bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of exogenous germ cells in the ovaries of sterile NANOS3-null beef cattle
Authors: Ideta Atsushi , Yamashita Shiro , Seki-Soma Marie , Yamaguchi Ryosaku , Chiba Shiori , Komaki Haruna , Ito Tetsuya , Konishi Masato , Aoyagi Yoshito , Sendai Yutaka
Published: April 2016

Blastocyst complementation (BC) systems have enabled in vivo generation of organs from allogeneic pluripotent cells, compensating for an empty germ cell niche in gene knockout (KO) animals. Here, we succeeded in producing chimeric beef cattle (Wagyu) by transferring allogenic germ cells into ovaries using somatic cell nuclear transfer and BC technology. The KO of NANOS3 (NANOS3−/−) in Wagyu bovine ovaries produced a complete loss of germ cells. Holstein blastomeres (NANOS3+/+) were injected into NANOS3−/− Wagyu embryos. Subsequently, exogenous germ cells (NANOS3+/+) were identified in the NANOS3−/− ovary. These results clearly indicate that allogeneic germ cells can be generated in recipient germ cell-free gonads using cloning and BC technologies.
Differential utilization of binding loop flexibility in T cell receptor ligand selection and cross-reactivity
Authors: Ayres Cory M. , Scott Daniel R. , Corcelli Steven A. , Baker Brian M.
Published: April 2016

Complementarity determining region (CDR) loop flexibility has been suggested to play an important role in the selection and binding of ligands by T cell receptors (TCRs) of the cellular immune system. However, questions remain regarding the role of loop motion in TCR binding, and crystallographic structures have raised questions about the extent to which generalizations can be made. Here we studied the flexibility of two structurally well characterized αβ TCRs, A6 and DMF5. We found that the two receptors utilize loop motion very differently in ligand binding and cross-reactivity. While the loops of A6 move rapidly in an uncorrelated fashion, those of DMF5 are substantially less mobile. Accordingly, the mechanisms of binding and cross-reactivity are very different between the two TCRs: whereas A6 relies on conformational selection to select and bind different ligands, DMF5 uses a more rigid, permissive architecture with greater reliance on slower motions or induced-fit. In addition to binding site flexibility, we also explored whether ligand-binding resulted in common dynamical changes in A6 and DMF5 that could contribute to TCR triggering. Although binding-linked motional changes propagated throughout both receptors, no common features were observed, suggesting that changes in nanosecond-level TCR structural dynamics do not contribute to T cell signaling.
Platelet-cytokine Complex Suppresses Tumour Growth by Exploiting Intratumoural Thrombin-dependent Platelet Aggregation
Authors: Li Yu-Tung , Nishikawa Tomoyuki , Kaneda Yasufumi
Published: April 2016

Tumours constitute unique microenvironments where various blood cells and factors are exposed as a result of leaky vasculature. In the present study, we report that thrombin enrichment in B16F10 melanoma led to platelet aggregation and this property was exploited to administer an anticancer cytokine, interferon-gamma induced protein 10 (IP10), through the formation of a platelet-IP10 complex. When intravenously infused, the complex reached platelet microaggregates in the tumour. The responses induced by the complex were solely immune-mediated and tumour cytotoxicity was not observed. The complex suppressed the growth of mouse melanoma in vivo, while both platelets and the complex suppressed the accumulation of FoxP3+ regulatory T cells in the tumour. These results demonstrated that thrombin-dependent platelet aggregation in B16F10 tumours defines platelets as a vector to deliver anticancer cytokines and provide specific treatment benefits.
Integral Light-Harvesting Complex Expression In Symbiodinium Within The Coral Acropora aspera Under Thermal Stress
Authors: Gierz Sarah L. , Gordon Benjamin R. , Leggat William
Published: April 2016

Coral reef success is largely dependent on the symbiosis between coral hosts and dinoflagellate symbionts belonging to the genus Symbiodinium. Elevated temperatures can result in the expulsion of Symbiodinium or loss of their photosynthetic pigments and is known as coral bleaching. It has been postulated that the expression of light-harvesting protein complexes (LHCs), which bind chlorophylls (chl) and carotenoids, are important in photobleaching. This study explored the effect a sixteen-day thermal stress (increasing daily from 25–34 °C) on integral LHC (chlorophyll a-chlorophyll c2-peridinin protein complex (acpPC)) gene expression in Symbiodinium within the coral Acropora aspera. Thermal stress leads to a decrease in Symbiodinium photosynthetic efficiency by day eight, while symbiont density was significantly lower on day sixteen. Over this time period, the gene expression of five SymbiodiniumacpPC genes was quantified. Three acpPC genes exhibited up-regulated expression when corals were exposed to temperatures above 31.5 °C (acpPCSym_1:1, day sixteen; acpPCSym_15, day twelve; and acpPCSym_18, day ten and day sixteen). In contrast, the expression of acpPCSym_5:1 and acpPCSym_10:1 was unchanged throughout the experiment. Interestingly, the three acpPC genes with increased expression cluster together in a phylogenetic analysis of light-harvesting complexes.
Image-based compound profiling reveals a dual inhibitor of tyrosine kinase and microtubule polymerization
Authors: Tanabe Kenji
Published: April 2016

