bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic and crystalline structures of zero band-gap LuPdBi thin films grown epitaxially on MgO(100)
Authors: Shan Rong , Ouardi Siham , Fecher Gerhard H. , Gao Li , Kellock Andrew , Roche Kevin P. , Samant Mahesh G. , ViolBarbosa Carlos E. , Ikenaga Eiji , Felser Claudia , Parkin Stuart S. P.
Published: May 2013

Thin films of the proposed topological insulator LuPdBi—a Heusler compound with the C1b structure—were prepared on Ta-Mo-buffered MgO(100) substrates by co-sputtering from PdBi2 and Lu targets. Epitaxial growth of LuPdBi films was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and reflection high-energy electron diffraction. The root-mean-square roughness of the films was as low as 1.45 nm, even though the films were deposited at high temperature. The film composition is close to the ideal stoichiometric ratio. The valence band spectra of the LuPdBi films, observed by hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, correspond very well with the ab initio-calculated density of states.
Optical emission from a small scale model electric arc furnace in 250–600 nm region
Authors: Mäkinen A. , Niskanen J. , Tikkala H. , Aksela H.
Published: May 2013

Optical emission spectroscopy has been for long proposed for monitoring and studying industrial steel making processes. Whereas the radiative decay of thermal excitations is always taking place in high temperatures needed in steel production, one of the most promising environment for such studies are electric arc furnaces, creating plasma in excited electronic states that relax with intense characteristic emission in the optical regime. Unfortunately, large industrial scale electric arc furnaces also present a challenging environment for optical emission studies and application of the method is not straightforward. To study the usability of optical emission spectroscopy in real electric arc furnaces, we have developed a laboratory scale DC electric arc furnace presented in this paper. With the setup, optical emission spectra of Fe, Cr, Cr2O3, Ni, SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, and MgO were recorded in the wavelength range 250–600 nm and the results were analyzed with the help of reference data. The work demonstrates that using characteristic optical emission, obtaining in situ chemical information from oscillating plasma of electric arc furnaces is indeed possible. In spite of complications, the method could possibly be applied to industrial scale steel making process in order to improve its efficiency.
Controllable and enhanced nanojet effects excited by surface plasmon polariton
Authors: Ju Dongquan , Pei Hanzhang , Jiang Yongyuan , Sun Xiudong
Published: May 2013

Nanojet effects excited by surface plasmon polariton at the shadow-side surfaces of dielectric microdisks positioned on gold films are reported. The surface plasmon nanojet can propagate over several optical wavelengths while still maintaining a subwavelength full-width at half-maximum transverse. Due to the nature of surface plasmon wave, the electric field of the highly confined nanojet at metal-dielectric interface is enhanced by about 30 times. By varying thickness of the dielectric microdisk, the formation of surface plasmon polariton nanojet can be flexibly controlled. The surface plasmon polariton nanojet shows great promise for enhanced Raman scattering and integrated plasmonic circuits.
Multipoint relative humidity measurement by polyvinyl alcohol-coated Fresnel reflection-based optical fiber sensors with an array-waveguide grating
Authors: Wang Xueping , Zhao Chun-Liu , Li Jihui , Jin Yongxing , Jin Shangzhong
Published: May 2013

A simple multipoint humidity measurement by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-coated Fresnel reflection-based optical fiber sensors with an Array-Waveguide Grating (AWG) is proposed and demonstrated. Every channel end of the AWG is split as a vertical planar surface, and then is coated with a layer of a PVA whose refractive index is sensitive to moisture. The reflection intensity for each channel will change with its surrounding humidity, since the optical fiber interface's Fresnel reflection is affected strongly by the refractive index difference of the interface two sides. Multiplexing is achieved by the AWG with 16 channels, in which 15 channels can be used as sensing heads when they are coated with a layer of PVA and the left one is used as a reference channel. The experimental setup is simple and easy to handle. Experimental results show that the proposed Fresnel reflection-based optical fiber sensor for multipoint humidity measurement works well and the average sensitivity is 0.135 dB/% relative humidity (RH) within the measurement range of 30%–80% RH.
Spherical cluster ensembles with fractal structure in LaSrMnO: New form of self-organization in solids
Authors: Okunev V. D. , Samoilenko Z. A. , Szymczak H. , Szymczak R. , Burkhovetski V. V. , Lewandowski S. J.
Published: May 2013

The growth of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 films in magnetron plasma, in special conditions, leads to the appearance of ensembles of micron-sized spherical crystalline clusters with fractal structure, which we consider to be a new form of self-organization in solids. Each ensemble contains 105–106 elementary clusters, 100–250 Å in diameter. Interaction of the clusters in the ensemble is realized through the interatomic chemical bonds, intrinsic to the manganites. Integration of peripheral areas of interacting clusters results in the formation of common intercluster medium in the ensemble. We argue that the ensembles with fractal structure built into paramagnetic disordered matrix have ferromagnetic properties. Absence of sharp borders between elementary clusters and the presence of common intercluster medium inside each ensemble permits to rearrange magnetic order and to change the volume of the ferromagnetic phase, providing automatically a high sensitivity of the material to the external field.
Atomistic simulation study of defects in h-HoMnO3
Authors: Jiang Ning , Zhang X.
Published: May 2013

