bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of total cholesterol using an enzyme sensor based on a printed hydrogen peroxide electrocatalyst
Authors: Ahmadraji T. , Killard A. J.
Published: March 2016

An electrochemical sensor for measuring total cholesterol in serum using Triton X-100 as a printed, non-enzymatic electrocatalyst for hydrogen peroxide and for the solubilisation of lipoproteins.
Biphenyl end-capped bithiazole co-oligomers for high performance organic thin film field effect transistors
Authors: Oniwa Kazuaki , Kikuchi Hiromasa , Kanagasekaran Thangavel , Shimotani Hidekazu , Ikeda Susumu , Asao Naoki , Yamamoto Yoshinori , Tanigaki Katsumi , Jin Tienan
Published: March 2016

Two new regiospecific biphenyl end-capped bithiazole co-oligomers, BP2Tz(in) and BP2Tz(out), showed high hole mobilities of 3.5 and 0.4 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively, in thin film field effect transistors.
Molecular simulations of cytochrome c adsorption on positively charged surfaces: the influence of anion type and concentration
Authors: Peng Chunwang , Liu Jie , Xie Yun , Zhou Jian
Published: March 2016

The influence of anion type and concentration on the adsorption of cytochromeconto the positively charged NH2-SAM surface.
A search for synbiotics: effects of enzymatically modified arabinoxylan and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens on short-chain fatty acids in the cecum content and plasma of rats
Authors: Nielsen Tina S. , Jensen Bent B. , Purup Stig , Jackson Stephanie , Saarinen Markku , Lyra Anna , Sørensen Jens F. , Theil Peter K. , Knudsen Knud Erik B.
Published: March 2016

Identification of dietary strategies to increase large intestinal production and absorption of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially butyrate, is of great interest due to the possible health promoting effects.
Synthesis and cytotoxic evaluation of several oleanolic acid–uracil/thymine conjugates
Authors: Cheng Ke-Guang , Su Chun-Hua , Huang Jia-Yan , Wang Heng-Shan , Liu Jun , Zheng Yuan-Ting , Chen Zhen-Feng
Published: March 2016

Some IC50 values of sixteen synthesized oleanolic acid–uracil/thymine hybrids were under 0.1 μM against tested cells (Hep-G2, A549, BGC-823, MCF-7 and PC-3).
PS-BEMP as a basic catalyst for the phospha-Michael addition to electron-poor alkenes
Authors: Strappaveccia Giacomo , Bianchi Luca , Ziarelli Simone , Santoro Stefano , Lanari Daniela , Pizzo Ferdinando , Vaccaro Luigi
Published: March 2016

PS-BEMP was used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the phospha-Michael addition to electron-poor alkenes giving generally good yields, up to 90%.
Tuning the conductivity type in a room temperature magnetic oxide: Ni-doped Ga0.6Fe1.4O3 thin films
Authors: Demchenko A. , Chang Y. , Chikoidze E. , Berini B. , Lefèvre C. , Roulland F. , Ulhaq-Bouillet C. , Versini G. , Barre S. , Leuvrey C. , Favre-Nicolin V. , Boudet N. , Zafeiratos S. , Dumont Y. , Viart N.
Published: March 2016

The mechanism responsible for conduction in pulsed laser deposited thin films of room temperature ferrimagnetic Ga0.6Fe1.4O3 is fully elucidated. The conduction type can be tuned from n to p through doping with bivalent Ni ions.
A new approach to the preparation of poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) nanofibers
Authors: Yan Hongchen , Li Jinglong , Tian Wenting , He Lianyuan , Tuo Xinlin , Qiu Teng
Published: March 2016

Poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) nanofibers were prepared via a polymerization induced self-assembly process with the assistance of methoxy polyethylene glycol (mPEG).
Improving lithium–sulfur battery performance by using ternary hybrid cathode material
Authors: Li Jing , Guo Jianqiang , Zeng Li , Huang Yeju , Peng Rufang
Published: March 2016

Lithium–sulfur batteries are one attractive power source with high energy density.
Beta-glucan quantification by fluorescence analysis using photonic crystals
Authors: Ren Jiaoyu , Xuan Hongyun , Zhu Yanxi , Liu Xuefan , Ge Liqin
Published: March 2016

In this study, 1DPhCs were utilized as a Bragg reflection mirror. Gold was deposited on 1DPhC films. 1DPhCs with Au were used for quantitative determination of beta-glucan.
Spin-manipulated phonon dynamics during magnetic phase transitions in triangular lattice antiferromagnet CuCr1−xMgxO2 semiconductor films
Authors: Li Xurui , Wang Junyong , Zhang Jinzhong , Li Yawei , Hu Zhigao , Chu Junhao
Published: March 2016

The temperature-dependent phonon spectra and magnetoresistance of CuCr1−xMgxO2 films have been studied, combined with first-principles calculations.
Tailored synthesis of well-faceted single crystals of Fe3O4 and their application in p-nitrophenol reduction
Authors: Liang Jun , Yue Ajuan , Wang Qingcheng , Song Shuang , Li Li
Published: March 2016

