bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Resources on the Waterfront: Managing History
Authors: Whiteley A. , McCabe M. , Savery L.
Published: August 2016

The present paper examines the introduction of the Conaust (Fremantle) 1991 Enterprise Based Agreement (EBA). It is more about impressions than about ‘facts’, presenting an interpretive view of the likelihood that the environment at Conaust was conducive to the deep change required by the EBA. The paper describes the nature of waterfront workers' (wharfie) work, the employee relations context within which the waterfront culture developed, the history of Conaust in Fremantle and the Conaust EBA. A central focus of the paper is the contradistinction between behaviours that were a part of the strong waterfront history and those that were accepted as part of the future.
Marketing Decision Support Systems and Australian Businesses: A Queensland Case Study and Implications Towards 2000
Authors: Buttery Alan , Tamaschke Rick
Published: August 2016

Little is known about the extent to which the Marketing Decision Support System (MDSS) technology is currently used in Australia, or about the scope for the technology in Australia towards the year 2000. This paper reports the results of recent survey research into MDSS in Queensland by industry sector (agriculture and mining, manufacturing, construction, and services). The results suggest that there is an urgent need to boost the pace of MDSS development in all industry sectors, and that this should be given a high priority in government policy initiatives to enhance Australia's competitive advantage. It is possible, otherwise, that the present gap in information usage between Australia and its competitors will widen, with consequent negative implications for the nation's current account deficit, foreign debt and unemployment.
MBA Graduate Education in the People's Republic of China
Authors: Zhao Shunting
Published: August 2016

China has adopted economic reform and an open door policy and decided to establish a socialist market economy, which has not only strengthened her economic power and accelerated her modernization process, but also promoted her educational development and reform. The development of MBA graduate education in China is a very good example of this. However, it has taken quite a long time for the MBA program to receive attention from government, industry, business circles, colleges and universities and people from all walks of life. On the one hand, the development of the MBA program in China shows that the economic reform and modernization process have had a great effect on the demand for qualified personnel; on the other hand, the MBA program suits the design of China's market economic system and promotes China's social and economic development.
Snakes and Ladders: Relocation and the Dual Career Couple
Authors: Pierce Jennifer , Delahaye Brian L.
Published: August 2016

The dual career couple is a contemporary and growing phenomenon in western industrialised nations. There are numerous human resource management issues associated with the dual career couple. The focus of this paper is on just one of these issues — employee relocation. The research reported here found that dual career employees are concerned about their partner's career prospects and unless current career levels can be maintained for the trailing partner, organisations may experience relocation resistance. Of specific interest in the Australian context is that organisations with operations in country areas may be particularly affected, since country areas are less likely to offer desirable career opportunities for trailing partners. Further, organisational mobility expectations frequently force couples to decide which partner's career will take precedence. Historically it has been the male partner's career, even in dual career relationships. The findings from this study suggest that such decisions are becoming more complex, with couples placing greater emphasis on economic and quality of life concerns. Traditionally, organisations have relied on employee mobility as a career development strategy. However, greater emphasis on long-term human resource planning is advocated to facilitate career development strategies which are less reliant on geographical relocation. Further, if organisations are to retain their dual career employees, relocation assistance packages may need re-assessment to reflect the needs of those employees who are unwilling to sacrifice their partners' careers for the sake of their own.
Transformational Leadership and Substitutes for Management: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Weierter Stuart J. M.
Published: August 2016

Contemporary writers on management highlight the need for improved leadership within organisations. In this respect, this paper proposes and tests a model that incorporates leadership behaviours, situational variables, and traditional managerial behaviours. The results of this study indicated that, in highly formalised work environments, increasing work group cooperation reduces the need for direction provided by management. Furthermore, the transformational leader behaviours of individualised consideration and intellectual stimulation appeared to impact positively on perceptions of work group cooperation. These findings provide a basis for further research that examines the effects of transformational leader behaviours together with situational variables.
Information Technology Success Factors for Small Business Managers
Authors: Drennan Judy , Bodi Anna
Published: August 2016

Information Technology (IT) provides great scope for small business to gain benefits in terms of customer service, productivity, business growth, return on investment, profits and time based competitiveness. Yet these outcomes are not guaranteed. In this study of 80 small businesses in Victoria, which have been drawn into IT networks by larger organisations and invested in IT, factors which inhibit or promote gains are investigated. One important aspect is whether certain characteristics related to the small business manager show a relationship with ‘success’ or positive outcome indicators. Data analysis indicates that factors such as length of time using computers, accessibility of information and positive attitude towards IT change are associated with the extent to which business benefits are realised.
Organisational Myths and Storytelling as Communication Management: A Conceptual Framework for Learning an Organisation's Culture
Authors: Kaye Michael
Published: August 2016

This paper explains how organisational myths and stories are vehicles of communication management (Kaye 1993; 1994). Contemporary scholars (eg Brown 1992; Boje 1991b) have argued that stories and myths are not only important communicative tools for learning within organisations but also powerful media for bringing about changes in people and in the culture of their workplace. People-associated changes include ways in which professional relationships and interpersonal communication are affected. In turn, the effects of mythologising and storytelling on organisational behaviour and communication are likely to have further-reaching consequences in shaping the culture of human systems.