We suggest an interatomic potential for multiferroic hexagonal HoMnO3, which accurately reproduces the observed structural properties. The potential is further employed to investigate key issues relating to intrinsic defect and cation doping in h-HoMnO3. The most favorable intrinsic defect is determined to be planar oxygen Frenkel defect. Attempted doping is related with both dopant size and valence. Charge compensation is predicted to occur via electronic defect formation. Divalent state is more stable for polyvalent dopants. Substitution takes place preferentially on Mn site, while oxygen deficiency strongly affects dopant site selectivity. The local structure distortion induced by doping is also investigated.
Low power W:AlOx/WOx bilayer resistive switching structure based on conductive filament formation and rupture mechanism
Authors: Bai Yue , Wu Huaqiang , Zhang Ye , Wu Minghao , Zhang Jinyu , Deng Ning , Qian He , Yu Zhiping
Published: May 2013

We report the design and fabrication of W:AlOx/WOx bilayer based resistive switching cells in a standard 0.18 μm CMOS process with only one extra mask. The devices show excellent performance with low power consumption. Low operation voltages (SET voltage < 1.5 V, RESET voltage < 1.3 V) are achieved, and specifically, the RESET and SET currents are lower than 1 μA. For the 0.3 μm×0.3 μm active area of the cell, the current density is below 1.1×103A/cm2, which is much smaller than previous reported results. To reveal the resistive switching mechanism, various physical analysis techniques were employed to examine the microstructures, compositions, and chemical states. Current-voltage and capacitance-voltage electrical characterizations were carried out on these devices. Based on the physical and electrical characteristics, a conductive filament formation and rupture mechanism is proposed to explain the W:AlOx/WOx bilayer structure resistive switching phenomena.
Oblique metal gratings transparent for broadband terahertz waves
Authors: Fan Ren-Hao , Li Jia , Peng Ru-Wen , Huang Xian-Rong , Qi Dong-Xiang , Xu Di-Hu , Ren Xiao-Ping , Wang Mu
Published: May 2013

In this work, we experimentally and theoretically demonstrate that oblique metal gratings with optimal tilt angles can become transparent for broadband terahertz waves under normal incidence. Direct imaging is applied to intuitively prove this broadband transparency phenomenon of structured metals. The transparency is insensitive to the grating thickness due to the non-resonance mechanism, and the optimal tilt angle is determined only by the strip width and the grating period. The oblique metal gratings with broadband transparence may have many potential applications, such as transparent conducting panels, white-beam polarizers, and stealth objects.
Real-time vector field tracking with a cold-atom magnetometer
Authors: Behbood N. , Martin Ciurana F. , Colangelo G. , Napolitano M. , Mitchell M. W. , Sewell R. J.
Published: May 2013

We demonstrate a fast three-axis optical magnetometer using cold, optically trapped 87Rb gas as a sensor. By near-resonant Faraday rotation we record the free-induction decay of a spin polarized ensemble following optical to obtain the three field components and one gradient component. A single measurement achieves shot-noise limited sub-nT sensitivity in 1 ms, with transverse spatial resolution of ∼20 μm. We make a detailed analysis of the shot-noise-limited sensitivity.
Phase-sensitive imaging of cold atoms at the shot-noise limit
Authors: Light P. S. , Perrella C. , Luiten A. N.
Published: May 2013

We demonstrate simultaneous phase and amplitude imaging of cold atoms using an intrinsically stable interferometer based on polarization beam-displacers. This method allows for the straight-forward retrieval of absorption and phase-shift experienced by an optical probe transmitted through an atomic sample. Furthermore, we show that our technique has a signal-to-noise ratio limited only by photon shot-noise.
Two-step growth of high quality Bi2Te3 thin films on Al2O3 (0001) by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Harrison S. E. , Li S. , Huo Y. , Zhou B. , Chen Y. L. , Harris J. S.
Published: May 2013

Large-area topological insulator Bi2Te3 thin films were grown on Al2O3 (0001) using a two-temperature step molecular beam epitaxy growth process. By depositing a low temperature nucleation layer to serve as a template for high temperature epitaxial film growth, a high quality terrace-step surface morphology with a significant reduction in three-dimensional defect structures was achieved. X-ray diffraction measurements indicate that high crystalline quality Bi2Te3 layers were grown incoherently by van der Waals epitaxy using this technique. Angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements verified the integrity of this growth method by confirming the presence of metallic surface states on cleaved two-step Bi2Te3 samples.
Economic feasibility and environmental life cycle assessment of ethanol production from lignocellulosic feedstock in Pacific Northwest U.S.
Authors: Juneja Ankita , Kumar Deepak , Murthy Ganti S.
Published: May 2013

