bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling intermediates in carbon monoxide coupling reactions using cyclooctatetraene thorium derivatives
Authors: Li Huidong , Feng Hao , Sun Weiguo , Fan Qunchao , King R. Bruce , Schaefer III Henry F.
Published: September 2014

Density functional studies on (C8H8)2Th2(CO)n (n = 2 to 7) derivatives are used to model intermediates in CO coupling reactions in organoactinides related to those found by Cloke and coworkers.
Ultrasonic synthesis and properties of a sodium lignosulfonate–grafted poly(acrylic acid-co-acryl amide) composite super absorbent polymer
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Zhang Yike , Hao Chen , Dai Xiaohui , Zhu Fangfang , Ge Cunwang
Published: September 2014

We presented a quick and efficient way (ultrasonic method) to prepare a green and high quality superabsorbent.
Intracellular delivery of peptide cargos using iron oxide based nanoparticles: studies on antitumor efficacy of a BCL-2 converting peptide, NuBCP-9
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Singh Gurpal , Sharma Sapna , Gupta Dikshi , Bansal Vivek , Arora Vikas , Bhat Madhusudan , Srivastava Sandeep K. , Sapra Sameer , Kharbanda Surender , Dinda Amit K. , Singh Harpal
Published: September 2014

Delivering peptides into cells targeting the undruggable oncoproteins is an emerging area in cancer therapeutics.
Superlattice assembly of graphene oxide (GO) and titania nanosheets: fabrication, in situ photocatalytic reduction of GO and highly improved carrier transport
Authors: Cai Xingke , Ma Renzhi , Ozawa Tadashi C. , Sakai Nobuyuki , Funatsu Asami , Sasaki Takayoshi
Published: September 2014

An alternate molecular assembly of GO/Ti0.87O20.52− was fabricated layer-by-layer, and this film showed enhanced carrier transport properties after photocatalytic reduction.
Anodic Cu2S and CuS nanorod and nanowall arrays: preparation, properties and application in CO2 photoreduction
Authors: Kar Piyush , Farsinezhad Samira , Zhang Xiaojiang , Shankar Karthik
Published: September 2014

Electrochemical anodization has been used to grow vertically oriented nanowall and nanotube arrays in copper sulfide.
Addition of optically pure H-phosphinate to ketones: selectivity, stereochemistry and mechanism
Authors: Sun Yong-Ming , Xin Nana , Xu Zhong-Yuan , Liu Li-Juan , Meng Fan-Jie , Zhang He , Fu Bao-Ci , Liang Qiu-Ju , Zheng Hong-Xing , Sun Li-Jun , Zhao Chang-Qiu , Han Li-Biao
Published: September 2014

A stability-controlled diastereoselective addition of a chiral P–H species to ketones afforded P,C-stereogenic α-hydroxyphosphinates in excellent yields and dr.
Catalytic asymmetric desymmetrization approaches to enantioenriched cyclopentanes
Authors: Manna Madhu Sudan , Mukherjee Santanu
Published: September 2014

Asymmetric desymmetrization represents an excellent strategy for obtaining highly functionalized chiral building blocks. However, the application of this strategy for the synthesis of cyclopentane derivatives remained limited, when compared to cyclohexanes. Here, we give an overview of asymmetric desymmetrization reactions leading to enantioenriched cyclopentanes.
Semiconductor-driven “turn-off” surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy: application in selective determination of chromium(vi) in water
Authors: Ji Wei , Wang Yue , Tanabe Ichiro , Han Xiaoxia , Zhao Bing , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: September 2014

A novel “turn-off” SERS strategy for the detection of metal ions was demonstrated based on the optical and catalytic properties of semiconductor materials.
Theoretical insight into highly durable iron phthalocyanine derived non-precious catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions
Authors: Seo Min Ho , Higgins Drew , Jiang Gaopeng , Choi Sung Mook , Han Byungchan , Chen Zhongwei
Published: September 2014

N4-chelate macrocycles comprise the foundation for non-precious metal oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst research, where the main electrochemical process occurs in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells.
Nanostructured ion gels from liquid crystalline block copolymers and gold nanoparticles in ionic liquids: manifestation of mechanical and electrochemical properties
Authors: Nguyen Chi Thanh , Zhu Yumin , Chen Xiaorui , Sotzing Gregory A. , Granados-Focil Sergio , Kasi Rajeswari M.
Published: September 2014

We examine the influence of confining gold nanoparticles on the overall nanoscale morphology, mechanical and electrochemical properties of nanocomposite ion gels.
Controllable fabrication of a flexible transparent metallic grid conductor based on the coffee ring effect
Authors: Zhang Zhiliang , Zhu Weiyue
Published: September 2014

Flexible transparent metallic grid-based conductors were successfully fabricated and sintered at room temperature based on the coffee ring effect.
Sulfonylurea receptors regulate the channel pore in ATP-sensitive potassium channels via an intersubunit salt bridge
Authors: Lodwick David , Rainbow Richard D. , Rubaiy Hussein N. , Al Johi Mohammed , Vuister Geerten W. , Norman Robert I.
Published: September 2014

