bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature and solids retention time control microbial population dynamics and volatile fatty acid production in replicated anaerobic digesters
Authors: Vanwonterghem Inka , Jensen Paul D. , Rabaey Korneel , Tyson Gene W.
Published: February 2015

Anaerobic digestion is a widely used technology for waste stabilization and generation of biogas and has recently emerged as a potentially important process for the production of high value volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and alcohols. Here, three reactors were seeded with inoculum from a stably performing methanogenic digester and selective operating conditions (37°C and 55°C; 12 day and 4 day solids retention time) were applied to restrict methanogenesis while maintaining hydrolysis and fermentation. Replicated experiments performed at each set of operating conditions led to reproducible VFA production profiles which could be correlated with specific changes in microbial community composition. The mesophilic reactor at short solids retention time showed accumulation of propionate and acetate (42 ± 2% and 15 ± 6% of CODhydrolyzed, respectively) and dominance of Fibrobacter and Bacteroidales. Acetate accumulation (>50% of CODhydrolyzed) was also observed in the thermophilic reactors, which were dominated by Clostridium. Under all tested conditions, there was a shift from acetoclastic to hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis and a reduction in methane production by >50% of CODhydrolyzed. Our results demonstrate that shortening the SRT and increasing the temperature are effective strategies for driving microbial communities towards controlled production of high levels of specific volatile fatty acids.
KRAS mutation screening by chip-based DNA hybridization – a further step towards personalized oncology
Authors: Steinbach Christine , Steinbrücker Carolin , Pollok Sibyll , Walther Katharina , Clement Joachim H. , Chen Yuan , Petersen Iver , Cialla-May Dana , Weber Karina , Popp Jürgen
Published: February 2015

A robust chip-based DNA hybridization technique for the analysis ofKRASmutations is introduced to improve personalized cancer treatment.
Dispersive micro-solid phase extraction method using newly prepared poly(methyl methacrylate) grafted agarose combined with ICP-MS for the simultaneous determination of Cd, Ni, Cu and Zn in vegetable and natural water samples
Authors: Pourmand Neda , Sanagi Mohd Marsin , Naim Ahmedy Abu , Wan Ibrahim Wan Aini , Baig Umair
Published: February 2015

A new adsorbent (Agarose-g-PMMA) was used in D-μ-SPE for the preconcentration of trace Cd+2, Ni+2, Cu+2 and Zn+2 in aqueous samples prior to ICP-MS detection.
An efficient ratiometric fluorescent probe based on dual-emission fluorescent silica nanoparticles for visual determination of Hg2+
Authors: Wang Jing , Ma Meng , Huang Rongbin , Wang Ligeng , Chen Aimin , Hu Jun
Published: February 2015

CdTe/CdS QD-tagged fluorescein isothiocyanate-doped silica nanoparticles were designed as a ratiometric fluorescent probe for visual detection of Hg2+.
Evaluation of three-phase hollow fiber microextraction based on two immiscible solvents coupled to GC and HPLC for determination of statin drugs in biological fluids
Authors: Tajabadi Fateme , Ghambarian Mahnaz , Yamini Yadollah
Published: February 2015

Three-phase hollow fiber microextraction based on two immiscible organic solvents for extraction and preconcentration of three statins in biological samples.
Evaluation of macro- and microelement levels for verifying the authenticity of organic eggs by using chemometric techniques
Authors: Borges Endler Marcel , Volmer Dietrich A. , Gallimberti Matheus , Ferreira de Souza Deise , Luiz de Souza Edson , Barbosa Fernando
Published: February 2015

Elemental determination was carried out on 60 egg samples (37 organic and 23 non-organic), with the goal of identifying significant differences between the two types of eggs for classification purposes.
Electrochemical characters of hymecromone at the graphene modified electrode and its analytical application
Authors: Wang Lu , Li Yinfeng , Li Gaiping , Xie Zhengkun , Ye Baoxian
Published: February 2015

A modern popular voltammetric sensor, graphene modified electrode (GR/GCE), was employed for studying the electrochemical behavior of hymecromone.
In situ growth of a polyphosphazene nanoparticle coating on a honeycomb surface: facile formation of hierarchical structures for bioapplication
Authors: Chen Shuangshuang , Lu Xuemin , Huang Zhangjun , Lu Qinghua
Published: February 2015

Cyclomatrix polyphosphazene nanoparticles are selectively grownin situon a honeycomb surface for the preparation of a hierarchical cell scaffold.
Carbon nanotubes enhanced Seebeck coefficient and power factor of rutile TiO2
Authors: Lai Yao-Cheng , Tsai Hsin-Jung , Hung Chia-I , Fujishiro Hiroyuki , Naito Tomoyuki , Hsu Wen-Kuang
Published: February 2015

Ti–C substitution occurs when carbon nanotubes were thermally dispersed in rutile TiO2 and the electrical conductivity as well as Seebeck coefficient were simultaneously promoted at a low filling fraction of tubes.
Activation enthalpies and entropies of the atropisomerization of substituted butyl-bridged biphenyls
Authors: Bihlmeier Angela , Rotzler Jürgen , Rickhaus Michel , Mayor Marcel , Klopper Wim
Published: February 2015

Contradictory results for activation enthalpies and entropies are obtained from HPLC, CD and DFT while the atropisomerization energies are similar.
Three new mononuclear tri-spin lanthanide-nitronyl nitroxide radical compounds: syntheses, structures and magnetic properties
Authors: Li Lei-Lei , Liu Shuang , Zhang Yuan , Shi Wei , Cheng Peng
Published: February 2015