Myth-making in organisations involves the identification of heroic and legendary archetypes. Such archetypes often serve as exemplars or role models for people-in-systems. The telling of stories involving heroic role models can have a marked influence on the shaping of communication between managers and their staff. Often the exploits of heroes become embellished through repeated oral versions. Stories gradually acquire a mythical quality or status. Significantly, the incorporation of stories into an organisation's culture will depend a lot on the credibility of the storyteller. When managers are perceived to have high credibility, they have a powerful means of helping those they supervise to learn, to achieve professional goals, and thus to contribute to the strategic growth of their organisations.

In this paper, myth-making and storytelling are considered to be specialised facets of communicative competence and analysed in terms of the Adult Communication Management Model (Kaye 1993; 1994). Attention is given to the effect of myth-making and storytelling on the covert ‘shadow-side’ culture of human systems. It is argued that the understanding and management of shadow-side communication is an integral component of effective organisational behaviour and survival. It is also proposed that such understanding and the ability to manage shadow-side communication is closely related to managers' awareness of prevailing myths and stories within their organisations. Finally, it is argued that managers who are skilled storytellers have the opportunity to help their staff develop communication abilities in a workplace conducive to learning.
New Insights into North America's Midcontinent Rift
Authors: Stein Seth , Stein Carol , Kley Jonas , Keller Randy , Merino Miguel , Wolin Emily , Wiens Douglas , Wysession Michael , Al-Equabi Ghassan , Shen Weisen , Frederiksen Andrew , Darbyshire Fiona , Jurdy Donna , Waite Greg , Rose William , Vye Erika , Rooney Tyrone , Moucha Robert , Brown Eric
Published: August 2016

The Midcontinent Rift has characteristics of a large igneous province, causing geologists to rethink some long-standing assumptions about how this giant feature formed.
Evidence Found for China's Ancient Origin Story
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: August 2016

New geological findings suggest that an ancient flood in a popular legend about the birth of China's civilization might have actually occurred, but some 150 years later than historians thought.
LTβR controls thymic portal endothelial cells for haematopoietic progenitor cell homing and T-cell regeneration
Authors: Shi Yaoyao , Wu Weiwei , Chai Qian , Li Qingqing , Hou Yu , Xia Huan , Ren Boyang , Xu Hairong , Guo Xiaohuan , Jin Caiwei , Lv Mengjie , Wang Zhongnan , Fu Yang-Xin , Zhu Mingzhao
Published: August 2016

Continuous thymic homing of haematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) via the blood is critical for normal T-cell development. However, the nature and the differentiation programme of specialized thymic endothelial cells (ECs) controlling this process remain poorly understood. Here using conditional gene-deficient mice, we find that lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTβR) directly controls thymic ECs to guide HPC homing. Interestingly, T-cell deficiency or conditional ablation of T-cell-engaged LTβR signalling results in a defect in thymic HPC homing, suggesting the feedback regulation of thymic progenitor homing by thymic products. Furthermore, we identify and characterize a special thymic portal EC population with features that guide HPC homing. LTβR is essential for the differentiation and homeostasis of these thymic portal ECs. Finally, we show that LTβR is required for T-cell regeneration on irradiation-induced thymic injury. Together, these results uncover a cellular and molecular pathway that governs thymic EC differentiation for HPC homing.
Long-range movement of large mechanically interlocked DNA nanostructures
Authors: List Jonathan , Falgenhauer Elisabeth , Kopperger Enzo , Pardatscher Günther , Simmel Friedrich C.
Published: August 2016

Interlocked molecules such as catenanes and rotaxanes, connected only via mechanical bonds have the ability to perform large-scale sliding and rotational movements, making them attractive components for the construction of artificial molecular machines and motors. We here demonstrate the realization of large, rigid rotaxane structures composed of DNA origami subunits. The structures can be easily modified to carry a molecular cargo or nanoparticles. By using multiple axle modules, rotaxane constructs are realized with axle lengths of up to 355 nm and a fuel/anti-fuel mechanism is employed to switch the rotaxanes between a mobile and a fixed state. We also create extended pseudo-rotaxanes, in which origami rings can slide along supramolecular DNA filaments over several hundreds of nanometres. The rings can be actively moved and tracked using atomic force microscopy.
EPG Recordings Reveal Differential Feeding Behaviors in Sogatella furcifera in Response to Plant Virus Infection and Transmission Success
Authors: Lei Wenbin , Li Pei , Han Yongqiang , Gong Shaolong , Yang Lang , Hou Maolin
Published: August 2016

