bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective separation of zwitterionic phospholipid homologues with functional ionic liquids as extractants
Authors: Zhang Jingzhu , Yu Kun , Yang Qiwei , Bao Zongbi , Zhang Zhiguo , Yang Yiwen , Ren Qilong , Xing Huabin
Published: September 2015

A novel extractive method using hydroxyl-functional ILs as extractants was developed for the separation of zwitterionic phospholipid homologues.
Synthesis and characterization of Zr-doped LiNi0.4Co0.2Mn0.4O2 cathode materials for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Chen QiYuan , Du Chenqiang , Qu Deyang , Zhang Xinhe , Tang Zhiyuan
Published: September 2015

Li(Ni0.4Co0.2Mn0.4)0.99Zr0.01O2 has better cyclic performance than that of LiNi0.4Co0.2Mn0.4O2 with more stable layered structure due to larger radii of Zr4+.
Ionic liquids for the molecular enantiorecognition of freel-T3,l-T4andd-T4
Authors: Stefan-van Staden Raluca-Ioana , Mitrofan Grigorina , Comnea-Stancu Ionela Raluca , van Staden Jacobus Frederick , Kapnissi-Christodoulou Constantina , Aboul-Enein Hassan Y.
Published: September 2015

Ionic liquids are used for the enantiorecognition of thyroid hormones.
Dual role of select plant based nutraceuticals as antimicrobial agents to mitigate food borne pathogens and as food preservatives
Authors: Subramaniam Shankar , Rajendran Narendran , Muralidharan Sai brinda , Subramaniam Gayathri , Raju Ravikumar , Sivasubramanian Aravind
Published: September 2015

Dual role of commercially important nutraceuticals from plants that potentiate the therapeutic effect of commercial antibiotics to combat food pathogens.
From supramolecular hydrogels to functional aerogels: a facile strategy to fabricate Fe3O4/N-doped graphene composites
Authors: He Ting , Li Zhengyuan , Sun Zhifang , Chen Shuzhen , Shen Rujuan , Yi Lunzhao , Deng Liu , Yang Minghui , Liu Hongtao , Zhang Yi
Published: September 2015

The Fe3O4/N-GAs directly derived from Fc-F/GO supramolecular hydrogels act as multifunctional reagents, including Fe/N sources and the dispersant of GO.
Successive optimisation of waste cooking oil transesterification in a continuous microwave assisted reactor
Authors: Ali M. A. Mohd. , Yunus R. M. , Cheng C. K. , Gimbun J.
Published: September 2015

The successive optimisation techniques successfully reduce the reaction time by 25.5% and catalyst loading by 32% without significantly affecting the biodiesel conversion.
A novel one-pot multi-component synthesis of 3,3’-disubstituted oxindole and spirooxindole scaffolds via Sn-catalyzed C(sp3)–H functionalization of azaarenes by sequential Knoevenagel–Michael-cyclization reaction
Authors: Chavan Santosh S. , Pathan Mohsinkhan Y. , Thorat Shridhar H. , Gonnade Rajesh , Mulla Shafeek A. R.
Published: September 2015

Sn-catalyzed C(sp3)–H bond functionalization of 2-methyl azaarenes/2-(azaaryl)methanes has been achieved for the first time in a one-pot reaction with isatin and active methylene compounds.
A novel iron(iii)-based heterogeneous catalyst for aqueous oxidation of alcohols using molecular oxygen
Authors: Sahu Debojeet , Silva Ana Rosa , Das Pankaj
Published: September 2015

The first example of an iron(iii)-based heterogeneous catalyst for alcohol oxidation reactions in water employing molecular oxygen has been reported. Interestingly, the immobilized catalyst shows superior activity over its homogeneous counterpart.
Fabrication of AS1411 aptamer functionalized Gd2O3-based molecular magnetic resonance imaging (mMRI) nanoprobe for renal carcinoma cell imaging
Authors: Dai Yue , Zhang Aiping , You Jia , Li Jingjing , Xu Huiting , Xu Kai
Published: September 2015

A molecular MRI nanoprobe for the sensitive and specific MRI of renal carcinoma cells with BSA-Gd2O3nanoparticles as MRI contrast agents, mesoporous silica nanoparticles as nanocarriers and AS1411 aptamer as targeting molecule was developed.
Improving student understanding of lipids concepts in a biochemistry course using test-enhanced learning
Authors: Horn Savannah , Hernick Marcy
Published: September 2015

Test-enhanced learning has successfully been used as a means to enhance learning and promote knowledge retention in students. We have examined whether this approach could be used in a biochemistry course to enhance student learning about lipids-related concepts. Students were provided access to two optional learning modules with questions related to the lipids block of the course. The vast majority of students (98.7–100%) used the optional modules. Student performance increased significantly with increased practice attempts (mean: first attempt – 58.3%; high attempt – 89.6%;p< 0.0001). This improvement was observed across all topics for both conceptual and structure recognition questions, and question types. A subset of questions were modified and included on formal assessments, and the results were compared to students that did not have access to modules (previous year). Incorporation of the modules resulted in a significant improvement in performance on the examination (year 1: 63.4%; year 2: 78.6%,p< 0.0001), including an increase in performance on questions requiring students to discriminate between highly similar topics. Importantly, comparison of student performance on quizzes and exams suggests that module use is associated with an increase in knowledge retention compared to restudy alone within the timeframe of the course. These results suggest that test-enhanced learning can be a valuable educational tool for development of metacognitive and test-taking skills that enhance student learning and understanding of course material.
The ligand unwrapping/rewrapping pathway that exchanges metals in S-acetylated, hexacoordinate N2S2O2complexes
Authors: Denny J. A. , Foley W. S. , Todd A. D. , Darensbourg M. Y.
Published: September 2015