Small-molecule compounds are widely used as biological research tools and therapeutic drugs. Therefore, uncovering novel targets of these compounds should provide insights that are valuable in both basic and clinical studies. I developed a method for image-based compound profiling by quantitating the effects of compounds on signal transduction and vesicle trafficking of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Using six signal transduction molecules and two markers of vesicle trafficking, 570 image features were obtained and subjected to multivariate analysis. Fourteen compounds that affected EGFR or its pathways were classified into four clusters, based on their phenotypic features. Surprisingly, one EGFR inhibitor (CAS 879127-07-8) was classified into the same cluster as nocodazole, a microtubule depolymerizer. In fact, this compound directly depolymerized microtubules. These results indicate that CAS 879127-07-8 could be used as a chemical probe to investigate both the EGFR pathway and microtubule dynamics. The image-based multivariate analysis developed herein has potential as a powerful tool for discovering unexpected drug properties.
Potential of the beneficial fungus Trichoderma to enhance ecosystem-service provision in the biofuel grass Miscanthus x giganteus in agriculture
Authors: Chirino-Valle Ivan , Kandula Diwakar , Littlejohn Chris , Hill Robert , Walker Mark , Shields Morgan , Cummings Nicholas , Hettiarachchi Dilani , Wratten Stephen
Published: April 2016

The sterile hybrid grass Miscanthus x giganteus (Mxg) can produce more than 30 t dry matter/ha/year. This biomass has a range of uses, including animal bedding and a source of heating fuel. The grass provides a wide range of other ecosystem services (ES), including shelter for crops and livestock, a refuge for beneficial arthropods, reptiles and earthworms and is an ideal cellulosic feedstock for liquid biofuels such as renewable (drop-in) diesel. In this study, the effects of different strains of the beneficial fungus Trichoderma on above- and below-ground biomass of Mxg were evaluated in glasshouse and field experiments, the latter on a commercial dairy farm over two years. Other ES benefits of Trichoderma measured in this study included enhanced leaf chlorophyll content as well as increased digestibility of the dried material for livestock. This study shows, for the first time for a biofuel feedstock plant, how Trichoderma can enhance productivity of such plants and complements other recent work on the wide-ranging provision of ES by this plant species.
A new type of power energy for accelerating chemical reactions: the nature of a microwave-driving force for accelerating chemical reactions
Authors: Zhou Jicheng , Xu Wentao , You Zhimin , Wang Zhe , Luo Yushang , Gao Lingfei , Yin Cheng , Peng Renjie , Lan Lixin
Published: April 2016

The use of microwave (MW) irradiation to increase the rate of chemical reactions has attracted much attention recently in nearly all fields of chemistry due to substantial enhancements in reaction rates. However, the intrinsic nature of the effects of MW irradiation on chemical reactions remains unclear. Herein, the highly effective conversion of NO and decomposition of H2S via MW catalysis were investigated. The temperature was decreased by several hundred degrees centigrade. Moreover, the apparent activation energy (Ea’) decreased substantially under MW irradiation. Importantly, for the first time, a model of the interactions between microwave electromagnetic waves and molecules is proposed to elucidate the intrinsic reason for the reduction in the Ea’ under MW irradiation and a formula for the quantitative estimation of the decrease in the Ea’ was determined. MW irradiation energy was partially transformed to reduce the Ea’ and MW irradiation is a new type of power energy for speeding up chemical reactions. The effect of MW irradiation on chemical reactions was determined. Our findings challenge both the classical view of MW irradiation as only a heating method and the controversial MW non-thermal effect and open a promising avenue for the development of novel MW catalytic reaction technology.
Long-Range Interactions Restrict Water Transport in Pyrophyllite Interlayers
Authors: Zarzycki Piotr , Gilbert Benjamin
Published: April 2016

Water diffusion within smectite clay interlayers is reduced by confinement and hence is highly determined by the interlayer spacings that are adopted during swelling. However, a molecular understanding of the short- and long-range forces governing interlayer water structure and dynamics is lacking. Using molecular dynamics simulations of water intercalated between pyrophyllite (smectite prototype) layers we provide a detailed picture of the variation of interlayered water mobility accompanying smectite expansion. Subtle changes in hydrogen bond network structure cause significant changes in water mobility that is greater for stable hydration states and reduced for intermediate separations. By studying pyrophyllite with and without external water we reveal that long-range electrostatic forces apply a restraining effect upon interlayer water mobility. Our findings are relevant for broad range of confining nanostructures with walls thin enough to permit long-range interactions that could affect the mobility of confined solvent molecules and solute species.
Mass spectrometric analysis of residual clenbuterol enantiomers in swine, beef and lamb meat by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Z. L. , Zhang J. L. , Zhang Y. N. , Zhao Y.
Published: April 2016

A method for determining the ratio of clenbuterol enantiomers (R/S ratio) in edible meat by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was developed and validated, and clenbuterol chiral determination in beef and lamb meat were first reported.
Furan-PNA: a mildly inducible irreversible interstrand crosslinking system targeting single and double stranded DNA
Authors: Manicardi A. , Gyssels E. , Corradini R. , Madder A.
Published: April 2016

