bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High efficiency two‐channel single‐stage switching amplifier with power switches multiplexing
Authors: Zhong Shu , Xu Jianping , Chen Xuejian , Zhou Xiang
Published: July 2016

A two‐channel single‐stage switching amplifier (SSA) based on high‐frequency link inverter is proposed. The audio input signals are modulated by phase shift between primary‐side switches and secondary‐side switches, thus independent amplifications of two channels can be obtained. Benefiting from multiplexing of primary‐side power switches for two channels, only a half bridge inverter is utilised at primary side. Clamp circuits at the secondary side of transformer eliminate spike voltages across the secondary‐side switches during the current commutation of the cycloconverters. Zero voltage switching of primary‐side switches and clamp switches are achieved by utilising magnetising inductor current. A 320 V/250W prototype is presented to verify the analysis results of the proposed two‐channel SSA.
Efficient data replica placement for sensor clouds
Authors: Tao Yaling , Zhang Yongbing , Ji Yusheng
Published: July 2016

The authors address the problem of determining a replica placement scheme for sensor data in a cache network constructed by a number of cache nodes in edge networks of the Internet, with the purpose of minimising the total costs for data placement and access. They formulate the placement problem as a mixed integer programming (MIP) problem and then propose several heuristic approaches to solve the problem. They first relax the MIP problem to a linear programming (LP) problem and then round the fractional solution values of the LP problem to integers. Next, they employ a Lagrangian relaxation approach to find a solution for each data item without considering node capacity and then rearrange the placement at each node to satisfy the capacity constraint. For comparison, they also propose a greedy approach that determines a replica placement at a node by using the node local information. They show that the former two approaches lead to good performance that is only <8% worst than the theoretical lower bound.
Windows open for highly tunable magnetostructural phase transitions
Authors: Li Y. , Wei Z. Y. , Zhang H. G. , Liu E. K. , Luo H. Z. , Liu G. D. , Xi X. K. , Wang S. G. , Wang W. H. , Yue M. , Wu G. H. , Zhang X. X.
Published: July 2016

An attempt was made to tailor the magnetostructural transitions over a wide temperature range under the principle of isostructural alloying. A series of wide Curie-temperature windows (CTWs) with a maximal width of 377 K between 69 and 446 K were established in the Mn1−yCoyNiGe1−xSix system. Throughout the CTWs, the magnetic-field-induced metamagnetic behavior and giant magnetocaloric effects are obtained. The (Mn,Co)Ni(Ge,Si) system shows great potential as multifunctional phase-transition materials that work in a wide range covering liquid-nitrogen and above water-boiling temperatures. Moreover, general understanding of isostructural alloying and CTWs constructed in (Mn,Co)Ni(Ge,Si) as well as (Mn,Fe)Ni(Ge,Si) is provided.
Gain and refractive index dynamics in p-doped InAs quantum dash semiconductor optical amplifiers
Authors: Komolibus Katarzyna , Piwonski Tomasz , Joshi Siddharth , Chimot Nicolas , Houlihan John , Lelarge Francois , Huyet Guillaume
Published: July 2016

The ultrafast carrier dynamics in a p-doped dash-in-a-well structure at 1.5 μm is experimentally investigated. An analysis of the timescales related to carrier relaxation and escape processes as well as the “dynamical” linewidth enhancement factor is presented and compared with results obtained from similar un-doped materials. Intentional p-doping of the active region results in an enhancement of the intermediate timescale of the gain dynamics associated with phonon-assisted electron capture and a reduction of the α-factor due to increased differential gain.
Unsteady aerodynamics of reverse flow dynamic stall on an oscillating blade section
Authors: Lind Andrew H. , Jones Anya R.
Published: July 2016

Wind tunnel experiments were performed on a sinusoidally oscillating NACA 0012 blade section in reverse flow. Time-resolved particle image velocimetry and unsteady surface pressure measurements were used to characterize the evolution of reverse flow dynamic stall and its sensitivity to pitch and flow parameters. The effects of a sharp aerodynamic leading edge on the fundamental flow physics of reverse flow dynamic stall are explored in depth. Reynolds number was varied up to Re = 5 × 105, reduced frequency was varied up to k = 0.511, mean pitch angle was varied up to 15∘, and two pitch amplitudes of 5∘ and 10∘ were studied. It was found that reverse flow dynamic stall of the NACA 0012 airfoil is weakly sensitive to the Reynolds numbers tested due to flow separation at the sharp aerodynamic leading edge. Reduced frequency strongly affects the onset and persistence of dynamic stall vortices. The type of dynamic stall observed (i.e., number of vortex structures) increases with a decrease in reduced frequency and increase in maximum pitch angle. The characterization and parameter sensitivity of reverse flow dynamic stall given in the present work will enable the development of a physics-based analytical model of this unsteady aerodynamic phenomenon.
Stability and dissociation dynamics of N2++ ions following core ionization studied by an Auger-electron–photoion coincidence method
Authors: Iwayama H. , Kaneyasu T. , Hikosaka Y. , Shigemasa E.
Published: July 2016