Well-defined Fe3O4 nanocrystals (NCs), which exhibit excellent catalytic properties, have been synthesized in high yield via a facile hydrothermal method.
Differential effects of zinc binding on structured and disordered regions in the multidomain STIL protein
Authors: Amartely Hadar , David Ahuvit , Shamir Mai , Lebendiker Mario , Izraeli Shai , Friedler Assaf
Published: March 2016

Here we show that simultaneous binding of Zn2+ ions has different effects on structured and disordered domains in the same multidomain protein.
Highly luminescent hydrogels synthesized by covalent grafting of lanthanide complexes onto PNIPAM via one-pot free radical polymerization
Authors: Li Qing-Feng , Du Xiaodi , Jin Lin , Hou Mengmeng , Wang Zhenling , Hao Jianhua
Published: March 2016

Transparent and highly luminescent hydrogels synthesized by covalent grafting of lanthanide complexes onto PNIPAM exhibit tunable multi-color luminescence properties.
Room-temperature synthesis and warm-white LED applications of Mn4+ ion doped fluoroaluminate red phosphor Na3AlF6:Mn4+
Authors: Song E. H. , Wang J. Q. , Ye S. , Jiang X. F. , Peng M. Y. , Zhang Q. Y.
Published: March 2016

An intense red fluoroaluminate phosphor, cryolite Na3AlF6:Mn4+, with high color purity and good thermal stability has been designed and synthesized via a facile two-step method at room temperature.
Calculation of delivery rate in fault‐tolerant network‐on‐chips
Authors: Wang Junshi , Huang Letian , Li Guangjun , Jantsch Axel
Published: March 2016

Reliability for network‐on‐chips has been widely researched in last decades not only to support the rapid growing requirement of on‐chip communication but also to address the challenge on reliability due to aggressive technology scaling. Simulation is the most common method to evaluate the capacity of reliability design but its cost is significant. Therefore, it is necessary to calculate the capacity for reliability of a design with light‐weight mathematic models. A model for faults on links is described to calculate the delivery rate of networks based on a Markov chain fault model, fault‐tolerant configuration and network traffic. The calculation results show accurate approximation of simulation results.
Performance analysis for canonical Huffman coding with fixed window size
Authors: Konstantinides J.M. , Andreadis I.
Published: March 2016

The compression efficiency of canonical Huffman coding is drastically affected by the size of the compression window, the choice of which is typically done heuristically analytic bounds for the worst‐case compression efficiency of canonical Huffman coding are introduced, as a function of the size of the compression window. The derived bounds offer fine‐grained control over the compression latency‐efficiency trade‐off.
Analysis of passive intermodulation generated by broadband signals
Authors: Zhao Pei , Zhang Xupu , Yang Dacheng
Published: March 2016

A simple model is developed for predicting the power rise of the passive intermodulation in the first zone generated by broadband signals compared with the 2‐tone test, followed by an experimental validation. The calculated results agree well with the measurements, having a mean difference of 0.6 dB.
Circuit for clamping bridge overvoltages in voltage‐fed quasi‐Z‐source converter
Authors: Kitson J. , McNeill N.
Published: March 2016

Unlike the voltage source converter, the Z‐source converter can boost as well as buck the input voltage. However, the presence of physically large components in the impedance network introduces large parasitic inductances into power device commutation paths. This leads to consequent overvoltages at power device turn‐off. A simple circuit for addressing this is presented. Practical results are given for a voltage‐fed quasi‐Z‐source inverter with discontinuous input current.
Wideband filtering crossover using dual‐mode ring resonator
Authors: Feng Wenjie , Zhang Ying , Che Wenquan
Published: March 2016

A wideband filtering crossover using a dual‐mode ring resonator is proposed. Two half‐wavelength open stubs are used to produce transmission zeroes for the crossover passband. A high selectivity wideband filtering crossover with a fifth‐order passband is designed and fabricated for verification. The measured results and theoretical expectations have good agreement.
Ant‐based distributed denial of service detection technique using roaming virtual honeypots
Authors: Selvaraj Rajalakshmi , Madhav Kuthadi Venu , Marwala Tshilidzi
Published: March 2016

Nowadays, distributed denial of service (DDoS) becomes a major challenge in the network as it affects the network at multi‐level. This leads to traffic overhead and wastage of bandwidth utilisation. In order to overcome these issues, ant‐based DDoS detection technique using roaming virtual honeypots is proposed. In this technique, virtual roaming honeypot along with the multi‐level secure architecture is used to collect the information about the various intruders at different levels in the network. Ant colony optimisation technique is used to detect the intruders based on the pheromone deposit on that considered area. A multi‐level IP log table is used to detect the intruders at different levels of the network. Once the affected area is found, the information is sent to multi‐level architecture to limit the spread of the affected area to the honeypot. This information is sent to the honeypot to make a defence system against the attackers. The advantage of the proposed technique is that it provides a full defence against DDoS at multi‐level without creating any traffic overhead.
Effect of an electric field on copper sulphide deposition in oil‐impregnated power transformers
Authors: Hu Ende , Yang Lijun , Liao Rui Jin , Liu Yilu , Yuan Yuan
Published: March 2016

