bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tunable Multi-switching in Plasmonic Waveguide with Kerr Nonlinear Resonator
Authors: He Zhihui , Li Hongjian , Zhan Shiping , Li Boxun , Chen Zhiquan , Xu Hui
Published: October 2015

We propose a nanoplasmonic waveguide side-coupled with bright-dark-dark resonators in our paper. A multi-oscillator theory derived from the typical two-oscillator model, is established to describe spectral features as well as slow-light effects in bright-dark-dark structures and confirmed by the finite-difference time domain (FDTD). That a typical plasmon induced transparency (PIT) turns to double PIT spectra is observed in this waveguide structure. At the same time, multi-switching effects with obvious double slow-light bands based on double PIT are also discovered in our proposed structure. What’s more, dynamically tuning the multi-switching is achieved by means of filling Fabry-Perot resonators with the Kerr nonlinear material Ag-BaO. These results may have applications in all-optical devices, moreover, the multi-oscillator theory may play a guiding role in designing plasmonic devices.
Recent Arctic tundra fire initiates widespread thermokarst development
Authors: Jones Benjamin M. , Grosse Guido , Arp Christopher D. , Miller Eric , Liu Lin , Hayes Daniel J. , Larsen Christopher F.
Published: October 2015

Fire-induced permafrost degradation is well documented in boreal forests, but the role of fires in initiating thermokarst development in Arctic tundra is less well understood. Here we show that Arctic tundra fires may induce widespread thaw subsidence of permafrost terrain in the first seven years following the disturbance. Quantitative analysis of airborne LiDAR data acquired two and seven years post-fire, detected permafrost thaw subsidence across 34% of the burned tundra area studied, compared to less than 1% in similar undisturbed, ice-rich tundra terrain units. The variability in thermokarst development appears to be influenced by the interaction of tundra fire burn severity and near-surface, ground-ice content. Subsidence was greatest in severely burned, ice-rich upland terrain (yedoma), accounting for ~50% of the detected subsidence, despite representing only 30% of the fire disturbed study area. Microtopography increased by 340% in this terrain unit as a result of ice wedge degradation. Increases in the frequency, magnitude and severity of tundra fires will contribute to future thermokarst development and associated landscape change in Arctic tundra regions.
The effects of a novel aliphatic-chain hydroxamate derivative WMJ-S-001 in HCT116 colorectal cancer cell death
Authors: Huang Yu-Han , Huang Shiu-Wen , Hsu Ya-Fen , Ou George , Huang Wei-Jan , Hsu Ming-Jen
Published: October 2015

Hydroxamate derivatives have attracted considerable attention due to their broad pharmacological properties and have been extensively investigated. We recently demonstrated that WMJ-S-001, a novel aliphatic hydroxamate derivative, exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic activities. In this study, we explored the underlying mechanisms by which WMJ-S-001 induces HCT116 colorectal cancer cell death. WMJ-S-001 inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in HCT116 cells. These actions were associated with AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, p53 phosphorylation and acetylation, as well as the modulation of p21cip/Waf1, cyclin D1, survivin and Bax. AMPK-p38MAPK signaling blockade reduced WMJ-S-001-induced p53 phosphorylation. Transfection with AMPK dominant negative mutant (DN) reduced WMJ-S-001’s effects on p53 and Sp1 binding to thesurvivnpromoter region. Transfection with HDAC3-Flag or HDAC4-Flag also abrogated WMJ-S-001’s enhancing effect on p53 acetylation. WMJ-S-001’s actions on p21cip/Waf1, cyclin D1, survivin, Bax were reduced in p53-null HCT116 cells. Furthermore, WMJ-S-001 was shown to suppress the growth of subcutaneous xenografts of HCT116 cellsin vivo. In summary, the death of HCT116 colorectal cancer cells exposed to WMJ-S-001 may involve AMPK-p38MAPK-p53-survivin cascade. These results support the role of WMJ-S-001 as a potential drug candidate and warrant the clinical development in the treatment of cancer.
Memory of tolerance and induction of regulatory T cells by erythrocyte-targeted antigens
Authors: Grimm Alizée J. , Kontos Stephan , Diaceri Giacomo , Quaglia-Thermes Xavier , Hubbell Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2015

New approaches based on induction of antigen-specific immunological tolerance are being explored for treatment of autoimmunity and prevention of immunity to protein drugs. Antigens associated with apoptotic debris are known to be processed tolerogenically in vivo. Our group is exploring an approach toward antigen-specific tolerization using erythrocyte-binding antigens, based on the premise that as the erythrocytes circulate, age and are cleared, the erythrocyte surface-bound antigen payload will be cleared tolerogenically along with the eryptotic debris. Here, we characterized the phenotypic signatures of CD8+ T cells undergoing tolerance in response to soluble and erythrocyte-targeted antigen. Signaling through programmed death-1/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1), but not through cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4), was shown to be required for antigen-specific T cell deletion, anergy and expression of regulatory markers. Generation of CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells in response to erythrocyte-targeted antigens but not soluble antigen at an equimolar dose was observed and these cells were required for long-term maintenance of immune tolerance in both the CD4+ and CD8+ T cell compartments. Evidence of infectious tolerance was observed, in that tolerance to a one antigenic epitope was able to regulate responses to other epitopes in the same protein antigen.
Resolution of P-stereogenic P-heterocycles via the formation of diastereomeric molecular and coordination complexes (a review)
Authors: Bagi Péter , Ujj Viktória , Czugler Mátyás , Fogassy Elemér , Keglevich György
Published: October 2015

