richter Jan H. , Padrun Marco
Published: January 2017

Soft magnetic Ni78.5Fe21.5, Co91.5Ta4.5Zr4 and Fe52Co28B20 thin films laminated with SiO2, Al2O3, AlN, and Ta2O5 dielectric interlayers were deposited on 8” Si wafers using DC, pulsed DC and RF cathodes in the industrial, high-throughput Evatec LLS-EVO-II magnetron sputtering system. A typical multilayer consists of a bilayer stack up to 50 periods, with alternating (50-100) nm thick magnetic layers and (2-20) nm thick dielectric interlayers. We introduced the in-plane magnetic anisotropy in these films during sputtering by a combination of a linear magnetic field, seed layer texturing by means of linear collimators, and the oblique incidence inherent to the geometry of the sputter system. Depending on the magnetic material, the anisotropy field for these films was tuned in the range of ∼(7-120) Oe by choosing the appropriate interlayer thickness, the aspect ratios of the linear collimators in front of the targets, and the sputter process parameters (e.g. pressure, power, DC pulse frequency), while the coercivity was kept low, ∼(0.05-0.9) Oe. The alignment of the easy axis (EA) on the 8” wafers was typically between ±1.5° and ±4°. We discuss the interdependence of structure and magnetic properties in these films, as revealed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray reflectivity (XRR) with reciprocal space mapping (RSM) and magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) measurements.
Probing the temperature-dependent magnetic anisotropy and longitudinal spin Seebeck effect in Y3Fe5O12
Authors: Kalappattil Vijaysankar , Das Raja , Phan Manh-Huong , Srikanth Hariharan
Published: January 2017

Y3Fe5O12 (YIG) has attracted growing interest since a large Longitudinal Spin Seebeck Effect (LSSE) was discovered in this material. However, the origin of the LSSE and its temperature dependence are not well understood. We report here, the temperature dependence of the effective magnetic anisotropy field (HK) and LSSE voltage (VLSSE) of single crystal YIG, measured using the radio-frequency transverse susceptibility (TS) and LSSE techniques, respectively. VLSSE is found to vary from 40 nV to 97 nV from 100 to 300 K, which is consistent with the previously reported experimental results. Interestingly, we find the temperature dependence of HK resembles that of VLSSE in the high temperature regime (100 – 300 K), with the sudden changes in both VLSSE and HK at ∼175 K. Our results indicate the possible role of magnetic anisotropy in the LSSE in YIG and provide important insights into improving LSSE in magnetic materials through manipulating their magnetic anisotropy.
Hydroxyl Radicals via Collision-Induced Dissociation of Trimethylammonium Benzyl Alcohols
Authors: Moore Peter W. , Hooker Jordan P. , Zavras Athanasios , Khairallah George N. , Krenske Elizabeth H. , Bernhardt Paul V. , Quach Gina , Moore Evan G. , O'Hair Richard A. J. , Williams Craig M.
Published: January 2017

The hydroxyl radical is a well known reactive oxygen species important for interstellar, atmospheric, and combustion chemistry in addition to multiple biochemical processes. Although there are many methods to generate the hydroxyl radical, most of these are inorganic based, with only a few originating from organic precursor molecules. Reported herein is the observation that trimethylammonium benzyl alcohols and their corresponding deuterated isotopologues act as a good source of hydroxyl and deuteroxyl radicals in the gas-phase under collision-induced dissociation (CID) conditions. Attempts to replicate this chemistry in the condensed phase are described.
Sediment fluxes and sinks for Magela Creek, Northern Territory, Australia
Authors: Erskine Wayne D. , Saynor M. J. , Boyden J. M. , Evans K. G.
Published: January 2017

Sediment fluxes and sinks based on total sediment load for Magela Creek in the Australian wet–dry tropics have been constructed from detailed measurements of stream suspended sediment (turbidity and suspended sand) and bed load for the 10-year period, 2001–2002 to 2010–2011. This work shows that the sediment trap efficiency of the vegetated wetlands on lower Magela is high at ~89.5%. Sediment fluxes are the lowest in the world because of low soil erosion rates and because upstream floodplains and downstream wetlands trap and store sediment. Bedload yields are less than suspended sediment yields, but the amount of silt and clay is much less than the amount of sand (suspended sand and bedload). All sand is stored upstream of the East Alligator River. Downstream connectivity of sediment movement does not occur. Therefore, sediment moves discontinuously from the upper to the lower catchment.
Migration patterns and estuarine aggregations of a catadromous fish, Australian bass (Percalates novemaculeata) in a regulated river system
Authors: Harding D. J. , Dwyer R. G. , Mullins T. M. , Kennard M. J. , Pillans R. D. , Roberts D. T.
Published: January 2017