An Auger-electron–photoion coincidence (AEPICO) method has been applied to study the stability and dissociation dynamics of dicationic states after the N K-shell photoionization of nitrogen molecules. From time-of-flight and kinetic energy analyses of the product ions, we have obtained coincident Auger spectra associated with metastable states of N2++ ions and dissociative states leading to N2++ → N+ + N+ and N++ + N. To investigate the production of dissociative states, we present two-dimensional AEPICO maps which reveal the correlations between the binding energies of the Auger final states and the ion kinetic energy release. These correlations have been used to determine the dissociation limits of individual Auger final states.
An exact factorization perspective on quantum interferences in nonadiabatic dynamics
Authors: Curchod Basile F. E. , Agostini Federica , Gross E. K. U.
Published: July 2016

Nonadiabatic quantum interferences emerge whenever nuclear wavefunctions in different electronic states meet and interact in a nonadiabatic region. In this work, we analyze how nonadiabatic quantum interferences translate in the context of the exact factorization of the molecular wavefunction. In particular, we focus our attention on the shape of the time-dependent potential energy surface—the exact surface on which the nuclear dynamics takes place. We use a one-dimensional exactly solvable model to reproduce different conditions for quantum interferences, whose characteristic features already appear in one-dimension. The time-dependent potential energy surface develops complex features when strong interferences are present, in clear contrast to the observed behavior in simple nonadiabatic crossing cases. Nevertheless, independent classical trajectories propagated on the exact time-dependent potential energy surface reasonably conserve a distribution in configuration space that mimics one of the exact nuclear probability densities.
Mode shape combination in a two-dimensional vibration energy harvester through mass loading structural modification
Authors: Sharpes Nathan , Abdelkefi Abdessattar , Abdelmoula Hichem , Kumar Prashant , Adler Jan , Priya Shashank
Published: July 2016

Mode shapes in the design of mechanical energy harvesters, as a means of performance increase, have been largely overlooked. Currently, the vast majority of energy harvester designs employ some variation of a single-degree-of-freedom cantilever, and the mode shapes of such beams are well known. This is especially true for the first bending mode, which is almost exclusively the chosen vibration mode for energy harvesting. Two-dimensional beam shapes (those which curve, meander, spiral, etc., in a plane) have recently gained research interest, as they offer freedom to modify the vibration characteristics of the harvester beam for achieving higher power density. In this study, the second bending mode shape of the “Elephant” two-dimensional beam shape is examined, and its interaction with the first bending mode is evaluated. A combinatory mode shape created by using mass loading structural modification to lower the second bending modal frequency was found to interact with the first bending mode. This is possible since the first two bending modes do not share common areas of displacement. The combined mode shape is shown to produce the most power of any of the considered mode shapes.
Micromagnetic simulations on the grain shape effect in Nd-Fe-B magnets
Authors: Yi Min , Gutfleisch Oliver , Xu Bai-Xiang
Published: July 2016

Micromagnetic simulations were performed to study the effect of grain shape and defect layer in Nd-Fe-B magnets. It was found that the coercivity can be increased by a factor of ∼2 by changing the grain shape from the triangular prism to the spheroid. Both the anisotropy field contribution and the shape contribution to the coercivity, and thus also the final coercivity, were found to decrease in the order: spheroid > circular prism > hexagonal prism > square prism > triangular prism. Sputtered columnar grains and hot-deformed platelet grains with a constant volume were also considered. Results show that the coercivity initially increases with the aspect ratio and then nearly saturates above the ratio of ∼4. Simulations of multigrain ensembles showed that depending on the grain shape, compared to the case of single grain, a further decrease of ∼10%–45% in the coercivity is induced by magnetostatic coupling.
Response analysis of a class of quasi-linear systems with fractional derivative excited by Poisson white noise
Authors: Yang Yongge , Xu Wei , Yang Guidong , Jia Wantao
Published: July 2016

The Poisson white noise, as a typical non-Gaussian excitation, has attracted much attention recently. However, little work was referred to the study of stochastic systems with fractional derivative under Poisson white noise excitation. This paper investigates the stationary response of a class of quasi-linear systems with fractional derivative excited by Poisson white noise. The equivalent stochastic system of the original stochastic system is obtained. Then, approximate stationary solutions are obtained with the help of the perturbation method. Finally, two typical examples are discussed in detail to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The analysis also shows that the fractional order and the fractional coefficient significantly affect the responses of the stochastic systems with fractional derivative.
A study of angle dependent surface plasmon polaritons in nano-hole array structures
Authors: Balakrishnan Shankar , Najiminaini Mohamadreza , Singh Mahi R. , Carson Jeffrey J. L.
Published: July 2016

We report that the light-matter interaction in metallic nano-hole array structures possess a subwavelength hole radius and periodicity. The transmission coefficient for nano-hole array structures was measured for different angles of incidence of light. Each measured transmission spectrum had several peaks due to surface plasmon polaritons. A theory of the transmission coefficient was developed based on the quantum density matrix method. It was found that the location of the surface plasmon polariton and the heights of the spectral peaks were dependent on the angle of incidence of light. Good agreement was observed between the experimental and theoretical results. This property of these structures has opened up new possibilities for sensing applications.
Influence on cell death of high frequency motion of magnetic nanoparticles during magnetic hyperthermia experiments
Authors: Hallali N. , Clerc P. , Fourmy D. , Gigoux V. , Carrey J.
Published: July 2016