TADDOL derivatives and the Ca2+-salts of tartaric acid derivatives were found to be versatile and generally applicable resolving agents for the preparation of the enantiomers of P-stereogenic heterocyclic phosphine oxides and phosphinates.
In air a spin crossover active iron(ii) complex of amine/NCBH3− ligands is converted to a low spin complex of imine/CN− ligands
Authors: Zhou Jian , Zhu Bo-Wen , Luan Jie , Liu Zhan , Fang Jing-Kun , Bao Xin , Peng Guo , Tucek Jiri , Bao Song-Song , Zheng Li-Min
Published: October 2015

A spin crossover FeII complex is in situ converted to a low spin complex in the presence of air, induced by the oxidative dehydrogenation of the tetradentate ligand and the generation of CN− from NCBH3−.
Molecular design of sulfonated hyperbranched poly(arylene oxindole)s for efficient cellulose conversion to levulinic acid
Authors: Yu Feng , Thomas Joice , Smet Mario , Dehaen Wim , Sels Bert F.
Published: October 2015

This contribution is about various sulfonated hyperbranched poly(arylene oxindole)s (SHPAOs) preparedviaa convenient A2+ B3polycondensation and subsequent sulfonation as water-soluble and recyclable acid catalysts for the conversion of cellulose to levulinic acid (LA).
Q-GDEMAR: a general method for the identification of differentially expressed genes in microarrays with unbalanced groups
Authors: Guebel Daniel V. , Perera-Alberto Montserrat , Torres Néstor V.
Published: October 2015

Q-GDEMAR avoids the lack of univocal correspondence between thep-values (or FDR) and the fold-change (FC) observed with current algorithms.
Exploring the effects of nanocrystal facet orientations in g-C3N4/BiOCl heterostructures on photocatalytic performance
Authors: Li Qingbo , Zhao Xian , Yang Jun , Jia Chun-Jiang , Jin Zhao , Fan Weiliu
Published: October 2015

Heterojunctions consisting of g-C3N4 nanoparticles and BiOCl nanosheets are constructed to demonstrate the effects of facet orientations on photocatalytic performance.
Tailoring the transmission lineshape spectrum of zigzag graphene nanoribbon based heterojunctions via controlling their width and edge protrusions
Authors: Dou K. P. , Fu X. X. , De Sarkar Abir , Zhang R. Q.
Published: October 2015

The width difference and edge protrusion in zigzag graphene nanoribbon based heterojunction can be utilized to tailor various transmission lineshape.
Nano/micromotors for security/defense applications. A review
Authors: Singh Virendra V. , Wang Joseph
Published: October 2015

The new capabilities of man-made micro/nanomotors open up considerable opportunities for diverse security and defense applications.
Novel MoSe2 hierarchical microspheres for applications in visible-light-driven advanced oxidation processes
Authors: Dai Chu , Qing Enping , Li Yong , Zhou Zhaoxin , Yang Chao , Tian Xike , Wang Yanxin
Published: October 2015

Self-assembly of three-dimensional molybdenum diselenide hierarchical microspheres and their visible-light-driven advanced oxidation processes.
An efficient synthesis of an exo-enone analogue of LL-Z1640-2 and evaluation of its protein kinase inhibitory activities
Authors: Wang Stephanie Q. , Goh Shermin S. , Chai Christina L. L. , Chen Anqi
Published: October 2015

An exo-enone analogue of LL-Z1640-2 has been synthesised efficiently using a Ni-catalysed reductive coupling macrocyclisation of an alkyne–aldehyde. The analogue has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of several cancer related protein kinases at the nanomolar range.
The influence of surface grafting on the growth rate of polymer chains
Authors: Kang Chengjun , Crockett Rowena , Spencer Nicholas D.
Published: October 2015

MWs of polymers synthesized simultaneously on a surface and in solution by ATRP differ, depending on the surface grafting density.
Effective removal of azo-dye orange II from aqueous solution by zirconium-based chitosan microcomposite adsorbent
Authors: Zhang Lingfan , Chen Linxiao , Liu Xin , Zhang Wenqing
Published: October 2015

In this study, zirconium-based chitosan (CTS@Zr) microcomposite was prepared and employed as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of orange II dye from aqueous solution.
Lipase-catalyzed synthesis of dilauryl azelate ester: process optimization by artificial neural networks and reusability study
Authors: Khairudin Nurshafira , Basri Mahiran , Fard Masoumi Hamid Reza , Sarah Samiun Wan , Samson Shazwani
Published: October 2015

An application of artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict the performance of a lipase-catalyzed synthesis for esterification of dilauryl azelate ester was carried out.
One-pot synthesis of functionalized isoxazole–thiolane hybrids via Knoevenagel condensation and domino sulfa-1,6-Michael/intramolecular vinylogous Henry reactions
Authors: Nagaraju Sakkani , Satyanarayana Neeli , Paplal Banoth , Vasu Anuji K. , Kanvah Sriram , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Sripadi Prabhakar , Kashinath Dhurke
Published: October 2015