Bioethanol produced from the lignocellulosic feedstock is a potential alternative to fossil fuels in transportation sector and can help in reducing environmental burdens. Straw produced from perennial ryegrass (PR) and wheat is a non-food, cellulosic biomass resource available in abundance in the Pacific Northwest U.S. The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic viability and to estimate the energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during life cycle of ethanol production from PR and wheat straw. Economic analysis of ethanol production on commercial scale was performed using engineering process model of ethanol production plant with processing capacity of 250 000 metric tons of feedstock/year, simulated in SuperPro designer. Ethanol yields for PR and wheat straw were estimated 250.7 and 316.2 l/dry metric ton biomass, respectively, with annual ethanol production capacity of 58.3 and 73.5 × 106 l, respectively. Corresponding production costs of ethanol from PR and wheat straw were projected to be $0.86 and $0.71/l ethanol. Energy and emissions were calculated per functional unit which was defined as 10 000 MJ of available energy in fuel at the pump. Fossil energies were calculated as 4282.9 and 2656.7 MJ to produce one functional unit of ethanol from PR and wheat straw, respectively. The GHG emissions during life cycle of ethanol production from PR and wheat straw were found to be 227.6% and 284.3% less than those produced for 10 000 MJ of gasoline. Results from sensitivity analysis indicated that there is a potential to reduce ethanol production cost by making technological improvements in pentose fermentation and enzyme production. The integrated economic and ecological assessment analyses are helpful in determining long-term sustainability of a product and can be used to drive energy policies in an environmentally sustainable direction.
Towards detecting the human immunodeficiency virus using microcantilever sensors
Authors: Alodhayb Abdullah , Brown Nicole , Saydur Rahman S. M. , Harrigan Richard , Beaulieu L. Y.
Published: May 2013

Detecting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is difficult because the virus is prone to mutations and is in low concentrations in the body. Inside the HIV virion are two well characterized single stranded (ss) RNA molecules (viral genome) that feature both variable regions and regions that are conserved under virus mutation. In this work, microcantilever sensors have been employed as potential HIV detectors by targeting a conserved sequence of the viral genome by attempting to detect target ssDNA and ssRNA molecules that are significantly longer than the ssDNA molecules functionalized on the cantilever.
Spectrally and time resolved photoluminescence analysis of the CdS/CdTe interface in thin-film photovoltaic solar cells
Authors: Kuciauskas Darius , Kanevce Ana , Duenow Joel N. , Dippo Pat , Young Matthew , Li Jian V. , Levi Dean H. , Gessert Timothy A.
Published: May 2013

Light absorption and charge separation in thin-film polycrystalline cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic (PV) solar cells largely occur in the vicinity of the CdS/CdTe interface. Sulfur alloying at this interface to form CdSxTe1-x and doping with Cu appear to be important for efficient PV devices. Based on the different band gaps of CdSxTe1-x and CdTe, we apply spectroscopic and computational photoluminescence (PL) analysis to characterize this interface. We find that Cu concentration changes the dynamics of charge separation and PL emission intensities from the CdSxTe1-x and CdTe regions. We have determined charge separation lifetime and minority carrier lifetime, and we have estimated minority carrier mobility as <100 cm2 V−1 s−1.
Dietary ratios of maize silage to lucerne hay affect feed intake, chewing activity and milk production of dairy cows
Authors: Akbari-Afjani A. , Zali A. , Gangkhanlou M. , Dehghan-Banadaky M. , Nasrollahi S. M. , Yang W. Z.
Published: May 2013

The present study investigated the effects of substitution of chopped lucerne hay (LH) for maize silage on feed intake, rumen pH and fermentation, digestibility, milk production and feed efficiency of dairy cows. Fifteen Holstein dairy cows in early lactation (37 ± 10 days in milk) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments in a completely randomised design. The experiment lasted for 80 days, with 10 days of adaptation and 70 days of data collection. Treatment diets consisted of 60% concentrate and 40% forage, comprising 30 : 10 (MS30), 20 : 20 (MS20) or 10 : 30 (MS10) of maize silage (MS) to LH ratio (MS : LH). Cows were fed ad libitum as total mixed ration. Water was added daily to adjust the moisture content of the feed to be similar across diets. Decreasing the ratio of MS : LH resulted in linear and quadratic decreases of DM intake and physically effective neutral detergent fibre, without affecting apparent digestibility in the total digestive tract. Decreasing MS : LH also linearly reduced total chewing time and tended to reduced chewing index (min/kg DM intake), but had limited effects on rumen pH and fermentation characteristics. Increasing the substitution of LH for MS decreased milk production (33.1, 31.7, and 29.8 kg/day for MS30, MS20, and MS10, respectively), and tended (P = 0.06) to decrease 4% fat-corrected milk and fat yield. However, milk content of protein (2.70%, 2.77% and 2.77%) and fat improved, and tended to improve by decreasing the MS : LH ratio, respectively. The efficiency of milk production, expressed as either milk yield/kg DM intake or 4% fat-corrected milk/kg DM intake, was not affected by the treatments. Results indicated that under the current feeding conditions, decreasing the ratio of MS : LH was not recommended to maintain milk production and DM intake.
Fire-caused tree mortality in thinned Douglas-fir stands in Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Godoy Maria M. , Defossé Guillermo E. , Bianchi Lucas O. , Davel Miguel M. , Withington Tomás E.
Published: May 2013

In 2003 in a municipal park near Esquel, Patagonia, Argentina, plots within a 21-year-old Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) afforested area were subjected to three silvicultural treatments (thinning to Reineke’s Stand Density Index (SDI) of 900, 700, 500). In March 2007 all plots were burned by a wildfire that presented extreme fire behaviour. Three weeks after the wildfire we assessed mortality, height of scorch and percentage of crown scorch, and during three subsequent growing seasons we measured mortality and growth parameters. At the end of the study, mortality differed significantly among treatments and an untreated control, and ranged from 100% in the untreated control to 25, 10 and 5% in the SDI 900, 700 and 500 treatments. The highest growth parameters and lower mortality rates were achieved at SDI indices of 700 or 500 (i.e. in the least dense plots). Trees thinned to these densities not only appear to withstand extreme fires, at least under the conditions presented, but also to achieve the highest growth rates.
The Prevalence of Positive Drug and Alcohol Screens in Elderly Trauma Patients
Authors: Ekeh Akpofure Peter , Parikh Priti P. , Walusimbi Mbaga , Woods Randy J. , Hawk Andrew , McCarthy Mary C.
Published: May 2013

Background

Alcohol and drug abuse are recognized to be significantly prevalent in trauma patients, and are frequent harbingers of injury. The incidence of substance abuse in elderly trauma patients has, however, been limitedly examined. The authors sought to identify the spectrum of positive alcohol and drug toxicology screens in patients ≥65 years admitted to a Level I trauma center.

