bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure- and temperature-sensitive photoluminescence in a novel phosphate red phosphor RbZnPO4:Eu3+
Authors: Xin Shuangyu , Wang Yuhua , Zhu Ge , Ding Xin , Geng Wanying , Wang Qian
Published: August 2015

Synthesis, crystal structure and temperature-sensitive photoluminescence of a novel red phosphor RbZnPO4:Eu3+.
K3LaTe2O9: a new alkali-rare earth tellurate with face-sharing TeO6 octahedra
Authors: Zhang Xinyuan , Yao Jiyong , Jiang Xingxing , Fu Ying , Lin Zheshuai , Zhang Guochun , Wu Yicheng
Published: August 2015

K3LaTe2O9, a rare quaternary alkali-lanthanide tellurate with face-sharing TeO6 octahedra.
The role of seaweed bioactives in the control of digestion: implications for obesity treatments
Authors: Chater Peter I. , Wilcox Matthew D. , Houghton David , Pearson Jeffrey P.
Published: August 2015

Seaweeds are an underutilised nutritional resource that could not only compliment the current western diet but potentially bring additional health benefits over and above their nutritional value.
Interfacial improvements in biocomposites based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) bioplastics reinforced and grafted with α-cellulose fibers
Authors: Wei Liqing , Stark Nicole M. , McDonald Armando G.
Published: August 2015

Thisin situgrafting modification offers an effective approach to improve the properties of biocomposite materials from sustainable resources.
Hybrid graphene nematic liquid crystal light scattering device
Authors: Qasim M. M. , Khan A. A. , Kostanyan A. , Kidambi P. R. , Cabrero-Vilatela A. , Braeuninger-Weimer P. , Gardiner D. J. , Hofmann S. , Wilkinson T. D.
Published: August 2015

A hybrid graphene nematic liquid crystal (LC) light scattering device is presented.
Unsymmetrical 1,1-diborated multisubstituted sp3-carbons formed via a metal-free concerted-asynchronous mechanism
Authors: Cuenca Ana B. , Cid Jessica , García-López Diego , Carbó Jorge J. , Fernández Elena
Published: August 2015

We have experimentally proved and computationally rationalized the unsymmetrical 1,1-diboration of diazo compounds, formed in situ from aldehydes and cyclic and non-cyclic ketones, in the absence of any transition metal complex.
Correction: Total synthesis of two potent anti-inflammatory macrolactones of the oxacyclododecindione type
Authors: Tauber Johannes , Rohr Markus , Walter Thorsten , Erkel Gerhard , Opatz Till
Published: August 2015

Correction for ‘Total synthesis of two potent anti-inflammatory macrolactones of the oxacyclododecindione type’ by Johannes Tauber et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2015, 13, 7813–7821.
Diazopyridine–Ni(ii) complexes exhibiting intra-chain ferromagnetic interaction after irradiation: formation of magnetic gel
Authors: Mori Koya , Eguchi Rumi , Karasawa Satoru , Koga Noboru
Published: August 2015

The gel of a diazopyridine–Ni(ii) complex in EtOH–20% CH2Cl2 solution showed the magnetic behavior of a ferromagnetic chain with the correlation length of 5–6 units after irradiation, suggesting the formation of magnetic gel.
Growth kinetics and wettability conversion of vertically-aligned ZnO nanowires synthesized by a hydrothermal method
Authors: Cheng S. L. , Syu J. H. , Liao S. Y. , Lin C. F. , Yeh P. Y.
Published: August 2015

We report here the first study of the growth kinetics of vertically-aligned ZnO nanowire arrays grown on Al-doped ZnO (AZO) seed layer-coated substrates by a hydrothermal method.
Mussel inspired functionalization of carbon nanotubes for heavy metal ion removal
Authors: Xie Yili , Huang Qiang , Liu Meiying , Wang Ke , Wan Qing , Deng Fengjie , Lu Long , Zhang Xiaoyong , Wei Yen
Published: August 2015

Polyethylenimine functionalized carbon nanotubes were prepared through mussel inspired chemistry and the Michael addition reaction, and utilized for the adsorption of Cu2+ from water.
Hydroquinone as a single precursor for concurrent reduction and growth of carbon nanotubes on graphene oxide
Authors: Sridhar Vadahanambi , Lee Inwon , Chun Ho-Hwan , Park Hyun
Published: August 2015

In this study, we report a one-step, all solid-state microwave procedure for simultaneous reduction and concurrent growth of carbon nanotubes on graphene from a single precursor, namely hydroquinone.
Ligand-conjugated pH-sensitive polymeric micelles for the targeted delivery of gefitinib in lung cancers
Authors: Wang Shi-Jiang , Huo Zhi-Jun , Liu Kai , Yu Ning , Ma Yan , Qin Yue-Hong , Li Xiao-Chen , Yu Jin-Ming , Wang Zhi-Qi
Published: August 2015

The aim of the present study was to investigate the tumor targeting potential of a mannose-conjugated pH-sensitive nanosystem for the effective delivery of gefitinib (Gnb) to lung cancers.
Facile tuning of a polymeric dispersant for single-walled carbon nanotube dispersion
Authors: Lee Taeheon , Park Jaehyun , Kim Kyoungho , Mohanty Aruna Kumar , Kim Byoungjae , Han Jong Hun , Jeon Heung Bae , Lee Young Sil , Paik Hyun-jong
Published: August 2015