Plant viruses are primarily transmitted by insect vectors and virus infection may influence on the vectors’ feeding behaviors. Using an electrical penetration graph, we detected that infection with the Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV) in the white-backed planthopper (WBPH) and in rice plants both altered the vector’s feeding behavior. When viruliferous WBPH (carrying SRBSDV) were fed on uninfected plants, they spent more time in salivation and phloem sap ingestion than non-viruliferous insects. In comparison with uninfected plants, infected plants showed an arrestant effect on non-viruliferous WBPH for phloem sap ingestion. Differential feeding behaviors were also detected between the WBPH that inoculated or acquired SRBSDV and those that failed to. The WBPH that inoculated SRBSDV exhibited more probing bouts, salivation events and phloem sap ingestion events and longer salivation than those that failed to. The WBPH that acquired SRBSDV were quicker to reach phloem and spent more time in phloem sap ingestion than those that failed to. These behavior alterations in the vector may have adaptive advantages for SRBSDV transmission and spread success because greater salivation by viruliferous vectors on uninfected hosts will promote virus inoculation, whereas more sap ingestion by non-viruliferous vectors on infected hosts will promote virus acquisition.
Three-decade long fertilization-induced soil organic carbon sequestration depends on edaphic characteristics in six typical croplands
Authors: Liang Feng , Li Jianwei , Yang Xueyun , Huang Shaomin , Cai Zejiang , Gao Hongjun , Ma Junyong , Cui Xian , Xu Minggang
Published: August 2016

Fertilizations affect soil organic carbon (SOC) content but the relative influences of the edaphic and climate factors on SOC storage are rarely studied across wide spatiotemporal scales. This study synthesized long-term datasets of fertilization experiments in six typical Chinese croplands, and calculated annual C input from crops and manure amendments, changes in SOC storage (ΔSOC) and C sequestration efficiency (i.e. the percentage of soil C change per unit of C input, hereafter referred as CSE) in 0–20 cm soil over three decades. Three fertilization treatments include no fertilization (CK), chemical nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers (NPK) and combined chemical fertilizers and manure (NPKM). Results showed significant fertilization effects on C input and ΔSOC (NPKM>NPK>CK), and significantly higher CSE in Qiyang at Hunan than Zhengzhou at Henan and Heihe at Heilongjiang. The variance partitioning analysis (VPA) showed more variance of CSE can be explained by edaphic factors (up to 39.7%) than other factors. Furthermore, soil available N content and pH were identified as the major soil properties explaining CSE variance. This study demonstrated key controls of soil fertility factors on SOC sequestration and informs the need to develop strategic soil management plan to promote soil carbon sequestration under long-term intensive fertilization.
Association of Gestational Hypertensive Disorders with Retinopathy of prematurity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Chan Priscilla Y. L. , Tang Shu-Min , Au Sunny C. L. , Rong Shi-Song , Lau Henry H. W. , Ko Simon T. C. , Ng Danny S. C. , Chen Li Jia , Yam Jason C. S.
Published: August 2016

The role of gestational hypertensive disorders, which includes both pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension, in the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) has been controversial. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the association between gestational hypertensive disoders and ROP. Eligible studies published up to June 5, 2016 were identified from MEDLINE and EMBASE that evaluated the association between the two conditions. Totally 1142 published records were retrieved for screening, 925 of them eligible for detailed evaluation. Finally 19 studies involving 45281 infants with 5388 cases of ROP met our criteria for meta-analysis. Gestational hypertensive disorders were not associated with ROP (unadjusted OR: 0.89; P = 0.38; adjusted OR: 1.35; P = 0.18). Subgroup analyses also revealed no significant association between ROP with pre-eclampsia (unadjusted OR: 0.85; P = 0.29; adjusted OR:1.29; P = 0.28) or with gestational hypertension (unadjusted OR: 1.10; P = 0.39; adjusted OR: 1.25; P = 0.60) separately. Sensitivity analysis indicated our results were robust. We concluded no significant association between gestational hypertensive disorders and ROP. More large scale well-conducted prospective cohorts on the topic are needed.
Novel super-resolution capable mitochondrial probe, MitoRed AIE, enables assessment of real-time molecular mitochondrial dynamics
Authors: Lo Camden Yeung-Wah , Chen Sijie , Creed Sarah Jayne , Kang Miaomiao , Zhao Na , Tang Ben Zhong , Elgass Kirstin Diana
Published: August 2016

Mitochondria and mitochondrial dynamics play vital roles in health and disease. With the intricate nanometer-scale structure and rapid dynamics of mitochondria, super-resolution microscopy techniques possess great un-tapped potential to significantly contribute to understanding mitochondrial biology and kinetics. Here we present a novel mitochondrial probe (MitoRed AIE) suitable for live mitochondrial dynamics imaging and single particle tracking (SPT), together with a multi-dimensional data analysis approach to assess local mitochondrial (membrane) fluidity. The MitoRed AIE probe localizes primarily to mitochondrial membranes, with 95 ms fluorophore on-time delivering 106 photons/ms, characteristics which we exploit to demonstrate live cell 100 fps 3D time-lapse tracking of mitochondria. Combining our experimental and analytical approaches, we uncover mitochondrial dynamics at unprecedented time scales. This approach opens up a new regime into high spatio-temporal resolution dynamics in many areas of mitochondrial biology.
Quasisolitons in self-diffusive excitable systems, or Why asymmetric diffusivity obeys the Second Law
Authors: Biktashev V. N. , Tsyganov M. A.
Published: August 2016