ATP-sensitive potassium channels play key roles in many tissues by coupling metabolic status to membrane potential. In contrast with other potassium channels, the pore-forming Kir6 subunits must co-assemble in hetero-octameric complexes with ATP-binding cassette (ABC) family sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) subunits to facilitate cell surface expression. Binding of nucleotides and drugs to SUR regulates channel gating but how these responses are communicated within the complex has remained elusive to date. We have now identified an electrostatic interaction, forming part of a functional interface between the cytoplasmic nucleotide-binding domain-2 of SUR2 subunits and the distal C-terminus of Kir6 polypeptides that determines channel response to nucleotide, potassium channel opener and antagonist. Mutation of participating residues disrupted physical interaction and regulation of expressed channels, properties that were restored in paired charge-swap mutants. Equivalent interactions were identified in Kir6.1- and Kir6.2-containing channels suggesting a conserved mechanism of allosteric regulation.
Identification of NOX2 regions for normal biosynthesis of cytochrome b558 in phagocytes highlighting essential residues for p22phox binding
Authors: Beaumel Sylvain , Grunwald Didier , Fieschi Franck , Stasia Marie José
Published: September 2014

Cytochrome b558, the redox core of the NADPH oxidase (NOX) complex in phagocytes, is composed of NOX2 and p22phox, the synthesis of which is intimately connected but not fully understood. We reproduced 10 rare X-minus chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) mutations of highly conserved residues in NOX1–NOX4, in X0-CGD PLB-985 cells in order to analyse their impact on the synthesis of cytochrome b558. According to the impact of these mutations on the level of expression of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) and its activity, mutants were categorized into group A (W18C, E309K, K315del and I325F), characterized by a linear relationship between NOX2 expression and NOX activity, and group B (H338Y, P339H, G389A and F656–F570del), showing an absence of NOX activity associated with variable levels of NOX2 expression. These last residues belong to the FAD-binding pocket of NOX2, suggesting that this functional domain also plays a role in the structural integrity of NOX2. Finally, we observed an abnormal accumulation of p65 (65-kDa monomer), the NOX2 precursor and p65–p22phox dissociation in the W18C, E309K, I325F and G389A mutants, pointing out a possible role of the first transmembrane domain (Trp18), and the region between the membrane and the dehydrogenase domain of NOX2 (Glu309, Ile325 and Gly389), in the binding with p22phox.
Cytochrome P450 system proteins reside in different regions of the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Park Ji Won , Reed James R. , Brignac-Huber Lauren M. , Backes Wayne L.
Published: September 2014

Cytochrome P450 (P450) function is dependent on the ability of these enzymes to successfully interact with their redox partners, NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) and cytochrome b5, in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Because the ER is heterogeneous in lipid composition, membrane microdomains with different characteristics are formed. Ordered microdomains are more tightly packed, and enriched in saturated fatty acids, sphingomyelin and cholesterol, whereas disordered regions contain higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids. The goal of the present study was to determine whether the P450 system proteins localize to different regions of the ER. The localization of CYP1A2, CYP2B4 and CYP2E1 within the ER was determined by partial membrane solubilization with Brij 98, centrifugation on a discontinuous sucrose gradient and immune blotting of the gradient fractions to identify ordered and disordered microdomains. CYP1A2 resided almost entirely in the ordered regions of the ER with CPR also localized predominantly to this region. CYP2B4 was equally distributed between the ordered and disordered domains. In contrast, CYP2E1 localized to the disordered membrane regions. Removal of cholesterol (an important constituent of ordered domains) led to the relocation of CYP1A2, CYP2B4 and CPR to the disordered regions. Interestingly, CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 localized to different membrane microdomains, despite their high degree of sequence similarity. These data demonstrate that P450 system enzymes are organized in specific membrane regions, and their localization can be affected by depletion of membrane cholesterol. The differential localization of different P450 in specific membrane regions may provide a novel mechanism for modulating P450 function.
Identification of amino acid determinants in CYP4B1 for optimal catalytic processing of 4-ipomeanol
Authors: Wiek Constanze , Schmidt Eva M. , Roellecke Katharina , Freund Marcel , Nakano Mariko , Kelly Edward J. , Kaisers Wolfgang , Yarov-Yarovoy Vladimir , Kramm Christof M. , Rettie Allan E. , Hanenberg Helmut
Published: September 2014