Poly((furfuryl methacrylate)-co-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)) was synthesized and quaternized. Single-walled carbon nanotubes dispersed well in polar solvents using the polymeric dispersant.
Comparative study of partial least squares and multivariate curve resolution for simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of pharmaceuticals in environmental samples
Authors: Parastar Hadi , Shaye Hamidreza
Published: August 2015

The potentials of PLSR and MCR-ALS are evaluated for the simultaneous determination of diclofenac, naproxen, mefenamic acid and carbamazepine as target analytes and gemfibrozil as interference in synthetic and real environmental samples.
Synthesis and lithium storage performance of Co2SiO4 nanoparticles
Authors: Guo Peisheng , Wang Chengxin
Published: August 2015

Synthesis of cobalt orthosilicate at a low temperature, which exhibited excellent lithium storage performance.
Computational evidence to design an appropriate candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease through replacement of the heptamethylene linker of bis(7)tacrine with S-allylcysteine
Authors: Eslami Mahboobeh , Hashemianzadeh Seyed Majid , Moghaddam Kiana Gholamjani , Khorsandi-Lagol Amin , Seyed Sajadi Seyed Abolfazl
Published: August 2015

Due to the multiple pathogens of Alzheimer's disease, multitarget-directed ligand (MTDL) design has been highly regarded in recent years.
Highly efficient synthesis of cyclic carbonates from carbon dioxide and epoxides catalyzed by ionic liquid [Heemim][ZrCl5]
Authors: Hu Yu-Lin , Lu Ming , Yang Xue-Lin
Published: August 2015

A facile and efficient synthesis of cyclic carbonates by cycloaddition reaction is described.
Novel solid–solid phase change materials with biodegradable trihydroxy surfactants for thermal energy storage
Authors: Fu Xiaowei , Kong Weibo , Zhang Yanyan , Jiang Liang , Wang Jiliang , Lei Jingxin
Published: August 2015

Polyurethane polymers were synthesized as novel solid–solid phase change materials (SSPCMs) by bulk polyaddition in the absence of organic solvents using Span 80 and Tween 80 as crosslinking agents for the first time.
One-step synthesis of boron nitride carbon nanosheets containing zinc oxide for catalysis of the oxygen reduction reaction and degradation of organic dyes
Authors: Yamuna A. , Mandalam Aditya , Karthigaiselvi A. , Balasubramanian M. , Thiruparasakthi B. , Ravichandran Subbiah , Mayavan Sundar
Published: August 2015

Boron nitride carbon sheets containing zinc oxide (ZnO/h-BNC) with a hexagonal B–N bond structure were synthesized by a one-step thermal treatment, and investigated for catalysis of oxygen reduction reaction and degradation of organic dye.
Catalyst-free formation of 1,4-diketones by addition of silyl enolates to oxyallyl zwitterions in situ generated from α-haloketones
Authors: Luo Juan , Jiang Qihua , Chen Hao , Tang Qiang
Published: August 2015

Here we report an efficient and practical method for the preparation of 1,4-diketones by direct coupling of α-haloketones with silyl enolates at room temperature. No catalysts were required in our protocol.
Aggregation induced emission and mechanochromism in tetraphenylethene substituted pyrazabole
Authors: Jadhav Thaksen , Dhokale Bhausaheb , patil Yuvraj , Misra Rajneesh
Published: August 2015

The strong aggregation induced emission (AIE) and reversible mechanochromic behavior for tetraphenylethene (TPE) substituted pyrazabole2was reported.
From a bio-based phosphorus-containing epoxy monomer to fully bio-based flame-retardant thermosets
Authors: Ménard Raphaël , Negrell Claire , Fache Maxence , Ferry Laurent , Sonnier Rodolphe , David Ghislain
Published: August 2015

In this work, phloroglucinol was used as a renewable resource to prepare an epoxy monomer and phosphorus containing reactive flame retardant (FR).
EDC/NHS activation mechanism of polymethacrylic acid: anhydride versus NHS-ester
Authors: Yan Qin , Zheng Hong-Ning , Jiang Chuan , Li Kun , Xiao Shou-Jun
Published: August 2015

Both stable intermediates of anhydride and NHS-ester were observed after EDC/NHS activation of PMAA, where NHS-ester waxes, while anhydride wanes complementarily with increasing fragmentation degree of PMAA blocks in PMAA-associated polymer blends.
Solution properties and phase behavior of a combination flooding system consisting of hydrophobically amphoteric polyacrylamide, alkyl polyglycoside and n-alcohol at high salinities
Authors: Liu Rui , Pu Wanfen , Wang Lili , Chen Quansheng , Li Zhihong , Li Yu , Li Bin
Published: August 2015

Application of polymer/surfactant (SP) combination flooding technique is attracting considerable interest in enhanced oil recovery (EOR).
Synthesis of functionalized benzoxazines by copper-catalyzed C(sp3)–H bond functionalization of acetonitrile with olefinic amides
Authors: Chu Xue-Qiang , Xu Xiao-Ping , Meng Hua , Ji Shun-Jun
Published: August 2015

A Cu-mediated/catalyzed oxycyanomethylation reaction of olefinic amides with acetonitrile was developed for the synthesis of important benzoxazine derivatives.
Catalytic two-electron reduction of dioxygen catalysed by metal-free [14]triphyrin(2.1.1)
Authors: Mase Kentaro , Ohkubo Kei , Xue Zhaoli , Yamada Hiroko , Fukuzumi Shunichi
Published: August 2015