Furan-modified peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes are able to crosslink to DNA strand after hybridization with complementary ssDNA or after stand displacement in dsDNA.
Secondary plasma formation after single pulse laser ablation underwater and its advantages for laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)
Authors: Gavrilović M. R. , Cvejić M. , Lazic V. , Jovićević S.
Published: April 2016

We demonstrated that well resolved and intense spectral lines can be obtained by single pulse laser excitation underwater if recording only secondary plasma emission using large acquisition gate widths.
Phonon and thermal expansion properties in Weyl semimetals MX (M = Nb, Ta; X = P, As): ab initio studies
Authors: Chang Dahu , Liu Yaming , Rao Fengfei , Wang Fei , Sun Qiang , Jia Yu
Published: April 2016

Thermal expansion properties of Weyl semimetals MX are determined mainly by the isovolume heat capacity at low temperatures, whereas bulk modulus at high temperatures.
High photocatalytic performance of a type-II α-MoO3@MoS2heterojunction: from theory to experiment
Authors: Li Honglin , Yu Ke , Tang Zheng , Fu Hao , Zhu Ziqiang
Published: April 2016

A remarkably enhanced photocatalytic ability of a α-MoO3@MoS2hybrid rod@sphere structure was obtained.
Pseudocapacitance and excellent cyclability of 2,5-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone on graphene
Authors: Boota Muhammad , Chen Chi , Bécuwe Matthieu , Miao Ling , Gogotsi Yury
Published: April 2016

Non-covalent functionalization of 2,5-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone and hydroquinone on reduced graphene oxide sheets led to the formation of a redox-active three-dimensional gel architecture via a one-step hydrothermal method, where the former exhibited high gravimetric and volumetric capacitance and 99% capacitance retention after 25 000 cycles at 50 mV s−1.
Ionic liquids catalyzed lignin liquefaction: mechanistic studies using TPO-MS, FT-IR, RAMAN and 1D, 2D-HSQC/NOSEY NMR
Authors: Singh Sandip K. , Dhepe Paresh L.
Published: April 2016

Reusable Brønsted acidic ionic liquids are shown to depolymerize lignin into value-added depolymerized products with 78% yield.
Association between the metabolome and bone mineral density in pre- and post-menopausal Chinese women using GC-MS
Authors: Qi Huanhuan , Bao Jun , An Guohua , Ouyang Gang , Zhang Pengling , Wang Chao , Ying Hanjie , Ouyang Pingkai , Ma Bo , Zhang Qi
Published: April 2016

The present study describes for the first time, a metabolic profile reflecting the osteoporosis progression in 364 pre- and postmenopausal Chinese women using GC-MS.
Coordination compounds of a hydrazone derivative with Co(iii), Ni(ii), Cu(ii) and Zn(ii): synthesis, characterization, reactivity assessment and biological evaluation
Authors: Barta Holló B. , Magyari J. , Armaković S. , Bogdanović G. A. , Rodić M. V. , Armaković S. J. , Molnár J. , Spengler G. , Leovac V. M. , Mészáros Szécsényi K.
Published: April 2016

Increasing inhibitory effect of Zn-Hp2DAP < Hp2DAP < Co-Hp2DAP on ABC transporter MDR1 drug efflux pump.
Blue highly fluorescent boron difluoride complexes based on phthalazine–pyridine
Authors: Vuong Thi Minh Ha , Weimmerskirch-Aubatin Jennifer , Lohier Jean-François , Bar Nathalie , Boudin Sophie , Labbé Christophe , Gourbilleau Fabrice , Nguyen Hien , Dang Tung Thanh , Villemin Didier
Published: April 2016

Synthesis and characterization of three blue fluorescent phthalazine–pyridine boron complexes with quantum yields up to 79%.
Stirring-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of ultralong α-MnO2nanowires for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Lei Kaixiang , Cong Liang , Fu Xiaorui , Cheng Fangyi , Chen Jun
Published: April 2016

Ultralong α-MnO2synthesized by a stirring-assisted hydrothermal treatment of bulk MnO2efficiently catalyzes the quasi-4-electron oxygen reduction reaction.
Fabrication of magnetite nanoparticle doped reduced graphene oxide grafted polyhydroxyalkanoate nanocomposites for tissue engineering application
Authors: Pramanik Nilkamal , De Jibankrishna , Basu Ranjan Kumar , Rath Tanmoy , Kundu Patit Paban
Published: April 2016

In tissue engineering, the magnetic nanocomposites are more attractive due to some superior properties that promote in the monitoring of cell proliferation, differentiation and activation of cell construction in tissue regeneration phase.
Pseudo-multicolor carbon dots emission and the dilution-induced reversible fluorescence shift
Authors: Chen Yu-Cheng , Nien Cheng-Yung , Albert Karunya , Wen Cheng-Che , Hsieh You-Zung , Hsu Hsin-Yun
Published: April 2016

Reversible spectra shift of carbon dots upon dilution which could be a result of altered CD–CD inter-particle interaction.
Eu3+ doped α-sodium gadolinium fluoride luminomagnetic nanophosphor as a bimodal nanoprobe for high-contrast in vitro bioimaging and external magnetic field tracking applications
Authors: Singh Satbir , Kumar Pawan , Kaipparettu Benny Abraham , Gupta Bipin Kumar
Published: April 2016

