bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of sexuals of African weaver ant (Oecophylla longinoda Latreille) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) under a bimodal rainfall pattern in eastern Tanzania
Authors: Rwegasira R.G. , Mwatawala M. , Rwegasira G.M. , Offenberg J.
Published: December 2014

The African weaver ant, Oecophylla longinoda, is being utilized as a biocontrol agent and may also be targeted for future protein production. Rearing of mated queens in nurseries for colony production is needed to cater for such demands. Thus, newly mated queens must be collected for use as seed stocks in the nurseries. To collect mated queens efficiently it is important to identify when sexuals occur in mature colonies. We studied the occurrence of sexuals in O. longinoda colonies for 2 years in Tanga, Tanzania, a region characterized by a bimodal rainfall pattern. We found that O. longinoda sexuals occurred almost throughout the year with abundance peaks from January to April. Production of sexuals appeared to be triggered by rainfall, suggesting that populations in areas with long rainy periods may show prolonged mating periods compared to populations experiencing extended dry periods. The bimodal rain pattern may thus cause a low production over a long period. The average yearly production of queens per tree and per colony was estimated to be 449 and 2753, respectively. The average number of queens per nest was 17. Worker abundance declined from January to March with minimum by the end of this period, being inversely proportional to the production of sexuals. In conclusion, mated queens may be collected almost throughout the year, but most efficiently by the onset of the long rainy season when the majority disperse.
NON-STATUTORY EXECUTIVE POWERS: ASSESSING GLOBAL CONSTITUTIONALISM IN A STRUCTURAL-INSTITUTIONAL CONTEXT
Authors: Cohn Margit
Published: December 2014

This article analyses the source, nature, and use of unilateral, non-statutory executive powers, frequently employed as a governance tool but rarely studied in a comparative context. Exercised in the absence of direct statutory authorization, such powers are often invoked by executives in emergency and foreign affairs contexts, but are equally central to domestic policy-making. Unilateral executive power challenges two central democratic values that support the separation of powers ideal: representation and deliberation. Different structural treatments of these powers are considered through a comparison of three constitutional regimes, those of the United States, the United Kingdom and Israel. Despite material structural differences between these systems, the emerging patterns are similar enough to support the argument that direct law-making by the executive is an unavoidable element of the political sphere. Developing a template for comparison analysis, this article shows that a pattern of functional convergence has emerged, unsupported by overt transplantation or borrowing between these systems. The results set a possible challenge to the growing recognition of global world constitutionalism, at least in structural-institutional contexts.
A setup for studies of laser-driven proton acceleration at the Lund Laser Centre
Authors: Aurand B. , Hansson M. , Senje L. , Svensson K. , Persson A. , Neely D. , Lundh O. , Wahlström C.-G.
Published: December 2014

We report on a setup for the investigation of proton acceleration in the regime of target normal sheath acceleration. The main interest here is to focus on stable laser beam parameters as well as a reliable target setup and diagnostics in order to do extensive and systematic studies on the acceleration mechanism. A motorized target alignment system in combination with large target mounts allows for up to 340 shots with high repetition rate without breaking the vacuum. This performance is used to conduct experiments with a split mirror setup exploring the effect of spatial and temporal separation between the pulses on the acceleration mechanism and on the resulting proton beam.
Recent increase in prevalence of antibodies to Dobrava-Belgrade virus (DOBV) in yellow-necked mice in northern Italy
Authors: RIZZOLI A. , TAGLIAPIETRA V. , ROSÀ R. , HAUFFE H. C. , MARINI G. , VOUTILAINEN L. , SIRONEN T. , ROSSI C. , ARNOLDI D. , HENTTONEN H.
Published: December 2014

Dobrava-Belgrade virus (DOBV) is the most pathogenic hantavirus in Europe with a case-fatality rate of up to 12%. To detect changes in risk for humans, the prevalence of antibodies to DOBV has been monitored in a population ofApodemus flavicollisin the province of Trento (northern Italy) since 2000, and a sudden increase was observed in 2010. In the 13-year period of this study, 2077 animals were live-trapped and mean hantavirus seroprevalence was 2·7% (s.e. = 0·3%), ranging from 0% (in 2000, 2002 and 2003) to 12·5% (in 2012). Climatic (temperature and precipitation) and host (rodent population density, rodent weight and sex, and larval tick burden) variables were analysed using Generalized Linear Models and multi-model inference to select the best model. Climatic changes (mean annual precipitation and maximum temperature) and individual body mass had a positive effect on hantavirus seroprevalence. Other possible drivers affecting the observed pattern need to be studied further.
The Angel of Lucknow, the Hero of Halifax: A Nova Scotian Musical Response to the Indian Mutiny of 1857–58
Authors: Boyd Michelle
Published: December 2014