The catalytic two-electron reduction of dioxygen (O2) by octamethylferrocene (Me8Fc) has been studied by detailed kinetic analysis. This study provides valuable insight into the catalytic mechanism of the two-electron reduction of O2with an organic catalyst.
3D Si/C particulate nanocomposites internally wired with graphene networks for high energy and stable batteries
Authors: Kim Jaegyeong , Oh Changil , Chae Changju , Yeom Dae-Hoon , Choi Jaeho , Kim Nahyeon , Oh Eun-Suok , Lee Jung Kyoo
Published: August 2015

Novel 3D particulate Si/C-IWGNs (Si/C composites internally wired with graphene networks), in which graphene networks not only provide electrical networks but generate void spaces, showed stable cycling behavior at high capacity with a small increase in electrode thickness.
A nickel nanoparticle/carbon quantum dot hybrid as an efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution under alkaline conditions
Authors: Yang Yanmei , Liu Juan , Guo Sijie , Liu Yang , Kang Zhenhui
Published: August 2015

A Ni/CQD hybrid exhibits efficient electro-activity for HER under alkaline conditions, which can be further enhanced under light.
A highly nitrogen-doped porous graphene – an anode material for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Sui Zhu-Yin , Wang Caiyun , Yang Quan-Sheng , Shu Kewei , Liu Yu-Wen , Han Bao-Hang , Wallace Gordon G.
Published: August 2015

Highly porous nitrogen-doped graphene material obtained via melamine–formaldehyde resin as a cross-linker demonstrates excellent electrochemical properties in Li-ion batteries.
Facile synthesis of magnetic core–shell nanocomposites for MRI and CT bimodal imaging
Authors: Zhu Jing , Wang Jiaqing , Wang Xin , Zhu Jingfen , Yang Yanmei , Tian Jian , Cui Wenguo , Ge Cuicui , Li Yonggang , Pan Yue , Gu Hongwei
Published: August 2015

A facile synthesis of nanocomposites for MR/CT bimodal imaging with a magnetic iron oxide core and bismuth-based shell.
Experimentally verified drain‐current model for variable barrier transistor
Authors: Moldovan O. , Lime F. , Barraud S. , Smaani B. , Latreche S. , Iñiguez B.
Published: August 2015

A simple analytical model for the computation of the drain current in a new type of transistor is presented, the variable barrier transistor (VBT). A good agreement between the results and experimental data, from two different VBTs, proves the accuracy of this model. The experimental measurements show that the ION/IOFF ratio of this device can be improved, as compared with the classical transistor. The model correctly reproduces these results.
Experimental demonstration for high speed integrated visible light communication and multimode fiber communication system
Authors: Huang Xingxing , Wang Yiguang , Wang Yuanquan , Yang Chao , Li Jiehui , Chi Nan
Published: August 2015

The authors propose and experimentally demonstrate an integrated visible light communication (VLC) and multimode fibre communication (MFC) system. The bit error rate results are under the 7% pre‐forward‐error‐correction limit of 3.8 × 10−3 through 100‐m multimode fibre and 60‐cm free‐space transmission with 600 Mbit/s by 64 quadrature amplitude modulation and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing. The experimental results show that VLC system can serve as an excellent choice for the optical interconnect system, such as MFC system. As far as the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that MFC has been introduced to VLC system.
Lightning transient characteristics of cable power collection system in wind power plants
Authors: Li Xianqiang , Wang Jianguo , Wang Yu , Fan Yadong , Zhang Baoquan , Wang Shunchao , Zhou Mi , Cai Li
Published: August 2015

In recent years, frequent accidents due to lightning have occurred in wind power plants, resulting in damages to electrical equipments in the power collection system, especially in the cable power collection system (CPCS) and the nacelle step‐up transformer. In this study, electromagnetic transient simulation of lightning overvoltage in a 35 kV CPCS with the nacelle step‐up transformer was carried out. Influencing factors including the location of the step‐up transformer, the lightning current, the grounding resistance of wind turbine generator (WTG) and distance between WTGs are taken into consideration. The simulation results show that, in the case of 30 Ω grounding resistance for the WTG, the current flowing through the arrester installed at the high voltage winding side of the step‐up transformer will reach up to 27.1 kA when subjected to a 200 kA lightning current, which reveals the damage mechanism of arrester blasting. Based on the calculation results, recommended nominal discharge current value for the arrester as well as the optimal lightning overvoltage protection method are proposed here.
A comprehensive review of nanostructured materials by ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification technique
Authors: Amanov Auezhan , Pyun Young‐Sik
Published: August 2015

Nanostructured materials (NMs) possess outstanding properties than conventional coarse‐grained (CG) materials. Hence designing potentially cost‐efficient and environmentally products made of NMs with better are on high demand. This paper gives a comprehensive review of the most recent progress in production, characterisation and fundamental understanding of NMs produced by ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM) technique. In this review, we demonstrate a detailed description of the literature on the subject as well as highlight challenges for the production of NMs. Recently, this technique has also been applied to thermal spray ceramic coatings and the newly obtained experimental results are also discussed.
Frictional effects near a metal surface
Authors: Dou Wenjie , Nitzan Abraham , Subotnik Joseph E.
Published: August 2015

When a classical master equation (CME) is used to describe the nonadiabatic dynamics of a molecule at metal surfaces, we show that in the regime of reasonably strong molecule-metal couplings, the CME can be reduced to a Fokker-Planck equation with an explicit form of electronic friction. For a single metal substrate at thermal equilibrium, the electronic friction and random force satisfy the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. When we investigate the time scale for an electron transfer (ET) event between the molecule and metal surface, we find that the ET rates show a turnover effect (just as in Kramer’s theory) as a function of frictional damping.
Stable oscillation in spin torque oscillator excited by a small in-plane magnetic field
Authors: Taniguchi Tomohiro , Ito Takahiro , Utsumi Yasuhiro , Tsunegi Sumito , Kubota Hitoshi
Published: August 2015

