bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anomalous domain periodicity observed in ferroelectric PbTiO3 nanodots having 180° stripe domains
Authors: Son Jong Yeog , Song Seungwoo , Lee Jung-Hoon , Jang Hyun Myung
Published: May 2016

Nanometer-scale ferroelectric dots and tubes have received a great deal of attention owing to their potential applications to nonvolatile memories and multi-functional devices. As for the size effect of 180° stripe domains in ferroelectric thin films, there have been numerous reports on the thickness-dependent domain periodicity. All these studies have revealed that the domain periodicity (w) of 180° stripe domains scales with the film thickness (d) according to the classical Landau-Lifshitz-Kittel (LLK) scaling law (w ∝ d1/2) down to the thickness of ~2 nm. In the case of PbTiO3 nanodots, however, we obtained a striking correlation that for the thickness less than a certain critical value, dc (~35 nm), the domain width even increases with decreasing thickness of the nanodot, which surprisingly indicates a negative value in the LLK scaling-law exponent. On the basis of theoretical considerations of dc, we attributed this anomalous domain periodicity to the finite lateral-size effect of a ferroelectric nanodot with an additional effect possibly coming from the existence of a thin non-ferroelectric surface layer.
Large-Scale Production of Large-Size Atomically Thin Semiconducting Molybdenum Dichalcogenide Sheets in Water and Its Application for Supercapacitor
Authors: Chen Yu-Xiang , Wu Chien-Wei , Kuo Ting-Yang , Chang Yu-Lung , Jen Ming-Hsing , Chen I-Wen Peter
Published: May 2016

To progress from laboratory research to commercial applications, it is necessary to develop an effective method to prepare large quantities and high-quality of the large-size atomically thin molybdenum dichalcogenides (MoS2). Aqueous-phase processes provide a viable method for producing thin MoS2sheets using organolithium-assisted exfoliation; unfortunately, this method is hindered by changing pristine semiconducting 2H phase to distorted metallic 1T phase. Recovery of the intrinsic 2H phase typically involves heating of the 1T MoS2sheets on solid substrates at high temperature. This has restricted and hindered the utilization of 2H phase MoS2sheets suspensions. Here, we demonstrate that the synergistic effect of the rigid planar structure and charged nature of organic salt such as imidazole (ImH) can be successfully used to produce atomically thin 2H-MoS2sheets suspension in water. Moreover, lateral size and area of the exfoliated sheet can be up to 50 μm and 1000 μm2, respectively. According to the XPS measurements, nearly 100% of the 2H-MoS2sheets was successfully prepared. A composite paper supercapacitor using the exfoliated 2H-MoS2and carbon nanotubes delivered a superior volumetric capacitance of ~410 F/cm3. Therefore, the organic salts-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation has great potential for large-scale production of 2H-MoS2suspensions for supercapacitor application.
Experimental Demonstration of a Hybrid-Quantum-Emitter Producing Individual Entangled Photon Pairs in the Telecom Band
Authors: Chen Geng , Zou Yang , Zhang Wen-Hao , Zhang Zi-Huai , Zhou Zong-Quan , He De-Yong , Tang Jian-Shun , Liu Bi-Heng , Yu Ying , Zha Guo-Wei , Ni Hai-Qiao , Niu Zhi-Chuan , Han Yong-Jian , Li Chuan-Feng , Guo Guang-Can
Published: May 2016

Quantum emitters generating individual entangled photon pairs (IEPP) have significant fundamental advantages over schemes that suffer from multiple photon emission, or schemes that require post-selection techniques or the use of photon-number discriminating detectors. Quantum dots embedded within nanowires (QD-NWs) represent one of the most promising candidate for quantum emitters that provide a high collection efficiency of photons. However, a quantum emitter that generates IEPP in the telecom band is still an issue demanding a prompt solution. Here, we demonstrate in principle that IEPPs in the telecom band can be created by combining a single QD-NW and a nonlinear crystal waveguide. The QD-NW system serves as the single photon source, and the emitted visible single photons are split into IEPPs at approximately 1.55 μm through the process of spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC) in a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguide. The compatibility of the QD-PPLN interface is the determinant factor in constructing this novel hybrid-quantum-emitter (HQE). Benefiting from the desirable optical properties of QD-NWs and the extremely high nonlinear conversion efficiency of PPLN waveguides, we successfully generate IEPPs in the telecom band with the polarization degree of freedom. The entanglement of the generated photon pairs is confirmed by the entanglement witness. Our experiment paves the way to producing HQEs inheriting the advantages of multiple systems.
Solution structure and binding specificity of the p63 DNA binding domain
Authors: Enthart Andreas , Klein Christian , Dehner Alexander , Coles Murray , Gemmecker Gerd , Kessler Horst , Hagn Franz
Published: May 2016

p63 is a close homologue of p53 and, together with p73, is grouped into the p53 family of transcription factors. p63 is known to be involved in the induction of controlled apoptosis important for differentiation processes, germ line integrity and development. Despite its high homology to p53, especially within the DNA binding domain (DBD), p63-DBD does not show cooperative DNA binding properties and is significantly more stable against thermal and chemical denaturation. Here, we determined the solution structure of p63-DBD and show that it is markedly less dynamic than p53-DBD. In addition, we also investigate the effect of a double salt bridge present in p53-DBD, but not in p63-DBD on the cooperative binding behavior and specificity to various DNA sites. Restoration of the salt bridges in p63-DBD by mutagenesis leads to enhanced binding affinity to p53-specific, but not p63-specific response elements. Furthermore, we show that p63-DBD is capable of binding to anti-apoptotic BclxL via its DNA binding interface, a feature that has only been shown for p53 so far. These data suggest that all p53 family members - despite alterations in the specificity and binding affinity - are capable of activating pro-apoptotic pathways in a tissue specific manner.
Phage selection restores antibiotic sensitivity in MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Chan Benjamin K. , Sistrom Mark , Wertz John E. , Kortright Kaitlyn E. , Narayan Deepak , Turner Paul E.
Published: May 2016