Mammalian CYP4B1 enzymes are cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenases that are responsible for the bioactivation of several exogenous pro-toxins including 4-ipomeanol (4-IPO). In contrast with the orthologous rabbit enzyme, we show here that native human CYP4B1 with a serine residue at position 427 is unable to bioactivate 4-IPO and does not cause cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells and primary human T-cells that overexpress these enzymes. We also demonstrate that a proline residue in the meander region at position 427 in human CYP4B1 and 422 in rabbit CYP4B1 is important for protein stability and rescues the 4-IPO bioactivation of the human enzyme, but is not essential for the catalytic activity of the rabbit CYP4B1 protein. Systematic substitution of native and p.S427P human CYP4B1 with peptide regions from the highly active rabbit enzyme reveals that 18 amino acids in the wild-type rabbit CYP4B1 protein are key for conferring high 4-IPO metabolizing activity. Introduction of 12 of the 18 amino acids that are also present at corresponding positions in other human CYP4 family members into the p.S427P human CYP4B1 protein results in a mutant human enzyme (P+12) that is as stable and as active as the rabbit wild-type CYP4B1 protein. These 12 mutations cluster in the predicted B-C loop through F-helix regions and reveal new amino acid regions important to P450 enzyme stability. Finally, by minimally re-engineering the human CYP4B1 enzyme for efficient activation of 4-IPO, we have developed a novel human suicide gene system that is a candidate for adoptive cellular therapies in humans.
Fat mass and obesity-related (FTO) shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm
Authors: Gulati Pawan , Avezov Edward , Ma Marcella , Antrobus Robin , Lehner Paul , O’Rahilly Stephen , Yeo Giles S. H.
Published: September 2014

SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) on a chromosome 16 locus encompassing FTO, as well as IRX3, 5, 6, FTM and FTL are robustly associated with human obesity. FTO catalyses the Fe(II)- and 2OG-dependent demethylation of RNA and is an AA (amino acid) sensor that couples AA levels to mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1) signalling, thereby playing a key role in regulating growth and translation. However, the cellular compartment in which FTO primarily resides to perform its biochemical role is unclear. Here, we undertake live cell imaging of GFP (green fluorescent protein)-FTO, and demonstrate that FTO resides in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. We show using ‘FLIP’ (fluorescence loss in photobleaching) that a mobile FTO fraction shuttles between both compartments. We performed a proteomic study and identified XPO2 (Exportin 2), one of a family of proteins that mediates the shuttling of proteins between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, as a binding partner of FTO. Finally, using deletion studies, we show that the N-terminus of FTO is required for its ability to shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm. In conclusion, FTO is present in both the nucleus and cytoplasm, with a mobile fraction that shuttles between both cellular compartments, possibly by interaction with XPO2.
Implementation of LZMA compression algorithm on FPGA
Authors: Li Bing , Zhang Lin , Shang Zhuangzhuang , Dong Qian
Published: September 2014

In the era of big data, compression techniques are needed to improve data processing bandwidth and data storage efficiency. Compared with software‐based compression techniques, hardware‐based compression techniques can improve speed and reduce power consumption. LZMA (Lempel–Ziv–Markov chain algorithm) is a lossless compression technology, and its hardware implementation has broad application prospects. A novel high‐performance implementation of the LZMA compression algorithm capable of processing up to 125 Mbit/s on a Virtex‐6 field programmable gate array (FPGA) chip is proposed. A typical application and its compression performance for a specific data sample are then presented.
Microsecond optical switching of five channels by KTN electro‐optic deflector
Authors: Sasaki Y. , Kobayashi J. , Yagi S. , Fujiura K.
Published: September 2014

A 1 × 5 optical switch with a switching speed of microseconds is demonstrated. Switching between different channels in a planar lightwave circuit waveguide array was controlled using an electro‐optic beam deflector. A single crystal of potassium tantalate niobate (KTa1−xNbxO3, KTN) was used as a deflector to realise this operation. A switching speed of 8.1 μs was demonstrated for the switching of two adjacent channels.
Multi‐band microstrip‐fed slot antenna loaded with split‐ring resonator
Authors: Sarkar D. , Saurav K. , Srivastava K.V.
Published: September 2014

A microstrip‐fed compact multi‐band slot antenna using a single split‐ring resonator (SRR) is proposed. The SRR acting as a loading element introduces multiple lower‐order resonances in the antenna, which can be controlled by varying the SRR's dimensions as well as its position with respect to the arm of the slot, without altering the geometry of the radiating slot. The concept is validated by a full‐wave simulation study and by measurement on a fabricated prototype. The proposed antenna has satisfactory gain and monopolar radiation patterns in all the operating bands.
142 GHz amplifier with 18.5 dB gain and 7.9 mW DC power in 65 nm CMOS
Authors: Meng Xiangyu , Chi Baoyong , Jia Haikun , Kuang Lixue , Wang Zhihua
Published: September 2014

A single‐ended amplifier with a magnetic‐coupled feedback embedded network is proposed and its small‐signal equivalent circuit is analysed in detail. The embedded network cancels the effects of the gate–drain capacitor Cgd and introduces negative resistance into the transistor drain, so that the maximum power gain of the transistor could be achieved. Based on this design methodology, a 142 GHz amplifier with 18.5 dB power gain and 7.9 mW DC power has been implemented in 65 nm CMOS.
Water Structure Change-Induced Expansion and Collapse of Zwitterionic Polymers Surface-Grafted onto Carbon Black
Authors: Pei Yiwen , Travas-Sejdic Jadranka , Williams David E.
Published: September 2014

