Roles of additives in the trihexyl(tetradecyl) phosphonium chloride ionic liquid electrolyte for primary mg-air cells

As reported previously, water saturated trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium chloride ([P6,6,6,14][Cl]) ionic liquid (IL) is a promising electrolyte for magnesium-air batteries. The added water plays an important role in enabling high rate and high efficiency Mg dissolution while stabilizing the Mg interphase. In this work, the role of the water was investigated by replacement with other additives such as toluene and tetrahydrofuran to specifically target the assumed roles of water, namely: (i) enhancement of transport properties; (ii) complexation and stabilization of the Mg anode; (iii) provision of active protons for the cathodic reaction. Discharge tests show that ethylene glycol supports comparable performance to that provided by water. Examination of the viscosity and conductivity of different [P6,6,6,14][Cl]/additive mixtures indicates that a simple consideration of solution characteristics cannot explain the observed trends. Rather, other factors, such as the presence of active protons and/or oxygen-donor groups, are also key features for the development of IL electrolytes for practical magnesium-air cells. Finally, the presence of ethylene glycol in the electrolyte results in a complex gel on the Mg interface, similar to that found in the presence of water. This may also play a role in enabling stable discharge of the Mg anode. © 2014 The Electrochemical Society.

Zinc and zinc transporters in macrophages and their roles in efferocytosis in COPD

Our previous studies have shown that nutritional zinc restriction exacerbates airway inflammation accompanied by an increase in caspase-3 activation and an accumulation of apoptotic epithelial cells in the bronchioles of the mice. Normally, apoptotic cells are rapidly cleared by macrophage efferocytosis, limiting any secondary necrosis and inflammation. We therefore hypothesized that zinc deficiency is not only pro-apoptotic but also impairs macrophage efferocytosis. Impaired efferocytic clearance of apoptotic epithelial cells by alveolar macrophages occurs in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cigarette-smoking and other lung inflammatory diseases. We now show that zinc is a factor in impaired macrophage efferocytosis in COPD. Concentrations of zinc were significantly reduced in the supernatant of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with COPD who were current smokers, compared to healthy controls, smokers or COPD patients not actively smoking. Lavage zinc was positively correlated with AM efferocytosis and there was decreased efferocytosis in macrophages depleted of Zn in vitro by treatment with the membrane-permeable zinc chelator TPEN. Organ and cell Zn homeostasis are mediated by two families of membrane ZIP and ZnT proteins. Macrophages of mice null for ZIP1 had significantly lower intracellular zinc and efferocytosis capability, suggesting ZIP1 may play an important role. We investigated further using the human THP-1 derived macrophage cell line, with and without zinc chelation by TPEN to mimic zinc deficiency. There was no change in ZIP1 mRNA levels by TPEN but a significant 3-fold increase in expression of another influx transporter ZIP2, consistent with a role for ZIP2 in maintaining macrophage Zn levels. Both ZIP1 and ZIP2 proteins were localized to the plasma membrane and cytoplasm in normal human lung alveolar macrophages. We propose that zinc homeostasis in macrophages involves the coordinated action of ZIP1 and ZIP2 transporters responding differently to zinc deficiency signals and that these play important roles in macrophage efferocytosis.

Linking masculinity to negative drinking consequences : the mediating roles of heavy episodic drinking and alcohol expectancies

This study extends previous research on masculinity and negative drinking consequences among young men by considering mediating effects of heavy episodic drinking (HED) and alcohol expectancies. We hypothesized that masculinity would have a direct relationship with negative consequences from drinking as well as indirect relationships mediated by HED and alcohol expectancies of courage, risk, and aggression.

MicroRNAs: biogenesis, roles for carcinogenesis and as potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs of 20-24 nucleotides that play important roles in carcinogenesis. Accordingly, miRNAs control numerous cancer-relevant biological events such as cell proliferation, cell cycle control, metabolism and apoptosis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge and concepts concerning the biogenesis of miRNAs, miRNA roles in cancer and their potential as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis including the regulation of key cancer-related pathways, such as cell cycle control and miRNA dysregulation. Moreover, microRNA molecules are already receiving the attention of world researchers as therapeutic targets and agents. Therefore, in-depth knowledge of microRNAs has the potential not only to identify their roles in cancer, but also to exploit them as potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and identify therapeutic targets for new drug discovery.