Although only a minor conflict from today's perspective, the ‘Indian Mutiny’ of 1857–58 inspired a massive outpouring of popular culture responses in Victorian Britain. One of the most frequently used texts was the legend of Jessie Brown, a Scottish maiden who became a heroine during the siege of Lucknow. This fabulous tale was retold and memorialized throughout British theatres, music halls and private homes. Jessie Brown also inspired ‘Dinna You Hear It’, a little-known parlour song that was composed by James Ross and Louis Casseres and published by E.G. Fuller in Halifax, Nova Scotia, around 1858. This article examines the historical circumstances that led to this song's creation and the appeal that this text would have held for the residents of a small colonial city. Halifax may have been a remote corner of the Empire, far removed from the battlefields of India, but Nova Scotians nonetheless shared Britons’ horror and intrigue over the Mutiny – a fascination that was heightened by the fact that Nova Scotia could claim a distinct connection to the victory at Lucknow. By examining the creative and commercial factors that led the authors of ‘Dinna You Hear It’ to produce their own musical setting of the Jessie Brown legend for the Halifax public, this study of a rare Nova Scotian music publication asserts the important role sheet music played within the process of cultural exchange that bridged colony and metropole throughout the nineteenth century.
American Religious Traditions, Orthodoxy, and Commitment in Public Opinion toward Torture
Authors: Kilburn H. Whitt , Fogarty Brian J.
Published: December 2014

The conventional wisdom on evangelical American Protestant support for the use of torture on suspected terrorists is incorrect. With data from the 2008 American National Election Studies survey, we specify the interactive influence of religious traditions on attitudes toward torture by religious commitment and belief orthodoxy. Only at low orthodoxy, and low to average commitment, are Catholics, mainline, and black Protestants more likely to support torture than the unaffiliated; the effect for evangelical Protestants is null. Greater commitment moves most traditions and the unaffiliated toward increased opposition to torture. Stronger orthodoxy, however, leads to support for torture only for the unaffiliated. The findings persist given controls for demographic characteristics, party identification, left-right self-placement, and authoritarian values.
Catholic and Muslim Human Rights Activism in Violent Internal Conflicts
Authors: Tezcür Güneş Murat
Published: December 2014

When do religious organizations develop human rights platforms during violent internal conflicts? This article offers the first comparative study to address this question and focuses on religious organizations in El Salvador, Peru, Turkey, and Indonesia. It identifies two causal factors to explain variation in religious human rights activism in these four countries: (1) transnational religious ideas and linkages, and (2) the nature of the state-religion relationship. First, Vatican II and Liberation theology significantly contributed to the rise of religious human rights activism in El Salvador and Peru. Similar transitional linkages were absent in Turkey and Indonesia. Next, the more conflictual nature of the state-religion relationship in El Salvador explains why the Salvadorian Church pursued a more determined human rights agenda than its Peruvian counterpart. A similarly conflictual state-religion relationship contributed to the presence of Islamic human rights activism in Turkey, and a less conflictual relationship prevented its emergence in Indonesia.
First-principles study of point defects at a semicoherent interface
Authors: Metsanurk E. , Tamm A. , Caro A. , Aabloo A. , Klintenberg M.
Published: December 2014

Most of the atomistic modeling of semicoherent metal-metal interfaces has so far been based on the use of semiempirical interatomic potentials. We show that key conclusions drawn from previous studies are in contradiction with more precise ab-initio calculations. In particular we find that single point defects do not delocalize, but remain compact near the interfacial plane in Cu-Nb multilayers. We give a simple qualitative explanation for this difference on the basis of the well known limited transferability of empirical potentials.
Enhanced solid-state electrochemiluminescence of Ru(bpy)32+with nano-CeO2modified carbon paste electrode and its application in tramadol determination
Authors: Hosseini Morteza , Karimi Pur Mohammad Reza , Norouzi Parviz , Moghaddam Mohammad Reza , Faridbod Farnoush , Ganjali Mohammad Reza , Shamsi Javad
Published: December 2014

A sensitized solid-state electrochemiluminescence (ECL) was successfully used for the determination of tramadol. The ECL signal was produced by a sensitive Ru(bpy)32+-tramadol reactions.
A dual-boron-cored luminogen capable of sensing and imaging
Authors: Fu Yubin , Qiu Feng , Zhang Fan , Mai Yiyong , Wang Yingchao , Fu Shibo , Tang Ruizhi , Zhuang Xiaodong , Feng Xinliang
Published: December 2014

A new dual-boron-cored luminogen ligated with a nitrogen-containing multidentate ligand and four bulky phenyl rings exhibits AIE and piezochromism. Furthermore, it shows good capabilities for imaging and anion sensing.
Far- and near-field properties of gold nanoshells studied by photoacoustic and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopies
Authors: Weber V. , Feis A. , Gellini C. , Pilot R. , Salvi P. R. , Signorini R.
Published: December 2014

The knowledge of the near- and far-field spectral distribution helps in choosing the most performing metal nanostructure for advanced applications.
Particle size dependence of the surface-enhanced Raman scattering properties of densely arranged two-dimensional assemblies of Au(core)–Ag(shell) nanospheres
Authors: Sugawa Kosuke , Akiyama Tsuyoshi , Tanoue Yoshimasa , Harumoto Takashi , Yanagida Sayaka , Yasumori Atsuo , Tomita Shohei , Otsuki Joe
Published: December 2014

Densely arranged two-dimensional assemblies of larger plasmonic Au(core)–Ag(shell) nanospheres promising for the development of highly sensitive SERS sensor platforms.
Design rules for metal binding biomolecules: understanding of amino acid adsorption on platinum crystallographic facets from density functional calculations
Authors: Ramakrishnan Sathish Kumar , Martin Marta , Cloitre Thierry , Firlej Lucyna , Gergely Csilla
Published: December 2014