The effect ofS-acetylation in MN2S2complexes on metal exchange reactivity was examined in a series of MN2S2O2complexes.
2nd coordination sphere controlled electron transfer of iron hangman complexes on electrodes probed by surface enhanced vibrational spectroscopy
Authors: Ly H. K. , Wrzolek P. , Heidary N. , Götz R. , Horch M. , Kozuch J. , Schwalbe M. , Weidinger I. M.
Published: September 2015

Surface enhanced vibrational spectroscopy shows the correlation between electron transfer kinetics and protonation degree of Fe Hangman complexes on electrodes.
IspH–RPS1 and IspH–UbiA: “Rosetta stone” proteins
Authors: Rao Guodong , O'Dowd Bing , Li Jikun , Wang Ke , Oldfield Eric
Published: September 2015

IspH forms fusion hybrids with RPS1 as well as UbiA, examples of Rosetta stone proteins.
Galvanic replacement synthesis of AgxAu1−x@CeO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) core@shell nanospheres with greatly enhanced catalytic performance
Authors: Liu Dapeng , Li Wang , Feng Xilan , Zhang Yu
Published: September 2015

A galvanic replacement strategy has been successfully adopted to design AgxAu1−x@CeO2 core@shell nanospheres derived from Ag@CeO2 ones.
Determination of association constants towards carbon nanotubes
Authors: de Juan Alberto , López-Moreno Alejandro , Calbo Joaquín , Ortí Enrique , Pérez Emilio M.
Published: September 2015

We describe a simple procedure for the determination of association constants between soluble molecules and insoluble and heterogeneous carbon nanotube samples.
Correction: Fluorescent carbon dot–molecular salt hydrogels
Authors: Cayuela Angelina , Kennedy Stuart R. , Soriano M. Laura , Jones Christopher D. , Valcárcel Miguel , Steed Jonathan W.
Published: September 2015

Correction for ‘Fluorescent carbon dot–molecular salt hydrogels’ by Angelina Cayuela et al., Chem. Sci., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c5sc01859e.
Temperature-induced vesicle to micelle transition in cationic/cationic mixed surfactant systems
Authors: Yang Yanjuan , Liu Lifei , Huang Xin , Tan Xiuniang , Luo Tian , Li Wei
Published: September 2015

Realization of the vesicle to micelle transitions in cationic/cationic mixed surfactant systems by temperature stimuli.
Implications of TiO2 surface functionalization on polycrystalline mixed halide perovskite films and photovoltaic devices
Authors: Guerra Valentino L. P. , Altamura Davide , Trifiletti Vanira , Colella Silvia , Listorti Andrea , Giannuzzi Roberto , Pellegrino Giovanna , Condorelli Guglielmo Guido , Giannini Cinzia , Gigli Giuseppe , Rizzo Aurora
Published: September 2015

We exploit TiO2 surface functionalization to study the influence of the perovskite film crystalline orientational order on the photovoltaic performances.
Sol–gel copper chromium delafossite thin films as stable oxide photocathodes for water splitting
Authors: Díaz-García Ana Korina , Lana-Villarreal Teresa , Gómez Roberto
Published: September 2015

Sol–gel prepared copper chromium delafossite electrodes behave as stable and efficient photocathodes for water reduction without the need for co-catalysts.
VO2F: a new transition metal oxyfluoride with high specific capacity for Li ion batteries
Authors: Pérez-Flores Juan Carlos , Villamor Raquel , Ávila-Brande David , Gallardo Amores José M. , Morán Emilio , Kuhn Alois , García-Alvarado Flaviano
Published: September 2015

VO2F with a ReO3-type structure has been synthesized at high pressures. It reversibly inserts up to 1 Li+ per vanadium above 2.15 V delivering a high specific capacity (250 mA h g−1).
Correlation between scratch healing and rheological behavior for terpyridine complex based metallopolymers
Authors: Bode S. , Enke M. , Bose R. K. , Schacher F. H. , Garcia S. J. , van der Zwaag S. , Hager M. D. , Schubert U. S.
Published: September 2015

The healing phenomenon of metallopolymers is studied in detail and the dependency of the chosen metal salt is provided. Furthermore, a correlation between the supramolecular bond life time and the healing behavior could be revealed.
Triethanolamine functionalized graphene-based composites for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Song Bo , Sizemore Chelsea , Li Liyi , Huang Xiaogu , Lin Ziyin , Moon Kyoung-sik , Wong Ching-Ping
Published: September 2015