One-pot synthesis of isoxazole–thiolane hybrids are reported via the Knoevenagel condensation, domino sulfa-1,6-Michael/intramolecular vinylogous Henry reactions using piperidine (30 mol%) with >95% yields in 2–2.5 h overall reaction time.
Direct hydroxylation of benzene to phenol with molecular oxygen over vanadium oxide nanospheres and study of its mechanism
Authors: Luo Guanhua , Lv Xuechuan , Wang Xingwang , Yan Su , Gao Xiaohan , Xu Jie , Ma Hong , Jiao Yujuan , Li Fayun , Chen Jinzhu
Published: October 2015

Direct hydroxylation of benzene to phenol using molecular oxygen is a green route with high atom economy but still a great challenge when compared with the existing method of production.
Highly selective and sensitive colorimetric detection of Hg(ii) ions using green synthesized silver nanoparticles
Authors: Annadhasan M. , Rajendiran N.
Published: October 2015

A simple, green and cost-effective method has been developed for the synthesis of AgNPs under natural sunlight irradiation and the synthesized AgNPs has been used as an effective colorimetric probe for the detection of Hg2+ ions in aqueous medium.
Gold nanoparticle-based fluorescent “turn-on” sensing system for the selective detection of mercury ions in aqueous solution
Authors: Choi Sohee , Kim Youngmi
Published: October 2015

A simple and straightforward fluorometric assay using dye-adsorbed gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was used in the highly selective and sensitive detection of mercury ions in aqueous buffer solution.
CTAB-reduced synthesis of urchin-like Pt–Cu alloy nanostructures and catalysis study towards the methanol oxidation reaction
Authors: Kang Wenjun , Li Rui , Wei Denghu , Xu Shuling , Wei Shenying , Li Haibo
Published: October 2015

Urchin-like PtCu alloy nanostructures were fabricated using a CTAB-reduced approach, and they exhibited enhanced catalytic performance towards MOR.
Using the hydrolysis of anhydrides to control gel properties and homogeneity in pH-triggered gelation
Authors: Draper Emily R. , Mears Laura L. E. , Castilla Ana M. , King Stephen M. , McDonald Tom O. , Akhtar Riaz , Adams Dave J.
Published: October 2015

The rate of pH change does not affect the primary assembly of a gelator, but does control the mechanical properties of the gel.
Correction: Deep eutectic solvents as a new class of draw agent to enrich low abundance DNA and proteins using forward osmosis
Authors: Mondal Dibyendu , Mahto Ashesh , Veerababu Polisetti , Bhatt Jitkumar , Prasad Kamalesh , Nataraj Sanna Kotrappanavar
Published: October 2015

Correction for ‘Deep eutectic solvents as a new class of draw agent to enrich low abundance DNA and proteins using forward osmosis’ by Dibyendu Mondal et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 89539–89544.
Some aspects of the charge transfer dynamics in nanostructured WO3 films
Authors: Cristino Vito , Marinello Sabrina , Molinari Alessandra , Caramori Stefano , Carli Stefano , Boaretto Rita , Argazzi Roberto , Meda Laura , Bignozzi Carlo Alberto
Published: October 2015

Charge transfer dynamics in WO3 photoelectrodes: hydroxyl radicals are the primary water oxidation intermediates generated via valence band hole injection.
Radio resource allocation to provide physical layer security in relay‐assisted cognitive radio networks
Authors: Alavi Faezeh , Saeedi Hamid
Published: October 2015

In this study, the authors consider a cooperative communication framework based on one‐way and two‐way relays to provide secure communications for secondary users (SUs) within an orthogonal frequency‐division multiple access‐based underlay cognitive network. By proposing a radio resource allocation problem with the aim of maximising the secrecy sum‐rate of SUs and solving it, they show that the deployment of relays is vital to achieve a non‐zero secrecy sum‐rate. Also, the impact of two‐way relay in system performance improvement is clearly visible in comparison with one‐way relay such that it can roughly double the resulting system secrecy sum‐rate. The impact of different system parameters on the achievable secrecy sum‐rate for both one‐way and two‐way relays is also investigated and compared through simulations.
Optimising computer vision based ADAS: vehicle detection case study
Authors: Nieto Marcos , Vélez Gorka , Otaegui Oihana , Gaines Seán , Van Cutsem Geoffroy
Published: October 2015

Computer vision methods for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) must be developed considering the strong requirements imposed by the industry, including real‐time performance in low cost and low consumption hardware (HW), and rapid time to market. These two apparently contradictory requirements create the necessity of adopting careful development methodologies. In this study the authors review existing approaches and describe the methodology to optimise computer vision applications without incurring in costly code optimisation or migration into special HW. This approach is exemplified on the improvements achieved on the successive re‐designs of vehicle detection algorithms for monocular systems. In the experiments the authors observed a ×15 speed up between the first and fourth prototypes, progressively optimised using the proposed methodology from the very first naive approach to a fine‐tuned algorithm.
Dual‐band GaN power amplifiers with novel DC biasing networks incorporating offset double‐sided parallel strip line
Authors: Gu Liming , Che Wenquan , Chen Shichang , Cai Qi , Zhang Mi , Xue Quan
Published: October 2015

