bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reservoir computing with a single delay-coupled non-linear mechanical oscillator
Authors: Dion Guillaume , Mejaouri Salim , Sylvestre Julien
Published: October 2018

Reservoir computing was achieved by constructing a network of virtual nodes multiplexed in time and sharing a single silicon beam exhibiting a classical Duffing non-linearity as the source of nonlinearity. The delay-coupled electromechanical system performed well on time series classification tasks, with error rates below 0.1% for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd order parity benchmarks and an accuracy of (78±2)% for the TI-46 spoken word recognition benchmark. As a first demonstration of reservoir computing using a non-linear mass-spring system in MEMS, this result paves the way to the creation of a new class of compact devices combining the functions of sensing and computing.
Field operating window of nanodevices employing the domain wall propagation through the stripes intersection: Numerical optimization
Authors: Semenova Elena , Berkov Dmitry , Gorn Natalia , Mattheis Roland
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we present the detailed numerical study of domain wall (DW) dynamics in thin magnetic stripes and in nanostructures containing intersections of such stripes. We focus on the DW propagation through these intersections (crosses), because these are the key elements in field-based multiturn sensors and magnetic logic devices. The DW propagation through such intersections is the main problem by ensuring the functional reliability of the abovementioned devices due to (i) the strong pinning of a DW at these crosses and (ii) the risk that a wrong cross “shoulder” is reversed by the DW propagation. By means of micromagnetic simulations, the operating field range for the desired DW propagation in devices with a constant stripe width is determined, and the drawbacks of this simple design are discussed. To overcome these drawbacks, we suggest a new design employing the stripes with a modulated width. We show that sensors with this design are expected to have a higher reliability and that their field operating window can be controlled in a more flexible way.
Non-volatile resistive switching in oxide ion conductor BiYO3 thin films
Authors: Bhatnagar Divyanshu , Kumar Ashwani , Prabahar K. , Suri Manan , Srinivas A. , Chatterjee Ratnamala
Published: October 2018

We experimentally demonstrate non-volatile resistive switching (RS) with a resistance window of ∼10× in oxide ion conductor BiYO3 (BYO) thin films. (111)-oriented BYO films of multiple thicknesses (20 nm–300 nm) were deposited using the pulsed laser deposition technique on a Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si substrate. The thermal stability of BYO films in a wide temperature range (10 K–800 K) was confirmed, using temperature dependent dielectric measurements. Further, impedance spectroscopy suggests the presence of oxygen vacancies (defects) at the Au/BYO interface in the high resistance state (after forming) too. Root mean square roughness of the films varied from 1.16 nm to 2.76 nm, confirming a uniform and homogeneous surface. We explain the conduction mechanism in our Au/BYO/Pt devices using space charge limited current (SCLC) and Ohmic conduction models. The bipolar RS characteristics of the BYO devices are empirically modeled on the basis of the oxygen ion driven filamentary switching process.
Ground-state properties of spin-1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnets with frustration on the diamond-like-decorated square and triangular lattices
Authors: Hirose Yuhei , Miura Shoma , Yasuda Chitoshi , Fukumoto Yoshiyuki
Published: October 2018

We study the ground-state phase diagrams and properties of spin-1/2 Heisenberg models on the diamond-like-decorated square and triangular lattices. The diamond-like-decorated square (triangular) lattice is a lattice in which the bonds of a square (triangular) lattice are replaced with diamond units. The diamond unit has two types of antiferromagnetic exchange interactions, and the ratio λ of the strength of the diagonal bond to that of the other four edges determines the ground-state properties. In particular, the macroscopically degenerated tetramer-dimer states, which are equivalent to the dimer covering states of the original lattices, are stabilized for λc < λ < 2, where the value of λc depends on the lattices. To determine the phase diagrams and boundaries λc, we employ the modified spin wave (MSW) method and the quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) method to estimate the ground-state energies of the ferrimagnetic states for λ < λc, where we can consider the mixed spin-1 and spin-1/2 Lieb-lattice and triangular Lieb-lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnets instead, and obtain λc(square)=0.974 and λc(triangular)=0.988. We also calculate the long-range order (LRO) parameters using the MSW and QMC methods and find the scaling relations where the spin reductions of each sublattice are inversely proportional to the number of sublattice sites. We prove these scaling relations by applying an infinitesimal uniform magnetic field. Furthermore, by examining the calculation process in the MSW, we clarify the mathematical structure behind the scaling relations for the sublattice LROs.
Review Article: Capturing the physiological complexity of the brain's neuro-vascular unit in vitro
Authors: Heidari Hossein , Taylor Hayden
Published: October 2018

