bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interannual and seasonal variability of water use efficiency in a tropical rainforest: Results from a 9 year eddy flux time series
Authors: Tan Zheng‐Hong , Zhang Yi‐Ping , Deng Xiao‐Bao , Song Qing‐Hai , Liu Wen‐Jie , Deng Yun , Tang Jian‐Wei , Liao Zhi‐Yong , Zhao Jun‐Fu , Song Liang , Yang Lian‐Yan
Published: December 2014

We used a continuous 9 year (2003–2011) eddy flux time series with 30 min resolution to examine water use efficiency in a tropical rainforest and determine its environmental controls. The multiyear mean water use efficiency (Wue) of this rainforest was 3.16 ± 0.33 gC per kg H2O, which is close to that of boreal forests, but higher than subtropical forests, and lower than temperate forests. The water vapor deficit (VPD) had a strong impact on instantaneous Wue, in the manner predicted by stomatal optimization theory. At the seasonal scale, temperature was the dominant controller of Wue. The negative correlation between temperature and Wue was probably caused by high continuous photosynthesis during low‐temperature periods. The VPD did not correlate with Wue at the interannual scale. No interannual trend was detected in Wue or inherent water use efficiency (Wei), either annually or seasonally. The fact that no increasing trend of Wei was found in the studied tropical rainforest, along with other evidence of CO2 stimulation in tropical rainforests, requires special attention and data validation. There was no significant difference between Wue during a drought and the 9 year mean values in the forest we studied, but we found that dry season transpiration (Tr) was consistently lower during the drought compared to the mean values. Finally, whether Wue increases or decreases during a drought is determined by the drought sensitivity of gross primary production (GPP).
Reconstructing the depth of the permanent thermocline through the morphology and geochemistry of the deep dwelling planktonic foraminifer Globorotalia truncatulinoides
Authors: Feldmeijer W. , Metcalfe B. , Brummer G.‐J. A. , Ganssen G. M.
Published: December 2014

Geochemical and morphological characteristics of Globorotalia truncatulinoides, a deep dwelling planktonic foraminifer, have been used since the mid‐1950s to infer (paleo)oceanographic conditions of the upper ocean. The coiling ratio has been linked to different water masses and stable oxygen isotope signal of this species to changes in depth habitat and/or season. Here we show that the isotopic composition of single specimens covering Termination III of multiple size fractions of North Atlantic G. truncatulinoidessinistral is indicative of a deeper calcification depth in the water column compared to G. truncatulinoidesdextral as previously indirectly inferred in a plankton tow study. Furthermore, the change in coiling ratio from dominantly G. truncatulinoidesdextral (95%) to brief episodes of dominantly G. truncatulinoidessinistral (80%) gives a strong indication of deepening of the permanent thermocline during periods in which G. truncatulinoidessinistral was dominant. The position of the permanent thermocline during marine isotope stages 8 and 7 echoes the relative strength of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC), dominated by interglacial‐glacial dynamics. We demonstrate that Glacial Heinrich (ice‐rafted debris) events appear to proceed a permanent thermocline shoaling, whereas interglacial Heinrich events follow the shoaling of the permanent thermocline, likely a result of a weakened AMOC.
Orientation Mediated Enhancement on Magnetic Hyperthermia of Fe3O4 Nanodisc
Authors: Yang Yong , Liu Xiaoli , Lv Yunbo , Herng Tun Seng , Xu Xianhui , Xia Weixing , Zhang Taishi , Fang Jie , Xiao Wen , Ding Jun
Published: December 2014

A two‐step chemical approach to synthesize high quality Fe3O4 nanodisc is reported. The magnetic hyperthermia properties of the nanodisc and isotropic nanoparticles are investigated systematically. The results suggest that the nanodisc shows much higher specific absorption rate (SAR) than isotropic nanoparticles. This is attributed to the parallel alignment of nanodisc with respect to the alternating current magnetic field, which is confirmed by good agreement between experimental results and micromagnetic simulation. It is found that such parallel alignment could enhance the SAR value by a factor of ≈2 with respect to the randomly oriented case. The above results indicate that the nanodisc provides an excellent thermal seed for magnetic hyperthermia. This study sheds the light on the magnetic hyperthermia mechanism of magnetic nanodisc and it also opens the window to explore high efficiency thermal seeds by controlling the orientation of magnetic nanostructures.
DNA Switches: From Principles to Applications
Authors: Wang Fuan , Liu Xiaoqing , Willner Itamar
Published: December 2014

The base sequence of nucleic acid encodes structural and functional properties into the biopolymer. Structural information includes the formation of duplexes, G‐quadruplexes, i‐motif, and cooperatively stabilized assemblies. Functional information encoded in the base sequence involves the strand‐displacement process, the recognition properties by aptamers, and the catalytic functions of DNAzymes. This Review addresses the implementation of the information encoded in nucleic acids to develop DNA switches. A DNA switch is a supramolecular nucleic acid assembly that undergoes cyclic, switchable, transitions between two distinct states in the presence of appropriate triggers and counter triggers, such as pH value, metal ions/ligands, photonic and electrical stimuli. Applications of switchable DNA systems to tailor switchable DNA hydrogels, for the controlled drug‐release and for the activation of switchable enzyme cascades, are described, and future perspectives of the systems are addressed.
Cell‐Penetrating and Neurotargeting Dendritic siRNA Nanostructures
Authors: Brunner Korbinian , Harder Johannes , Halbach Tobias , Willibald Julian , Spada Fabio , Gnerlich Felix , Sparrer Konstantin , Beil Andreas , Möckl Leonhard , Bräuchle Christoph , Conzelmann Karl‐Klaus , Carell Thomas
Published: December 2014

