bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A method for detailed analysis of the structure of mast cell secretory granules by negative contrast imaging
Authors: Tanaka Shotaro , Takakuwa Yuichi
Published: March 2016

Secretory granules (SGs) in mast cells contain various molecules that elicit allergy symptoms and are generally considered therapeutic targets. However, the biogenesis, maintenance, regulation and recycling of these granules remain controversial, mainly due to the lack of suitable live-cell imaging methods. In this study, we applied negative contrast imaging with soluble green fluorescent protein (GFP) expressed in the cytoplasm as a method to validate structural information of mast cell SGs. We evaluated the accuracy of the method in detail and we demonstrated that it can be used for quantitative analysis. Using this technique, secretory granules, the nucleus, mitochondria and the cell body were visualized in individual RBL-2H3 mast cells without any influence. When combined with conventional multicolor fluorescence imaging, visualization of SG-associated proteins and SG–SG fusion was achieved. Moreover, 3D images were constructed based on this method and detailed information on the number, size and shape of individual SGs was obtained. We found that cell volume was correlated with SG number. In summary, the technique provides valuable and unique data and will therefore advance SG research.
Au-NiCo2O4 supported on three-dimensional hierarchical porous graphene-like material for highly effective oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Xia Wei-Yan , Li Nan , Li Qing-Yu , Ye Kai-Hang , Xu Chang-Wei
Published: March 2016

A three-dimensional hierarchical porous graphene-like (3D HPG) material was synthesized by a one-step ion-exchange/activation combination method using a cheap metal ion exchanged resin as carbon precursor. The 3D HPG material as support for Au-NiCo2O4 gives good activity and stability for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The 3D HPG material is induced into NiCo2O4 as conductive support to increase the specific area and improve the poor conductivity of NiCo2O4. The activity of and stability of NiCo2O4 significantly are enhanced by a small amount of Au for OER. Au is a highly electronegative metal and acts as an electron adsorbate, which is believed to facilitate to generate and stabilize Co4+ and Ni3+ cations as the active centres for the OER.
Palaeomagnetism of the Upper Miocene- Lower Pliocene lavas from the East Carpathians: contribution to the paleosecular variation of geomagnetic field
Authors: Vişan Mădălina , Panaiotu Cristian G. , Necula Cristian , Dumitru Anca
Published: March 2016

Investigations of the paleosecular variation of the geomagnetic field on geological timescales depend on globally distributed data sets from lava flows. We report new paleomagnetic results from lava flows of the East Carpathian Mountains (23.6°E, 46.4°N) erupted between 4 and 6 Ma. The average virtual geomagnetic pole position (76 sites) includes the North Geographic Pole and the dispersion of virtual geomagnetic poles is in general agreement with the data of the Time Averaged geomagnetic Field Initiative. Based on this study and previous results from the East Carpathians obtained from 0.04–4 Ma old lava flows, we show that high value of dispersion are characteristic only for 1.5–2.8 Ma old lava flows. High values of dispersion during the Matuyama chron are also reported around 50°N, in the global paleosecular variation data set. More data are needed at a global level to determine if these high dispersions reflect the behaviour of the geomagnetic field or an artefact of inadequate number of sites. This study of the East Carpathians volcanic rocks brings new data from southeastern Europe and which can contribute to the databases for time averaged field and paleosecular variation from lavas in the last 6 Ma.
Potential of mean force between like-charged nanoparticles: Many-body effect
Authors: Zhang Xi , Zhang Jin-Si , Shi Ya-Zhou , Zhu Xiao-Long , Tan Zhi-Jie
Published: March 2016

Ion-mediated interaction is important for the properties of polyelectrolytes such as colloids and nucleic acids. The effective pair interactions between two polyelectrolytes have been investigated extensively, but the many-body effect for multiple polyelectrolytes still remains elusive. In this work, the many-body effect in potential of mean force (PMF) between like-charged nanoparticles in various salt solutions has been comprehensively examined by Monte Carlo simulation and the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann theory. Our calculations show that, at high 1:1 salt, the PMF is weakly repulsive and appears additive, while at low 1:1 salt, the additive assumption overestimates the repulsive many-body PMF. At low 2:2 salt, the pair PMF appears weakly repulsive while the many-body PMF can become attractive. In contrast, at high 2:2 salt, the pair PMF is apparently attractive while the many-body effect can cause a weaker attractive PMF than that from the additive assumption. Our microscopic analyses suggest that the elusive many-body effect is attributed to ion-binding which is sensitive to ion concentration, ion valence, number of nanoparticles and charges on nanoparticles.
Enantioselective Nickel-Catalysed Transformations
Authors: Pellissier Helene
Published: March 2016

Due to the lower costs of nickel catalysts and the high abundance of nickel complexes, enantioselective nickel-mediated transformations have received a continuous and growing attention in recent years. This book demonstrates the diversity of chemistry catalysed by chiral nickel catalysts. Discussing several different enantioselective transformations, this book presents the impressive range of uses that have been found for novel and already known nickel chiral catalysts, from basic organic transformations to completely novel methodologies including fascinating one-pot domino and multicomponent reactions. This much-needed book is ideal for researchers and industrialists in organic chemistry, synthesis and medicinal chemistry.
A proposed new scheme for vibronically resolved time-dependent photoelectron spectroscopy: pump–repump-continuous wave-photoelectron spectroscopy (prp-cw-pes)
Authors: Goel Prateek , Nooijen Marcel
Published: March 2016