Copper sulphide deposition on insulating paper in oil‐impregnated power transformers affects the characteristics of oil‐paper insulation. Although several external factors, including electric field, contribute to the formation of deposition, the specific effect of electric field on copper sulphide deposition is still not well understood. This study presents an experimental research about the effect of an electric field on copper sulphide deposition. Paper pig‐tail wrapped copper winding were used, and 1.5 kV AC voltage at 130°C was applied on the winding for accelerated electric‐thermal ageing. The influence of partial discharge on deposition was investigated further. Results showed that the weight of copper sulphide depositions increased because of the presence of an electric field. Interestingly, this corrosion became serious under partial discharge effect. The electrochemical erosion and high temperature generated by partial discharge were considered as the main reasons for this phenomenon. The acid generated by the ageing of oil‐paper insulation further contributed to the acceleration of chemical reaction. The electric field aggravates Cu corrosion, which eventually leads to thermally induced dielectric breakdown of the insulating systems in transformers.
Electromagnetic performance of three‐phase doubly fed doubly salient electromagnetic generator
Authors: Zhao Yao , Wang Huizhen
Published: March 2016

In this paper, a three‐phase dual armature‐winding doubly fed doubly salient electromagnetic generator (DAW‐DFDSEG) is proposed. The reason for using different numbers of turns in the two sets of armature windings is presented. On the basis of the finite‐element method (), two different DAW structures (DAW1 and DAW2) with different turn numbers of armature windings are analysed and compared. The DAW2 structure outputs more power than DAW1 under the same turn number of armature windings, due to the stronger flux‐weakening armature reaction under heavy magnetic saturation. However, the manufacturing technique of DAW2 is more complex than that of DAW1 in the limited stator slot. The DAW1 with two set armature windings of 11 and 12 is researched in detail in terms of flux linkage, induced voltages, winding voltages, winding currents, self‐inductances and mutual inductances by simulation and the equivalent rectifier circuit patterns of two time zones are also presented. Meanwhile, its commutation procedure is analysed in detail. To validate the analysis, a 12/8‐pole DAW‐DFDSEG prototype has been designed and the simulated waveforms agree well with the measured ones.
Predictive torque control for voltage source inverter‐permanent magnet synchronous motor based on equal torque effect
Authors: Xia Changliang , Qiu Xudong , Wang Zhiqiang , Shi Tingna
Published: March 2016

In this paper, equal torque effect (ET‐effect) is discovered, which means that the same torque can be obtained by applying different voltage vectors whose terminals locate on a special curve called the equal torque curve (ET‐curve). By means of ET‐effect, an improved predictive torque control (PTC) without weighting factor is proposed. First, to obtain the volt‐sec vectors whose terminals locate on the ET‐curve, the proposed PTC calculates the duty cycles of all the voltage vectors intersected with the ET‐curve, and then establishes finite control set by accumulating those volt‐sec vectors. Second, a cost function that includes only the flux error is defined to select the optimal volt‐sec vector, and thus to avoid weighting factor adjustment since the torque error no longer exists in the cost function. Because of the two‐step optimisation of torque and flux, the proposed PTC can avoid the problem that the duty cycle cannot be fully utilised in standard PTC. As a result, the proposed PTC achieves better performance of torque and flux than standard PTC and PTC with duty cycle. Finally, experiments have been carried out to validate the proposed PTC strategy.
Reconstruction of Continuity Defects of the Mandible with Non-vascularized Bone Grafts. Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Akinbami BabatundeOlayemi
Published: March 2016

Background

The use of NVBG for mandibular defects seems to be gradually giving way for more advanced reconstructive techniques but it has the advantages of shorter operating time and lesser amount of blood loss. The aim of this study was to review the available data on the success and failure rates of use of NVBG and factors associated with failure.

Method

Studies published from 1978 to 2014 regarding the use of NVBG were searched. Most important information was graft success and failure outcomes. Information on graft success with particular focus on large defects was extracted and the quality of papers was rated. Defects > 6cm were considered long defects.

Results

Twenty publications were included in this review. The quality of the studies was low and there was high heterogeneity. All articles reported high graft success rates ranging from 67 to 100%. Success in defects > 6cm was considerable, the range was 72–100%. Three main factors were associated with failure; these were defect length, fixation method and infection. Infection contributed the highest complication rate which was 48.2%.

Conclusion

NVBG seems to be appropriate for mandible reconstruction when there is vascular recipient bed and sufficient soft tissue cover and mucosal lining are achievable.
Sequential programmable self-assembly: Role of cooperative interactions
Authors: Halverson Jonathan D. , Tkachenko Alexei V.
Published: March 2016

We propose a general strategy of “sequential programmable self-assembly” that enables a bottom-up design of arbitrary multi-particle architectures on nano- and microscales. We show that a naive realization of this scheme, based on the pairwise additive interactions between particles, has fundamental limitations that lead to a relatively high error rate. This can be overcome by using cooperative interparticle binding. The cooperativity is a well known feature of many biochemical processes, responsible, e.g., for signaling and regulations in living systems. Here we propose to utilize a similar strategy for high precision self-assembly, and show that DNA-mediated interactions provide a convenient platform for its implementation. In particular, we outline a specific design of a DNA-based complex which we call “DNA spider,” that acts as a smart interparticle linker and provides a built-in cooperativity of binding. We demonstrate versatility of the sequential self-assembly based on spider-functionalized particles by designing several mesostructures of increasing complexity and simulating their assembly process. This includes a number of finite and repeating structures, in particular, the so-called tetrahelix and its several derivatives. Due to its generality, this approach allows one to design and successfully self-assemble virtually any structure made of a “GEOMAG” magnetic construction toy, out of nanoparticles. According to our results, once the binding cooperativity is strong enough, the sequential self-assembly becomes essentially error-free.
Range-separated time-dependent density-functional theory with a frequency-dependent second-order Bethe-Salpeter correlation kernel
Authors: Rebolini Elisa , Toulouse Julien
Published: March 2016