Increasing prevalence and severity of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections has necessitated novel antibacterial strategies. Ideally, new approaches would target bacterial pathogens while exerting selection for reduced pathogenesis when these bacteria inevitably evolve resistance to therapeutic intervention. As an example of such a management strategy, we isolated a lytic bacteriophage, OMKO1, (family Myoviridae) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa that utilizes the outer membrane porin M (OprM) of the multidrug efflux systems MexAB and MexXY as a receptor-binding site. Results show that phage selection produces an evolutionary trade-off in MDR P. aeruginosa, whereby the evolution of bacterial resistance to phage attack changes the efflux pump mechanism, causing increased sensitivity to drugs from several antibiotic classes. Although modern phage therapy is still in its infancy, we conclude that phages, such as OMKO1, represent a new approach to phage therapy where bacteriophages exert selection for MDR bacteria to become increasingly sensitive to traditional antibiotics. This approach, using phages as targeted antibacterials, could extend the lifetime of our current antibiotics and potentially reduce the incidence of antibiotic resistant infections.
Discovery and small RNA profile of Pecan mosaic-associated virus, a novel potyvirus of pecan trees
Authors: Su Xiu , Fu Shuai , Qian Yajuan , Zhang Liqin , Xu Yi , Zhou Xueping
Published: May 2016

A novel potyvirus was discovered in pecan (Carya illinoensis) showing leaf mosaic symptom through the use of deep sequencing of small RNAs. The complete genome of this virus was determined to comprise of 9,310 nucleotides (nt), and shared 24.0% to 58.9% nucleotide similarities with that of other Potyviridae viruses. The genome was deduced to encode a single open reading frame (polyprotein) on the plus strand. Phylogenetic analysis based on the whole genome sequence and coat protein amino acid sequence showed that this virus is most closely related to Lettuce mosaic virus. Using electron microscopy, the typical Potyvirus filamentous particles were identified in infected pecan leaves with mosaic symptoms. Our results clearly show that this virus is a new member of the genus Potyvirus in the family Potyviridae. The virus is tentatively named Pecan mosaic-associated virus (PMaV). Additionally, profiling of the PMaV-derived small RNA (PMaV-sRNA) showed that the most abundant PMaV-sRNAs were 21-nt in length. There are several hotspots for small RNA production along the PMaV genome; two 21-nt PMaV-sRNAs starting at 811 nt and 610 nt of the minus-strand genome were highly repeated.
Intestinal APCs of the endogenous nanomineral pathway fail to express PD-L1 in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Robertson Jack , Haas Carolin T. , Pele Laetitia C. , Monie Tom P. , Charalambos Charles , Parkes Miles , Hewitt Rachel E. , Powell Jonathan J.
Published: May 2016

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition most commonly affecting the ileum and colon. The aetiology of Crohn’s disease is complex and may include defects in peptidoglycan recognition, and/or failures in the establishment of intestinal tolerance. We have recently described a novel constitutive endogenous delivery system for the translocation of nanomineral-antigen-peptidoglycan (NAP) conjugates to antigen presenting cells (APCs) in intestinal lymphoid patches. In mice NAP conjugate delivery to APCs results in high surface expression of the immuno-modulatory molecule programmed death receptor ligand 1 (PD-L1). Here we report that NAP conjugate positive APCs in human ileal tissues from individuals with ulcerative colitis and intestinal carcinomas, also have high expression of PD-L1. However, NAP-conjugate positive APCs in intestinal tissue from patients with Crohn’s disease show selective failure in PD-L1 expression. Therefore, in Crohn’s disease intestinal antigen taken up by lymphoid patch APCs will be presented without PD-L1 induced tolerogenic signalling, perhaps initiating disease.
Quasi-freestanding graphene on Ni(111) by Cs intercalation
Authors: Alattas M. , Schwingenschlögl U.
Published: May 2016

A possible approach to achieve quasi-freestanding graphene on a substrate for technological purpose is the intercalation of alkali metal atoms. Cs intercalation between graphene and Ni(111) therefore is investigated using density functional theory, incorporating van der Waals corrections. It is known that direct contact between graphene and Ni(111) perturbs the Dirac states. We find that Cs intercalation restores the linear dispersion characteristic of Dirac fermions, which agrees with experiments, but the Dirac cone is shifted to lower energy, i.e., the graphene sheet is n-doped. Cs intercalation therefore decouples the graphene sheet from the substrate except for a charge transfer. On the other hand, the spin polarization of Ni(111) does not extend through the intercalated atoms to the graphene sheet, for which we find virtually spin-degeneracy.
Radiocarbon dating of prehistoric phytoliths: a preliminary study of archaeological sites in China
Authors: Zuo Xinxin , Lu Houyuan , Zhang Jianping , Wang Can , Sun Guoping , Zheng Yunfei
Published: May 2016