Studies with transplanted tumors in animals and clinical trials have provided the proof-of-concept of magnetic hyperthermia (MH) therapy of cancers using iron oxide nanoparticles. Interestingly, in several studies, the application of an alternating magnetic field (AMF) to tumor cells having internalized and accumulated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) into their lysosomes can induce cell death without detectable temperature increase. To explain these results, among other hypotheses, it was proposed that cell death could be due to the high-frequency translational motion of MNPs under the influence of the AMF gradient generated involuntarily by most inductors. Such mechanical actions of MNPs might cause cellular damages and participate in the induction of cell death under MH conditions. To test this hypothesis, we developed a setup maximizing this effect. It is composed of an anti-Helmholtz coil and two permanent magnets, which produce an AMF gradient and a superimposed static MF. We have measured the MNP heating power and treated tumor cells by a standard AMF and by an AMF gradient, on which was added or not a static magnetic field. We showed that the presence of a static magnetic field prevents MNP heating and cell death in standard MH conditions. The heating power of MNPs in an AMF gradient is weak, position-dependent, and related to the presence of a non-zero AMF. Under an AMF gradient and a static field, no MNP heating and cell death were measured. Consequently, the hypothesis that translational motions could be involved in cell death during MH experiments is ruled out by our experiments.
Temperature dependence of thermopower in molecular junctions
Authors: Kim Youngsang , Lenert Andrej , Meyhofer Edgar , Reddy Pramod
Published: July 2016

The thermoelectric properties of molecular junctions are of considerable interest due to their promise for efficient energy conversion. While the dependence of thermoelectric properties of junctions on molecular structure has been recently studied, their temperature dependence remains unexplored. Using a custom built variable temperature scanning tunneling microscope, we measured the thermopower and electrical conductance of individual benzenedithiol junctions over a range of temperatures (100 K–300 K). We find that while the electrical conductance is independent of temperature, the thermopower increases linearly with temperature, confirming the predictions of the Landauer theory.
Optical isotropy at terahertz frequencies using anisotropic metamaterials
Authors: Lee In-Sung , Sohn Ik-Bu , Kang Chul , Kee Chul-Sik , Yang Jin-Kyu , Lee Joong Wook
Published: July 2016

We demonstrate optically isotropic filters in the terahertz (THz) frequency range using structurally anisotropic metamaterials. The proposed metamaterials with two-dimensional arrangements of anisotropic H-shaped apertures show polarization-independent transmission due to the combined effects of the dipole resonances of resonators and antennas. Our results may offer the potential for the design and realization of versatile THz devices and systems.
On the ideality factor of the radiative recombination current in semiconductor light-emitting diodes
Authors: Lee Gyeong Won , Shim Jong-In , Shin Dong-Soo
Published: July 2016

While there have been many discussions on the standard Si pn-diodes, little attention has been paid and confusion still arises on the ideality factor of the radiative recombination current in semiconductor light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In this letter, we theoretically demonstrate and experimentally confirm by using blue and infrared semiconductor LEDs that the ideality factor of the radiative recombination current is unity especially for low-current-density ranges. We utilize the data of internal quantum efficiency measured by the temperature-dependent electroluminescence to separate the radiative current component from the total current.
Optical and electronic properties of semiconducting Sn2S3
Authors: Singh David J.
Published: July 2016

We report the electronic and optical properties of Sn2S3 as obtained from first principles calculations with the modified Becke-Johnson potential. The electronic structure shows that Sn occurs in both divalent and tetravalent forms. The fundamental band gap of 0.82 eV is indirect. The direct gap is 0.97 eV, but the onset of strong optical absorption is much higher at ∼1.75 eV. This is as a consequence of the Sn2+ s and Sn4+ s characters of the valence and conduction band extrema, respectively. We also find strong and different anisotropies for conduction in p- and n-type Sn2S3. This should be taken into account in device structures in order to obtain efficient charge collection. The thermopowers are reasonably high for both p- and n-type materials. p-type Sn2S3 shows complex corrugated isosurface sections, while the n-type material shows multiple band extrema.
Comparative Theoretical Studies on Several Energetic Substituted Dioxin-imidazole Derivatives
Authors: Zheng Mei , Li Xiao-hong , Cui Hong-ling , Zhang Rui-zhou
Published: July 2016