Facet specific binding of peptides to platinum can be explained by the preferential adsorption of the composing amino acids.
Incorporating single molecules into electrical circuits. The role of the chemical anchoring group
Authors: Leary Edmund , La Rosa Andrea , González M. Teresa , Rubio-Bollinger Gabino , Agraït Nicolás , Martín Nazario
Published: December 2014

Constructing electronic circuits containing singly wired molecules is at the frontier of electrical device miniaturisation. Understanding the behaviour of different anchoring groups is key to this goal because of their significant role in determining the properties of the junction.
Two-dimensional graphene analogues for biomedical applications
Authors: Chen Yu , Tan Chaoliang , Zhang Hua , Wang Lianzhou
Published: December 2014

In this critical review, we summarize the state-of-the-art progress of two-dimensional graphene analogues with a particular focus on biomedical applications.
Oxidative steam reforming of methane over nickel catalysts supported on Al2O3–CeO2–La2O3
Authors: Miletić N. , Izquierdo U. , Obregón I. , Bizkarra K. , Agirrezabal-Telleria I. , Bario L. V. , Arias P. L.
Published: December 2014

Nickel supported on Al2O3–CeO2–La2O3 provided excellent catalytic features and high coking resistance in oxidative steam reforming of methane.
Thermoelectric efficiency of (1 − x)(GeTe) x(Bi2Se0.2Te2.8) and implementation into highly performing thermoelectric power generators
Authors: Koenig J. , Winkler M. , Dankwort T. , Hansen A.-L. , Pernau H.-F. , Duppel V. , Jaegle M. , Bartholomé K. , Kienle L. , Bensch W.
Published: December 2014

First report of high performance thermoelectric generator based on GeTe substituted with Bi and Se yielding the composition of (1 −x)(GeTe)x(Bi2Se0.2Te2.8).
An optopneumatic piston for microfluidics
Authors: Vélez-Cordero Juan Rodrigo , Zúñiga Misael Giovani Pérez , Hernández-Cordero Juan
Published: December 2014

Micrometric optopneumatic pistons can be constructed using glass capillaries and they can work either as valves or as reciprocal actuators.
Construction and analysis of a protein–protein interaction network related to self-renewal of mouse spermatogonial stem cells
Authors: Xie Wenhai , Sun Jin , Wu Ji
Published: December 2014

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are responsible for sustained spermatogenesis throughout the reproductive life of the male.
Adsorption and adhesion of common serum proteins to nanotextured gallium nitride
Authors: Bain Lauren E. , Hoffmann Marc P. , Bryan Isaac , Collazo Ramón , Ivanisevic Albena
Published: December 2014

Morphology can be used to modulate the adsorption of proteins onto gallium nitride.
Terpolymerization of propylene oxide and vinyl oxides with CO2: copolymer cross-linking and surface modification via thiol–ene click chemistry
Authors: Darensbourg Donald J. , Wang Yanyan
Published: December 2014

Terpolymerization of epoxides containing vinyl pendant groups, propylene oxide, and carbon dioxide afforded polycarbonates which were cross-linked and surface modified via thiol–ene chemistry.
Semi-crystalline diblock copolymer nano-objects prepared via RAFT alcoholic dispersion polymerization of stearyl methacrylate
Authors: Semsarilar Mona , Penfold Nicholas J. W. , Jones Elizabeth R. , Armes Steven P.
Published: December 2014

Semi-crystalline diblock copolymer spheres, worms or vesicles are prepared by polymerization-induced self-assembly via RAFT dispersion polymerization of stearyl methacrylate. DSC studies confirm local order for the core-forming poly(stearyl methacrylate) chains.
Albumin as a promiscuous biocatalyst in organic synthesis
Authors: Albanese Domenico C. M. , Gaggero Nicoletta
Published: December 2014

Albumin emerged as a biocatalyst in 1980 and the continuing interest in this protein is proved by numerous papers.
A novel polyurethane/cellulose fibrous scaffold for cardiac tissue engineering
Authors: Chen Po-Hsuen , Liao Hsueh-Chung , Hsu Sheng-Hao , Chen Rung-Shu , Wu Ming-Chung , Yang Yi-Fan , Wu Chau-Chung , Chen Min-Huey , Su Wei-Fang
Published: December 2014

A high mechanical strength and biomimetic scaffold is electrospun from a blend of polyurethane and ethyl cellulose, being promising in applications for therapeutic purposes as a cardiac graft for reconstructing or regeneration of damaged myocardium.
Morphological patterns of a growing biological tube in a confined environment with contacting boundary
Authors: Razavi Mir Jalil , Wang Xianqiao
Published: December 2014

Morphological transition from creasing to detachment of a growing biological tube in a confined environment with the contacting boundary.
Functionalizable red emitting calcium sensor bearing a 1,4-triazole chelating moiety
Authors: Collot Mayeul , Wilms Christian , Mallet Jean-Maurice
Published: December 2014

Herein we developed a functionalizable OFF–ON red emitting fluorescent calcium probe based on a new chelating system formed by CuAAC click chemistry (Huisgen cycloaddition).
Reshaping anisotropic gold nanoparticles through oxidative etching: the role of the surfactant and nanoparticle surface curvature
Authors: Yuan Haifeng , Janssen Kris P. F. , Franklin Thomas , Lu Gang , Su Liang , Gu Xian , Uji-i Hiroshi , Roeffaers Maarten B. J. , Hofkens Johan
Published: December 2014