Phytoliths can occlude some organic carbon during their deposition in plants. This carbon fraction is recognised as an ideal dating material because of its high resistance to decomposition and post-deposition contamination at the time of phytolith formation. However, the reliability of phytolith radiocarbon dating has recently been questioned. The development of a new extraction protocol for phytoliths, with paired dating between phytoliths and other materials from the same sediment, may provide further evidence for the reliability of phytolith dating. We present an improved method for extracting phytoliths from soils. We compared the dating of phytoliths and other materials (e.g., charcoal and plant seeds) recovered at the same depth from seven pits at six archaeological sites in China. The estimated ages of the phytoliths and other materials were generally consistent, except for one outlier. We attribute this inconsistency to the post-depositional processes of phytoliths in soil, rather than to the uptake of old carbon from the soil. Our results clearly show the potential for phytolith carbon dating at archaeological sites in the absence of other dating materials.
Design strategy of surface decoration for efficient delivery of nanoparticles by computer simulation
Authors: Ding Hong-ming , Ma Yu-qiang
Published: May 2016

Understanding the role of surface decoration of nanoparticles in protein adsorption and cellular uptake is of great importance in biomedicine. Here, by using dissipative particle dynamics simulations, we take two typical coating polymers (i.e., hydrophilic and zwitterionic polymers) as an example and systematically investigate their effect on cellular delivery of hydrophobic and charged nanoparticles (in the presence of serum protein). Our results show that though two types of polymers are charge-neutral and can both reduce the protein adsorption, there exist some differences between their ability of protein resistance, especially in the case of positively charged nanoparticles. Besides, it is found that the coating polymers may also greatly decrease the cellular uptake efficiency of nanoparticles. Nevertheless and importantly, since the zwitterionic polymers may become positively charged under low pH environments, the nanoparticle can attach onto cell membrane more firmly than that coated with hydrophilic polymers, which can further enhance the active targeting of nanoparticles. Finally, we also provide the design maps for surface decoration to achieve efficient cellular delivery. These results can help better understand how to keep the balance between protein resistance and cell targeting, which may give some useful guidelines on optimal design of future nanomaterials in drug delivery.
Vaginal Dysbiosis from an Evolutionary Perspective
Authors: Schlabritz-Loutsevitch Natalia , Gygax Scott E , Dick Edward , Smith William L. , Snider Cathy , Hubbard Gene , Ventolini Gary
Published: May 2016

Evolutionary approaches are powerful tools for understanding human disorders. The composition of vaginal microbiome is important for reproductive success and has not yet been characterized in the contexts of social structure and vaginal pathology in non-human primates (NHPs). We investigated vaginal size, vulvovaginal pathology and the presence of the main human subtypes ofLactobacillusspp./ BV-related species in the vaginal microflora of baboons (Papio spp.). We performed morphometric measurements of external and internal genitalia (group I, n = 47), analyzed pathology records of animals from 1999–2015 (group II, n = 64 from a total of 12,776), and evaluated vaginal swabs using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (group III, n = 14). A total of 68 lesions were identified in 64 baboons.Lactobacillus iners, Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, Megasphaera I, andMegasphaera IIwere not detected.L. jensenii, L. crispatus, andL. gasseriwere detected in 2/14 (14.2%), 1/14 (7.1%), and 1/14 (7.1%) samples, respectively.BVAB2was detected in 5/14 (35.7%) samples. The differences in the vaginal milieu between NHP and humans might be the factor associated with human-specific pattern of placental development and should be taken in consideration in NHP models of human pharmacology and microbiology.
A novel approach of chemical mechanical polishing for cadmium zinc telluride wafers
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Wang Bo , Zhou Ping , Kang Renke , Zhang Bi , Guo Dongming
Published: May 2016

A novel approach of chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) is developed for cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe or CZT) wafers. The approach uses environment-friendly slurry that consists of mainly silica, hydrogen peroxide and citric acid. This is different from the previously reported slurries that are usually composed of strong acid, alkali and bromine methanol and are detrimental to the environment and operators. Surface roughness 0.5 nm and 4.7 nm are achieved for Ra and peak-to-valley (PV) values respectively in a measurement area of 70 × 50 μm2, using the developed novel approach. Fundamental polishing mechanisms are also investigated in terms of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical measurements. Hydrogen peroxide dominates the passivating process during the CMP of CZT wafers, indicating by the lowest passivation current density among silica, citric acid and hydrogen peroxide solution. Chemical reaction equations are proposed during CMP according to the XPS and electrochemical measurements.
MicroRNA-126 contributes to Niaspan treatment induced vascular restoration after diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Wang Yang , Yan Hua
Published: May 2016

