bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct observation of methyl rotor and vib-rotor states of S toluene: A revised torsional barrier due to torsion-vibration coupling
Authors: Gascooke Jason R. , Virgo Edwina A. , Lawrance Warren D.
Published: January 2015

We report a two dimensional, laser induced fluorescence study of the lowest 345 cm−1 region of S0 toluene. Methyl rotor levels of 00 up to m = 6 and of 201 up to m = 4 are observed. The rotor levels of 00 and 201 have quite different energy spacings that are well fit by a model that includes strong torsion-vibration coupling between them. The model requires that the rotor barrier height be revised from −4.84 cm−1 (methyl hydrogens in a staggered conformation) to +1.57 cm−1 (eclipsed conformation). However, the 3a2″ state lies below the 3a1″ state as expected for a staggered conformation due to energy shifts associated with the torsion-vibration coupling. It is shown that the rotor wave-functions exhibit little localization at the torsional energy minima. The variation in the m = 0 wavefunction probability distribution with torsional angle is shown to be very similar for the previously accepted negative V6 value and the torsion-vibration coupling model as this coupling shifts the phase of the wavefunction by 30° compared with its phase for V6 alone. The presence of a strong Δυ = ± 1 torsion-vibration coupling involving the lowest frequency vibrational mode provides a potential pathway for rapid intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution at higher energies.
Fast temperature spectrometer for samples under extreme conditions
Authors: Zhang Dongzhou , Jackson Jennifer M. , Zhao Jiyong , Sturhahn Wolfgang , Alp E. Ercan , Toellner Thomas S. , Hu Michael Y.
Published: January 2015

We have developed a multi-wavelength Fast Temperature Readout (FasTeR) spectrometer to capture a sample’s transient temperature fluctuations, and reduce uncertainties in melting temperature determination. Without sacrificing accuracy, FasTeR features a fast readout rate (about 100 Hz), high sensitivity, large dynamic range, and a well-constrained focus. Complimenting a charge-coupled device spectrometer, FasTeR consists of an array of photomultiplier tubes and optical dichroic filters. The temperatures determined by FasTeR outside of the vicinity of melting are, generally, in good agreement with results from the charge-coupled device spectrometer. Near melting, FasTeR is capable of capturing transient temperature fluctuations, at least on the order of 300 K/s. A software tool, SIMFaster, is described and has been developed to simulate FasTeR and assess design configurations. FasTeR is especially suitable for temperature determinations that utilize ultra-fast techniques under extreme conditions. Working in parallel with the laser-heated diamond-anvil cell, synchrotron Mössbauer spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, we have applied the FasTeR spectrometer to measure the melting temperature of 57Fe0.9Ni0.1 at high pressure.
Flexible confinement leads to multiple relaxation regimes in glassy colloidal liquids
Authors: Williams Ian , Oğuz Erdal C. , Bartlett Paul , Löwen Hartmut , Patrick Royall C.
Published: January 2015

Understanding relaxation of supercooled fluids is a major challenge and confining such systems can lead to bewildering behaviour. Here, we exploit an optically confined colloidal model system in which we use reduced pressure as a control parameter. The dynamics of the system are “Arrhenius” at low and moderate pressure, but at higher pressures relaxation is faster than expected. We associate this faster relaxation with a decrease in density adjacent to the confining boundary due to local ordering in the system enabled by the flexible wall.
Dense zig-zag microstructures in YSZ thin films by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Stender Dieter , Schäuble Nina , Weidenkaff Anke , Montagne Alex , Ghisleni Rudy , Michler Johann , Schneider Christof W. , Wokaun Alexander , Lippert Thomas
Published: January 2015

The very brittle oxygen ion conductor yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is a typical solid electrolyte for miniaturized thin film fuel cells. In order to decrease the fuel cell operating temperature, the thickness of yttria stabilized zirconia thin films is reduced. Often, these thin membranes suffer from mechanical failure and gas permeability. To improve these mechanical issues, a glancing angle deposition approach is used to grow yttria stabilized zirconia thin films with tilted columnar structures. Changes of the material flux direction during the deposition result in a dense, zigzag-like structure with columnar crystallites. This structure reduces the elastic modulus of these membranes as compared to columnar yttria stabilized zirconia thin films as monitored by nano-indentation which makes them more adaptable to applied stress.
Note: Experimental platform for magnetized high-energy-density plasma studies at the omega laser facility
Authors: Fiksel G. , Agliata A. , Barnak D. , Brent G. , Chang P.-Y. , Folnsbee L. , Gates G. , Hasset D. , Lonobile D. , Magoon J. , Mastrosimone D. , Shoup M. J. , Betti R.
Published: January 2015