We report the development of dendritic siRNA nanostructures that are able to penetrate even difficult to transfect cells such as neurons with the help of a special receptor ligand. The nanoparticles elicit strong siRNA responses, despite the dendritic structure. An siRNA dendrimer directed against the crucial rabies virus (RABV) nucleoprotein (N protein) and phosphoprotein (P protein) allowed the suppression of the virus titer in neurons below the detection limit. The cell‐penetrating siRNA dendrimers, which were assembled using click chemistry, open up new avenues toward finding novel molecules able to cure this deadly disease.
Temporal dynamics of a local fish community are strongly affected by immigration from the surrounding metacommunity
Authors: Stoffels Rick J. , Clarke Kenneth Robert , Linklater Danielle S.
Published: December 2014

A 5‐year time series of annual censuses was collected from a large floodplain lake to determine how dynamics of the local fish community were affected by changes in hydrological connectivity with the surrounding metacommunity. The lake was disconnected from the metacommunity for 1 year prior to our study and remained disconnected until 3 months before our third annual census, when a flood reconnected the lake to the metacommunity. We determined how changes in connectivity affected temporal dynamics of (1) local community composition and (2) the population composition, condition, and growth of catfish, to shed light on how immigration of other species might affect local population dynamics. Before reconnection, the community was likely shaped by interactions between the local environment and species traits. The reconnection caused significant immigration and change in community composition and correlated with a significant and abrupt decline in catfish condition, growth, and abundance; effects likely due to the immigration of a competitor with a similar trophic niche: carp. The community was slow to return to its preconnection state, which may be due to dispersal traits of the fishes, and a time‐lag in the recovery of the local catfish population following transient intensification of species interactions. The dynamics observed were concordant with the species sorting and mass‐effects perspectives of metacommunity theory. Floods cause episodic dispersal in floodplain fish metacommunities, and so, flood frequency determines the relative importance of regional and local processes. Local processes may be particularly important to certain species, but these species may need sufficient time between floods for population increase, before the next flood‐induced dispersal episode brings competitors and predators that might cause population decline. Accordingly, species coexistence in these metacommunities may be facilitated by spatiotemporal storage effects, which may in turn be regulated by flood frequency.
Bayesian inference and fuzzy inference for spectrum sensing order in cognitive radio networks
Authors: Mohamedou Ahmed , Sali Aduwati , Ali Borhanuddin , Othman Mohamed , Mohamad Hafizal
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we propose two schedulers for channel sensing in cognitive radio networks. We use both of rules‐based learning and statistical‐based learning to develop the proposed solutions. Both of these schedulers take three channel parameters as an input to generate scheduling decision. These parameters are utilization, success rate, and channel quality. First proposed scheduler employs fuzzy inference technique to generate the decision regarding channel sensing order. It makes use of genetic algorithm to find the best set of fuzzy rules based on environment dynamics. The second proposed scheduler uses Bayesian inference concept by applying Baye's rule on the perceived distribution function of channel occupancy to improve its accuracy. To track the advancement of scheduler performance, we devised a measurement concept called convergence indicator. Both of the proposed mechanisms showed remarkable performance and adaptability to the highly dynamic behavior of wireless environment. Fuzzy inference solution achieved on average 138 per cent increases in terms of channel utilization compared to fixed sensing order, while Bayesian inference achieved 85 per cent increase. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A review of Stratospheric Sounding Unit radiance observations for climate trends and reanalyses
Authors: Nash John , Saunders Roger
Published: December 2014

Stratospheric Sounding Units (SSU) on the NOAA polar‐orbiting satellites measured infrared radiances in the 15 μm CO2 band between late 1978 and mid‐2006. From these radiances a time series of layer‐mean stratospheric temperatures has been derived by several groups. Discrepancies in these temperature analyses have been highlighted recently and efforts are now underway to resolve the differences between them. This article is the Met Office response summarising the issues to be resolved in creating a climate data record from the different SSUs, including corrections for radiometric, spectroscopic and tidal differences. Calibration issues identified include the SSU space‐view anomaly and radiometric anomalies in the NOAA‐9 observations. The spectroscopic correction required for changing pressures in the pressure modulator cells is also outlined. The most important correction for the time series is for the solar diurnal and semi‐diurnal tides as the satellite overpass local times change. Comparisons with other stratospheric temperature trend analyses are made and the reasons for the differences discussed. The time series presented here show sustained drops in stratospheric temperatures at all levels after the El Chichon and Pinatubo eruptions but only small trends to lower temperatures between eruptions.
Glowing Graphene Quantum Dots and Carbon Dots: Properties, Syntheses, and Biological Applications
Authors: Zheng Xin Ting , Ananthanarayanan Arundithi , Luo Kathy Qian , Chen Peng
Published: December 2014