We study reshaping of gold nanorods, bipyramids and triangles to reveal roles of the surfactant in the oxidative etching process.
Co2+-loaded periodic mesoporous aluminum phosphonates for efficient modified Fenton catalysis
Authors: Zhu Yun-Pei , Ren Tie-Zhen , Yuan Zhong-Yong
Published: December 2014

Periodic mesoporous aluminum phosphonates exhibit high uptake capability for Co2+ and thus oxidizing ability in organic contaminant decomposition.
Thymoquinone, a bioactive component of Nigella sativa Linn seeds or traditional spice, attenuates acute hepatic failure and blocks apoptosis via the MAPK signaling pathway in mice
Authors: Yang Yong , Bai Ting , Sun Peng , Lian Li-Hua , Yao You-Li , Zheng Hui-Xing , Li Xin , Li Jin-Bin , Wu Yan-Ling , Nan Ji-Xing
Published: December 2014

This study is the first report on hepatoprotective effect of thymoquinone induced byd-GalN/LPS. Thymoquinone alleviated the progress ofd-GalN/LPS induced acute hepatic failure via attenuating hepatocytes apoptosis and MAPK signaling pathway.
Multi-omics based changes in response to cadmium toxicity in Bacillus licheniformis A
Authors: Sun Jing , Zhou Jun , Wang Zhonghua , He Weina , Zhang Dijun , Tong Qianqian , Su Xiurong
Published: December 2014

Cadmium (Cd), a widespread substance with high toxicity and persistence, is known to cause a broad range of adverse effects in all living organisms.
Sulfuration–desulfuration reaction sensing effect of intrinsic ZnO nanowires for high-performance H2S detection
Authors: Huang Haiyun , Xu Pengcheng , Zheng Dan , Chen Chuanzhao , Li Xinxin
Published: December 2014

This study presents a novel sulfuration–desulfuration sensing effect of an intrinsic (i.e., uncatalyzed) ZnO nanowire array for trace-level detection of H2S. The novel H2S sensing mechanism is clarified by specifically designed experiments, material characterization and theoretical analysis.
Alkylated phase change composites for thermal energy storage based on surface-modified silica aerogels
Authors: Huang Xinyu , Liu Zhenpu , Xia Wei , Zou Ruqiang , Han Ray P. S.
Published: December 2014

We alkylated silica aerogels to make them hydrophobic for effective impregnation and storage of a phase change material (PCM).
Flexible SiO2nanofilms assembled on poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrates through a room temperature fabrication process for nanoscale integration
Authors: Yamamoto Shunsuke , Sonobe Kazuki , Miyashita Tokuji , Mitsuishi Masaya
Published: December 2014

SiO2nanofilms on flexible substrates were fabricated through a photo-oxidization process, which is promising for transparent insulator coating on optoelectronic devices.
N,N′-Dihydrotetraazapentacenes (DHTA) in thin film transistors
Authors: Paulus Fabian , Lindner Benjamin D. , Reiß Hilmar , Rominger Frank , Leineweber Andreas , Vaynzof Yana , Sirringhaus Henning , Bunz Uwe H. F.
Published: December 2014

N,N′-Dihydrotetraazapentacenes exhibit different polymorphs in spin cast thin films than in solution grown crystals and show interesting hole conducting properties with mobilities up to 0.11 cm2 V−1 s−1.
Early Differences in Pre-Intentional Communication Patterns between Children with Typical Development and Children with Complex Communication Needs
Authors: Cress Cynthia
Published: December 2014

Although children with complex communication needs (CCN) may be identified during infancy, there is little information on systematic differences in social and communicative interaction patterns from typical expectations, particularly during the pre-intentional period. This article summarizes conclusions drawn from a research study (Cress et al., 2013) that contrasted pre-intentional communication behaviors in typically developing infants at 6–7 months with pre-intentional communication behaviors in children with CCN at an average of 20 months chronological age, and average 6–7 months receptive language age equivalence scores. Behaviors in both groups were analyzed from structured play video samples using coding from the Infant Social and Communication Behavior Scales (ISCBS), a prototype assessment of pre-intentional communication in infants (Cress, Olsen, Sabers, & Wetherby, 2012). Multiple differences emerged in communication patterns between these two groups at similar points in receptive language development that indicate very early divergence of social and communication patterns demonstrated by young children with CCN from typical expectations.
Exploring the Relationship Between Hearing Aid Self-Efficacy and Hearing Aid Management
Authors: Dullard Brittney A. , Cienkowski Kathleen M.
Published: December 2014

Hearing loss is a highly prevalent condition affecting a significant portion of the adult population. Hearing aids are an effective and common rehabilitation strategy for individuals with hearing loss. A wide range of factors, however, can hamper and even preclude successful hearing aid use. Self-efficacy, a concept that reflects perceptions of one's ability to perform particular tasks or behaviors, has been shown to be an important factor in the successful management of chronic illness including conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, as well as arthritis and other sources of chronic pain. Improving or strengthening patients' self-efficacy beliefs can improve health outcomes. The role of self-efficacy in the management of hearing loss and hearing aids is still being explored; hence, the extent to which, and the ways in which, self-efficacy may be related to audiologic outcomes remains largely unexplained. The purpose of this article is to examine emerging evidence regarding the relationship between perceived self-efficacy and rehabilitation outcomes among adult hearing aid users and to discuss an apparent discrepancy between patients' reported self-efficacy and their demonstrated skill in managing hearing aids.
Assessing Sentence Diversity in Toddlers At-Risk for Language Disorders
Authors: McKenna Megan M. , Hadley Pamela A.
Published: December 2014

Purpose:

The purpose of this article is to introduce clinicians to an approach for assessing toddlers' sentence diversity and using criterion-referenced expectations to identify toddlers at-risk for clinically significant delays in grammatical development between 30 and 36 months of age.