Solitons, defined as nonlinear waves which can reflect from boundaries or transmit through each other, are found in conservative, fully integrable systems. Similar phenomena, dubbed quasi-solitons, have been observed also in dissipative, “excitable” systems, either at finely tuned parameters (near a bifurcation) or in systems with cross-diffusion. Here we demonstrate that quasi-solitons can be robustly observed in excitable systems with excitable kinetics and with self-diffusion only. This includes quasi-solitons of fixed shape (like KdV solitons) or envelope quasi-solitons (like NLS solitons). This can happen in systems with more than two components, and can be explained by effective cross-diffusion, which emerges via adiabatic elimination of a fast but diffusing component. We describe here a reduction procedure can be used for the search of complicated wave regimes in multi-component, stiff systems by studying simplified, soft systems.
Seabird acoustic communication at sea: a new perspective using bio-logging devices
Authors: Thiebault Andréa , Pistorius Pierre , Mullers Ralf , Tremblay Yann
Published: August 2016

Most seabirds are very noisy at their breeding colonies, when aggregated in high densities. Calls are used for individual recognition and also emitted during agonistic interactions. When at sea, many seabirds aggregate over patchily distributed resources and may benefit from foraging in groups. Because these aggregations are so common, it raises the question of whether seabirds use acoustic communication when foraging at sea? We deployed video-cameras with built in microphones on 36 Cape gannets (Morus capensis) during the breeding season of 2010–2011 at Bird Island (Algoa Bay, South Africa) to study their foraging behaviour and vocal activity at sea. Group formation was derived from the camera footage. During ~42 h, calls were recorded on 72 occasions from 16 birds. Vocalization exclusively took place in the presence of conspecifics and mostly in feeding aggregations (81% of the vocalizations). From the observation of the behaviours of birds associated with the emission of calls, we suggest that the calls were emitted to avoid collisions between birds. Our observations show that at least some seabirds use acoustic communication when foraging at sea. These findings open up new perspectives for research on seabirds foraging ecology and their interactions at sea.
Influence of low-temperature nitriding on the strain-induced martensite and laser-quenched austenite in a magnetic encoder made from 304L stainless steel
Authors: Leskovšek Vojteh , Godec Matjaž , Kogej Peter
Published: August 2016

We have investigated the possibility of producing a magnetic encoder by an innovative process. Instead of turning grooves in the encoder bar for precise positioning, we incorporated the information in 304L stainless steel by transforming the austenite to martensite after bar extrusion in liquid nitrogen and marking it with a laser, which caused a local transformation of martensite back into austenite. 304L has an excellent corrosion resistance, but a low hardness and poor wear resistance, which limits its range of applications. However, nitriding is a very promising way to enhance the mechanical and magnetic properties. After low-temperature nitriding at 400 °C it is clear that both ε- and α′-martensite are present in the deformed microstructure, indicating the simultaneous stress-induced and strain-induced transformations of the austenite. The effects of a laser surface treatment and the consequent appearance of a non-magnetic phase due to the α′ → γ transformation were investigated. The EDS maps show a high concentration of nitrogen in the alternating hard surface layers of γNand α′N(expanded austenite and martensite), but no significantly higher concentration of chromium or iron was detected. The high surface hardness of this nitride layer will lead to steels and encoders with better wear and corrosion resistance.
Metabolic activities of five botryticides against Botrytis cinerea examined using the Biolog FF MicroPlate
Authors: Wang Hancheng , Wang Jin , Li Licui , Hsiang Tom , Wang Maosheng , Shang Shenghua , Yu Zhihe
Published: August 2016

Tobacco grey mold caused by Botrytis cinerea is an important fungal disease worldwide. Boscalid, carbendazim, iprodione, pyrimethanil and propiconazole are representative botryticides for grey mold management. This research investigated the sensitivities of B. cinerea from tobacco to these chemicals using the Biolog FF Microplate. All five chemicals showed inhibitory activity, with average EC50 values of 0.94, 0.05, 0.50, 0.61 and 0.31 μg ml−1, respectively. B. cinerea metabolized 96.8% of tested carbon sources, including 29 effectively and 33 moderately, but the metabolic fingerprints differed under pressures imposed by these botryticides. For boscalid, B. cinerea was unable to metabolize many substrates related to tricarboxylic acid cycle. For carbendazim, carbon sources related to glycolysis were not metabolized. For iprodione, use of most carbon substrates was weakly inhibited, and the metabolic profile was similar to that of the control. For propiconazole, no carbon substrates were metabolized and the physiological and biochemical functions of the pathogen were totally inhibited. These findings provide useful information on metabolic activities of these botryticides, and may lead to future applications of the Biolog FF Microplate for examining metabolic effects of other fungicides on other fungi, as well as providing a metabolic fingerprint of B. cinerea that could be useful for identification.
The Secreted Protease PrtA Controls Cell Growth, Biofilm Formation and Pathogenicity in Xylella fastidiosa
Authors: Gouran Hossein , Gillespie Hyrum , Nascimento Rafael , Chakraborty Sandeep , Zaini Paulo A. , Jacobson Aaron , Phinney Brett S. , Dolan David , Durbin-Johnson Blythe P. , Antonova Elena S. , Lindow Steven E. , Mellema Matthew S. , Goulart Luiz R. , Dandekar Abhaya M.
Published: August 2016

