bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and magnetic property of a Tsai-type 2/1 approximant
Authors: Kinoshita Yuta , Hiroto Takanobu , Tamura Ryuji
Published: November 2015

Various Tsai-type quasicrystals and approximants have been synthesized by replacing the constituent elements of the Cd-RE systems, based on the condition, (e/a)~2.0,. However, systems containing transition metals (TMs) have been rarely reported and, therefore, in this work we aimed to synthesize TM-bearing Tsai-type quasicrystals and approximants. Starting from the composition of the Ga-Pd-Gd 1/1 approximant [1], a search of TM-bearing approximants was performed by replacing Pd (1.376 Å) by Pt (1.378 Å). In this research, alloys of various compositions around the reported composition of 1/1 Ga-Pd-Gd were prepared by arc melting and they were then annealed at various conditions. The phase constitution was studied by X-ray diffraction and the thermal stability of the phases was examined by differential thermal analysis (DTA) for samples before and after annealing. As a result, we have observed formation of both 1/1 and 2/1 approximants with a=14.37 Å and 23.23 Å, respectively. The DTA curve exhibits no exothermic peak in the heating run up to the melting point (Tm=1180 K) for the 2/1 approximant, which suggests that the obtained 2/1 approximant is thermally stable up to Tm. The magnetic properties of the 1/1 and 2/1 approximants will be reported in the presentation.
Superionic phase transitions in anti-fluorite structures
Authors: Schneider Julius , Schmahl Wolfgang
Published: November 2015

Fast ion conductors attract continuous and increasing interest in view of possible applications in battery technology. Early examples of superionic phase transitions in anti-fluorite type structures, where the small cations reside in a tetrahedral cage of large anions include Ag2Te [1]. At elevated temperatures anharmonic atom thermal displacements induce cation diffusion towards the large void formed by the central anion octahedron. Of the anti-fluorite structure type compounds Li2 X, where X=(O, S, Se, Te), the compounds Li2O and Li2S showed diffuse transitions to a superionic phase. Very recent advances in battery technology of these compounds [2] motivated us to investigate the end member Li2Te [3] by temperature dependent neutron powder diffraction. The quasi-harmonic temperature dependence of the Li thermal displacement factor shows a distinct steepening of slope around 4000C, indicating a phase transition to a superionic phase. Analysis of derived probability density functions and atom potentials again reveal a corresponding increase of anharmonic, anisotropic Li-ion motion towards the octahedral void. This indicates opening up of Li-ion diffusion pathways at the phase transition. The superionic phase transitions of the Li2X anti-fluorite type structures are steered by their cation-anion distance ratio, which in turn determines their respective transition temperatures. The superionic phase transitions mark the onset of cation sublattice melting, where these transition temperatures are proportional to the melting temperatures of the entire compounds.
Study of A New Antiferro-/Ferro-electric Solid Solution: PbZrO3-Pb(Zn½W½)O3
Authors: Huo Siqi , Zhang Nan , Ren Zihe , Wu Hua , Ye Zuo-Guang
Published: November 2015

PbZrO3 (PZ) is the most widely used antiferroelectric material in the world. There is a possible intermediate ferroelectric (FE) phase between the room-temperature antiferroelectric (AFE) phase and the high-temperature paraelectric (PE) phase. However, the intermediate phase is difficult to be directly observed. Even though the FE phase is suggested to be rhombohedral, the space group which it belongs to is still uncertain. Therefore, Pb(Zn½W½)O3 was chosen to modify PZ. A new antiferroelectric solid solution of (1-x)PbZrO3-xPb(Zn½W½)O3 (PZ-xPZnW, with x=0-10%) has been prepared in the form of ceramics by solid state reaction method. The crystal structure and properties have been investigated. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) reveals a pure perovskite phase, indicating the formation of the PZ-PZnW solid solution. Crystal structural refinements reveal that the substitution of PZnW in PZ does not change the crystal symmetry. The dielectric measurements demonstrate a decrease in Curie temperature (TC) from 228 °C to 195 °C with higher concentration of PZnW from 0% to 8%. Also, a transition between the AFE phase and the intermediate phase was observed and its transition temperauture (TAFE-FE) decreases more significantly than TC. The temperature range for the intermediate phase is enlarged as a result. Typical ferroelectric hysteresis loop was observed in PZ-3%PZnW above TAFE-FE, which confirms the ferroelectric nature for the intermediate phase. Based on the analysis of the temperature-variable XRD patterns, the antiferroelectric phase is orthorhombic of space group Pbam while the intermediate ferroelectric phase is rhombohedral of space group R3m. Above TC, the crystal structure is cubic phase belong to space group Pm-3m
Study of nanoscale local structures of ferroelectric barium titanate using CBED
Authors: Tsuda Kenji , Sano Rikiya , Yasuhara Akira , Tanaka Michiyoshi
Published: November 2015