The molecular structures, infrared spectra, heats of formation (HOFs), detonation properties, chemical and thermal stabilities of several tetrahydro-[1,4]dioxino[2,3-d:5,6-d′] diimidazole derivatives with different substituents were studied using DFT-B3LYP method. The properties of the compounds with different groups such as -NO2, -NH2, -N3, and -ONO2 were further compared. The -NO2 and -ONO2 groups are effective substituents for increasing the densities of the compounds, while the substitution of -N3 group can produce the largest HOF. The compound with -NO2 group has the same detonation properties as 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetraazacyclooctane, while the compound with -ONO2 group has lower detonation properties than those of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine. The nature bond orbital analysis reveals that the relatively weak bonds in the molecules are the bonds between substituent groups and the molecular skeletons as well as C–O bonds in the dioxin rings. The electron withdrawing groups (-NO2, -N3, and -ONO2) have inductive effects on the linkages between the groups and molecular skeletons. In addition, researches show that the electronegativities of the groups are related with the stabilities of the compounds. Considering detonation performance and thermal stability, the 1,5-dinitro-2,6-bis(trinitromethyl)-3a,4a,7a,8a-tetrahydro-[1,4]dioxino-[2,3-d:5,6-d′] diimidazole satisfies the requirements of high energy density materials.
Virtual Screening of Human O-GlcNAc Transferase Inhibitors
Authors: Zhou Qing-tong , Liang Hao-jun , Shakhnovich Eugene
Published: July 2016

O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) is one of essential mammalian enzymes, which catalyze the transfer of N-acetylglucosamine from UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) to hydroxyl groups of serines and threonines (Ser/Thr) in proteins. Dysregulations of cellular O-GlcNAc have been implicated in diabetes, neurodegenerative disease, and cancer, which brings great interest in developing potent and specific small-molecular OGT inhibitors. In this work, we performed virtual screening on OGT catalytic site to identify potential inhibitors. 7134792 drug-like compounds from ZINC (a free database of commercially available compounds for virtual screening) and 4287550 compounds generated by FOG (fragment optimized growth program) were screened and the top 116 compounds ranked by docking score were analyzed. By comparing the screening results, we found FOG program can generate more compounds with better docking scores than ZINC. The top ZINC compounds ranked by docking score were grouped into two classes, which held the binding positions of UDP and GlcNAc of UDP-GlcNAc. Combined with individual fragments in binding pocket, de novo compounds were designed and proved to have better docking score. The screened and designed compounds may become a starting point for developing new drugs.
Fabricating Nanogaps between Nanoelectrodes using Dielectrophoresis Technique for Molecular Fluorescence Enhancement
Authors: Meng Qiu-shi , Cai Hong-bing , Lin Ke , Zhu San-e , Liao Yuan , Zhang Yang , Wang Xiao-ping , Dong Zhen-chao
Published: July 2016

Here we demonstrate the fabrication of nanometer-sized gaps by assembling single coreshell nanoparticles between metallic nanoelectrodes. Protein coated SiO2@Au coreshell nanoparticles are synthesized and positioned between fluorescent molecules-covered electrodes in a controllable way using dielectrophoretic trapping, forming nanogaps sandwiched between nanoparticle and nanoelectrodes. Preliminary photoluminescence measurements show that enhanced molecular fluorescence could be detected from the fluorescent molecules inside the nanogaps. These results pave the way for realizing electrically driven molecular fluorescence based on nanogap electrodes.
Impact of Eu3+ Ions on Physical and Optical Properties of Li2O-Na2O-B2O3 Glass
Authors: Razak N. A. , Hashim S. , Mhareb M. H. A. , Alajerami Y. S. M. , Azizan S. A. , Tamchek N.
Published: July 2016

The lithium sodium borate glasses doped with Eu3+ ion are prepared using melt quenching technique, their structural and optical properties have been evaluated. The density of prepared glasses exhibits an inverse behavior to the molar volume ranging from 2.26 g/cm3 to 2.43 g/cm3 and 26.95 cm3/mol to 26.20 cm3/mol, respectively. The absence of sharp peaks in XRD patterns confirms the amorphous nature of the prepared glasses. The absorption spectra yield four transitions centered at 391 nm (7F0→5L6), 463 nm (7F0→5D2), 531 nm (7F0→5D1), and 582 nm (7F0→5D0). The most intense red luminescence is observed at 612 nm corresponding to 5D0→7F2 transition under 390 nm laser excitations.
Computer Simulation of Thin Film Wrinkling on Elastic Substrate
Authors: Lv Qian-ru , Li Hua-ping , Lu Cong-hua , He Xue-hao
Published: July 2016

Numerous theoretical and experimental efforts have been made to explain the dependence of the static wrinkling morphology on the materials' physical properties, whereas the dynamic wrinkling process remains elusive. In the present work, we design a wrinkling model consisting of a soft substrate and a graphene-like rigid thin film to investigate this dynamic process. The simulation shows that the whole wrinkling process includes three stages. At the incubation and wrinkling stages, the stress along the horizon direction of the soft substrate transfers to the stiff film. However, at the equilibrium stage, the stress of the rigid film slowly transfers back to the substrate although the total energy still decreases. It is found that the stress of the substrate concentrates at the top surface, especially at the trough, whereas the stress distribution of the film depends on direction. In the perpendicular direction, the stress at the wave's equilibrium position surpasses that at the crest and trough and, oppositely, the stress concentrates at the crest and trough in the horizon direction. Present model reproduces both wrinkling and delamination patterns and can be a powerful tool to deeply understand the structure deformation of material induced by stress release.
Effects of high ambient temperature on meat quality, serum hormone concentrations, and gene expression in the longissimus dorsi muscle of finishing pigs
Authors: Shi Z. B. , Ma X. Y. , Zheng C. T. , Hu Y. J. , Yang X. F. , Gao K. G. , Wang L. , Jiang Z. Y.
Published: July 2016