Catadromous fish species require adequate flows to migrate between fresh and saltwater habitats to reproduce. However, artificial barriers and flow alteration affect fish populations by reducing habitat connectivity and disrupting movement cues. In regulated rivers, it is critical that migratory flow requirements are quantified to optimise water allocation for multiple users. In the present study, we assessed the migratory timing, flow and estuarine aggregation requirements for Australian bass (Percalates novemaculeata). Over 2 years, 66 bass were tracked using an acoustic receiver array in the Logan River (Qld, Australia). Bass performed large-scale downstream movements in response to elevated winter flows (40 and 108m3 s–1), which facilitated migration to the lower estuary, where salinity conditions were appropriate for spawning. Bass migrations occurred only when gonads were mature, despite large flows providing opportunities for movement outside this period. Experimental flow releases from an impoundment (2.1m3 s–1) during winter did not elicit a migratory response. Connectivity between upstream and estuarine habitats was reduced by the presence of instream weirs, with downstream movement across weirs occurring only when sufficient flow magnitude was achieved (>76.1m3 s–1). These findings are relevant for water resource managers formulating environmental flow rules for catadromous fish species in systems with multiple instream artificial barriers.
The verdictive organization of desire
Authors: Baker Derek
Published: January 2017

Deliberation often begins with the question ‘What do I want to do?’ rather than a question about what one ought to do. This paper takes that question at face value, as a question about which of one’s desires is strongest, which sometimes guides action. The paper aims to explain which properties of a desire make that desire strong, in the sense of ‘strength’ relevant to this deliberative question. The paper argues that one’s judgment about one wants most will sometimes play a verdictive role, partially determining what the agent most wants, and so making itself true.
Collaboration, confrontation, and controversy: the politics of monument restoration in Georgia and the case of Bagrati Cathedral
Authors: Long Michael
Published: January 2017

This paper examines the history of the restoration, or more accurately, reconstruction of Bagrati Cathedral in western Georgia. Constructed in 1003, Bagrati Cathedral is an important cultural monument in the political and architectural history of Georgia. Destroyed by an explosion in 1691, the cathedral was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1994 in its ruined state. However, the Georgian government under President Mikheil Saakashvili and Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC) officials made the reconstruction and reconsecration of the cathedral a priority. The reconstruction of Bagrati Cathedral, completed in September 2012, brought the differing aims of Georgian politicians, GOC officials, and architectural historians – the major players in the process – into sharp focus. This paper maintains that the rebuilding of Bagrati Cathedral was part of Saakashvili's political agenda, which merged with the interests of the GOC and worked against the objectives of architectural historians and the aims of academic principles of restoration and preservation. The result is that Bagrati has been rebuilt but is under threat of removal from the World Heritage List. The story of Bagrati's reconstruction has implications for the future of monument preservation and restoration in Georgia.
The Ethylene Responsive Factor Required for Nodulation 1 (ERN1) Transcription Factor Is Required for Infection-Thread Formation in Lotus japonicus
Authors: Kawaharada Yasuyuki , James Euan K. , Kelly Simon , Sandal Niels , Stougaard Jens
Published: January 2017