Demonstration of a highly luminescent–paramagnetic α-NaGd0.88F4:Eu0.123+ nanophosphor as a bimodal nanoprobe for high-contrast in vitro bioimaging and magnetic tracking applications.
Base-mediated synthesis of highly functionalized 2-aminonicotinonitriles from α-keto vinyl azides and α,α-dicyanoalkenes
Authors: Shu Ke , Shao Jiaan , Li Hong , Chen Binhui , Tang Pai , Liu Xingyu , Chen Wenteng , Yu Yongping
Published: April 2016

A novel access to highly functionalized 2-aminonicotinonitrilesviaefficient annulations of α-keto vinyl azides and α,α-dicyanoalkenes is described.
Carbon–carbon bond formation in acid deep eutectic solvent: chalcones synthesis via Claisen–Schmidt reaction
Authors: Tiecco Matteo , Germani Raimondo , Cardellini Fabio
Published: April 2016

Claisen–Schmidt reaction in acid deep eutectic solvent without the use of acid or basic catalyst.
Poly(glycidyl methacrylate)-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as platforms for linking functionalities, bioentities and organocatalysts
Authors: Nan Alexandrina , Radu Teodora , Turcu Rodica
Published: April 2016

Magnetic nanoparticles coated with polyglycidyl methacrylate are ring-opened by nucleophiles containing reactive centers, bioentities, organocatalysts leading to new materials.
Highly efficient TiO2 single-crystal photocatalyst with spatially separated Ag and F− bi-cocatalysts: orientation transfer of photogenerated charges and their rapid interfacial reaction
Authors: Wang Xuefei , Li Tianyi , Yu Rui , Yu Huogen , Yu Jiaguo
Published: April 2016

A highly efficient Ag/F–TiO2 single-crystal photocatalyst was realized via a coupling strategy of crystal-facet engineering and spatially separated cocatalyst modification.
Electrochemical sensing of urinary progesterone with molecularly imprinted poly(aniline-co-metanilic acid)s
Authors: Lee Mei-Hwa , O'Hare Danny , Guo Han-Zhang , Yang Chien-Hsin , Lin Hung-Yin
Published: April 2016

The sensing of urinary progesterone with molecularly imprinted poly(aniline-co-metanilic acid) coated electrodes.
Photosensitive chiral self-assembling materials: significant effects of small lateral substituents
Authors: Cigl Martin , Bubnov Alexej , Kašpar Miroslav , Hampl František , Hamplová Věra , Pacherová Oliva , Svoboda Jiří
Published: April 2016

Substituent effects are correlated with thermal Z–E isomerization as a crucial factor for applications in azo-based materials.
Clinical Teaching Methods for Stimulating Students' Critical Thinking
Authors: Procaccini Samantha J. , Carlino Nancy J. , Joseph Denise M.
Published: April 2016

Critical thinking is a prerequisite to making any sound clinical decision. Many students entering into the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology are not equipped with the necessary critical thinking skills to formulate evidence-based clinical decisions. Clinical educators play an integral role in facilitating the development of students' critical thinking skills. Most clinical educators recognize the significance of, and implications for implementing teaching methods which foster critical thinking. However, many clinical educators demonstrate uncertainty about which methods to employ and how to implement such methods. This article will discuss the selection and implementation of effective teaching methods for developing students' critical thinking.
Patient Provider Communication: Preparation of Speech-Language Pathology Externship Students
Authors: Beukelman David R. , Fager Susan , Seberg Suzanne
Published: April 2016

This article reviews pertinent policies, information, and materials that assist speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to support effective communication between health care providers and communication vulnerable patients across health care settings. Five types of communication vulnerable patients and the roles of communication support personnel are discussed. Several types of medical referrals to initiate patient provider communication (PPC) support are introduced. Access to a variety of communication support materials and tools is provided. Instructional strategies to integrate PPC instruction into preprofessional programs and externship experiences are described.
Cultural Competence in Bilingual Social Communication Assessment: A Case Study
Authors: Huang Shirley
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this article is to highlight how cultural considerations impact assessment and diagnostic decision making. This article addresses the steps involved in conducting a culturally sensitive, comprehensive evaluation of social communication skills using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2nd Edition (ADOS-2). This evaluation was conducted with a 13-year-old, bilingual Cantonese-English speaking teenage girl. She had a history of atypical social behaviors and language disorder, diagnosed at age two. Her complex social difficulties were previously overlooked by professionals and misunderstood as related to her Chinese culture and/or prior history of language disorder. Conducting a culturally appropriate assessment was further complicated by the family's lack of English proficiency and low socioeconomic status, and related challenges they experienced with accessing and navigating the healthcare and special education system. Lisa was referred to a multidisciplinary team, which included a native Cantonese-speaking speech-language pathologist (SLP), to determine the nature of this teenager's social challenges. The team's understanding of the layers of cultural influence on social development—overarching Chinese values, local Chinese community, and the family environment—played a key role in determining whether this teenager's social behaviors were acceptable in either the Chinese or mainstream American culture. Evaluation results shed light on this teenager's long-standing social interaction difficulties, and were consistent with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With this newly understood diagnosis, the family reported they felt relief in knowing how to best support their daughter.
Ionisation potential theorem in the presence of the electric field: Assessment of range-separated functional in the reproduction of orbital and excitation energies
Authors: Borpuzari Manash Protim , Boruah Abhijit , Kar Rahul
Published: April 2016