Theoretical conditions to excite self-oscillation in a spin torque oscillator consisting of a perpendicularly magnetized free layer and an in-plane magnetized pinned layer are investigated by analytically solving the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation. The analytical relation between the current and oscillation frequency is derived. It is found that a large amplitude oscillation can be excited by applying a small field pointing to the direction anti-parallel to the magnetization of the pinned layer. The validity of the analytical results is confirmed by comparing with numerical simulation, showing good agreement especially in a low current region.
Direct observation of doping incorporation pathways in self-catalytic GaMnAs nanowires
Authors: Kasama T. , Thuvander M. , Siusys A. , Gontard L. C. , Kovács A. , Yazdi S. , Duchamp M. , Gustafsson A. , Dunin-Borkowski R. E. , Sadowski J.
Published: August 2015

Doping mechanisms of Mn in GaAs nanowires (NWs) that have been grown self-catalytically at 600 °C by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) are investigated using advanced electron microscopy techniques and atom probe tomography. Mn is found to be incorporated primarily in the form of non-magnetic tetragonal Ga0.82Mn0.18 nanocrystals in Ga catalyst droplets at the ends of the NWs, while trace amounts of Mn (22 ± 4 at. ppm) are also distributed randomly in the NW bodies without forming clusters or precipitates. The nanocrystals are likely to form after switching off the reaction in the MBE chamber, since they are partially embedded in neck regions of the NWs. The Ga0.82Mn0.18 nanocrystals and the low Mn concentration in the NW bodies are insufficient to induce a ferromagnetic phase transition, suggesting that it is difficult to have high Mn contents in GaAs even in 1-D NW growth via the vapor-liquid-solid process.
Tailoring Si(100) substrate surfaces for GaP growth by Ga deposition: A low-energy electron microscopy study
Authors: Rienäcker Michael , Borkenhagen Benjamin , Lilienkamp Gerhard , Daum Winfried
Published: August 2015

For GaP-on-Si(100) heteroepitaxy, currently considered as a model system for monolithic integration of III–V semiconductors on Si(100), the surface steps of Si(100) have a major impact on the quality of the GaP film. Monoatomic steps cause antiphase domains in GaP with detrimental electronic properties. A viable route is to grow the III–V epilayer on single-domain Si(100) with biatomic steps, but preferably not at the expense of reduced terrace widths introduced by miscut substrates. We have performed in situ investigations of the influence of Ga deposition on the kinetics of surface steps and terraces of Si(100) at substrate temperatures above 600 °C by low-energy electron microscopy. Starting from nearly equally distributed TA and TB terraces of a two-domain Si(100) surface, submonolayer deposition of Ga results in a transformation into a surface dominated by TA terraces and biatomic DA steps. This transformation is reversible, and Si(100) with monoatomic steps is recovered upon termination of the Ga flux. Under conditions of higher coverages (but still below 0.25 monolayer), we observe restructuring into a surface with TB dominance, similar to the findings of Hara et al. [J. Appl. Phys. 98, 083515 (2005)]. The occurrence and mutual transformations of surface structures with different terrace and step structures in a narrow range of temperatures and Ga deposition rates is discussed.
The gas phase emitter effect of lanthanum within ceramic metal halide lamps and its dependence on the La vapor pressure and operating frequency
Authors: Ruhrmann C. , Hoebing T. , Bergner A. , Groeger S. , Denissen C. , Suijker J. , Awakowicz P. , Mentel J.
Published: August 2015

The gas phase emitter effect increases the lamp lifetime by lowering the work function and, with it, the temperature of the tungsten electrodes of metal halide lamps especially for lamps in ceramic vessels due to their high rare earth pressures. It is generated by a monolayer on the electrode surface of electropositive atoms of certain emitter elements, which are inserted into the lamp bulb by metal iodide salts. They are vaporized, dissociated, ionized, and deposited by an emitter ion current onto the electrode surface within the cathodic phase of lamp operation with a switched-dc or ac-current. The gas phase emitter effect of La and the influence of Na on the emitter effect of La are studied by spatially and phase-resolved pyrometric measurements of the electrode tip temperature, La atom, and ion densities by optical emission spectroscopy as well as optical broadband absorption spectroscopy and arc attachment images by short time photography. An addition of Na to the lamp filling increases the La vapor pressure within the lamp considerably, resulting in an improved gas phase emitter effect of La. Furthermore, the La vapor pressure is raised by a heating of the cold spot. In this way, conditions depending on the La vapor pressure and operating frequency are identified, at which the temperature of the electrodes becomes a minimum.
Terahertz wavefront control by tunable metasurface made of graphene ribbons
Authors: Yatooshi Takumi , Ishikawa Atsushi , Tsuruta Kenji
Published: August 2015

We propose a tunable metasurface consisting of an array of graphene ribbons on a silver mirror with a SiO2 gap layer to control reflected wavefront at terahertz frequencies. The graphene ribbons exhibit localized plasmon resonances depending on their Fermi levels to introduce abrupt phase shifts along the metasurface. With interference of the Fabry-Perot resonances in the SiO2 layer, phase shift through the system is largely accumulated, covering the 0-to-2π range for full control of the wavefront. Numerical simulations prove that wide-angle beam steering up to 53° with a high reflection efficiency of 60% is achieved at 5 THz within a switching time shorter than 0.6 ps.
Temperature dependent electrical transport characteristics of BaTiO3 modified lithium borate glasses
Authors: Thakur Vanita , Singh Anupinder , Awasthi A. M. , Singh Lakhwant
Published: August 2015