We demonstrate the expansion and collapse of surface-grafted zwitterionic polymer brushes in water caused by the addition of urea. We hypothesize that at low urea concentrations, this is an effect of an ion–dipole interaction between urea and the polymer, and at high urea concentrations, an effect of a change in water structure causing change in solvation of the brushes and hence a change in the dipole–dipole interaction, and that it is analogous to the effects of urea on protein stability.
The response of grassland productivity, soil carbon content and soil respiration rates to different grazing regimes in a desert steppe in northern China
Authors: Hou Xiangyang , Wang Zhen , Michael Schellenberg P. , Ji Lei , Yun Xiangjun
Published: September 2014

Soil respiration is a major process for organic carbon losses from arid ecosystems. A field experiment was conducted in 2010 and 2012 on the responses to continuous grazing, rotational grazing and no grazing on desert steppe vegetation in northern China. The growing season in 2010 was relatively dry and in 2012 was relatively wet. The results showed that mean soil respiration was the highest with no grazing in both growing seasons. Compared with no grazing, the soil respiration was decreased by 23.0% under continuous grazing and 14.1% under seasonal rotational grazing. Soil respiration increased linearly with increasing soil water gravimetric content, aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP), belowground net primary productivity (BNPP) and soil carbon and nitrogen contents across the 2 years, whereas a negative correlation was detected between soil respiration and soil temperature. A significant decrease in soil respiration was observed under both continuous grazing and in seasonal rotational grazing in the dry growing season, but no significant difference was detected in the wet growing season. In the wet year, only a non-significant difference in soil respiration was observed between different grazing types. Patterns of seasonal precipitation strongly affected the temporal changes of soil respiration as well as its response to different grazing types. The findings highlight the importance of differences in abiotic (soil temperature, soil water gravimetric content and soil carbon and nitrogen contents) and biotic (ANPP, BNPP and litter mass) factors in mediating the responses of soil respiration to the different grazing regimes.
An Assessment of the Scale, Practices, and Conservation Implications of Florida's Charter Boat–Based Recreational Shark Fishery
Authors: Shiffman David Samuel , Hammerschlag Neil
Published: September 2014

Recent conservation efforts have advocated for SCUBA diving ecotourism as a nonconsumptive alternative use of sharks. Although generally overlooked by conservation advocates, another nonextractive use is catch-and-release fishing, which remains poorly characterized for shark fishing. In this study, we use a combination of website content analysis and surveys of charter boat captains to assess the scale of Florida's charter boat shark fishing industry. We further examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of charter boat captains whose clients fish for sharks in Florida. We show that recreational charter boat shark fishing occurs throughout the state but is heavily concentrated in the Florida Keys. Shark fishing is often the most expensive trip offered, suggesting that sharks are economically important to the charter boat fishing industry. Florida's charter boat shark fishers who show a strong conservation ethic toward sharks practice catch and release commonly. Our results suggest that although some species are better candidates for catch-and-release fishing than others due to inherent physiological vulnerabilities to postrelease mortality, Florida's charter boat shark fishery can augment the recent “ecotourism conservation” argument that sharks may be worth more alive than dead.

RESUMEN

actualmente, los esfuerzos de conservación han abogado por el ecoturismo mediante buceo SCUBA como una alternativa no consumista en cuanto al uso de los tiburones. Algo que generalmente ha pasado desapercibido por los conservacionistas en cuanto al uso no extractivo de los tiburones es la pesca de captura y liberación, la cual continúa estando pobremente caracterizada para el caso de los tiburones. En este estudio se utiliza una combinación de análisis de contenido de páginas web y sondeos a los capitanes de embarcaciones para evaluar la escala de la industria pesquera de Florida basada en botes de alquiler. Así mismo se examina el grado de conocimiento, actitudes y prácticas de los capitanes de botes de alquiler cuyos clientes pescan tiburones en Florida. Se muestra que la pesca recreativa de tiburones basada en botes de alquiler existe a lo largo de todo el estado pero se concentra principalmente en los cayos de Florida. La pesca de tiburón puede ser el viaje de pesca más costoso que se ofrece, lo que sugiere que los tiburones son económicamente importantes para la industria pesquera basada en botes rentados. En Florida, aquellos pescadores que mostraron una mayor ética de conservación hacia los tiburones, habitualmente practican la pesca de captura y liberación. Los hallazgos sugieren que si bien algunas especies son mejores candidatos para la pesca de captura y liberación debido a su inherente vulnerabilidad fisiológica a la mortalidad que ocurre tras la liberación, la pesquería de tiburones en Florida basada en botes rentados puede abonar al argumento de la conservación ecoturística de que los tiburones valen más vivos que muertos.
On the Advantages of Word Frequency and Contextual Diversity Measures Extracted from Subtitles: The Case of Portuguese
Authors: Soares Ana Paula , Machado João , Costa Ana , Iriarte Álvaro , Simões Alberto , de Almeida José João , Comesaña Montserrat , Perea Manuel
Published: September 2014