Method:

Five at-risk toddlers were identified from an archival database. Mean length of utterance (MLU), grammatical complexity, and sentence diversity measures at 30 months of age were then used to evaluate the grammatical abilities of the at-risk children.

Results:

Three participants had MLUs of 1.50 or more standard deviations below the mean which alone would be sufficient for raising clinical concern. Although the other two toddlers had MLUs above 1.50, assessment of sentence diversity identified them as at-risk. The sentence diversity findings were also consistent with low grammatical complexity scores.

Discussion:

The clinical usefulness of a sentence-focused approach for assessment, intervention planning, and progress monitoring are discussed.
Treatment for Morphosyntactic Deficits: From Specific Strategies to a Holistic Approach
Authors: Proctor-Williams Kerry
Published: December 2014

Clinicians have a wide-variety of therapy materials, activities, techniques, and procedures available for treatment of children with morphosyntax deficits. This clinically-focused article describes strategies that highlight the critical features of morphosyntactic targets, reviews, techniques, and procedures available to clinicians for their mindful use, and advocates for the addition of distributed learning in daily contexts by involving caregivers in language facilitation. It concludes with a proposal for a holistic approach that encompasses three levels of language intervention. At the first level, the clinician overtly primes the child's system; at the second level, the clinician sets up multiple opportunities to use the target in context; at the third level, the clinician engages caregivers as agents of intervention for distributed learning and sends the child out into a language-facilitating environment.
Assessment of Executive Functions in School-Aged Children: Challenges and Solutions for the SLP
Authors: Fahy Jill K.
Published: December 2014

The assessment of executive function (EF) deficits in school-aged children has become an area of increased interest and need for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working in educational settings. Various challenges exist that complicate the assessment of executive dysfunction (EDF) in students, among them the fact that EDF is present within a heterogeneous mix of developmental disorders. The resulting communication, behavioral, and academic problems addressed by the SLP, educators, and parents are frequently an interwoven mix of language disorders, social disorders, learning disorders, and/or mental health disorders—each of which is known to present with EDF. Furthermore, there is no one specific profile of EDF. The SLP must evaluate for each student's individual EF profile, while also taking into account foundations of language or social cognition. Questionnaires, informal observations, standardized rating scales, and standardized EF tests are available that can provide diagnostic insight for SLPs working with students who display EDF.
The crystal structure of methane B at 8 GPa—An α-Mn arrangement of molecules
Authors: Maynard-Casely H. E. , Lundegaard L. F. , Loa I. , McMahon M. I. , Gregoryanz E. , Nelmes R. J. , Loveday J. S.
Published: December 2014

From a combination of powder and single-crystal synchrotron x-ray diffraction data we have determined the carbon substructure of phase B of methane at a pressure of ∼8 GPa. We find this substructure to be cubic with space group $I\bar 43m$I4¯3m and 58 molecules in the unit cell. The unit cell has a lattice parameter a = 11.911(1) Å at 8.3(2) GPa, which is a factor of √2 larger than had previously been proposed by Umemoto et al. [J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 14, 10675 (2002)]. The substructure as now solved is not related to any close-packed arrangement, contrary to previous proposals. Surprisingly, the arrangement of the carbon atoms is isostructural with that of α-manganese at ambient conditions.
Ferromagnetism in Gd doped ZnO nanowires: A first principles study
Authors: Aravindh S. Assa , Schwingenschloegl Udo , Roqan Iman S.
Published: December 2014

In several experimental studies, room temperature ferromagnetism in Gd-doped ZnO nanostructures has been achieved. However, the mechanism and the origin of the ferromagnetism remain controversial. We investigate the structural, magnetic, and electronic properties of Zn48O48 nanowires doped with Gd, using density functional theory. Our findings indicate that substitutionally incorporated Gd atoms prefer occupying the surface Zn sites. Moreover, the formation energy increases with the distance between Gd atoms, signifying that no Gd-Gd segregation occurs in the nanowires within the concentration limit of ≤2%. Gd induces ferromagnetism in ZnO nanowires with magnetic coupling energy up to 21 meV in the neutral state, which increases with additional electron and O vacancy, revealing the role of carriers in magnetic exchange. The potential for achieving room temperature ferromagnetism and high TC in ZnO:Gd nanowires is evident from the large ferromagnetic coupling energy (200 meV) obtained with the O vacancy. Density of states shows that Fermi level overlaps with Gd f states with the introduction of O vacancy, indicating the possibility of s-f coupling. These results will assist in understanding experimental findings in Gd-doped ZnO nanowires.
Reconstruction of three-dimensional targets using frequency-diversity data
Authors: Zhang Ting , Chaumet Patrick C. , Sentenac Anne , Belkebir Kamal
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we consider the imaging of targets with a multi-frequency microwave experiment and investigate the best way to take advantage of the frequency-diversity data for reconstructing the three-dimensional permittivity of the objects from the scattered field data. We derive two inversion procedures where the permittivity is estimated iteratively so as to minimize an adequate cost functional. In the first approach, known as the frequency hopping procedure, the inversion scheme is run on a single frequency dataset, starting from the lowest frequency, and its final result is used as an initial guess for the inversion performed on the next frequency dataset. In the second approach, the inversion procedure is applied to the full multi-frequency data. We show on various targets taken from the Fresnel database, that the best reconstructions are obtained when the inversion procedure acts on the full data. The reconstruction can be further ameliorated by modifying the weight of the different frequencies in the cost functional.
Geometrical scaling and modal decay rates in periodic arrays of deeply subwavelength Terahertz resonators
Authors: Isić Goran , Gajić Radoš
Published: December 2014