Three new mononuclear tri-spin Ln-NITR compounds were synthesized and characterized in which the TbIII compound exhibits field-induced single-molecule magnet behaviour.
In memory of Lord Jack Lewis
Authors: Johnson Brian F. G. , Griffith William. P. , Clark Robin J. H. , Evans John , Robinson Brian H. , Raithby Paul R.
Published: February 2015

Jack Lewis was truly a Man for all Seasons. Prodigious energy combined with a deep understanding of his subject made Jack one of the true founding fathers of Modern Inorganic Chemistry. His contributions to a wide range of areas for over sixty years established him as one of the leading Chemists of his generation and this was recognised by awards from leading Scientific Societies throughout the World.
Operando electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy – formation of mossy lithium on lithium anodes during charge–discharge cycling
Authors: Wandt Johannes , Marino Cyril , Gasteiger Hubert A. , Jakes Peter , Eichel Rüdiger-A. , Granwehr Josef
Published: February 2015

Time-resolved formation of micro-structured mossy/dendritic lithium is investigated during battery cycling byoperandoEPR spectroscopy, using a novel electrochemical cell design.
Ethanol conversion into butadiene over Zr-containing molecular sieves doped with silver
Authors: Sushkevich Vitaly L. , Ivanova Irina I. , Taarning Esben
Published: February 2015

The synthesis of butadiene-1,3 from ethanol over silver doped (1 wt%) Zr-containing molecular sieves ZrBEA, ZrMCM-41 and ZrO2 supported on silica has been studied.
Supramolecular-directed novel superparamagnetic 5′-adenosine monophosphate templated β-FeOOH hydrogel with enhanced multi-functional properties
Authors: Kumar Anil , Gupta Sudhir Kumar
Published: February 2015

Superparamagnetic 5′-AMP-mediated β-FeOOH porous hydrogel containing non-toxic components with high surface area, NIR absorption, and potential utility for biomedical applications.
One-step synthesis of pure pyrite FeS2 with different morphologies in water
Authors: Yuan Binxia , Luan Weiling , Tu Shan-tung , Wu Jiang
Published: February 2015

Through the adjustment of the volume ratio of ETA and H2O, cubic, flake-like, tetrakaidecahedron, hollow sphere, and rod-like structures are observed.
Tailoring π-conjugated dithienosilole–benzothiadiazole oligomers for organic solar cells
Authors: Huang Xuelong , Zhang Guichuan , Zhou Cheng , Liu Shengjian , Zhang Jie , Ying Lei , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: February 2015

This investigation provides a distinctive view to observe how the relevant optoelectronic properties of oligomers change according to their molecular sizes.
PMMA-supported hybrid materials doped with highly near-infrared (NIR) luminescent complexes [Zn(L1)(Py)Ln(L2)3] (Ln = Nd, Yb or Er)
Authors: Yu Chao , Zhang Zhao , Liu Lin , Li Hongyan , He Yani , Lü Xingqiang , Wong Wai-Kwok , Jones Richard A.
Published: February 2015

Based on the tris-β-diketonate hetero-binuclear complexes [Zn(L1)(Py)Ln(L2)3] (Ln = Nd, Yb or Er) with good NIR luminescent properties, a series of PMMA-supported doping hybrid materials PMMA@[Zn(L1)(Py)Ln(L2)3] exhibit improved properties.
Controlled porous structures of graphene aerogels and their effect on supercapacitor performance
Authors: Jung Sung Mi , Mafra Daniela Lopes , Lin Cheng-Te , Jung Hyun Young , Kong Jing
Published: February 2015

The design and optimization of 3D graphene nanostructures are critically important since the properties of electrochemical energy storages such as supercapacitors can be dramatically enhanced by tunable porous channels.
Photoresponse of polyaniline-functionalized graphene quantum dots
Authors: Lai Sin Ki , Luk Chi Man , Tang Libin , Teng Kar Seng , Lau Shu Ping
Published: February 2015

Optically tunable hysteresis and photoresponse in PANI-GQD composite.
Copper-catalysed cross-couplings of arylboronate esters with aryl and heteroaryl iodides and bromides
Authors: Gurung Santosh K. , Thapa Surendra , Shrestha Bijay , Giri Ramesh
Published: February 2015

Cu-catalysed cross-coupling for mono- and di-arylations of aryl and heteroaryl iodides and bromides is achieved with arylboronate esters.
Synthetic strategies toward the decalin motif of maklamicin and related spirotetronates
Authors: Lacoske Michelle H. , Xu Jing , Mansour Noel , Gao Chao , Theodorakis Emmanuel A.
Published: February 2015

Controlling the selectivity of an intramolecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition (IMDA) allows efficient synthetic access to the decalin motif of spirotetronates.
Synthesis and bioactivity of N-glycosylated 3-(2-oxo-2-arylethylidene)-indolin-2-ones
Authors: Kleeblatt Dennis , Becker Martin , Plötz Michael , Schönherr Madeleine , Villinger Alexander , Hein Martin , Eberle Jürgen , Kunz Manfred , Rahman Qamar , Langer Peter
Published: February 2015