An upgrade of the pulsed magnetic field generator magneto-inertial fusion electrical discharge system [O. Gotchev et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 80, 043504 (2009)] is described. The device is used to study magnetized high-energy-density plasma and is capable of producing a pulsed magnetic field of tens of tesla in a volume of a few cubic centimeters. The magnetic field is created by discharging a high-voltage capacitor through a small wire-wound coil. The coil current pulse has a duration of about 1 μs and a peak value of 40 kA. Compared to the original, the updated version has a larger energy storage and improved switching system. In addition, magnetic coils are fabricated using 3-D printing technology which allows for a greater variety of the magnetic field topology.
Selective chemical vapor sensing with few-layer MoS2 thin-film transistors: Comparison with graphene devices
Authors: Samnakay R. , Jiang C. , Rumyantsev S. L. , Shur M. S. , Balandin A. A.
Published: January 2015

We demonstrated selective gas sensing with MoS2 thin-film transistors using the change in the channel conductance, characteristic transient time, and low-frequency current fluctuations as the sensing parameters. The back-gated MoS2 thin-film field-effect transistors were fabricated on Si/SiO2 substrates and intentionally aged for a month to verify reliability and achieve better current stability. The same devices with the channel covered by 10 nm of Al2O3 were used as reference samples. The exposure to ethanol, acetonitrile, toluene, chloroform, and methanol vapors results in drastic changes in the source-drain current. The current can increase or decrease by more than two-orders of magnitude depending on the polarity of the analyte. The reference devices with coated channel did not show any response. It was established that transient time of the current change and the normalized spectral density of the low-frequency current fluctuations can be used as additional sensing parameters for selective gas detection with thin-film MoS2 transistors.
Saturated absorption in a rotational molecular transition at 2.5 THz using a quantum cascade laser
Authors: Consolino L. , Campa A. , Ravaro M. , Mazzotti D. , Vitiello M. S. , Bartalini S. , De Natale P.
Published: January 2015

We report on the evidence of saturation effects in a rotational transition of CH3OH around 2.5 THz, induced by a free-running continuous-wave quantum cascade laser (QCL). The QCL emission is used for direct-absorption spectroscopy experiments, allowing to study the dependence of the absorption coefficient on gas pressure and laser intensity. A saturation intensity of 25 μW/mm2, for a gas pressure of 17 μbar, is measured. This result represents the initial step towards the implementation of a QCL-based high-resolution sub-Doppler THz spectroscopy, which is expected to improve by orders of magnitude the precision of THz spectrometers.
Temperature-dependent analysis of conduction mechanism of leakage current in thermally grown oxide on 4H-SiC
Authors: Sometani Mitsuru , Okamoto Dai , Harada Shinsuke , Ishimori Hitoshi , Takasu Shinji , Hatakeyama Tetsuo , Takei Manabu , Yonezawa Yoshiyuki , Fukuda Kenji , Okumura Hajime
Published: January 2015

The conduction mechanism of the leakage current of a thermally grown oxide on 4H silicon carbide (4H-SiC) was investigated. The dominant carriers of the leakage current were found to be electrons by the carrier-separation current-voltage method. The current-voltage and capacitance-voltage characteristics, which were measured over a wide temperature range, revealed that the leakage current in SiO2/4H-SiC on the Si-face can be explained as the sum of the Fowler-Nordheim (FN) tunneling and Poole-Frenkel (PF) emission leakage currents. A rigorous FN analysis provided the true barrier height for the SiO2/4H-SiC interface. On the basis of Arrhenius plots of the PF current separated from the total leakage current, the existence of carbon-related defects and/or oxygen vacancy defects was suggested in thermally grown SiO2 films on the Si-face of 4H-SiC.
Electro-pumped whispering gallery mode ZnO microlaser array
Authors: Zhu G. Y. , Li J. T. , Tian Z. S. , Dai J. , Wang Y. Y. , Li P. L. , Xu C. X.
Published: January 2015

By employing vapor-phase transport method, ZnO microrods are fabricated and directly assembled on p-GaN substrate to form a heterostructural microlaser array, which avoids of the relatively complicated etching process comparing previous work. Under applied forward bias, whispering gallery mode ZnO ultraviolet lasing is obtained from the as-fabricated heterostructural microlaser array. The device's electroluminescence originates from three distinct electron-hole recombination processes in the heterojunction interface, and whispering gallery mode ultraviolet lasing is obtained when the applied voltage is beyond the lasing threshold. This work may present a significant step towards future fabrication of a facile technique for micro/nanolasers.
Centrifugal multiplexing fixed-volume dispenser on a plastic lab-on-a-disk for parallel biochemical single-end-point assays
Authors: La Moonwoo , Park Sang Min , Kim Dong Sung
Published: January 2015