It is well known that due to the high conductivity of noble metals at terahertz frequencies and scalability of macroscopic Maxwell equations, a geometrical downscaling of a terahertz resonator results in the linear upscaling of its resonance frequency. However, the scaling laws of modal decay rates, important for the resonator excitation efficiency, are much less known. Here, we investigate the extent to which the scale-invariance of decay rates is violated due to the finite conductivity of the metal. We find that the resonance quality factor or the excitation efficiency may be substantially affected by scaling and show that this happens as a result of the scale-dependence of the metal absorption rate, while the radiative decay and the dielectric cavity absorption rates are approximately scale-invariant. In particular, we find that by downscaling overcoupled resonators, their excitation efficiency increases, while the opposite happens with undercoupled resonators.
Electric field-induced ferromagnetic resonance in a CoFeB/MgO magnetic tunnel junction under dc bias voltages
Authors: Kanai Shun , Gajek Martin , Worledge D. C. , Matsukura Fumihiro , Ohno Hideo
Published: December 2014

We measure homodyne-detected ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) induced by the electric-field effect in a CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) with perpendicular magnetic easy axis under dc bias voltages up to 0.1 V. From the bias dependence of the resonant frequency, we find that the first order perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is modulated by the applied electric field, whereas the second order component is virtually independent of the electric field. The lineshapes of the FMR spectra are bias dependent, which are explained by the combination of electric-field effect and reflection of the bias voltage from the MTJ.
Myogenesis in small and large ovine fetuses at three stages of pregnancy
Authors: Quigley S. P. , Greenwood P. L. , Kleemann D. O. , Owens J. A. , Bawden C. S. , Nattrass G. S.
Published: December 2014

Perturbations of the prenatal environment may influence fetal muscle development. This study investigated muscle cellularity and mRNA abundance of myogenic genes in fetal sheep divergent in their patterns of growth. Muscle samples were obtained from small and large fetuses on Days 50, 92 and 133 of pregnancy. Number of myofibres in the semitendinosus muscle increased between Day 92 and 133 of pregnancy, but did not differ between small and large fetuses at either stage of pregnancy. The semitendinosus of small fetuses had smaller cross-sectional areas of myofibres than did those of their large counterparts on Day 133 of pregnancy. The semitendinosus of small fetuses also had lower DNA concentration on Day 92 and lower protein concentration on Day 133 than did those of large fetuses. The mRNA levels of the myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs), myostatin, the insulin-like growth factors and embryonic myosin in fetal muscles varied with the stage of development, but no differences occurred in response to divergent fetal growth. Myostatin mRNA was more abundant in the semitendinosus than in the supraspinatus muscle on Days 92 and 133, as were myogenic regulatory factors, myf-5, myf-6 and follistatin mRNA on Day 133. The results indicated that muscle growth but not the number of myofibres in fetal sheep is modified by restricted fetal growth, and that genes that regulate muscle development are affected by the stage of development in an anatomical muscle-specific manner.
Morphological studies of the toe pads of the rock frog,Staurois parvus(family: Ranidae) and their relevance to the development of new biomimetically inspired reversible adhesives
Authors: Drotlef Dirk M. , Appel Esther , Peisker Henrik , Dening Kirstin , del Campo Aránzazu , Gorb Stanislav N. , Barnes W. Jon. P.
Published: December 2014

The morphology of the toe epithelium of the rock frog,Staurois parvus(Family Ranidae), was investigated using a variety of microscopical techniques. The toe pad epithelium is stratified (four to five cell layers), the apical parts of the cells of the outermost layer being separated by fluid-filled channels. The surface of these cells is covered by a dense array of nanopillars, which also cover the surface of subarticular tubercles and unspecialized ventral epithelium of the toes, but not the dorsal epithelium. The apical portions of the outer two layers contain fibrils that originate from the nanopillars and are oriented approximately normal to the surface. This structure is similar to the pad structure of tree frogs of the families Hylidae and Rhacophoridae, indicating evolutionary convergence and a common evolutionary design for reversible attachment in climbing frogs. The main adaptation to the torrent habitat seems to be the straightness of the channels crossing the toe pad, which will assist in drainage of excess water. The presence of nanopillar arrays on all ventral surfaces of the toes resembles that on clingfish suckers and may be a specific adaptation for underwater adhesion and friction. The relevance of these findings to the development of new biomimetically inspired reversible adhesives is discussed.
The chemistry of stalked barnacle adhesive (
Lepas anatifera
)
Authors: Jonker Jaimie-Leigh , Morrison Liam , Lynch Edward P. , Grunwald Ingo , von Byern Janek , Power Anne Marie
Published: December 2014