This study examined the effect of high ambient temperature on the growth performance, meat quality, activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, and related gene expression in finishing pigs. All pigs received the same corn-soybean meal-based diet. Twenty-four Landrace pigs (initial bodyweight of 77.64 ± 0.67 kg) were assigned into three groups: Group 1 (22°C, ad libitum, 81% humidity); Group 2 (22°C, pair-fed to Group 3, 78% humidity); Group 3 (35°C, ad libitum, 78% humidity). The experiment lasted for 30 days. The average daily feed intake and average daily gain were markedly reduced in Group 3 compared with Group 1 (P < 0.05). The intramuscular fat content of longissimus dorsi muscle was decreased in Groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.05) when compared with Group 1. Muscle pH at 24 h post-mortem was higher in Group 3 (P < 0.05) compared with Groups 1 and 2, and the pH at 48 h post-mortem was higher in Group 3 (P < 0.05) than in Group 1. The MyHC IIb transcript abundance was lower in Group 3 (P < 0.05) than in the other two groups and that of MyHC IIx was higher in Group 3 than in Group 2 (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of calpastatin transcripts was lower in Group 3 (P < 0.05) than in the other two groups. Cortisol concentrations were lower in Group 3 (P < 0.05) than in Groups 1 and 2 on Day 3. Corticotropin releasing hormone concentrations in Group 3 were lower at Day 3 (P < 0.05) when compared with Group 2 and at Day 30 when compared with Groups 1 and 2. Glucagon concentrations were lower in Group 3 (P < 0.05) when compared with Groups 1 and 2 on Day 30. These results indicate that the decreased intramuscular fat content of pigs at high ambient temperature results from the reduction in feed intake. Independently of its effect on feed intake, high ambient temperature affected the meat quality of finishing pigs by increasing pH value probably due to the lower serum concentrations of corticotropin releasing hormone, and inducing a transition of muscle fibre types from IIb to IIx.
Biology and ecology of Zearaja maugeana, an Endangered skate restricted to two south-western Tasmanian estuaries
Authors: Treloar M. A. , Barrett N. S. , Edgar G. J.
Published: July 2016

The Endangered Maugean skate Zearaja maugeana is a relic species restricted to two isolated estuaries, Bathurst Harbour and Macquarie Harbour, in south-western Tasmania, Australia. Over a 1-year period, dive, tagging and net surveys provided information on the biology and ecology of this species. In all, 96 Maugean skates were caught during five trips to Macquarie Harbour, with four additional individuals observed underwater; however, no animals were located in the single trip to Bathurst Harbour. Morphometrics and the sex of the animals were recorded for 95 individuals. Crustaceans dominated the diet, with the majority of animals feeding on the crab Paragrapus gaimardii. Recapture rates were very low, with only one of 82 pit-tagged skates recaptured, and that occurred on the day of release. One acoustically tagged male skate was tracked for 5km along the harbour margin for 24h, whereas a female skate tracked for 46.5h showed high site fidelity, suggesting that multiple factors potentially influence habitat utilisation. Although Macquarie Harbour represents the stronghold for this species, this estuary is also experiencing major environmental disturbance and change. Conservation management of this Endangered skate requires specific consideration of aquaculture, recreational fishing and mine drainage effects, as well as ongoing monitoring.
Bioaccumulation, oxidative stress and cellular damage in the intertidal gastropod Bembicium nanum exposed to a metal contamination gradient
Authors: Ubrihien Rodney P. , Taylor Anne M. , Maher William A.
Published: July 2016

The high concentration of population and industry in coastal areas leads to contamination. In situ biomonitors provide a reliable and cost-effective means of assessing the effects of contamination. Rigorous assessment of biomonitors is required to establish links between biomarker measurements and contamination in the environment. The aims of the present study were to assess the effects of metal contamination on the intertidal gastropod Bembicium nanum and to validate biomarkers for use in this species. B. nanum was sampled from a metal contamination gradient emanating from Port Kembla (NSW, Australia). Tissue metal concentrations were related to the condition of organisms as assessed using the biomarkers total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation and lysosomal destabilisation. Total tissue metal concentrations were highest in Port Kembla organisms, with copper contributing 56% of metals measured in organisms from this site. B. nanum from Port Kembla also had significantly higher lysosomal destabilisation, being 36% higher than Kiama and 80% higher than Shellharbour over the combined sampling times. Lysosomal destabilisation was related to total tissue metal concentration and Cu tissue concentration. The results of the present study establish B. nanum as a bioindicator of metal contamination, with effects primarily relating to copper, and support previous work on the species as an effective biomonitor of bioavailable metal.
Opportunities for general practitioners to enhance disaster preparedness among vulnerable patients
Authors: Anikeeva Olga , Cornell Victoria , Steenkamp Malinda , Arbon Paul
Published: July 2016