In this study, a multiple sample dispenser for precisely metered fixed volumes was successfully designed, fabricated, and fully characterized on a plastic centrifugal lab-on-a-disk (LOD) for parallel biochemical single-end-point assays. The dispenser, namely, a centrifugal multiplexing fixed-volume dispenser (C-MUFID) was designed with microfluidic structures based on the theoretical modeling about a centrifugal circumferential filling flow. The designed LODs were fabricated with a polystyrene substrate through micromachining and they were thermally bonded with a flat substrate. Furthermore, six parallel metering and dispensing assays were conducted at the same fixed-volume (1.27 μl) with a relative variation of ±0.02 μl. Moreover, the samples were metered and dispensed at different sub-volumes. To visualize the metering and dispensing performances, the C-MUFID was integrated with a serpentine micromixer during parallel centrifugal mixing tests. Parallel biochemical single-end-point assays were successfully conducted on the developed LOD using a standard serum with albumin, glucose, and total protein reagents. The developed LOD could be widely applied to various biochemical single-end-point assays which require different volume ratios of the sample and reagent by controlling the design of the C-MUFID. The proposed LOD is feasible for point-of-care diagnostics because of its mass-producible structures, reliable metering/dispensing performance, and parallel biochemical single-end-point assays, which can identify numerous biochemical.
Domain size correlated magnetic properties and electrical impedance of size dependent nickel ferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Kamble Ramesh B. , Varade Vaibhav , Ramesh K. P. , Prasad V.
Published: January 2015

We report here the investigations on the size dependent variation of magnetic properties of nickel ferrite nanoparticles. Nickel ferrite nanoparticles of different sizes (14 to 22 nm) were prepared by the sol-gel route at different annealing temperatures. They are characterized by TGA-DTA, XRD, SEM, TEM and Raman spectroscopy techniques for the confirmation of the temperature of phase formation, thermal stability, crystallinity, morphology and structural status of the nickel ferrite nanoparticles. The magnetization studies revealed that the saturation magnetization (Ms), retentivity (Mr) increase, while coercivity (Hc) and anisotropy (Keff) decrease as the particle size increases. The observed value of Ms is found to be relatively higher for a particle size of 22 nm. In addition, we have estimated the magnetic domain size using magnetic data and correlated to the average particle size. The calculated magnetic domain size is closely matching with the particle size estimated from XRD. Impedance spectroscopy was employed to study the samples in an equivalent circuit to understand their transport phenomena. It shows that nickel ferrite nanoparticles exhibit a non-Debye behavior with increasing particle size due to the influence of increasing disorders, surface effects, grain size and grain boundaries, etc.
Frequency of exogenous hormone therapy impacts spermiation in male Fowler’s toad (Bufo fowleri)
Authors: McDonough Caitlin E. , Martin Michelle W. , Vance Carrie K. , Cole Judith A. , Kouba Andrew J.
Published: January 2015

Amphibians are experiencing a global extinction crisis and captive assurance colonies, along with reintroduction programs, are necessary to prevent further losses. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as hormone-stimulated gamete collection and in vitro fertlisation (IVF), are conservation methods that can be used to increase reproductive output for breeding and reintroduction programs when animals fail to breed naturally. In order to maximise the production of offspring using ART, it is important to establish the physiological limitations on the frequency that hormone therapy can be used to collect gametes for IVF or assisted breeding. The present study examined the effects of the frequency of hormone-induced spermiation on sperm quantity and quality in Fowler’s toad (Bufo fowleri) by comparing four levels of hormone injection frequencies: twice a week, once a week, every other week, and every 3 weeks. Sperm release was induced with an intraperitoneal injection of 300 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Spermatozoa were collected at three time points after injection (5, 7 and 9 h) and sperm concentration, motility and quality of forward progressive movement were measured. A significant decrease in sperm concentration (P < 0.01) was observed with the most frequent treatment (twice a week hormone injections). However, there was no negative effect of the treatments on sperm motility (P = 0.06) or forward movement (P = 0.06). We also observed a significant decrease in the concentration (P < 0.01), motility (P = 0.02) and quality of forward progressive movement (P = 0.01) of spermatozoa at the 9 h collection compared with earlier collection times. These results have clear implications for amphibian captive breeding programs, where more frequent hormone-induced spermiation could have a negative effect on male performance. We recommend that hormone injections be spaced a minimum of 2 weeks apart to optimise the health of the animals, assisted breeding, IVF or collection of gametes for genome resource banking.
Location, timing and extent of wildfire vary by cause of ignition
Authors: Syphard Alexandra D. , Keeley Jon E.
Published: January 2015