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious microvascular complication of diabetes and a major cause of blindness in the developing world. Early diabetic retinopathy is characterized by a loss of pericytes and vascular endothelial cells, a breakdown of the blood–retinal barrier, vascular dysfunction and vascular-neuroinflammation. However, optimal treatment options and related mechanisms are still unclear. MicroRNA-126 (miR-126) plays a potential role in the pathogenesis in DR, which may regulate VEGF, Ang-1 and VCAM-1 expressions. This study investigated the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Niaspan treatment of DR in diabetes (DM) rats. DM rats exhibits significantly decreased miR-126 and tight junction Claudin-5/Occludin/ZO-1 genes expression and increased Blood retinal-barrier (BRB) breakdown, retinal apoptosis and VEGF/VEGFR, as well as VCAM-1/CD45 expressions in the retina compared to normal control group. Niaspan treatment significantly improved clinical and histopathological outcomes; decreased the expressions of VEGF/VEGFR, VCAM-1/CD45, apoptosis and BRB breakdown, significantly increased tight junction proteins and Ang-1/Tie-2 expressions, as well as increased retinal miR-126 expression compared to non-treatment diabetic rats. These data are the first to show that Niaspan treatment ameliorates DR through its repair vascular and inhibits inflammatory effects and also suggest that the miR-126 pathway may contribute to Niaspan treatment induced benefit effects.
Evaluation of polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles for oil separation under environmentally relevant conditions: effect of ionic strength and natural organic macromolecules
Authors: Mirshahghassemi Seyyedali , Cai Bo , Lead Jamie R.
Published: May 2016

Fluorescence spectra for oil–water mixtures before and after oil removal using PVP-coated magnetic nanoparticles under different environmentally relevant conditions.
Mercury species induced frequency-shift of molecular orientational transformation based on SERS
Authors: Chen Lei , Zhao Yue , Wang Yaxin , Zhang Yongjun , Liu Yang , Han Xiao Xia , Zhao Bing , Yang Jinghai
Published: May 2016

We proposed a novel readout method based on a peculiar phenomenon in which the vibrational frequencies of a SERS-active probe (dimethyldithiocarbamic acid sodium salt, DASS) can be affected when there is mercury species.
Determination of reducing sugars in foodstuff applying multivariate second-order calibration
Authors: Aimo Julia , Promancio Ezequiel , Damiani Patricia C.
Published: May 2016

In the present report, a chemometrics-assisted second-order kinetic-spectrophotometric method has been developed for determining reducing sugars, glucose, fructose and lactose, in food samples, based on the reaction with hexacyanoferrate, HCF, at 70 °C in alkaline medium.
Mixed-metal or mixed-linker metal organic frameworks as heterogeneous catalysts
Authors: Dhakshinamoorthy Amarajothi , Asiri Abdullah M. , Garcia Hermenegildo
Published: May 2016

This review illustrates the recent developments in heterogeneous catalysis using mixed metal or mixed linker MOFs.
BODIPY based hyperbranched conjugated polymers for detecting organic vapors
Authors: Sen Choong Ping , Devendar Goud Vanga , Shrestha Rekha Goswami , Shrestha Lok Kumar , Ariga Katsuhiko , Valiyaveettil Suresh
Published: May 2016

BODIPY-based hyperbranched polymer showed improved selectivity and sensitivity for toluene as originated from the strong π–π interaction and high porosity within polymer matrix.
2,4-Diamino-5-(phenylthio)-5H-chromeno [2,3-b] pyridine-3-carbonitriles as green and effective corrosion inhibitors: gravimetric, electrochemical, surface morphology and theoretical studies
Authors: Verma Chandrabhan , Olasunkanmi Lukman O. , Obot I. B. , Ebenso Eno E. , Quraishi M. A.
Published: May 2016

The inhibition of mild steel corrosion in 1 M HCl by three newly synthesized 2,4-diamino-5-(phenylthio)-5H-chromeno[2,3-b]pyridine-3-carbonitriles was studied using the weight loss method, electrochemical techniques, surface morphology studies and theoretical methods.
The effects of metal oxide blended activated coke on flue gas desulphurization
Authors: Yang Lin , Huang Tian , Jiang Xia , Li Jianjun , Jiang Wenju
Published: May 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of using some natural minerals or industrial waste containing some metal oxides to prepare modified activated coke (M/AC) for flue gas desulphurization.
An organic–inorganic hybrid based on an Anderson-type polyoxometalate immobilized on PVA as a reusable and efficient nanocatalyst for oxidative desulphurization of gasoline
Authors: Rezvani M. A. , Nia Asli M. Ali , Oveisi M. , Babaei R. , Qasemi K. , Khandan S.
Published: May 2016

An organic–inorganic hybrid based on Anderson-type polyoxometalate was synthesized and immobilized on PVA via sol–gel method and characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM and UV-vis spectroscopy. Its catalytic activity was tested on ODS of gasoline.
Improving the thermoelectric power factor of CNT/PEDOT:PSS nanocomposite films by ethylene glycol treatment
Authors: Lee Woohwa , Kang Young Hun , Lee Jun Young , Jang Kwang-Suk , Cho Song Yun
Published: May 2016

This study investigates a treatment method with ethylene glycol for improving the thermoelectric properties of CNT/PEDOT:PSS nanocomposite films.
The impact of flexibility of polyimides backbones on the stability of liquid crystal vertical alignment
Authors: Che Xinyuan , Gong Shiming , Shao Leishan , Lan Tian , Wang Fei , Wang Yinghan
Published: May 2016

Two side-chain-type polyimides (RPI and SPI) containing different backbones induced vertical alignments of liquid crystals, after rubbing, one maintained stable vertical, while the other transformed from vertical into parallel.
Electrochemical properties of carbonyl substituted phthalocyanines as electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Chen Jun , Guo Jinkang , Zhang Tao , Wang Chunxiang , Ding Nengwen , Zhang Qian , Yang Hui , Liu Xiaolin , Li Dong , Li Zhifeng , Zhong Shengwen , Wang Shuangqing
Published: May 2016