We propose a new scheme for time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy denoted as pump–repump-continuous wave-photoelectron spectroscopy (prp-cw-pes).
Zirconium–cyanuric acid coordination polymer: highly efficient catalyst for conversion of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone
Authors: Xue Zhimin , Jiang Jingyun , Li Guofeng , Zhao Wancheng , Wang Jinfang , Mu Tiancheng
Published: March 2016

A zirconium–cyanuric acid coordination polymer has been designed and used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the efficient catalytic conversion of levulinate acid and esters to γ-valerolactone.
Influence of the porous texture of SBA-15 mesoporous silica on the anatase formation in TiO2–SiO2 nanocomposites
Authors: Besançon Manon , Michelin Laure , Josien Ludovic , Vidal Loic , Assaker Karine , Bonne Magali , Lebeau Bénédicte , Blin Jean-Luc
Published: March 2016

TiO2–SiO2 composites with 44 wt% of anatase exhibit a better MO degradation rate than those with fully crystallized anatase.
Simultaneous determination of cationic dyes in water samples with dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction followed by spectrophotometry: experimental design methodology
Authors: Asfaram Arash , Ghaedi Mehrorang
Published: March 2016

Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) combined with spectrophotometry was applied to the determination of two dyes in water samples.
Fabrication of mesoporous solid acid catalysts with tunable surface wettability for efficient catalysis
Authors: Wei Juan , Zou Like , Li Jianzhang
Published: March 2016

Mesoporous solid acid catalysts with tunable surface wettability were fabricated successfully and hydrophobic surfaces are beneficial for catalytic activity.
On-surface synthesis of two-dimensional imine polymers with a tunable band gap: a combined STM, DFT and Monte Carlo investigation
Authors: Xu Lirong , Yu Yanxia , Lin Jianbin , Zhou Xin , Tian Wei Quan , Nieckarz Damian , Szabelski Pawel , Lei Shengbin
Published: March 2016

We introduce a strategy to tune the band gap of 2D imine polymers by adjusting the conjugation size of the monomer backbone, and the structures of the designed 2D polymers were studied both theoretically and experimentally.
Sensitive detection of thiacloprid in environmental and food samples by enhanced chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay
Authors: Liu Zhen J. , Wei Xi , Xu Hai , Li Ming , Zhu Gang B. , Xue Yong L. , Zhang Zhen , Zhao Guan D. , Du Dao L.
Published: March 2016

A fast and sensitive enhanced chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (ECL-EIA) was developed based on horseradish peroxidase detected with a luminol-based substrate for neonicotinoid insecticide thiacloprid in environmental and food samples.
Synergistic effect of ternary electrospun TiO2/Fe2O3/PPy composite nanofibers on peroxidase-like mimics with enhanced catalytic performance
Authors: Jiang Yanzhou , Nie Guangdi , Chi Maoqiang , Yang Zezhou , Zhang Zhen , Wang Ce , Lu Xiaofeng
Published: March 2016

In this work, we demonstrate the fabrication of polypyrrole (PPy) decorated TiO2/Fe2O3 (TiO2/Fe2O3/PPy) composite nanofibers with a core–shell structure as an artificial enzyme system with a high peroxidase-like activity.
One-step electrochemical synthesis of nitrogen and sulfur co-doped, high-quality graphene oxide
Authors: Parvez Khaled , Rincón Rosalba A. , Weber Nils-Eike , Cha Kitty C. , Venkataraman Shyam S.
Published: March 2016

Electrically conductive and heteroatom doped, high-quality graphene oxide is prepared by electrochemical exfoliation and without the use of any harsh chemicals.
Chemically synthesized lithium peroxide composite cathodes for closed system Li–O2 batteries
Authors: Bhargav Amruth , Guo Wei , Fu Yongzhu
Published: March 2016

A binder-free lithium peroxide–carbon nanofiber composite cathode was synthesized chemically to be used in a closed system lithium–oxygen battery without external supply of oxygen.
Giant strain geared to transformable H-bonded network in compressed β-d-mannose
Authors: Patyk Ewa , Jenczak Anna , Katrusiak Andrzej
Published: March 2016

The clearly visible shape change of β-d-mannose crystals is associated with pressure-induced isostructural phase transition.
Encapsulation of chiral Fe(salen) in mesoporous silica structures for use as catalysts to produce optically active sulfoxides
Authors: Oliveira Rafael L. , Nijholt Tom , Shakeri Mozaffar , de Jongh Petra E. , Gebbink Robertus J. M. Klein , de Jong Krijn P.
Published: March 2016

Solid catalysts which are heterogeneous at the macroscopic scale but homogeneous at the microscopic level were prepared by the encapsulation of Fe(salen) by a “ship in a bottle” approach.
Microporous aluminophosphates synthesized with 1,2,3-trimethylimidazolium and fluoride
Authors: Lee Jeong Hwan , Kim Eun Jeong , López-Arbeloa Fernando , Hong Suk Bong , Camblor Miguel A.
Published: March 2016