It is well known that BaTiO3 undergoes successive phase transformations from the cubic paraelectric phase to three ferroelectric phases: tetragonal, orthorhombic and rhombohedral ones. Coexistence of the displacive and order-disorder characters in the phase transformations of BaTiO3 was pointed out from many experiments and theories. However, local structures related to the order-disorder character were discovered neither in crystal structure analyses using neutron and X-ray diffraction nor by TEM observations. In the present study, the convergent-beam electron diffraction (CBED) method was applied to examine nanometer-scale local structures of BaTiO3. Rhombohedral nanostructures were observed in the orthorhombic and tetragonal phases of BaTiO3 using CBED [1]. It was found that the symmetry of the orthorhombic phase is formed as the average of two rhombohedral variants with different polarizations, and that of the tetragonal phase is formed as the average of four rhombohedral variants. These results indicate an order-disorder character in their phase transformations. Similar results were obtained in the ferroelectric orthorhombic phase of KNbO3 [2], while it was found that the ferroelectric tetragonal phase of PbTiO3 does not have such rhombohedral nanostructures. We also proposed a combined use of STEM and CBED methods (STEM-CBED method) to observe the nanostructures of polarizations [3]. Using the method, two-dimensional distribution of the rhombohedral nanostructures, or nanoscale fluctuations of the polarization clusters, were successfully visualized in the tetragonal phase of BaTiO3.
Phase-transition studies at the Bilbao Crystallographic Server
Authors: Aroyo Mois , Tasci Emre , Perez-Mato J. Manuel , de la Flor Gemma , Gallego Samuel , Elcoro Luis
Published: November 2015

The Bilbao Crystallographic Server (www.cryst.ehu.es) is a free web site with crystallographic databases and programs. The server is built on a core of databases that contain crystallographic data of space groups, magnetic space groups, subperiodic groups and their symmetry relations. Parallel to the crystallographic software we have developed specialized tools for the analysis of complex solid-state physics and structural chemistry problems. The aim of this contribution is to report on databases and computer programs of the server that facilitate complete and thorough phase-transition studies. Starting from the experimental structures of the high- and low-symmetry phases the program STRUCTURE RELATIONS studies the crystal-structure relationship between two phases. It is characterized by a global distortion that, in general, can be decomposed into homogeneous strain and atomic displacement field. The program AMPLIMODES [2] performs the decomposition of the global distortion into symmetry-mode contributions, and the determination of the corresponding polarization vectors. This type of analysis separates the correlated atomic displacements that are fundamental for the phase stability, the so-called primary modes, from the weaker distortions of limited relevance for the transition mechanism. The server also offers online tools for the evaluation of the pseudosymmetry of a given structure with respect to a supergroup of its space group [3]. The detection of structural pseudosymmetry as the consequence of a small distortion of a higher symmetry is a powerful method for the prediction of new ferroic materials. Recently, computer databases and tools for the analysis of magnetic phase transitions have been implemented. Case studies will accompany the presentation of the programs offered by the Bilbao Crystallographic Server and will illustrate their capacities and efficiency in phase-transition studies.
Cascading Time Evolution of Dissipative Structures for Creation of Shish-kebab
Authors: Hashimoto Takeji
Published: November 2015

External fields imposed on homogeneous systems can drive the systems to form ordered structures of the so-called "dissipative structures", when the fields can effectively reduce entropy and hence the free energy barrier for formation of the ordered structure [1]. We elucidated kinetic pathways, along which: (1) homogeneous polyethylene solutions composed of entangled random coils in quiescent state develop shish-kebabs under flow fields imposed on the solutions [2,3]; (2) Shish-kebabs swollen with solvent develop extended chain crystals under hot-drawings at temperatures close to draw-ratio-dependent melting temperatures [4]. The various dissipative patterns found in the kinetic pathways are summarized schematically in Figure 1. Acknowledgements: The author gratefully acknowledges Drs. H. Murase and Y. Ohta for their collaborations on this work.
Sixty Five Years of Magnetic Structures. Present and Future of Magnetic Crystallography
Authors: Rodriguez-Carvajal Juan
Published: November 2015