Disasters occur frequently in Australia and will become more unpredictable and severe due to climate change. Some members of the Australian population, such as the elderly, the chronically ill and the socially isolated, are less likely to be prepared and more likely to be adversely affected by disasters. Although general practitioners (GPs) view the delivery of preventive health care as a priority, few preventive services focus on patients’ resilience and ability to cope with unexpected stressors. This paper focuses on the individuals most vulnerable to disasters and the opportunities for GPs to facilitate the enhancement of disaster preparedness among these groups. General practitioners are ideally placed to identify vulnerable patients and refer them to services that may assist them in enhancing their disaster resilience. To reduce the burden on individual GPs, adjustments can be made to practice software systems that will use patient records to identify vulnerable individuals.
Identifying key climate and environmental factors affecting rates of post-fire big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) recovery in the northern Columbia Basin, USA
Authors: Shinneman Douglas J. , McIlroy Susan K.
Published: July 2016

Sagebrush steppe of North America is considered highly imperilled, in part owing to increased fire frequency. Sagebrush ecosystems support numerous species, and it is important to understand those factors that affect rates of post-fire sagebrush recovery. We explored recovery of Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis) and basin big sagebrush (A. tridentata ssp. tridentata) communities following fire in the northern Columbia Basin (Washington, USA). We sampled plots across 16 fires that burned in big sagebrush communities from 5 to 28 years ago, and also sampled nearby unburned locations. Mixed-effects models demonstrated that density of large–mature big sagebrush plants and percentage cover of big sagebrush were higher with time since fire and in plots with more precipitation during the winter immediately following fire, but were lower when precipitation the next winter was higher than average, especially on soils with higher available water supply, and with greater post-fire mortality of mature big sagebrush plants. Bunchgrass cover 5 to 28 years after fire was predicted to be lower with higher cover of both shrubs and non-native herbaceous species, and only slightly higher with time. Post-fire recovery of big sagebrush in the northern Columbia Basin is a slow process that may require several decades on average, but faster recovery rates may occur under specific site and climate conditions.
Complete mitochondrial genome of the endangered Mary River turtle (Elusor macrurus) and low mtDNA variation across the species' range
Authors: Schmidt Daniel J. , Brockett Brittany , Espinoza Thomas , Connell Marilyn , Hughes Jane M.
Published: July 2016

Elusor macrurus is an endangered short-necked turtle restricted to the Mary River catchment in south-eastern Queensland. Shotgun sequencing of genomic DNA was used to generate a complete mitochondrial genome sequence for E. macrurus using the Illumina MiSeq platform. The mitogenome is 16 499 base pairs (bp) long with 37 genes arranged in the typical vertebrate order and a relatively short 918-bp control region, which does not feature extensive tandem repeats as observed in some turtles. Primers were designed to amplify a 1270-bp region that includes 81% of the typically hypervariable control region. Two haplotypes were detected in a sample of 22 wild-caught individuals from eight sites across its natural range. The Mary River turtle is a species with low mtDNA nucleotide variability relative to other Chelidae. The combination of a very restricted distribution and dramatic reduction in population size due to exploitation for the pet trade are the conditions likely to have led to very low mtDNA variability in this endangered species.
Chapter 2. Listening with your cohort
Authors: Bobb Susan C. , Nauck Laila Y.D. , Altvater-Mackensen Nicole , Von Holzen Katie , Mani Nivedita
Published: July 2016

Bilingual children, like bilingual adults, co-activate both languages during word recognition and production. But what is the extent of this co-activation? In the present study, we asked whether or not bilingual preschool children activate a shared phonological cohort across languages when hearing words only in their L1. We tested German-English children on a cross-modal priming paradigm. To ensure co-activation of languages, children first heard a short code-switch story. Compared to a monolingual control group, bilingual children in Experiment 1 showed only partial sensitivity to the L1 cohort. Bilingual children who did not hear the code-switch story (Experiment 2) showed priming effects identical to the monolinguals in Experiment 1. Results indicate that under single-language contexts, German-English bilingual preschoolers do not activate the non-target language cohort during word recognition but instead restrict cohort activation to the language of input. In contrast, presentation of the non-target language in the code-switch story appears to shift cohort activation and increase L2 activation, suggesting a highly flexible language system that is in tune to the broader linguistic context. We consider mechanisms of bilingual language control that may enable bilingual toddlers to limit cross-language phonological activation.
Chapter 11. Multi-component perspective of cognitive control in bilingualism
Authors: Morales Julia , Gómez-Ariza Carlos J. , Bajo M. Teresa
Published: July 2016

In this chapter, we outline a novel approach to investigating the relation between bilingualism and executive functioning that may circumvent some limitations of previous studies. Whereas previous research has mainly focused on exploring isolated components of executive control (mainly inhibitory control), we argue that such a strategy overlooks the fact that bilingualism might dynamically modify distinct mechanisms of cognitive control and prevent researchers from identifying potential interactions between different control mechanisms. In addition, we highlight that bilingualism is not a categorical variable since bilinguals differ in proficiency, dominance, or the context of language use. Hence, differences in these and other aspects may entail a number of strategies to solve language co-activation, which could impose singular demands on cognitive control. Based on recent theoretical developments and our own findings, we posit that studying the interactions between multiple control processes in different bilingual situations may provide new insights into the relations between language and cognitive control.
Chapter 13. Executive functions in bilingual children
Authors: Prior Anat , Goldwasser Noa , Ravet-Hirsh Rotem , Schwartz Mila
Published: July 2016