In this work, a graphene-based nanocomposite was prepared for use as a high-capacity supercapacitor electrode using triethanolamine (TEA) as an inter-layer spacer via a controlled hydrothermal process.
Revealing the elemental-specific growth dynamics of Pt–Cu multipods by scanning transmission electron microscopy and chemical mapping
Authors: Jiang Yingying , Bian Ting , Lin Fang , Zhang Hui , Jin Chuanhong , Li Z. Y. , Yang Deren , Zhang Ze
Published: September 2015

An element-specific growth trajectory of Pt–Cu multipod nanostructures with compositional and morphological variation was revealed by HAADF-STEM and EDS mapping.
Brookite TiO2 as a low-temperature solution-processed mesoporous layer for hybrid perovskite solar cells
Authors: Kogo Atsushi , Sanehira Yoshitaka , Ikegami Masashi , Miyasaka Tsutomu
Published: September 2015

A highly crystalline layer of brookite TiO2 was prepared by a sinter-free solution process (<150 °C) as an efficient mesoporous electron collector for perovskite solar cells. In comparison with anatase TiO2 mesostructure, higher open-circuit voltage and fill factor are obtained.
A nest-like Ni@Ni1.4Co1.6S2 electrode for flexible high-performance rolling supercapacitor device design
Authors: Mi Liwei , Wei Wutao , Huang Shaobo , Cui Shizhong , Zhang Wangxi , Hou Hongwei , Chen Weihua
Published: September 2015

Herein we fabricated a series of flexible electrode materials with nickel foam as a partly self-sacrificial template by an in situ growth solvent thermal method.
Deep-ultraviolet transparent monolithic sol–gel derived silica–REPO4 (RE = Y, La–Lu except Pm) glass-ceramics: characterization of the crystal structure and ultraviolet absorption edge, and application to narrow-band UVB phosphors
Authors: Yamaguchi Shiori , Moriyama Kenji , Kajihara Koichi , Kanamura Kiyoshi
Published: September 2015

Silica–REPO4 glass-ceramics with high deep-ultraviolet transparency (left) and a silica–(Gd,Pr)PO4 phosphor promising as a narrow-band ultraviolet B phosphor (right) have been developed.
Facile interfacial synthesis of large sized 3D gold spherical architectures with strong individual particle SERS response and high reproducibility
Authors: Yao Kaisheng , Li Xinying , Zhao Yuling , Lu Weiwei , Wang Jianji , Yuan Jiongliang
Published: September 2015

Large sized gold spherical architectures with strong individual particle SERS response and high reproducibility have been prepared at the toluene–water interface.
Solvent-dependent self-assembly and ordering in slow-drying drop-cast conjugated polymer films
Authors: Zhao Kui , Yu Xinhong , Li Ruipeng , Amassian Aram , Han Yanchun
Published: September 2015

The mechanistic understanding of the intrinsic molecular self-assembly of conjugated polymers is of immense importance to control the microstructure development in organic semiconducting thin films, with a meaningful impact on charge transport and optoelectronic properties.
Low‐complexity symbol detection based on modified beam search for spatial modulation MIMO systems
Authors: Kim Tae‐Hwan , Yi Kwang‐Ho
Published: September 2015

A low‐complexity method for symbol detection in multiple‐input multiple‐output communication systems with spatial modulation is proposed. The proposed method finds a solution by performing beam search, where the beam search algorithm is modified to apply an additional branch‐and‐bound technique in order to reduce the search space. Simulation results show that the proposed method achieves a near‐optimal bit error rate, and its complexity is much lower than that of previous methods.
Transverse magnetic field of infinite line source placed on ground surface
Authors: Parise M.
Published: September 2015

An exact explicit expression is derived for the Sommerfeld integral describing the surface transverse magnetic field generated by an infinite line source placed on a plane air–earth boundary. The spatial distribution of the transverse magnetic field is given in series form, as a linear combination of exponential functions. The accuracy and convergence rate of the proposed formulation are investigated through numerical simulations.
2.4 GHz CMOS self‐biased power amplifier with embedded diode lineariser
Authors: Ren Zhixiong , Zhang Kefeng , Liu Lanqi , Liu Zhenglin , Chen Xiaofei , Liu Dongsheng , Zou Xuecheng
Published: September 2015

A high‐linearity CMOS power amplifier (PA) operating at 2.4 GHz with an integrated diode lineariser is presented. A diode‐connected N‐type MOS transistor is used to increase the Vgs of the power transistor as input power increases for linearity improvement. The CMOS PA fabricated in 180 nm CMOS technology achieved 32 dB small signal gain, 30.2 dBm Psat, 28.2 dBm P1 dB, and a 31.1% peak power added efficiency. By adopting the proposed diode lineariser, the output 1 dB is improved from 24.9 to 28.2 dBm.
Flexible wavelength conversion based on four‐wave mixing in tellurite microstructured optical fibre
Authors: Zhang L. , Tuan T.H. , Kawamura H. , Sega D. , Deng D. , Suzuki T. , Ohishi Y.
Published: September 2015

On the basis of the tuned four‐wave mixing generated in a tellurite microstructured optical fibre, flexible and efficient wavelength conversion can be realised. The signal at 1494 nm can be converted to any wavelength in the band from 1598 to 1641.5 nm by tuning the pump wavelength. A 27.6 dB maximum idler conversion efficiency has been achieved.
Compact bandpass filter based on one‐third equilateral triangular resonator of substrate integrated waveguide
Authors: Zheng Chaoyi , Xu Feng
Published: September 2015