In the AlPO4 system, 1,2,3-trimethylimidazolium fails to produce 5-membered rings (as expected) but did not produce double-4-membered ring structures either.
Grain boundary dominated ion migration in polycrystalline organic–inorganic halide perovskite films
Authors: Shao Yuchuan , Fang Yanjun , Li Tao , Wang Qi , Dong Qingfeng , Deng Yehao , Yuan Yongbo , Wei Haotong , Wang Meiyu , Gruverman Alexei , Shield Jeffery , Huang Jinsong
Published: March 2016

Grain boundaries have been demonstrated as the dominating ion migration channels in polycrystalline organic–inorganic halide perovskite films.
Life cycle assessment of sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Peters Jens , Buchholz Daniel , Passerini Stefano , Weil Marcel
Published: March 2016

Life cycle assessment for the production of a sodium-ion battery with a layered transition metal oxide and hard carbon.
Is the combination of nanofiltration membranes and AOPs for removing microcontaminants cost effective in real municipal wastewater effluents?
Authors: Miralles-Cuevas S. , Oller I. , Agüera A. , Pérez J. A. Sánchez , Sánchez-Moreno Ricardo , Malato S.
Published: March 2016

Economic assessment of treatment of municipal wastewater plant effluent containing microcontaminants based on the combination of nanofiltration and advanced oxidation processes (EDDS-assisted solar photo-Fenton or ozonation).
Highly sensitive elemental analysis of Cd and Zn by solution anode glow discharge atomic emission spectrometry
Authors: Liu Xing , Zhu Zhenli , He Dong , Zheng Hongtao , Gan Yiqun , Stanley Belshaw Nicholas , Hu Shenghong , Wang Yanxin
Published: March 2016

In this study, a highly sensitive liquid electrode discharge atomic emission source was developed for the determination of Cd and Zn in aqueous solutions.
Facile synthesis of enantioenriched phenol-sulfoxides and their aluminum complexes
Authors: Tang Yani , Sun Yuji , Liu Jiyong , Duttwyler Simon
Published: March 2016

Chiral phenolic p-tolylsulfoxides, t-butylsulfoxides and well-defined aluminum complexes were prepared by short synthetic routes from readily available starting materials.
Biodegradable, thermoresponsive PNIPAM-based hydrogel scaffolds for the sustained release of levofloxacin
Authors: Gan Jianqun , Guan XiaoXiao , Zheng Jian , Guo Huilong , Wu Kun , Liang Liyan , Lu Mangeng
Published: March 2016

The cumulative release of LVF-loaded TBHs exhibited a thermo-induced slow sustained drug release and a reduction-induced fast release.
A novel method to prepare a flame-retardant polyvinyl alcohol fiber with modified acrylonitrile coatings
Authors: Zhou Wanli , Ji Shaosi , Liu Pengqing , Jiang Mengjin , Xu Jianjun
Published: March 2016

A novel fiber with a PVA substrate and modified PAN coating was constructed, which has favorable tensile strength and flame retardance.
Multivalence cooperativity leading to “all-or-nothing” assembly: the case of nucleation-growth in supramolecular polymers
Authors: Lopez-Fontal Elkin , Milanesi Lilia , Tomas Salvador
Published: March 2016

All-or-nothing supramolecular polymerization: the role of multivalence cooperativity in multi-stranded polymers.
Enhancement of ‘dry’ proton conductivity by self-assembled nanochannels in all-solid polyelectrolytes
Authors: Shah Azhar Hussain , Li Jiaye , Yang Hengrui , Rana Usman Ali , Ranganathan Vijayaraghavan , Siddigi Humaira M. , MacFarlane Douglas R. , Forsyth Maria , Zhu Haijin
Published: March 2016

Nanoscale proton-channels endow a polyelectrolyte membrane with exciting anhydrous proton conductivity, making it attractive for high-temperature PEMFC applications.
Recent progress in rechargeable lithium batteries with organic materials as promising electrodes
Authors: Xie Jian , Zhang Qichun
Published: March 2016

Different organic electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries are divided into three types: positive electrode materials, negative electrode materials, and bi-functional electrode materials, and are further discussed.
Relating Hearing Aid Use to Social and Emotional Loneliness in Older Adults
Authors: Weinstein Barbara E. , Sirow Lynn W. , Moser Sarah
Published: March 2016

Purpose

Hearing loss is a risk factor for social isolation and loneliness. We investigated the buffering effects of hearing aid use on perceived social and emotional loneliness.

Method

Forty older adults participated. Prior to and following the hearing aid fitting, participants completed the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (De Jong Gierveld & Kamphuis, 1985); a change in feelings of loneliness following hearing aid use was the outcome indicator.

Results

There was a significant decline in perceptions of loneliness following 4 to 6 weeks of hearing aid use. A dose effect emerged with persons with moderate-to-severe hearing loss experiencing the greatest reduction in perceived loneliness with hearing aid use.