This study presents a novel dual‐band DC biasing network and its application in the design of GaN power amplifiers (PAs). By integrating offset double‐sided parallel strip line which can easily realise high characteristic impedance and thus narrow microstrip line, the proposed biasing network can obtain much higher operation frequency ratio than the conventional design. To demonstrate the new methodology, two dual‐band GaN PAs applying the presented dual‐band DC biasing network are implemented. The operation frequencies are 1.8/3.5 and 0.9/3.5 GHz. Three‐section networks for complex load are used for dual‐frequency input and output matching. Good agreement between the simulation and measurement is observed, which fully demonstrate the feasibility and validity of the presented DC bias networks in power amplifier designs.
Microwave and millimetre wave antipodal Vivaldi antenna with trapezoid‐shaped dielectric lens for imaging of construction materials
Authors: Moosazadeh Mahdi , Kharkovsky Sergey , Case Joseph T.
Published: October 2015

High‐quality microwave and millimetre wave imaging of construction materials and structures requires ultra‐wideband (UWB) techniques to provide high‐range resolution as well as a reasonable penetration depth. A modified compact microwave and millimetre wave UWB antipodal Vivaldi antenna is designed and presented in this study. First, the conventional antipodal Vivaldi antenna is designed as a reference antenna. Then, to provide the desired frequency range (3.4–40 GHz) with increased gain at its lower frequencies, the slit edge technique is applied, thus creating a periodic slit edge antipodal Vivaldi antenna (PSEAVA). Finally, a trapezoid‐shaped dielectric lens (TDL) as an extension of the substrate is added and optimised to increase gain and directivity at higher frequencies of the frequency range, creating PSEAVA with a TDL (PSEAVA‐TDL). The results show that the PSEAVA‐TDL has the highest gain (up to 16 dB) and front‐to‐back ratio (up to 37.5 dB), and the narrowest half power beamwidth (down to 11.7°). A prototype of the proposed PSEAVA‐TDL with compact size of 40 × 90 × 0.508 mm3 is fabricated and applied for the imaging of samples made of construction materials. High‐range resolution images of the samples are obtained with this antenna by using synthetic aperture radar algorithm.
Adaptive voltage control strategy for variable‐speed wind turbine connected to a weak network
Authors: Abulanwar Sayed , Hu Weihao , Chen Zhe , Iov Florin
Published: October 2015

Significant voltage fluctuations and power quality issues pose considerable constraints on the efficient integration of remotely located wind turbines into weak networks. Besides, 3p oscillations arising from the wind shear and tower shadow effects induce further voltage perturbations during continuous operation. This study investigates and analyses the repercussions raised by integrating a doubly‐fed induction generator wind turbine into an ac network of different parameters and very weak conditions. An adaptive voltage control (AVC) strategy is proposed to retain voltage constancy and smoothness at the point of connection (POC) in order to maximise the wind power penetration into such networks. Intensive simulation case studies under different network topology and wind speed ranges reveal the effectiveness of the AVC scheme to effectively suppress the POC voltage variations particularly at very weak grid conditions during normal operation.
Vibrant Soundbridge and Bone Conduction Hearing Aid in Patients with Bilateral Malformation of External Ear
Authors: Mondelli Maria , Mariano Thais , Honório Heitor , Brito Rubens
Published: October 2015

Introduction Hearing loss is the most common clinical finding in patients with malformation of the external ear canal. Among the possibilities of treatment, there is the adaptation of hearing aids by bone conduction and the adaptation of implantable hearing aids.

Objective To assess speech perception with the use of Vibrant Soundbridge (VBS - MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria) associated with additional amplification in patients with bilateral craniofacial malformation.

Method We evaluated 11 patients with bilateral malformation over 12 years with mixed hearing loss or bilateral conductive. They were using the Softband (Oticon Medical, Sweden) and bone conduction hearing aid in the ear opposite the one with the VSB. We performed the evaluation of speech perception using the Hearing in Noise Test.

Results Participants were eight men and three women with a mean of 19.5 years. The signal / noise ratio presented significant results in patients fitted with VSB and bone conduction hearing aid.

Conclusion The results of speech perception were significantly better with use of VBS combined with bone conduction hearing aids.
Note on lightning temperature
Authors: Alanakyan Yu. R.
Published: October 2015

In this paper, some features of the dynamics of a lightning channel that emerges after the leader-streamer process, are theoretically studied. It is shown that the dynamic pinch effect in the channel becomes possible if a discharge current before the main (quasi-steady) stage of a lightning discharge increases rapidly. The ensuing magnetic compression of the channel increases plasma temperature to several million degrees leading to a soft x-ray flash within the highly ionized plasma. The relation between the plasma temperature and the channel radius during the main stage of a lightning discharge is derived.
Coarse-grained modelling of supercoiled RNA
Authors: Matek Christian , Šulc Petr , Randisi Ferdinando , Doye Jonathan P. K. , Louis Ard A.
Published: October 2015

We study the behaviour of double-stranded RNA under twist and tension using oxRNA, a recently developed coarse-grained model of RNA. Introducing explicit salt-dependence into the model allows us to directly compare our results to data from recent single-molecule experiments. The model reproduces extension curves as a function of twist and stretching force, including the buckling transition and the behaviour of plectoneme structures. For negative supercoiling, we predict denaturation bubble formation in plectoneme end-loops, suggesting preferential plectoneme localisation in weak base sequences. OxRNA exhibits a positive twist-stretch coupling constant, in agreement with recent experimental observations.
Note: Effective anvil size for transverse delamination test of rare-earth-Ba2Cu3Oy coated conductor tapes
Authors: Shin Hyung-Seop , Gorospe Alking B. , Dedicatoria Marlon J.
Published: October 2015