A one‐third triangular resonator with two electric walls and two virtual magnetic walls is proposed for the design of a broadband filter. The structure is realised by taking out one‐third of an equilateral or isosceles triangular resonator of the substrate integrated waveguide and therefore it is called the one‐third‐mode substrate integrated resonator (OTMSIR). The characteristics of the OTMSIR cavity are studied. Based on this resonator, a filter composed of six OTMSIR cavities is designed, fabricated and tested. The measured results agree well with the simulated ones.
Differential bandpass filter on dual‐mode ring resonator with slotline feeding scheme
Authors: Chen Dong , Zhu Lei , Bu Huizheng , Cheng Chonghu
Published: September 2015

A new dual‐mode differential bandpass filter on a squared microstrip ring resonator with a slotline feeding scheme is presented. This filter consists of a microstrip dual‐mode ring resonator, four identical slotlines equally spaced along the ring and two differential‐mode microstrip line to slotline transitions. By perpendicularly installing the slotline between the differential feeding line and the ring resonator, the coupling strength between them can be dramatically increased as desired. More importantly, only the differential modes can propagate along the slotline, so the proposed filter can naturally block the common modes (CMs) from propagation and achieve good CM suppression. To verify the design concept, a filter has been designed and fabricated. Good agreement between simulated and measured results is attained.
Simple generation of orbital angular momentum modes with azimuthally deformed Cassegrain subreflector
Authors: Byun Woo‐Jin , Lee Young‐Seung , Kim Bong Su , Kim Kwang Seon , Kang Min Soo , Cho Yong Heui
Published: September 2015

A parabolic reflector antenna with an azimuthally deformed Cassegrain subreflector is proposed to effectively generate arbitrary orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes. The Cassegrain dual‐reflector antenna was fabricated for 18 GHz and measured in the near‐field range. The near‐field to far‐field transformed radiation phase around a full azimuth shows that the proposed antenna generates fields with the l = 1 OAM mode. Simulated and measured feed reflection coefficients are below −10 dB for 15.1–21.2 GHz, even though the distance between a horn feed and a deformed subreflector is 15.6 mm, thus it is expected that the proposed structure can be used for a broadband low‐profile antenna.
Self‐calibrating closed‐loop circuit for configurable constant voltage thermal anemometers
Authors: Gorreta S. , Barajas E. , Kowalski L. , Atienza M.T. , Dominguez‐Pumar M. , Jimenez V.
Published: September 2015

A new circuit is described which applies a configurable voltage across an RTD while the current flowing through it is measured with a current mirror. The circuit also allows working with voltages above the IC supply voltage to cope with the high power RTD dissipation normally required in thermal anemometers. The circuit is periodically calibrated to cancel the errors and amplifier offset and therefore improves measurement accuracy. Experimental measurements of the circuit fabricated using 0.35 μm AMS technology show the functionality and improved power efficiency.
Stability improvement of amorphous InGaZnO TFTs by an asymmetric design
Authors: Hsu Chih‐Chieh , Wu Chien‐Hsun , Ting Wei‐Chieh
Published: September 2015

In this reported work, amorphous InGaZnO thin film transistors (TFTs) with symmetric and asymmetric structures are fabricated. A constant positive gate bias for a time of 1–5 × 104 s was then applied to the TFTs to investigate their performance variation. The mobilities of the TFTs were not significantly degraded by a long stress time of 5 × 104 s. Also, decreases of sub‐threshold swing and off‐state current were observed for a stress time of 104 s. Although significant threshold voltage variation was found for the a‐IGZO TFT with a symmetric design during the stress test, it could be reduced by 56% for the TFT fabricated by the proposed asymmetric design.
High‐order incremental sigma–delta for compressive sensing and its application to image sensors
Authors: Guicquero W. , Verdant A. , Dupret A.
Published: September 2015

ΣΔ ADCs show promising perspectives in the field of compressive sensing (CS). A major limitation related to the first‐order ΣΔ is its high oversampling ratio (OSR) that is required for a specific bit resolution. An extension to the high‐order incremental ΣΔ for the implementation of a dedicated image sensor is presented. By extending the concept of the ΣΔ CS ADC, optimal working points can be reached between the OSR and the compression ratio. Simulations of a particular fourth‐order ADC combined with the authors column‐based Bernoulli CS scheme show a severe relaxation on the ADC master clock.
Propagation enhancement in neural network
Authors: Bordet M. , Morfu S. , Rossé M. , Marquié P.
Published: September 2015

For the first time, in real experiments it is reported that an electronic neural network sustains the propagation of a low‐frequency information for an appropriate setting of a high‐frequency perturbation amplitude. The bench of the electrical network is confirmed by numerical predictions.
Propagation effects on high frequency skywave multiple‐input–multiple‐output radar
Authors: Tomei S. , Martorella M. , Coleman C.J. , Berizzi F.
Published: September 2015

Multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) technology has been suggested as an effective tool in overcoming some of the issues that are typically relate to conventional over the horizon radars. Notwithstanding, effects, such as fading and multipath propagations are ever present and cannot be avoided even when using a MIMO configuration. For this reason, a study on the impact of such effects on high frequency (HF) skywave MIMO radars is fundamental for an effective design of such systems. This study aims to study the effects of ionospheric propagation on the performance of the HF MIMO skywave radar. In particular, the relationship between the transmitted signal parameters and the ionospheric variations because of perturbations is highlighted in a suitable signal model. The performance analysis is performed in terms of estimated direction of arrival and loss of virtual array elements.
Engineering Disorder at a Nanoscale: A Combined TEM and XAS Investigation of Amorphous versus Nanocrystalline Sodium Birnessite
Authors: Hocking Rosalie K. , King Hannah J. , Hesson Aimee , Bonke Shannon A. , Johannessen Bernt , Fekete Monika , Spiccia Leone , Chang Shery L. Y.
Published: September 2015

The term amorphous metal oxide is becoming widely used in the catalysis community. The term is generally used when there are no apparent peaks in an X-ray diffraction pattern. However, the absence of such features in X-ray diffraction can mean that the material is either truly amorphous or that it is better described as nanocrystalline. By coprecipitating a sodium birnessite-like phase with and without phosphate (1.5 %), we are able to engineer two very similar but distinct materials – one that is nanocrystalline and the other that is amorphous. The two closely related phases were characterized with both Mn K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. These structural results were then correlated with catalytic and electrocatalytic activities for water oxidation catalysis. In this case, the amorphous phosphate-doped material was less catalytically active than the nanocrystalline material.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Gaseous Formaldehyde by Modified Hierarchical TiO2 Nanotubes at Room Temperature
Authors: Gu Di , Wang Baohui , Zhu Yanji , Wu Hongjun
Published: September 2015

As a major indoor air pollutant, formaldehyde released from building and furnishing materials is one of the main volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Hierarchical TiO2 nanotube arrays (TiO2 NTs) prepared via a facile two-step anodization showed excellent photocatalytic (PC) degradation of formaldehyde at room temperature. Modification with noble metal nanoparticles (NMNs) could further improve the PC activity of TiO2 NTs. The final products of formaldehyde degradation were detected to be CO2 and H2O, which indicated that the mineralization of formaldehyde was the major process in this PC reaction. The reaction rate constants (k) determined for the three catalysts were in the order kTiO2 NTs < kAu/TiO2 NTs < kPt/TiO2 NTs (Pt/TiO2 NTs had the highest PC ability). The significant enhancement of PC performance can be ascribed to the formation of a Schottky junction between the NMNs and TiO2 NTs.
Spatial genetic subdivision among populations of the highly migratory black marlin Istiompax indica within the central Indo-Pacific
Authors: Williams Samuel M. , Bennett Michael B. , Pepperell Julian G. , Morgan Jess A. T. , Ovenden Jennifer R.
Published: September 2015

The black marlin Istiompax indica is a highly migratory species and as a result is expected to show little genetic population structure throughout its broad geographic range. Tissue samples from 183 I. indica were collected from three geographic regions within the central Indo-Pacific and analysed using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers. Nuclear genetic heterogeneity was found among populations in the south-western Pacific Ocean, eastern Indian Ocean and South China Sea (significant FST values of 0.013–0.037). Combining information from nuclear markers with published movement and reproductive data suggests that reproductive philopatry plays a role in maintaining contemporary I. indica population structure. Analyses of the mitochondrial control region did not reflect this pattern; however, it identified historical population structure. Differing patterns of genetic population structure revealed by mitochondrial and nuclear markers demonstrated that a transition must have occurred between historical and contemporary population structures. This restructuring presumably reflects a species whose populations have become genetically isolated before experiencing a period of secondary contact. The spatial subdivision evident among populations indicates that I. indica in this central Indo-Pacific region should be managed as three independent stocks, to guide the sustainability of this fisheries resource.
Phosphorylation of 4EBP by oral leucine administration was suppressed in the skeletal muscle of PGC-1α knockout mice
Authors: Yoshimura Ryoji , Minami Kimiko , Matsuda Junichiro , Sawada Naoki , Miura Shinji , Kamei Yasutomi
Published: September 2015

Leucine is known to increase mTOR-mediated phosphorylation of 4EBP. In this study, leucine was administered to skeletal muscle-PGC-1α knockout mice. We observed attenuated 4EBP phosphorylation in the skeletal muscle, but not in the liver, of the PGC-1α knockout mice. These data suggest that skeletal muscle-PGC-1α is important for leucine-mediated mTOR activation and protein biosynthesis.
The effects of long-term in situ CO2 enrichment on tropical seagrass communities at volcanic vents
Authors: Takahashi M. , Noonan S. H. C. , Fabricius K. E. , Collier C. J.
Published: September 2015