Conclusion

Associated with poorer health status and higher consumption of health care services, perceived loneliness is a challenge to treat. Hearing aid use appears to be a buffer against the experience of loneliness.
New fusional framework combining sparse selection and clustering for key frame extraction
Authors: Fei Mengjuan , Jiang Wei , Mao Weijie , Song Zhendong
Published: March 2016

Key frame extraction can facilitate rapid browsing and efficient video indexing in many applications. However, to be effective, key frames must preserve sufficient video content while also being compact and representative. This study proposes a syncretic key frame extraction framework that combines sparse selection (SS) and mutual information‐based agglomerative hierarchical clustering (MIAHC) to generate effective video summaries. In the proposed framework, the SS algorithm is first applied to the original video sequences to obtain optimal key frames. Then, using content‐loss minimisation and representativeness ranking, several candidate key frames are efficiently selected and grouped as initial clusters. A post‐processor – an improved MIAHC – subsequently performs further processing to eliminate redundant images and generate the final key frames. The proposed framework overcomes issues such as information redundancy and computational complexity that afflict conventional SS methods by first obtaining candidate key frames instead of accurate key frames. Subsequently, application of the improved MIAHC to these candidate key frames rather than the original video not only results in the generation of accurate key frames, but also reduces the computation time for clustering large videos. The results of comparative experiments conducted on two benchmark datasets verify that the performance of the proposed SS–MIAHC framework is superior to that of conventional methods.
Application of hyperpath strategy and driving experience to risk‐averse navigation
Authors: Zeng Weiliang , Miwa Tomio , Morikawa Takayuki
Published: March 2016

This study aims to find an experientially reliable path considering travel time uncertainty and driving experience of local probe vehicle drivers. Accordingly, a two‐stage route‐finding procedure is proposed. First, a set of candidate paths is built by using the hyperpath algorithm, where the choice probability is assigned to each link with uncertain travel time. Second, the shortest path algorithm is applied to find the experientially reliable path on the graph of hyperpath where the modified link cost is penalised based on the link choice probability derived from hyperpath algorithm and the driving experience of local drivers. Four kinds of optimal path in a real‐world network are compared with the observed one. It is found that the proposed path has the most similarity with the observed path and it has a higher degree of familiarity and reasonable time and distance.
Modified TE modes of metal waveguide with integrated graphene structure in the sub‐terahertz frequency range
Authors: Shkerdin Gennady , Alkorre Hameda , Guoqiang He , Stiens Johan
Published: March 2016

The dispersion equation for waveguide modes of rectangular metal waveguides containing a dielectric buffer/graphene/air gap layered structure has been derived in the approximation of perfectly conducting metal waveguide walls. Dispersion dependences of TE0m modes for sub‐terahertz frequencies were analysed against buffer layer thickness and Fermi energy level of graphene electrons. For the first time, it is demonstrated that the waveguide modes can be substantially modulated by tuning the electron Fermi energy level in graphene, especially near the regions of strong waveguide mode modifications. This enables the potential for future designs of amplitude and phase modulators for sub‐THz waves in metal waveguides filled with an integrated graphene structure.
Effects and contrasts of silicon‐on‐insulator floating‐body and body‐contacted field‐effect transistors to the design of high‐performance antenna switches
Authors: Zhang Zhihao , Zhang Gary , Yu Kai , Lin Junming , Huang Liang
Published: March 2016

A theoretical analysis and contrast of silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI) floating‐body (FB) and body‐contacted (BC) metal–oxide–semiconductor field‐effect transistors (FETs) including insertion loss (IL), isolation, power handling capability as well as harmonics for radio frequency switches applications, are firstly developed in detail. From the presented investigation, lower IL and smaller chip size can be obtained using FB FETs, while the BC devices are beneficial to isolation and harmonics improvement. As an experimental vehicle for the presented analysis, the high‐power single‐pole eight‐throw (SP8T) antenna switches for multi‐mode multi‐band applications, are fabricated in a partially depleted 0.18 μm SOI process based on FB and BC FETs, respectively. At 1.9 GHz, the tested IL, TR × 1 to TR × 3 isolation, and P−0.1 dB of the FB and BC SP8T switches are approximately 0.53/0.65 dB, 27.6/29.3 dB and 38.0/38.4 dBm. For the two cases, the second and third harmonics are −70.6/−75.5 and −60.4/−79.9 dBc, respectively, with a +33 dBm input power at 1.9 GHz. The experimental results strongly support the analysis that the FB FET is a preferred device in low loss or low throw‐count switching design while the BC FET is a better selection in the applications that demand high power and low harmonic.
23:1 Bandwidth ratio quasi‐lumped component balun on a multilayer organic substrate
Authors: Pham Binh L. , Ta Hai H. , Pham Anh‐Vu , Leoni Robert E. , Leviatan Yehuda
Published: March 2016

In this study, the authors present the design and development of a novel ultra‐wideband coupled‐line balun on a multilayer liquid crystal polymer substrate. The balun is designed using a quarter wavelength (λ/4) asymmetric broadside coupled line. The defected ground structure and a lumped phase compensation circuit are developed to achieve wide bandwidth performance for the balun. The balun has a measured bandwidth ratio of 23:1, from 80 to 1860 MHz. Within the operating bandwidth, the experimental results demonstrate that the balun achieves an input return loss of better than 10 dB, an insertion loss of better than 1 dB, an amplitude imbalance of better than ±0.4 dB and a phase imbalance of better than ±10°. The size of the balun is 40.64 mm × 40.64 mm or 0.22λg × 0.22λg, where λg is the guided wavelength at the centre frequency of 970 MHz.
Enhanced magnetic flux density mapping using coherent steady state equilibrium signal in MREIT
Authors: Jeong Woo Chul , Lee Mun Bae , Sajib Saurav Z. K. , Kim Hyung Joong , Kwon Oh In , Woo Eung Je
Published: March 2016