With the accelerating pace of brain research in recent years and the growing appreciation of the complexity of the brain and several brain-associated neurological diseases, the demand for powerful tools to enhance drug screening, diagnosis, and fundamental research is greater than ever. Highly representative models of the central nervous system (CNS) can play a critical role in meeting these needs. Unfortunately, in vivo animal models lack controllability, are difficult to monitor, and do not model human-specific brain behavior accurately. On the other hand, in silico computational models struggle to capture comprehensively the intertwined biological, chemical, electrical, and mechanical complexity of the brain. This leaves us with the promising domain of “organ-on-chip” in vitro models. In this review, we describe some of the most pioneering efforts in this expanding field, offering a perspective on the new possibilities as well as the limitations of each approach. We focus particularly on how the models reproduce the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which mediates mass transport to and from brain tissue. We also offer a brief commentary on strategies for evaluating the blood–brain barrier functionality of these in vitro models, including trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER), immunocytochemistry, and permeability analysis. From the early membrane-based models of the BBB that have grown into the Transwell® class of devices, to the era of microfluidic chips and a future of bio-printed tissue, we see enormous improvement in the reliability of in vitro models. More and more of the biological and structural complexity of the BBB is being captured by microfluidic chips, and the organ-specificity of bio-printed tissue is also significantly improved. Although we believe that the long-term solution will eventually take the form of automated and parallelized bio-printing systems, we find that valuable transport studies can already be accomplished with microfluidic platforms.
Enhancement of L1 transformation in Fe/Pt multilayer by Cu addition
Authors: Sharma Kavita , Sharma Gagan , Gupta Mukul , Reddy V. Raghavendra , Gupta Ajay
Published: October 2018

Enhancement in L10 transformation kinetics in FePt is achieved by incorporating an optimum concentration of ternary element Cu, which has limited solubility in the fcc FePt phase, into the FePt multilayer stack. Two different multilayer structures were deposited. In first multilayer Cu is deposited at one interface of Fe/Pt and in other Cu is alloyed with Fe and Pt layers by co-sputtering. One Fe42.5Pt42.5Cu15 alloy film is also prepared and detailed study of evolution of structural and magnetic properties as a function of isochronal annealing is done using XRD and Magneto Optic Kerr Effect (MOKE) measurements respectively. Annealing up to 200oC results only in intermixing in the multilayer structure, with no sign of L10 transformation. Annealing at 300oC for 1h results in partial transformation to L10 phase as evidenced by appearance of (001) superlattice peak as well as large increase in the coercivity. It is found that in the Fe(Cu)/Pt(Cu) multilayer exhibits significantly faster L10 transformation as compared to Fe/Pt/Cu multilayer or FePtCu alloy film. Inter-diffusion study using x-ray reflectivity measurements reveals that constant for interdiffusion in Fe(Cu)/Pt(Cu) is only marginally higher than that in Fe/Pt/Cu multilayer. The observed enhancement in L10 transformation rate in Fe(Cu)/Pt(Cu) multilayer is discussed in terms of possible enhancement of diffusivities of constituent species in fcc FePt phase.
Non-magnetic element substitution effect in Kondo insulator YbB12 and exotic surface effect in this alloy system
Authors: Iga F. , Yokomichi K. , Matsuhra W. , Nakayama H. , Kondo A. , Kindo K. , Yoshizawa H.
Published: October 2018

Kondo temperature TK’s for Kondo insulator alloys Yb1-xRxB12 (R = Y, Lu, Sc and Zr) show drastic variation as every x increase. It is found that YbB12 in a virtual gap-less state would have a peak at about 25 K in magnetic susceptibility χ(T) from analysis of χ(T) of all these alloys. Up-turns shown in χ(T) below 20 K grow as development of an energy gap ΔE. Those behaviors may be related to the second-gap development within the in-gap state showing metallic behaviors.
Detection of single holes generated by impact ionization in silicon
Authors: Firdaus Himma , Watanabe Tokinobu , Hori Masahiro , Moraru Daniel , Takahashi Yasuo , Fujiwara Akira , Ono Yukinori
Published: October 2018

We propose a method for the observation of the electron-initiated impact ionization process in Si, which is potentially capable of detecting individual impact ionization events. This method detects holes generated by the impact ionization with single charge sensitivity. We demonstrate the method at 8 K by detecting the chain of single holes generated for a constant electron-injection current with the injection-energy threshold close to the Si bandgap energy.
Tuning hydrogen adsorption on pure and doped ZnO (0001¯) surfaces by a simple electron counting model
Authors: Zhang Mingfei , Qi Liang
Published: October 2018

Hydrogen (H) adsorption strengths on oxygen-terminated (0001¯) surfaces of pure and doped wurtzite ZnO are investigated under varying H surface coverage conditions. Consistent with the prediction of the classical electron counting rules, a 12 monolayer (ML) of adsorbed H changes the electronic structure of pure ZnO (0001¯) surface from metallic to semiconductor state by saturating unpaired electrons of surface oxygen atoms. This closed-shell electron configuration of the ZnO (0001¯) surface significantly reduces the adsorption strengths of subsequent H atoms, making the dissociative adsorption of a H2 molecule endothermic. We apply a simple electron counting model to predict and tune the coverage-dependent H adsorption strengths on general polar semiconductor surfaces. This model is confirmed by our investigations of H adsorption on (0001¯) surfaces of ZnO with a series of dopant elements (Na, Mg, Al, Ti, Fe, Sn, etc.). It can also be applied to H adsorption on other similar polar semiconductors, such as ZnO (0001¯) containing O vacancies, wurtzite GaN (0001¯), and zincblende ZnS (1¯1¯1¯) surfaces.
Optical second harmonic generation in encapsulated single-layer InSe
Authors: Leisgang Nadine , Roch Jonas G. , Froehlicher Guillaume , Hamer Matthew , Terry Daniel , Gorbachev Roman , Warburton Richard J.
Published: October 2018