Several hundred genes are transcriptionally regulated during infection-thread formation and development of nitrogen-fixing root nodules. We have characterized a set of Lotus japonicus mutants impaired in root-nodule formation and found that the causative gene, Ern1, encodes a protein with a characteristic APETALA2/Ethylene Responsive Factor (AP2/ERF) transcription-factor domain. Phenotypic characterization of four ern1 alleles shows that infection pockets are formed but root-hair infection threads are absent. Formation of root-nodule primordia is delayed and no normal transcellular infection threads are found in the infected nodules. Corroborating the role of ERN1 (ERF Required for Nodulation1) in nodule organogenesis, spontaneous nodulation induced by an autoactive CCaMK and cytokinin–induced nodule primordia were not observed in ern1 mutants. Expression of Ern1 is induced in the susceptible zone by Nod factor treatment or rhizobial inoculation. At the cellular level, the pErn1:GUS reporter is highly expressed in root epidermal cells of the susceptible zone and in the cortical cells that form nodule primordia. The genetic regulation of this cellular expression pattern was further investigated in symbiotic mutants. Nod factor induction of Ern1 in epidermal cells was found to depend on Nfr1, Cyclops, and Nsp2 but was independent of Nin and Nf-ya1. These results suggest that ERN1 functions as a transcriptional regulator involved in the formation of infection threads and development of nodule primordia and may coordinate these two processes.
An electrochemical investigation of azole derivative on aluminum in 0.25 M HCl solution using EN and EIS techniques
Authors: Ramezanzadeh Bahram , Mehdipour Milad , Arman S.Y. , Ramezanzadeh M.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This study attempts to investigate corrosion inhibition properties of 1H-benzimidazole (B) and 1H-benzotriazole (BTA) on aluminum in 0.25 M HCl solution at different concentrations.

Design/methodology/approach

To this end, electrochemical techniques including electrochemical noise (EN), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization were used.

Findings

Results showed a greater corrosion inhibition efficiency of BTA than B on aluminum in HCl solution. BTA showed greater tendency to adsorption on the metal surface than B because of the inclusion of three nitrogen atoms.

Originality/value

The novelty of this work is comparing EN data with EIS and potentiodynamic polarization parameters.
3-Thiophenemalonic acid as corrosion inhibitor of copper
Authors: Medrano-Solís A.B. , León-Silva U. , Nicho Maria Elena
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the copper protection against corrosion using 3-thiophenemalonic acid (3TMA).

Design/methodology/approach

The heterocyclic organic molecule was tested experimentally as a corrosion inhibitor of copper in two different concentrations (0.01 M and 0.001 M) in 0.5 M solutions of sodium chloride and sulfuric acid by AC electrochemical and DC techniques.

Findings

Results showed that the organic compound was adsorbed chemically on the copper surface, and the inhibitions mechanism was both anodic and cathodic. The corrosion mechanism was under mixed control: charge transfer from metal to the environment through the double electrochemical layer, and diffusion processes.

Practical implications

This inhibitor could have application in water cooling systems.

Originality/value

The results of this paper showed that 3TMA could be used for reducing corrosion rates of copper in solutions of sodium chloride and sulfuric acid.
Inhibition of corrosion of copper in acids by norfloxacin
Authors: P. Thanapackiam , Mallaiya Kumaravel , S. Rameshkumar , S.S. Subramanian
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the inhibition efficiency of norfloxacin on the corrosion of copper in 1.0 M nitric acid and 0.5 M sulfuric acid solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Evaluation was carried out by electrochemical techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization studies. Scanning electron microscopy was used, and it finally confirmed the existence of the adsorbed film.

Findings

The electrochemical measurements showed that norfloxacin has good inhibition efficiency on the corrosion of copper in 1.0 M nitric acid and 0.5 M sulfuric acid solutions. The inhibition action of norfloxacin in both of the corrosive media was observed to be of mixed type but with more of cathodic nature. The temperature dependence of the corrosion rate was studied in the temperature range from 35 to 55°C and the activation energy (Ea) was calculated. The adsorption of norfloxacin molecules on copper surface obeyed Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Studies on the potential of zero charge have been carried out to establish the mechanism of adsorption of the inhibitor onto the metal surface. The thermodynamic parameters such as the adsorption equilibrium constant (Kads) and the free energy of adsorption (ΔGads) were calculated. The value of free energy of adsorption very close to −40 kJmol−1indicates that the adsorption is through electrostatic coulombic attraction and chemisorption. The decrease in value of Eawith the addition of inhibitor also shows the chemisorption of the inhibitor on the metal surface.

Originality/value

This paper indicates that norfloxacin can act as a good inhibitor for the corrosion of copper in both the acid media.
Determinants of perceived internal service complexity
Authors: Braun Corina , Hadwich Karsten
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the determinants of perceived internal service complexity in internal service encounters. In this context, the nature of internal service complexity is considered, to identify its promoting and limiting factors, as well as its non-linear effects on internal service quality.