Measuring the z-component of magnetic flux density B = (Bx, By, Bz) induced by transversally injected current, magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MREIT) aims to visualize electrical property (current density and/or conductivity distribution) in a three-dimensional imaging object. For practical implementations of MREIT technique, it is critical to reduce injection of current pulse within safety requirements. With the goal of minimizing the noise level in measured Bz data, we propose a new method to enhance the measure Bz data using steady-state coherent gradient multi-echo (SSC-GME) MR pulse sequence combining with injection current nonlinear encoding (ICNE) method in MREIT, where the ICNE technique injects current during a readout gradient to maximize the signal intensity of phase signal including Bz. The total phase offset in SSC-GME includes additional magnetic flux density due to the injected current, which is different from the phase signal for the conventional spoiled MR pulse sequence. We decompose the magnetization precession phase from the total phase offset including Bz and optimize Bz data using the steady-state equilibrium signal. Results from a real phantom experiment including different kinds of anomalies demonstrated that the proposed method enhanced Bz comparing to a conventional spoiled pulse sequence.
Ex situ synthesis of magnetically exchange coupled SrFe12O19/Fe-Co composites
Authors: Xu Xia , Hong Yang-Ki , Park Jihoon , Lee Woncheol , Lane Alan M.
Published: March 2016

Magnetically exchange coupled SrFe12O19/Fe-Co composites with different mass percentage of Fe-Co were synthesized through an ex situ process. The morphology, magnetic properties, and crystallization of SrFe12O19/Fe-Co composites were investigated. Lower mass percentage of Fe-Co presented an even distribution of Fe-Co nanoparticles on the surface of SrFe12O19, and effective magnetic exchange coupling between Fe-Co and SrFe12O19. Higher mass percentage of Fe-Co leads to an agglomeration of Fe-Co nanoparticles on SrFe12O19 surface, and a weak magnetic exchange coupling between Fe-Co and SrFe12O19. This ex situ process proposed a new method to synthesize magnetically exchange coupled SrFe12O19/Fe-Co core/shell composites with precise control of the magnetic properties. This method can also be potentially used for other hard/soft magnetic composite synthesis.
Effects of vibration frequency on vibration-assisted nano-scratch process of mono-crystalline copper via molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Zhu Bo , Zhao Hongwei , Zhao Dan , Zhang Peng , Yang Yihan , Han Lei , Kui Hailin
Published: March 2016

It has always been a critical issue to understand the material removal behavior of Vibration-Assisted Machining (VAM), especially on atomic level. To find out the effects of vibration frequency on material removal response, a three-dimensional molecular dynamics (MD) model has been established in this research to investigate the effects of scratched groove, crystal defects on the surface quality, comparing with the Von Mises shear strain and tangential force in simulations during nano-scratching process. Comparisons are made among the results of simulations from different vibration frequency with the same scratching feed, depth, amplitude and crystal orientation. Copper potential in this simulation is Embedded-Atom Method (EAM) potential. Interaction between copper and carbon atoms is Morse potential. Simulational results show that higher frequency can make groove smoother. Simulation with high frequency creates more dislocations to improve the machinability of copper specimen. The changing frequency does not have evident effects on Von Mises shear strain. Higher frequency can decrease the tangential force to reduce the consumption of cutting energy and tool wear. In conclusion, higher vibration frequency in VAM on mono-crystalline copper has positive effects on surface finish, machinablility and tool wear reduction.
First-order modal logic in the necessary framework of objects
Authors: Fritz Peter
Published: March 2016

I consider the first-order modal logic which counts as valid those sentences which are true on every interpretation of the non-logical constants. Based on the assumptions that it is necessary what individuals there are and that it is necessary which propositions are necessary, Timothy Williamson has tentatively suggested an argument for the claim that this logic is determined by a possible world structure consisting of an infinite set of individuals and an infinite set of worlds. He notes that only the cardinalities of these sets matters, and that not all pairs of infinite sets determine the same logic. I use so-called two-cardinal theorems from model theory to investigate the space of logics and consequence relations determined by pairs of infinite sets, and show how to eliminate the assumption that worlds are individuals from Williamson's argument.
Herquline A, produced by Penicillium herquei FKI-7215, exhibits anti-influenza virus properties
Authors: Chiba Takuya , Asami Yukihiro , Suga Takuya , Watanabe Yoshihiro , Nagai Takayuki , Momose Fumitaka , Nonaka Kenichi , Iwatsuki Masato , Yamada Haruki , Ōmura Satoshi , Shiomi Kazuro
Published: March 2016