We report the observation of optical second harmonic generation (SHG) in single-layer indium selenide (InSe). We measure a second harmonic signal of > 103 cts/s under nonresonant excitation using a home-built confocal microscope and a standard pulsed pico-second laser. We demonstrate that polarization-resolved SHG serves as a fast, non-invasive tool to determine the crystal axes in single-layer InSe and to relate the sharp edges of the flake to the armchair and zigzag edges of the crystal structure. Our experiment determines these angles to an accuracy better than ± 0.2°. Treating the two-dimensional material as a nonlinear polarizable sheet, we determine a second-order sheet polarizability |χsheet(2)|=(17.9 ± 11.0)×10−20 m2 V−1 for single-layer InSe, corresponding to an effective nonlinear susceptibility value of |χeff(2)|≈(223 ± 138)×10−12 m V−1 accounting for the sheet thickness (d ≈ 0.8 nm). We demonstrate that the SHG technique can also be applied to encapsulated samples to probe their crystal orientations. The method is therefore suitable for creating high quality van der Waals heterostructures with control over the crystal directions.
Application of machine learning to viscoplastic flow modeling
Authors: Muravleva E. , Oseledets I. , Koroteev D.
Published: October 2018

We present a method to construct reduced-order models for duct flows of Bingham media. Our method is based on proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) to find a low-dimensional approximation to the velocity and artificial neural network to approximate the coefficients of a given solution in the constructed POD basis. We use the well-established augmented Lagrangian method and finite-element discretization in the “offline” stage. We show that the resulting approximation has a reasonable accuracy, but the evaluation of the approximate solution is several orders of magnitude times faster.
Segmenting a general practitioner market to improve recruitment outcomes
Authors: Hemphill Elizabeth , Kulik Carol T.
Published: October 2018

Recruitment is an ongoing challenge in the health industry with general practitioner (GP) shortages in many areas beyond rural and Indigenous communities. This paper suggests a marketing solution that identifies different segments of the GP market for recruitment strategy development. In February 2008, 96 GPs in Australia responded to a mail questionnaire (of which 85 questionnaires were useable). A total of 350 GPs were sent the questionnaire. Respondents considered small sets of attributes in the decision to accept a new job at a general practice and selected the most and least important attribute from each set. We identified latent class clusters (cohorts) of GPs from the most–least important data. Three cohorts were found in the GP market, distinguishing practitioners who emphasised job, family or practice attributes in their decision to join a practice. Few significant demographic differences exist between the cohorts. A segmented GP market suggests two alternative recruitment strategies. One option is for general practices to target members of a single cohort (family-, job-, or practice-focussed GPs). The other option is for general practices to diversify their recruitment strategies to target all three cohorts (family-, job- and practice-focussed GPs). A single brand (practice) can have multiple advertising strategies with each strategy involving advertising activities targeting a particular consumer segment.

What is known about the topic?
Recruitment is an ongoing challenge in the health industry. A wide range of government strategies and incentives have sought to increase GP numbers in areas of need, especially rural and Indigenous communities. However, declining GP to patient ratios in such sectors suggest new recruitment strategies are needed. To know how effective new strategies might be, it would also be useful to know whether practices have already adopted such strategies in their recruitment advertising.

What does this paper add?
This paper reports results from an empirical study showing that the overall GP market can be segmented into cohorts of GPs who similarly value attributes of a GP position. The research finds three discrete cohorts in the GP market: practitioners who have job, family or practice dominant preferences. This finding can be used to improve GP recruitment by designing recruitment strategies targeting the cohorts. The study also demonstrates that rural (and urban) practices have, either intentionally or unintentionally, been attracting only one of the three GP cohorts.

What are the implications for practitioners?
A segmented GP market suggests two alternative strategies. One option is for general practices to design recruiting strategies that target members of a single cohort (family-, job-, or practice-focussed GPs). The other option suggested by our research is for general practices to diversify their recruitment strategies to target all three cohorts (family-, job- and practice-focussed GPs).
Dietary crude palm oil supplementation improves egg quality and modulates tissue and yolk vitamin E concentrations of laying hen
Authors: Areerob P. , Dahlan W. , Angkanaporn K.
Published: October 2018

Crude palm oil (CPO) is a valuable energy supplement for poultry diets and a rich source of vitamin A and E. Data on the effect of vitamin E tocotrienol in CPO on laying hen metabolism are limited. The present study examined the effects of dietary CPO supplementation on the performance and tissue distribution of vitamin E in laying hens and on egg quality. In total, 144 49-week old Hysex Brown hens were allocated randomly into four groups (36 per group), in single cages, and received corn–soybean basal diet supplemented with either lard at 20 g/kg (control), or CPO at 20 (CPO1), 30 (CPO2) or 40 g/kg (CPO3). Egg quality, hen performance, egg yolk cholesterol and hen tissue concentrations of vitamin E were examined. Dietary supplementation with CPO increased the egg yolk colour, egg and yolk weight compared with the control group, but not specific gravity, albumen quality, albumen weight and shell weight. Importantly, CPO supplementation significantly decreased egg yolk cholesterol concentrations (lowest level in the CPO3 group) and enhanced (P < 0.05) the total vitamin E tocopherols in CPO1 and total tocotrienols in CPO2 and CPO3. Hens fed on CPO3 had the lowest total tocopherol concentrations in their egg yolk and adipose tissue, but the highest tocotrienol in their plasma, egg yolk and adipose tissue. In addition, dietary CPO supplementation resulted in the highest deposition of tocotrienol in the hen’s adipose tissue compared with in the egg yolk, or hen’s liver and plasma. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with CPO improved the egg yolk weight and yolk colour, while it reduced the total cholesterol concentration and resulted in more vitamin E in the egg and hen’s adipose tissue, with increased concentrations of α-tocopherol, α-tocotrienol and γ-tocotrienol.
Probing the Properties of Nanocomposites Synthesized from Aramid and Surface-Modified Clay
Authors: Zulfiqar Sonia , Ahmad Zahoor , Sarwar Muhammad Ilyas
Published: October 2018