Design/methodology/approach

To acquire information on factors influencing internal service complexity, a broad literature review was conducted. Furthermore, to validate and verify these results, structural equation modeling’ was used in the context of a quantitative study with 705 internal customers.

Findings

The results revealed four promoting and seven limiting complexity determinants at organizational, interdepartmental and internal supplier-related levels. Moreover, the findings showed that an optimal, moderate level of internal service complexity maximizes internal service quality.

Research limitations/implications

As the findings are restricted to this study, further research should be conducted with regard to different types of companies and internal customers. Furthermore, future research should take variability over time into account. Executing a longitudinal approach to internal service complexity might therefore be appropriate.

Practical implications

Managers should note that exclusively reducing internal service complexity is insufficient; rather, a hybrid strategy of lowering and controlling is indispensable for an optimization. Based on the identified complexity determinants, a three-step guidance to optimize internal service is proposed.

Originality/value

Despite examining the construct complexity, previous research has neither analyzed internal service complexity nor studied its determinants. This paper provides an empirical model that analyzes inhibiting and promoting factors of internal service complexity as well as its non-linear effects on internal service quality.
Personal innovativeness as a predictor of entrepreneurial value creation
Authors: Stauffer Dennis
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to determine whether innovativeness is a personal attribute that enhances entrepreneurial success and to obtain external validation for the Valuable Novelty Theory of innovation and the Innovator Mindset (IM) instrument for measuring personal innovativeness.

Design/methodology/approach

This is the final paper in a series of three articles. The first article, Valuable Novelty: A Proposed General Theory of Innovation and Innovativeness, laid out the Valuable Novelty Theory and the Innovation Cycle. The second article Evaluating Mindset as a Means of Measuring Personal Innovativeness explained the design of the IM instrument. For this study, some 300 entrepreneurs were given the IM assessment and asked to provide data on their ventures’ recent performance. The data were then analyzed to see whether differing IM scores reflected different business outcomes. Due to the heavily skewed nature of the business performance data, this required the development of a non-traditional approach to data analysis that combined Rasch measurement, segmentation of the data into quantiles and hypothesis testing using simulations.

Findings

The findings were that there is a robust relationship between personal innovativeness and multiple measures of value creation. An unexpected finding was a Value Creation Curve, a non-linear pattern that appears to characterize the relationship between innovativeness and value creation regardless of the specific type of value.

Research limitations/implications

Key limitations of this study were that it was retrospective and focused on value creation in a particular endeavor – the launching of a new business. A longitudinal study with a control group would further clarify the relationship between innovativeness and value creation. Research in other settings is needed to explore the relevance of innovativeness to other types of value creation.

Originality/value

This is the first study to demonstrate and measure a relationship between personal innovativeness and entrepreneurial value creation, with effect sizes that appear to exceed any previously studied personal attributes. It confirms the role innovativeness plays in creating value, demonstrates the utility of the IM assessment as a research instrument and provides a tool that entrepreneurs and investors can use to more accurately predict the likely outcomes of business ventures.
Recent changes to the AML/CFT law in Malaysia
Authors: Hamin Zaiton
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine some of the recent changes to the old anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing law, which is now known as the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. The paper will highlight the newly consolidated money laundering offences and the newly created offences including structuring of transactions or “smurfing”. Also, the transgression of cross-border movement of cash and negotiable instruments and tipping off about a money laundering disclosure will be assessed.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a doctrinal legal research and secondary data, with the new AML/CFT legislation as the primary source. For comparative analysis, legislations in the UK, Australia and New Zealand are also examined. Secondary sources include case law, articles in academic journals, books and online databases.

Findings

The review of the AML/CFT law is timely and indicates the Malaysian government’s efforts to adhere to international standards set by the financial action task force. However, it is imperative that the Malaysian government addresses the remaining instrumental and normative deficiencies in the AML/CFT law to ensure that the recent legal changes are sufficiently comprehensive to prevent and regulate money laundering and terrorist financing within Malaysia.

Originality/value

This paper is a useful source of information for legal practitioners, academicians, law enforcement, policymakers, legislators, researchers and students.