The effects of long-term exposure to elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) on seagrass communities are still poorly understood. This study investigates the tropical subtidal seagrass communities at three shallow volcanic CO2 vents in Papua New Guinea. Seagrass cover and biomass increased threefold and fivefold, respectively, from control to medium and high pCO2 sites (average pH = 7.9, 7.7, and 7.5, respectively). The seagrass community composition differed significantly between the pCO2 sites: Cymodocea serrulata, Cymodocea rotundata, and Halodule uninervis were more abundant at high pCO2 sites, whereas Halophila ovalis, Thalassia hemprichii, and Syringodium isoetifolium occurred only at low and mid pCO2 sites. Cymodocea rotundata was the only species common among all pCO2 sites and locations. The δ13C in its leaves significantly declined with increasing pCO2, indicating that additional CO2 influenced seagrass carbon uptake, and specifically, that there was discrimination against the heavier isotope (13C) when carbon was more abundant. Size-specific leaf growth rates (i.e. leaf turnover) also significantly declined with increasing pCO2; however, leaf growth rates showed no consistent difference in response to elevated pCO2 in two of four surveys. Our study suggests that progressive ocean acidification may lead to higher cover and above- and below-ground biomass, but lower size-specific growth and altered species composition in tropical seagrass communities. The effects of co-limiting factors, such as light and nutrient availability, on early-responding parameters, such as growth rates, require further attention to improve projections.
Diagnostic tests: how to estimate the positive predictive
value
Authors: Molinaro Annette M.
Published: September 2015

When a patient receives a positive test result from a diagnostic test they assume they have the disease. However, the positive predictive value (PPV), ie the probability that they have the disease given a positive test result, is rarely equal to one. To assist their patients, doctors must explain the chance that they do in fact have the disease. However, physicians frequently miscalculate the PPV as the sensitivity and/or misinterpret the PPV, which results in increased anxiety in patients and generates unnecessary tests and consultations. The reasons for this miscalculation as well as three ways to calculate the PPV are reviewed here.
Tumebacillus lipolyticus sp. nov., isolated from river water
Authors: Prasad R. V. , Bhumika V. , Anil Kumar P. , Srinivas N. R. T.
Published: September 2015

An aerobic, endospore-forming, alkali-tolerant, Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain NIO-S10T, was isolated from a surface water sample collected from the Godavari River, Kapileswarapuram, India. Colonies on nutrient agar were circular, 3-4 mm in diameter, creamish and raised after incubation for 36 h at 37 °C. Growth occurred at 20–40 °C, at pH 6–9 and in the presence of 0–2 % (w/v) NaCl. Strain NIO-S10T was positive for oxidase, caseinase, DNase, gelatinase, lipase and urease activities, and negative for catalase, aesculinase, amylase and cellulase activities. The fatty acids were dominated by branched and saturated fatty acids, with a high abundance of iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and C18 : 0.The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid, and MK-7 was the major menaquinone. The DNA G+C content of strain NIO-S10T was 54.4 mol%. A blast sequence similarity search based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that Tumebacillus ginsengisoli Gsoil 1105T was the nearest phylogenetic neighbour to strain NIO-S10T, with a pairwise sequence similarity of 94.9 %. Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain NIO-S10T was clustered with members of the genus Tumebacillus and together with members of the genus Effusibacillus. Based on phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic inference, strain NIO-S10T represents a novel species of the genus Tumebacillus, for which the name Tumebacillus lipolyticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NIO-S10T ( = KCTC 32289T = MTCC 12483T).
Emticicia aquatica sp. nov., a species of the family Cytophagaceae isolated from fresh water
Authors: Joung Yochan , Seo Mi-ae , Kang Heeyoung , Kim Haneul , Ahn Tae-seok , Cho Jang-Cheon , Joh Kiseong
Published: September 2015

A Gram-staining-negative, non-gliding, orange-pigmented bacterial strain, designated HMF2925T, was isolated from fresh water in Korea. The phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain HMF2925Tformed a distinct lineage within the genusEmticicia. Strain HMF2925Twas closely related toEmticicia oligotrophicaDSM 17448T(95.5 %) andEmticicia ginsengisoliGsoil 085T(94.1 %). The major fatty acids of strain HMF2925Twere summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6cand/or C16 : 1ω7c), iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1ω5cand C16 : 0.The major polar lipids of strain HMF2925Twere phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified glycolipid, two unidentified amino lipids and three unidentified polar lipids. The DNA G+C content of strain HMF2925Twas 36.5 mol%. On the basis of the evidence presented in this study, strain HMF2925Trepresents a novel species of the genusEmticicia, for which the nameEmticicia aquaticasp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HMF2925T( = KCTC 42574T = CECT 8858T).
Belliella marina sp. nov., isolated from seawater
Authors: Song Lei , Liu Hongcan , Wang Jian , Huang Ying , Dai Xin , Han Xiqiu , Zhou Yuguang
Published: September 2015

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped bacterium, strain SW112T, was isolated from a seawater sample collected from the Indian Ocean. The strain was strictly aerobic and catalase- and oxidase-positive. Strain SW112Tgrew at 4–42 °C (optimum 30 °C), at pH 5.5–9.5 (optimum pH 7.5) and in the presence of 0–9.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 2.0–3.0 %). The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0(29.7 %), iso-C17 : 03-OH (14.3 %) and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7cand/or C16 : 1ω6c, 15.1 %). The major menaquinone was menaquinone-7 and the major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain SW112Twas 39 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain SW112Twas related to members of the genusBelliella, showing the highest similarity withBelliella aquaticaTS-T86TandBelliella balticaDSM 15883T(96.5 % and 96.4 % sequence similarity, respectively). On the basis of phylogenetic inference and phenotypic characteristics, it is proposed that strain SW112Trepresents a novel species of the genusBelliella, for which the nameBelliella marinasp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SW112T( = CGMCC 1.15180T = KCTC 33694T).
Overlapping Genes and Size Constraints in Viruses - An Evolutionary Perspective
Authors: Brandes Nadav , Linial Michal
Published: September 2015