Methods

Patients ≥65 years old admitted to an American College of Surgeons (ACS) Level I trauma center over a 60-­month period were identified from the trauma registry. Demographic data, blood alcohol content (BAC), and urine drug screen (UDS) results at admission were obtained and analyzed. The positive results were compared with individuals below 65 years in different substance categories using Fisher's exact test.

Results

In the 5-year period studied, of the 4139 patients ≥65 years, 1302 (31.5%) underwent toxicological substance screening. A positive BAC was present in 11.1% of these patients and a positive UDS in 48.3%. The mean BAC level in those tested was 163 mg/dL and 69% of patients had a level >80 mg/dL.

Conclusions

These data show that alcohol and drug abuse are an issue in patients ≥65 years in our institution, though not as pervasive a problem as in younger populations. Admission toxicology screens, however, are important as an aid to identify geriatric individuals who may require intervention.
Closed densely defined operators commuting with multiplications in a multiplier pair
Authors: Hadwin Don , Liu Zhe , Nordgren Eric
Published: May 2013

For a multiplier pair

(
X
,
Y
)

\left ( X,Y\right )

we study the closed densely defined operators

T
T

on

X
X

that commute with all of the multiplications by right multipliers in

X
X

. We apply our general results to special cases involving

H

p

H^{p}

, completions of

L

∞

[
0
,
1
]

L^{\infty }\left [ 0,1\right ]

with respect to certain norms, and the completion of a

I

I

1

II_{1}

factor von Neumann algebra with respect to a unitarily invariant norm, where we show that each such

T
T

is a “left multiplication”. However, we give an example of a closed densely defined operator on the Bergman space that commutes with all multiplications by

H

∞

H^{\infty }

-functions but is not a multiplication operator.
Phosphorylation of centromeric histone H3 variant regulates chromosome segregation inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Boeckmann Lars , Takahashi Yoshimitsu , Au Wei-Chun , Mishra Prashant K. , Choy John S. , Dawson Anthony R. , Szeto May Y. , Waybright Timothy J. , Heger Christopher , McAndrew Christopher , Goldsmith Paul K. , Veenstra Timothy D. , Baker Richard E. , Basrai Munira A.
Published: May 2013

The centromeric histone H3 variant (CenH3) is essential for chromosome segregation in eukaryotes. We identify posttranslational modifications of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CenH3, Cse4. Functional characterization of cse4 phosphorylation mutants shows growth and chromosome segregation defects when combined with kinetochore mutants okp1 and ame1. Using a phosphoserine-specific antibody, we show that the association of phosphorylated Cse4 with centromeres increases in response to defective microtubule attachment or reduced cohesion. We determine that evolutionarily conserved Ipl1/Aurora B contributes to phosphorylation of Cse4, as levels of phosphorylated Cse4 are reduced at centromeres in ipl1 strains in vivo, and in vitro assays show phosphorylation of Cse4 by Ipl1. Consistent with these results, we observe that a phosphomimetic cse4-4SD mutant suppresses the temperature-sensitive growth of ipl1-2 and Ipl1 substrate mutants dam1 spc34 and ndc80, which are defective for chromosome biorientation. Furthermore, cell biology approaches using a green fluorescent protein–labeled chromosome show that cse4-4SD suppresses chromosome segregation defects in dam1 spc34 strains. On the basis of these results, we propose that phosphorylation of Cse4 destabilizes defective kinetochores to promote biorientation and ensure faithful chromosome segregation. Taken together, our results provide a detailed analysis, in vivo and in vitro, of Cse4 phosphorylation and its role in promoting faithful chromosome segregation.
BACKGROUND RADIATION MEASUREMENTS AND CANCER RISK ESTIMATES FOR ŞEBINKARAHISAR, TURKEY
Authors: Kurnaz Aslı
Published: May 2013

This paper presents the measurement results of environmental radioactivity levels for Şebinkarahisar district (uranium–thorium area), Giresun, Turkey. The radioactivity concentrations of 238 U, 232 Th, 40 K and the fission product 137 Cs in soil samples collected from 73 regions from the surroundings of the study area were determined. In situ measurements of the gamma dose rate in air were performed in the same 73 locations where the soil samples were collected using a portable NaI detector. Also the mean radioactivity concentrations of 238 U, 232 Th and 40 K in rock samples collected from 50 regions were determined. The mean estimated cancer risk value was found. The seasonal variations of the indoor radon activity concentrations were determined in the 30 dwellings in the study area. In addition, the mean gross alpha, gross beta and radon activities in tap water samples were determined in the same 30 dwellings. The excess lifetime cancer risk was calculated using the risk factors of International Commission on Radiological Protection and Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation. Radiological maps of the Şebinkarahisar region were composed using the results obtained from this study.
Conserved roles ofems/Emxandotd/Otxgenes in olfactory and visual system development inDrosophilaand mouse
Authors: Sen Sonia , Reichert Heinrich , VijayRaghavan K.
Published: May 2013