In the course of screening for new anti-influenza virus antibiotics, we isolated herquline A from a culture broth of the fungus, Penicillium herquei FKI-7215. Herquline A inhibited replication of influenza virus A/PR/8/34 strain in a dose-dependent manner without exhibiting cytotoxicity against several human cell lines. It did not inhibit the viral neuraminidase.
Comparing international curriculum systems: the international instructional systems study
Authors: Creese Brian , Gonzalez Alvaro , Isaacs Tina
Published: March 2016

This paper sets out the main findings of the International Instructional Systems Study (IISS), conducted by the UCL Institute of Education and funded by the Center on International Education Benchmarking (CIEB). The study examined the instructional systems and intended curricula of six ‘high performing’ countries and two US states. The study ultimately focused on nine specific aspects of those systems: the aims of the education system; how centralised or decentralised management of the instructional system is; principles and methods of accountability; what compulsory and optional subjects are included in the programmes of study; the degree to which curriculum is organised by discipline or integrated across disciplines; whether curriculum is common or differentiated; how twenty‐first century skills are embedded in the curriculum; the clarity and content of curriculum for secondary vocational pathways; and how assessments are created and what stakes they have and for whom.
A review of the school science curricula in eleven high achieving jurisdictions
Authors: Hollins Martin , Reiss Michael J.
Published: March 2016

The last two decades have seen unprecedented interest in science curricula, with many governments seeing improvements in the performance of their school students in science as key to future economic prosperity. We present the results of an analysis of the curriculum documents for primary and secondary science in Australia (New South Wales and Queensland), Canada (Alberta and Ontario), Finland, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and the United States (Florida and Massachusetts). Beyond our specific findings, we note a degree of convergence across these 11 very different jurisdictions. The Asian ones have made and are making changes to encourage students to be more creative and better able to apply their science knowledge and develop their scientific literacy; the ‘Western’ ones are becoming more knowledge focused.
Near- and far-field dispersal modelling of organic waste from Atlantic salmon aquaculture in fjord systems
Authors: Bannister Raymond J. , Johnsen Ingrid A. , Hansen Pia K. , Kutti Tina , Asplin Lars
Published: March 2016

The ability to achieve environmentally sustainable Atlantic salmon aquaculture in coastal fjord ecosystems is currently constrained by our limited knowledge of the regional interactions and fate of organic effluents on benthic ecosystems. A first step in addressing this limitation is to establish predictive modelling tools to better understand local and regional dispersion of organic effluents in the wider ecosystem. By combining settling velocity of faecal waste from different sizes of Atlantic salmon, a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model coupled with a particle tracking model and farm management data, this study presents a first-generation generic near- and far-field effluent dispersion model to predict the spread of particulate organic waste into fjord ecosystems. Simulations predict that >75% of organic effluents are dispersed to near-field sites (<500 m from the release point), while a small proportion of particulate organic effluents (up to 2.7%) are dispersed to far-field sites (>2 km). These simulations indicate that organic effluents from fish farms may be dispersed over large areas of fjord systems. The input of measured “mass fractions” settling velocities of faecal waste from different sizes of Atlantic salmon ensured that modelled predictions of near and far-field dispersion of organic material over a production cycle were in the range of observed POM fluxes.
Assemblytics: a web analytics tool for the detection of assembly-based variants
Authors: Nattestad Maria , Schatz Michael C
Published: March 2016

Assemblytics is a web app for detecting and analyzing structural variants from ade novogenome assembly aligned to a reference genome. It incorporates a unique anchor filtering approach to increase robustness to repetitive elements, and identifies six classes of variants based on their distinct alignment signatures. Assemblytics can be applied both to comparing aberrant genomes, such as human cancers, to a reference, or to identify differences between related species. Multiple interactive visualizations enable in-depth explorations of the genomic distributions of variants.

Availability and Implementation:

http://qb.cshl.edu/assemblytics,https://github.com/marianattestad/assemblytics

Contact:mnattest@cshl.edu

Supplementary information:

Supplementary data are available atBioinformaticsonline.
The Big Five personality traits and burnout among Malaysian HR professionals
Authors: Santos Angeli , Mustafa Michael , Chern Gwi Terk
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine whether Malaysian HR professionals emotions regulation strategy mediates the relationship between their personality and burnout. To date few studies have examined such issues, especially among emerging Asian economies such as Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

– A model linking the Big Five personality to emotions regulation (deep and surface acting (SA)) and burnout was tested using data from 136 employees from a large Malaysian financial institution.

Findings

– Results indicate that the Big Five had different effects on burnout and emotion regulation. Only SA mediated the relationship between extroversion, emotional stability and openness on personal-related burnout and between extroversion and openness on work-related burnout.

Originality/value

– The study represents one of the first attempts in the literature to explore how individual differences and emotions influence burnout among HR professionals. The study also addresses calls in the literature to further explore the role of emotions in the workplace in non-Western contexts.
Perceived managerial functions in the front-end phase of innovation
Authors: Rekonen Satu , Björklund Tua A.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore managerial functions and related activities of inexperienced project managers in the front-end of the innovation (FEI) process.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 15 student project managers were interviewed while they were engaged in the front-end phase of their respective eight-month projects. In total, 757 interview transcript segments on their perceptions of managerial functions were categorized based on thematic similarity of content.

Findings

– Four major managerial functions emerged: providing structural support, coordinating and acting as a link, empowering the team, and encouraging and providing social support. Out of these, traditional task-oriented managerial functions were emphasized.