We present a range-separated linear-response time-dependent density-functional theory (TDDFT) which combines a density-functional approximation for the short-range response kernel and a frequency-dependent second-order Bethe-Salpeter approximation for the long-range response kernel. This approach goes beyond the adiabatic approximation usually used in linear-response TDDFT and aims at improving the accuracy of calculations of electronic excitation energies of molecular systems. A detailed derivation of the frequency-dependent second-order Bethe-Salpeter correlation kernel is given using many-body Green-function theory. Preliminary tests of this range-separated TDDFT method are presented for the calculation of excitation energies of the He and Be atoms and small molecules (H2, N2, CO2, H2CO, and C2H4). The results suggest that the addition of the long-range second-order Bethe-Salpeter correlation kernel overall slightly improves the excitation energies.
Planar Hall effect bridge sensors with NiFe/Cu/IrMn stack optimized for self-field magnetic bead detection
Authors: Henriksen Anders Dahl , Rizzi Giovanni , Hansen Mikkel Fougt
Published: March 2016

The stack composition in trilayer Planar Hall effect bridge sensors is investigated experimentally to identify the optimal stack for magnetic bead detection using the sensor self-field. The sensors were fabricated using exchange-biased stacks Ni80Fe20(tFM)/Cu(tCu)/Mn80Ir20(10 nm) with tFM = 10, 20, and 30 nm, and 0 ≤ tCu ≤ 0.6 nm. The sensors were characterized by magnetic hysteresis measurements, by measurements of the sensor response vs. applied field, and by measurements of the sensor response to a suspension of magnetic beads magnetized by the sensor self-field due to the sensor bias current. The exchange bias field was found to decay exponentially with tCu and inversely with tFM. The reduced exchange field for larger values of tFM and tCu resulted in higher sensitivities to both magnetic fields and magnetic beads. We argue that the maximum magnetic bead signal is limited by Joule heating of the sensors and, thus, that the magnetic stacks should be compared at constant power consumption. For a fixed sensor geometry, the figure of merit for this comparison is the magnetic field sensitivity normalized by the sensor bias voltage. In this regard, we found that sensors with tFM = 20 nm or 30 nm outperformed those with tFM = 10 nm by a factor of approximately two, because the latter have a reduced AMR ratio. Further, the optimum layer thicknesses, tCu ≈ 0.6 nm and tFM = 20–30 nm, gave a 90% higher signal compared to the corresponding sensors with tCu = 0 nm.
Electromechanical deformation of conical dielectric elastomer actuator with hydrogel electrodes
Authors: Zhang Chi , Sun Wenjie , Chen Hualing , Liu Lei , Li Bo , Li Dichen
Published: March 2016

A conical Dielectric Elastomer Actuator (DEA) undergoes large actuation strain in longitudinal direction when subject to a voltage across the membrane. The conical DEA is modeled using continuum mechanics and multilayered material thermodynamic theories which can consider not only the inhomogeneous deformation of the DEA but also the effect of elastomeric electrodes on the DEA. Hydrogels with lithium chloride electrolyte are synthesized and introduced as electrodes. The theory coincides well with the experimental results and succeeds in predicting the occurrence of loss of tension. At a low level of pre-stretch λp=2, electric breakdown always occurs before the loss of tension, independent of shear modulus of hydrogels. When the pre-stretch increases to 4, the dominating failure mode changes from electric breakdown to loss of tension. At μGEL=6  kPa, loss of tension and electric breakdown almost happen simultaneously and the maximum actuation strain occurs at λp=4.
Flame speed enhancement of solid nitrocellulose monopropellant coupled with graphite at microscales
Authors: Jain S. , Yehia O. , Qiao L.
Published: March 2016

The flame-speed-enhancement phenomenon of a solid monopropellant (nitrocellulose) using a highly conductive thermal base (graphite sheet) was demonstrated and studied both experimentally and theoretically. A propellant layer ranging from 20 μm to 170 μm was deposited on the top of a 20-μm thick graphite sheet. Self-propagating oscillatory combustion waves were observed, with average flame speed enhancements up to 14 times the bulk value. The ratio of the fuel-to-graphite layer thickness affects not only the average reaction front velocities but also the period and the amplitude of the combustion wave oscillations. To better understand the flame-speed enhancement and the oscillatory nature of the combustion waves, the coupled nitrocellulose-graphite system was modeled using one-dimensional energy conservation equations along with simple one-step chemistry. The period and the amplitude of the oscillatory combustion waves were predicted as a function of the ratio of the fuel-to-graphite thickness (R), the ratio of the graphite-to-fuel thermal diffusivity (α0), and the non-dimensional inverse adiabatic temperature rise (β). The predicted flame speeds and the characteristics of the oscillations agree well with the experimental data. The new concept of using a highly conductive thermal base such as carbon-based nano- and microstructures to enhance flame propagation speed or burning rate of propellants and fuels could lead to improved performance of solid and liquid rocket motors, as well as of the alternative energy conversion microelectromechanical devices.
Electrical control and enhancement of boiling heat transfer during quenching
Authors: Shahriari Arjang , Hermes Mark , Bahadur Vaibhav
Published: March 2016