Pierce’s disease (PD) is a deadly disease of grapevines caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. Though disease symptoms were formerly attributed to bacteria blocking the plant xylem, this hypothesis is at best overly simplistic. Recently, we used a proteomic approach to characterize the secretome of X. fastidiosa, both in vitro and in planta and identified LesA as one of the pathogenicity factors of X. fastidiosa in grapevines that leads to leaf scorching and chlorosis. Herein, we characterize another such factor encoded by PD0956, designated as an antivirulence secreted protease “PrtA” that displays a central role in controlling in vitro cell proliferation, length, motility, biofilm formation and in planta virulence. The mutant in X. fastidiosa exhibited reduced cell length, hypermotility (and subsequent lack of biofilm formation) and hypervirulence in grapevines. These findings are supported by transcriptomic and proteomic analyses with corresponding plant infection data. Of particular interest, is the hypervirulent response in grapevines observed when X. fastidiosa is disrupted for production of PrtA and that PD-model tobacco plants transformed to express PrtA exhibited decreased symptoms after infection by X. fastidiosa.
Constructal approach to bio-engineering: the ocular anterior chamber temperature
Authors: Lucia Umberto , Grisolia Giulia , Dolcino Daniela , Astori Maria Rosa , Massa Eugenio , Ponzetto Antonio
Published: August 2016

The aim of this work was to analyse the pressure inside the eyes anterior chamber, namedintraocular pressure (IOP), in relation to the biomechanical properties of corneas. The approach used was based on the constructal law, recently introduced in vision analysis. Results were expressed as the relation between the temperature of the ocular anterior chamber and the biomechanical properties of the cornea. The IOP, the elastic properties of the cornea and the related refractive properties of the eye were demonstrated to be dependent on the temperature of the ocular anterior chamber. These results could lead to new perspectives for experimental analysis of the IOP in relation to the properties of the cornea.
HIV-1 Tat exacerbates lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine release via TLR4 signaling in the enteric nervous system
Authors: Guedia Joy , Brun Paola , Bhave Sukhada , Fitting Sylvia , Kang Minho , Dewey William L. , Hauser Kurt F. , Akbarali Hamid I.
Published: August 2016

The loss of gut epithelium integrity leads to translocation of microbes and microbial products resulting in immune activation and drives systemic inflammation in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. Although viral loads in HIV patients are significantly reduced in the post-cART era, inflammation and immune activation persist and can lead to morbidity. Here, we determined the interactive effects of the viral protein HIV-1 Tat and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on enteric neurons and glia. Bacterial translocation was significantly enhanced in Tat-expressing (Tat+) mice. Exposure to HIV-1 Tat in combination with LPS enhanced the expression and release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in the ilea of Tat+ mice and by enteric glia. This coincided with enhanced NF-κB activation in enteric glia that was abrogated in glia from TLR4 knockout mice and by knockdown (siRNA) of MyD88 siRNA in wild type glia. The synergistic effects of Tat and LPS resulted in a reduced rate of colonic propulsion in Tat+ mice treated with LPS. These results show that HIV-1 Tat interacts with the TLR4 receptor to enhance the pro-inflammatory effects of LPS leading to gastrointestinal dysmotility and enhanced immune activation.
AIE-active tetraphenylethene functionalized metal–organic framework for selective detection of nitroaromatic explosives and organic photocatalysis
Authors: Li Qiu-Yan , Ma Zheng , Zhang Wen-Qiang , Xu Jia-Long , Wei Wei , Lu Han , Zhao Xinsheng , Wang Xiao-Jun
Published: August 2016

A luminescent MOF containing an AIE-active TPE moiety works as a selective sensor for detecting nitroaromatic explosives, as well as an efficient heterogeneous photocatalyst for CDC reactions mediated by visible light.
Metal-free reductive coupling of CO and CN bonds driven by visible light: use of perylene as a simple photoredox catalyst
Authors: Okamoto Shusuke , Kojiyama Keita , Tsujioka Hiroki , Sudo Atsushi
Published: August 2016

Perylene, a simple polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, was used as a photoredox catalyst to enable the reductive coupling reaction of aromatic aldehydes, ketones, and an imine under visible light irradiation of a white LED light source.
Resistive switching of alkanethiolated nanoparticle monolayers patterned by electron-beam exposure
Authors: Reissner Patrick A. , Fedoryshyn Yuriy , Tisserant Jean-Nicolas , Stemmer Andreas
Published: August 2016