We examined the potential advantage of the lexical databases using subtitles and present SUBTLEX-PT, a new lexical database for 132,710 Portuguese words obtained from a 78 million corpus based on film and television series subtitles, offering word frequency and contextual diversity measures. Additionally we validated SUBTLEX-PT with a lexical decision study involving 1920 Portuguese words (and 1920 nonwords) with different lengths in letters ( M = 6.89, SD = 2.10) and syllables ( M = 2.99, SD = 0.94). Multiple regression analyses on latency and accuracy data were conducted to compare the proportion of variance explained by the Portuguese subtitle word frequency measures with that accounted by the recent written-word frequency database (Procura-PALavras; P-PAL; Soares, Iriarte, et al., 2014). As its international counterparts, SUBTLEX-PT explains approximately 15% more of the variance in the lexical decision performance of young adults than the P-PAL database. Moreover, in line with recent studies, contextual diversity accounted for approximately 2% more of the variance in participants' reading performance than the raw frequency counts obtained from subtitles. SUBTLEX-PT is freely available for research purposes (at http://p-pal.di.uminho.pt/about/databases ).
A matrix metalloproteinase mediates long-distance attenuation of stem cell proliferation
Authors: Wang Xiaoxi , Page-McCaw Andrea
Published: September 2014

Ligand-based signaling can potentiate communication between neighboring cells and between cells separated by large distances. In the Drosophila melanogaster ovary, Wingless (Wg) promotes proliferation of follicle stem cells located ∼50 µm or five cell diameters away from the Wg source. How Wg traverses this distance is unclear. We find that this long-range signaling requires Division abnormally delayed (Dally)-like (Dlp), a glypican known to extend the range of Wg ligand in the wing disc by binding Wg. Dlp-mediated spreading of Wg to follicle stem cells is opposed by the extracellular protease Mmp2, which cleaved Dlp in cell culture, triggering its relocalization such that Dlp no longer contacted Wg protein. Mmp2-deficient ovaries displayed increased Wg distribution, activity, and stem cell proliferation. Mmp2 protein is expressed in the same cells that produce Wg; thus, niche cells produce both a long-range stem cell proliferation factor and a negative regulator of its spreading. This system could allow for spatial control of Wg signaling to targets at different distances from the source.
Cdc42 and formin activity control non-muscle myosin dynamics during Drosophila heart morphogenesis
Authors: Vogler Georg , Liu Jiandong , Iafe Timothy W. , Migh Ede , Mihály József , Bodmer Rolf
Published: September 2014

During heart formation, a network of transcription factors and signaling pathways guide cardiac cell fate and differentiation, but the genetic mechanisms orchestrating heart assembly and lumen formation remain unclear. Here, we show that the small GTPase Cdc42 is essential for Drosophila melanogaster heart morphogenesis and lumen formation. Cdc42 genetically interacts with the cardiogenic transcription factor tinman; with dDAAM which belongs to the family of actin organizing formins; and with zipper, which encodes nonmuscle myosin II. Zipper is required for heart lumen formation, and its spatiotemporal activity at the prospective luminal surface is controlled by Cdc42. Heart-specific expression of activated Cdc42, or the regulatory formins dDAAM and Diaphanous caused mislocalization of Zipper and induced ectopic heart lumina, as characterized by luminal markers such as the extracellular matrix protein Slit. Placement of Slit at the lumen surface depends on Cdc42 and formin function. Thus, Cdc42 and formins play pivotal roles in heart lumen formation through the spatiotemporal regulation of the actomyosin network.
Laura Machesky: Actin opens the way
Authors: Sedwick Caitlin
Published: September 2014

Machesky studies the role of the actin cytoskeleton in cancer invasion and metastasis.
Transmission electron microscopy analysis of the crystallography of precipitates in Mg–Sn alloys aged at high temperatures
Authors: Nie Xin , Guan Yimin , Zhao Dongshan , Liu Yu , Gui Jianian , Li Luying , Wang Jianbo
Published: September 2014

The crystallographic orientation relationships (ORs) of precipitated β-Mg2Sn particles in Mg–9.76 wt% Sn alloy aged at 573 K for 5 h, corresponding to its peak hardness, were investigated by advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM). OR-3 of (110)β//(0001)αand [\overline 111]β//[1\overline 210]αand OR-4 of (110)β//(0001)αand [001]β//[2\overline 1\overline 10]αare the key ORs of β-Mg2Sn particles in the alloy. The proportions of β-Mg2Sn particles exhibiting OR-3 and OR-4 were determined as 75.1 and 24.3%, respectively. Crystallographic factors determined the predominance of OR-3 in the precipitated β-Mg2Sn particles. This mechanism was analyzed by a three-dimensional invariant line model constructed using a transformation matrix in reciprocal space. Models of the interface of precipitated β-Mg2Sn and the α-Mg matrix were constructedviahigh-resolution TEM and atomic resolution high-angle annular dark-field scanning TEM.
Angle calculations for an area detector on a two-axis arm: application to powder diffraction
Authors: Normile P. S.
Published: September 2014