Heat transfer associated with boiling degrades at elevated temperatures due to the formation of an insulating vapor layer at the solid-liquid interface (Leidenfrost effect). Interfacial electrowetting (EW) fields can disrupt this vapor layer to promote liquid-surface wetting. We experimentally analyze EW-induced disruption of the vapor layer and measure the resulting enhanced cooling during the process of quenching. Imaging is employed to visualize the fluid-surface interactions and understand boiling patterns in the presence of an electrical voltage. It is seen that EW fields fundamentally change the boiling pattern, wherein a stable vapor layer is replaced by intermittent wetting of the surface. Heat conduction across the vapor gap is thus replaced with transient convection. This fundamental switch in the heat transfer mode significantly accelerates cooling during quenching. An order of magnitude increase in the cooling rate is observed, with the heat transfer seen approaching saturation at higher voltages. An analytical model is developed to extract voltage dependent heat transfer rates from the measured cooling curve. The results show that electric fields can alter and tune the traditional cooling curve. Overall, this study presents an ultralow power consumption concept to control the mechanical properties and metallurgy, by electrically tuning the cooling rate during quenching.
Compact all-fiber quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy sensor with a 30.72 kHz quartz tuning fork and spatially resolved trace gas detection
Authors: Ma Yufei , He Ying , Yu Xin , Zhang Jingbo , Sun Rui , Tittel Frank K.
Published: March 2016

An ultra compact all-fiber quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) sensor using quartz tuning fork (QTF) with a low resonance frequency of 30.72 kHz was demonstrated. Such a sensor architecture has the advantages of easier optical alignment, lower insertion loss, lower cost, and more compact compared with a conventional QEPAS sensor using discrete optical components for laser delivery and coupling to the QTF. A fiber beam splitter and three QTFs were employed to perform multi-point detection and demonstrated the potential of spatially resolved measurements.
Sialic acid-modified antigens impose tolerance via inhibition of T-cell proliferation and de novo induction of regulatory T cells
Authors: Perdicchio Maurizio , Ilarregui Juan M. , Verstege Marleen I. , Cornelissen Lenneke A. M. , Schetters Sjoerd T. T. , Engels Steef , Ambrosini Martino , Kalay Hakan , Veninga Henrike , den Haan Joke M. M. , van Berkel Lisette A. , Samsom Janneke N. , Crocker Paul R. , Sparwasser Tim , Berod Luciana , Garcia-Vallejo Juan J. , van Kooyk Yvette , Unger Wendy W. J.
Published: March 2016

Significance

Sialic acids are terminal glycan structures present on cellular glycoproteins and often overexpressed on certain pathogens and tumors. Sialic acids interact with sialic acid-binding Ig-type lectin (siglec) receptors, suggesting a potential regulatory role in homeostasis or pathology-mediated immune modulation. Here, we show that modification of antigens with sialic acids alters their immunogenicity. Sialylated antigens impose a regulatory program on dendritic cells (DCs) via Siglec-E. DCs loaded with sialylated antigens induce de novo regulatory T (Treg) cells and inhibit the generation of new effector T cells as well as the function of existing ones. This dual tolerogenic DC function is maintained under inflammatory conditions and, therefore, sialylation of antigens could provide a novel way to induce antigen-specific immune tolerance to treat patients who suffer from autoimmunity and allergies.
Is the beautiful always so good? Influence of physical attractiveness on the social perception of sexual harassment / ¿Es lo bello siempre tan bueno? Influencia del atractivo físico en la percepción social del acoso sexual
Authors: Herrera Antonio , Herrera M. Carmen , Expósito Francisca
Published: March 2016

Research has shown that the perception of sexual harassment depends on factors such as gender, the situational context, the type of harassment, the ideology of the perceiver, the physical attractiveness of the harasser and victim and the relationship between them. This study focuses on examining the influence of physical attractiveness in the perception of a situation like sexual harassment. Through a questionnaire, 205 participants read a scenario in which a male worker (attractive vs. unattractive) engaged in gender harassment against a female colleague (attractive vs. unattractive). The participants then answered the measurements on the perception of harassment, responsibility, motivation and ideology. The main results were that the situation was more often perceived as sexual harassment when the victim of the harassment was physically attractive than when she was unattractive. Furthermore, the higher the participants’ acceptance of harassment myths the more they tended to blame the victim. We can conclude from this study the importance of the influence of certain myths or preconceived ideas about sexual harassment, which are found in both men and women, on how these situations are perceived.
Phosphorylated testis-specific serine/threonine kinase 4 may phosphorylate Crem at Ser-117
Authors: Fu Guolong , Wei Youheng , Wang Xiaoli , Yu Long
Published: March 2016