Nanoscale structures are fabricated by the direct electron-beam exposure of 10 nm gold nanoparticle monolayers and development in an emulsion. We observe resistive switching in these structures of up to five orders of magnitude.
Alkali α-MnO2/NaxMnO2 collaboratively catalyzed ammoxidation–Pinner tandem reaction of aldehydes
Authors: Jia Xiuquan , Ma Jiping , Wang Min , Li Xiaofang , Gao Jin , Xu Jie
Published: August 2016

A bifunctional manganese oxide catalyst with an interface binding a redox phase (α-MnO2) and a basic phase (NaxMnO2) was reported for the ammoxidation–Pinner tandem reaction to synthesize imidates in 58–96% yields from aldehydes.
Bismuth oxide: a versatile high-capacity electrode material for rechargeable aqueous metal-ion batteries
Authors: Zuo Wenhua , Zhu Weihua , Zhao Dengfeng , Sun Yunfei , Li Yuanyuan , Liu Jinping , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: August 2016

Bismuth oxide can store energy electrochemically in seventeen aqueous metal ion electrolytes with high capacity based on a “quasi-conversion reaction”.
Label-free electrochemical detection of malaria-infected red blood cells
Authors: Kumar Binod , Bhalla Vijayender , Singh Bhadoriya Ravi Pratap , Suri C. Raman , Varshney Grish C.
Published: August 2016

The precise and rapid diagnosis of malaria is key to prevent indiscriminate use of antimalarial drugs and help in timely treatment and management of the disease.
Nitrogen removal by ANAMMOX and simultaneous nitrification–denitrification (SND) processes in a novel single airlift bioreactor
Authors: Asadi A. , Zinatizadeh A. A. , Van Loosdrecht M. , Younesi H.
Published: August 2016

The aim of this research was to assess anaerobic ammonium oxidation and simultaneous nitrification–denitrification processes in a novel continuous feed and intermittent discharge airlift bioreactor which provides anaerobic, anoxic and aerobic zones by physical separation.
The role of a xylose isomerase pathway in the conversion of xylose to lipid in Mucor circinelloides
Authors: Chu Linfang , Zan Xinyi , Tang Xin , Zhao Lina , Chen Haiqin , Chen Yong Q. , Chen Wei , Song Yuanda
Published: August 2016

The xylose isomerase (XI) pathway, which converts xylose in lignocellulosic materials into intermediate metabolites, is characterized for the first time in M. circinelloides.
A novel adsorbent of Ag-FMWCNTs for the removal of SMX from aqueous solution
Authors: Song Qixuan , Wang Hui , Yang Baoshan , Wang Fei , Sun Xinrong
Published: August 2016

Ag-FMWCNTs has a higher adsorption capacity, good magnetic response and good recycling ability.
Decay kinetics of sensitive bioinorganic species in a SuperFocus mixer at ambient conditions
Authors: Schurr Daniela , Strassl Florian , Liebhäuser Patricia , Rinke Günter , Dittmeyer Roland , Herres-Pawlis Sonja
Published: August 2016

For the first time the formation and decay of the thermally very sensitive bis(μ-oxo)dicopper species was monitored at ambient temperature in a continuous flow setup and the rate constant of the decay was measured.
How covalence breaks adsorption-energy scaling relations and solvation restores them
Authors: Calle-Vallejo Federico , Krabbe Alexander , García-Lastra Juan M.
Published: August 2016

We show that under vacuum various metalloporphyrins break the scaling relation between the adsorption energies of *OH and *OOH, which can potentially boost oxygen reduction and evolution. In aqueous solution, however, such scaling relation is restored.
Competitive coordination strategy for the synthesis of hierarchical-pore metal–organic framework nanostructures
Authors: He Su , Chen Yifeng , Zhang Zhicheng , Ni Bing , He Wei , Wang Xun
Published: August 2016

We demonstrate a competitive coordination strategy for the synthesis of H-MOF nanostructures, such as two-dimensional H-MOF nanosheets and H-MOF nanocubes, evolving through an etching process tuned by a competitive ligand.
Reduced hydrogen diffusion in strained amorphous SiO2: understanding ageing in MOSFET devices
Authors: Sheikholeslam S. Arash , Manzano Hegoi , Grecu Cristian , Ivanov André
Published: August 2016

Hydrogen diffusion activation energy in amorphous silicon dioxide is reduced by straining the material, which can reduce aging of MOSFETs.
Impedance interactions in bidirectional cascaded converter
Authors: Tian Yanjun , Loh Poh Chiang , Chen Zhe , Deng Fujin , Hu Yanting
Published: August 2016

A cascaded converter is built by connecting one elementary converter to another. Output impedance of one converter will therefore interact with input impedance of the other converter. This interaction will change when power flow reverses. To compare this difference, an investigation is performed here for showing that forward and reverse interactions are prominently different in terms of dynamics and stability, even though the cascaded converter control remains unchanged. The concluded findings have been verified by simulation and experimental results, from which, important guidelines have been formulated for the cascaded converter when used in either unidirectional or bidirectional applications.
Modelling of high‐power IGBT module short‐circuit operation and current distribution by a behavioural model
Authors: Musikka Tatu , Smirnova Liudmila , Niemelä Markku , Silventoinen Pertti , Pyrhönen Olli
Published: August 2016