Viruses are the simplest replicating units, characterized by a limited number of coding genes and an exceptionally high rate of overlapping genes. We sought a unified explanation for the evolutionary constraints that govern genome sizes, gene overlapping and capsid properties. We performed an unbiased statistical analysis over the ∼100 known viral families, and came to refute widespread assumptions regarding viral evolution. We found that the volume utilization of viral capsids is often low, and greatly varies among families. Most notably, we show that the total amount of gene overlapping is tightly bounded. Although viruses expand three orders of magnitude in genome length, their absolute amount of gene overlapping almost never exceeds 1500 nucleotides, and mostly confined to <4 significant overlapping instances. Our results argue against the common theory by which gene overlapping is driven by a necessity of viruses to compress their genome. Instead, we support the notion that overlapping has a role in gene novelty and evolution exploration.
Luxury brand purchases and the extended self
Authors: Wu Meng-Shan Sharon , Chen Cheng-Hao Steve , Nguyen Bang
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– It is generally agreed that marketing campaigns developed for western markets may not be appropriate for consumers living in eastern cultures, particularly with respect to strategies for promoting luxury brands. While consultancy reports and media commentaries show that rising levels of disposable income are driving increasing demand for luxury goods in China and Taiwan, for example, the academic literature offers very few consumer research findings clearly elucidating the different luxury purchasing behaviour of eastern and western consumers. The purpose of this paper is to compare the consumption of luxury products and luxury fashion purchasing habits in Taiwan and the UK, with particular reference to the fashion sector, focusing on a strategically important emerging market segment: young consumers of luxury brands.

Design/methodology/approach

– To achieve the study’s objectives, questionnaires were administered online in each of the two countries to females aged 18-26 years, who had made more than two luxury purchases in the year preceding the survey. Employing a two-wave survey, respondents were selected via social media and personal contacts in the UK and by means of snowball sampling in Taiwan.

Findings

– The study found one major point of difference among many similarities: the Taiwanese buyers scored significantly higher on indicators that they were treating luxury brands as a means of developing their self-identity and communicating their social standing: an important part of maintaining “face” in Asian cultures. These findings contain important strategic implications for luxury fashion brand managers developing marketing campaigns for the promotion of their brands in the distinctive cultures of Taiwan, Mainland China and their neighbours.

Originality/value

– The study reported in this paper compares the consumption of luxury products in Taiwan and the UK, with particular reference to the fashion sector. The study contributes to existing knowledge by evaluating differences and similarities in: first, the luxury fashion purchasing behaviour of young women in Taiwan and the UK; and second, the ways in which the two sets of consumers use luxury fashion products as an extension of their selves.
The impact of brand logo identification and brand logo benefit on Indonesian consumers’ relationship quality
Authors: Japutra Arnold , Keni Keni , Nguyen Bang
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between brand logo identification and brand logo benefit on Indonesian consumers’ relationship quality.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study utilizes survey data in Indonesia and structural equation modeling. In total, 282 participants responded to the survey.

Findings

– Brand logo benefit predicts all three relationship quality constructs, whereas brand logo identification only predicts satisfaction and trust. Out of the two, brand logo benefit is a better predictor of satisfaction, trust, and commitment.

Originality/value

– This is a first empirical study to examine brand logo identification and brand logo benefit on Indonesian consumer’s relationship quality. In addition, this is the first study to investigate the link between brand logo benefit with satisfaction and trust.
BIM for client organisations: a continuous improvement approach
Authors: Al Ahbabi Mubarak , Alshawi Mustafa
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a continuous improvement approach for clients to improve their performance and to maximise the benefits gained from building information modelling (BIM) over time. The role of client organisations is considered to be very important to accelerate the implementation of BIM. To do this, they need to clearly understand the implementation mechanisms; determine the level of change required within their organisations; and evaluate how best they can achieve this change. The paper’s concept is based on identifying BIM requirements and documenting them in an Employer Information Requirements (EIR) document based on their capability and maturity to deliver and manage BIM.

Design/methodology/approach

– The continuous improvement approach is based on introducing gradual details to the client’s EIR, depending on the capability and maturity of the client organisation and their supply chain. The approach uses BSI B/555 maturity levels as a baseline for improvement.

Findings

– A structured approach for client organisations is presented. This helps them to gradually improve their performance towards BIM implementation, taking into consideration their capability and maturity level.

Originality/value

– The proposed approach is new to industry and could contribute to the efforts of the industry in reaching higher BSI B/555 maturity levels with minimal risks.
Wearing comfort of two construction work uniforms
Authors: Chan Albert P.C. , Yang Yang , Wong Francis K.W. , Chan Daniel W.M. , Lam Edmond W.M.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The aim of this study is to investigate wearing comfort of summer work uniforms judged by construction workers.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 189 male construction workers participated in a series of wear trials and questionnaire surveys in the summer of 2014. They were asked to randomly wear two types of work uniforms (i.e. uniforms A and B) in the two-day field survey and the subjective attributes of these uniforms were assessed. Three analytical techniques, namely, multiple regression, artificial neural network and fuzzy logic were used to predict wearing comfort affected by the six subjective sensations.