Magnetic Crystallography is a sub-field of Crystallography concerned with the description and determination of the magnetisation density in solids. A magnetic structure corresponds to a particular spatial arrangement of magnetic moments that sets up below the ordering temperature. The determination of magnetic structures is mainly done using neutron diffraction (powder and single crystals) and in special cases the use of polarized neutrons is necessary to solve ambiguities found in the interpretation of magnetic neutron diffraction data. We can consider that Magnetic Crystallography starts with the seminal paper by C.G. Shull and S. Smart on the magnetic structure of MnO published the 29 August 1949 in the Physical Review 76, 1256. The symmetry properties of periodic arrangement of atoms are well described by the 230 space group types in three dimensions, however more complex spatial arrangements of atoms may need to be described by periodicity in higher dimensions. Incommensurate, composite and quasi-crystal structures represent a relatively small part of the huge amount of materials that can be described by conventional Crystallography, however many magnetic structures are non-commensurate: the periodicity of the orientation of the magnetic moments is not commensurate with the underlying crystal structure. The symmetry properties of magnetic structures are traditionally described using two different approaches: the magnetic Shubnikov groups [1] and the group representation analysis [2-3]. In this talk we shall describe how these approaches have been established historically and the advantages of the new trend towards the use of magnetic superspace groups. A review of the most important papers and milestones in magnetic neutron scattering as well as in the symmetry concepts will be presented. The current analytical tools and methods for determining magnetic structures and their symmetry will briefly be described.
Put Your Trust in Powder: Negative and Zero Thermal Expansion Materials
Authors: Evans John
Published: November 2015

Powder diffraction is one of the most powerful structural probes available to the materials chemist. It invariably plays a critical role in the preparation of new phases and is increasingly exploited via in-situ studies to understand and control complex synthetic routes to fleetingly stable materials. Ab initio structure solution followed by Rietveld refinement frequently provides the first structural information on new functional materials, and powder diffraction is often the method of choice for probing structure-property relationships under non-ambient or in-operando conditions, or for following the structures of samples undergoing structural phase transitions. In this presentation I'll show how powder diffraction has been crucial in understanding the properties of so-called negative thermal expansion (NTE) materials – here inorganic oxides which contract on heating. Powder methods have provided key information on the thermodynamic stability of these materials, the low temperature synthetic routes required to prepare them, the average and local distortions that lead to NTE, and on the often complex phase transitions they undergo. I'll also discuss how powder diffraction can probe glass-like relaxation processes which occur over remarkably long timescales in some of these materials and how the synthetic control enabled by in-situ studies has led to the preparation of single-phase isotropic materials whose expansion properties can be systematically tuned from negative to zero to positive values (alpha –8 to +6 * 10–6 K–1) [1]. I'll emphasise how new techniques such as Parametric- [2] and Symmetry-Mode-Rietveld [3] refinement has been crucial in the study of these materials.
The World of Perovskites: Phase Transitions and Exotic Properties
Authors: Pandey Dhananjai
Published: November 2015

Oxide perovskites with a general chemical formula ABO3 constitute an important class of technologically significant materials widely used in commercial capacitors, sensors, actuators and optical devices. The upper part of the earth's lower mantle extending from 670 to 2990 km deep is also predominantly composed of perovskite type (Mg,Fe)SiO3. The perovskite compounds and their solid solutions exhibit many exotic phenomena such as ferroicity, antiferroicity, multiferroicity, piezoelectricity, electrostriction, superconductivity, colossal magnetoresistance, many types of magnetic and cationic orderings and quantum critical point. They owe these phenomena to a rich variety of phase transitions that can be induced by a wide range of variables, such as composition, temperature, pressure, magnetic field, electric field, external stresses and particle size. The main focus of this lecture would be on recent developments on phase transition studies in materials like CaTiO3, SrTiO3, PbTiO3, PbZrO3, NaNbO3, BaTiO3, Pb(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3, Pb(Mg1/2Nb1/2)O3, BiFeO3and their solid solutions. The examples to be covered in this presentation would include (i) antiferrodistortive tilt transitions (ii) ferroelectric, antiferroelectric, ferrielectric, quantum paraelectric, quantum ferroelectric and relaxor ferroelectric transitions, (iii) morphotropic phase transitions, (iv) isostructural phase transitions, (v) antiferromagnetic and spin reorientation transitions, (vi) tricritical transitions, (vii) stress-induced structural transitions and (vii) size induced transitions. The need for complimentary diffraction techniques (X-ray, neutron and electron diffraction) in conjunction with physical property measurements in capturing the signatures of these phase transitions will be highlighted. The results of group and Landau theory considerations will also be presented. The origin of exotic functional properties of the perovskite compounds and their solid solutions will be discussed.
Charge Density and Chemical Bonding in Inorganic Materials
Authors: Scherer Wolfgang
Published: November 2015

Since the theoretical prediction and experimental verification of Charge Concentrations (CCs) in the valence shell of main group elements and transition metals several attempts have been undertaken to understand their origin and relevance in chemistry and physics. In pioneering studies we could demonstrate that these CCs not only influence the geometry of coordination compounds and solids but also serve as controlling parameters for important chemical reactions like the activation of chemical bonds in catalytic reactions [1]. Furthermore, in covalent solids such as transition metal oxides and carbides they appear to signal even subtle electron localization phenomena which might induce metal-to-insulator transitions or effect the onset of superconductivity [2]. The complex interplay between valence shell charge concentrations and chemical properties of molecules and solids will be the central topic of this contribution with the focus on (i) unusual bonding scenarios displayed by solid state compounds [3] and the (ii) control of geometry and bond activation processes in molecules.
Quasi-periodic crystals – a paradigm shift in crystallography
Authors: Shechtman Dan
Published: November 2015