N-Glycosyl-3-alkylideneoxindoles, N-glycosylated 3-(2-oxo-2-arylethylidene)indolin-2-ones, were prepared by reaction of isatin-N-glycosides with substituted acetophenones.
cRGD targeted and charge conversion-controlled release micelles for doxorubicin delivery
Authors: Guan Xingang , Hu Xiuli , Li Zhihong , Zhang Hong , Xie Zhigang
Published: February 2015

A biodegradable polymeric micelle with cRGD targeting and charge-conversional moiety could enhance the cellular uptake of pharmaceuticals and result in high cytotoxicity to tumor cells.
Kinetic modeling of atmospheric formic acid pretreatment of wheat straw with “potential degree of reaction” models
Authors: Dong Lei , Zhao Xuebing , Liu Dehua
Published: February 2015

Potential degree of reaction models, which are developed based on the multilayered structure of plant cell wall, have been found applicable as general models for describing the kinetics of various chemical pretreatments of different biomass feedstocks.
Conversion of sugar beet leaf polysaccharides into single cell protein
Authors: Patelski P. , Stanisz M. , Antczak A. , Balcerek M. , Pielech-Przybylska K. , Sapinska E. , Dziekonska U.
Published: February 2015

Conversion of low-cost sugar beet leaves into valuable yeast biomass was described.
A SERS nanocatalytic reaction and its application to quantitative analysis of trace Hg(ii) with Vitoria blue B molecular probe
Authors: Liang Aihui , Shang Guangyun , Ye Lingling , Wen Guiqing , Luo Yanghe , Liu Qingye , Zhang Xinghui , Jiang Zhiliang
Published: February 2015

A nanocatalytic SERS quantitative analytical method was developed for trace Hg(ii) detection with a label-free Vitoria blue B probe.
Characterization of supports activated with divinyl sulfone as a tool to immobilize and stabilize enzymes via multipoint covalent attachment. Application to chymotrypsin
Authors: dos Santos Jose C. S. , Rueda Nazzoly , Barbosa Oveimar , Fernández-Sánchez Jorge F. , Medina-Castillo Antonio L. , Ramón-Márquez Teresa , Arias-Martos María C. , Millán-Linares Ma Carmen , Pedroche Justo , Yust María del Mar , Gonçalves Luciana R. B. , Fernandez-Lafuente Roberto
Published: February 2015

DVS supports are very suitable to stabilize enzymesviamultipoint covalent attachment.
The preparation of Fe2O3nanoparticles by liquid phase-based ultrasonic-assisted method and its application as enzyme-free sensor for the detection of H2O2
Authors: Hao Chen , Feng Feng , Wang Xiaohong , Zhou Min , Zhao Yutao , Ge Cunwang , Wang Kun
Published: February 2015

The as-prepared G-Fe2O3-NPS-CS/GCE senor using the synthesized Fe2O3under the ultrasonic-assisted method displayed an excellent electrochemical activity for hydrogen peroxide.
Properties modification by eutectic formation in mixtures of ionic liquids
Authors: Stolarska Olga , Soto Ana , Rodríguez Héctor , Smiglak Marcin
Published: February 2015

The composition and temperature of three eutectic mixtures of ionic liquids and their physical properties (density, viscosity, and surface tension) are presented. Melting temperature depressions of up to ca. 50 K were found with regard to those of the parent ionic liquids.
Plasmonic nanopillar array embedded microfluidic chips: an in situ SERS monitoring platform
Authors: Zhao Yingqi , Zhang Yong-Lai , Huang Jian-An , Zhang Zhenyu , Chen Xianfeng , Zhang Wenjun
Published: February 2015

Ag/Si nanopillar (NP) array embedded microfluidic chips as an in situ SERS monitoring platform.
Multi-triphenylamine-substituted bis(thiophenyl)benzothiadiazoles as highly efficient solution-processed non-doped red light-emitters for OLEDs
Authors: Thangthong A. , Prachumrak N. , Saengsuwan S. , Namuangruk S. , Keawin T. , Jungsuttiwong S. , Sudyoadsuk T. , Promarak V.
Published: February 2015

New bis(thiophenyl)benzothiadiazoles showed an outstanding potential as non-doped red emitter for OLEDs.
Assembly of twisted luminescent architectures based on acenaphtho[1,2-k]fluoranthene derivatives
Authors: Han Liang , Zhang Yuewei , Chen Weiping , Cheng Xiao , Ye Kaiqing , Zhang Jingying , Wang Yue
Published: February 2015

Three DPAF derivatives DPAF-n (n = 8, 12, 16) with identical central aromatic cores and different lengths of flexible alkyl chains have been synthesized and employed as building blocks to fabricate luminescent twisted wires.
DNA–ligand interactions gained and lost: light-induced ligand redistribution in a supramolecular cascade
Authors: Berdnikova Daria V. , Aliyeu Tseimur M. , Paululat Thomas , Fedorov Yuri V. , Fedorova Olga A. , Ihmels Heiko
Published: February 2015

Controlled DNA binding: a photoresponsive ligand is made to migrate from cyclodextrin to double-stranded DNA upon irradiation and is eventually extracted from the nucleic acid by cucurbituril.
New quaternary arsenide oxides with square planar coordination of gold(i) – structure,197Au Mössbauer spectroscopic, XANES and XPS characterization of Nd10Au3As8O10and Sm10Au3As8O10
Authors: Bartsch Timo , Niehaus Oliver , Johrendt Dirk , Kobayashi Yasuhiro , Seto Makoto , Abdala Paula M. , Bartsch Manfred , Zacharias Helmut , Hoffmann Rolf-Dieter , Gerke Birgit , Rodewald Ute Ch. , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: February 2015