The regional specialization of brain function has been well documented in the mouse and fruitfly. The expression of regulatory factors in specific regions of the brain during development suggests that they function to establish or maintain this specialization. Here, we focus on two such factors—theDrosophilacephalic gap genesempty spiracles(ems) andorthodenticle(otd), and their vertebrate homologuesEmx1/2andOtx1/2—and review novel insight into their multiple crucial roles in the formation of complex sensory systems. While the early requirement of these genes in specification of the neuroectoderm has been discussed previously, here we consider more recent studies that elucidate the later functions of these genes in sensory system formation in vertebrates and invertebrates. These new studies show that theemsandEmxgenes in both flies and mice are essential for the development of the peripheral and central neurons of their respective olfactory systems. Moreover, they demonstrate that theotdandOtxgenes in both flies and mice are essential for the development of the peripheral and central neurons of their respective visual systems. Based on these recent experimental findings, we discuss the possibility that the olfactory and visual systems of flies and mice share a common evolutionary origin, in that the conserved visual and olfactory circuit elements derive from conserved domains ofotd/Otxandems/Emxaction in the urbilaterian ancestor.
Insight into structural diversity of influenza virus haemagglutinin
Authors: Cho Ki Joon , Lee Ji-Hye , Hong Kwang W. , Kim Se-Ho , Park Yiho , Lee Jun Young , Kang Seokha , Kim Sella , Yang Ji Hoon , Kim Eui-Ki , Seok Jong Hyeon , Unzai Satoru , Park Sam Yong , Saelens Xavier , Kim Chul-Joong , Lee Joo-Yeon , Kang Chun , Oh Hee-Bok , Chung Mi Sook , Kim Kyung Hyun
Published: May 2013

Influenza virus infects host cells through membrane fusion, a process mediated by the low pH-induced conformational change of the viral surface glycoprotein haemagglutinin (HA). We determined the structures and biochemical properties of the HA proteins from A/Korea/01/2009 (KR01), a 2009 pandemic strain, and A/Thailand/CU44/2006 (CU44), a seasonal strain. The crystal structure of KR01 HA revealed a V-shaped head-to-head arrangement, which is not seen in other HA proteins including CU44 HA. We isolated a broadly neutralizing H1-specific monoclonal antibody GC0757. The KR01 HA-Fab0757 complex structure also exhibited a head-to-head arrangement of HA. Both native and Fab complex structures reveal a different spatial orientation of HA1 relative to HA2, indicating that HA is flexible and dynamic at neutral pH. Further, the KR01 HA exhibited significantly lower protein stability and increased susceptibility to proteolytic cleavage compared with other HAs. Our structures provide important insights into the conformational flexibility of HA.
The transcription start site landscape of C. elegans
Authors: Saito Taro Leo , Hashimoto Shin-ichi , Gu Sam Guoping , Morton J. Jason , Stadler Michael , Blumenthal Thomas , Fire Andrew , Morishita Shinichi
Published: May 2013

More than half of Caenorhabditis elegans pre-mRNAs lose their original 5′ ends in a process termed “trans-splicing” in which the RNA extending from the transcription start site (TSS) to the site of trans-splicing of the primary transcript, termed the “outron,” is replaced with a 22-nt spliced leader. This complicates the mapping of TSSs, leading to a lack of available TSS mapping data for these genes. We used growth at low temperature and nuclear isolation to enrich for transcripts still containing outrons, applying a modified SAGE capture procedure and high-throughput sequencing to characterize 5′ termini in this transcript population. We report from this data both a landscape of 5′-end utilization for C. elegans and a representative collection of TSSs for 7351 trans-spliced genes. TSS distributions for individual genes were often dispersed, with a greater average number of TSSs for trans-spliced genes, suggesting that trans-splicing may remove selective pressure for a single TSS. Upstream of newly defined TSSs, we observed well-known motifs (including TATAA-box and SP1) as well as novel motifs. Several of these motifs showed association with tissue-specific expression and/or conservation among six worm species. Comparing TSS features between trans-spliced and non-trans-spliced genes, we found stronger signals among outron TSSs for preferentially positioning of flanking nucleosomes and for downstream Pol II enrichment. Our data provide an enabling resource for both experimental and theoretical analysis of gene structure and function in C. elegans.
New SNPs for population genetic analysis reveal possible cryptic speciation of eastern Australian sea mullet (Mugil cephalus)
Authors: Krück Nils C. , Innes David I. , Ovenden Jennifer R.
Published: May 2013