Crystallography has been one of the mature sciences. Over the years, the modern science of crystallography that started by experimenting with x-ray diffraction from crystals in 1912, has developed a major paradigm – that all crystals are ordered and periodic. Indeed, this was the basis for the definition of "crystal" in textbooks of crystallography and x-ray diffraction. Based upon a vast number of experimental data, constantly improving research tools, and deepening theoretical understanding of the structure of crystalline materials no revolution was anticipated in our understanding the atomic order of solids. However, such revolution did happen with the discovery of the Icosahedral phase, the first quasi-periodic crystal (QC) in 1982, and its announcement in 1984 [1, 2]. QCs are ordered materials, but their atomic order is quasiperiodic rather than periodic, enabling formation of crystal symmetries, such as icosahedral symmetry, which cannot exist in periodic materials. The discovery created deep cracks in this paradigm, but the acceptance by the crystallographers' community of the new class of ordered crystals did not happen in one day. In fact it took almost a decade for QC order to be accepted by most crystallographers. The official stamp of approval came in a form of a new definition of "Crystal" by the International Union of Crystallographers. The paradigm that all crystals are periodic has thus been changed. It is clear now that although most crystals are ordered and periodic, a good number of them are ordered and quasi-periodic. While believers and nonbelievers were debating, a large volume of experimental and theoretical studies was published, a result of a relentless effort of many groups around the world. Quasi-periodic materials have developed into an exciting interdisciplinary science. This talk will outline the discovery of QCs and describe the important role of electron microscopy as an enabling discovery tool.
Relationships between top managers’ leadership and infrastructure sustainability
Authors: Meng Junna , Xue Bin , Liu Bingsheng , Fang Ning
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– Top managers who possess outstanding leadership competence make significant contributions toward achieving project success. The relationship between the top managers’ leadership and infrastructure sustainability (IS), one of the most important project success criteria, is empirically researched in this study. The purpose of this paper is to explore relationships between top managers’ leadership competence of intellectual competence (IQ), managerial competence (MQ), and emotional and social competence (EQ) and to explore relationships between leadership competence and IS.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on 246 obtained responses to a questionnaire survey across infrastructure projects in the context of the Chinese urbanization process, the analysis of the relationships between top managers’ leadership and IS was performed using a structural equation model (SEM).

Findings

– Results indicate that top managers’ leadership competence, with MQ being the main determinant, followed by IQ, directly drives the entire life cycle of an infrastructure project toward accomplishing IS. Through positively influencing the moderate variable of MQ, EQ competence is found to have an indirect influence on IS.

Practical implications

– In terms of practical implications, the outcomes of this research will provide criteria for the selection of top managers for infrastructure projects to realize IS during the process of Chinese urbanization.

Originality/value

– The established SEM improves the leadership competence framework of IQ, MQ, and EQ in the respect of reflecting the context of infrastructure projects and promotes the research and development of leadership theory in the construction area.
Observer-based finite-time sliding mode control for reentry vehicle
Authors: Liu Xiangdong , Ren Xiaohuan , Sheng Yongzhi
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to design a disturbance observer-based finite-time global sliding mode control scheme for the attitude tracking control problem of the reentry vehicle with parameter uncertainties and disturbances.

Design/methodology/approach

– Feedback linearization is first introduced to transform vehicle model into three independent second order uncertain subsystems. Then a finite-time controller (FTC) is proposed for the nominal system on the basis of the homogeneity theory. Thereafter the integral sliding mode method is introduced for the vehicle with disturbances. The finite time convergence is achieved and global robustness is also assured by the combination of finite time control method and integral sliding mode strategy. Furthermore, to improve the attitude angle tracking accuracy a novel finite time disturbance observer (DO) is constructed.

Findings

– Simulation is made for the reentry vehicle with disturbances involved. And the results show the finite-time convergence, tracking accuracy and robustness of the proposed strategy.

Originality/value

– The proposed control strategy has three advantages. First of all it can achieve finite time convergence and avoid singularity. Moreover, it can also realize global robustness. Finally, a new kind of DO is introduced to improve the tracking accuracy.
World Heritage site as a label in branding a place
Authors: Hassan Azizul , Rahman Mizan
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to argue that the World Heritage Site (WHS) status as a label plays an important role in branding, creating awareness among the tourists and promoting a specific place – be it natural or cultural.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is based on qualitative research and utilised interviews and explanatory case study method, taking Maritime Greenwich WHS as a case.

Findings

– It is found that the status of WHS motivates the tourists in general and heritage tourists in particular to visit the case study site. Also, the status helps in boosting the level of confidence of the tourists while selecting the site. Overall, it helps to reinforce the identity of a place. However, sustainability and conservation should not take a back seat when the very purpose of branding a site as WHS is this.