Nanocomposites were prepared by the inclusion of layered silicates into the aramid matrix via a solution intercalation technique. Polyamide was synthesized by reacting 4,4′-oxydianiline with isophthaloyl chloride and then end-capping with carbonyl chloride end groups using excess diacid chloride. The compatibility between the two phases was obtained through surface modification of montmorillonite with long-chain alkyl diamine. The nanocomposites were characterized with regard to structural, morphological, mechanical, thermal, and water absorption measurements. These investigations confirmed the formation of delaminated and disordered intercalated nanostructures at different clay loadings. Mechanical properties were significantly enhanced relative to pristine polyamide, even with the addition of only 2 wt-% of nanoclay. Thermal decomposition temperatures of the nanocomposites were in the range 300–450°C. Glass transition temperature data exhibited improvement (123°C) up to 16 wt-% addition of organoclay. Water absorption of the neat aramid was rather high (5.7%), but decreased with augmenting clay content.
Liquid Crystal Behaviour of 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-Octakis(octyloxy)phthalocyanine-containing Gadolinium Sandwich Complexes
Authors: Zhang Ying , Jiang Jianzhuang , Sun Xuan , Xue Qingbin
Published: October 2018

A series of six liquid crystalline phthalocyaninato gadolinium sandwich complexes that include two double-decker species Gd(Pc)[Pc(OC8H17)8] (1) [Pc(OC8H17)8 = 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octakis(octyloxy)phthalocyanine] and Gd[Pc(OC8H17)8]2 (2) and four triple-decker species (Pc)Gd(Pc)Gd[Pc(OC8H17)8] (3), (Pc)Gd[Pc(OC8H17)8]Gd(Pc) (4), (Pc)Gd[Pc(OC8H17)8]Gd[Pc(OC8H17)8] (5), and Gd2[Pc(OC8H17)8]3 (6) have been designed and their liquid crystal phase transition behaviour has been systematically studied by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and polarized optical microscopy. The clearing point seems to show a dependence on the molecular structure of the sandwich compounds, increasing from double-decker to triple-decker along with an increase in the number of substituted 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octakis(octyloxy)phthalocyanine ligand both in the double- and triple-decker compounds. The liquid crystalline mesophases display a hexaganol columnar and/or rectangular columnar molecular arrangement depending on the molecular structure of sandwiches, which suggests the cooperation of the π–π stacking and the influence of octyloxy side chains on the liquid crystal formation. In addition, the textures of this series of double- and triple-decker sandwich complexes formed in the liquid crystalline mesophase exhibit high stability even after the mesophases of the compounds are heated to a clear isotropic liquid and cooled to room temperature, which is expected to be an efficient method to construct molecular electronic devices.
Synthesis and Characterization of New Palladium(II) Complexes Containing N-Alkylamino-3,5-diphenylpyrazole Ligands. Crystal Structure of [PdCl(L2)](BF4) {L2 = Bis[2-(3,5-diphenyl-1-pyrazolyl)ethyl]ethylamine}
Authors: Aragay Gemma , Pons Josefina , García-Antón Jordi , Mendoza Ángeles , Mendoza-Díaz Guillermo , Calvet Teresa , Font-Bardia Mercè , Ros Josep
Published: October 2018

In this paper, the synthesis of two new N,N′,N-ligands, bis[2-(3,5-diphenyl-1-pyrazolyl)ethyl]amine (L1) and bis[2-(3,5-diphenyl-1-pyrazolyl)ethyl]ethylamine (L2) is reported. These ligands form complexes with the formula [PdCl(N,N′,N)]Cl when reacting with [PdCl2(CH3CN)2] in a 1:1 metal-to-ligand molar ratio. Treatment of these ligands with [PdCl2(CH3CN)2] in a 1:1 metal-to-ligand molar ratio in the presence of AgBF4 or NaBF4 gave [PdCl(N,N′,N)](BF4) complexes. These PdII complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, mass spectrometry, and IR, 1H, and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopies. The X-ray structure of the complex [PdCl(L2)](BF4) has been determined. The metal atom is coordinated by two azine nitrogen atoms and one amine nitrogen atom of the aminopyrazole ligand. The distorted square planar coordination is completed by one chlorine atom. In this complex, intermolecular π–π stacking interactions are present.
Infrared Spectra and ab initio Calculations for Fluoride-acetylene Clusters: F - -(HCCH)n, n=3 - 6
Authors: Wild Duncan A. , Loh Zoë M. , Bieske Evan J.
Published: October 2018

Infrared spectra and ab initio calculations are presented for gas phase clusters consisting of a fluoride anion attached to acetylene ligands. Spectra obtained in the C-H stretch region contain a single strong band, consistent with cluster structures in which roughly equivalent acetylene ligands are hydrogen bonded to a central fluoride anion core. Minimum energy structures predicted from ab initio calculations at the MP2 level of theory are highly symmetric with acetylene ligands equally spaced about a central fluoride anion core. The predicted H-bonded C-H stretching frequencies, after scaling to correct for anharmonicity, agree well with the experimental band positions.
New Square-Planar Bis(Dithiolene) Complexes: Synthesis, Crystallography, and Properties of [Bu4N][MIII(btdt)2] (M=Cu, Au) and [Bu4N]2[PtII(btdt)2] ({btdt}2 - =2,1,3-Benzenethiadiazole-5,6-dithiolate)
Authors: Bolligarla Ramababu , Das Samar K.
Published: October 2018