This study presents current distribution modelling methods for a dual pack insulated‐gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) module, which is operating under short‐circuit conditions. The parasitic components of the commutation circuit current conductors and the internal busbars of the module are modelled by a three‐dimensional finite‐element method and the IGBT chips by a behavioural semiconductor model. The lumped IGBT chip model is characterised by using datasheet information only and without fine tuning of the model parameters. The mechanical dimensions of the IGBT module and the experimental setup are used to define the parasitic components for the commutation circuit. The model accuracy is investigated by comparing simulated dynamic and steady‐state short‐circuit parameters with experimental ones. Furthermore, uneven current distribution in the module main current terminals is observed in the simulations, and the behaviour is verified by experimental tests. The phenomenon may cause additional mechanical and electrical stresses in the device for instance because of thermal expansion and current couplings. The results show that the proposed methods are suitable to model the IGBT short‐circuit behaviour and current distribution inside the module and can be used for example in the virtual design of power electronic inverter or switched power supply.
Self‐capacitor voltage balancing method for optimally hybrid modulated cascaded H‐bridge D‐STATCOM
Authors: Vural Ahmet Mete
Published: August 2016

A hybrid modulation (HM) for cascaded H‐bridge converters is suggested which is a fusion of selective harmonic elimination (SHE) and carrier based bipolar pulse width modulation. It differs from its counterparts in the sense that only one triangular carrier for all H‐bridges is used as opposed to multi‐triangle waveform set and only one level of capacitor voltage and single type of semiconductor are considered. HM eliminates calculating and storing offline delay angles for each modulation index as in case of SHE. A novel self‐voltage balancing mechanism is also proposed for HM which is based on strategically swapping redundant switching states. This mechanism is free from voltage sorting, current measurement, extra circuitry, or additional controllers. The comparison with phase and level shift pulse width modulation schemes reveal that the HM has 15% more DC voltage utilisation, and lower harmonic content for wide interval of modulation index. Moreover, HM has low semiconductor losses, as low as 0.55%. The tests on 1500 kVAR distribution static synchronous compensator shows that HM generates only 4% voltage ripple at the cost of few increase in average switching frequency. Voltage and reactive power balancing in each phase are also established with high power efficiency.
LASIK und Femto-LASIK
Authors: Schlote T. , Kynigopoulos M.
Published: August 2016

Die LASIK/Femto-LASIK stellt heutzutage das am meisten eingesetzte, laserchirurgische Verfahren zur Korrektur von Fehlsichtigkeiten weltweit dar. Im richtigen Indikationsbereich führt es zu hervorragenden Ergebnissen und ist mit einem niedrigen Langzeitrisiko verbunden. Trotzdem kann das Verfahren nicht bei jedem eingesetzt werden und setzt eine sorgfältige Diagnostik und Patientenselektion voraus. Auf Aspekte der präoperativen Diagnostik und Vorbereitung von Patienten für refraktive Lasereingriffe sei u. a. auf den in dieser Zeitschrift ebenfalls publizierten Beitrag „Diagnostik in der refraktiven Chirurgie“ verwiesen 1.
Expanding Surgical Opportunities: Endoscopic Harvesting of the Vena Saphena Parva in Supine Position
Authors: Rustenbach Christian , Franke Ulrich , Baumbach Hardy , Wachter Kristina
Published: August 2016

The small saphenous vein (SSV) has proved to be a valid graft option for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), if other grafts are absent or unsuitable. Beside the described open technique we herein present our approach to endoscopic harvesting in supine position in seven patients. Harvesting was successful in six patients. Mean skin-to-skin time was 29.8 minutes. There were no infections or neurological deficits and the intraoperatively measured graft flow was excellent according to mean flow and low pulsatility index. Therefore, endoscopic harvesting of the SSV extends surgical opportunities not only in CABG, but also in surgery of peripheral artery disease.
Remarks on the inhomogeneous fractional nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Saanouni Tarek
Published: August 2016

Using a sharp Gagliardo-Nirenberg type inequality, well-posedness issues of the initial value problem for a fractional inhomogeneous Schrödinger equation are investigated.
Opening the floodgates to the recovery of nektonic assemblages in a temperate coastal wetland
Authors: Boys Craig A. , Pease Bruce
Published: August 2016

Tidally active wetlands are important nurseries for fish and crustaceans; however, urban development involving structural flood mitigation has fragmented and destroyed much of this habitat, often leading to losses in fisheries productivity. The present study demonstrated that some of these impacts may be reversible if rehabilitation projects are implemented over a sufficiently long time. The incremental opening of eight floodgates at a temperate coastal wetland in Australia afforded the opportunity to monitor water quality and nekton assemblages in a tidal creek over 11 years, encompassing pre-floodgate opening, opening of one gate, three gates and finally all eight gates. Floodgate opening enhanced both water quality and nektonic assemblages relative to a control creek whose barrier remained in place. A doubling in species richness occurred and many commercially important species increased in abundance, including Metapenaeus macleayi (15 times more), Acanthopagrus australis (62 times more), Liza argentea (10 times more) and Gerres subfasciatus (19 times more). Recovery to a condition similar to unrestricted reference creeks was achieved once all eight gates were opened. The study illustrated that reinstating tidal flushing can recover nursery habitats and enhance populations of economically valuable species.
Interactions between bivalves and zooplankton: competition or intraguild predation? Implications for biomanipulation in subtropical shallow lakes
Authors: Marroni Soledad , Mazzeo Néstor , Pacheco Juan Pablo , Clemente Juan , Iglesias Carlos
Published: August 2016