Originality/value

– It is ideal to have a balance in managing the demand and supply side of place management and marketing making sure that the heritage value and trust is kept intact.
Integrated management structure for cultural heritage in Palestine
Authors: Shehada Ziad M.M. , Yaacob Naziaty Mohd , Keumala Nila Inangda Manyam
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated management structure for the identification and evaluation of Palestine’s heritage, although the unending Israeli occupation poses a huge, multi-faceted constraint. Necessarily, the approach chosen considers aptly the local culture, values, dynamics and context, assimilating the significance of a broader range of different, diverse historical and cultural resources with a variety of meanings, tangible and otherwise, across various sections of the population.

Design/methodology/approach

– A multi-technique strategy emphasized the combination of between-technique triangulation in the implementation to enhance and improve substantially the related internal legitimacy of the investigation. A thorough exploration was executed via field investigation survey, meetings with the local communities and conservation questionnaires. Equally useful was the second method employed to gain valuable information on the transformation of conservation activities in highly diverse geological and cultural cases in the USA, France and Egypt.

Findings

– This research consequently produced a much needed, important approach for the recognition, assessment and administration of Palestine’s ancient cultural assets with respect to native culture, standards, non-static aspects and boundaries.

Originality/value

– The study assists the authorities and decision makers in developing mechanisms for the management of the cultural heritage that would stop the expansion of Israeli settlements as a form of non-violent resistance.
Impacts of the FoSHU (Food for Specified Health Uses) system on food evaluations in Japan
Authors: Ono Makoto , Ono Akinori
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to examine the various effects of two licensing factors – health claims and “FoSHU seal”, which can be appeared on packages only with permission. In the Food for specified health uses (FoSHU) system, Japanese Government controls all health claims on packages of food products for the first time in the world.

Design/methodology/approach

– In Study 1, the authors investigate the signaling effects of the two licensing factors with a 2 (health claims: yes/no) × 2 (FoSHU seal: yes/no) factorial design. Then, in Study 2, the authors investigate the external effects on alternative brands with a 2 (package of the non-FoSHU brand: similar/dissimilar to the FoSHU brand) × 2 (presentation of the FoSHU brand: yes/no) design.

Findings

– The results show that food evaluations are affected by the FoSHU seal, indicating that, with the symbolic mark, FoSHU foods can be successfully differentiated from non-FoSHU foods. In contrast, food evaluations are not affected by health claims – health claims have external effects on evaluations of non-FoSHU products in the category if both FoSHU and non-FOSHU products have a similar package.

Originality/value

– Although there are many studies regarding the impacts of health claims on food evaluations, they have assumed only US regulatory system and, therefore, have not examined the effects of licensing marks. Also, because Japanese approval system is dissimilar to US regulatory system, the effects of health claims in Japan are different from those in the USA. By analyzing various effects of Japanese system on consumer evaluation of food healthiness, this study contributes to a better understanding of the impacts of the public policy and food marketing on consumer behavior.
Comparative practices of food label claims from US, EU and selected Southeast Asian countries
Authors: Lwin May O.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to fulfil gaps in knowledge regarding food packaging practices in Southeast Asia by examining the informational content of food labels on a variety of packaged foods.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using local and imported food products found in supermarkets in Singapore, a quantitative content analysis of food label claims in a wide range of packaged food products was conducted. A codebook was developed to capture the attributes of the food labels and claims, content categories, product names, food categories, sources of manufacture and countries of brand origin. The three main regions of analysis of country of manufacture were the USA, European Union (EU) and Southeast Asia.

Findings

– Analysis of food products manufactured in five Southeast Asian countries revealed the presence of various claims in food products, and a number of specific claims exceeded the percentages found in products from the USA or EU. The results showed that a significant proportion of products from Southeast Asian countries display nutrient content and nutrient function claims, as well as general marketing claims and non-nutrient claims. However, there were variations in practice amongst the five Southeast Asian countries.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample was limited in being collected from one geographic location. Future research needs to expand data collection both geographically and longitudinally.

Practical implications

– The findings are valuable for the national health authorities in addressing policies on food package labelling, and homogenization efforts pertaining to regional/international labelling policies. These in turn could influence food marketing practices.

Social implications

– The findings are useful in crafting educational programming and guidelines for health and nutrition education.

Originality/value

– This research is the first to explore food labelling practices in multiple Southeast Asian countries and compare them cross-sectionally with EU and US practices.
Nectar chemistry modulates the impact of an invasive plant on native pollinators
Authors: Tiedeken Erin Jo , Egan Paul A. , Stevenson Philip C. , Wright Geraldine A. , Brown Mark J. F. , Power Eileen F. , Farrell Iain , Matthews Sharon M. , Stout Jane C.
Published: November 2015

Invasive species are considered a main driver of pollinator declines, yet the direct effects of invasive alien plants on pollinators are poorly understood.