The glass samples with composition (70B2O3-29Li2O-1Dy2O3)-xBT; x = 0, 10 and 20 weight percent, have been prepared by conventional melt quench technique. The dielectric measurements as a function of temperature have been carried out on these samples in the frequency range 1 Hz-10 MHz. The dielectric relaxation characteristics of these samples have been studied by analyzing dielectric spectroscopy, dielectric loss, electric modulus formulation and electrical conductivity spectroscopy. It is found that the dielectric permittivity of the samples increases with an increase in the temperature and BT content. The frequency dependent ac conductivity has been analyzed using Jonscher’s universal power law whereas non exponential KWW function has been invoked to fit the experimental data of the imaginary part of the electric modulus. The values of the activation energy determined from the electric modulus and that from dc conductivity have been found to be quite close to each other suggesting that the same type of charge barriers are involved in the relaxation and the conduction mechanisms. The stretched exponent (β) and the power exponent (n) have been found to be temperature and composition dependent. The decrease in n with an increase in temperature further suggested that the ac conduction mechanism of the studied samples follows the correlated barrier hopping (CBH) model.
Effect of dietary ALA on growth rate, feed conversion ratio, mortality rate and breast meat omega-3 LCPUFA content in broiler chickens
Authors: Carragher John F. , Mühlhäusler Beverly S. , Geier Mark S. , House James D. , Hughes Robert J. , Gibson Robert A.
Published: August 2015

We have previously demonstrated that feeding chickens a diet containing high levels of the n-3 PUFA α-linolenic acid (ALA) significantly increases the content of the principal omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, in their meat and eggs. However, the effect of the diet on production characteristics of the birds has not been assessed. This study aimed to determine the effect of feeding male and female Cobb 500 broilers (n = 3840) a high ALA diet (containing 2.5% flaxseed oil) compared with a standard commercial Control diet (containing 2.5% tallow) on growth, feed conversion ratio and mortality until 6 weeks of age. As expected the dietary flaxseed oil significantly increased breast meat levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (~4-fold), with most eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid being deposited in the phospholipid fraction. Both male and female birds fed the high ALA diet were significantly heavier at 6 weeks of age (77 g heavier in females, 87 g heavier in males). They also had a significantly (10%) lower feed conversion ratio, and a mortality rate that was not different from the Control diet across the 6-week feeding period. These findings indicate that a high ALA diet has the potential to enrich chicken breast meat with eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid without loss of growth rate or feed efficiency, or increase in fat content of breast meat.
Fauna and vegetation responses to fire and invasion by toxic cane toads (Rhinella marina) in an obligate seeder-dominated tropical savanna in the Kimberley, northern Australia
Authors: Radford Ian J. , Fairman Richard
Published: August 2015

Context Changed fire regimes are an important threatening process to savanna biodiversity. Fire-sensitive vegetation such as pindan and its fauna may be particularly susceptible to fire impacts. Invasion by alien species is an additional threatening process. The toxic anuran Rhinella marina is a well publicised invader of savannas. Little is known of impacts in many habitats. Aims To test the hypotheses (1) that fire responses among pindan fauna are greater than general savanna responses, and (2) that cane toad-invasion impacts will be reduced relative to riparian habitats. Methods Reptiles, frogs, invertebrates and mammals were surveyed seven times from 2008 to 2012, four times before and three times following R. marina invasion. Time since last fire was recorded during each survey. Vegetation change was measured. Key results Pindan vegetation structural recovery took 4–5 years, whereas fauna recovery took only 1 year. Ground active agamids, combined Scincidae, fossorial skinks and ground-layer invertebrates responded positively to recent fire. Skinks of Ctenotus spp. declined in size after fire. Short-term fauna responses reflect rapid re-establishment of herbaceous cover. Fauna responses were detected following R. marina invasion, including increases in frogs of Uperoleia spp. and skinks of Carlia spp., and decreases in Lerista griffini and ground-layer invertebrates. Insufficient data were available to test for responses among large predators; however, >50% lower Varanus spp. trap success occurred post-invasion. No invasion response was detected among small mammals. Conclusions Pindan fauna fire responses were similar to those of savannas. Fauna responses to Rhinella marina invasion were relatively minor compared with those previously reported in riparian habitats and this may be related to the lower abundance of the invader here than in previous studies in riparian or more fertile habitats. Implications The dominant obligate seeding tree in pindan woodland, A. tumida, requires >4 years with no high-intensity fires for re-establishment of the dominant tree. Fire management should aim to minimise extensive fires to reduce impacts on fire-sensitive fauna. Persistence of large predators after cane-toad invasion suggests possible refuge value of low-productivity pindan savannas.
A cross-continental look at the patterns of avian species diversity and composition across an urbanisation gradient
Authors: Clucas Barbara , Marzluff John M.
Published: August 2015

Context
As humans become increasingly urban, the need for conservation of nature in cities increases and requires an understanding of the patterns and processes of urban ecosystems. In particular, because humans are the most dominant species in urban areas, understanding the role humans play in these ecosystems (direct and indirect) will be of primary importance.