We aimed to investigate the internal existence status of testis-specific serine/threonine kinase 4 (Tssk4) and the interaction of Tssk4 and Cre-responsive element modulator (Crem). The internal existence status of Tssk4 in testis of mice was detected using western blotting and dephosphorylation method. The interaction of Tssk4 and Crem was analyzed by western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, in vitro co-immunoprecipitation assays, and in vitro kinase assay. The results revealed that Tssk4 existed in testis both in phosphorylation and unphosphorylation status by a temporal manner with the development of testis. Immunofluorescence results showed that Tssk4 had identical distribution pattern with Crem in testis, which was utterly different to the localization of Cre-responsive element binding (Creb). In conclusion, our study demonstrated that phosphorylated Tssk4 might participate in testis genes expressions by phosphorylating Crem at Ser-117.
Inhibitory effect of Phalaenopsis orchid extract on WNT1-induced immature melanocyte precursor differentiation in a novel in vitro solar lentigo model
Authors: Yamada Takaaki , Hasegawa Seiji , Inoue Yu , Kunita Mayumi , Ohsumi Kazuhisa , Sakaida Tsutomu , Yashiro Youichi , Nakata Satoru
Published: March 2016

Recently, it has been reported that increased expression of WNT1 accelerates the differentiation of melanocyte stem cells (McSCs) in solar lentigines (SLs), hyperpigmented maculae commonly seen on sun-exposed areas of the skin. In this study, to establish an in vitro SL model, human epidermal squamous carcinoma cell line HSC-1, which expresses higher levels of WNT1 than normal human epidermal keratinocytes, was co-cultured with early passage normal human epidermal melanocytes (NHEMs) as an in vitro McSC model. As a result, mRNA expression levels of melanocyte differentiation-related genes MITF and TYR in NHEMs were significantly increased by co-culturing with HSC-1 cells. Furthermore, Phalaenopsis orchid extract (Phex) inhibited McSCs differentiation by suppressing WNT1 expression via down-regulation of DLX2, a transcriptional activator of WNT1, in HSC-1 cells. Therefore, our finding suggested that extracts such as Phex, which suppresses WNT1 expression, may be useful as a novel treatment of SLs.
Physiological function and ecological aspects of fatty acid-amino acid conjugates in insects†
Authors: Yoshinaga Naoko
Published: March 2016

In tritrophic interactions, plants recognize herbivore-produced elicitors and release a blend of volatile compounds (VOCs), which work as chemical cues for parasitoids or predators to locate their hosts. From detection of elicitors to VOC emissions, plants utilize sophisticated systems that resemble the plant–microbe interaction system. Fatty acid–amino acid conjugates (FACs), a class of insect elicitors, resemble compounds synthesized by microbes in nature. Recent evidence suggests that the recognition of insect elicitors by an ancestral microbe-associated defense system may be the origin of tritrophic interactions mediated by FACs. Here we discuss our findings in light of how plants have customized this defense to be effective against insect herbivores, and how some insects have successfully adapted to these defenses.
Steady-state and dynamic gene expression programs inSaccharomyces cerevisiaein response to variation in environmental nitrogen
Authors: Airoldi Edoardo M. , Miller Darach , Athanasiadou Rodoniki , Brandt Nathan , Abdul-Rahman Farah , Neymotin Benjamin , Hashimoto Tatsu , Bahmani Tayebeh , Gresham David
Published: March 2016

Cell growth rate is regulated in response to the abundance and molecular form of essential nutrients. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae (budding yeast), the molecular form of environmental nitrogen is a major determinant of cell growth rate, supporting growth rates that vary at least threefold. Transcriptional control of nitrogen use is mediated in large part by nitrogen catabolite repression (NCR), which results in the repression of specific transcripts in the presence of a preferred nitrogen source that supports a fast growth rate, such as glutamine, that are otherwise expressed in the presence of a nonpreferred nitrogen source, such as proline, which supports a slower growth rate. Differential expression of the NCR regulon and additional nitrogen-responsive genes results in >500 transcripts that are differentially expressed in cells growing in the presence of different nitrogen sources in batch cultures. Here we find that in growth rate–controlled cultures using nitrogen-limited chemostats, gene expression programs are strikingly similar regardless of nitrogen source. NCR expression is derepressed in all nitrogen-limiting chemostat conditions regardless of nitrogen source, and in these conditions, only 34 transcripts exhibit nitrogen source–specific differential gene expression. Addition of either the preferred nitrogen source, glutamine, or the nonpreferred nitrogen source, proline, to cells growing in nitrogen-limited chemostats results in rapid, dose-dependent repression of the NCR regulon. Using a novel means of computational normalization to compare global gene expression programs in steady-state and dynamic conditions, we find evidence that the addition of nitrogen to nitrogen-limited cells results in the transient overproduction of transcripts required for protein translation. Simultaneously, we find that that accelerated mRNA degradation underlies the rapid clearing of a subset of transcripts, which is most pronounced for the highly expressed NCR-regulated permease genes GAP1, MEP2, DAL5, PUT4, and DIP5. Our results reveal novel aspects of nitrogen-regulated gene expression and highlight the need for a quantitative approach to study how the cell coordinates protein translation and nitrogen assimilation to optimize cell growth in different environments.
Caenorhabditis elegansparaoxonase-like proteins control the functional expression of DEG/ENaC mechanosensory proteins
Authors: Chen Yushu , Bharill Shashank , Altun Zeynep , O’Hagan Robert , Coblitz Brian , Isacoff Ehud Y. , Chalfie Martin
Published: March 2016