Abundant, invasive plant species can provide a copious nectar resource for native pollinators. However, the nectar of some plants contains secondary compounds, usually associated with defence against herbivores. The impacts of these compounds on pollinators are often unknown.

We compared how consumption of grayanotoxin I and III, natural secondary compounds in the nectar of invasive Rhododendron ponticum L., affected three native bee species: a honeybee, (Apis mellifera L.), a solitary mining bee (Andrena carantonica, Pérez) and a bumblebee, (Bombus terrestris, L.).

Survival of the solitary bee and the bumblebee species was not affected by either grayanotoxin, but honeybees were ∼20× more likely to die when fed solutions containing grayanotoxin I. Furthermore, solitary bees were deterred from feeding and exhibited malaise behaviours indicative of sublethal toxicity in response to consumption of grayanotoxin I. In contrast, grayanotoxins did not affect bumblebee survival or behaviour, even when bees were subjected to multiple stressors (parasite infection or food stress).

Our experiments suggest that while R. ponticum provides abundant floral nectar, it is only available as a food resource to pollinators that tolerate grayanotoxins. Pollinators whose health is negatively affected by grayanotoxins may experience negative impacts from R. ponticum invasion directly (if they consume R. ponticum nectar) or indirectly (if native floral resources are replaced by R. ponticum).

Our study makes a novel comparison of the effects of a natural nectar secondary compound on three pollinator species and clearly demonstrates drastic variation in the responses of different key pollinator taxa to a nectar toxin. Our findings are thus in congruence with literature demonstrating the varying effects of invasive plant chemistry on native foliar herbivores, and our work demonstrates that nectar chemistry should be taken into account when determining the impacts of plant invasion for native pollinators.
Cultivating microbial dark matter in benzene‐degrading methanogenic consortia
Authors: Luo Fei , Devine Cheryl E. , Edwards Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2015

The microbes responsible for anaerobic benzene biodegradation remain poorly characterized. In this study, we identified and quantified microbial populations in a series of 16 distinct methanogenic, benzene‐degrading enrichment cultures using a combination of traditional 16S rRNA clone libraries (four cultures), pyrotag 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing (11 cultures), metagenome sequencing (1 culture) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR; 12 cultures). An operational taxonomic unit (OTU) from the Deltaproteobacteria designated ORM2 that is only 84% to 86% similar to Syntrophus or Desulfobacterium spp. was consistently identified in all enrichment cultures, and typically comprised more than half of the bacterial sequences. In addition to ORM2, a sequence belonging to Parcubacteria (candidate division OD1) identified from the metagenome data was the only other OTU common to all the cultures surveyed. Culture transfers (1% and 0.1%) were made in the presence and absence of benzene, and the abundance of ORM2, OD1 and other OTUs was tracked over 415 days using qPCR. ORM2 sequence abundance increased only when benzene was present, while the abundance of OD1 and other OTUs increased even in the absence of benzene. Deltaproteobacterium ORM2 is unequivocally the benzene‐metabolizing population. This study also hints at laboratory cultivation conditions for a member of the widely distributed yet uncultivated Parcubacteria (OD1).
Sensory Characteristics and Comparison of Commercial Plain Yogurts and 2 New Production Sample Options
Authors: Brown Marissa D. , Chambers Delores H.
Published: November 2015

This research determined the sensory characteristics of currently available plain yogurts available in U.S. supermarkets and examined how 3 “more sustainable” prototypes compared. The prototypes, nonfat set‐style yogurts pre‐acidified after pasteurization with lemon juice or citric acid at 80 ppm to pH 6.2, had shorter fermentation times than the lab‐made control. These reduced fermentation times could result in energy reductions and potentially substantiate a “sustainable” marketing claim, a concept gaining traction with consumers. Twenty‐six commercial yogurts, varying in percent milk fat, milk source (organic or conventional), and processing (set‐style, stirred, or strained/Greek‐style), were also included. Using descriptive sensory analysis, a 6‐person highly trained panel scored the intensity of 25 flavor and 10 texture attributes on a 15‐point scale. Three replications were carried out, and all samples were tested at least 10 d prior to the end of their shelf‐lives. The samples differed for 19 flavor and all 10 texture attributes. Cluster analysis indicated approximately 7 flavor and 5 texture clusters. The prototype pre‐acidified with lemon juice was similar to category leaders nonfat yogurt varieties. The prototype pre‐acidified with citric acid was similar in texture but was less sour. Although no legal definitions exist for “sustainable,” the prototypes’ sensory characteristics are comparable to those of popular yogurts indicating potential market viability. This research also demonstrates potential for making yogurt that is in line with growing consumer expectations for sustainability. Despite the current diversity, several combinations of flavor and texture were not represented.
Spermatogenesis in the parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Authors: Carabajal Paladino Leonela , Lo Nostro Fabiana , Papeschi Alba , Cladera Jorge , Bressa María José
Published: November 2015