The emerging graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and carbon dots (C‐dots) have gained tremendous attention for their enormous potentials for biomedical applications, owing to their unique and tunable photoluminescence properties, exceptional physicochemical properties, high photostability, biocompatibility, and small size. This article aims to update the latest results in this rapidly evolving field and to provide critical insights to inspire more exciting developments. We comparatively review the properties and synthesis methods of these carbon nanodots and place emphasis on their biological (both fundamental and theranostic) applications.
Fatty Acid Composition of Freshwater Wild Fish in Subalpine Lakes: A Comparative Study
Authors: Vasconi Mauro , Caprino Fabio , Bellagamba Federica , Busetto Maria Letizia , Bernardi Cristian , Puzzi Cesare , Moretti Vittorio Maria
Published: December 2014

In this study, the proximate and fatty acid compositions of the muscle tissue of 186 samples of fish belonging to fifteen species of freshwater fish harvested in subalpine lakes (bleak, shad, crucian carp, whitefish, common carp, pike, black bullhead, burbot, perch, Italian roach, roach, rudd, wels catfish, chub and tench) were investigated. Most of the fish demonstrated a lipid content in the fillet lower than 2.0 g 100 g−1 wet weight (range 0.6–9.7). A strong relationship between feeding behavior and fatty acid composition of the muscle lipids was observed. Planktivorous fish showed the lowest amounts of n‐3 fatty acids (p < 0.05), but the highest monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) contents, in particular 18:1n‐9. Conversely, carnivorous fish showed the highest amounts of saturated fatty acids and n‐3 fatty acids (p < 0.05), but the lowest MUFA contents. Omnivorous fish showed substantial proportions of n‐3 fatty acids and the highest contents of n‐6 fatty acids. Principal component analysis showed a distinct separation between fish species according to their feeding habits and demonstrated that the most contributing trophic markers were 18:1n‐9, 18:3n‐3, 22:6n‐3 and 20:4n‐6. The quantitative amounts n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid in muscle tissues varied depending on the fish species, the lipid content and the feeding habits. Some species were very lean, and therefore would be poor choices for human consumption to meet dietary n‐3 fatty acid requirements. Nevertheless, the more frequently consumed and appreciated fish, shad and whitefish, had EPA and DHA contents in the range 900–1,000 mg 100 g−1 fresh fillet.
CHARACTERIZATIONS OF RICCI FLAT METRICS AND LAGRANGIAN SUBMANIFOLDS IN TERMS OF THE VARIATIONAL PROBLEM
Authors: TANIGUCHI TETSUYA , UDAGAWA SEIICHI
Published: December 2014

Given the pair (P, η) of (0,2) tensors, where η defines a volume element, we consider a new variational problem varying η only. We then have Einstein metrics and slant immersions as critical points of the 1st variation. We may characterize Ricci flat metrics and Lagrangian submanifolds as stable critical points of our variational problem.
Oral vitamin D supplementation has a lower bioavailability and reduces hypersecretion of parathyroid hormone and insulin resistance in obese Chinese males
Authors: Zhou Ji-Chang , Zhu Yu-Mei , Chen Zheng , Mo Jun-Luan , Xie Feng-Zhu , Wen Ying-Hong , Guo Ping , Peng Ji , Xu Jian , Wang Jun , Liu Xiao-Li
Published: December 2014

Objective

To examine the vitamin D status, SNP of the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) and the effects of vitamin D supplementation on parathyroid hormone and insulin secretion in adult males with obesity or normal weight in a subtropical Chinese city.

Design

An intervention trial.

Setting

Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China.

Subjects

From a cross-sectional survey conducted from June to July, eighty-two normal-weight and ninety-nine obese males (18–69 years) were screened to analyse their vitamin D status and for five SNP of VDR. From these individuals, in the same season of a different year, obese and normal-weight male volunteers (twenty-one per group) were included for an intervention trial with oral vitamin D supplementation at 1250 µg/week for 8 weeks.

Results

For the survey, there was no significant difference (P>0·05) in baseline circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations or in the percentages of participants in different categories of vitamin D status between the two groups. The VDR SNP, rs3782905, was significantly associated with obesity (P=0·043), but none of the examined SNP were correlated with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D when adjusted for age, BMI and study group. After vitamin D supplementation, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration, hypersecretions of parathyroid hormone and insulin, and insulin resistance in the obese were changed beneficially (P<0·05); however, the increase in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was less than that of the normal-weight men.

Conclusions

For obese and normal-weight men of subtropical China, the summer baseline vitamin D status was similar. However, oral vitamin D supplementation revealed a decreased bioavailability of vitamin D in obese men and ameliorated their hypersecretion of parathyroid hormone and insulin resistance.
Cortical Spreading Depolarization Stimulates Gliogenesis in the Rat Entorhinal Cortex
Authors: Urbach Anja , Brueckner Judith , Witte Otto W
Published: December 2014

Recently, we showed that cortical spreading depolarizations (CSDs) are a potent trigger of hippocampal neurogenesis. Here, we evaluated CSD-induced cytogenesis in the entorhinal cortex (EC), which provides the major afferent input to the dentate gyrus. Cortical spreading depolarizations were induced by epidural application of 3 mol/L KCl, controls received equimolar NaCl. Cytogenesis was analyzed at different time points thereafter by means of intraperitoneal 5-bromodeoxyuridine injections (day 2, 4, or days 1 to 7) and immunohistochemistry. Recurrent CSD significantly increased numbers of newborn cells in the ipsilateral EC. The majority of these cells expressed glial markers. Microglia proliferation was maximal at day 2, whereas NG2 glia and astrocytes responded for a prolonged period of time (days 2 to 4). Newborn glia remained detectable for 6 weeks after CSD. Whereas we furthermore detected newborn cells immunopositive for doublecortin, a marker for immature neuronal cells, we found no evidence for the generation of new neurons in the EC. Our results indicate that CSD is a potent gliogenic stimulus, leading to rapid and enduring changes in the glial cellular composition of the affected brain tissue. Thus, CSD facilitates ongoing structural remodeling of the directly affected cortex that might contribute to the pathophysiology of CSD-related brain pathologies.
Partial melting of deeply subducted eclogite from the Sulu orogen in China
Authors: Wang Lu , Kusky Timothy M. , Polat Ali , Wang Songjie , Jiang Xingfu , Zong Keqing , Wang Junpeng , Deng Hao , Fu Jianmin
Published: December 2014