Recently, the range-separated density functionals have been reported to reproduce gas phase orbital and excitation energies with good accuracy. In this article, we have revisited the ionisation potential theorem in the presence of external electric field. Numerical results on six linear molecules are presented and the performance of the range-separated density functionals in reproducing highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energies, LUMO energies, HOMO-LUMO gaps in the presence of the external electric field is assessed. In addition, valence and Rydberg excitation energies in the presence of the external electric field are presented. It is found that the range-separated density functionals reproduce orbital and excitation energies accurately in the presence of the electric field. Moreover, we have performed fractional occupation calculation using cubic spline equation and tried to explain the performance of the functional.
Tunneling decay of false domain walls: The silence of the lambs
Authors: Haberichter Mareike , MacKenzie Richard , Paranjape M. B. , Ung Yvan
Published: April 2016

We study the decay of “false” domain walls, that is, metastable states of the quantum theory where the true vacuum is trapped inside the wall with the false vacuum outside. We consider a theory with two scalar fields, a shepherd field and a field of sheep. The shepherd field serves to herd the solitons of the sheep field so that they are nicely bunched together. However, quantum tunnelling of the shepherd field releases the sheep to spread out uncontrollably. We show how to calculate the tunnelling amplitude for such a disintegration.
Plasmonic properties of metal nanoislands: Practical guide
Authors: Scherbak S. A. , Lipovskii A. A.
Published: April 2016

We propose a simple approach to describe plasmonic properties of a metal hemisphere placed on a dielectric substrate and covered by another dielectric. Very simple analytical expressions and numerical data presented allow avoiding numerical calculations in finding the spectral position of the surface plasmon resonance and the dispersion of the polarizability of the hemisphere. The expressions are obtained using semi-analytical solution of the related problem in the quasistatic approximation. They are valid for most of the metals and for a wide variety of dielectric substrate and cover materials. The maps allowing to find the surface plasmon resonance wavelength and spectral dispersion of the polarizability of Ag, Au, Cu, and Al hemispherical nanoparticles are also presented. The maps are plotted in the coordinates of the substrate and the surrounding media dielectric permittivity. The results of the study can be applied to describe the polarizability of isolated or weakly interacting metal nanoislands and metal island films.
Nonadiabtic electron dynamics in densely quasidegenerate states in highly excited boron cluster
Authors: Yonehara Takehiro , Takatsuka Kazuo
Published: April 2016

Following the previous study on nonadiabatic reaction dynamics including boron clusters [T. Yonehara and K. Takatsuka, J. Chem. Phys. 137, 22A520 (2012)], we explore deep into highly excited electronic states of the singlet boron cluster (B12) to find the characteristic features of the densely quasi-degenerate electronic state manifold, which undergo very frequent nonadiabatic transitions and thereby intensive electronic state mixing among very many of the relevant states. So much so, isolating the individual adiabatic states and tracking the expected potential energy surfaces both lose the physical sense. This domain of molecular situation is far beyond the realm of the Born-Oppenheimer approximation. To survey such a violent electronic state-mixing, we apply a method of nonadiabatic electron wavepacket dynamics, the semiclassical Ehrenfest method. We have tracked those electron wavepackets and found the electronic state mixing looks like an ultrafast diffusion in the Hilbert space, which results in huge fluctuation. Furthermore, due to such a violent mixing, the quantum phases associated with the electronic states are swiftly randomized, and consequently the coherence among the electronic states are lost quickly. Besides, these highly excited states are mostly of highly poly-radical nature, even in the spin singlet manifold and the number of radicals amounts up to 10 electrons in the sense of unpaired electrons. Thus the electronic states are summarized to be poly-radical and decoherent with huge fluctuation in shorter time scales of vibrational motions. The present numerical study sets a theoretical foundation for unknown molecular properties and chemical reactivity of such densely quasi-degenerate chemical species.
Propagating plasma discontinuity in a tube immersed in distilled water
Authors: Song Jian , Tang Jingfeng , Wei Liqiu , Zhang Nan , Wang Youyin , Yu Daren
Published: April 2016

In a dielectric tube partially surrounded by distilled water, a propagating discontinuity is observed in a cold argon plasma jet at atmospheric pressure in both the laminar and turbulent flow regimes. Through electrical and optical diagnostics, the mechanism of formation for this phenomenon is investigated. Results show that the strong polarization of the distilled water, the constraint from the electric field (or a sufficiently high electric field), and the transport of the active species are in combination responsible for the propagating plasma discontinuity. Indeed, smaller surface areas of the tube surrounded by distilled water, shorter distances between the distilled water and the ground electrodes, as well as larger gas flow rates can together make the discontinuous discharge channel appear more readily. In particular, when the flow switches from laminar to turbulent, the plasma behavior of the discontinuity no longer depends on the gas flow rate. This is mostly attributed to the extreme instability of turbulence which further suppresses the transport of active species.
Evaluation of band offset at amorphous-Si/BaSi2 interfaces by hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Takabe Ryota , Takeuchi Hiroki , Du Weijie , Ito Keita , Toko Kaoru , Ueda Shigenori , Kimura Akio , Suemasu Takashi
Published: April 2016