Caenorhabditis elegans senses gentle touch via a mechanotransduction channel formed from the DEG/ENaC proteins MEC-4 and MEC-10. An additional protein, the paraoxonase-like protein MEC-6, is essential for transduction, and previous work suggested that MEC-6 was part of the transduction complex. We found that MEC-6 and a similar protein, POML-1, reside primarily in the endoplasmic reticulum and do not colocalize with MEC-4 on the plasma membrane in vivo. As with MEC-6, POML-1 is needed for touch sensitivity, the neurodegeneration caused by the mec-4(d) mutation, and the expression and distribution of MEC-4 in vivo. Both proteins are likely needed for the proper folding or assembly of MEC-4 channels in vivo as measured by FRET. MEC-6 detectably increases the rate of MEC-4 accumulation on the Xenopus oocyte plasma membrane. These results suggest that MEC-6 and POML-1 interact with MEC-4 to facilitate expression and localization of MEC-4 on the cell surface. Thus MEC-6 and POML-1 act more like chaperones for MEC-4 than channel components.
Consensus Gene Expression Subtypes Of Epithelial Tumors
Authors: Sadanandam Anguraj
Published: March 2016

While the heterogeneity of cancer is increasingly appreciated, it is also clear that recurrently deregulated pathways are shared between tumors across tissue types. To identify similarities in subsets of tumors from multiple epithelial organs, we performed transcriptome profile analysis of different epithelial tumors and cell lines (n=2928) from 17 different organs. We identified three to seven consensus gene expression subtypes in epithelial tumors and cell lines, irrespective of the organ-specific origin. These consensus subtypes showed biological significance. Moreover, we identified specific gene signatures that could be used to develop clinical assays for future application of this classification system. Overall, our study identifies consensus transcriptome subtypes across organ-specific tumors and highlights new avenues for precision therapy irrespective of the organ of origin.
βlinc1 encodes a long noncoding RNA that regulates islet β-cell formation and function
Authors: Arnes Luis , Akerman Ildem , Balderes Dina A. , Ferrer Jorge , Sussel Lori
Published: March 2016

Pancreatic β cells are responsible for maintaining glucose homeostasis; their absence or malfunction results in diabetes mellitus. Although there is evidence that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in development and disease, none have been investigated in vivo in the context of pancreas development. In this study, we demonstrate that βlinc1 (β-cell long intergenic noncoding RNA 1), a conserved lncRNA, is necessary for the specification and function of insulin-producing β cells through the coordinated regulation of a number of islet-specific transcription factors located in the genomic vicinity of βlinc1. Furthermore, deletion of βlinc1 results in defective islet development and disruption of glucose homeostasis in adult mice.
Making choices—how stochastic decisions determine disease progression
Authors: Park Ki-Sun , Pfeifer Karl
Published: March 2016

In this issue of Genes & Development, Ginart and colleagues (pp. 567–578) study a mouse model for Russell-Silver syndrome (RSS) and show that similar cells within one individual can display distinct gene expression patterns because of epigenetic marks that are established stochastically during early development. Their results provide an excellent explanation for phenotypes seen in RSS and other imprinting disorders and especially help us understand how patients with similar or even identical genetic mutations can display distinct disease profiles.
[μ-N,N,N′,N′-Tetrakis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)butane-1,4-diamine]bis[(dimethanol-κO)(perchlorato-κO)copper(II)] bis(perchlorate)
Authors: Zhu Xian-Hong , Li Peng , Chen Xiao-Wei , Ke Wen-Shan , Chen Fei , Zhang Hua-Xin
Published: March 2016

The binuclear cation of the title compound, [Cu2(ClO4)2(C28H32N6)(CH3OH)4](ClO4)2, is located on an inversion centre. The CuIIatom adopts a distorted octahedral coordination geometry due to the Jahn–Teller effect. The equatorial plane consists of one methanol molecule and three N atoms from theN,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)butane-1,4-diamine ligand. The Cu—N bond lengths are in the range 1.975 (3)–2.041 (2) Å and the Cu—O bond length is 2.008 (2) Å. The axial coordination sites of the CuIIatom are occupied by the O atoms of one methanol molecule and one perchlorate anion, with Cu—O bond lengths of 2.385 (3) and 2.565 (3) Å, respectively. In the crystal, the cations and the perchlorate anions are connectedviaO—H...O hydrogen bonds. In addition, weak C—H...O interactions stabilize the structure.
Impact of soil and air contaminants on the composition of rail-head surface rust
Authors: El-Hashemy Mohammed Abd El-Samea , Nazeer Ahmed Abdel
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the environment around the rail track at different sites in Nile Delta region, Egypt, through the measurements of the air pollutants and corrosive ionic species present in surface soil and also to investigate the impact of the existing contaminants on the composition of iron rust formed on the rail head surface at these sites and then the durability of rail itself.

Design/methodology/approach

– The soil characterization was studied by means of sieve shakers, pH meter, conductivity meter and ion chromatography instrument. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to characterize the rust layer formed on the rail head surface.