The syntheses, crystal structures, and properties of three new coordination complexes [Bu4N][MIII(btdt)2] [M = Cu (1), Au (2)] and [Bu4N]2[PtII(btdt)2] (3) ({btdt}2– = 2,1,3-benzenethiadiazole-5,6-dithiolate) are described. Compounds 1–3 crystallize in a triclinic P-1, and monoclinic P2(1)/c and C2/c space groups, respectively. The {MS4} chromophore lies in almost a square-planar coordination environment in complex 1, but has a slightly distorted square-planar geometry around the central metal ion in compounds 2 and 3. Interactions in the solid state have been studied by intermolecular contacts, in particular, compounds 2 and 3 have been characterized by S⋅⋅⋅N and S⋅⋅⋅S non-covalent interactions among dithiolate complexes, resulting in two- and one-dimensional supramolecular motifs, respectively. Complexes 1–3 show broad absorption bands in the visible region, with that of 3 being sensitive to solvent polarity. Complex 1 exhibits a very low reduction potential for a CuIII-coordination complex, while the PtII complex 3 shows two irreversible oxidative responses at 0.45 V and 0.74 V versus Ag/AgCl, respectively.
The Unusual Fluorescence Quenching of Coumarin 314 by β-Cyclodextrin and the Effect of β-Cyclodextrin on its Binding with Calf Thymus DNA
Authors: Sowrirajan Chandrasekaran , Yousuf Sameena , Enoch Israel V. M. V.
Published: October 2018

This paper discusses the binding of a laser dye, Coumarin 314 with β-cyclodextrin, studied mainly by UV-visible spectroscopy, 2D rotating-frame nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (ROESY), steady-state spectroscopy and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. The role of β-cyclodextrin on the binding of Coumarin 314 with calf thymus DNA was investigated. Coumarin 314 shows a hyperchromic shift of absorption and a quenching of fluorescence due to binding with β-cyclodextrin. The fluorescence quenching is non-linear and the reason for the non-linearity is discussed. The unusual fluorescence quenching on Coumarin 314–β-cyclodextrin binding is rationalised from the effect of acidity on absorption, fluorescence, and molecular modelling studies. Additional proof for the mode of binding is given by 2D ROESY. The capped and exposed portions of the Coumarin 314 molecule in the Coumarin 314–β-cyclodextrin complex when binding with calf thymus DNA were visualised based on spectral and molecular modelling studies.
Synthesis of Lanthanoid Complexes from Ln2O3 and Diatrizoic Acid
Authors: Bousrez Guillaume , Andrews Philip C. , Junk Peter C. , Thielemann Dominique T. , Wang Jun
Published: October 2018

We present a pathway to synthesize diatrizoate lanthanoid complexes directly from Ln2O3 and diatrizoic acid (DTAH=3,5-diacetamido-2,4,6-triiodobenzoic acid) at room temperature yielding [Ln(H2O)8][DTA]3 in moderate (for the heavier lanthanoids) to good (for the lighter lanthanoids) yields. Compounds were recrystallized from DMSO or water and their X-ray crystal structures were obtained. The complexes have metal centres solely coordinated by solvent molecules with no direct interaction between the metal centre and the DTA anion. The compounds crystallized from DMSO have the formulation [Ln(DMSO)4(H2O)4][DTA]3.DMSO (Ln=La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Dy; only unit cell data were confirmed for Ln=Nd, Sm) whereas the compound crystallized from water has the formulation [Dy(H2O)8][DTA]3.7H2O.
The Australian Cotton Industry and four decades of deep drainage research: a review
Authors: Silburn D. M. , Foley J. L. , Biggs A. J. W. , Montgomery J. , Gunawardena T. A.
Published: October 2018

The Australian cotton industry and governments have funded research into the deep-drainage component of the soil–water balance for several decades. Cotton is dominantly grown in the northern Murray–Darling and Fitzroy Basins, using furrow irrigation on cracking clays. Previously, it was held that furrow irrigation on cracking clays was inherently efficient and there was little deep drainage. This has been shown to be simplistic and generally incorrect. This paper reviews global and northern Australian deep-drainage studies in irrigation, generally at point- or paddock-scale, and the consequences of deep drainage.
For furrow-irrigated fields in Australia, key findings are as follows. (i) Deep drainage varies considerably depending on soil properties and irrigation management, and is not necessarily ‘very small’. Historically, values of 100–250 mm year–1 were typical, with 3–900 mm year–1 observed, until water shortage in the 2000s and continued research and extension focussed attention on water-use efficiency (WUE). (ii) More recently, values of 50–100 mm year–1 have been observed, with no deep drainage in drier years; these levels are lower than global values. (iii) Optimisation (flow rate, field length, cut-off time) of furrow irrigation can at least halve deep drainage. (iv) Cotton is grown on soils with a wide range in texture, sodicity and structure. (v) Deep drainage is moderately to strongly related to total rainfall plus irrigation, as it is globally. (vi) A leaching fraction, to avoid salt build-up in the soil profile, is only needed for irrigation where more saline water is used. Drainage from rainfall often provides an adequate leaching fraction. (vii) Near-saturated conditions occur for at least 2–6 m under irrigated fields, whereas profiles are dry under native vegetation in the same landscapes. (viii) Deep drainage leachate is typically saline and not a source of good quality groundwater recharge. Large losses of nitrate also occur in deep drainage.
The consequences of deep drainage for groundwater and salinity are different where underlying groundwater can be used for pumping (fresh water, high yield; e.g. Condamine alluvia) and where it cannot (saline water or low yield; e.g. Border Rivers alluvia). Continuing improvements in WUE are needed to ensure long-term sustainability of irrigated cropping industries. Globally there is great potential for increased production using existing water supplies, given deep drainage of 10–25% of water delivered to fields and WUE of <50%. Future research priorities are to further characterise water movement through the unsaturated zone and the consequences of deep drainage.
Water-use efficiency and productivity trends in Australian irrigated cotton: a review
Authors: Roth Guy , Harris Graham , Gillies Malcolm , Montgomery Janelle , Wigginton David
Published: October 2018