We report partial melting of an ultrahigh pressure eclogite in the Mesozoic Sulu orogen, China. Eclogitic migmatite shows successive stages of initial intragranular and grain boundary melt droplets, which grow into a three-dimensional interconnected intergranular network, then segregate and accumulate in pressure shadow areas and then merge to form melt channels and dikes that transport magma to higher in the lithosphere. Here we show, using zircon U–Pb dating and petrological analyses, that partial melting occurred at 228–219 Myr ago, shortly after peak metamorphism at 230 Myr ago. The melts and residues are complimentarily enriched and depleted in light rare earth element (LREE) compared with the original rock. Partial melting of deeply subducted eclogite is an important process in determining the rheological structure and mechanical behaviour of subducted lithosphere and its rapid exhumation, controlling the flow of deep lithospheric material, and for generation of melts from the upper mantle, potentially contributing to arc magmatism and growth of continental crust.
Magnetic and Electronic Evolutions of Hydrogenated VTe2 Monolayer under Tension
Authors: Pan Hui
Published: December 2014

Two-dimensional nanostructures with controllable magnetic and electronic properties are desirable for their versatile applications in quantum devices. Here, we present a first-principles design on their magnetic and electronic switching controlled by tension. We find that hydrogenated VTe2 monolayer experiences a transfer from anti-ferromagnetism to ferromagnetism via a turning-point of paramagnetism and switches from semiconductor, to metal, further to half-metal as tension increases. We show that its anti-ferromagnetism with semiconducting or metallic character under low tension is contributed to super-exchange or mobile-carrier enhanced super-exchange, while the ferromagnetism with half-metallic character under high tension is induced by carrier-mediated double exchange. We further show that the magnetic and electronic evolutions of hydrogenated VS2 and VSe2 monolayers under tension follow the same trend as those of hydrogenated VTe2 monolayer. We predict that tension is efficient and simple to control the magnetic and electronic properties of hydrogenated vanadium dichalcogenides monolayers. The monolayers with controllable magnetism and conductivity may find applications in multi-functional nanodevices.
Surface Acoustic Wave Based Microfluidics and Droplet Applications
Authors: Franke Thomas , Frommelt Thomas , Schmid Lothar , Braunmüller Susanne , Huang Tony Jun , Wixforth Achim
Published: December 2014

Surface acoustic waves are used to induce acoustic streaming in small amounts of liquid on a chip surface. Both mixing as well as actuation of the fluid can be achieved in an efficient and controllable manner. This way, highly complex chip based assay laboratories can be created. Combined with elastomer microfluidic devices and droplet based microreactors, high speed and very selective cell sorters have been recently demonstrated.
Differentiation of vehicle top coating paints using pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and multivariate chemometrics with statistical comparisons
Authors: Yang Sheng-Hsiung , Shen Jermiah Y. , Chang Matt S. , Wu Gaston J.
Published: December 2014

Method which combines mass spectra average from Py-GC/MS and multivariate SPSS statistics for forensic identification of vehicle paints.
Eugenic metal-free sensitizers with double anchors for high performance dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Hung Wei-I , Liao You-Ya , Lee Ting-Hui , Ting Yu-Chien , Ni Jen-Shyang , Kao Wei-Siang , Lin Jiann T. , Wei Tzu-Chien , Yen Yung-Sheng
Published: December 2014

The best cell efficiency of the new dye outperforms that of the N719-based standard cell by ∼13%.
Synthesis and photophysical properties of platinum-acetylide copolymers with thiophene, selenophene and tellurophene
Authors: Mahrok AnjanPreet K. , Carrera Elisa I. , Tilley Andrew J. , Ye Shuyang , Seferos Dwight S.
Published: December 2014

A series of platinum-acetylide copolymers with thiophene, selenophene, and tellurophene have been synthesized and studied.
Studies of the complexation behavior of tetramorpholinylo-PNP-lariat ether with Ag(i), Ca(ii), Cd(ii), Cu(ii) and Pb(ii) using Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Gutowska Natalia , Pasternak Beata , Seliger Piotr , Andrijewski Grzegorz
Published: December 2014

The identification of complexes containing PNP-lariat ether with Ag(i), Ca(ii), Cu(ii), Cd(ii) and Pb(ii) by ESI-MS technique is presented. The tandem mass spectra of these complexes were done in order to evaluate the stability of the different types of the complexes formed.
Fabrication of mesoporous silica nanospheres with radially oriented mesochannels by microemulsion templating for adsorption and controlled release of aspirin
Authors: Pang Jinli , Li Xiuyan , Zhou Guowei , Sun Bin , Wei Yingqin
Published: December 2014