The increasing extent of wildfires has prompted investigation into alternative fire management approaches to complement the traditional strategies of fire suppression and fuels manipulation. Wildfire prevention through ignition reduction is an approach with potential for success, but ignitions result from a variety of causes. If some ignition sources result in higher levels of area burned, then ignition prevention programmes could be optimised to target these distributions in space and time. We investigated the most common ignition causes in two southern California sub-regions, where humans are responsible for more than 95% of all fires, and asked whether these causes exhibited distinct spatial or intra-annual temporal patterns, or resulted in different extents of fire in 10–29-year periods, depending on sub-region. Different ignition causes had distinct spatial patterns and those that burned the most area tended to occur in autumn months. Both the number of fires and area burned varied according to cause of ignition, but the cause of the most numerous fires was not always the cause of the greatest area burned. In both sub-regions, power line ignitions were one of the top two causes of area burned: the other major causes were arson in one sub-region and power equipment in the other. Equipment use also caused the largest number of fires in both sub-regions. These results have important implications for understanding why, where and how ignitions are caused, and in turn, how to develop strategies to prioritise and focus fire prevention efforts. Fire extent has increased tremendously in southern California, and because most fires are caused by humans, ignition reduction offers a potentially powerful management strategy, especially if optimised to reflect the distinct spatial and temporal distributions in different ignition causes.
Global typology of urban energy use and potentials for an urbanization mitigation wedge
Authors: Creutzig Felix , Baiocchi Giovanni , Bierkandt Robert , Pichler Peter-Paul , Seto Karen C.
Published: January 2015

Significance

Many case studies of specific cities have investigated factors that contribute to urban energy use and greenhouse-gas emissions. The analysis in this study is based on data from 274 cities and three global datasets and provides a typology of urban attributes of energy use. The results highlight that appropriate policies addressing urban climate change mitigation differ with type of city. A global urbanization wedge, corresponding in particular to energy-efficient urbanization in Asia, might reduce urban energy use by more than 25%, compared with a business-as-usual scenario.
Efficient meltwater drainage through supraglacial streams and rivers on the southwest Greenland ice sheet
Authors: Smith Laurence C. , Chu Vena W. , Yang Kang , Gleason Colin J. , Pitcher Lincoln H. , Rennermalm Asa K. , Legleiter Carl J. , Behar Alberto E. , Overstreet Brandon T. , Moustafa Samiah E. , Tedesco Marco , Forster Richard R. , LeWinter Adam L. , Finnegan David C. , Sheng Yongwei , Balog James
Published: January 2015

Significance

Meltwater runoff from the Greenland ice sheet is a key contributor to global sea level rise and is expected to increase in the future, but it has received little observational study. We used satellite and in situ technologies to assess surface drainage conditions on the southwestern ablation surface after an extreme 2012 melting event. We conclude that the ice sheet surface is efficiently drained under optimal conditions, that digital elevation models alone cannot fully describe supraglacial drainage and its connection to subglacial systems, and that predicting outflow from climate models alone, without recognition of subglacial processes, may overestimate true meltwater release from the ice sheet.
Aggressive mimicry coexists with mutualism in an aphid
Authors: Salazar Adrián , Fürstenau Benjamin , Quero Carmen , Pérez-Hidalgo Nicolás , Carazo Pau , Font Enrique , Martínez-Torres David
Published: January 2015

Significance

The best known relationship between ants and aphids consists in aphids providing ants with honeydew while receiving hygienic services and protection in return. We report an unprecedented aphid–ant interaction in which one of the two clonally produced root-dwelling morphs of the aphidParacletus cimiciformisimitates the cuticular hydrocarbons ofTetramoriumant larvae, inducing ants to transport the aphids to their brood chamber, where they suck on ant larva hemolymph. To our knowledge, this strategy constitutes the first known case of aggressive mimicry in aphids. Moreover, because the alternative morph maintains a “conventional” relationship with ants, our findings are unusual in that they report, within the same species (and within a single clone), the coexistence of two evolutionary strategies at disparate points in the mutualism–antagonism continuum.
Impaired Hippo signaling promotes Rho1–JNK-dependent growth
Authors: Ma Xianjue , Chen Yujun , Xu Wenyan , Wu Nana , Li Maoquan , Cao Ying , Wu Shian , Li Qiutang , Xue Lei
Published: January 2015