The aim of this review is to report changes in irrigated cotton water use from research projects and on-farm practice-change programs in Australia, in relation to both plant-based and irrigation engineering disciplines.
At least 80% of the Australian cotton-growing area is irrigated using gravity surface-irrigation systems. This review found that, over 23 years, cotton crops utilise 6–7 ML/ha of irrigation water, depending on the amount of seasonal rain received. The seasonal evapotranspiration of surface-irrigated crops averaged 729 mm over this period. Over the past decade, water-use productivity by Australian cotton growers has improved by 40%. This has been achieved by both yield increases and more efficient water-management systems. The whole-farm irrigation efficiency index improved from 57% to 70%, and the crop water use index is >3 kg/mm.ha, high by international standards. Yield increases over the last decade can be attributed to plant-breeding advances, the adoption of genetically modified varieties, and improved crop management. Also, there has been increased use of irrigation scheduling tools and furrow-irrigation system optimisation evaluations. This has reduced in-field deep-drainage losses. The largest loss component of the farm water balance on cotton farms is evaporation from on-farm water storages.
Some farmers are changing to alternative systems such as centre pivots and lateral-move machines, and increasing numbers of these alternatives are expected. These systems can achieve considerable labour and water savings, but have significantly higher energy costs associated with water pumping and machine operation. The optimisation of interactions between water, soils, labour, carbon emissions and energy efficiency requires more research and on-farm evaluations. Standardisation of water-use efficiency measures and improved water measurement techniques for surface irrigation are important research outcomes to enable valid irrigation benchmarks to be established and compared. Water-use performance is highly variable between cotton farmers and farming fields and across regions. Therefore, site-specific measurement is important. The range in the presented datasets indicates potential for further improvement in water-use efficiency and productivity on Australian cotton farms.
Effects of high temperature at anthesis on spikelet fertility and grain weight in relation to floral positions within a panicle of rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Cao Zhen-Zhen , Zhao Qian , Huang Fu-Deng , Wei Ke-Su , Zaidi Syed-Hassan-Raza , Zhou Wei-Jun , Cheng Fang-Min
Published: October 2018

Responses in spikelet fertility and grain weight to high temperature (HT) at anthesis and the relation to floral positions within a panicle were investigated using two HT-susceptible cultivars (Xieqingzao and Gang46) and two HT-tolerant cultivars (Qianjiang3 and Haunghuazan) under well-controlled climatic conditions. Results showed that effects of HT at anthesis were more adverse for spikelet fertility than for grain weight. The cultivar-dependent difference in spikelet fertility response to HT was mainly attributed to the extent of decrease in pollen viability for HT exposure. HT at anthesis impelled the flowering date of the florets on the middle and lower parts within a panicle, thereby resulting in shortened duration to floret-opening date and relatively concentrated floret-blossoming date. Change in spikelet fertility induced by HT was more notable than that caused by different grain positions, and the effect of HT on pollen viability was independent of the floret positions on the rachides within a panicle. Positional differences in spikelet fertility and grain weight under the HT regime were closely associated with the duration of HT exposure, in addition to differences in competing ability for supply of assimilates after successful fertilisation.
Assessing the place and role of crop simulation modelling in Australia
Authors: Robertson M. J. , Rebetzke G. J. , Norton R. M.
Published: October 2018

Computer-based crop simulation models (CSMs) are well entrenched as tools for a wide variety of research, development and extension applications. Despite this, critics remain and there are perceptions that CSMs have not contributed to impacts on-farm or in the research community, particularly with plant breeding. This study reviewed the literature, interviewed 45 stakeholders (modellers, institutional representatives and clients of modelling), and analysed the industry-funded project portfolio to ascertain the current state of use of CSMs in the grains industry in Australia, including scientific progress, impacts and development needs. We found that CSMs in Australia are widely used, with ~100 active and independent users, ~15 model developers, and at any one time ~10 postgraduate students, chiefly across six public research institutions. The dominant platform used is APSIM (Agricultural Production Systems Simulator). It is widely used in the agronomic domain. Several cases were documented where CSM use had a demonstrable impact on farm and research practice. The updating of both plant and soil process routines in the models has slowed and even stalled in recent years, and scientific limitations to future use were identified: the soil–plant nitrogen cycle, root growth and function, soil surface water and residue dynamics, impact of temperature extremes on plant function, and up-to-date cultivar parameter sets. There was a widespread appreciation of and optimism for the potential of CSMs to assist with plant-breeding activities, such as environmental characterisation, trait assessment, and design of plant-breeding programs. However, we found little evidence of models or model output being used by plant breeders in Australia, despite significant impacts that have emerged recently in larger international breeding programs. Closer cooperation between geneticists, physiologists and breeders will allow gene-based approaches to characterise and parameterise cultivars in CSMs, demonstrated by recent progress with phenology in wheat. This will give models the ability to deal with a wider range of potential genotype × environment × management scenarios.
Phosphorus speciation, burial and regeneration in coastal lagoon sediments of the Gippsland Lakes (Victoria, Australia)
Authors: Monbet Phil , McKelvie Ian D. , Worsfold Paul. J.
Published: October 2018