The results of the first chemical analysis of the adhesive of
Lepas anatifera
, a stalked barnacle, are presented. A variety of elements were identified in scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS) of the adhesive, including Na, Mg, Ca, Cl, S, Al, Si, K and Fe; however, protein–metal interactions were not detected in Raman spectra of the adhesive. Elemental signatures from SEM-EDS of
L. anatifera
adhesive glands were less varied. Phosphorous was mostly absent in adhesive samples; supporting previous studies showing that phosphoserines do not play a significant role in adult barnacle adhesion. Disulfide bridges arising from Cys dimers were also investigated; Raman analysis showed weak evidence for S–S bonds in
L. anatifera
. In addition, there was no calcium carbonate signal in the attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectra of
L. anatifera
adhesive, unlike several previous studies in other barnacle species. Significant differences were observed between the Raman spectra of
L. anatifera
and
Balanus crenatus
; these and a range of Raman peaks in the
L. anatifera
adhesive are discussed. Polysaccharide was detected in
L. anatifera
adhesive but the significance of this awaits further experiments. The results demonstrate some of the diversity within barnacle species in the chemistry of their adhesives.
Experimental strategies for the identification and characterization of adhesive proteins in animals: a review
Authors: Hennebert Elise , Maldonado Barbara , Ladurner Peter , Flammang Patrick , Santos Romana
Published: December 2014

Adhesive secretions occur in both aquatic and terrestrial animals, in which they perform diverse functions. Biological adhesives can therefore be remarkably complex and involve a large range of components with different functions and interactions. However, being mainly protein based, biological adhesives can be characterized by classical molecular methods. This review compiles experimental strategies that were successfully used to identify, characterize and obtain the full-length sequence of adhesive proteins from nine biological models: echinoderms, barnacles, tubeworms, mussels, sticklebacks, slugs, velvet worms, spiders and ticks. A brief description and practical examples are given for a variety of tools used to study adhesive molecules at different levels from genes to secreted proteins. In most studies, proteins, extracted from secreted materials or from adhesive organs, are analysed for the presence of post-translational modifications and submitted to peptide sequencing. The peptide sequences are then used directly for a BLAST search in genomic or transcriptomic databases, or to design degenerate primers to perform RT-PCR, both allowing the recovery of the sequence of the cDNA coding for the investigated protein. These sequences can then be used for functional validation and recombinant production. In recent years, the dual proteomic and transcriptomic approach has emerged as the best way leading to the identification of novel adhesive proteins and retrieval of their complete sequences.
Arthrobacter liuii sp. nov., resuscitated from Xinjiang desert soil
Authors: Yu Xiao-Yun , Zhang Li , Ren Biao , Yang Na , Liu Mei , Liu Xue-Ting , Zhang Li-Xin , Ding Lin-Xian
Published: December 2014

A Gram-stain positive, aerobic, non-motile actinobacterium, designated DSXY973T, was isolated from soil samples collected from Xinjiang desert using medium supplemented with resuscitation-promoting factor, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic investigation. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that DSXY973T belonged to the genus

Arthrobacter

and was most closely related to

Arthrobacter oryzae

JCM 15922T with 97.1 % similarity. The DNA G+C content was 67.6 %. Cells of strain DSXY973T mainly contained MK-9(H2), and the cell wall contained l-lysine as the primary diamino acid. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. Strain DSXY973T was positive for catalase and negative for oxidase activity. On the basis of its phylogenetic position and phenotypic properties, strain DSXY973T represents a novel species of the genus

Arthrobacter

, for which the name Arthrobacter liuii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DSXY973T ( = CGMCC1.12778T = JCM 19864T).
BioWardrobe: an integrated platform for analysis of epigenomics and transcriptomics data
Authors: Kartashov Andrey V. , Barski Artem
Published: December 2014

BioWardrobe is an integrated platform that empowers users to store, visualize and analyze epigenomics and transcriptomics data, without the need for programming expertise, by using a biologist-friendly webbased user interface. Predefined pipelines automate download of data from core facilities or public databases, calculate RPKMs and identify peaks and display results via the interactive web interface. Additional capabilities include analyzing differential gene expression and DNA-protein binding and creating average tag density profiles and heatmaps.
Crystal structure of chlorfluazuron
Authors: Cho Seonghwa , Kim Jineun , Lee Sangjin , Kim Tae Ho
Published: December 2014

The title compound (systematic name: 1-{3,5-dichloro-4-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yloxy]phenyl}-3-(2,6-difluorobenzoyl)urea), C20H9Cl3F5N3O3, is a benzoylphenylurea insecticide. The dihedral angles between the planes of the central dichlorophenyl and the terminal difluorophenyl and chloropyridyl rings are 79.51 (6) and 78.84 6)°, respectively. In the crystal, pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds link adjacent molecules, formingR22(8) inversion dimers. In addition, the dimers are linked by short F...Cl [3.1060 (16) Å] and Cl...Cl [3.2837 (7) Å] contacts, as well as weak intermolecular π–π interactions [ring centroid separation = 3.6100 (11) and 3.7764 (13) Å], resulting in a two-dimensional architecture parallel to (111).
Whose truffle is this? Distribution patterns of ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity inTuber melanosporumbrûlés developed in multi‐hostMediterranean plant communities
Authors: Taschen Elisa , Sauve Mathieu , Taudiere Adrien , Parlade Javier , Selosse Marc‐André , Richard Franck
Published: December 2014

In theMediterranean region, patches of vegetation recovering from disturbance and transiently dominated by shrubs produce one of the world's most prized fungi, the black truffle (Tuber melanosporum). In these successional plant communities, we have fragmentary knowledge of the distribution ofT. melanosporumin space among ectomycorrhizal (ECM) host species and in time.