Sustainable management of sea mullet (Mugil cephalus) fisheries needs to account for recent observations of regional‐scale differentiation. Population genetic analysis is sought to assess the situation of this ecologically and economically important fish species in eastern Australian waters. Here, we report (i) new population genetic markers [single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and potential microsatellites], (ii) first estimates of spatial genetic differentiation and (iii) prospective power tests for designing more comprehensive studies. Six DNA samples from three sampling regions (North Queensland, South Queensland and central New South Wales) on the eastern coast of Australia were used to prepare restriction site associated DNA (RAD) tag libraries from genomic DNA digested with EcoRI and MseI. A pooled sample of regional RAD tag libraries was sequenced using the Roche GS‐FLX Titanium platform. A total of 172 837 raw reads (17.4 Mbp) were retrieved, 95 500 of which were used to discover 1267 SNPs and 1417 microsatellites. A subset of 161 SNPs was validated based on 63 additional DNA samples genotyped using the Sequenom MassArray (iPLEX Gold chemistry). Altogether 92 SNPs (57%) were confirmed, with 40% of these marking fixed variants between northern and southern sampling regions. Our preliminary findings indicate a multispecies fishery stock of M. cephalus in eastern Australian waters, but suggest that strong genetic differentiation occurs north of major fishing grounds. Low potential differentiation within major fishing grounds (e.g. FST = 0.0025) can be resolved with a likely power ≥67% by using standard sample sizes of 50 and validated subsets of available markers.
Review of the cave‐dwelling species of Pseudotyrannochthonius Beier (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones: Pseudotyrannochthoniidae) from mainland Australia, with description of two troglobitic species
Authors: Harms Danilo , Harvey Mark S
Published: May 2013

Based on morphology we review the cave‐dwelling species of the pseudoscorpion genus Pseudotyrannochthonius (family Pseudotyrannochthoniidae) from mainland Australia and provide a brief account of their distribution and ecomorphology. Pseudotyrannochthonius eberhardi sp. n. is described from the Stockyard Creek karst in northern New South Wales and P. jonesi (Chamberlin 1962) is redescribed and illustrated from the Jenolan karst in Central New South Wales based on females. Both species show morphological features reminiscent of troglomorphism and appear to be short‐range endemics that are restricted to their respective karsts. All other species previously recorded from subterranean habitats in mainland Australia are facultative cave dwellers that do not show major morphological adaptations towards life underground.
Successful transition to later life: Strategies used by baby boomers
Authors: Wilhelm Kay , Geerligs Liesbeth , Peisah Carmelle
Published: May 2013

Aim

We sought to understand strategies employed by baby boomers to maintain well‐being and facilitate transition to later life.

Method

A non‐clinical cohort (n = 139) provided qualitative data about well‐being strategies. Thematic data analysis provided insights for those with high and low life satisfaction (based on Satisfaction with Life Scale) and quantitative data from previous waves provided predictors of life satisfaction decades later.

Results

Longitudinal predictors were depression history (cognitive trait and repeated episodes) and quality of partner's care. ‘Highly satisfied older people’ reported proactive strategies, contrasted with lack of planning by ‘dissatisfied older people’. ‘Resilient older people’, with high life satisfaction despite repeated depressive episodes, reported benefit from strategies dealing with adversity, including depression.

Discussion

Strategies of ‘satisfied older people’ support theories of proactive coping and demonstrate the importance of developing adaptational skills to support later life satisfaction. In ‘resilient older people’ adaptive strategies can lead to achievement of life satisfaction despite repeated depressive episodes.
Experimental and Analytical Performance Evaluation of Short Circular Hydrodynamic Journal Bearings Used in Rotary Blood Pumps
Authors: Boehning Fiete , Timms Daniel , Hsu Po‐Lin , Schmitz‐Rode Thomas , Steinseifer Ulrich
Published: May 2013

Rotary blood pumps (RBPs) have demonstrated considerable promise while treating heart failure patients, such that they are being placed at an earlier stage of the disease. These devices may therefore be required to operate for prolonged durations which yields the need for RBPs exhibiting high durability, reliability, and blood compatibility. Noncontacting bearings, utilizing magnetic and/or hydrodynamic suspension techniques, appear to provide a suitable solution to these challenges. Hydrodynamic suspension has the advantage that it does not need feedback control systems. Among various hydrodynamic bearing types, the circular journal bearing has the particular benefit of easy manufacturing. This study presents methods to evaluate the performance of short (length to diameter ratio <1) circular hydrodynamic journal bearings (HJBs) for RBPs. Analytical calculations with specific boundary conditions are presented to predict the rotor's eccentricity under equilibrium states and thus the related performance parameters such as load capacity, power loss, and shear rates. These results and boundary conditions were confirmed experimentally in a specially designed test set‐up. The bearing performance was found to correlate to analytical solutions using the full Sommerfeld boundary condition instead of the half Sommerfeld condition conventionally used for such applications. Geometrical and operational parameter variations showed that HJB designs with a short Sommerfeld Number SS >0.02 can provide sufficient fluid film thicknesses and low shear rates. The measurements were further used to evaluate the bearings' stability. The estimation of the stability threshold drawn in relation to a modified stability index and the equilibrium eccentricity of the rotor allows the prediction of stability for short circular HJB designs under full Sommerfeld condition.
A Numerical Method to Enhance the Performance of a Cam‐Type Electric Motor‐Driven Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Huang Huan , Yang Ming , Lu Cunyue , Xu Liang , Zhuang Xiaoqi , Meng Fan
Published: May 2013