Aims
We examine the diversity and composition of bird species across an urbanisation gradient in two cities (Berlin, Germany, and Seattle, Washington, USA). We determine the degrees of species urban tolerance and examine how certain biological traits of species, namely, diet, whether or not species use bird feeders, nest sites and innovation rate, characterise species urban tolerance. Finally, we determine whether human provisioning (bird feeders and nest boxes) influences what types of species persist across the urbanisation gradient.

Methods
We surveyed bird abundance and species richness using point counts and surveyed human provisioning by conducting door-to-door interviews of residents across an urbanisation gradient in Berlin and Seattle.

Key results
We found that patterns of species richness were similar in both cities, but that species composition in Berlin changed less across the urbanisation gradient than it did in Seattle. The majority of birds in Berlin were urban tolerant, whereas in Seattle, they were moderately urban tolerant and intolerant. A cluster analysis revealed that, in general, in Berlin, omnivorous, open-nesting birds that use bird feeders and have relatively high innovation rates tended to be urban tolerant. In Seattle, birds that were mostly omnivorous, nested in open cups, and used bird feeders tended to be moderately urban tolerant and they were influenced by provisioning of food by humans.

Conclusion
Urbanisation and human interactions with birds can act as ecological filters, favouring certain bird species that can lead to varying species compositions across an urban gradient. These differences in species composition across the gradient may be more noticeable in younger cities than in older cities where the filtering process has been occurring for longer time.

Implications
By providing a variety of habitats and supplementing natural foods and nesting places, urban planners and residents can help conserve bird diversity in urban areas.
Expressing our internal states and understanding those of others
Authors: Di Cesare Giuseppe , Di Dio Cinzia , Marchi Massimo , Rizzolatti Giacomo
Published: August 2015

Significance

Vitality form is a term that describes the manner with which actions are performed. Despite their crucial importance in interpersonal communication, vitality forms have been almost completely neglected in neuroscience. Here, using a functional MRI technique, we investigated the neural correlates of vitality forms in three tasks: action observation, imagination, and execution. We found that, in all three tasks, there is a common specific activation of the dorsocentral sector of the insula in addition to the parietofrontal network that is typically active during arm movements production and observation. Thus, the dorsocentral part of the insula seems to represent a fundamental and previously unsuspected node that modulates the cortical motor circuits, allowing individuals to express their vitality forms and understand those of others.
Long‐Term Therapy with Oral Treprostinil in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Failed to Lead to Improvement in Important Physiologic Measures: Results from a Single Center
Authors: Chin Kelly Marie , Ruggiero Rosechelle , Bartolome Sonja , Velez‐Martinez Mariella , Darsaklis Konstantina , Kingman Martha , Harden Scarlet , Torres Fernando
Published: August 2015

Sustained‐release oral treprostinil, an oral prostacyclin, led to significant improvement in 6‐minute walk distance (6MWD) versus placebo in treatment‐naive patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) but failed to lead to significant improvement in two 16‐week trials in patients receiving background PAH therapies (FREEDOM studies). Long‐term studies are lacking. Our objective was to evaluate 6MWD, functional class, hemodynamics, and other long‐term outcomes during oral treprostinil administration in PAH. Patients receiving oral treprostinil through the FREEDOM studies at our institution were included and were followed for up to 7 years. The primary end point was change in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) at first follow‐up catheterization. Other end points included 6MWD, functional class, and other hemodynamic results. Thirty‐seven patients received oral treprostinil for a median of 948 days, with 81%, 61%, and 47% continuing therapy at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Mean treprostinil dose at 3, 12, and 24 months was 4.3 ± 2.3, 8.6 ± 3.2, and 11.7 ± 5.8 mg/24 h, respectively. Compared with pretreatment values, there was no significant change in 6MWD at 3 or 12 months, no improvement in functional class at 12 months, and no significant change in hemodynamics at the first follow‐up catheterization (N = 34). Oral treprostinil dose was inversely associated with change in PVR (r = −0.42, P < 0.05), and change in PVR was numerically better among patients in the highest dosing quartile. No significant improvement in 6MWD, functional class, or hemodynamics versus pretreatment values was seen with long‐term oral treprostinil therapy, potentially because of inability to achieve a clinically effective dose.
Replication stress in early S phase generates apparent micronuclei and chromosome rearrangement in fission yeast
Authors: Sabatinos Sarah A. , Ranatunga Nimna S. , Yuan Ji-Ping , Green Marc D. , Forsburg Susan L.
Published: August 2015

DNA replication stress causes genome mutations, rearrangements, and chromosome missegregation, which are implicated in cancer. We analyze a fission yeast mutant that is unable to complete S phase due to a defective subunit of the MCM helicase. Despite underreplicated and damaged DNA, these cells evade the G2 damage checkpoint to form ultrafine bridges, fragmented centromeres, and uneven chromosome segregations that resembles micronuclei. These micronuclei retain DNA damage markers and frequently rejoin with the parent nucleus. Surviving cells show an increased rate of mutation and chromosome rearrangement. This first report of micronucleus-like segregation in a yeast replication mutant establishes underreplication as an important factor contributing to checkpoint escape, abnormal chromosome segregation, and chromosome instability.
ERC analysis: web-based inference of gene function via evolutionary rate covariation
Authors: Wolfe Nicholas W. , Clark Nathan L.
Published: August 2015

Summary: The recent explosion of comparative genomics data presents an unprecedented opportunity to construct gene networks via the evolutionary rate covariation (ERC) signature. ERC is used to identify genes that experienced similar evolutionary histories, and thereby draws functional associations between them. The ERC Analysis website allows researchers to exploit genome-wide datasets to infer novel genes in any biological function and to explore deep evolutionary connections between distinct pathways and complexes. The website provides five analytical methods, graphical output, statistical support and access to an increasing number of taxonomic groups.