Through I2doping and foam nickel coating technology, the conductivity and electrochemical properties of phthalocyanines (2and3) have been improved obviously.
Arrhenius parameters for the OH-initiated degradation of methyl crotonate, methyl-3,3-dimethyl acrylate, (E)-ethyl tiglate and methyl-3-butenoate over the temperature range of 288–314 K
Authors: Colomer Juan P. , Blanco María B. , Peñéñory Alicia B. , Barnes Ian , Wiesen Peter , Teruel Mariano A.
Published: May 2016

The relative-rate technique has been employed to obtain rate coefficients for the reactions of OH radicals with methyl crotonate, methyl-3,3-dimethyl acrylate, (E)-ethyl tiglate and methyl-3-butenoate between 288 and 314 K in 760 Torr of air.
Enhanced attachment of human mesenchymal stem cells on nanograined titania surfaces
Authors: Azadmanjiri Jalal , Wang Peng-Yuan , Pingle Hitesh , Kingshott Peter , Wang James , Srivastava Vijay K. , Kapoor Ajay
Published: May 2016

TiO2 nanotubes on the nanograined Ti surface improved cell attachment and proliferation together with physical and mechanical properties.
Modeling of adsorption behavior of the amine-rich GOPEI aerogel for the removal of As(iii) and As(v) from aqueous media
Authors: Singh Devendra Kumar , Kumar Vijay , Singh Vikas Kumar , Hasan Syed Hadi
Published: May 2016

In the present study, a PEI cross-linked graphene oxide aerogel (GOPEI) was prepared.
Strategic synthesis of mesoporous Pt-on-Pd bimetallic spheres templated from a polymeric micelle assembly
Authors: Li Yunqi , Li Cuiling , Bastakoti Bishnu Prasad , Tang Jing , Jiang Bo , Kim Jeonghun , Shahabuddin Mohammed , Bando Yoshio , Kim Jung Ho , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: May 2016

Core–shell–corona type triblock copolymer poly(styrene-b-2-vinylpyridine-b-ethylene oxide) (PS-b-P2VP-b-PEO) micelles have been selected here to direct the synthesis of mesoporous Pt-on-Pd spheres.
Blend electrospinning of dye-functionalized chitosan and poly(ε-caprolactone): towards biocompatible pH-sensors
Authors: Schoolaert Ella , Steyaert Iline , Vancoillie Gertjan , Geltmeyer Jozefien , Lava Kathleen , Hoogenboom Richard , De Clerck Karen
Published: May 2016

Covalent dye-modification provides a valuable solution for a versatile dye-functionalization with proper dye-immobilization, showing major potential for natural (bio)polymers.
Surface zwitterionization of customized 3D Ti6Al4V scaffolds: a promising alternative to eradicate bone infection
Authors: Rodriguez-Palomo A. , Monopoli D. , Afonso H. , Izquierdo-Barba I. , Vallet-Regí M.
Published: May 2016

Surface zwitterionization provides new perspectives for custom-made Ti6Al4V EBM implants for bone tissue regeneration with antimicrobial properties.
Gd3Ni2 and Gd3CoxNi2−x: magnetism and unexpected Co/Ni crystallographic ordering
Authors: Provino Alessia , Smetana Volodymyr , Paudyal Durga , Gschneidner Karl A. , Mudring Anja-Verena , Pecharsky Vitalij K. , Manfrinetti Pietro , Putti Marina
Published: May 2016

The progressive increase of both the Pauli paramagnetic temperature (θP) and the Curie temperature (TC) observed with the Co substitution at the 4i site on going from the binary Gd3Ni2 to the ternary ordered Gd3CoNi.
Considerations for Hearing Aid Use in Infants and Children Who Have Mild Bilateral Hearing Loss
Authors: Bagatto Marlene P.
Published: May 2016

In some jurisdictions, infants with mild bilateral hearing loss (MBHL) are identified through Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs. Monitoring and intervention are necessary; however, it is unclear whether all infants with MBHL would benefit from the use of hearing aids. Audiologists have demonstrated uncertainty with hearing aid recommendations likely due to the lack of reported outcomes of infants and children with MBHL who wear hearing aids. Through a case study describing an infant identified with MBHL, several factors are defined in this paper that aim to support case-by-case reasoning regarding a hearing aid recommendation. Reference to a decision support guide (Bagatto & Tharpe, 2014) serves as the basis for this work.
Electronic and Optical Properties of the Narrowest Armchair Graphene Nanoribbons Studied by Density Functional Methods
Authors: Yeh Chia-Nan , Lee Pei-Yin , Chai Jeng-Da
Published: May 2016

In the present study, a series of planar poly(p-phenylene) (PPP) oligomers with n phenyl rings (n = 1–20), designated as n-PP, are taken as finite-size models of the narrowest armchair graphene nanoribbons with hydrogen passivation. The singlet-triplet energy gap, vertical ionization potential, vertical electron affinity, fundamental gap, optical gap, and exciton binding energy of n-PP are calculated using Kohn-Sham density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory with various exchange-correlation density functionals. The ground state of n-PP is shown to be singlet for all the chain lengths studied. In contrast to the lowest singlet state (i.e., the ground state) of n-PP, the lowest triplet state of n-PP and the ground states of the cation and anion of n-PP are found to exhibit some multi-reference character. Overall, the electronic and optical properties of n-PP obtained from the ωB97 and ωB97X functionals are in excellent agreement with the available experimental data.
Hector's Dolphin Cephalorhynchus hectori calf mortalities may indicate new risks from boat traffic and habituation
Authors: S. Stone Gregory , Yoshinaga Austen
Published: May 2016