Significance

Both Hippo and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling have well-established roles in promoting tissue growth, while it remains elusive whether and how the two pathways interact or coordinate in growth control. We report in the present study that the Hpo–Yki pathway modulates Rho1–JNK signaling-mediated growth in
Drosophila
wing development. We show that the impaired Hpo pathway activates JNK through transcriptional up-regulation of Rho1. These findings expands our understanding about the cross-talk between two important signaling pathways, namely Hippo–Yki and Rho1–JNK, in regulating growth.
Natural variations of copper and sulfur stable isotopes in blood of hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Balter Vincent , Nogueira da Costa Andre , Bondanese Victor Paky , Jaouen Klervia , Lamboux Aline , Sangrajrang Suleeporn , Vincent Nicolas , Fourel François , Télouk Philippe , Gigou Michelle , Lécuyer Christophe , Srivatanakul Petcharin , Bréchot Christian , Albarède Francis , Hainaut Pierre
Published: January 2015

Significance

In cancer, the metabolism of copper and sulfur are dysregulated, leading to deleterious side effects. These issues are commonly addressed by studying the variations of concentrations of the elements, but here we have used, for the first time to our knowledge, copper and sulfur stable isotope compositions variations, using methods widespread in Earth sciences. We show that in hepatocellular carcinomas patients, blood copper and sulfur are enriched in light isotopes compared with control subjects. These isotopic signatures are not compatible with a dietary origin, but rather reflect the massive reallocation in the body of copper immobilized within cysteine-rich proteins such as metallothioneins. We also propose that sulfur isotope compositions could serve to track sulfur originating from tumor-derived sulfides.
The draft genome of Tibetan hulless barley reveals adaptive patterns to the high stressful Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zeng Xingquan , Long Hai , Wang Zhuo , Zhao Shancen , Tang Yawei , Huang Zhiyong , Wang Yulin , Xu Qijun , Mao Likai , Deng Guangbing , Yao Xiaoming , Li Xiangfeng , Bai Lijun , Yuan Hongjun , Pan Zhifen , Liu Renjian , Chen Xin , WangMu QiMei , Chen Ming , Yu Lili , Liang Junjun , DunZhu DaWa , Zheng Yuan , Yu Shuiyang , LuoBu ZhaXi , Guang Xuanmin , Li Jiang , Deng Cao , Hu Wushu , Chen Chunhai , TaBa XiongNu , Gao Liyun , Lv Xiaodan , Abu Yuval Ben , Fang Xiaodong , Nevo Eviatar , Yu Maoqun , Wang Jun , Tashi Nyima
Published: January 2015

Significance

The draft genome of Tibetan hulless barley provides a robust framework to better understand Poaceae evolution and a substantial basis for functional genomics of crop species with a large genome. The expansion of stress-related gene families in Tibetan hulless barley implies that it could be considered as an invaluable gene resource aiding stress tolerance improvement in Triticeae crops. Genome resequencing revealed extensive genetic diversity in Tibetan barley germplasm and divergence to sequenced barley genomes from other geographical regions. Investigation of genome-wide selection footprints demonstrated an adaptive correlation of genes under selection with extensive stressful environmental variables. These results reveal insights into the adaptation of Tibetan hulless barley to harsh environments on the highland and will facilitate future genetic improvement of crops.
An integrative approach to predicting the functional effects of non-coding and coding sequence variation
Authors: Shihab Hashem A. , Rogers Mark F. , Gough Julian , Mort Matthew , Cooper David N. , Day Ian N. M. , Gaunt Tom R. , Campbell Colin
Published: January 2015

Motivation: Technological advances have enabled the identification of an increasingly large spectrum of single nucleotide variants within the human genome, many of which may be associated with monogenic disease or complex traits. Here, we propose an integrative approach, named FATHMM-MKL, to predict the functional consequences of both coding and non-coding sequence variants. Our method utilizes various genomic annotations, which have recently become available, and learns to weight the significance of each component annotation source.

Results: We show that our method outperforms current state-of-the-art algorithms, CADD and GWAVA, when predicting the functional consequences of non-coding variants. In addition, FATHMM-MKL is comparable to the best of these algorithms when predicting the impact of coding variants. The method includes a confidence measure to rank order predictions.