In coated conductor (CC) tapes used in magnet and coil applications, delamination due to excessive transverse tensile stresses is still one of the major issues that need considerations. Recently, several methods in evaluating the delamination strength of CC tapes are being used. In the case of anvil test, size of the anvils will be an important factor considering its applications (i.e., superconducting coil impregnation). In this study, delamination strength of CC tape was examined using different upper anvil sizes and their effects were discussed. Finally, reasonable sizes of upper anvil to be used were proposed considering the application conditions.
Anion formation in sputter ion sources by neutral resonant ionization
Authors: Vogel J. S.
Published: October 2015

Focused Cs+ beams in sputter ion sources create mm-diameter pits supporting small plasmas that control anionization efficiencies. Sputtering produces overwhelmingly neutral products that the plasma can ionize as in a charge-change vapor. Electron capture between neutral atoms rises as the inverse square of the difference between the ionization potential of the Cs state and the electron affinity of the sputtered atom, allowing resonant ionization at very low energies. A plasma collision-radiation model followed electronic excitation up to Cs(7d). High modeled Cs(7d) in a 0.5 mm recess explains the 80 μA/mm2 C− current density compared to the 20 μA/mm2 from a 1 mm recess.
Soret, thermodiffusion, and mean diffusion coefficients of the ternary mixture n-dodecane+isobutylbenzene+1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene
Authors: Gebhardt M. , Köhler W.
Published: October 2015

We have investigated thermodiffusion in ternary mixtures of dodecane (nC12), isobutylbenzene (IBB), and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (THN) by means of two-color optical beam deflection over the entire ternary composition space. The Soret and the thermodiffusion coefficients ST,i′(c1,c2) and DT,i′(c1,c2), respectively, have been determined for all three components i and fitted by smooth approximating polynomials in the independent concentrations c1 (nC12) and c2 (THN). Both the Soret and the thermodiffusion coefficient are negative for nC12 and positive for THN over all compositions. In case of IBB, they change sign, being negative for THN-rich and positive for nC12-rich mixtures. Both the positive and negative signs and the sign change are in agreement with qualitative predictions based on the recently introduced thermophobicity concept [S. Hartmann et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 065901 (2012); J. Chem. Phys. 141, 134503 (2014)]. For isothermal diffusion, a mean diffusion coefficient D̄ but neither the diffusion matrix nor its eigenvalues could be determined.
Note: The effect of viscosity on the rate of diffusion-limited association of nanoparticles
Authors: Zhdanov Vladimir P.
Published: October 2015

In the treatments of diffusion-limited association of suspended nanoparticles, their diffusion coefficients are usually considered to be constant and equal to those given by conventional hydrodynamics for diffusion of single nanoparticles. In reality, according to hydrodynamics, these coefficients depend, however, on the distance between nanoparticles. I show how this dependence can influence the association rate.
Thermal-enhanced field emission from CuO nanowires due to defect-induced localized states
Authors: Lin Zufang , Chen Wenqing , Zhan Runze , Chen Yicong , Zhang Zhipeng , Song Xiaomeng , She Juncong , Deng Shaozhi , Xu Ningsheng , Chen Jun
Published: October 2015

The temperature dependence of the field emission properties of CuO nanowires was studied from 163 to 453 K. Large current increases were observed with increasing temperature, which cannot be explained by band to band excitation or emission from the valence band. Two distinct sections were observed from the Arrhenius plot. Activation energies of 100 meV for the high-temperature range (273 to 453 K) and 26.4 meV for the low-temperature range (163 to 273 K) were obtained. Phonon-assisted and defect-assisted thermal field emission mechanisms from p-type CuO NWs were proposed to explain the observed phenomena in the two temperature ranges, which relate to the defect-induced localized states. Numerical simulation using the proposed mechanism was carried out and a good fit with the experimental results was achieved. The results suggest that defect-induced localized states play an important role in field emission from nanowires.
Influence of surrounding gas, composition and pressure on plasma plume dynamics of nanosecond pulsed laser-induced aluminum plasmas
Authors: Dawood Mahmoud S. , Hamdan Ahmad , Margot Joëlle
Published: October 2015

In this article, we present a comprehensive study of the plume dynamics of plasmas generated by laser ablation of an aluminum target. The effect of both ambient gas composition (helium, nitrogen or argon) and pressure (from ∼5 × 10−7 Torr up to atmosphere) is studied. The time- and space- resolved observation of the plasma plume are performed from spectrally integrated images using an intensified Charge Coupled Device (iCCD) camera. The iCCD images show that the ambient gas does not significantly influence the plume as long as the gas pressure is lower than 20 Torr and the time delay below 300 ns. However, for pressures higher than 20 Torr, the effect of the ambient gas becomes important, the shortest plasma plume length being observed when the gas mass species is highest. On the other hand, space- and time- resolved emission spectroscopy of aluminum ions at λ = 281.6 nm are used to determine the Time-Of-Flight (TOF) profiles. The effect of the ambient gas on the TOF profiles and therefore on the propagation velocity of Al ions is discussed. A correlation between the plasma plume expansion velocity deduced from the iCCD images and that estimated from the TOF profiles is presented. The observed differences are attributed mainly to the different physical mechanisms governing the two diagnostic techniques.
Effect of phenotypic recurrent selection on genetic diversity of non-dormant multifoliolate lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) populations
Authors: Odorizzi A. , Mamani E. M. C. , Sipowicz P. , Julier B. , Gieco J. , Basigalup D.
Published: October 2015