As part of the ongoing debate regarding possible bilingual advantages in executive functions, the current study compared bilingual Russian-Hebrew speaking children from two age groups (preschool and sixth grade) with their monolingual Hebrew speaking peers, matched on socio-cultural background. Bilingual children’s vocabulary knowledge in both languages was measured objectively as an index of proficiency, and children were classified as balanced or unbalanced bilinguals. Participants performed a flanker task, measuring both inhibitory ability and cognitive flexibility. The bilingual preschoolers were not advantaged over monolinguals, possibly as a result of proficiency profiles. The sixth grade bilinguals showed some advantages over monolinguals in inhibition, but these were limited to the balanced bilinguals, who were able to achieve and maintain comparable levels of proficiency in their two languages. These findings suggest that only the demands posed by balanced bilingualism and strong competition between the two languages, might lead to EF advantages, specifically in inhibition.
La polisemia de los verbos de colocación
Authors: Comer Marie , Enghels Renata
Published: July 2016

This article compares the syntax and semantics of the locative verbsponerandmeterin Spanish with their French cognatesposerandmettre. In some contexts these lexemes are clearly interchangeable, whereas in others they are not. The purpose of this study is double. First, based on a large contemporary corpus for Spanish and French, it describes the intricate polysemy of the verbs. It shows that in modern Spanish mainlyponerpresents more grammaticalized uses — that is as a semi-copulative or causative verb. In contrast, its near-equivalentmeterbehaves more frequently like a true locative verb. In French, the situation is the other way around:mettreseems to display more grammaticalized uses, mainly as inchoative auxiliary verb, thanposerdoes. The second part of the analysis provides an explanation for this different behavior and maps out the diachronic semantic development of the verbs, from the 13th century up to now.
Notes sur les assises méthodologiques d’une « histoire littéraire structurale »
Authors: Alharbi Sarah
Published: July 2016

This article examines the conditions in which H. R. Jauss, in his conference entitledLiteraturgeschichte als Provokation(1967), elaborated a new theoretical approach of “structural literary history”. The central position this essay holds in literary theory has accounted for its enabling a turning point in the practice and the pedagogy of literary studies : it provides a model for the problematic articulation between structural analysis and historical interpretation of texts. In an attempt to put his theory into perspective, the German historian conducted two research projects in medieval genre theory. He bases his argument on the example of animal tales from the satiricalRoman de Renartof the late 12th century, and asserts that philologists, in their extensive search for evidence based on manuscript sources, have discarded both the hermeneutical interest and the structural variety developed by storytellers in their texts. This study wishes to measure the scope and the results of this instructive methodology in the context of its didactic application. It discusses the roots of the problem, as well as the potential significance of “structural literary history” for our contemporary understanding of the theory and the practice of reading.
Spanish version of the Generalized Sense of Power Scale / Versión española de la Escala de Sensación de Poder General
Authors: Willis Guillermo B. , Carretero-Dios Hugo , Rodríguez-Bailón Rosa , Petkanopoulou Katerina
Published: July 2016

In this paper we present the development of the Spanish version of the Generalized Sense of Power Scale — individuals’ perception about their ability to influence others. After examining evidence of content validity, in two studies we investigated the psychometric properties of the Generalized Sense of Power Scale (GSPS) and its relationship with other theoretically related variables. In Study 1, we found through an exploratory factor analysis that the factorial structure of the GSPS presents two differentiated factors: sense of soft power and sense of harsh power. In Study 2, a confirmatory factor analysis replicated this finding, and we also found the expected correlations between these two factors and other theoretically related variables. Furthermore, we found that these two factors showed adequate internal consistency in both studies. All in all, our results suggest that the Spanish version of the GSPS is an instrument that is able to measure the generalized sense of power.
Influence of pulse operational parameters on pure nickel electrodeposits: Part II. Microhardness and corrosion resistance
Authors: Sajjadnejad M. , Omidvar H. , Javanbakht M.
Published: July 2016

Nanocrystalline nickel electrodeposits were fabricated from an additive-free Watts bath by pulse current electrodeposition technique. The coatings were obtained at different current densities, duty cycles and pulse frequencies and were characterised using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope and X-ray diffraction. The corrosion properties of the coatings in 3.5 wt-% NaCl solution were investigated using potentiodynamic polarisation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. All the nickel samples exhibited active–passive potentiodynamic polarisation behaviour. A strong relationship was observed between the crystallographic orientation of the nickel electrodeposits and their corrosion resistance. Commonly the corrosion current density increases with I(200)/ I(111) ratio ( I(hkl) is the peak intensity corresponding to (hkl) crystal plane). The passive layer is more stable on [211] oriented grains than on [100] oriented grains. The Nyquist impedance curves were composed of two depressed semicircles corresponding to charge transfer process and diffusion process through a porous passive layer. [211] orientation and small grain size favour high microhardness values.
Cloning, expression, and characterization of Aureobasidium melanogenum lipase in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Wongwatanapaiboon Jinaporn , Klinbunga Sirawut , Ruangchainikom Chalermchai , Thummadetsak Gamgarn , Chulalaksananukul Suphang , Marty Alain , Chulalaksananukul Warawut
Published: July 2016