Availability and implementation: The FATHMM-MKL webserver is available at: http://fathmm.biocompute.org.uk

Contact:  H.Shihab@bristol.ac.uk   or  Mark.Rogers@bristol.ac.uk  or  C.Campbell@bristol.ac.uk

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Preference Mapping of Commercial Whole Wheat Breads
Authors: Bernstein Ashley J. , Rose Devin J.
Published: January 2015

Whole wheat breads are becoming a dominant presence in the market; however, the sensory qualities that drive consumer liking have not been well described. The purpose of this study was to identify sensory attributes and consumer acceptance of commercial whole wheat breads. Six whole wheat breads were evaluated for 26 attributes by a trained panel (N = 8). Two distinct groups of attributes were noted for the breads: those that were sweet, moist, and sticky versus those with characteristics associated with whole wheat such as wheaty, earthy, and bitter. In the consumer panel (N = 75), three clusters were formed. Cluster 1 (n = 28) had higher mean hedonic scores for all attributes compared with the other clusters (P < 0.01), although these consumers did not distinguish well among samples. Significant differences were found in all attributes in clusters 2 (n = 33) and 3 (n = 14). Cluster 2 preferred samples with sweet flavors and moist, cohesive textures, whereas cluster 3 preferred samples with earthy, roasted, and whole wheat flavors. A portion of consumers appeared to prefer breads not only with sweet and moist characteristics but also with some of the more hearty attributes like roasted and fermented. These data may be useful in developing new whole wheat products.
Characteristics and Protein Subunit Composition of Flour Mill Streams from Different Commercial Wheat Classes and Their Relationship to White Salted Noodle Quality
Authors: Liao Hung‐Ju , Chen Yi‐Ling
Published: January 2015

Proximate characteristics and protein compositions of selected commercial flour streams of three Australian and two U.S. wheats were investigated to evaluate their effects on the quality of white salted noodles. Wheat proteins of flour mill streams were fractionated into salt‐soluble proteins, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)‐soluble proteins, and SDS‐insoluble proteins with a sequential extraction procedure. SDS‐soluble proteins treated by sonication were subsequently separated by nonreducing SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). There was a substantial amount of variation in distributions of protein content and protein composition between break and reduction mill streams. SDS‐insoluble proteins related strongly to differences in protein quantity and quality of flour mill streams. The soluble protein extracted by SDS buffer included smaller glutenin aggregates (SDS‐soluble glutenin) and monomeric proteins, mainly gliadin (α‐, β‐, γ‐, and ω‐types) and albumin and globulin. SDS‐soluble proteins of different flour mill streams had similar protein subunit composition but different proportions of the protein subunit groups. Noodle brightness (L) decreased and redness (a) increased with increased SDS‐insoluble protein and decreased monomeric gliadin. Noodle cooking loss and cooking weight gain decreased with increased glutenin aggregate (SDS‐soluble glutenin and SDS‐insoluble glutenin) and decreased monomeric gliadin. Noodle hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness, tensile strength, breaking length, and area under the tensile strength versus breaking length curve increased with increased glutenin aggregate. Monomeric gliadin contributed differently to texture qualities of cooked noodles from glutenin aggregate. Monomeric albumin and globulin were not related to noodle color attributes (except redness), noodle cooking quality, and texture qualities of cooked noodles. The results suggested that variation in protein composition of flour mill streams was strongly associated with noodle qualities.
Investigation of the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Species Complex Causing Peach Anthracnose in South Carolina
Authors: Hu Meng-Jun , Grabke Anja , Schnabel Guido
Published: January 2015

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, C. acutatum, and C. truncatum are causal agents of anthracnose disease of peach in South Carolina, but more recent investigations show that C. gloeosporioides is a species complex that has not yet been investigated among peach isolates. A total of 28 Colletotrichum spp. isolates associated with peach fruit anthracnose were collected in 2012 from Chesnee (10 isolates), McBee (10 isolates), Monetta (2 isolates), and Ridge Spring (6 isolates), South Carolina. Morphological characteristics indicated that all 28 isolates belonged to the C. gloeosporioides species complex. Phylogenetic analysis of the combined calmodulin (CAL), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and β-tubulin (TUB2) gene sequences identified two species, C. siamense and C. fructicola. Cultural characteristics such as colony growth rate, shape and size of conidia, and appressoria from representative isolates of the two species largely matched previous descriptions for C. siamense and C. fructicola. Koch’s postulates for C. siamense and C. fructicola were fulfilled, confirming pathogenicity of the two species on peach. A new, two-step multiplex PCR assay was developed to facilitate differentiation of the four known Colletotrichum spp. causing anthracnose of peach in South Carolina, including C. acutatum, C. truncatum, C. siamense, and C. fructicola. The first step distinguished C. acutatum from C. truncatum and the two members of the C. gloeosporioides species complex. The second assay distinguished C. siamense from C. fructicola isolates.
The Dynamics and Environmental Influence on Interactions Between Cassava Brown Streak Disease and the Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Jeremiah S. C. , Ndyetabula I. L. , Mkamilo G. S. , Haji S. , Muhanna M. M. , Chuwa C. , Kasele S. , Bouwmeester H. , Ijumba J. N. , Legg J. P.
Published: January 2015

Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) is currently the most significant virus disease phenomenon affecting African agriculture. In this study, we report results from the most extensive set of field data so far presented for CBSD in Africa. From assessments of 515 farmers’ plantings of cassava, incidence in the Coastal Zone of Tanzania (46.5% of plants; 87% of fields affected) was higher than in the Lake Zone (22%; 34%), but incidences for both zones were greater than previous published records. The whitefly vector, Bemisia tabaci, was more abundant in the Lake Zone than the Coastal Zone, the reverse of the situation reported previously, and increased B. tabaci abundance is driving CBSD spread in the Lake Zone. The altitudinal “ceiling” previously thought to restrict the occurrence of CBSD to regions <1,000 masl has been broken as a consequence of the greatly increased abundance of B. tabaci in mid-altitude areas. Among environmental variables analyzed, minimum temperature was the strongest determinant of CBSD incidence. B. tabaci in the Coastal and Lake Zones responded differently to environmental variables examined, highlighting the biological differences between B. tabaci genotypes occurring in these regions and the superior adaptation of B. tabaci in the Great Lakes region both to cassava and low temperature conditions. Regression analyses using multi-country data sets could be used to determine the potential environmental limits of CBSD. Approaches such as this offer potential for use in the development of predictive models for CBSD, which could strengthen country- and continent-level CBSD pandemic mitigation strategies.
The Three Lineages of the Diploid Hybrid Verticillium longisporum Differ in Virulence and Pathogenicity
Authors: Novakazi Fluturë , Inderbitzin Patrik , Sandoya German , Hayes Ryan J. , von Tiedemann Andreas , Subbarao Krishna V.
Published: January 2015

Verticillium longisporum is an economically important vascular pathogen of Brassicaceae crops in different parts of the world. V. longisporum is a diploid hybrid that consists of three different lineages, each of which originated from a separate hybridization event between two different sets of parental species. We used 20 isolates representing the three V. longisporum lineages and the relative V. dahliae, and performed pathogenicity tests on 11 different hosts, including artichoke, cabbage, cauliflower, cotton, eggplant, horseradish, lettuce, linseed, oilseed rape (canola), tomato, and watermelon. V. longisporum was overall more virulent on the Brassicaceae crops than V. dahliae, which was more virulent than V. longisporum across the non-Brassicaceae crops. There were differences in virulence between the three V. longisporum lineages. V. longisporum lineage A1/D1 was the most virulent lineage on oilseed rape, and V. longisporum lineage A1/D2 was the most virulent lineage on cabbage and horseradish. We also found that on the non-Brassicaceae hosts eggplant, tomato, lettuce, and watermelon, V. longisporum was more or equally virulent than V. dahliae. This suggests that V. longisporum may have a wider potential host range than currently appreciated.
Damage tolerance and structural monitoring for wind turbine blades
Authors: McGugan M. , Pereira G. , Sørensen B. F. , Toftegaard H. , Branner K.
Published: January 2015

The paper proposes a methodology for reliable design and maintenance of wind turbine rotor blades using a condition monitoring approach and a damage tolerance index coupling the material and structure. By improving the understanding of material properties that control damage propagation it will be possible to combine damage tolerant structural design, monitoring systems, inspection techniques and modelling to manage the life cycle of the structures. This will allow an efficient operation of the wind turbine in terms of load alleviation, limited maintenance and repair leading to a more effective exploitation of offshore wind.
Dynamic response signatures of a scaled model platform for floating wind turbines in an ocean wave basin
Authors: Jaksic V. , O'Shea R. , Cahill P. , Murphy J. , Mandic D. P. , Pakrashi V.
Published: January 2015