The nutritional quality of lucerne (alfalfa, Medicago sativa L.) plants correlates positively with the presence of multifoliolate (MF) leaves. Using phenotypic recurrent selection, we developed populations with an increased percentage of MF expression from 6.7% in the original population (C0) to 77.7% in the fourth cycle (C4). The effect of selection on genetic diversity within and among populations was evaluated. The populations C0 and C4 were represented by 40 plants genotyped by using 25 simple sequence repeats (SSR). The number of alleles per locus was large in both C0 and C4, averaging 6.28. The within-population genetic diversity (HE) overall estimation was 0.723 for C0 and 0.726 for C4, the absence of significant difference between the two populations indicating that the genetic diversity was as large in C4 as in C0. The Nei’s population differentiation (GST) overall estimation was 0.013, meaning that only 1.3% of the total genetic diversity was between populations and 98.7% was within populations. An efficient selection process was conducted without any increase in inbreeding or genetic drift.
Agronomic benefits and risks associated with the irrigated peanut–maize production system under a changing climate in northern Australia
Authors: Chauhan Yashvir S. , Thorburn Peter , Biggs Jody S. , Wright Graeme C.
Published: October 2015

With the aim of increasing peanut production in Australia, the Australian peanut industry has recently considered growing peanuts in rotation with maize at Katherine in the Northern Territory—a location with a semi-arid tropical climate and surplus irrigation capacity. We used the well-validated APSIM model to examine potential agronomic benefits and long-term risks of this strategy under the current and warmer climates of the new region. Yield of the two crops, irrigation requirement, total soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrogen (N) losses and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were simulated. Sixteen climate stressors were used; these were generated by using global climate models ECHAM5, GFDL2.1, GFDL2.0 and MRIGCM232 with a median sensitivity under two Special Report of Emissions Scenarios over the 2030 and 2050 timeframes plus current climate (baseline) for Katherine. Effects were compared at three levels of irrigation and three levels of N fertiliser applied to maize grown in rotations of wet-season peanut and dry-season maize (WPDM), and wet-season maize and dry-season peanut (WMDP). The climate stressors projected average temperature increases of 1°C to 2.8°C in the dry (baseline 24.4°C) and wet (baseline 29.5°C) seasons for the 2030 and 2050 timeframes, respectively. Increased temperature caused a reduction in yield of both crops in both rotations. However, the overall yield advantage of WPDM increased from 41% to up to 53% compared with the industry-preferred sequence of WMDP under the worst climate projection. Increased temperature increased the irrigation requirement by up to 11% in WPDM, but caused a smaller reduction in total SOC accumulation and smaller increases in N losses and GHG emission compared with WMDP. We conclude that although increased temperature will reduce productivity and total SOC accumulation, and increase N losses and GHG emissions in Katherine or similar northern Australian environments, the WPDM sequence should be preferable over the industry-preferred sequence because of its overall yield and sustainability advantages in warmer climates. Any limitations of irrigation resulting from climate change could, however, limit these advantages.
Disentangling the effects of word frequency and contextual diversity on serial recall performance
Authors: Parmentier Fabrice B. R. , Comesaña Montserrat , Soares Ana Paula
Published: October 2015

Research shows that contextual diversity (CD; the number of different contexts in which a word appears within a corpus) constitutes a better predictor of reading performance than word frequency (WF), that it mediates the access to lexical representations, and that controlling for contextual CD abolishes the effect of WF in lexical decision tasks. Despite the theoretical relevance of these findings for the study of serial memory, it is not known how CD might affect serial recall performance. We report the first independent manipulation of CD and WF in a serial recall task. Experiment 1 revealed better performance for low CD and for high WF words independently. Both effects affected omissions and item errors, but contrary to past research, word frequency also affected order errors. These results were confirmed in two more experiments comparing pure and alternating lists of low and high CD (Experiment 2) or WF (Experiment 3). The effect of CD was immune to this manipulation, while that of WF was abolished in alternating lists. Altogether the findings suggest a more difficult episodic retrieval of item information for words of high CD, and a role for both item and order information in the WF effect.
Tousled-like kinase regulates cytokine-mediated communication between cooperating cell types during collective border cell migration
Authors: Xiang Wenjuan , Zhang Dabing , Montell Denise J.
Published: October 2015

Collective cell migration is emerging as a major contributor to normal development and disease. Collective movement of border cells in the Drosophila ovary requires cooperation between two distinct cell types: four to six migratory cells surrounding two immotile cells called polar cells. Polar cells secrete a cytokine, Unpaired (Upd), which activates JAK/STAT signaling in neighboring cells, stimulating their motility. Without Upd, migration fails, causing sterility. Ectopic Upd expression is sufficient to stimulate motility in otherwise immobile cells. Thus regulation of Upd is key. Here we report a limited RNAi screen for nuclear proteins required for border cell migration, which revealed that the gene encoding Tousled-like kinase (Tlk) is required in polar cells for Upd expression without affecting polar cell fate. In the absence of Tlk, fewer border cells are recruited and motility is impaired, similar to inhibition of JAK/STAT signaling. We further show that Tlk in polar cells is required for JAK/STAT activation in border cells. Genetic interactions further confirmed Tlk as a new regulator of Upd/JAK/STAT signaling. These findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms regulating the cooperation of motile and nonmotile cells during collective invasion, a phenomenon that may also drive metastatic cancer.
An unconventional route to becoming a cell biologist
Authors: Fuchs Elaine
Published: October 2015