Research limitations/implications

– Although limited by the small amount of participants in a university setting, the results suggest that task-oriented managerial functions are dominant even in the FEI for inexperienced project managers. More research is needed to understand the antecedents and consequences of such task-dominance, and whether it persists as more experience is accrued. On the other hand, domain knowledge seemed to play a smaller role than indicated by previous research.

Practical implications

– Project managers should pay attention to creating structure in the uncertain front-end phase. Swift familiarization with the capabilities and practices of each team member cannot be overemphasized, as otherwise the heterogeneity of the team might become a limitation rather than asset. On the other hand, domain experience of the manager may not be necessary in the FEI.

Originality/value

– The study addresses the gap in previous research on managerial functions specifically in the FEI. Task-oriented managerial functions emerged as way of novice project managers attempting to deal with the fluctuating contingencies in order to foster innovation.
Network gatekeeping in SME exporters’ market entry in China
Authors: Gao Hongzhi , Ren Monica , Zhang Jing , Sun Ruoyi
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Small and medium-sized exporters (SMEs) are driven to develop a network entry strategy to tap into a new foreign market. The purpose of this paper is to draw on the network perspective to evaluate how a network gatekeeper facilitates a foreign SME exporter’s entry into local business networks in China.

Design/methodology/approach

– The single case study method was adopted. The Ule New Zealand Mall, an online shopping platform that sells New Zealand products in China, was selected in this case study. The authors applied the critical incident technique to evaluate the position of New Zealand Post (as a home country-based network gatekeeper), the roles within the position, and the key outcome of the network gatekeeping.

Findings

– The study discovers two key roles of network gatekeepers: bridging the gap in trust between outsider networks and insider networks; and reducing the costs of experiential learning for SME exporters. Finally, this study concludes that the “brokered insidership” position acquired by SME exporters is the key outcome of network gatekeeping in foreign market entry.

Originality/value

– This study advances the understanding of theories of structural holes, business network and gatekeeping. The authors articulate the critical position assumed by a network gatekeeper in bridging two otherwise disconnected business networks, and their key roles in networking. The study also proposes a new network concept – “brokered insidership”.
Financing infrastructure development: time to unshackle the bonds?
Authors: Hutchison Norman , Squires Graham , Adair Alastair , Berry Jim , Lo Daniel , McGreal Stanley , Organ Sam
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider the merits of using projects bonds to finance infrastructure investment projects and considers the pricing of such bonds and the level of risk premium demanded by the market.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research used a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods with desk-based study and interviews. Interviews were held with policy makers, local authority staff, planners, developers, investors, fund managers and academics. Infrastructure bond data were obtained from the Bloomberg database on all project bonds issued in four Asian countries – Malaysia, China, Taiwan and India – over the period 2003-2014.

Findings

– The analysis indicates investor appetite for project bonds and suggests that a risk premium of between 150 and 300 basis points over the comparable government bond is appropriate depending on the sector and the degree of government involvement in underwriting the issue.

Practical implications

– The paper argues that the introduction of project bonds would be an important innovation, assisting the financing of infrastructure investment at a time when bank lending is likely to remain fragile. The current conditions in the sovereign debt market, where strong demand has forced down yields, has opened up the opportunity to introduce project bonds offering a higher yield to satisfy institutional investment demand for long term fixed income products.

Originality/value

– The originality of this paper stems from the analysis of the merits of using projects bonds to finance infrastructure investment projects, the pricing of such bonds and the level of risk premium demanded by the market.
E-government services evaluation from citizen satisfaction perspective
Authors: Anwer Anwer Mohammad , Esichaikul Vatcharaporn , Rehman Mariam , Anjum Maria
Published: March 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and evaluate the current status of e-government services in Afghanistan. To identify the evaluation criteria based on citizen satisfaction from e-government services, the proposed government-to-citizen (G2C) evaluation model is considered in the context of Afghanistan.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual G2C evaluation model and e-government evaluation model are proposed. The criteria used for the G2C evaluation model is based on the demand and supply side, which have an immense effect on citizen satisfaction. The mixed research method (quantitative and qualitative) is used, and quantitative data analysis results are supported through qualitative data analysis.

Findings

The findings reveal that citizen satisfaction from e-government services in Afghanistan are affected by services availability on multiple channels, citizen-centric features, paralingual support, process performance, skills divide, awareness, information security and transaction security.

Research limitations/implications

Yet to be addressed, three criteria deemed as significant factors are recommended to be included in the model, namely, government readiness, system quality (usability, service quality and information quality) for supply side and social divide for demand side. These three criteria can help in proposing a successful G2C evaluation model. Additionally, the quantitative data used in this study were collected through paper-based questionnaires. Data collection through Internet can help to get responses from various parts of the country for future evaluation of G2C services.

Practical implications

The key findings of this study are vitally important for e-government strategies and policy makers to design and disseminate appropriate e-government services to Afghan citizens. The proposed evaluation model can also be used as a guideline for e-government development in Afghanistan.