Environmental context. Eutrophication can lead to the production of harmful algal blooms and is one of the world’s most serious water quality issues. Phosphorus is potentially the limiting macro-nutrient in fresh, estuarine and some marine waters. Consequently, it plays a crucial role in determining the ecological status of many aquatic ecosystems. Considerable effort has been invested in monitoring dissolved reactive phosphorus and total phosphorus in the water column, but less is known about the speciation of phosphorus, particularly in the sediment. This compartment is an important and dynamic reservoir of phosphorus and a potential long-term source of phosphorus release to the water column by the sediment–water interface. This paper investigates the solid-phase speciation and reorganisation of phosphorus within the sediments of a shallow lake system in south-east Australia (the Gippsland Lakes) which suffers from recurring harmful algae blooms. Various strategies are proposed to determine the minimum realistic timescale required to deplete the sediment of labile and reactive phosphorus species.
Abstract. Solid-phase phosphorus pools in the sediments of two shallow lakes (Wellington and Victoria) in the Gippsland Lakes coastal lagoon system of south-east Australia are discussed. Cores (20-cm depth) were taken in summer and winter in both lakes and a sequential extraction scheme (SEDEX) was used to profile the exchangeable P (Pex), iron oxide/hydroxide bound P (PFe), authigenic P (Pauth), detrital P (Pdet) and organic P (Porg). Pore-water (Ppw) dissolved reactive phosphorus concentration profiles were also measured. The dominant forms of P were PFe (up to 53%) and Porg (35–55%), with the PFe fraction playing a key role in the short-term retention of P in the sediment. Benthic phosphorus fluxes at the sediment–water interface (μmol m–2 d–1) were determined from the sequential extraction data. The results were compared with flux measurements from the complementary approaches of benthic chamber experiments and Fickian diffusion calculations, to allow an insight into the nature and seasonal variations of the fluxes. The burial flux of phosphorus was also estimated from excess 210Pb profiles in the sediment of the lakes. All of these data were used to produce a phosphorus budget for the Gippsland Lakes which suggested that the sediment represents a substantial source of phosphorus within the lakes and thus clearly highlights the importance of the sedimentary compartment in shallow eutrophic ecosystems. Minimum realistic timescales for complete labile phosphorus depletion from the sediment (assuming no resupply from the sediment–water interface) were calculated and ranged from 8 to 22 years.
Rutin, a flavonoid with antioxidant activity, improves plant salinity tolerance by regulating K+ retention and Na+ exclusion from leaf mesophyll in quinoa and broad beans
Authors: Ismail Hebatollah , Dragišic Maksimovic Jelena , Maksimovic Vuk , Shabala Lana , Živanovic Branka D. , Tian Yu , Jacobsen Sven-Erik , Shabala Sergey
Published: October 2018

The causal relationship between salinity and oxidative stress tolerance is well established, but specific downstream targets and the role of specific antioxidant compounds in controlling cellular ionic homeostasis remains elusive. In this work, we have compared antioxidant profiles of leaves of two quinoa genotypes contrasting in their salt tolerance, with the aim of understanding the role of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in salinity stress tolerance. Only changes in superoxide dismutase activity were correlated with plant adaptive responses to salinity. Proline accumulation played no major role in either osmotic adjustment or in the tissue tolerance mechanism. Among other non-enzymatic antioxidants, rutin levels were increased by over 25 fold in quinoa leaves. Exogenous application of rutin to glycophyte bean leaves improved tissue tolerance and reduced detrimental effects of salinity on leaf photochemistry. Electrophysiological experiments revealed that these beneficial effects were attributed to improved potassium retention and increased rate of Na+ pumping from the cell. The lack of correlation between rutin-induced changes in K+ and H+ fluxes suggest that rutin accumulation in the cytosol scavenges hydroxyl radical formed in response to salinity treatment thus preventing K+ leak via one of ROS-activated K+ efflux pathways, rather than controlling K+ flux via voltage-gated K+-permeable channels.
Exploring high-mountain limnic faunas: discovery of a novel endemic bivalve species (Sphaeriidae : Pisidium) in the Nepal Himalayas
Authors: Bößneck Ulrich , Clewing Catharina , Albrecht Christian
Published: October 2018