The MSN spheres with narrow size distribution and radially oriented mesoporous channels were prepared using an O/W microemulsion system, consisting of CTAB (or PVP), ethanol, cyclohexane and water as template.
Arsenic removal from aqueous solutions by adsorption using novel MIL-53(Fe) as a highly efficient adsorbent
Authors: Vu Tuan. A. , Le Giang. H. , Dao Canh. D. , Dang Lan. Q. , Nguyen Kien. T. , Nguyen Quang. K. , Dang Phuong. T. , Tran Hoa. T. K. , Duong Quang. T. , Nguyen Tuyen. V. , Lee Gun. D.
Published: December 2014

A MIL-53(Fe) analogue was successfully synthesized by a HF free-solvothermal method.
Electrochemical performance of reduced graphene oxide surface-modified with 9-anthracene carboxylic acid
Authors: Khanra Partha , Uddin Md. Elias , Kim Nam Hoon , Kuila Tapas , Lee Seung Hee , Lee Joong Hee
Published: December 2014

An efficient approach for the preparation of 9-anthracene carboxylic acid (ACA) modified reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was demonstrated in this study.
Near threshold photodissociation study of EMIMBF4 vapor
Authors: Kuusik I. , Tarkanovskaja M. , Kruusma J. , Reedo V. , Välbe R. , Lõhmus A. , Kisand V. , Lust E. , Kukk E. , Nõmmiste E.
Published: December 2014

Photodissociation of the [EMIM][BF4] ionic liquid vapors following excitation with light in the vacuum ultraviolet region was studied at different liquid temperatures.
Rapid evaluation of the interaction energies for carbohydrate-containing hydrogen-bonded complexes via the polarizable dipole–dipole interaction model combined with NBO or AM1 charge
Authors: Hao Jiao-Jiao , Wang Chang-Sheng
Published: December 2014

The polarizable dipole–dipole interaction model has been developed to rapidly and accurately estimate the hydrogen bond distances and interaction energies for carbohydrate-containing hydrogen-bonded complexes.
Thermodynamic stability and correlation with synthesis conditions, structure and phase transformations in orthorhombic and monoclinic Li2M(SO4)2 (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) polymorphs
Authors: Radha A. V. , Lander L. , Rousse G. , Tarascon J. M. , Navrotsky A.
Published: December 2014

Calorimetric studies demonstrate that higher symmetry orthorhombic Li2M(SO4)2 (M = Co, Fe) have lower energetic stability than the corresponding monoclinic phases.
An in vitro study on the collective tumor cell migration on nanoroughened poly(dimethylsiloxane) surfaces
Authors: Han Jingjing , Menon Nishanth V. , Kang Yuejun , Tee Shang-You
Published: December 2014

A simple and effective method to engineer surface nanoroughness contrast for a comparative study on the collective migration of tumor cells.
High resolution IR diode laser study of collisional energy transfer between highly vibrationally excited monofluorobenzene and CO2: The effect of donor fluorination on strong collision energy transfer
Authors: Kim Kilyoung , Johnson Alan M. , Powell Amber L. , Mitchell Deborah G. , Sevy Eric T.
Published: December 2014

Collisional energy transfer between vibrational ground state CO2 and highly vibrationally excited monofluorobenzene (MFB) was studied using narrow bandwidth (0.0003 cm−1) IR diode laser absorption spectroscopy. Highly vibrationally excited MFB with E′ = ∼41 000 cm−1 was prepared by 248 nm UV excitation followed by rapid radiationless internal conversion to the electronic ground state (S1→S0*). The amount of vibrational energy transferred from hot MFB into rotations and translations of CO2 via collisions was measured by probing the scattered CO2 using the IR diode laser. The absolute state specific energy transfer rate constants and scattering probabilities for single collisions between hot MFB and CO2 were measured and used to determine the energy transfer probability distribution function, P(E,E′), in the large ΔE region. P(E,E′) was then fit to a bi-exponential function and extrapolated to the low ΔE region. P(E,E′) and the biexponential fit data were used to determine the partitioning between weak and strong collisions as well as investigate molecular properties responsible for large collisional energy transfer events. Fermi's Golden rule was used to model the shape of P(E,E′) and identify which donor vibrational motions are primarily responsible for energy transfer. In general, the results suggest that low-frequency MFB vibrational modes are primarily responsible for strong collisions, and govern the shape and magnitude of P(E,E′). Where deviations from this general trend occur, vibrational modes with large negative anharmonicity constants are more efficient energy gateways than modes with similar frequency, while vibrational modes with large positive anharmonicity constants are less efficient at energy transfer than modes of similar frequency.
Coupled Ostrovsky equations for internal waves in a shear flow
Authors: Alias A. , Grimshaw R. H. J. , Khusnutdinova K. R.
Published: December 2014

In the context of fluid flows, the coupled Ostrovsky equations arise when two distinct linear long wave modes have nearly coincident phase speeds in the presence of background rotation. In this paper, nonlinear waves in a stratified fluid in the presence of shear flow are investigated both analytically, using techniques from asymptotic perturbation theory, and through numerical simulations. The dispersion relation of the system, based on a three-layer model of a stratified shear flow, reveals various dynamical behaviours, including the existence of unsteady and steady envelope wave packets.
Effect of pulse frequency on microstructural, nanomechanical, and wear properties of electrodeposited Ni–TiN composite coatings
Authors: Xia Fafeng , Tian Jiyu , Ma Chunyang , Potts Matt , Guo Xue
Published: December 2014