Molecular identification of hosts (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) and fungi (Internal Transcribed Spacer sequencing) and quantification ofT. melanosporummycelium (quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) were employed to evaluate the presence ofT. melanosporumon four dominantECMhost species (Quercus ilex,Quercus  coccifera,Arbutus unedo,Cistus albidus) and the extent to which their respectiveECMcommunities shared fungal diversity, over the course of development of truffle grounds, from recent unproductive brûlés to senescent ones where production has stopped.

We found that truffle grounds host rich communities in which multi‐host fungal species dominate in frequency. When considering bothECMtips and soil mycelia, we documented a dynamic and spatially heterogeneous pattern ofT. melanosporumdistribution in soils and a presence ofECMtips restricted toQ. ilexroots.

This study advances our knowledge of the ecology ofT. melanosporum, and provides insight into the extent ofECMfungal sharing among plant species that dominateMediterranean landscapes.
Assessing Diabetes Care Disparities with Ambulatory Care Quality Measures
Authors: Joseph Jennifer M. , Johnson Pamela Jo , Wholey Douglas R. , Frederick Mary L.
Published: December 2014

Objective

To identify and describe racial/ethnic disparities in overall diabetes management.

Data Source/Study Setting

Electronic health record data from calendar year 2010 were obtained from all primary care clinics at one large health system in Minnesota (n = 22,633).

Study Design

We used multivariate logistic regression to estimate the odds of achieving the following diabetes management goals: A1C <8 percent, LDL cholesterol <100 mg/dl, blood pressure <140/90 mmHg, tobacco‐free, and daily aspirin.

Principal Findings

Blacks and American Indians have higher odds of not achieving all goals compared to whites. Disparities in specific goals were also found.

Conclusions

Although this health system has above‐average diabetes care quality, significant disparities by race/ethnicity were identified. This underscores the importance of stratifying quality measures to improve care and outcomes for all.
Predictors of publication by dietitians from conference abstracts presented at national conferences 2006–2009
Authors: Miller Jacqueline , Thomas Jolene , Miller Michelle
Published: December 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine predictors of publication of abstracts presented at the annual national conference of the Dietetic Association of Australia (DAA) in peer‐reviewed journals.

Methods

An online survey was distributed to authors of abstracts presented at DAA national conferences between 2006 and 2009 and collected demographic data, fate of the abstract and perceived enablers and barriers of publication. Publication for non‐responders was determined by database searching. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between potential predictors and publication in a peer‐reviewed journal.

Results

Six hundred forty‐eight abstracts were identified over the 4‐year period. The response rate to the survey was 50%. Publication rate in a peer‐reviewed journal for all abstracts was 26%. The main predictors of publication were presenting an oral versus a poster abstract (odds ratio (OR) 2.2 95% CI 1.5–3.2) and having an academic as a co‐author (OR 6.9 95% CI 3.6–13.1). The main barriers to publication reported were lack of time and experience.

Conclusions

The publication rate for dietetic abstracts is low despite the profession advocating for evidence‐based practice and achieving competency as part of tertiary training programmes accredited by the Dietitians Association of Australia. Partnering with an academic appears be a useful strategy that dietitians might use to overcome the reported barrier of lack of skill.
Changes in Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) Flesh Quality Following Ultra‐High Pressure Treatment and 30 d of Chilled Storage
Authors: Park Dae‐Hun , Jung Jong‐Gi , Jung Bo‐Ram , Kim Gyeyeop , Lee Honggyun , Kim Hyeon‐A. , Bang Mi‐Ae
Published: December 2014

The approximately 1.5 million tons of salmon traded in 31 countries in 2008 provides clear evidence that salmon is a popular food source throughout the world. There are many methods for the preservation of salmon flesh, such as vacuum‐packaging, smoking, and freezing. Ultra‐high pressure (UHP) does not require heat, preserves the quality of salmon flesh, and allows for an increase in the chilled storage period. In this study, the quality of salmon flesh was assessed after exposure to UHP (200, 400, or 600 MPa compared with no UHP) and 30 d of storage at 4 °C. Salmon flesh quality analyses included the degree of changes in the interspacing of muscle bundles, color, texture profiles (hardness, chewiness, cohesiveness, and elasticity), and microbial growth. The use of UHP (>400 MPa) improved the color, hardness, and chewiness of the flesh. Study results suggested that the application of UHP (≥400 MPa) may be useful in preserving salmon flesh, and could be used by the salmon aquaculture and distribution industries.
Vitamin D and systemic lupus erythematosus: continued evolution
Authors: Yap Kristy S. , Morand Eric F.
Published: December 2014

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that has well‐established roles in calcium and bone metabolism. Vitamin D has more recently become recognized for its role in the immune response and its potential immunomodulatory effects in autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This review provides a summary of the recent literature regarding vitamin D and SLE, as well as current recommendations for vitamin D supplementation in patients with SLE.