The title compounds were synthesised and characterised.
Intramolecular N-coordination in ketiminoboranes
Authors: Bacon Catherine E. , Mansour Liz , Hayward John J. , Rawson Jeremy M.
Published: February 2015

Ketiminoboranes, R2CNB-R′2, pioneered by Wade et al., are formally isoelectronic with allenes but undergo intramolecular cyclisation when R = 2-pyridyl to form heterocyclic boranes with N-donor capability.
A family of [MnIII6LnIII2] rod-like clusters
Authors: Tziotzi Thomais G. , Kalofolias Dimitris A. , Tzimopoulos Demetrios I. , Siczek Milosz , Lis Tadeusz , Inglis Ross , Milios Constantinos J.
Published: February 2015

A family of octametallic heteronuclear manganese-lanthanide [MnIII6Ln2] complexes were isolated and characterized by magnetic measurements.
Extracts of three Laserpitium L. species and their principal components laserpitine and sesquiterpene lactones inhibit microbial growth and biofilm formation by oral Candida isolates
Authors: Popović Višnja , Stojković Dejan , Nikolić Miloš , Heyerick Arne , Petrović Silvana , Soković Marina , Niketić Marjan
Published: February 2015

Antimicrobial properties of compounds of underground parts of threeLaserpitiumL. (Apiaceae) species were investigated.
Au–ZnO hybrid nanoparticles exhibiting strong charge-transfer-induced SERS for recyclable SERS-active substrates
Authors: Liu Liping , Yang Haitao , Ren Xiao , Tang Jin , Li Yongfeng , Zhang Xiangqun , Cheng Zhaohua
Published: February 2015

Au–ZnO hybrid nanoparticles show a strong charge-transfer-induced SERS signal and are promising as recyclable SERS-active platforms.
Crispene E, a cis-clerodane diterpene inhibits STAT3 dimerization in breast cancer cells
Authors: Mantaj Julia , Rahman S. M. Abdur , Bokshi Bishwajit , Hasan Choudhury M. , Jackson Paul J. M. , Parsons Richard B. , Rahman Khondaker M.
Published: February 2015

Crispene E inhibited STAT3 dimerization in a cell-free fluorescent polarization assay and was found to have significant toxicity against STAT3-dependent MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cell line and selectively inhibited the expression of STAT3 and STAT3 target genes.
Two-photon pumped emission of polymeric thin film doped with dicyanopyranone derivative
Authors: Gao Zheng , Chen Yi
Published: February 2015

Two-photon pumped up-conversion emission of polymeric thin film doped with a fluorophore dye has been developed.
Enzymatic multi-functionalization of microparticles under aqueous neutral conditions
Authors: Faccio G. , Senkalla S. , Thöny-Meyer L. , Richter M.
Published: February 2015

Enzymatic multi-functionalization of microparticles under aqueous neutral conditions using tyrosinase.
Micro-nano structure nanofibrous p-sulfonatocalix[8]arene complex membranes for highly efficient and selective adsorption of lanthanum(iii) ions in aqueous solution
Authors: Hong Guishan , Wang Min , Li Xiong , Shen Lingdi , Wang Xuefen , Zhu Meifang , Hsiao Benjamin S.
Published: February 2015

In this study, micro-nano structured p-sulfonatocalix[8]arene (calix8) complex membranes for high efficient selective adsorption of La(iii) ions were prepared via a facile route.
Template- and surfactant-free synthesis of ultrathin CeO2 nanowires in a mixed solvent and their superior adsorption capability for water treatment
Authors: Yu Xiao-Fang , Liu Jian-Wei , Cong Huai-Ping , Xue Lei , Arshad Muhammad Nadeem , Albar Hassan A. , Sobahi Tariq R. , Gao Qiang , Yu Shu-Hong
Published: February 2015

Ultrathin CeO2 nanowires can be prepared by a one-step refluxing approach in a mixed solvent without any templates or surfactants, and exhibit excellent adsorption capabilities in water treatment.
Identifying lead hits in catalyst discovery by screening and deconvoluting complex mixtures of catalyst components
Authors: Wolf Eléna , Richmond Edward , Moran Joseph
Published: February 2015

A combinatorial screening strategy is described that exploits complex mixtures of precatalysts and ligands to rapidly uncover lead in situ generated catalysts.
Hierarchical assembly of SnO2 nanowires on MnO2 nanosheets: a novel 1/2D hybrid architecture for high-capacity, reversible lithium storage
Authors: Pan Long , Wang Ke-Xin , Zhu Xiao-Dong , Xie Xu-Ming , Liu Yi-Tao
Published: February 2015

An elaborate morphological design is reported to decorate 2D MnO2 nanosheets with 1D SnO2 nanowires, thus forming a novel, delicate 1/2D hybrid architecture for high-capacity reversible lithium storage through a remarkable synergy by effectively bridging the merits of the building blocks.
Microscopy investigations of the microstructural change and thermal response of cobalt-based nanoparticles confined inside a carbon nanotube medium
Authors: Baaziz Walid , Florea Ileana , Moldovan Simona , Papaefthimiou Vasiliki , Zafeiratos Spyridon , Begin-Colin Sylvie , Begin Dominique , Ersen Ovidiu , Pham-Huu Cuong
Published: February 2015