High-mountain regions are known to harbour considerable biodiversity, although it is not all well known. The terrestrial fauna of the world’s largest mountain range, the Himalayas, has been moderately well studied, but this is not the case with the limnic fauna, and especially molluscs. During intensive malacozoological field surveys conducted over the past 20 years, the bivalve family Sphaeriidae has been studied in Nepal along an elevational gradient from 100 to 4010 m above sea level (a.s.l.). Here we describe a new species of Sphaeriidae, Pisidium alexeii, sp. nov., based on comprehensive molecular phylogenetics, anatomy and shell morphology. The species can be clearly distinguished from all other sphaeriid species occurring in Nepal. A molecular phylogeny based on mitochondrial and nuclear data inferred the oriental biogeographical affinity of the new species. The species is ecologically restricted and only occurs at a few sites between 1010 and 1700 m a.s.l. A review and updated checklist of the sphaeriid fauna of Nepal is provided and biodiversity and biogeographical patterns are discussed.
Molecular phylogenetic analysis and comparative morphology resolve two new species of olive-tree soil related dagger nematodes of the genus Xiphinema (Dorylaimida : Longidoridae) from Spain
Authors: Archidona-Yuste Antonio , Navas-Cortés Juan A. , Cantalapiedra-Navarrete Carolina , Palomares-Rius Juan E. , Castillo Pablo
Published: October 2018

The genus Xiphinema constitutes a large group of ~275 species of polyphagous, plant-ectoparasitic nematodes that are distributed almost worldwide. Some species affect agricultural crops by feeding directly on root cells as well as by transmitting nepoviruses. Despite their agricultural importance, species discrimination in Xiphinema is difficult, leading to potential misidentification. Integrative taxonomy, based on the combination of molecular analyses and morphology, constitutes a new insight into Xiphinema species identification. In this study we describe two new species of Xiphinema from the Iberian Peninsula (X. macrodora, sp. nov. and X. oleae, sp. nov.) associated with cultivated and wild olive trees. Both species have specific rRNA sequences. Morphologically, Xiphinema macrodora, sp. nov. is characterised by a very long body (7.2–8.7 mm), a very long odontostyle and odontophore (190–206 and 105–120 µm, respectively), and a well developed pseudo-Z-organ, comprising 8 to 12 sclerotised bodies. Xiphinema oleae, sp. nov. is characterised by an odontostyle and an odontophore 136–149 and 65–80 µm long, respectively, and a well developed Z-organ with refractive inclusions (3–5), variable in shape. Additionally, X. macrodora, sp. nov. has the longest body size, and the longest odontostyle and odontophore of any Xiphinema, whereas X. oleae, sp. nov. is the first species with a well developed Z-organ from the Iberian Peninsula.
http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E4CE8711-22EF-40E4-9D39-6FE962F25225
Redescription of Pelagia benovici into a new jellyfish genus, Mawia, gen. nov., and its phylogenetic position within Pelagiidae (Cnidaria : Scyphozoa : Semaeostomeae)
Authors: Avian M. , Ramšak A. , Tirelli V. , D'Ambra I. , Malej A.
Published: October 2018

This study provides new and additional data on morphology and a phylogenetic analysis of the recently described species Pelagia benovici Piraino, Aglieri, Scorrano & Boero, 2014 from the Northern Adriatic (Mediterranean Sea). Comprehensive morphological analyses of diagnostic characters, of which the most significant are marginal tentacles anatomy, basal pillars, gonad pattern, subgenital ostia and exumbrellar sensory pits, revealed significant differences from the currently known genera Sanderia, Chrysaora and Pelagia in the family Pelagiidae. A phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial genes (COI, 16S rRNA, 12S rRNA) and nuclear ribosomal genes (28S rRNA, ITS1/ITS2 regions), together with cladistic analysis of morphological characters, positioned Pelagia benovici as a sister taxon with Sanderia malayensis, and both share a common ancestor with Chrysaora hysoscella. Pelagia benovici does not share a direct common ancestor with the genus Pelagia, and thus we propose it should not belong to this genus. Therefore, a new genus Mawia, gen. nov. (Semaeostomeae : Pelagiidae) is described, and Pelagia benovici is renamed as Mawia benovici, comb, nov.
Faraday cage screening reveals intrinsic aspects of the van der Waals attraction
Authors: Li Musen , Reimers Jeffrey R. , Dobson John F. , Gould Tim
Published: October 2018

Significance

How the van der Waals dispersion interaction relates to chemical electron-correlation effects presents a critical challenge to density functional theory development. Here, recently observed screening of the dispersion force between two insulating objects caused by the insertion of an intermediary graphene layer is explained in terms of Dobson’s general description of dispersion. This then provides a much-needed handle concerning how density functional approaches relate such long-range dispersion interactions to the subtleties of covalent bonding. Screening at intermediate distances appears to change the London expression from
r
−6
to
r
−7
, an effect that becomes antiscreening (dispersion enhancement) at distances shorter than van der Waals contact. This provides basic insight into modern revelations that dispersion forces can outcompete covalent forces to control chemical structure.
Mechanisms of invasion and motility of high-grade gliomas in the brain
Authors: Mair Devin B. , Ames Heather M. , Li Rong
Published: October 2018

High-grade gliomas are especially difficult tumors to treat due to their invasive behavior. This has led to extensive research focusing on arresting glioma cell migration. Cell migration involves the sensing of a migratory cue, followed by polarization in the direction of the cue, and reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton to allow for a protrusive leading edge and a contractile trailing edge. Transmission of these forces to produce motility also requires adhesive interactions of the cell with the extracellular microenvironment. In glioma cells, transmembrane receptors such as CD44 and integrins bind the cell to the surrounding extracellular matrix that provides a substrate on which the cell can exert the requisite forces for cell motility. These various essential parts of the migratory machinery are potential targets to halt glioma cell invasion. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of glioma cell migration and how they may be targeted in anti-invasion therapies.