Pulsatile left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) driven by electric motors have been widely accepted as a treatment of heart failure. Performance enhancement with computer assistance for this kind of LVAD has seldom been reported. In this article, a numerical method is proposed to assist the design of a cam‐type pump. The method requires an integrated model of an LVAD system, consisting of a motor, a transmission mechanism, and a cardiovascular circulation. Performance indices, that is, outlet pressure, outlet flow, and pump efficiency, were used to select the best cam profile from six candidates. A prototype pump connected to a mock circulatory loop (MCL) was used to calibrate the friction coefficient of the cam groove and preliminarily evaluate modeling accuracy. In vitro experiments show that the mean outlet pressure and flow can be predicted with high accuracy by the model, and gross geometries of the measurements can also be reproduced. Simulation results demonstrate that as the total peripheral resistance (TPR) is fixed at 1.1 mm Hg.s/mL, the two‐cycle 2/3‐rise profile is the best. Compared with other profiles, the maximum increases of pressure and flow indices are 75 and 76%, respectively, and the maximum efficiency increase is over 51%. For different TPRs (0.5∼1.5 mm Hg.s/mL) and operation intervals (0.1∼0.4 s) in counterpulsation, the conclusion is also acceptable.
A New Device for Intraoperative Renal Blood Flow Measurement During Open‐Heart Surgery: An Experimental Study and the Clinical Pilot Study
Authors: Tirilomis Theodor , Popov Aron F. , Hanekop Gunnar G. , Braeuer Anselm , Quintel Michael , Schoendube Friedrich A. , Friedrich Martin G.
Published: May 2013

Renal blood flow (RBF) may vary during cardiopulmonary bypass and low flow may cause insufficient blood supply of the kidney triggering renal failure postoperatively. Still, a valid intraoperative method of continuous RBF measurement is not available. A new catheter combining thermodilution and intravascular Doppler was developed, first calibrated in an in vitro model, and the catheter specific constant was determined. Then, application of the device was evaluated in a pilot study in an adult cardiovascular population. The data of the clinical pilot study revealed high correlation between the flow velocities detected by intravascular Doppler and the RBF measured by thermodilution (Pearson's correlation range: 0.78 to 0.97). In conclusion, the RBF can be measured excellently in real time using the new catheter, even under cardiopulmonary bypass.
Rectal temperature as an indicator for heat tolerance in chickens
Authors: Chen Xing Y. , Wei Pei P. , Xu Shen Y. , Geng Zhao Y. , Jiang Run S.
Published: May 2013

High environmental temperature is perhaps the most important inhibiting factor to poultry production in hot regions. The objective of this study was to test adaptive responses of chickens to high ambient temperatures and identify suitable indicators for selection of heat‐tolerant individuals. Full‐sib or half‐sib Anak‐40 pullets (n = 55) with similar body weights were raised in a room with a temperature ranging from 24°C to 28°C, and relative humidity of 50% from 61 to 65 days of age. On day 66, the ambient temperature was increased within 60 min to 35 ± 1°C which was defined as the initial of heat stress (0 h). Rectal temperature (RT) was measured on each pullet at 0, 6, 18, 30, 42, 54 and 66 h. After 66 h the ambient temperature was increased within 30 min to 41 ± 1°C and survival time (HSST) as well as lethal rectal temperatures (LRT) were recorded for each individual. The gap between the RT and initial RT was calculated as ΔTn (ΔT6, ΔT18, ΔT30, ΔT42, ΔT54 and ΔT66), and the interval between LRT and initial RT as ΔTT, respectively. A negative correlation was found between HSST and ΔTn as well as ΔTT (rΔT18 = −0.28 and rΔTT = −0.31, respectively, P < 0.05; rΔT30 = −0.36, rΔT42 = −0.38, rΔT54 = −0.56, P < 0.01). Importantly, pullets with low ΔT18 showed a longer HSST (256.0 ± 208.4 min) than those with high ΔT18 (HSST = 123.7 ± 78.3 min). This observation suggested that the ΔT18 or early increment of RT under heat stress might be considered as a reliable indicator for evaluation of heat resistance in chickens.
Meningothelial cells as part of the central nervous system host defence
Authors: Li Jia , Fang Lei , Killer Hanspeter E. , Flammer Josef , Meyer Peter , Neutzner Albert
Published: May 2013

Background Information

Meningothelial cells (MECs) are the cellular components of the meninges protecting the brain and as such provide important barrier function for the central nervous system building the interface between neuronal tissue and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). MECs were previously shown to be involved in the clearance of waste products from the CSF and in maintaining the optic nerve microenvironment. In addition, MECs are involved in immunological processes in the brain by secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in response to various pathologically relevant stress conditions.

Results

In this study, we analysed the uptake of latex beads as well as bacteria by human MECs using flow cytometric analyses. We found that MECs are highly active phagocytes able of ingesting large amounts of latex beads, as well as Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. Phagocytic activity of MECs was sensitive to nocodazole and cytochalasin D treatment to a varying degree depending on particle composition. Interestingly, Gram‐positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus are more readily taken up compared with Gram‐negative Escherichia coli. In addition, pre‐treatment of MECs with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate (PMA) enhanced S. aureus uptake, whereas PMA but not LPS was effective in enhancing E. coli uptake.