Uncovering multiple champion roles in implementing new-technology ventures

This article reports the findings of a field study of a new venture electronic network enterprise from a business-to-business perspective. Network theory and the literatures of process innovation management and strategic marketing are used to generate theory about how new venture electronic network enterprises are created, and the roles champions play in their creation. Network champion roles and their relationships with other network participants are not well understood. The case study reveals how (a) network champions have both direct and indirect involvement in creating and commercializing new venture electronic networks, (b) champions within the venture rather than network champions strategically encourage or discourage supplier and buyer firms in joining, and (c) the accumulated knowledge of all champions, rather than the network champion alone, enhances successful implemented strategies. The findings provide researchers with a theoretical understanding of the role of the network champion in creating new ventures. Network champions filling multiple roles appear necessary for the successful creation of new hightech ventures.

Roles of civil society in nation-building and post-conflict reconstruction in Iraq

 This thesis aims to provide a nuanced typology of post-2003-war Iraqi CSOs that reflect their functions, rather their manifestations, by analysing and examining their roles in socio-economic service provisions and active citizenship; the impact of their roles in nation-building; and the geographic field (rural or urban) of their activities.

Gender roles and the education gender gap in Turkey

Using nationally representative data on individual subjective views on gender roles, we examine the gender gap in educational achievement in Turkey and show that the cultural bias against the education of girls is a fundamental factor behind their low educational attainment in socially conservative societies. The 1997 education reform in Turkey extended compulsory schooling from 5 to 8 years. Using the reform as a natural experiment, we investigate the impact of the reform on the effects of mothers’ traditional views in determining children’s educational attainment. We find that the reform helped reduce school dropout rates across the country. Nevertheless, regardless of the mother’s view on gender roles, the reductions in school dropout rates were similar for boys and girls, failing to eliminate the gender gap against girls. Turkey is an excellent environment to study the effects of societal gender roles since it combines modernity with traditionalism and displays a wide spectrum of views on gender roles. It is also one of the few developing countries where a gender gap to the detriment of females still exists in educational achievement

Crystals in Antheraea assamensis silkworm cocoon: their removal, recovery and roles

Brick shaped mineral deposits or crystals are found in the shell of semi-domestic silk cocoon of Antheraea assamensis (A. assamensis). Effective removal and recovery of these crystals are important to understand their roles in the cocoon's protective function towards pupae. In this study, chemical and physical (ultrasonication) demineralisation methods were investigated for A. assamensis. It was found that the physical demineralisation method could effectively separate crystals without changing their shape and size and not effecting other components of the silk cocoon. The efficient recovery of the crystals, without any change in their chemical composition was confirmed based on FTIR, XRD and EDX techniques. Chemical demineralisation method was optimised and performed under milder conditions than reported in the past. It helped reeling of silk without much loss of strength or natural colour of silk fibre.

How servant leadership influences organizational citizenship behavior: the roles of LMX, empowerment, and proactive personality

© 2015 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht While the link between servant leadership and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) has been established, the individual-level mechanisms underlying this relationship and its boundary conditions remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigate the salience of the mediating mechanisms of leader–member exchange (LMX) and psychological empowerment in explaining the process by which servant leaders elicit discretionary OCB among followers. We also examine the role of followers’ proactive personality in moderating the indirect effects of servant leadership on OCB through LMX and psychological empowerment. Analysis of survey data collected from 446 supervisor–subordinate dyads in a large Chinese state-owned enterprise suggests that while servant leadership is positively related to subordinate OCB through LMX, psychological empowerment does not explain any additional variance in OCB above that accounted for by LMX. Moderated mediation tests confirm the moderating effect of proactive personality through LMX. By providing a nuanced understanding of how and when servant leadership leads followers to go above and beyond their job role, our study assists organizations in deciding how to develop and utilize servant leaders in their organizations.