The 730 nm-thick undoped BaSi2 films capped with 5 nm-thick amorphous Si (a-Si) intended for solar cell applications were grown on Si(111) by molecular beam epitaxy. The valence band (VB) offset at the interface between the BaSi2 and the a-Si was measured by hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to understand the carrier transport properties by the determination of the band offset at this heterointerface. We performed the depth-analysis by varying the take-off angle of photoelectrons as 15°, 30°, and 90° with respect to the sample surface to obtain the VB spectra of the BaSi2 and the a-Si separately. It was found that the barrier height of the a-Si for holes in the BaSi2 is approximately −0.2 eV, whereas the barrier height for electrons is approximately 0.6 eV. This result means that the holes generated in the BaSi2 layer under solar radiation could be selectively extracted through the a-Si/BaSi2 interface, promoting the carrier separation in the BaSi2 layer. We therefore conclude that the a-Si/BaSi2 interface is beneficial for BaSi2 solar cells.
A reduced set of gyrofluid equations for plasma flow in a diverging magnetic field
Authors: Robertson Scott
Published: April 2016

Plasmas are often generated in a small diameter source with a strong magnetic field and subsequently flow into a region with greater diameter and smaller field. The magnetic mirror force that accelerates plasma in a diverging magnetic field appears in the gyrofluid equations developed for applications to toroidal devices, but this force is often absent from fluid equations. A set of gyrofluid equations with reduced complexity is developed in which drifts are assumed negligible and the mirror force is retained. The Chew–Goldberger–Low equations of state are used for a simple closure. These reduced gyrofluid equations are applied to plasma equilibrium in a magnetic mirror, to acceleration of plasma in a magnetic nozzle, and to space charge neutralization of an ion beam by electrons in a diverging magnetic field. The results from gyrofluid theory are compared with results from drift kinetic theory to find the accuracy of the gyrofluid approximation in these applications.
Improving reliability in environmental DNA detection surveys through enhanced quality control
Authors: Furlan Elise M. , Gleeson Dianne
Published: April 2016

Species-specific environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys are increasingly being used to infer species presence in an environment. Current inadequacies in quality control increase concern for false negatives, which can have serious ramifications for both the management of invasive species and the conservation of native species. eDNA surveys involve a multi-step process to sample, capture, extract and amplify target DNA from the environment. We outline various positive control options and show that many of the commonly used controls are capable of detecting false negatives arising during the amplification stage only. We suggest a secondary, generic primer, designed to co-amplify endogenous DNA sampled during species-specific eDNA surveys, constitutes a superior positive control to monitor method success throughout all stages of eDNA analysis. We develop a species-specific European carp (Cyprinus carpio) assay and a generic fish assay for use as an endogenous control for eDNA surveys in Australian freshwater systems where fish are known to be abundant. We use these assays in a multiplex on eDNA samples that are simultaneously sampled, captured, extracted and amplified. This positive control allows us to distinguish method error from informative non-amplification results, improving reliability in eDNA surveys, which will ultimately lead to better informed conservation management decisions.
Risk factors for cancer in the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population: a systematic review
Authors: Castles Simon , Wainer Zoe , Jayasekara Harindra
Published: April 2016

Cancer incidence in the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population is higher and survival lower compared with non-Indigenous Australians. A proportion of these cancers are potentially preventable if factors associated with carcinogenesis are known and successfully avoided. We conducted a systematic review of the published literature to examine risk factors for cancer in the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. Electronic databases Medline, Web of Science and the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Bibliographic Index were searched through August 2014 using broad search terms. Studies reporting a measure of association between a risk factor and any cancer site in the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population were eligible for inclusion. Ten studies (1991–2014) were identified, mostly with small sample sizes, showing marked heterogeneity in terms of methods used to assess exposure and capture outcomes, and often using descriptive comparative analyses. Relatively young (as opposed to elderly) and geographically remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders were found to be at increased risk for selected cancers while most modifiable lifestyle and behavioural risk factors were rarely assessed. Further studies examining associations between potential risk factors and cancer will help define public health policy for cancer prevention in the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.
Burned area prediction with semiparametric models
Authors: Boubeta Miguel , Lombardía María José , González-Manteiga Wenceslao , Marey-Pérez Manuel Francisco
Published: April 2016

Wildfires are one of the main causes of forest destruction, especially in Galicia (north-west Spain), where the area burned by forest fires in spring and summer is quite high. This work uses two semiparametric time-series models to describe and predict the weekly burned area in a year: autoregressive moving average (ARMA) modelling after smoothing, and smoothing after ARMA modelling. These models can be described as a sum of a parametric component modelled by an autoregressive moving average process and a non-parametric one. To estimate the non-parametric component, local linear and kernel regression, B-splines and P-splines were considered. The methodology and software were applied to a real dataset of burned area in Galicia for the period 1999–2008. The burned area in Galicia increases strongly during summer periods. Forest managers are interested in predicting the burned area to manage resources more efficiently. The two semiparametric models are analysed and compared with a purely parametric model. In terms of error, the most successful results are provided by the first semiparametric time-series model.
Astrocytes regulate heterogeneity of presynaptic strengths in hippocampal networks
Authors: Letellier Mathieu , Park Yun Kyung , Chater Thomas E. , Chipman Peter H. , Gautam Sunita Ghimire , Oshima-Takago Tomoko , Goda Yukiko
Published: April 2016