In this work, we investigate the shape, microstructure and thermal response upon heat treatment of Co-based NPs inside CNTs.
Lead toxicity induces autophagy to protect against cell death through mTORC1 pathway in cardiofibroblasts
Authors: Sui Li , Zhang Rui-Hong , Zhang Ping , Yun Ke-Li , Zhang Hong-Cai , Liu Li , Hu Ming-Xu
Published: February 2015

Heavy metals, such as lead (Pb2+), are usually accumulated in human bodies and impair human's health. Lead is a metal with many recognized adverse health side effects and yet the molecular processes underlying lead toxicity are still poorly understood. In the present study, we proposed to investigate the effects of lead toxicity in cultured cardiofibroblasts. After lead treatment, cultured cardiofibroblasts showed severe endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. However, the lead-treated cardiofibroblasts were not dramatically apoptotic. Further, we found that these cells determined to undergo autophagy through inhibiting mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway. Moreover, inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) may dramatically enhance lead toxicity in cardiofibroblasts and cause cell death. Our data establish that lead toxicity induces cell stress in cardiofibroblasts and protective autophagy is activated by inhibition of mTORC1 pathway. These findings describe a mechanism by which lead toxicity may promote the autophagy of cardiofibroblasts cells, which protects cells from cell stress. Our findings provide evidence that autophagy may help cells to survive under ER stress conditions in cardiofibroblasts and may set up an effective therapeutic strategy for heavy metal toxicity.
Real time identification of coherent groups for controlled islanding based on graph theory
Authors: Gomez Oscar , Rios Mario A.
Published: February 2015

Since phasor measurement units (PMU) were invented, there has been growing interest in developing methodologies for improving monitoring, protection and control of power systems in real time. In this study, the authors propose a new methodology, based on graph modelling, to identify coherent groups of generators in a real‐time fashion. The coherent groups are identified with instantaneous values measured from the system through PMUs, and the methodology needs neither setting the number of desired groups nor defining a threshold value since it is based on coupling factors between generators. Moreover, it is proposed a new method for the online definition of areas for islanding when this action is required as the latest emergency control method. The methodology assigns the non‐generation buses to the previously found generators coherent groups considering three criteria: electrical distance to the group of generators, topology, and operational constraints, which are verified by mean of an optimal power flow. The methodology is tested on the IEEE 39‐bus and IEEE 118‐bus test systems. Results show that the real‐time identification of coherent groups and the definition of areas allow the development of islanding strategies with promising results.
Effects of different temperature regimes on flower development, microsporogenesis and fertility in bolting garlic (Allium sativum)
Authors: Mayer Einat Shemesh , Ben-Michael Tomer , Kimhi Sagie , Forer Itzhak , Rabinowitch Haim D. , Kamenetsky Rina
Published: February 2015

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) cultivars do not develop fertile flowers and seeds. Therefore, garlic production and improvement depend exclusively on vegetative propagation. Recent advances in garlic research have enabled fertility restoration and the discovery of fertile and male-sterile genotypes; however, the environmental regulation of the reproductive process is still not clear. Garlic seeds are successfully produced in the Mediterrenean region, where the photoperiod is relatively short, whereas spring and summer temperatures are high. We hypothesise that, in bolting garlic, various stages of florogenesis are differentially regulated by temperature and that high temperatures might obstruct pollen production. The effects of eight combinations of controlled growth temperatures on fertile and male-sterile garlic clones were studied. In both genotypes, a gradual temperature increase before and during anthesis favoured intact flower development. Surprisingly, continuous exposure to moderate temperatures during the entire growth period resulted in poor flowering, anther abortion and reduced pollen production. In the male-sterile genotype, no growth regime improved pollen production, which is controlled by genetic mechanisms. In the male-fertile genotype, gradual temperature increase supported pollen production but a sharp transition to high temperatures resulted in rapid flower senescence and pollen abortion, thus supporting our research hypothesis. In both fertile and male-sterile plants, the most vulnerable phase of microsporogenesis is the unicellular microspore stage. Tapetal malformation is the major cause for malnutrition of the microspores, with consequent production of nonviable pollen grains.
Does fire affect the ground-dwelling arthropod community through changes to fine-scale resource patches?
Authors: Kwok Alan B. C. , Eldridge David J.
Published: February 2015

In semiarid ecosystems, perennial trees create resource patches beneath their canopies by providing shade and accumulating litter. These patches are often distinctly different from inter-tree areas, which support scattered hummock grasses. Although patchiness is regarded as an important driver of faunal diversity, it is not known how it is affected by disturbances such as fire. In this study, we tested how resource patches and fire affect the ground-dwelling arthropod community. We sampled ground-dwelling arthropods under the canopy of mallee (Eucalyptus trees), and in adjacent open areas in: (1) an area burnt over 30 years ago (‘long unburnt’), and (2) an area burnt 4 years ago (recently burnt). Five taxa (cockroaches, isopods, spiders, jumping spiders and wasps) were more abundant under the canopy than in the open across both burn treatments, whereas ants showed the opposite pattern. Irrespective of patch type, silverfish, wasps and isopods were more abundant in the long-unburnt stand than the recently burnt stand. Ants showed the opposite pattern. Both long unburnt and recently burnt stands supported a similar abundance of beetles, cockroaches and spiders. Our results demonstrate that many arthropod taxa are affected by the resources provided by trees (litter, shade), even in areas recently burnt by fire. This is likely to change over time and in relation to further disturbance.
Visions of liberation: the Algerian war of independence and its South African reverberations
Authors: Drew Allison
Published: February 2015