Availability and implementation: Analyses and data at http://csb.pitt.edu/erc_analysis/

Contact:  nclark@pitt.edu
Antidepressant medication use and trajectories of fasting plasma glucose, glycated haemoglobin, β-cell function and insulin sensitivity: a 9-year longitudinal study of the D.E.S.I.R. cohort
Authors: Azevedo Da Silva Marine , Dugravot Aline , Balkau Beverley , Roussel Ronan , Fumeron Frédéric , Elbaz Alexis , Canonico Marianne , Singh-Manoux Archana , Nabi Hermann ,   the D.E.S.I.R. Study Group
Published: August 2015

Background : Use of antidepressants is seen to be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, even though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We examined whether antidepressant use was associated with change in fasting plasma glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), β-cell function (HOMA2-%B) and insulin sensitivity (HOMA2-%S) over time.

Methods : Participants in the French D.E.S.I.R. cohort study included over 4700 men (48.1%) and women, free of diabetes, aged 30–65 years at baseline in 1994–96 (D.E.S.I.R. 0), who were followed for 9 years at 3-yearly intervals (D.E.S.I.R. 3, 1997–99; 6, 2000–02; 9, 2003–05). Antidepressant use, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, HOMA2-%B and HOMA2-%S were assessed concurrently at four medical examinations. Linear mixed models were used to examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of time-dependent antidepressant use with changes in these four biological parameters.

Results : Mean fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c increased whereas HOMA2-%B and HOMA2-%S decreased over the follow-up. In a fully adjusted model, there were no differences in: mean fasting plasma glucose ( β  = 0.01 mmol/l, P  = 0.702); HbA1c ( β  = 0.01 %, P  = 0.738); HOMA2-%B ( β  = 0.00, P  = 0.812); or HOMA2-%S ( β  =−0.01, P  = 0.791) at baseline (1994–96) between antidepressant users and non-users. The interaction term with time also suggested no differences in the annual change in: fasting plasma glucose ( β  = 0.00 mmol/l, P  = 0.322); HbA1c ( β  = 0.00 %, P  = 0.496); HOMA2-%B ( β  = 0.00, P  = 0.609); or HOMA2-%S ( β  = 0.00, P  = 0.332) between antidepressant users and non-users. Similar associations were observed in analyses of type and cumulative use of antidepressants over follow-up.

Conclusion : Our longitudinal data show that use of antidepressants is not associated with altered glucose metabolism, suggesting that the association between antidepressant use and diabetes reported by previous studies may not be causal. Detection bias or clinical ascertainment bias may account for much of this apparent association.
Case-Based Review: newly diagnosed
glioblastoma
Authors: Johnson Derek R. , Fogh Shannon E. , Giannini Caterina , Kaufmann Timothy J. , Raghunathan Aditya , Theodosopoulos Philip V. , Clarke Jennifer L.
Published: August 2015

Glioblastoma (WHO grade IV astrocytoma) is the most common and most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. Optimal treatment of a patient with glioblastoma requires collaborative care across numerous specialties. The diagnosis of glioblastoma may be suggested by the symptomatic presentation and imaging, but it must be pathologically confirmed via surgery, which can have dual diagnostic and therapeutic roles. Standard of care postsurgical treatment for newly diagnosed patients involves radiation therapy and oral temozolomide chemotherapy. Despite numerous recent trials of novel therapeutic approaches, this standard of care has not changed in over a decade. Treatment options under active investigation include molecularly targeted therapies, immunotherapeutic approaches, and the use of alternating electrical field to disrupt tumor cell division. These trials may be aided by new insights into glioblastoma heterogeneity, allowing for focused evaluation of new treatments in the patient subpopulations most likely to benefit from them. Because glioblastoma is incurable by current therapies, frequent clinical and radiographic assessment is needed after initial treatment to allow for early intervention upon progressive tumor when it occurs.
Optomechanical interfaces for hybrid quantum networks
Authors: Dong Chunhua , Wang Yingdan , Wang Hailin
Published: August 2015

Recent advances on optical control of mechanical motion in an optomechanical resonator have stimulated strong interests in exploring quantum behaviors of otherwise classical, macroscopic mechanical systems and especially in exploiting mechanical degrees of freedom for applications in quantum information processing. In an optomechanical resonator, an optically- active mechanical mode can couple to any of the optical resonances supported by the resonator via radiation pressure. This unique property leads to a remarkable phenomenon: mechanically-mediated conversion of optical fields between vastly different wavelengths. The resulting optomechanical interfaces can play a special role in a hybrid quantum network, enabling quantum communication between disparate quantum systems. In this review, we introduce the basic concepts of optomechanical interactions and discuss recent theoretical and experimental progresses in this field. A particular emphasis is on taking advantage of mechanical degrees of freedom, while avoiding detrimental effects of thermal mechanical motion.
Phylogeny, Identification, and Pathogenicity of Lasiodiplodia Associated with Postharvest Stem-End Rot of Coconut in Brazil
Authors: Rosado André Wilson Campos , Machado Alexandre Reis , Freire Francisco das Chagas Oliveira , Pereira Olinto Liparini
Published: August 2015

Coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) is one of the most important perennial tropical crops. Stem-end rot is the major postharvest disease of coconut in Brazil. The fungus Lasiodiplodia theobromae is the only species that has been reported to be associated with this disease. However, a comprehensive study elucidating the true identity of this pathogen with molecular tools has never been conducted. In recent years, new species of Lasiodiplodia have been proposed after molecular studies were performed, indicating the existence of a species complex. The aims of this research were to study the etiology of the postharvest stem-end rot of immature coconut based on a combination of morphological and phylogenetic analyses, to establish the phylogenetic position of such taxa, and to assess the pathogenicity of each taxon. Four species were identified: L. brasiliense, L. egyptiacae, L. pseudotheobromae, and L. theobromae. All of the species were distinguished morphologically and phylogenetically and were proven to be pathogenic to coconut following artificial inoculation. L. theobromae was the most common and the most aggressive species. This study represents the first report of three additional species of Lasiodiplodia as causal agents of postharvest stem-end rot of immature coconut in Brazil.
Acinetobacter albensis sp. nov., isolated from natural soil and water ecosystems
Authors: Krizova Lenka , Maixnerova Martina , Sedo Ondrej , Nemec Alexandr
Published: August 2015

We have studied the taxonomic position of a phenetically unique group of eight strains of the genus Acinetobacter which were isolated from soil and water samples collected in protected landscape areas in the Czech Republic. Each of the comparative sequence analyses of the 16S rRNA, gyrB and rpoB genes showed that the eight strains formed a cohesive and tight cluster (intracluster sequence identities of ≥ 99.9 %, ≥ 98.5 % and ≥ 97.7 %, respectively), which was clearly separated from all hitherto known species of the genus Acinetobacter ( ≤ 98.6 %, ≤ 84.5 % and ≤ 89.3 %, respectively). Congruent with these findings were the results of comparative sequence analysis of three additional housekeeping genes (gltA, pyrG and recA). This genotypic distinctness was mirrored by the uniqueness of the combination of a number of independent phenotypic markers including the whole-cell spectra produced by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-ToF) MS and physiological and metabolic features. The most useful phenotypic features to differentiate the eight strains from all known species of the genus Acinetobacter were the ability to assimilate tricarballylate and the inability to grow at 35 °C or to assimilate ethanol or l-histidine. We conclude that the eight strains represent a novel environmental species for which the name Acinetobacter albensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ANC 4874T ( = CCUG 67281T = CCM 8611T).
Genome-Wide Scan for Adaptive Divergence and Association with Population-Specific Covariates
Authors: Gautier Mathieu
Published: August 2015

In population genomics studies, accounting for the neutral covariance structure across population allele frequencies is critical to improve the robustness of genome-wide scan approaches. Elaborating on the BayEnvmodel, this study investigates several modeling extensions i) to improve the estimation accuracy of the population covariance matrix and all the related measures; ii) to identify significantly overly differentiated SNPs based on a calibration procedure of the XtX statistics; and iii) to consider alternative covariate models for analyses of association with population-specific covariables. In particular, the auxiliary variable model allows to deal with multiple testing issues and, providing the relative marker positions are available, to capture some Linkage Disequilibrium information. A comprehensive simulation study was carried out to evaluate the performances of these different models. Also, when compared in terms of power, robustness and computational efficiency, to five other state-of-the-art genome scan methods (BayEnv2, BayScEnv, BayScan, FLK and LFMM) the proposed approaches proved highly effective. For illustration purpose, genotyping data on 18 French cattle breeds were analyzed leading to the identification of thirteen strong signatures of selection. Among these, four (surrounding the KITLG, KIT, EDN3 and ALB genes) contained SNPs strongly associated with the piebald coloration pattern while a fifth (surrounding PLAG1) could be associated to morphological differences across the populations. Finally, analysis of Pool–Seq data from 12 populations ofLittorina saxatilisliving in two different ecotypes illustrates how the proposed framework might help addressing relevant ecological issue in non–model species. Overall, the proposed methods define a robust Bayesian framework to characterize adaptive genetic differentiation across populations. The BayPassprogram implementing the different models is available athttp://www1.montpellier.inra.fr/CBGP/software/baypass/.
Comparing Variant Call Files for Performance Benchmarking of Next-Generation Sequencing Variant Calling Pipelines
Authors: Cleary John G. , Braithwaite Ross , Gaastra Kurt , Hilbush Brian S. , Inglis Stuart , Irvine Sean A. , Jackson Alan , Littin Richard , Rathod Mehul , Ware David , Zook Justin M. , Trigg Len , De La Vega Francisco M.
Published: August 2015

To evaluate and compare the performance of variant calling methods and their confidence scores, comparisons between atest callset and a“gold standard”need to be carried out. Unfortunately, these comparisons are not straightforward with the current Variant Call Files (VCF), which are the standard output of most variant calling algorithms for high-throughput sequencing data. Comparisons of VCFs are often confounded by the different representations of indels, MNPs, and combinations thereof with SNVs in complex regions of the genome, resulting in misleading results. A variant caller is inherently a classification method designed to score putative variants with confidence scores that could permit controlling the rate of false positives (FP) or false negatives (FN) for a given application. Receiver operator curves (ROC) and the area under the ROC (AUC) are efficient metrics to evaluate a test call set versus a gold standard. However, in the case of VCF data this also requires a special accounting to deal with discrepant representations. We developed a novel algorithm for comparing variant call sets that deals with complex call representation discrepancies and through a dynamic programing method that minimizes false positives and negatives globally across the entire call sets for accurate performance evaluation of VCFs.

Availability

RTG Tools is implemented as a multithreaded Java application and source code is available under BSD license at:https://github.com/RealTimeGenomics/rtg-tools

Contact

len@realtimegenomics.com

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available atBioinformatics online.