Significance

We addressed the basic mechanisms underlying synapse heterogeneity, and we identified a form of regulation that serves to increase the variations in the efficacy with which neurons communicate with each other through synapses. We demonstrate that this process requires astrocytes, which, previously, have been thought to play mostly a passive role in maintaining neuronal functions. The cellular mechanism that regulates synaptic efficacy requires astrocyte membrane depolarization, activation of astrocyte NMDA receptors, and astrocyte calcium signaling. The fundamental nature of the regulation is underscored by the preservation of the mechanism from acute brain slices down to dissociated cultures that lack the native topology of brain networks.
Arabidopsis
SAURs are critical for differential light regulation of the development of various organs
Authors: Sun Ning , Wang Jiajun , Gao Zhaoxu , Dong Jie , He Hang , Terzaghi William , Wei Ning , Deng Xing Wang , Chen Haodong
Published: April 2016

Significance

Various plant organs respond differentially to environmental signals so that plants can adapt to dynamic environments without movement. Light is a key environmental factor mediating multiple plant developmental processes. For example, it induces cotyledon expansion but inhibits hypocotyl elongation when plants emerge from soil. Although this opposite regulation is crucial for plant survival and has been described for decades, the underlying mechanism is still elusive. In this study, we demonstrated that temporal–spatial expression of a group of
Small Auxin Up RNA
s (
SAUR
s) is regulated by light through auxin and phytochrome-interacting factors, and these SAURs further mediate the differential growth of cotyledons and hypocotyls. Thus, this study provides a molecular mechanism explaining how light differentially regulates the growth of various plant organs.
Memory retrieval of inhibitory avoidance requires histamine H
1
receptor activation in the hippocampus
Authors: Fabbri Roberta , Furini Cristiane Regina Guerino , Passani Maria Beatrice , Provensi Gustavo , Baldi Elisabetta , Bucherelli Corrado , Izquierdo Ivan , de Carvalho Myskiw Jociane , Blandina Patrizio
Published: April 2016

Significance

Several neurotransmitters contribute to memory formation by modulating selectively acquisition, consolidation, and/or retrieval. Integrity of the brain histamine system is necessary for the consolidation of inhibitory avoidance (IA) memory. Here, we report that cerebral histamine depletion also impairs retrieval of IA in rats and blunts retrieval-induced c-Fos activation and cAMP-responsive element binding protein phosphorylation in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Histamine infusion into the CA1 restores IA retrieval in histamine-depleted rats by targeting brain histamine H
1
receptors. Our study uncovers previously unidentified mechanisms involved in memory retrieval and may offer possible targets for eventual pharmacotherapies to treat dysfunctional aversive memories, including phobias, panic attacks, and posttraumatic stress disorders, as well as improve the efficacy of exposure psychotherapies.
Can Weighted Useable Area Predict Flow Requirements of Drift‐Feeding Salmonids? Comparison with a Net Rate of Energy Intake Model Incorporating Drift–Flow Processes
Authors: Hayes John W. , Goodwin Eric , Shearer Karen A. , Hay Joe , Kelly Lon
Published: April 2016

We compared a process‐based invertebrate drift and drift‐feeding net rate of energy intake (NREI) model and a traditional hydraulic‐habitat model (using the RHYHABSIM [River Hydraulics and Habitat Simulation] software program) for predicting the flow requirements of 52‐cm Brown Trout Salmo trutta in a New Zealand river. Brown Trout abundance predicted by the NREI model for the constant drift concentration–flow scenarios were asymptotic or linear, depending on drift concentration, increasing through the mean annual low flow (MALF; 17 m3/s). However, drift concentration increased with flow, consistent with passive entrainment. The predicted fish abundance–flow relationship based on flow‐varying drift concentration increased logistically, and more steeply, with flow through the MALF and beyond. Predictions for the relationship between weighted useable area (WUA) and flow were made for three sets of drift‐feeding habitat suitability criteria (HSC) developed on three midsized and one large New Zealand river (flow at sampling was 2.8–4.6 m3/s and ~100 m3/s, respectively) and the South Platte River, Colorado (flow at sampling, 7–18 m3/s). The midsized‐river HSC ascribe lower suitability to water velocities > 0.6 m/s. They predicted WUA peaking at 10–11 m3/s, well below the MALF. The WUA–flow relationships for the two large‐river HSC were asymptotic at about 22 m3/s. Overall, WUA appears to underestimate the flow needs of drift‐feeding salmonids. The NREI model showed that assessing flow needs of drift‐feeding fish is more complex than interpreting a WUA–flow relationship based only on physical habitat suitability. The relationship between predicted fish abundance and flow is an emergent property of flow‐dependent drift‐foraging dynamics interacting with flow‐dependent drift concentration and drift flux, local depletion of drift by feeding fish, and flow‐related replenishment of drift from the bed and dispersion. It is time that the principles and predictions of drift–NREI models influence assessments of habitat capacity and instream flow needs of drift‐feeding fish.