Two Hector's Dolphin calves Cephalorhynchus hectori were killed by probable boat collision in 1999, indicating that boat strikes may pose more of a threat to the species than previously thought. When discovered, one dead calf was still tended by its mother. After recovery, both animals were necropsied with trauma from boat strikes as the most likely cause of death. These deaths are discussed in the context of increasing human contact with Hector's Dolphins in Akaroa Harbour, and risks to the dolphins caused by this habituation.
One Earth: Social and Environmental Justice
Authors: O'Neill Kelli
Published: May 2016

Is it fair that some people live in a clean and healthy environment, while others live under oppressive, hazardous or ugly conditions? Is it fair that some reap the benefits of development, but fail to bear the cost of air, noise or water pollution resulting from the services they exploit?
Ground vertebrate fauna of Perth's vegetation remnants: impact of 170 years of urbanization
Authors: A. How R. , Dell J.
Published: May 2016

Ground vertebrates were surveyed on 34 vegetation remnants on the Swan Coastal Plain within the Perth metropolitan area. The remnants ranged from one hectare to nearly 340 ha and were sampled for at least 50 days during the year using pitfall traps. Six remnants were sampled in two or more successive years. Seven native, non-volant mammal, six introduced mammal, 11 amphibian and 43 reptile species were recorded. Native mammals are the most disadvantaged vertebrates in urban remnants with few species surviving the effects of long-term fragmentation. The herpetofauna is less affected, although snakes are generally rare. Marked annual variation occurred in lizard assemblages recorded on remnants sampled over consecutive years. On average, these remnants had a similarity in species composition of only 77% between years. Small remnants are important for conservation of reptile assemblages and there is a strong correlation between remnant area and species number for all reptile groups, except skinks. Remnants as small as one hectare retain viable populations of many reptiles, but need active management to exclude fire and predation. Regional biogeographic patterns are apparent in reptiles. Subregional patterns on the Swan Coastal Plain are associated with different soil types and the Swan River also creates a barrier across landforms. The diversity of reptile assemblages and variation in species trophic patterns indicate that many elements of the original food chain continue to operate in these urban environments.
Hollow formation in eucalypts from temperate forests in southeastern Australia
Authors: Gibbons P , B. Lindenmayer D. , C. Barry S. , T. Tanton M.
Published: May 2016

We examined factors associated with the occurrence of tree hollows in four eucalypt species from temperate forest in southeastern New South Wales and East Gippsland. A total of 1 256 standing trees and 328 felled trees was examined. The proportion of trees containing hollows with small entrances (2-5 cm) was significantly negatively associated with dbh, while the proportion of trees containing hollows with medium (5-10 cm) and large (>10 cm) entrances was positively associated with dbh. There was a significant, but weak, relationship between hollow depth and minimum entrance width that was improved with the addition to the model of the variables branch diameter and branch health. Trees of all sizes and ages contained hollows, although larger and older trees had a higher probability of doing so. For two tree species (Brown Barrel or Cuttail Eucalyptus fastigata and Messmate E. obliqua), the probability of live trees containing hollows remained below 0.5 for stems less than 180 years of age. Un logged forest supported, on average, 22.0 hollowbearing trees per ha ? 18.5% of which were dead trees. For all values of dbh, trees were more likely to contain hollows if either dead or in poor physiological condition, indicating the potential for hollow development to be accelerated in eucalypts by killing or injuring suitably-sized trees.
1998 Edith Cowan University Research Lecture?The challenge to conserve and manage Australia's marine biodiversity
Authors: Hutchings Pat
Published: May 2016

Austrelia is facing a major challenge in this new millenium to conserve and manage its marine biodiversity and to prevent the loss of any more species. Time is critical and immediate action is required.
The reproductive biology and diet of sea snake bycatch of prawn trawling in northern Australia: characteristics important for assessing the impacts on populations
Authors: C. Fry G. , A. Milton D. , J. Wassenberg T.
Published: May 2016

Trawlers catch up to 17 species of sea snake as bycatch in the Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF) in northern Australia. We examined the biological characteristics of 660 sea snakes caught by research, scientific observer and commercial vessels between 1986 and 1998 as part of a project to assess their vulnerability. Three species accounted for more than 75% of the total sea snakes caught. Hydrophis species were more common in unstructured habitats close to prawn trawling grounds, while Aipysurus species were the dominant species in areas having reef structure. Sea snakes were caught more frequently at night on commercial trawlers and even more were caught during the day by research trawling. Female sea snakes were caught more often than males for 10 out of 13 species examined. The proportion of mature sea snakes in trawl catches was high (67% males, 89% females). Juvenile sea snakes of most species are not caught suggesting there is little impact of trawling on recruits. We found all species breed annually, producing a few large young after a gestation period of 6-7 months. Litter size varied between 1 to 20 and young of most species were born during the NPF closed season (Nov-Mar). Except for Aipysurus duboisii, Disteira major and Hydrophis ornatus, pregnant females of most species were not more catchable by prawn trawls than non-pregnant females. The relative clutch mass had little effect on the catchability of pregnant females. Most sea snake species had a specialized diet, feeding on one to four benthic fish species and did not appear to be attracted into trawl grounds by the increased availability of discarded bycatch. Their reproductive characteristics mean that populations of many species caught by trawlers in northern Australia are potentially vulnerable.
Biodiversity of canopy arthropods in Jarrah forest of south-west Western Australia: review of ecological theory and conservation management
Authors: Abbott Ian , Wills Allan
Published: May 2016