Originality/value

A conceptual model for e-government services evaluation approach is proposed based on literature review. The proposed G2C evaluation model identifies and validates key factors and criteria in the context of Afghanistan.
Evaluation of the effect of double reporting on test accuracy in screening and diagnostic imaging studies: A review of the evidence
Authors: Pow Richard E , Mello‐Thoms Claudia , Brennan Patrick
Published: March 2016

Diagnostic error in radiology is not uncommon, with rates of clinically significant error reported to be as high as 20%. Radiological errors are often multifactorial, however, perceptual factors are thought to be mainly responsible. One way of reducing perceptual error is that of double reporting, which refers to the interpretation of radiological investigations by two observers, with strategies of arbitration and consensus available to settle discordant reports. Independent double reporting, where observers have no knowledge of each other's reports, is generally considered to be the most effective form. The impact of double reporting on diagnostic efficacy has been primarily explored in screening mammography, where it has consistently been shown to improve sensitivity, cancer detection rate and depending on local policy, have a positive influence on recall rates. Subsequently, the adoption of double reporting is reported as standard practice in many national and regional breast cancer‐screening programmes. To a lesser extent, the impact of double reporting has also been investigated for neuroradiology, thoracic and gastrointestinal imaging, with small‐scale studies in these fields showing promising results. With the widespread implementation of digitisation and the ease of access to images, the efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of double reporting for other common radiological investigations requires attention. The review will evaluate the evidence regarding the effect of double interpretation of diagnostic imaging studies on test accuracy.
Peripheral blood late mixed chimerism in leucocyte subpopulations following allogeneic stem cell transplantation for childhood malignancies: does it matter?
Authors: Pichler Herbert , Fritsch Gerhard , König Margit , Daxberger Helga , Glogova Evgenia , Pötschger Ulrike , Breuer Sabine , Lawitschka Anita , Güclü Ece D. , Karlhuber Susanne , Holter Wolfgang , Haas Oskar A. , Lion Thomas , Matthes‐Martin Susanne
Published: March 2016

The impact of persistent mixed chimerism (MC) after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains unclarified. We investigated the incidence of MC in peripheral blood beyond day +50 after HSCT and its impact on rejection, chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (c‐GvHD) and relapse in 161 children receiving allogeneic HSCT for haematological malignancies. The 1‐year incidence of late MC was 26%. Spontaneous conversion to complete donor chimerism (CC) occurred in 43% of patients as compared to 62% after donor lymphocyte infusions. No graft rejection occurred. The 1‐year incidence of c‐GvHD was 20 ± 7% for MC, and 18 ± 4% for CC patients (P = 0·734). The 3‐year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) according to chimerism status at days +50 and +100 was 22 ± 4% for CC patients vs. 22 ± 8% for MC patients (day +50; P = 0·935) and 21 ± 4% vs. 20 ± 7% (day +100; P = 0·907). Three‐year CIRs in patients with persistent MC and patients with CC/limited MC were comparable (8 ± 7% vs. 19 ± 4%; P = 0·960). HSCT for acute leukaemia or myelodysplastic syndrome as secondary malignancies (hazard ratio (HR) 4·7; P = 0·008), for AML (HR 3·0; P = 0·02) and from mismatched donors (HR 3·1; P = 0·03) were independent factors associated with relapse. Our data suggest that late MC neither protects from c‐GvHD nor does it reliably predict impending disease relapse.
Hypoxia enhances angiogenesis in an adipose‐derived stromal cell/endothelial cell co‐culture 3D gel model
Authors: Xie Qiang , Xie Jing , Zhong Juan , Cun Xiangzhu , Lin Shiyu , Lin Yunfeng , Cai Xiaoxiao
Published: March 2016

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the influence of hypoxia on angiogenesis in a 3D gel, with co‐culturing adipose‐derived stromal cells (ASCs) and endothelial cells (ECs).

Materials and methods

ASCs from green fluorescent protein‐labeled mice and ECs from red fluorescent protein‐labeled mice were co‐cultured in 3D collagen gels at 1:1 ratio, in normal and hypoxic oxygen conditions, and morphology of angiogenesis was observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. To discover changes in growth factors between monoculture ASCs and ECs, transwell co‐cultures of ASCs and ECs were applied. Semi‐quantitative PCR was performed to explore mRNA expression of growth factors.

Results

Enhanced angiogenesis was observed in 3D gels implanted with 1:1 mixture of ASCs and ECs after 7 days hypoxia. Genes including VEGFA/B, EGF‐1, HIF‐1a, IGF‐1, PDGF, TGF‐β1 and BMP‐2/4 in ECs, both monoculture and co‐culture, were significantly enhanced after being cultured under hypoxia. In comparison, genes VEGFA/B, EGF‐1, HIF‐1a, TGF‐β1 and BMP‐2 in ASCs increased. In all, factors VEGFA/B, EGF‐1, HIF‐1a, TGF‐β1 and BMP‐2 increased in both ASCs and ECs after being cultured in hypoxia no matter whether as monoculture or co‐culture.

Conclusions

Co‐culture of ASCs and ECs at 1:1 ratio in a 3D gel under hypoxia promoted angiogenesis. Those growth factors which were increased in both ASCs and ECs, indicate that VEGFA/B, EGF‐1, HIF‐1a, TGF‐β1 and BMP‐2 might be responsible for enhancement in angiogenesis triggered by hypoxia.