cDNA of Aureobasidium melanogenum lipase comprises 1254 bp encoding 417 amino acids, whereas genomic DNA of lipase comprises 1311 bp with one intron (57 bp). The lipase gene contains a putative signal peptide encoding 26 amino acids. The A. melanogenum lipase gene was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris. Recombinant lipase in an inducible expression system showed the highest lipase activity of 3.8 U/mL after six days of 2% v/v methanol induction. The molecular mass of purified recombinant lipase was estimated as 39 kDa using SDS-PAGE. Optimal lipase activity was observed at 35–37 °C and pH 7.0 using p-nitrophenyl laurate as the substrate. Lipase activity was enhanced by Mg2+, Mn2+, Li+, Ca2+, Ni2+, CHAPS, DTT, and EDTA and inhibited by Hg2+, Ag+, SDS, Tween 20, and Triton X-100. The addition of 10% v/v acetone, DMSO, p-xylene, and octanol increased lipase activity, whereas that of propanol and butanol strongly inhibited it.
BAFF-secreting neutrophils drive plasma cell responses during emergency granulopoiesis
Authors: Parsa Roham , Lund Harald , Georgoudaki Anna-Maria , Zhang Xing-Mei , Ortlieb Guerreiro-Cacais André , Grommisch David , Warnecke Andreas , Croxford Andrew L. , Jagodic Maja , Becher Burkhard , Karlsson Mikael C.I. , Harris Robert A.
Published: July 2016

Prolonged infections or adjuvant usage can trigger emergency granulopoiesis (EG), leading to dysregulation in neutrophil blood counts. However, the impact of EG on T and B cell function remains largely unknown. In this study, to address this question, we used a mouse model of neutropenia and studied immune activation after adjuvant administration. The initial neutropenic state fostered an environment of increased dendritic cell activation and T cell–derived IL-17 production. Interestingly, neutropenic lysozyme 2–diphtheria toxin A mice exhibited striking EG and amplified neutrophil recruitment to the lymph nodes (LNs) that was dependent on IL-17–induced prostaglandin activity. The recruited neutrophils secreted a B cell–activating factor that highly accelerated plasma cell generation and antigen-specific antibody production. Reduction of neutrophil functions via granulocyte colony-stimulating factor neutralization significantly diminished plasma cell formation, directly linking EG with the humoral immune response. We conclude that neutrophils are capable of directly regulating T cell–dependent B cell responses in the LN.
Protection against malaria in mice is induced by blood stage–arresting histamine-releasing factor (HRF)–deficient parasites
Authors: Demarta-Gatsi Claudia , Smith Leanna , Thiberge Sabine , Peronet Roger , Commere Pierre-Henri , Matondo Mariette , Apetoh Lionel , Bruhns Pierre , Ménard Robert , Mécheri Salaheddine
Published: July 2016

Although most vaccines against blood stage malaria in development today use subunit preparations, live attenuated parasites confer significantly broader and more lasting protection. In recent years, Plasmodium genetically attenuated parasites (GAPs) have been generated in rodent models that cause self-resolving blood stage infections and induce strong protection. All such GAPs generated so far bear mutations in housekeeping genes important for parasite development in red blood cells. In this study, using a Plasmodium berghei model compatible with tracking anti–blood stage immune responses over time, we report a novel blood stage GAP that lacks a secreted factor related to histamine-releasing factor (HRF). Lack of HRF causes an IL-6 increase, which boosts T and B cell responses to resolve infection and leave a cross-stage, cross-species, and lasting immunity. Mutant-induced protection involves a combination of antiparasite IgG2c antibodies and FcγR+ CD11b+ cell phagocytes, especially neutrophils, which are sufficient to confer protection. This immune-boosting GAP highlights an important role of opsonized parasite-mediated phagocytosis, which may be central to protection induced by all self-resolving blood stage GAP infections.
When the Emperor Submitted to his Rebellious Subjects: A Neglected and Innovative Legal Account of the Peace of Constance, 1183
Authors: Raccagni Gianluca
Published: July 2016

Scholarship associates Emperor Frederick Barbarossa with two momentous but seemingly contrary developments in European history: the Diet of Roncaglia of 1158 is considered a landmark in the conceptualisation and growth of royal authority, but the Peace of Constance with the rebel Lombard League of 1183 is represented as the legal basis for the autonomy of the Italian city republics. This paper highlights the fact that the Peace of Constance also identified imperial prerogatives, and it argues that, while it is now overlooked, that side of the settlement attracted a great deal of attention well into the early modern period and well beyond Italy. It demonstrates this by examining a largely forgotten account by the jurist Odofredus, which differs from the now current depictions of the Peace of Constance by stating that the rectors of the League defined those prerogatives following Barbarossa’s submission to them. The paper advises partial acceptance of this account, contextualises it in the conflict between Frederick II and the League (1226–50), and suggests not only that the Peace of Constance and Odofredus’ account informed seminal debates on kingship, right of resistance and popular sovereignty, but also that the former came to be a prime historical example of a settlement between sovereign and subjects, and the latter its standard interpretation, in the following centuries.