I am honored to be the E. B. Wilson Award recipient for 2015. As we know, it was E. B. Wilson who popularized the concept of a “stem cell” in his book The Cell in Development and Inheritance (1896, London: Macmillan & Co.). Given that stem cell research is my field and that E. B. Wilson is so revered within the cell biology community, I am a bit humbled by how long it took me to truly grasp his vision and imaginative thinking. I appreciate it deeply now, and on this meaningful occasion, I will sketch my rather circuitous road to cell biology.
The complex genetic and molecular basis of a model quantitative trait
Authors: Linder Robert A. , Seidl Fabian , Ha Kimberly , Ehrenreich Ian M.
Published: October 2015

Quantitative traits are often influenced by many loci with small effects. Identifying most of these loci and resolving them to specific genes or genetic variants is challenging. Yet, achieving such a detailed understanding of quantitative traits is important, as it can improve our knowledge of the genetic and molecular basis of heritable phenotypic variation. In this study, we use a genetic mapping strategy that involves recurrent backcrossing with phenotypic selection to obtain new insights into an ecologically, industrially, and medically relevant quantitative trait—tolerance of oxidative stress, as measured based on resistance to hydrogen peroxide. We examine the genetic basis of hydrogen peroxide resistance in three related yeast crosses and detect 64 distinct genomic loci that likely influence the trait. By precisely resolving or cloning a number of these loci, we demonstrate that a broad spectrum of cellular processes contribute to hydrogen peroxide resistance, including DNA repair, scavenging of reactive oxygen species, stress-induced MAPK signaling, translation, and water transport. Consistent with the complex genetic and molecular basis of hydrogen peroxide resistance, we show two examples where multiple distinct causal genetic variants underlie what appears to be a single locus. Our results improve understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of a highly complex, model quantitative trait.
Dynamics of Vitamin D Metabolism in Maternal–Fetal Dyads
Authors: Hanson Corrine , Anderson‐Berry Ann , Lyden Elizabeth , Kaufmann Martin , Wu Amy , Elliott Elizabeth , Lee Jae‐In , Jones Glenville
Published: October 2015

Objectives:

Metabolites of vitamin D in maternal–neonatal dyads remain relatively unexplored. The goal of this study was to evaluate concentrations of 25(OH)D3, 24,25(OH)2D3, and 3‐epi‐25(OH)D3 in maternal–infant pairs at delivery.

Methods:

Serum samples of maternal and infant cord blood were collected on 131 mother–infant pairs at delivery. Vitamin D metabolites were analyzed in triplicate using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Fisher exact test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and Spearman correlation coefficients.

Results:

Mean 25(OH)D3 concentrations in maternal and cord blood were 32.9 and 18.5 ng/mL, respectively; mean maternal and cord 24,25(OH)2D3 were 2.0 versus 1.1 ng/mL, respectively. Absolute concentrations of 3‐epi‐25(OH)D3 were similar in maternal and cord samples (2.4 vs 2.2 ng/mL), whereas the proportion of the total 25(OH)D as the 3‐epimer was 6.5% in maternal samples and 10.5% in cord samples. This suggests that the fetus contributes significantly to 3‐epi‐25(OH)D3 production. In contrast, the ratio of 25(OH)D3:24,25(OH)2D3 was identical in maternal and cord samples (18.5) suggesting equivalent CYP24A1 activity in mother and fetus. Maternal and cord metabolite levels were highly correlated (r = 0.78, 0.90, 0.89 for 25(OH)D3, 24,25(OH)2D3, and 3‐epi‐25(OH)D3, respectively, P = 0.001 for all). Serum concentrations of all metabolites were lower in nonwhite infants compared with white infants. Maternal and cord concentrations of 25(OH)D3 were positively associated with birth weight (r = 0.21, P = 0.02; r = 0.25, P = 0.003, respectively).

Conclusions:

This data suggests that although maternal and cord concentrations of vitamin D metabolites are highly correlated, regulation of specific vitamin D metabolites in the mother and the neonate may be mediated independently.
Genetic transformation of micropropagated shoots ofPinus radiataD.Don
Authors: Grant Jan E , Cooper Pauline A , Dale Tracy M
Published: October 2015

Key MessageAgrobacterium tumefacienswas used to transform radiata pine shoots and to efficiently produce stable genetically modified pine plants.