A theory proposed in 1996 by Recher, Majer and Ganesh linking biodiversity of forest canopy arthropods to site productivity is analysed. Available evidence from Jarrah Eucalyptus marginata forest is inconsistent with this model. We instead propose that increased habitat variety and temperature and rainfall clines are the major environmental factors that determine canopy arthropod species richness. Biodiversity gradients for mammal, landbird and reptile species across south-west Western Australia appear to provide an appropriate model for forest insect faunas. These gradients predict that the most diverse canopy fauna should occur in the eastern Jarrah and Wandoo forests. Precautionary forest management policies and procedures currently in place to conserve the poorly collected and inadequately known arthropod fauna of tree crowns in Jarrah forest are summarized and discussed. In essence, these maximize habitat diversity at landscape scales. Major conservation threats are considered to be factors that reduce leaf area at large spatial (Phytophthora infection) and temporal scales (summer wildfire and defoliating insect outbreaks). Logging is not considered significant because it is constrained to small spatial scales (10 ha for the most extreme treatment) and long return times (2-3 decades).
Cattle, mining or fire? The historical causes of recent contractions of open forest in the wet tropics of Queensland through invasion by rainforest
Authors: Hill Rosemary , Smyth Dermot , Shipton Harry , Fischer Peter
Published: May 2016

Changes to Aboriginal fire regimes since European occupation are thought to have affected the range and demographic structure of many vegetation communities. This study shows a contraction by 49% of the area of fire-prone open forest through rainforest invasion between 1945 and 1991-94 in the northern wet tropics of Queensland, Australia. Relative Growth Rates (RGR) for open forest areas varied from -0.112 to -0.005. Collaborative historical research with the Aboriginal traditional owners, the Kuku-Yalanji people, investigated possible linkages with alterations to their fire practices. A multiplicity of human impacts is associated with the measured vegetation change, including clearing for agriculture and mining, logging for timber and firewood, and the introduction of cattle and horses. Some rainforest expansion since 1945 represents a recovery following clearing from earlier mining operations. Contraction of open forest through rainforest invasion was most rapid (RGR = -0.124) where there was a continuation of Aboriginal fire management with cattle grazing. The contraction of open forest was nine times slower in an ungrazed area (RGR = -0.005) than in a nearby area grazed by horses (RGR = -0.045). Aboriginal fire regimes may act synergistically with cattle or horse grazing to accelerate the invasion of rainforest into open forest. Management prescriptions currently focus on active fire management to prevent further open forest contraction. However, fire management may have unexpected outcomes when rainforest-open forest dynamics are complicated by recent historical factors such as cattle grazing, logging, and tin mining, and possible synergies between these factors and fire regimes. Managers need to understand the histories of particular sites when formulating plans, and monitor the consequences of their actions to enable an adaptive approach.
The BioRap Biodiversity Assessment and Planning Study for Papua New Guinea
Authors: P. Faith Daniel , A. Nix H. , R. Margules C. , F. Hutchinson M. , A. Walker P. , West J. , L. Stein J. , L. Kesteven J. , Allison A. , Natera G.
Published: May 2016

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has an incredible variety of land and marine ecosystems, including many components of biodiversity that are unique in the world. PNG's land mass constitutes less than one percent of the world's land area, yet estimates suggest that the country has more than 5% of the world's biodiversity. PNG has been recognized therefore as an important region for biodiversity conservation (see Alcorn 1993; Beehler 1993 and references within). Recently, Conservation International (CI) has recognized PNG as one of the small number of critical tropical forest areas for conservation efforts. That priority reflects not just PNG's unique biodiversity but also the fact that sustainable use of PNG's natural resources has become an important issue, particularly relating to its large mineral deposits, oil and natural gas reserves, agricultural potential, and forestry production potential. CI's perspective highlights important principles of conservation priority. PNG, like the other tropical wilderness areas on its priority list, is regarded as an opportunity for effective conservation at relatively low cost, given that these wilderness regions are still largely intact and have low human population density. In our view, realizing such opportunities requires good planning. Biodiversity conservation in PNG can imply low realized opportunity costs or quite high realized opportunity costs, depending on whether biodiversity planning is used to find a balance among society's competing needs through tradeoffs. PNG is a region worthy of urgent conservation planning attention because potential high net benefits for society may be needlessly foreclosed through inefficient planning that does not address conflicts among various needs of society. The risk of losing those potential net benefits is a strong argument for conservation investment in PNG.
Practical application of biodiversity surrogates and percentage targets for conservation in Papua New Guinea
Authors: P. Faith Daniel , R. Margules C. , A. Walker P. , Stein J. , Natera G.
Published: May 2016