The launch of South Africa's armed struggle has been portrayed as the action of urban-based South African Communist Party (SACP) and African National Congress (ANC) members; scholarly debates concern the relative importance of the SACP, ANC and the Soviet Union. Yet the Left was fluid and eclectic during this transitional period. Seeking new approaches and methods to address the rapidly evolving political environment, left-wing activists drew on political and personal contacts to build new underground networks. Their arguments came not from the Soviets but from the experiences of guerrilla struggles, such as Algeria's war of independence. They sought, unsuccessfully, to integrate insights from Algeria into their strategies.
Multidrug resistance transporters Snq2p and Pdr5p mediate caffeine efflux in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Tsujimoto Yoshiyuki , Shimizu Yoshihiro , Otake Kazuya , Nakamura Tatsuya , Okada Ryutaro , Miyazaki Toshitaka , Watanabe Kunihiko
Published: February 2015

SNQ2 was identified as a caffeine-resistance gene by screening a genomic library of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a multicopy vector YEp24. SNQ2 encodes an ATP-binding cassette transporter and is highly homologous to PDR5. Multicopy of PDR5 also conferred resistance to caffeine, while its resistance was smaller than that of SNQ2. Residual caffeine contents were analyzed after transiently exposing cells to caffeine. The ratios of caffeine contents were 21.3 ± 8.8% (YEp24-SNQ2) and 81.9 ± 8.7% (YEp24-PDR5) relative to control (YEp24, 100%). In addition, multicopies of SNQ2 or PDR5 conferred resistance to rhodamine 6G (R6G), which was widely used as a substrate for transport assay. R6G was exported by both transporters, and their efflux activities were inhibited by caffeine with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations of 5.3 ± 1.9 (YEp24-SNQ2) and 17.2 ± 9.6 mM (YEp24-PDR5). These results demonstrate that Snq2p is a more functional transporter of caffeine than Pdr5p in yeast cells.
The F-BAR Cdc15 promotes contractile ring formation through the direct recruitment of the formin Cdc12
Authors: Willet Alaina H. , McDonald Nathan A. , Bohnert K. Adam , Baird Michelle A. , Allen John R. , Davidson Michael W. , Gould Kathleen L.
Published: February 2015

In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, cytokinesis requires the assembly and constriction of an actomyosin-based contractile ring (CR). Nucleation of F-actin for the CR requires a single formin, Cdc12, that localizes to the cell middle at mitotic onset. Although genetic requirements for formin Cdc12 recruitment have been determined, the molecular mechanisms dictating its targeting to the medial cortex during cytokinesis are unknown. In this paper, we define a short motif within the N terminus of Cdc12 that binds directly to the F-BAR domain of the scaffolding protein Cdc15. Mutations preventing the Cdc12–Cdc15 interaction resulted in reduced Cdc12, F-actin, and actin-binding proteins at the CR, which in turn led to a delay in CR formation and sensitivity to other perturbations of CR assembly. We conclude that Cdc15 contributes to CR formation and cytokinesis via formin Cdc12 recruitment, defining a novel cytokinetic function for an F-BAR domain.
Tropes of Branding in Forms of Life
Authors: Agha Asif
Published: February 2015

This article discusses the variable construal that brand fractions exhibit in social practices around the world and their implications for the study of brand semiosis in social life. Whereas brands are sometimes imagined to be unitary objects with inherent power, the discussion shows that the significance of distinct brand fractions is formulated by distinct metasemiotic practices, only some of which are the practices of brand corporations. When brand fractions like trademarks are taken up in distinct social practices around the world, their significance is routinely reanalyzed through locale-specific metasemiotic frameworks, which formulate varied forms of life in societies around the world.
Dualism at Work: The Social Circulation of Embodiment Theories in Use
Authors: Michel Alexandra
Published: February 2015

This thirteen-year ethnography investigates how two Wall Street banks instantiated dualism in practice and what the evolving consequences were for bankers and the organizations that they joined after their careers at the banks. The banks dualistically split visible controls that targeted the mind, such as autonomy and work-life balance narratives, from unobtrusive controls that targeted the body, bypassed the mind, and intensified the pace of work in ways that bankers experienced as self-chosen. These practices caused evolving forms of dualistic embodiment. During the first four years, bankers identified with their minds and treated their bodies as unproblematic objects. Starting with year 4, body breakdowns occurred; the body imposed itself as an antagonist. Desperate to perform, bankers pushed harder, which caused more severe breakdowns that eventually forced some to treat the body as a knowledgeable subject that can direct action. The bankers implemented the banks’ practices in the organizations they joined subsequently, intending to enhance autonomy, but unintentionally replicating indiscriminate overwork for all participants. As they experienced more severe breakdowns, some bankers followed their bodies’ guidance into new ways of living. Dualism thus followed a dialectic pattern, first intensifying the body repression until breakdowns turned passive bodies into revolutionary forces.
Ritual Semiosis in the Business Corporation: Recruitment to Routinized Innovation
Authors: Wilf Eitan
Published: February 2015