The current paper reports successful syntheses of Ni–TiN composite coatings by pulse electrodeposition. The effect of pulse frequency on the microstructures, nanomechanical, and wear properties of the coatings was investigated using transmission electron microscopy, X–ray diffraction, nanoindenter, scanning electron microscopy, and wear test instrument. The results showed that the Ni–TiN composite coating prepared at the pulse frequency of 100 Hz showed the presence of a less number of TiN particles and some degrees of aggregation in micro-regions. By contrast, in the Ni–TiN coating deposited at the pulse frequency of 500 Hz, the TiN particles were large in number and dispersed homogeneously, thereby, offering the coating a uniform and fine structure. The average grain diameters of Ni and TiN in the coating prepared at 100 Hz were 154.7 and 44.8 nm, respectively, whereas those for the coating prepared at 500 Hz were 67.3 and 25.9 nm, respectively. The maximum TiN content in the Ni-TiN coating deposited at 800 Hz was approximately 10.5 wt. %. The maximum microhardness and the Young's modulus values for the Ni–TiN composite coatings deposited at 800 Hz were 35.7 GPa and 167.4 GPa, respectively. Furthermore, the Ni–TiN composite coating prepared at 100 Hz had more severe damages, whereas the morphologies of worn surface of the coatings deposited at 500 Hz and 800 Hz were smooth and only a few small pits appeared on the surface.
Evolution of structural and magnetic properties due to nanocrystallization of mechanically milled amorphous Pr-Co-B powders
Authors: Ucar Huseyin , Nlebedim Ikenna C. , Parans Paranthaman M. , William McCallum R.
Published: December 2014

Pr2Co14B permanent magnet powders were prepared by mechanical milling of an arc-melted ingot. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of the 2:14:1 phase after 1 h of milling which transformed into an amorphous phase with additional milling time. Increasing the milling time also lowered the intrinsic coercivity while the saturation magnetization increased up to 105 emu/g. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements revealed a crystallization temperature of around 560 °C. Upon annealing 30 h of as-milled amorphous powders between 500 and 900 °C, we observed the precipitation of the 2:14:1 phase. The optimum post-milling annealing temperature was 600 °C with an intrinsic coercivity of 7 kOe and maximum energy product of 6 MGOe.
Electron trapping and acceleration by the plasma wakefield of a self-modulating proton beam
Authors: Lotov K. V. , Sosedkin A. P. , Petrenko A. V. , Amorim L. D. , Vieira J. , Fonseca R. A. , Silva L. O. , Gschwendtner E. , Muggli P.
Published: December 2014

It is shown that co-linear injection of electrons or positrons into the wakefield of the self-modulating particle beam is possible and ensures high energy gain. The witness beam must co-propagate with the tail part of the driver, since the plasma wave phase velocity there can exceed the light velocity, which is necessary for efficient acceleration. If the witness beam is many wakefield periods long, then the trapped charge is limited by beam loading effects. The initial trapping is better for positrons, but at the acceleration stage a considerable fraction of positrons is lost from the wave. For efficient trapping of electrons, the plasma boundary must be sharp, with the density transition region shorter than several centimeters. Positrons are not susceptible to the initial plasma density gradient.
First-principles simulations of electrostatic interactions between dust grains
Authors: Itou H. , Amano T. , Hoshino M.
Published: December 2014

We investigated the electrostatic interaction between two identical dust grains of an infinite mass immersed in homogeneous plasma by employing first-principles N-body simulations combined with the Ewald method. We specifically tested the possibility of an attractive force due to overlapping Debye spheres (ODSs), as was suggested by Resendes et al. [Phys. Lett. A 239, 181–186 (1998)]. Our simulation results demonstrate that the electrostatic interaction is repulsive and even stronger than the standard Yukawa potential. We showed that the measured electric field acting on the grain is highly consistent with a model electrostatic potential around a single isolated grain that takes into account a correction due to the orbital motion limited theory. Our result is qualitatively consistent with the counterargument suggested by Markes and Williams [Phys. Lett. A 278, 152–158 (2000)], indicating the absence of the ODS attractive force.
Stochastic soil water balance under seasonal climates
Authors: Feng Xue , Porporato Amilcare , Rodriguez-Iturbe Ignacio
Published: December 2014

The analysis of soil water partitioning in seasonally dry climates necessarily requires careful consideration of the periodic climatic forcing at the intra-annual timescale in addition to daily scale variabilities. Here, we introduce three new extensions to a stochastic soil moisture model which yields seasonal evolution of soil moisture and relevant hydrological fluxes. These approximations allow seasonal climatic forcings (e.g. rainfall and potential evapotranspiration) to be fully resolved, extending the analysis of soil water partitioning to account explicitly for the seasonal amplitude and the phase difference between the climatic forcings. The results provide accurate descriptions of probabilistic soil moisture dynamics under seasonal climates without requiring extensive numerical simulations. We also find that the transfer of soil moisture between the wet to the dry season is responsible for hysteresis in the hydrological response, showing asymmetrical trajectories in the mean soil moisture and in the transient Budyko's curves during the ‘dry-down‘ versus the ‘rewetting‘ phases of the year. Furthermore, in some dry climates where rainfall and potential evapotranspiration are in-phase, annual evapotranspiration can be shown to increase because of inter-seasonal soil moisture transfer, highlighting the importance of soil water storage in the seasonal context.
The natural history of levator avulsion one year following childbirth: a prospective study
Authors: van Delft KWM , Thakar R , Sultan AH , IntHout J , Kluivers KB
Published: December 2014

Objective

To explore the natural history of levator avulsion in primipara 1 year postpartum and correlate this to pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD).