A procedure for the reduction (integration) of a two-dimensional powder diffraction pattern registered with an area detector after rotation about two orthogonal diffractometer axes is described. The procedure involves the conversion from pixel coordinates to scattering and azimuthal angle {2θ, ψ} coordinates. The article concludes with a mention of two possible applications of the procedure to studies of reciprocal space mapping with an area detector.
Agricultural credit rationing in Ghana: what do formal lenders look for?
Authors: Awunyo-Vitor Dadson , Mahama Al-Hassan Ramatu , Bruce Sarpong Daniel , Egyir Irene
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of agricultural credit rationing by formal lenders in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study employed descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Heckman's two-stage regression model to identify types of rationing faced by farmers and investigate factors that influence agricultural credit rationing by formal financial institutions. Data used in this study are gathered through a survey of 595 farmers in seven districts within Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana.

Findings

– The result reveals that farmers face three types of rationing. Evidence from the Heckman two-stage models shows that engagement in off farm income generating activities, increase in farm size, positive balances on accounts and commercial orientation of the farmers has the potential to reduce rationing of credit applicants by formal lenders.

Practical implications

– The results provide information on the factors that need to be considered as important in an attempt to reduce agricultural credit rationing by formal lenders.

Originality/value

– The value of this study is that farmers would use the results of this study to improve access to required amount of agricultural credit from formal financial institutions. The information would also benefit stakeholders in the agricultural sector, particularly youth in agriculture program organized by Ministry of Food and Agriculture in Ghana as how to improve access to credit and reduce rationing of program participants by formal financial institutions.
Fertilizer adoption, credit access, and safety nets in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Million
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of access to credit and safety nets on fertilizer adoption in rural Ethiopia.

Design/methodology/approach

– A panel data set collected in 2005 and 2007 on 278 households and over 5,700 plots from the Southern Highlands of Ethiopia is examined. The authors developed a theoretical model relating input use and credit contract under third-party credit collateral agreement. The estimation is based on instrumental variables regressions to account for the endogeneity of credit access, and safety nets in fertilizer demand equation.

Findings

– Despite increasing trends in fertilizer and improved varieties adoption since mid-2003, only 22 percent of the plots in the sample is actually received fertilizer. Households with more assets measured by livestock wealth are more likely to adopt fertilizer but less likely to participate in the local credit market as they have better savings that could be used to buy fertilizer/improved seeds without credit contract. This suggests poorer farmers heavily depend on credit than wealthier. Participation in safety nets programs did not contribute for increased use of fertilizer suggesting that the program either competes with agricultural labor or the low wage income was not enough to pay for farm inputs.

Practical implications

– The findings show that with a heavier reliance on credit by poorer farmers it appears that much might be gained by targeting policies toward increasing credit access to this group.

Originality/value

– Studies that utilize repeated plot- and household-level observations are limited. To the knowledge, this is the first study showing the relationship between credit accesses, public work program and fertilizer adoption over time in rural Ethiopia.
Major factors contributing to wind power diffusion
Authors: Lehtovaara Matti , Karvonen Matti , Kapoor Rahul , Sakari Kässi Tuomo , Pyrhönen Juha
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to evaluate the linkages between the technological, market and political environment in the wind power industry and their contribution to market diffusion.

Design/methodology/approach

– The evaluation is based on a literature review of the wind power industry and policy issues in selected countries, patent and financial analyses of leading European firms and semi-structured interviews of energy experts.

Findings

– The results reveal that the industry is policy-driven and appropriate energy politics are crucial in continuing the rapid wind power market diffusion during the next decades. Wind power technologies are in an accelerating stage of evolution, and competitive technologies contribute to market diffusion and firms’ financial performance. However, without adequate energy subsidies and emission trading schemes, the industry will not be competitive in the energy markets, where other energy sources, including fossil fuels, are also subsidized.

Research limitations/implications

– This case focuses mainly on the leading European industry actors and has a European perspective in policy issues. The analyses are limited to the main support mechanisms and countries where the diffusion of renewable energy has been rapid.

Practical implications

– The wind power industry is still in the emerging phase in its life cycle, and well-planned and efficiently implemented public support schemes are needed in order for the firms to compete successfully in the markets. The industry will probably be competitive without subsidies in 10-20 years.

Originality/value

– The evaluation of the given indicators and political environment will give insight into the competitive environment and factors behind the diffusion of emerging technologies.
Procedural characteristics of the 4th Korean technology foresight
Authors: Choi Moonjung , Choi Han-Lim , Yang Heyoung
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to describe procedural characteristics of the 4th technology foresight (TF) using search engines to discover emerging issues; analytic framework development to discover future needs; future technologies considering future needs as well as technology development; detailed description of future technology; analytical discussions of Delphi survey results; developing spatial-specific scenarios and illustrations; and examining possible adverse effects of future technologies. Korea performs TF every 5 years to establish science and technology policy and strategies. In the 4th TF, future technologies that might be developed by 2035 were discovered and Delphi survey was conducted to examine current development status, anticipated times of technology development and public use, plans to secure these technologies, etc.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper divides procedure employed in the 4th TF into three steps and explains seven characteristics related to its procedure.