This essay draws on fieldwork conducted in a workshop organized in New York City by an innovation consultancy group and attended by representatives of different business corporations. In this workshop, participants are supposed to learn a set of innovation techniques for generating new products and services and to become convinced that there can be added value in buying the consultancy group’s services. The task of the consultancy group embodies a basic cultural contradiction because innovation is widely associated with notions that derive from a modern Romantic ethos of creativity, which itself connotes resistance to routinization. To overcome this contradiction the facilitators engage the participants in ritual semiosis. They orchestrate densely multilayered and multimodal discursive practices that reflexively consolidate a macrosociological order, which opposes a Romantic ethos and a professional ethos, and that dynamically figurate transformations in the microsociological context of the participants’ role-inhabitance with respect to innovation—from their role-inhabitance of a Romantic ethos at the beginning of the workshop to their entailed role-inhabitance of a professional ethos at the workshop’s end.
Managing Intertextuality: Display and Discipline across Documents at a Korean Firm
Authors: Prentice Michael M.
Published: February 2015

This article addresses the social, material, and practical dimensions by which intertextuality is managed in a corporate setting. Managing intertextuality entails more than the circulation of entextualized fragments—it involves the everyday ways in which individuals come to negotiate with environments saturated and defined by textual objects. Based on fieldwork at a Korean brand consulting firm, I chart a range of ways that employees took different stances to intertextual practice—from how they defined relationships with their business partners to how they disciplined internal activities, even to how documents became “leaked” from within the office. This article advocates for a broader view of the practical and material dimensions of intertextuality, the diverse ways individuals can engage with texts, and the importance of considering intertextuality in the construction of managerial figures.
Symbolic Force: A Corporate Revitalization Video and Its Effects
Authors: Urban Greg
Published: February 2015

A condensation symbol is a complex and relatively discrete bundle of icons, indices, and symbols, in the Peircean sense, that calls up affect and directs that affect toward social ends. This article analyzes a corporate motivational video produced by Harley-Davidson, Inc., an American motorcycle manufacturing company, as a condensation symbol. In addition to analyzing the formal features of the video, the article furnishes evidence, in the form of interview data, that the symbol is capable of influencing the orientations of individuals who view it. The “symbolic force” of the video is the force of interest that causes the orientation to the company carried by the symbol to be transmitted to its viewers. In this sense, the video resembles the dominant ritual symbols described by Turner. The present research also suggests, however, that the video summons distinct kinds of affect in different individuals, exerting a differentiating effect within social space.
The Semiotic Corporation: An Introduction to the Supplement Issue
Authors: Urban Greg , Koh Kyung-Nan
Published: February 2015

The business corporation is explored as a reflexive cultural form shaped through complex and ongoing sign processes. The concern specifically is with the dynamic whereby external representations become internal to the corporation, shaping its form and operations, and, correspondingly, internally produced representations get projected outward into the world, mingling with other representations to influence how the corporation is construed. Seven contributions to this Signs and Society supplement are organized along a continuum—from the point of what is metaphorically conceptualized as the origo to the terminus, that is, from those studying the corporation as shaped through external representations, on the one end, to those presenting a view of how the corporation emerges through representations it projects outward on the other end.
Representing Corporate Social Responsibility, Branding the Commodity as Gift, and Reconfiguring the Corporation as ‘Super-’Person
Authors: Koh Kyung-Nan
Published: February 2015

This paper discusses how a Hawaiian corporation planned to redevelop an existing town by using a community-based approach to urban design. It examines how local residents were enlisted into the corporate work procedures in the capacity of authors and how their ideas and beliefs expressed were semiotically transformed and inscribed into design renderings of the future town. Analyses focus on how the corporation discursively positions itself as a person relative to the locals, and how various ideas expressed linguistically regarding the town are used to visually draw specific town design features. What is shown is that in taking into account and synthesizing the views of both the corporation and the local residents (i.e., customers), a design of the future town emerges as representation of a corporate brand community. It is argued that developed in this manner, the town as a commodity is one in which it is prefigured as a sign of the corporate status and social role within the community, and also that which has the capacity to yield future returns to the corporation in both the metaphorical (i.e., brand mediation) and actual (i.e., leases and sales) sense.
Mass constraints to Sco X-1 from Bowen fluorescence and deep near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Mata Sánchez D. , Muñoz-Darias T. , Casares J. , Steeghs D. , Ramos Almeida C. , Acosta Pulido J. A.
Published: February 2015

More than 50 years after the dawn of X-ray astronomy, the dynamical parameters of the prototypical X-ray binary Sco X-1 are still unknown. We combine a Monte Carlo analysis, which includes all the previously known orbital parameters of the system, along with the K-correction to set dynamical constraints to the masses of the compact object (M1 < 1.73 M⊙) and the companion star (0.28 M⊙ < M2 < 0.70 M⊙). For the case of a canonical neutron star mass of M1 ∼ 1.4 M⊙, the orbital inclination is found to be lower than 40°. We also present the best near-infrared spectrum of the source to date. There is no evidence of donor star features on it, but we are able to constrain the veiling factor as a function of the spectral type of the secondary star. The combination of both techniques restricts the spectral type of the donor to be later than K4 and luminosity class IV. It also constrains the contribution of the companion light to the infrared emission of Sco X-1 to be lower than 33 per cent. This implies that the accretion related luminosity of the system in the K band is larger than ∼4 × 1035 erg s−1.
Strategies and limitations for fluorescence detection of XAFS at high flux beamlines
Authors: Heald Steve M.
Published: February 2015