The study of spermatogenesis in Hymenoptera is limited to few taxa due to limitations to access the material in the right stage for analysis. The information available up to now states that the gametogenesis in males involves a modified meiosis, similar to mitosis. This is due to the haplodiploid sex determination system present in the order, where females are diploid and males are haploid. In the present work, we examined the spermatogenesis process in the parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). We performed squash preparations from testes of individuals from the third larval instar until the adult stage. Some cytological traits, such as the presence of a monopolar spindle, were analysed in detail by means of histological semi‐thin sections. The spermatogenesis in this species comprises an abortive first division with the formation of an anucleated cytoplasmic bud and a nucleated cell, and an equal second division of the nucleated cell, leading to the generation of two mature spermatozoa. The results presented herein provide more information about the process of spermatogenesis in Hymenoptera, which has not been studied in depth in parasitic species.
Furosemide Pharmacokinetics in Adult Rats become Abnormal with an Adverse Intrauterine Environment and Modulated by a Post‐Weaning High‐Fat Diet
Authors: DuBois Barent N. , Pearson Jacob , Mahmood Tahir , Thornburg Kent , Cherala Ganesh
Published: November 2015

Adult individuals born with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have physiological maladaptations that significantly increase risk of chronic disease. We suggested that such abnormalities in organ function would alter pharmacokinetics throughout life, exacerbated by environmental mismatch. Pregnant and lactating rats were fed either a purified control diet (18% protein) or low‐protein diet (9% protein) to produce IUGR offspring. Offspring were weaned onto either laboratory chow (11% fat) or high‐fat diet (45% fat). Adult offspring (5 months old) were dosed with furosemide (10 mg/kg i.p.) and serum and urine collected. The overall exposure profile in IUGR males was significantly reduced due to a ~35% increase in both clearance and volume of distribution. Females appeared resistant to the IUGR phenotype. The effects of the high‐fat diet trended in the opposite direction to that of IUGR, with increased drug exposure due to decreases in both clearance (31% males, 46% females) and volume of distribution (24% males, 44% females), with a 10% longer half‐life in both genders. The alterations in furosemide pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics were explained by changes in the expression of renal organic anion transporters 1 and 3, and sodium–potassium–chloride cotransporter‐2. In summary, this study suggests that IUGR and diet interact to produce subpopulations with similar body‐weights but dissimilar pharmacokinetic profiles; this underlines the limitation of one‐size‐fits‐all dosing which does not account for physiological differences in body composition resulting from IUGR and diet.
Comorbidity and pathogenic links of chronic spontaneous urticaria and systemic lupus erythematosus – a systematic review
Authors: Kolkhir P. , Pogorelov D. , Olisova O. , Maurer M.
Published: November 2015

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a common mast cell‐driven disease characterized by the development of wheals (hives), angioedema (AE), or both for > 6 weeks. It is thought that autoimmunity is a common cause of CSU, which is often associated with autoimmune thyroiditis, whereas the link to other autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has not been carefully explored. Here, we systematically reviewed the existing literature for information on the prevalence of CSU in SLE (and vice versa) and we examined the possible clinical and pathogenetic relationship between CSU and SLE. The prevalence of CSU and CSU‐like rash in SLE was investigated by 42 independent studies and comorbidity in adult patients reportedly ranged from 0% to 21.9% and 0.4% to 27.5%, respectively (urticarial vasculitis: 0–20%). In children with SLE, CSU was reported in 0–1.2% and CSU‐like rash in 4.5–12% (urticarial vasculitis: 0–2.2%). In contrast, little information is available on the prevalence of SLE in patients with CSU, and more studies are needed to determine the rate of comorbidity. Recent insights on IgG‐ and IgE‐mediated autoreactivity suggest similarities in the pathogenesis of CSU and SLE linking inflammation and autoimmunity with the activation of the complement and coagulation system. Future studies of patients with either or both conditions could help to better define common pathomechanisms in CSU and SLE and to develop novel targeted treatment options for patients with CSU and SLE.
A systematic survey of the integration of animal behavior into conservation
Authors: Berger‐Tal Oded , Blumstein Daniel T. , Carroll Scott , Fisher Robert N. , Mesnick Sarah L. , Owen Megan A. , Saltz David , St. Claire Colleen Cassady , Swaisgood Ronald R.
Published: November 2015