Findings

– Improvement of the TF procedure will increase the reliability and applicability of its results.

Originality/value

– This paper consists of original results which include improved procedure and its implication by researchers who participated in the 4th TF. It will provide a useful example for other nations, hoping to introduce TF to set up national science and technology policy.
The impact of climate change on cocoa production in West Africa
Authors: Ofori-Boateng Kenneth , Insah Baba
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The study aimed at examining the current and future impact of climate change on cocoa production in West Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

– A translog production function based on crop yield response framework was used. A panel model was estimated using data drawn from cocoa-producing countries in West Africa. An in-sample simulation was used to determine the predictive power of the model. In addition, an out-sample simulation revealed the effect of future trends of temperature and precipitation on cocoa output.

Findings

– Temperature and precipitation play a considerable role in cocoa production in West Africa. It was established that extreme temperature adversely affected cocoa output in the sub-region. Furthermore, increasing temperature and declining precipitation trends will reduce cocoa output in the future.

Practical implications

– An important implication of this study is the recognition that lagging effects are the determinants of cocoa output and not coincident effects. This finds support from the agronomic point of view considering the gestation period of the cocoa crop.

Originality/value

– Although several studies have been carried out in this area, this study modeled and estimated the interacting effects of factors that influence cocoa production. This is closer to reality, as climatic factors and agricultural inputs combine to yield output.
Domiciliary care and migrant domestic workers: grasping the new institutional landscape
Authors: Abrantes Manuel
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This paper addresses the nexus of domiciliary care demand and vulnerable migrant women recruited as domestic workers, focusing on the role of two types of organizations operating at the meso-level: commercial companies and nongovernmental organizations. The purpose of this paper is to identify the ways in which these organizations seek to change the dynamics of paid domestic work and explore how they attempt to shape the voice of domestic workers and their employers.

Design/methodology/approach

– An actor-based approach is applied to the metropolitan area of Lisbon, a relevant setting for empirical research given local developments in the realms of care, employment, migration, and public policy. Qualitative case study techniques of data collection and analysis are adopted. The analysis is based on institutional records and open-ended interviews with managers of commercial companies and activists of nongovernmental organizations. Background contributions are drawn from interviews with domestic workers, private employers, and privileged informants.

Findings

– Data from fieldwork demonstrate that the organizations under examination offer a significant and innovative contribution to raise and shape the voice of both paid domestic workers and their employers. More than introducing a radical perspective on the nature or content of domestic work, these organizations are engaged in stimulating a more efficient and sustainable organization of paid care in private households.

Research limitations/implications

– Given the novelty of the approach, the present analytical endeavour is chiefly exploratory and much of the regulatory interactions and behavioural patterns remains in the penumbra. Suggestions for future research include a more systematic and detailed scrutiny of the role of organizations, as well as the incorporation of other institutional actors such as state bodies and charitable organizations active in this field.

Social implications

– The findings show that commercial companies and nongovernmental organizations may become increasingly influential in the negotiation of working conditions for domestic workers while they remain highly experimental collective actors. The policy recommendation is to incorporate them as privileged subjects and actors in the public debate about the topical nexus of care crisis and migrant domestic labour. From the standpoint of social policy, the marketization of care provision is still lacking this crucial step: empowering representative bodies and fostering dialogue between them.

Originality/value

– The original emphasis on a meso-level of analysis and the choice of empirical qualitative examination – against a normative landscape of public regulation at the top and individualized actors down below – furthers the understanding of the topic and paves the way to promising developments in both scholarly research and policy debate.
The adoption of technological innovations in a B2B context: an empirical study on the higher education industry in Egypt
Authors: Mohamed Samir Hussein Rania , Mourad Maha
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the factors that affect the adoption of technological innovations in a service industry, like the higher education industry. Specifically, the use of Web-based technology (WEBCT/blackboard) by faculty and administrators in universities in Egypt in the delivery of educational material and communication with students and peers is the focus of this study.

Design/methodology/approach

– A distinctive business-to-business (B2B) model is developed drawing on Rogers’ innovation adoption model, the resource-based view of the firm, as well as theoretical and empirical foundations in previous innovation adoption literature. The model is testified drawing on the results of empirical work in the form of a large survey conducted on 200 faculty and administrators in two different universities in Egypt. Structural equation modeling is used to test the research model.

Findings

– In addition to the attributes of the innovation, all university-based factors as well as one service provider factor, namely, need for interaction, were identified to have a significant influence on the adoption of technological innovations in the higher education industry.

Originality/value

– This paper attempts to enhance current understanding of the adoption of innovations in an important industry like the higher education industry. Empirical results shed light on influential factors when adopting technological innovations by faculty and administrators in the higher education industry. This is the first empirical study of this type to be conducted in the Middle East.
Risk capital constraints to innovation in services
Authors: Freel Mark , J. Robson Paul , Jack Sarah
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to understand the factors associated with perceptions of venture capital as a barrier to innovation in an important subset of knowledge-intensive service firms – technology-based business services. A general and longstanding neglect of services in studies of innovation and a common focus of innovation studies on the availability of, and demand for, risk capital has been noted.