Design

Observational longitudinal cohort study.

Setting

District General University Hospital.

Population or sample

Nullipara at 36 weeks of gestation, 3 months and 1 year postpartum.

Methods

Validated methods assessed muscle strength, prolapse, ultrasound measurements of levator hiatus and avulsion, and questionnaires for sexual function, and urinary and anal incontinence. Pattern differences over time were evaluated using linear mixed models.

Main outcome measures

Natural history of levator avulsion and relationship with PFD.

Results

Of the 269 nullipara, 191 returned at 3 months and 147 (55%) at 1 year postpartum; 109 had a vaginal delivery and 38 had a caesarean delivery. Sixty‐two percent (n = 13/21; 95% CI 41–79%) of levator avulsions diagnosed 3 months postpartum were no longer evident at 1 year. Following vaginal delivery, nine women (8%, 95% CI 4.2–15.1%) had persistent levator avulsion. Most changes in PFD occurred between the antenatal and first postnatal visit, without improvement at 1 year. Women with persistent levator avulsion had significantly worse deterioration patterns of muscle strength, hiatus measurements and vaginal symptoms (loose vagina/lump sensation). However, evidence of PFD was also related to no longer evident levator avulsion.

Conclusions

Sixty‐two percent of levator avulsions were no longer evident 1 year postpartum. Partial avulsion has a tendency to improve over time, which seems to be less common for complete levator avulsions. Women with no longer evident and persistent levator avulsion had PFD, with worse patterns in presence of persistent avulsion.
Impact of diagenesis on reservoir quality in a sedimentary geothermal play: a case study in theCooperBasin,SouthAustralia
Authors: Dillinger Antoine , Ricard Ludovic P. , Huddlestone‐Holmes Cameron , Esteban Lionel
Published: December 2014

Geothermal resources hosted within sedimentary basins with high natural permeability have been targeted for the production of energy in Australia. The Hutton Sandstone (Cooper‐Eromanga Basin) – a prolific oil and gas producer known to have good reservoir quality and high reservoir volume – was recently tested for its geothermal potential in the Cooper Region. However, recent exploratory drilling did not produce the anticipated flow rates, raising the question of the impact of diagenesis on the reservoir quality of this sedimentary formation. The combined characterization of the petrology, diagenesis and petrophysical properties of the Hutton Sandstone at Celsius‐1 and other surrounding wells indicates variable reservoir properties in the Cooper Region. This integrated study demonstrates that low formation permeability occurs at geothermal target depth and explains the negligible flow rates obtained at Celsius‐1. These low permeabilities are the results of the preservation of widespread detrital clayey matrix and the extensive occurrence of authigenic kaolinite, illite and silica cements at the top and base of the Hutton Sandstone. This aspect is confirmed byNMRT2transversal relaxation time becoming shorter at similar depths. Petrography analysis also reveals that sandstones are affected by diagenetic processes of the eogenetic and mesogenetic phases. However, the Hutton Sandstone at Celsius‐1 is presently at pressure‐temperature conditions that are below the mesogenetic conditions, which suggests a late episode of uplift and cooling from maximum palaeotemperatures.
In silico analysis and experimental validation of active compounds from fructus Schisandrae chinensis in protection from hepatic injury
Authors: Wang S. Y. , Fu L. L. , Zhang S. Y. , Tian M. , Zhang L. , Zheng Y. X. , Wang J. H. , Huang J. , Ouyang L.
Published: December 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore mechanisms by which fructus Schisandrae chinensis (Wuweizi) is able to reveal its protective capacity against hepatocyte injury.

Materials and methods

Identification of candidate small molecular compounds was performed by text‐mining, extraction and isolation, reverse‐docking, network construction, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. In vitro cytological examination and western blotting were used to validate efficacy of selected compounds.

Results

We analyzed chemical composition of fructus Schisandrae chinensis and constructed protein–protein networks of key targets. Networks of miRNA‐protein were constructed. Molecular docking and MD simulation results supported good interaction between selected compound 11/12 and GBA3/SHBG. Further in vitro examination divulged molecular mechanisms involved.

Conclusions

In silico analysis and experimental validation together demonstrated that compound 11/12 of fructus Schisandrae chinensis targetted GBA3/SHBG in hepatocytes. Hopefully this will shed light on exploration of its complex molecular mechanisms.
Ecological impacts of small hydropower plants on headwater stream fish: from individual to community effects
Authors: Benejam Lluís , Saura‐Mas Sandra , Bardina Mònica , Solà Carolina , Munné Antoni , García‐Berthou Emili
Published: December 2014