Findings

– The results revealed that fuzzy logic was a robust and practical tool for predicting wearing comfort in terms of better prediction performance and more interpretable results than the other models. Pressure attributes were further found to exert a greater effect than thermal–wet attributes on wearing comfort. Overall, the use of uniform B exhibited profound benefits on wearing comfort because it kept workers cooler, drier and more comfortable with less work performance interference than wearing uniform A.

Originality/value

– The findings provide a fresh insight into construction workers’ needs for work clothes, which further facilitates the improvement in the clothing tailor-made design and the enhancement of the well-being of workers.
Auditing and internal controls for offshored accounting processes: a research agenda
Authors: Mohapatra Partha , El-Mahdy Dina F , Xu Li
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to develop a research agenda on internal controls for offshored accounting processes. It further develops a linkage between internal controls of offshored accounting processes and auditing of the organization. Offshoring of accounting processes has become a common business practice, pursued by firms to reduce costs and focus on core competencies. However, our understanding about internal controls of these offshored processes is limited.

Design/methodology/approach

– Grounded in theory that is supported by prior literature and interviews with practitioners, this paper attempts to develop a research agenda on internal controls for offshored accounting processes.

Findings

– The main findings of our study suggest that while offshoring saves costs and allows the clients to focus on their core competencies, it also poses risks to the clients’ organizations. To mitigate these risks and comply with the regulatory requirements of the countries where the clients are located, clients and their offshore vendors need to effectively establish adequate internal controls for offshored business processes. Clients should seek those vendors who have appropriate processes in place and are willing to provide Service Organization Control (SOC) reports (or at least are capable of getting a SOC report in the near future). Moreover, clients should avoid offshoring the processes that would exist in defective internal control systems. Similarly, vendors should avoid undertaking those processes for which they are incapable of maintaining efficient internal controls.

Practical implications

– Our study has implications for academicians as well as practitioners on understanding the determinants and consequences of internal control for offshored processes.

Originality/value

– While internal controls for offshored accounting process and related regulatory changes have been increasingly important topics, little research has been devoted to explore their implications on accounting and auditing literature. We attempt to bridge this gap by synthesizing prior research on internal controls and auditing, and further developing a set of research questions for academic research. Our hope is to spur a new area of research that has not been explored before.
Pragmatic adaptation of the ISO 31000:2009 enterprise risk management framework in a high-tech organization using Six Sigma
Authors: Choo Bennie Seck-Yong , Goh Jenson Chong-Leng
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This case study aims to present a viable solution to how organizations can adapt and customize the ISO 31000:2009 enterprise risk management framework to suits its needs and requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

– Approach used for this case study is via adopting Six Sigma DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control phases) methodology.

Findings

– Key finding is the importance of stakeholders’ feedbacks which are taken into consideration during the designing of the new customized enterprise risk management framework, integrated with all supporting processes, tools and resources.

Originality/value

– The ISO 31000:2009 enterprise risk management framework dictates that it is not a one-size-fits-all. Rather, organizations who wish to adapt this framework need to customize accordingly, but there is no indication on how organizations can do it. This case study presents a viable solution to this challenge.
Integration of resilience and sustainability: from theory to application
Authors: Achour Nebil , Pantzartzis Efthimia , Pascale Federica , Price Andrew D. F.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to explore the challenges associated with the integration of resilience and sustainability, and propose a workable solution that ensures resilient and sustainable buildings. Recent research outcomes suggest that the number of natural hazards, both environmental and geophysical, will increase due to the effect of global warming. Various approaches have been investigated to reduce environmental degradation and to improve the physical resilience to natural hazards. However, most of these approaches are fragmented and when combined with cultural barriers, they often result into less-efficient assessment tools.

Design/methodology/approach

– The primary source of information used to develop this paper has been research publications, policy papers, reports and tool guidelines. A set of questions were developed to guide the review which was complemented with information distilled from the HFA 2005-2015 to develop an integration process to evaluate 10 international sustainability appraisal tools.

Findings

– The major finding of this research is that, from a technical point of view, resilience and sustainability could be integrated. However, it requires a long and thorough process with a multidisciplinary stakeholder team including technical, strategic, social and political parties. A combination of incentives and policies would support this process and help people work towards the integration. The Japanese model demonstrates a successful case in engaging stakeholders in the process which led to the development of a comprehensive appraisal tool, CASBEE®, where resilience and sustainability are integrated.

Practical implications

– Although data have been sought through literature review (i.e. secondary data), the research is expected to have significant impact, as it provides a clear theoretical foundation and methods for those wishing to integrate resilience within current sustainability appraisal tools or develop new tools.

Social implications

– This paper provides original concepts that are required to reduce fragmentation in the way resilience and sustainability are addressed. It sets up a new research agenda which has the potential to have a strong impact due the fact that sustainability and resilience are getting higher on the political priority scale.

Originality/value

– This paper provides findings of an original idea to reduce fragmentation in the way resilience and sustainability are addressed. It sets up a new research agenda which has the potential to have a strong impact due the fact that sustainability and resilience are getting higher on the political priority scale.