Received April 10, 2015; accepted November 10, 2015 Published online April 27, 2016
Maximum Likelihood Estimation of the Proportion of Hatchery‐Origin Fish on Spawning Grounds Using Coded Wire Tagging and Parentage‐Based Tagging
Authors: Hinrichsen Richard A. , Steele Craig A. , Ackerman Michael W. , Campbell Matthew R. , Narum Shawn R. , Hess Maureen A. , Young William P. , Shields Barbara A. , Maschhoff Brian L.
Published: April 2016

For salmon populations in the Columbia River and Snake River basins, many of which are listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973, reliable estimates of the proportion of hatchery‐origin adults in spawning areas (p) are needed to assess population status and the genetic and demographic interactions of hatchery‐ and natural‐origin fish. Some hatchery fish receive visible marks, coded wire tags (CWTs), parentage‐based tags (PBTs), or all three. This allows one to identify whether fish recovered after release are of hatchery origin. Parentage‐based tagging involves genotyping hatchery broodstock and uses parentage assignments as “tags” that identify the origin and brood year of their progeny. We derived a maximum likelihood estimator of p and applied it to the 2012 and 2013 carcass survey data for spring–summer Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in the South Fork Salmon River, Idaho. Maximum likelihood estimation was also applied to CWT data and, for investigating the importance of expected tag recoveries on precision, to simulated PBT data for fall Chinook Salmon spawning in the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River. Precision of p from maximum likelihood estimation increased with the expected number of tag recoveries in a carcass survey, whether CWTs or PBTs. In the South Fork Salmon River application, there were 340% more PBT recoveries than CWT recoveries, leading to greater precision in release‐specific values of p from maximum likelihood estimation. The maximum likelihood estimation procedure provides fisheries managers a method to design a tagging and sampling program aimed at estimating p, a valuable measure of the potential for interaction of wild‐ and hatchery‐origin fish on the spawning grounds. To design a program for estimating p, we recommend selecting a target level of precision and then choosing a tagging fraction and sampling rate that delivers that precision in the most cost‐effective way.

Received August 21, 2015; accepted January 19, 2016 Published online April 27, 2016
The Human Person at the Heart of Medicine: Reflections of a Physician with Lymphoma
Authors: Manning Dennis Michael
Published: April 2016

The author, a physician living with lymphoma for five years, relates the details of the lived experience. He reflects on the impact of his illness on aspects of his life: personal health, professional work as a physician, and his journey in faith.
Modelling of 3D fields due to ferritic inserts and test blanket modules in toroidal geometry at ITER
Authors: Liu Yueqiang , Äkäslompolo Simppa , Cavinato Mario , Koechl Florian , Kurki-Suonio Taina , Li Li , Parail Vassili , Saibene Gabriella , Särkimäki Konsta , Sipilä Seppo , Varje Jari
Published: April 2016

Computations in toroidal geometry are systematically performed for the plasma response to 3D magnetic perturbations produced by ferritic inserts (FIs) and test blanket modules (TBMs) for four ITER plasma scenarios: the 15 MA baseline, the 12.5 MA hybrid, the 9 MA steady state, and the 7.5 MA half-field helium plasma. Due to the broad toroidal spectrum of the FI and TBM fields, the plasma response for all the n  =  1–6 field components are computed and compared. The plasma response is found to be weak for the high-n (n  >  4) components. The response is not globally sensitive to the toroidal plasma flow speed, as long as the latter is not reduced by an order of magnitude. This is essentially due to the strong screening effect occurring at a finite flow, as predicted for ITER plasmas. The ITER error field correction coils (EFCC) are used to compensate the n  =  1 field errors produced by FIs and TBMs for the baseline scenario for the purpose of avoiding mode locking. It is found that the middle row of the EFCC, with a suitable toroidal phase for the coil current, can provide the best correction of these field errors, according to various optimisation criteria. On the other hand, even without correction, it is predicted that these n  =  1 field errors will not cause substantial flow damping for the 15 MA baseline scenario.
On the fusion triple product and fusion power gain of tokamak pilot plants and reactors
Authors: Costley A.E.
Published: April 2016

The energy confinement time of tokamak plasmas scales positively with plasma size and so it is generally expected that the fusion triple product, nTτ
E, will also increase with size, and this has been part of the motivation for building devices of increasing size including ITER. Here n, T, and τ
E are the ion density, ion temperature and energy confinement time respectively. However, tokamak plasmas are subject to operational limits and two important limits are a density limit and a beta limit. We show that when these limits are taken into account, nTτ
E becomes almost independent of size; rather it depends mainly on the fusion power, P
fus. In consequence, the fusion power gain, Q
fus, a parameter closely linked to nTτ
E is also independent of size. Hence, P
fus and Q
fus, two parameters of critical importance in reactor design, are actually tightly coupled. Further, we find that nTτ
E is inversely dependent on the normalised beta, β
N; an unexpected result that tends to favour lower power reactors. Our findings imply that the minimum power to achieve fusion reactor conditions is driven mainly by physics considerations, especially energy confinement, while the minimum device size is driven by technology and engineering considerations. Through dedicated R&D and parallel developments in other fields, the technology and engineering aspects are evolving in a direction to make smaller devices feasible.