Zooplankton and bivalves are the main consumers of phytoplankton in shallow lakes; however, knowledge regarding trophic interactions between them is scarce. Competition for resources appears to be an obvious direct interaction, but the scheme may be more complex. Bivalves can consume all or only part of the zooplankton, constituting an intraguild predation module. In the present study we investigated the interaction between bivalves and zooplankton and its effects on phytoplankton grazing and community structure using an experimental approach in an aquarium. Two bivalve species were considered, namely Diplodon parallelopipedon (native) and Corbicula fluminea (non-native), in addition to a natural zooplankton community dominated by small-sized zooplankton. The findings indicate that phytoplankton consumption by the zooplankton is substantially less than that by the bivalves. Under the experimental conditions, the bivalves actively consumed small-sized zooplankton (rotifers and nauplii), but no consumption of medium-sized individuals (cladocerans and copepods) was observed. The differential consumption may have implications on the size and structure of zooplankton, favouring an average larger-sized community. Thus, phytoplankton may be negatively affected both directly by consumption and indirectly because of the resulting structure of the zooplankton community. The main results of the study are also discussed from the perspective of biomanipulation techniques in tropical and subtropical regions.
Manta ray tourism management, precautionary strategies for a growing industry: a case study from the Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia
Authors: Venables Stephanie , McGregor Frazer , Brain Lesley , van Keulen Mike
Published: August 2016

Localised population declines and increased pressure from fisheries have prompted the promotion of manta ray interaction tourism as a non-consumptive, yet economically attractive, alternative to the unsustainable harvesting of these animals. Unfortunately, however, wildlife tourism activities have the potential to adversely impact focal species. In order to be sustainable, operations must be managed to mitigate negative impacts. A preliminary assessment of reef manta ray, Manta alfredi, behaviour identified short-term behavioural responses during a third of tourism interactions in the Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia. Although it remains unknown whether these responses translate to biologically significant impacts on the population as a whole, it is proposed that the precautionary principle be used to guide management intervention in the absence of conclusive evidence of the magnitude of tourism impacts. The principle supports the implementation of precautionary strategies to protect species and their environment from harm, even when the extent of the harm is yet to be confirmed. An increase in the level of industry management is recommended, including the implementation of a licensing system and adherence of all operators to a mandatory code of conduct during manta ray interactions. Considering the well designed and precautionary-driven management program of the Ningaloo whale shark tourism industry operating within the same marine park, a management program with the same underlying principles and objectives is deemed to be an ideal framework to build a comprehensive management plan for the manta ray interaction industry.
Preconception weight management: an untapped area of women's health
Authors: McPhie Skye , Skouteris Helen , Millar Lynne , Olsson Craig , Campbell Karen , van der Pligt Paige , Dodd Jodie , Hill Briony
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study was to identify barriers to providing preconception weight management. Twenty health professionals participated in a semistructured phone interview regarding their beliefs on perceived barriers to providing preconception weight management. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and examined using thematic analysis to extract the key themes. Two themes were identified from the interviews: (1) barriers hindering women from accessing preconception weight management interventions (i.e. women’s lack of awareness regarding the importance of preconception weight, and not being provided with weight management information or interventions by health professionals); and (2) barriers preventing health professionals from providing preconception weight management (i.e. an absence of implementation resources for preconception weight management, limited access to women of childbearing age who plan to conceive, and a high percentage of pregnancies being unplanned). There are significant client- and heath professional-based barriers to implementing preconception weight management. To begin to address these barriers, developing policy and preconception weight management programs based on evidence collected via a needs assessment, quantitative or mixed-method designs may be of benefit. Furthermore, these barriers are likely contributing to the paucity in research into preconception weight management services.
Mike the Knight in the neo-liberal era
Authors: Lindstrand Fredrik , Insulander Eva , Selander Staffan
Published: August 2016

Goal-oriented learning seems to be a ubiquitous demand for almost all kind of play activities today. This demand, the article argues, is related to a specific neo-liberal discourse about the “superchild”. The article shows how this discourse is articulated multimodally in a number of media texts aimed at young children based around a trans-medial brand; Mike the Knight.
Gap sequences of McMullen sets
Authors: Miao Jun Jie , Xi Li-Feng , Xiong Ying
Published: August 2016

We study the gap sequence of totally disconnected McMullen sets. Our result shows that if every horizontal line in the McMullen set is nonempty, then the gap sequence is unrelated to the box dimension. This implies that in such situations, the separation properties of McMullen sets are quite different from that of self-similar sets.