AbstractMicropropagated shoot explants fromPinus radiataD. Don were used to produce stable transgenic plants byAgrobacterium tumefaciens-mediatedtransformation. Using this method any genotype that can be micropropagated could produce stable transgenic lines. As over 80% ofP. radiatagenotypes tested can be micropropagated, this effectively means that any line chosen for superior characteristics could be transformed. There are well-established protocols for progressing such germplasm to field deployment. Here we used open and control pollinated seed lines and embryogenic clones. The method developed was faster than other methods previously developed using mature cotyledons. PCR positive shoots could be obtain within 6 months ofAgrobacteriumco-cultivation compared with 12 months for cotyledon methods. Transformed shoots were obtained using either kanamycin or geneticin as the selectable marker gene. Shoots were recovered from selection, were tested and were not chimeric, indicating that the selection pressure was optimal for this explant type. GFP was used as a vital marker, and thebargene, (for resistance to the herbicide Buster®) was used to produce lines that could potentially be used in commercial application. As expected, a range of expression phenotypes were identified for both these reporter genes and the analyses for expression were relatively easy.
Assessing the value and market attractiveness of the accessible tourism industry in Europe: a focus on major travel and leisure companies
Authors: Bowtell James
Published: October 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the accessible tourism market potential, alongside the implications of operating in the accessible tourism market and an assessment of major travel and leisure company involvement. The research focused on providing a market value forecast using historic data from 2005 and extrapolating this to 2025. An examination of the reasons for and against major travel and leisure company involvement in the accessible tourism market was accompanied by an analysis of managerial perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

The exploration of travel patterns of disabled tourists, in particular spend per head per holiday, was used to measure the value of the demand side of accessible tourism. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with employees of major travel and leisure companies in managerial positions.

Findings

The study indicates that the accessible tourism market is a distinct sector, possessing the capacity for extensive future growth, and thus presents major travel providers with a potentially substantial and lucrative market, generating potential revenues of €88.6 billion by 2025.

Research limitations/implications

Due to a lack of existing data an assumption had to be made on the evolution of travel spend per head per holiday. However, the formula used, using GDP/Capita growth, is a recognised way of forecasting this kind of data in the travel and leisure industry.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to provide an examination of the reasons for and against major travel and leisure company involvement in the accessible tourism market, as well providing a forecast of the market value up to 2025.
Exploring the need of knowledge management education within library and information science educational courses
Authors: Husain Shabahat , Nazim Mohammad
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The study aims to explore the relevance of knowledge management (KM) education within library and information science (LIS) educational courses in India.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study used a quantitative research approach. A Web-based questionnaire survey was designed and distributed through FreeOnlineSurveys.com for the collection of data. A link for attending the survey was sent via electronic mail to the teachers (95 in numbers) of 65 LIS schools. A total of 43 responses (approximately 45 per cent) were received.

Findings

– The findings show that there is a strong interest among LIS community towards the inclusion of KM education within LIS educational courses to impart the knowledge and skills related to KM among LIS students, and to facilitate their entry into the KM job market. Most of the respondents believe that a curriculum which embodies core elements of LIS, management and information systems and technology would best meet the needs of LIS students for their involvement in KM activities.

Practical implications

– Findings of the present study may be used as the groundwork for the revision of current LIS educational courses as well as the revision of LIS curricula to impart the knowledge and skills-related to KM among LIS students for working in KM environment.

Originality/value

– As no empirical study on the relevance of KM education to LIS professionals in India has been carried out before, this study closes this gap and provides a framework to modify existing LIS courses or curricula to fulfil the requirement of KM competencies of LIS students.
Can we talk?
Authors: Caidi Nadia , Dali Keren
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the attractiveness of Library and Information Science (LIS) professions and programs to culturally and linguistically diverse individuals.

Design/methodology/approach

– Between September and December 2014, current students and alumni from 57 North American LIS programs were surveyed regarding their learning experiences and perceptions of the state of diversity in LIS.

Findings

– The findings point to deep, emotive reflections on diversity in LIS. Noting the general societal turn toward values-based, integral diversity, this paper proposes looking beyond the quantitative measures and paying attention to the volume of negative emotion surrounding the diversity debate in our field. Making both philosophical and practical arguments, a three-tiered approach is advocated, which can contribute to nurturing the climate of diversity: outreach and promotion; recruitment and retention; and interpersonal and intercultural dialog that will not only sustain diversity but also transform diverse environments into healthy and vibrant places with transparent communication channels.

Originality/value

– This paper departs from the focus on increasing diversity and emphasizes sustaining diversity in both academia and workplaces. The improvement of interpersonal relationships, human understanding and interpersonal communication is seen as a way to systemic change.
Multi‐dimensional analyses of the SEAM controlled source electromagnetic data—the story of a blind test of interpretation workflows
Authors: Tseng Hung‐Wen , Stalnaker Jack , MacGregor Lucy M. , Ackermann Rolf V.
Published: October 2015

Using a subset of the SEG Advanced Modeling Program Phase I controlled‐source electromagnetic data, we apply our standard controlled‐source electromagnetic interpretation workflows to delineate a simulated hydrocarbon reservoir. Experience learned from characterizing such a complicated model offers us an opportunity to refine our workflows to achieve better interpretation quality. The exercise proceeded in a blind test style, where the interpreting geophysicists did not know the true resistivity model until the end of the project. Rather, the interpreters were provided a traditional controlled‐source electromagnetic data package, including electric field measurements, interpreted seismic horizons, and well log data. Based on petrophysical analysis, a background resistivity model was established first. Then, the interpreters started with feasibility studies to establish the recoverability of the prospect and carefully stepped through 1D, 2.5D, and 3D inversions with seismic and well log data integrated at each stage. A high‐resistivity zone is identified with 1D analysis and further characterized with 2.5D inversions. Its lateral distribution is confirmed with a 3D anisotropic inversion. The importance of integrating all available geophysical and petrophysical data to derive more accurate interpretation is demonstrated.