Hydroelectricity is increasingly used worldwide as a source of renewable energy, and many mountain ranges have dozens or hundreds of hydropower plants, with many more being under construction or planned. Although the ecological impacts of large dams are relatively well known, the effects of small hydropower plants and their weirs have been much less investigated. We studied the effects of water diversion of small hydropower plants on fish assemblages in the upper Ter river basin (Catalonia, NE Spain), which has headwater reaches with good water quality and no large dams but many of such plants. We studied fish populations and habitat features on control and impacted reaches for water diversion of 16 hydropower plants. In the impacted reaches, there was a significantly lower presence of refuges for fish, poorer habitat quality, more pools and less riffles and macrophytes, and shallower water levels. We also observed higher fish abundance, larger mean fish size and better fish condition in the control than in impacted reaches, although the results were species‐specific. Accordingly, species composition was also affected, with lower relative abundance of brown trout (Salmo trutta) and Pyrenean minnow (Phoxinus bigerri) in the impacted reaches and higher presence of stone loach (Barbatula quignardi) and Mediterranean barbel (Barbus meridionalis). Our study highlights the effects of water diversion of small hydropower plants from the individual to the population and community levels but probably underestimates them, urging for further assessment and mitigation of these ecological impacts.
Antimicrobial activity of Chlorhexidine, Peracetic acid and Sodium hypochlorite/etidronate irrigant solutions against Enterococcus faecalis biofilms
Authors: Arias‐Moliz M. T. , Ordinola‐Zapata R. , Baca P. , Ruiz‐Linares M. , García García E. , Hungaro Duarte M. A. , Monteiro Bramante C. , Ferrer‐Luque C. M.
Published: December 2014

Aim

To evaluate the antimicrobial effect of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite alone (NaOCl) and associated with 9% HEBP (NaOCl/HEBP), 2% peracetic acid (PAA) and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), on the viability of Enterococcus faecalis biofilms attached to dentine.

Methodology

Biofilms of E. faecalis were grown on the surface of dentine blocks for 5 days and then exposed to the irrigating solutions for 3 min. Distilled water was used as the control. The total biovolume and the percentage of dead cells of the infected dentine were measured by means of confocal microscopy and the live/dead technique. Nonparametric tests were used to determine statistical differences (P < 0.05).

Results

NaOCl and the NaOCl/HEBP mixture were associated with a significantly greater percentage of dead cells, followed by PAA (P < 0.05). No significant antimicrobial effect of CHX was observed in comparison with the control group. Total biovolume decreased significantly in NaOCl, NaOCl/HEBP and PAA solutions in comparison with the CHX and control groups.

Conclusions

NaOCl alone or associated with HEBP were the most effective irrigant solutions in dissolving and killing E. faecalis biofilms.
A Role for Nonapeptides and Dopamine in Nest‐Building Behaviour
Authors: Hall Z. J. , Healy S. D. , Meddle S. L.
Published: December 2014

During nest building in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), several regions in the social behaviour network and the dopaminergic reward system, which are two neural circuits involved in social behaviour, appear to be active in male and female nest‐building finches. Because the nonapeptides, mesotocin and vasotocin and the neurotransmitter, dopamine, play important roles in avian social behaviour, we tested the hypothesis that mesotocinergic‐vasotocinergic and dopaminergic neuronal populations in the social behaviour network and dopaminergic reward system, respectively, are active during nest building. We combined immunohistochemistry for Fos (an indirect marker of neuronal activity) and vasotocin, mesotocin or tyrosine hydroxylase on brain tissue from nest‐building and non‐nest‐building male and female zebra finches and compared Fos immunoreactivity in these neuronal populations with the variation in nest‐building behaviour. Fos immunoreactivity in all three types of neuronal populations increased with some aspect of nest building: (i) higher immunoreactivity in a mesotocinergic neuronal population of nest‐building finches compared to controls; (ii) increased immunoreactivity in the vasotocinergic neuronal populations in relation to the amount of material picked up by nest‐building males and the length of time that a male spent in the nest with his mate; and (iii) increased immunoreactivity in a dopaminergic neuronal population in relation to the length of time that a male nest‐building finch spent in the nest with his mate. Taken together, these findings provide evidence for a role of the mesotocinergic‐vasotocinergic and dopaminergic systems in avian nest building.
Quantitative trait locus mapping identifies candidate alleles involved in adaptive introgression and range expansion in a wild sunflower
Authors: Whitney Kenneth D. , Broman Karl W. , Kane Nolan C. , Hovick Stephen M. , Randell Rebecca A. , Rieseberg Loren H.
Published: December 2014

The wild North American sunflowersHelianthus annuusandH. debilisare participants in one of the earliest identified examples of adaptive trait introgression, and the exchange is hypothesized to have triggered a range expansion inH. annuus. However, the genetic basis of the adaptive exchange has not been examined. Here, we combine quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping with field measurements of fitness to identify candidateH. debilisQTLalleles likely to have introgressed intoH. annuusto form the natural hybrid lineageH. a. texanus. Two 500‐individualBC1mapping populations were grown in central Texas, genotyped for 384 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and then phenotyped in the field for two fitness and 22 herbivore resistance, ecophysiological, phenological and architectural traits. We identified a total of 110QTL, including at least oneQTLfor 22 of the 24 traits. Over 75% of traits exhibited at least oneH. debilisQTLallele that would shift the trait in the direction of the wild hybridH. a. texanus. We identified three chromosomal regions whereH. debilisalleles increased both female and male components of fitness; these regions are expected to be strongly favoured in the wild.QTLfor a number of other ecophysiological, phenological and architectural traits colocalized with these three regions and are candidates for the actual traits driving adaptive shifts. G × E interactions played a modest role, with 17% of theQTLshowing potentially divergent phenotypic effects between the two field sites. The candidate adaptive chromosomal regions identified here serve as explicit hypotheses for how the genetic architecture of the hybrid lineage came into existence.