The role of behavioral ecology in improving wildlife conservation and management has been the subject of much recent debate. We sought to answer 2 foundational questions about the current use of behavioral knowledge in conservation: To what extent is behavioral knowledge used in wildlife conservation and management, and how does the use of animal behavior differ among conservation fields in both frequency and types of use? We searched the literature for intersections between key fields of animal behavior and conservation and created a systematic heat map (i.e., graphical representation of data where values are represented as colors) to visualize relative efforts. Some behaviors, such as dispersal and foraging, were commonly considered (mean [SE] of 1147.38 [353.11] and 439.44 [108.85] papers per cell, respectively). In contrast, other behaviors, such as learning, social, and antipredatory behaviors were rarely considered (mean [SE] of 33.88 [7.62], 44.81 [10.65], and 22.69 [6.37] papers per cell, respectively). In many cases, awareness of the importance of behavior did not translate into applicable management tools. Our results challenge previous suggestions that there is little association between the fields of behavioral ecology and conservation and reveals tremendous variation in the use of different behaviors in conservation. We recommend that researchers focus on examining underutilized intersections of behavior and conservation themes for which preliminary work shows a potential for improving conservation and management, translating behavioral theory into applicable and testable predictions, and creating systematic reviews to summarize the behavioral evidence within the behavior‐conservation intersections for which many studies exist.
A case series of anal melanoma including the results of treatment with imatinib in selected patients
Authors: Knowles J. , Lynch A. C. , Warrier S. K. , Henderson M. , Heriot A. G.
Published: November 2015

Aim

Anal melanoma is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis.

Method

All patients with a diagnosis of anal melanoma treated at a single institution between 2000 and 2012 were identified and their treatment and outcome were evaluated.

Results

Sixteen patients had a median survival of 2.9 years. Fourteen had Stage I or II disease with a median survival of 4.0 years and progression‐free survival of 1.5 years. When used for disease staging, whole body positron emission tomography/CT identified an additional three sites of metastasis in five patients compared with CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis. Surgery involved wide local excision or abdominoperineal excision with respective local recurrence rates of 50% and 66%. Eleven patients underwent testing for c‐Kit mutations, of whom five were positive. Four of these were treated with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib, and showed rapid response of metastases outside the central nervous system.

Conclusion

The outcome of this malignancy remains poor. PET is the modality of choice for disease staging. Testing tumours for c‐Kit mutations may allow selected patients to participate in trials of tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Engaging the Community in the Dissemination, Implementation, and Improvement of Health‐Related Research
Authors: Bodison Stefanie C. , Sankaré Ibrahima , Anaya Henry , Booker‐Vaughns Juanita , Miller Aria , Williams Pluscedia , Norris Keith ,   the Community Engagement Workgroup
Published: November 2015

To help maximize the real‐world applicability of available interventions in clinical and community healthcare practice, there has been greater emphasis over the past two decades on engaging local communities in health‐related research. While there have been numerous successful community–academic partnered collaborations, there continues to be a need to articulate the common barriers experienced during the evolution of these partnerships, and to provide a roadmap for best practices that engage healthcare providers, patients, families, caregivers, community leaders, healthcare systems, public agencies and academic medical centers. To this end, this paper presents a summary of a forum discussion from the 2014 Southern California Dissemination, Implementation and Improvement (DII) Science Symposium, sponsored by the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Clinical Translational Science Institute (CTSI), University of Southern California (USC) CTSI, and Kaiser Permanente. During this forum, a diverse group of individuals representing multiple constituencies identified four key barriers to success in community‐partnered participatory research (CPPR) and discussed consensus recommendations to enhance the development, implementation, and dissemination of community health‐related research. In addition, this group identified several ways in which the over 60 NIH funded Clinical and Translational Science Institutes across the country could engage communities and researchers to advance DII science.
Unique DNA Methylation Patterns in Offspring of Hypertensive Pregnancy
Authors: Julian Colleen G. , Pedersen Brent S. , Salmon Carlos Salinas , Yang Ivana V. , Gonzales Marcelino , Vargas Enrique , Moore Lorna G. , Schwartz David A.
Published: November 2015

Epigenomic processes are believed to play a pivotal role for the effect of environmental exposures in early life to modify disease risk throughout the lifespan. Offspring of women with hypertensive complications of pregnancy (HTNPREG) have an increased risk of developing systemic and pulmonary vascular dysfunction in adulthood. In this preliminary report, we sought to determine whether epigenetic modifications of genes involved in the regulation of vascular function were present in HTNPREG offspring. We contrasted DNA methylation and gene expression patterns of peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from young male offspring of HTNPREG (n = 5) to those of normotensive controls (n = 19). In HTNPREG offspring we identified six differentially methylated regions (DMRs) including three genes (SMOC2, ARID1B and CTRHC1) relevant to vascular function. The transcriptional activity of ARID1B and CTRCH1 was inversely related to methylation status. HTNPREG offspring had higher systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPPA) versus controls. Our findings demonstrate that epigenetic marks are altered in offspring of HTNPREG with a modest elevation of sPPA and introduce novel epigenomic targets for further study. On the basis of these findings we speculate that epigenomic mechanisms may be involved in mediating the effect of HTNPREG to raise the risk of vascular disease later in life.