Findings

– The results showed the relation between the contaminants and the composition of the rust layer. Magnetite and goethite were the major phases identified in the rust layers. Akaganeite was detected in the marine atmosphere. Iron sulfide and iron oxide nitrate hydroxide were detected in environments rich in H2S and NO2 gases, respectively. The appearance of phases like FeCl2 and FeOCl only at marine atmospheres reflects that the corrosive species in suspended particulate matter like chloride ion have a higher effect on the rust composition of the rail head surface than that in surface soil layer.

Originality/value

– This paper revealed the impact of air and soil contaminants on the composition of rust layer on the rail head surface and may provide guidance for the durability of rails and the necessity for their preservation.
Self-limiting film formation mechanism of zirconium based conversion coating on mild steel
Authors: Ghanbari Alireza , Attar Mohammadreza Mohammadzade
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the film formation mechanism of zirconium-based conversion layer on mild steel. In this way, different approaches were used to show the self-limiting film formation mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

– To determine this mechanism, film formation was detected using DC polarization, spectrophotometric technique and surface analysis techniques, including field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Findings

– DC polarization resistance of surface increased with increasing of mild steel immersion time in the conversion coating bath, reaching to a plateau region. On the other hand, zirconium ion concentration decreased during the beginning of the film formation process and continued with a constant concentration, showing the expiry of the process after some minutes.

Originality/value

– This paper deals with the film formation mechanism of the zirconium-based conversion layer that includes valuable findings to monitor the process.
What firm characteristics determine women ' s employment in manufacturing? Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Salma , Feeny Simon , Posso Alberto
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the principal determinants of women’s employment in the manufacturing sector of Bangladesh using a firm-level panel data from the World Bank’s “Enterprise Survey” for the years 2007, 2011 and 2013. The paper sheds light on the demand-side factors, mainly firm-level characteristics, which also influence this decision.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors estimate a fractional logit model to model a dependent variable that is limited by zero from below and one from above.

Findings

– The results indicate that firm size, whether medium or large, and firms’ export-oriented activities, have an important impact on women’s employment in the manufacturing sector in Bangladesh. Moreover, the authors find that women are significantly more likely to work in unskilled-labour-intensive industries within the manufacturing sector.

Research limitations/implications

– The research is limited to Bangladesh; however, much of the evidence presented here has implications that are relevant to policymakers in other developing countries.

Practical implications

– The study identifies factors that affect female employment, that is, where the main constraints to increase female labour force participation. The study focuses on the demand-side factors, which has been somewhat neglected in recent years. As such, it has practical policy implications.

Social implications

– Focusing on female employment in Bangladesh also sheds light on the nexus between labour market opportunities and social change within a country that is characterised by extreme patriarchy, which has wide-reaching implications.

Originality/value

– This is an original and comprehensive paper by the authors.
Regulating internet access in UK public libraries: legal compliance and ethical dilemmas
Authors: Muir Adrienne , Spacey Rachel , Cooke Louise , Creaser Claire
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to consider selected results from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)-funded “Managing Access to the internet in Public Libraries” (MAIPLE) project, from 2012-2014. MAIPLE has explored the ways in which public library services manage use of the internet connections that they provide for the public. This included the how public library services balance their legal obligations and the needs of their communities in a public space and the ethical dilemmas that arise.

Design/methodology/approach

– The researchers used a mixed-method approach involving a review of the literature, legal analysis, a questionnaire survey and case studies in five public library authorities.

Findings

– UK public library services use a range of methods to regulate internet access. The research also confirms previous findings that filtering software is an ubiquitous tool for controlling access to and protecting library users from “inappropriate”, illegal and harmful internet content. There is a general, if sometimes reluctant, acceptance of filtering software as a practical tool by library staff, which seems to contrast with professional codes of ethics and attitudes in other countries. The research indicates that public library internet access will be a valued service for some time to come, but that some aspects of how public library services regulate internet access is currently managed can have socially undesirable consequences, including blocking legitimate sites and preventing users from accessing government services. Education could play a greater part in helping the general population to exercise judgement in selection of materials to view and use. This does not preclude implementing stricter controls to protect children, whilst allowing public libraries to continue providing a social good to those who are unable to otherwise participate in the digital age.

Research limitations/implications

– The response to the survey was 39 per cent meaning that findings may not apply across the whole of the UK. The findings of this study are compared with and supplemented by other quantitative sources, but a strength of this study is the depth of understanding afforded by the use of case studies.

Originality/value

– This paper provides both a quantitative and qualitative analysis of how internet access is managed in UK public libraries, including how library services fulfil their legal obligations and the ethical implications of how they balance their role in facilitating access to information with their perceived role as a safe and trusted environment for all members of their communities. The findings add to the international discussion on this issue and stimulate debate and policy making in the UK.
Response to Mirjam J. Curno
Authors: Hauptman Robert
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to reflect on the area of publication ethics as related to scholarship responding to Curno’s invited paper, “Challenges to ethical publishing in the digital era”.

Design/methodology/approach

– This viewpoint draws up the rich experience of the author over an extended academic career. The constructed view blends empiricism and literary sources to develop justified position.

Findings

– There is resonance with Curno’s view. However, a counter position regarding the effect of the Internet on plagiarism is offered. Opinion is given which extends across disciplines rather than remaining in the confines of science and technology.

Originality/value

– The response to Curno’s paper provides some alternative views and suggests directions in which the landscape of concern might be extended.