A conservation planning study in Papua New Guinea (PNG) addresses the role of biodiversity surrogates and biodiversity targets, in the context of the trade-offs required for planning given real-world costs and constraints. In a trade-ofts framework, surrogates must be judged in terms of their success in predicting general biodiversity complementarity values ? the amount of additional biodiversity an area can contribute to a protected set. Wrong predictions of low complementarity (and consequent allocation of non-protective land uses) may be more worrisome than wrong predictions of high complementarity (and consequent allocation of protection, perhaps unnecessarily forgoing other land uses benefiting society). Trade-ofts and targets work well when predictions of complementarity are based on surrogate information that is expressed as a continuum of variation. The PNG study used hierarchical variation for environmental domains and vegetation types, and a nominated target then dictated the level within those hierarchies that was used. Internationally-promoted targets provide a potential basis for comparative evaluation of biodiversity protection levels among countries or regions. However, conventional application of percentage targets, in focusing on proportions of total area or on proportions of habitat types, does not serve the goal of biodiversity protection or sustainability well because targets can be miss-used to restrict the amount of biodiversity protected. At the same time, recent complaints about percentage targets are equally misguided in claiming, based on species-area curves, that 10% targets imply 50% extinctions. We apply a new approach to percentage targets in PNG, in which the maximum diversity that could be protected by an unconstrained 10% of the total area of the country becomes the working biodiversity target. Reaching that same biodiversity target may then require more than 10% of the area, because of constraints (e.g., existing reserves) and costs. In the baseline analysis for PNG, we found that hierarchical variation at the level of 564 vegetation types, combined with the 608 environmental domains, could be protected in an unconstrained 10% of the country. This process of determining a biodiversity target also revealed some "must-have" areas for any future conservation plan. Sur.h must-have areas were also identified for a 15%-based target. The satisfaction of the 10%-based target in practice required 16.8% of PNG (Faith et al. 2001a). This low-cost proposed protected set corresponded to greater net benefits relative to our application of two conventional targets approaches.
Should there be efforts to establish two Australasian conservation biology societies?
Authors: L. Mack Andrew , D. Wright Debra , Ross Sinclair J. , Gamui Banak
Published: May 2016

In a recent editorial, H. Recher presents some history on why there is not currently an Australasian conservation biology society. He asserts that a motion to create such a society was abandoned because the Ecological Society of Australia (ESA) and the Australian Institute of Biology (AlB) promised to assume greater roles in conservation biology and obviated the need for a separate society, but that these organizations have not fulfilled this promise. The Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) has initiated a drive to develop a regional Australasian chapter and Recher raises the question: "is it better to form an independent body, or will an Australasian branch of the SCB fill the advocacy void left empty in 1993?" This is a fair question.
Animal Welfare v Wildlife Research?
Authors: R. Tidemann Christopher , J. Vardon Michael
Published: May 2016

In this paper we review difficulties with two recent research proposals to a university animal experimentation ethics committee and two court injunctions, initiated by community groups, purportedly for animal welfare and/or conservation benefits. The common thread in the ethics cases and the court cases is that individuals delayed or prevented actions that were subsequently shown to be in the best interests of animal welfare and/or conservation. We conclude that community groups or individuals, claiming to represent animal welfare and/or conservation, should be accountable for their actions and should be able to demonstrate the factual basis for their decisions, as are scientists and other professionals. Lay individuals seeking appointment to ethics committees, or other committees concerned with animal welfare or scientific experimentation, should have their suitability and credentials to undertake these roles formally reviewed. Ethics committees need to be able to make majority decisions to prevent abuse of process by unscrupulous individuals. We recommend an urgent review of the operation of ethics committees and cognate non-government organizations to resolve the destructive case of Animal Welfare v Wildlife Research.
Introductory Ecology
Authors: Vellekoop Simone
Published: May 2016

DR PETER COTGREAVE completed a PhD in ecology at the Zoology Department of the University of Oxford. Irwin Forseth is a plant physiological ecologist, teaching plant ecology and introductory biology at the University of Maryland since 1982. Cotgreave and Forseth have come together to write their first text: Introductory Ecology. The authors believe that many students attain qualifications in science without a basic understanding of the importance of ecology. The authors' aim is to provide a straightforward text that can be used by students receiving only minimal exposure to ecology.
Conservation Biology in the Pacific
Authors: F. Recher Harry
Published: May 2016

MANY readers will have received emails asking for support to form an Australasian branch of the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB). The idea is a good one and I do not discourage anyone from participating in the branch and joining its activities. Nonetheless, it makes me reflect on why a conservation biology society never formed in Australia and New Zealand. At the 1993 Brisbane meeting, "Conservation Biology in Australia and Oceania", which saw the launch of Pacific Conservation Biology, there was enthusiastic support for forming an Australasian conservation biology society with nearly all 300 participants at the meeting indicating they would join. So vigorous was the support, that representatives of the Ecological Society of Australia (ESA) and the Australian Institute of Biology (AlB) requested a meeting of key individuals to discuss the proposal. At that meeting, they argued that there was no need for a separate society for conservation biology and that a new society could adversely affect established professional societies, such as the ESA and AlB. They also argued that their societies were or could be strong and effective voices for conservation biology in Australia and Oceania. The ESA and AlB were persuasive in their assurances that they would be strong voices for conservation biology and that there was no need to form a separate conservation biology society. In the end, their arguments prevailed and the new society did not proceed.