Fmoc-diphenylalanine self assembles to a hydrogel via a novel architecture based on π-π interlocked β-sheets

The self assembly of peptide hydrogelators that carry aromatic substituents can be modeled by a novel nanocylindrical architecture. The proposed model suggests that the nanocylinders are formed by anti-parallel β-sheets interlocked by the π-stacking interactions of fluorenyl groups and phenyl rings. This explanation is consistent with the structures observed in TEM and the data obtained by a variety of spectroscopic techniques.

Caveolin-1 orchestrates the balance between glucose and lipid-dependent energy metabolism : implications for liver regeneration

Caveolin-1 (CAV1) is a structural protein of caveolae involved in lipid homeostasis and endocytosis. Using newly generated pure Balb/C CAV1 null (Balb/CCAV1−/−) mice, CAV1−/− mice from Jackson Laboratories (JAXCAV1−/−), and CAV1−/− mice developed in the Kurzchalia Laboratory (KCAV1−/−), we show that under physiological conditions CAV1 expression in mouse tissues is necessary to guarantee an efficient progression of liver regeneration and mouse survival after partial hepatectomy. Absence of CAV1 in mouse tissues is compensated by the development of a carbohydrate-dependent anabolic adaptation. These results were supported by extracellular flux analysis of cellular glycolytic metabolism in CAV1-knockdown AML12 hepatocytes, suggesting cell autonomous effects of CAV1 loss in hepatic glycolysis. Unlike in KCAV1−/− livers, in JAXCAV1−/− livers CAV1 deficiency is compensated by activation of anabolic metabolism (pentose phosphate pathway and lipogenesis) allowing liver regeneration. Administration of 2-deoxy-glucose in JAXCAV1−/− mice indicated that liver regeneration in JAXCAV1−/− mice is strictly dependent on hepatic carbohydrate metabolism. Moreover, with the exception of regenerating JAXCAV1−/− livers, expression of CAV1 in mice is required for efficient hepatic lipid storage during fasting, liver regeneration, and diet-induced steatosis in the three CAV1−/− mouse strains. Furthermore, under these conditions CAV1 accumulates in the lipid droplet fraction in wildtype mouse hepatocytes. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that lack of CAV1 alters hepatocyte energy metabolism homeostasis under physiological and pathological conditions.

High volume versus low volume balance training on postural sway in adults with previous ankle inversion injury

Balance training is commonly used in the rehabilitation process of ankle injuries; however, the exercise prescription guidelines for prescribing balance training are poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to determine if high or low volume balance training is more effective in improving postural sway after an 8 week balance training program utilising the same exercises. Seventeen subjects (14 male, 3 female) with a mean age of 24.06 ± 5.6 years were randomly allocated into a control group (CG), low volume training (LVT) or high volume training (HVT). All subjects had sustained at least two inversion ankle injuries within the last 18 months. Subjects completed 8 weeks of balance training of up to 30 mins duration, 3 times per week. LVT consisted of 40 repetitions for week 1, progressing to 90 repetitions by week 8. HVT consisted of 60 repetitions for week 1, progressing to 130 repetitions by week 8. The maximum centre of pressure (COP) excursion was obtained from the porce plate in the medial-lateral (ML) direction and subsequently used for pre-test and post-test analysis. After the 8 week training intervention, there was a significant (P<0.001) difference in postural sway between pre and post testing for both the LVT (pre = 88.69mm ± 25.08mm, post = 72.17mm ± 27.53mm) and HVT (pre = 77.47mm ±10.57mm, post = 58.54mm ± 7.01mm) groups. There was no significant (P>0.01) difference detected for improvements between the LVT and HVT, however reported effect sizes (ES) showed large effect size chances in the high volume training (ES = 1.7) whereas low volume training showed medium effect sizes changes (ES = 0.6). This preliminary study demonstrates the importance of training volume in the rehabilitation of ankle injuries, with the HVT being superior to LVT.

Performance evaluation of e-government services using balance scorecard : an empirical study in Jordan

Purpose - the purpose of this paper is to emphasise on a balance between quantitative and qualitative measures, and examine the use of Balanced Scorecard to evaluate and estimate the performance of information and communication technologies (ICT) in delivering valuable e-government services through the internet. Design/methodology/approach - This study tests the hypotheses of e-government effectiveness using Balanced Scorecard technique by incorporating qualitative measures within a quantitative research methodology with data collected by means of a survey questionnaire. The survey sample of 383 stakeholders includes common customers, employees of e-government, and employees from the IT sector. The survey data were analysed to test the hypothesis in measuring e-government effectiveness from Balanced Scorecard's four dimensions: customer perspective, financial perspective, internal business process perspective, and innovation and learning perspective. Findings - The results show that the Balanced Scorecard factors fit very well with monitoring and measuring the performance of e-government in Jordan, and also in evaluating their success in IT project investments. Originality/value - This study attempts to address this gap in the literature and would benefit future studies in applying Balanced Scorecard for performance evaluation of various IT projects that are gaining huge investments from governments and organisations .

Fracture modelling of DP780 sheets using a hybrid experimental-numerical method and two-dimensional digital image correlation

This paper is concerned with the construction of fracture envelopes of DP780 sheets using two methods: a hybrid experimental-numerical method; two-dimensional digital image correlation (2D-DIC). For the hybrid method, four types of ductile fracture tests were carried out covering a wide range of stress states on specimens: with a central hole; two symmetric circular notches; flat grooved; and diagonally double-notched. Based on the fracture strain and loading paths identified with finite element simulation, a fracture envelope was obtained by employing the three-parameter modified Mohr-Coulomb fracture model. In addition, the fracture surface strain was directly measured using 2D-DIC. Loading histories of each test were extracted from a surface element of a three dimensional finite element model. The comparison of fracture envelopes constructed by the two methods reveals that there is little difference. Thus, it can be concluded that 2D-DIC is applicable to fracture modelling of DP780 sheets despite the assumption of the plane stress condition even after necking

Understanding the balance of experienced teachers' ICT learning

In the Information Age, ICT learning requires a balance between the concrete and experiential learning process and the abstract conceptualisation of Andragogy. Future Teacher Professional Development will need to understand the complexities of the concrete experience and the abstract conceptualisation of new knowledge. Professional Development will need to comprehend how experienced teachers as digital immigrants learn. It will further need to understand what abilities are essential for these experienced teachers and how they develop an awareness of their ICT learning. This paper will examine a study that was undertaken with a group of Post Registration Primary School Educators. These experienced teachers undertook the Post Registration or fourth year of their Bachelor of Education (Primary) course at an Australian Educational Institute. These experienced teachers with limited ICT exposure went through an ICT learning process over a period of one year. They finally acquired the ICT knowledge and skills, however within the time span of one year, theoretical pedagogy was absent or minimal.