Conclusions

Thus, MECs are highly active facultative phagocytes likely important for the maintenance of CSF homeostasis and host defence in the central nervous system especially against Gram‐positive bacteria.
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: review of literature and proposal of new diagnostic and classification criteria
Authors: Agarwal R. , Chakrabarti A. , Shah A. , Gupta D. , Meis J. F. , Guleria R. , Moss R. , Denning D. W. ,   ABPA complicating asthma ISHAM working group
Published: May 2013

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an immunological pulmonary disorder caused by hypersensitivity to Aspergillus fumigatus, manifesting with poorly controlled asthma, recurrent pulmonary infiltrates and bronchiectasis. There are estimated to be in excess of four million patients affected world‐wide. The importance of recognizing ABPA relates to the improvement of patient symptoms, and delay in development or prevention of bronchiectasis, one manifestation of permanent lung damage in ABPA. Environmental factors may not be the only pathogenetic factors because not all asthmatics develop ABPA despite being exposed to the same environment. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is probably a polygenic disorder, which does not remit completely once expressed, although long‐term remissions do occur. In a genetically predisposed individual, inhaled conidia of A. fumigatus germinate into hyphae with release of antigens that activate the innate and adaptive immune responses (Th2 CD4+ T cell responses) of the lung. The International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM) has constituted a working group on ABPA complicating asthma (www.abpaworkinggroup.org), which convened an international conference to summarize the current state of knowledge, and formulate consensus‐based guidelines for diagnosis and therapy. New diagnosis and staging criteria for ABPA are proposed. Although a small number of randomized controlled trials have been conducted, long‐term management remains poorly studied. Primary therapy consists of oral corticosteroids to control exacerbations, itraconazole as a steroid‐sparing agent and optimized asthma therapy. Uncertainties surround the prevention and management of bronchiectasis, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis and aspergilloma as complications, concurrent rhinosinusitis and environmental control. There is need for new oral antifungal agents and immunomodulatory therapy.
Expanding functions of intracellular resident mono‐ADP‐ribosylation in cell physiology
Authors: Feijs Karla L. H. , Verheugd Patricia , Lüscher Bernhard
Published: May 2013

Poly‐ADP‐ribosylation functions in diverse signaling pathways, such as Wnt signaling and DNA damage repair, where its role is relatively well characterized. Contrarily, mono‐ADP‐ribosylation by for example ARTD10/PARP10 is much less understood. Recent developments hint at the involvement of mono‐ADP‐ribosylation in transcriptional regulation, the unfolded protein response, DNA repair, insulin secretion and immunity. Additionally, macrodomain‐containing hydrolases, MacroD1, MacroD2 and C6orf130/TARG1, have been identified that make mono‐ADP‐ribosylation reversible. Complicating further progress is the lack of tools such as mono‐ADP‐ribose‐specific antibodies. The currently known functions of mono‐ADP‐ribosylation are summarized here, as well as the available tools such as mass spectrometry to study this modification in vitro and in cells.
Human alpha‐ and beta‐NRXN1 isoforms rescue behavioral impairments of Caenorhabditis elegans neurexin‐deficient mutants
Authors: Calahorro F. , Ruiz‐Rubio M.
Published: May 2013

Neurexins are cell adhesion proteins that interact with neuroligin and other ligands at the synapse. In humans, mutations in neurexin or neuroligin genes have been associated with autism and other mental disorders. The human neurexin and neuroligin genes are orthologous to the Caenorhabditis elegans genes nrx‐1 and nlg‐1, respectively. Here we show that nrx‐1‐deficient mutants are defective in exploratory capacity, sinusoidal postural movements and gentle touch response. Interestingly, the exploratory behavioral phenotype observed in nrx‐1 mutants was markedly different to nlg‐1‐deficient mutants; thus, while the former had a ‘hyper‐reversal’ phenotype increasing the number of changes of direction with respect to the wild‐type strain, the nlg‐1 mutants presented a ‘hypo‐reversal’ phenotype. On the other hand, the nrx‐1‐ and nlg‐1‐defective mutants showed similar abnormal sinusoidal postural movement phenotypes. The response of these mutant strains to aldicarb (acetylcholinesterase inhibitor), levamisole (ACh agonist) and pentylenetetrazole [gamma‐aminobutyric (GABA) receptor antagonist], suggested that the varying behavioral phenotypes were caused by defects in ACh and/or GABA inputs. The defective behavioral phenotypes of nrx‐1‐deficient mutants were rescued in transgenic strains expressing either human alpha‐ or beta‐NRXN‐1 isoforms under the worm nrx‐1 promoter. A previous report had shown that human and rat neuroligins were functional in C. elegans. Together, these results suggest that the functional mechanism underpinning both neuroligin and neurexin in the nematode are comparable to human. In this sense the nematode might constitute a simple in vivo model for understanding basic mechanisms involved in neurological diseases for which neuroligin and neurexin are implicated in having a role.
The prestige of sustainable living: implications for water use in Australia
Authors: Pearce Meryl , Willis Eileen , Mamerow Loreen , Jorgensen Bradley , Martin John
Published: May 2013

The paper outlines water conservation behaviours and assesses the level of congruity between the stated water use of householders against their actual metered consumption. A profile of high water users in three parts of South Australia is offered: two metropolitan areas differing in socio‐economic characteristics and a regional town. The research used a postal questionnaire, a follow‐up telephone interview and corresponding household water meter readings. Location, household size and annual household income have significant predictive qualities for high per capita water use. The number of times gardens were watered in a week, watering the garden more often than was permitted under the restrictions, and the manner in which conservation behaviours were carried out helped predict high per capita water use. Participants had an accurate idea of the magnitude of their water use and how it compared with that of other households. High water users knew that they were high consumers of water. Implications of the findings for water demand management are briefly outlined.