Design/methodology/approach

– In exploring these issues, the authors draw on survey data collected from 264 technology-based service firms located in Scotland and Northern England. The data are subjected to bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses to help explore the extent of demand-side risk capital concerns.

Findings

– It was found that smaller, faster growing and R&D-intensive firms perception greater equity barriers. Moreover, firms who are relatively happy about the managerial competencies available to them, but who identify deficiencies in marketing skills and the availability of external debt finance (which may say something broadly about their financial neediness), are shown to be “needy”.

Originality/value

– Studies of venture capital demand are relatively rare. Studies involving innovative service firms are rarer still. Given the prominent role of service firms in advanced economies and the changing perspective of the role of services in innovation, studies of financial constraints to innovation in services are timely. Innovation policy in advanced economies continues to be premised on patterns identified in manufacturing industries. This paper contributes to a broader perspective that views [technology-based] business services as dynamic innovation actors.
Innovative ability and entrepreneurial activity: two factors to enhance “quality of life”
Authors: Nataraajan Rajan , G. Angur Madhukar
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of aspects of knowledge economy covered by the Knowledge Economy Index [KEI] and aspects of entrepreneurial activity covered by the Global Entrepreneurship Index [GEI] on quality of life [QOL] in a country.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data pertaining to KEI, GEI and QOL for different countries were gathered and analyzed through correlation and regression analyses.

Findings

– The results of the analysis yielded two key findings: First, KEI and GEI have a significant effect on QOL. Second, the Innovation Index (a component of KEI) and the total early stage entrepreneurship (a component of GEI) emerge as key factors that improve QOL.

Originality/value

– The value of this research lies in the fact that it unearths the two factors in KEI and GEI that actually impact QOL. By establishing and reinforcing the salience of innovative ability and entrepreneurial activity, this research helps long-term planners of an economy to fine-tune their focus.
The relationship between followers’ perceived quality of relationship and preferred leadership style
Authors: Notgrass David
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– Although leaders and followers are both essential elements within the leadership process, there has been limited research regarding followers and their role in the process. The purpose of this paper is to answer specific calls for research in the studies of followership, leadership, and the follower/leader relationship through the examination of the relationship between followers’ perception of quality of relationship with their leaders and followers’ preferred leadership style from their leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study utilized a quantitative, correlational approach using the LMX-7 questionnaire to measure followers’ perceived quality of relationship with their leader and the MLQ-5x to measure followers’ preferred leadership style from their leader. The test sample was 105 CPA's working in the USA for companies over 1,000 employees in size.

Findings

– The study determined positive, significant levels of relationship between follower's perceived quality of relationship and follower's preference for transformational leadership style. The study additionally determined that the level of preference for transactional leadership style, at the composite scale level, remained relatively consistent, regardless the quality of relationship.

Research limitations/implications

– Because of the specific characteristic of the chosen research sample, the research results may not be generalized across other populations. Recommendations for future studies across different samples are identified.

Originality/value

– This study is unique in that it adds to the body of knowledge of leadership studies through the perspective of the follower.
Predicting invasive species impacts: a community module functional response approach reveals context dependencies
Authors: Paterson Rachel A. , Dick Jaimie T. A. , Pritchard Daniel W. , Ennis Marilyn , Hatcher Melanie J. , Dunn Alison M.
Published: September 2014

Predatory functional responses play integral roles in predator–prey dynamics, and their assessment promises greater understanding and prediction of the predatory impacts of invasive species.

Other interspecific interactions, however, such as parasitism and higher‐order predation, have the potential to modify predator–prey interactions and thus the predictive capability of the comparative functional response approach.

We used a four‐species community module (higher‐order predator; focal native or invasive predators; parasites of focal predators; native prey) to compare the predatory functional responses of nativeGammarus duebeni celticusand invasiveGammarus pulexamphipods towards three invertebrate prey species (Asellus aquaticus,Simuliumspp.,Baetis rhodani), thus, quantifying the context dependencies of parasitism and a higher‐order fish predator on these functional responses.

Our functional response experiments demonstrated that the invasive amphipod had a higher predatory impact (lower handling time) on two of three prey species, which reflects patterns of impact observed in the field. The community module also revealed that parasitism had context‐dependent influences, for one prey species, with the potential to further reduce the predatory impact of the invasive amphipod or increase the predatory impact of the native amphipod in the presence of a higher‐order fish predator.

Partial consumption of prey was similar for both predators and occurred increasingly in the orderA. aquaticus,Simuliumspp. andB. rhodani. This was associated with increasing prey densities, but showed no context dependencies with parasitism or higher‐order fish predator.

This study supports the applicability of comparative functional responses as a tool to predict and assess invasive species impacts incorporating multiple context dependencies.