The issue of detecting the XAFS signal from dilute samples is discussed in detail with the aim of making best use of high flux beamlines that provide up to 1013 photons s−1. Various detection methods are compared, including filters with slits, solid state detectors, crystal analyzers and combinations of these. These comparisons rely on simulations that use experimentally determined parameters. It is found that inelastic scattering places a fundamental limit on detection, and that it is important to take proper account of the polarization dependence of the signals. The combination of a filter–slit system with a solid state detector is a promising approach. With an optimized system good performance can be obtained even if the total count rate is limited to 107 Hz. Detection schemes with better energy resolution can help at the largest dilutions if their collection efficiency and count rate limits can be improved.
Farm household level adaptation metrics for agriculture and water sectors
Authors: Nambi A. Arivudai , Bahinipati Chandra Sekhar , Raghunath Ranjini , Nagendran R.
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to provide a methodology for constructing farm household-level adaptation metrics for agriculture and water sectors. The livelihood of farm households is at risk now and in the foreseeable future, as both agriculture and water sectors are vulnerable to climate variability, particularly in developing nations. Adaptation is critical to protect their livelihood. Vulnerable farmers have adopted various adaptation mechanisms to counteract negative impacts of climate variability, though the extent varies temporally and spatially.

Design/methodology/approach

– It is, therefore, imperative to understand current adaptation practices for successfully implementing them. A few studies have emerged so far in this context, investigating different issues associated with micro-level adaptation strategies related to agriculture and water sectors, e.g. output and cost-effectiveness, and constraints related to farm, household and institutional levels.

Findings

– While such analysis is critical to enhance micro-level adaptation measures, there is a felt need to formulate adaptation metrics that can investigate the underlying factors in an integrated manner. For empirical assessment, 146 farmers were interviewed from different agro-ecological zones of Tamil Nadu, India, regarding seven adaptation measures, such as micro-irrigation, rainwater harvesting, resistant crops, use of bio-fertilisers, crop insurance, income diversification and community-based efforts.

Practical implications

– These adaptation measures were evaluated through an Analytical Hierarchy Process using four criteria: effective awareness, economic viability, individual and institutional compatibility and flexibility and independent benefits.

Originality/value

– The present study provides a methodology to identify barriers that limit implementation of adaptation measures, and enable target-oriented policy measures to promote appropriate adaptation strategies at the local level.
Decline in maize and beans production in the face of climate change at Hai District in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Authors: Munishi Linus K. , Lema Anza A. , Ndakidemi Patrick A.
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to show how climatic change in Africa is expected to lead to a higher occurrence of severe droughts in semiarid and arid ecosystems. Understanding how crop productions react to such events is, thus, crucial for addressing future challenges for food security and poverty alleviation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors explored how temperature and rainfall patterns determined maize and beans production in Hai District in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania.

Findings

– Annual food crops were particularly sensitive to the drought and maize and beans yields were lower than perennial crops during the years of drought. The authors also report strong and significant association between maize and beans production with temperature and rainfall patterns.

Practical implications

– This study highlights how severe droughts can dramatically affect yields of annual crops and suggests that extreme climatic events might act as a major factor affecting agriculture production and food security, delaying or preventing the realization of the Millennium Development Goals.

Originality/value

– This is the first study that highlights how severe droughts can dramatically affect yields of annual crops in Hai District contributing to other climate studies done elsewhere in Tanzania and the world at large.
Crossing the threshold from founder management to professional management in Russian firms
Authors: Shirokova Galina , Vega Gina , Knatko Dmitri
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to bring together a strategic choice perspective and an institutional perspective in order to address the key research questions: how do Russian founder-CEOs perceive the institutional environment when succession issues are taken into consideration?; how do the perceived characteristics of different formal and informal institutions affect the founder-CEO’s decision to delegate authority to a professional CEO?; and what are the main barriers to founder-CEO succession in threshold firms in emerging markets such as Russia?

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a data set of 500 entrepreneurial companies from fast growing industries in Russia, the paper defines and studies threshold firms and analyses how various perceived characteristics of the institutional environment in emerging markets influence the likelihood of transition from founder management to professional management.

Findings

– Institutional factors such as poor security of property rights and dependence of the business on relationships with government officials have a negative impact on the likelihood of founder-CEO succession in threshold firms in emerging markets. At the same time, the perception of contract law as insecure increases the likelihood of transition from founder management to professional management.

Originality/value

– Most research on initial succession deals with internal organisational factors and does not consider external environments and their influence on founder-CEO departure and willingness to exit from company management. This study is unique in its focus on the external environment and institutional factors and their impact on management transitions in threshold firms in emerging economies.
Top management team characteristics and firm growth
Authors: Colombelli Alessandra
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors affecting the growth of companies listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM), the London Stock Exchange market for young and growing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author investigates post-initial public offering (IPO) growth for a panel of 665 companies listed on the AIM between 1995 and 2006. The empirical model uses the generalized method of moment-System (GMM-SYS) estimator.

Findings

– The findings confirm that small companies listed on the AIM grow more quickly after the IPO. It seems that both human capital and firm characteristics are important determinants of their rapid growth.

Practical implications

– The results of this study have some implications for policy. Policy makers should take account of the relevance of an efficient financial system. It is important also to consider the process of transformation of the cultural and behavioural attitudes of various countries towards entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

– This paper analyses the determinants of firm growth in a particular entrepreneurial setting, that is, IPO on the AIM, the sub-market of the London Stock Exchange.