Understanding of dynamic behaviour of offshore wind floating substructures is extremely important in relation to design, operation, maintenance and management of floating wind farms. This paper presents assessment of nonlinear signatures of dynamic responses of a scaled tension-leg platform (TLP) in a wave tank exposed to different regular wave conditions and sea states characterized by the Bretschneider, the Pierson–Moskowitz and the JONSWAP spectra. Dynamic responses of the TLP were monitored at different locations using load cells, a camera-based motion recognition system and a laser Doppler vibrometer. The analysis of variability of the TLP responses and statistical quantification of their linearity or nonlinearity, as non-destructive means of structural monitoring from the output-only condition, remains a challenging problem. In this study, the delay vector variance (DVV) method is used to statistically study the degree of nonlinearity of measured response signals from a TLP. DVV is observed to create a marker estimating the degree to which a change in signal nonlinearity reflects real-time behaviour of the structure and also to establish the sensitivity of the instruments employed to these changes. The findings can be helpful in establishing monitoring strategies and control strategies for undesirable levels or types of dynamic response and can help to better estimate changes in system characteristics over the life cycle of the structure.
Dynamic response mitigation of floating wind turbine platforms using tuned liquid column dampers
Authors: Jaksic V. , Wright C. S. , Murphy J. , Afeef C. , Ali S. F. , Mandic D. P. , Pakrashi V.
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we experimentally study and compare the effects of three combinations of multiple tuned liquid column dampers (MTLCDs) on the dynamic performance of a model floating tension-leg platform (TLP) structure in a wave basin. The structural stability and safety of the floating structure during operation and maintenance is of concern for the performance of a renewable energy device that it might be supporting. The dynamic responses of the structure should thus be limited for these renewable energy devices to perform as intended. This issue is particularly important during the operation of a TLP in extreme weather conditions. Tuned liquid column dampers (TLCDs) can use the power of sloshing water to reduce surge motions of a floating TLP exposed to wind and waves. This paper demonstrates the potential of MTLCDs in reducing dynamic responses of a scaled TLP model through an experimental study. The potential of using output-only statistical markers for monitoring changes in structural conditions is also investigated through the application of a delay vector variance (DVV) marker for different conditions of control for the experiments.
Helical piles: an innovative foundation design option for offshore wind turbines
Authors: Byrne B. W. , Houlsby G. T.
Published: January 2015

Offshore wind turbines play a key part in the renewable energy strategy in the UK and Europe as well as in other parts of the world (for example, China). The majority of current developments, certainly in UK waters, have taken place in relatively shallow water and close to shore. This limits the scale of the engineering to relatively simple structures, such as those using monopile foundations, and these have been the most common design to date, in UK waters. However, as larger turbines are designed, or they are placed in deeper water, it will be necessary to use multi-footing structures such as tripods or jackets. For these designs, the tension on the upwind footing becomes the critical design condition. Driven pile foundations could be used, as could suction-installed foundations. However, in this paper, we present another concept—the use of helical pile foundations. These foundations are routinely applied onshore where large tension capacities are required. However, for use offshore, a significant upscaling of the technology will be needed, particularly of the equipment required for installation of the piles. A clear understanding of the relevant geotechnical engineering will be needed if this upscaling is to be successful.
Wind turbine blade shear web disbond detection using rotor blade operational sensing and data analysis
Authors: Myrent Noah , Adams Douglas E. , Griffith D. Todd
Published: January 2015

A wind turbine blade's structural dynamic response is simulated and analysed with the goal of characterizing the presence and severity of a shear web disbond. Computer models of a 5 MW offshore utility-scale wind turbine were created to develop effective algorithms for detecting such damage. Through data analysis and with the use of blade measurements, a shear web disbond was quantified according to its length. An aerodynamic sensitivity study was conducted to ensure robustness of the detection algorithms. In all analyses, the blade's flap-wise acceleration and root-pitching moment were the clearest indicators of the presence and severity of a shear web disbond. A combination of blade and non-blade measurements was formulated into a final algorithm for the detection and quantification of the disbond. The probability of detection was 100% for the optimized wind speed ranges in laminar, 30% horizontal shear and 60% horizontal shear conditions.
Efficient preliminary floating offshore wind turbine design and testing methodologies and application to a concrete spar design
Authors: Matha Denis , Sandner Frank , Molins Climent , Campos Alexis , Cheng Po Wen
Published: January 2015

The current key challenge in the floating offshore wind turbine industry and research is on designing economic floating systems that can compete with fixed-bottom offshore turbines in terms of levelized cost of energy. The preliminary platform design, as well as early experimental design assessments, are critical elements in the overall design process. In this contribution, a brief review of current floating offshore wind turbine platform pre-design and scaled testing methodologies is provided, with a focus on their ability to accommodate the coupled dynamic behaviour of floating offshore wind systems. The exemplary design and testing methodology for a monolithic concrete spar platform as performed within the European KIC AFOSP project is presented. Results from the experimental tests compared to numerical simulations are presented and analysed and show very good agreement for relevant basic dynamic platform properties. Extreme and fatigue loads and cost analysis of the AFOSP system confirm the viability of the presented design process. In summary, the exemplary application of the reduced design and testing methodology for AFOSP confirms that it represents a viable procedure during pre-design of floating offshore wind turbine platforms.
Crystal structure of (E)-4-{4-[ethyl(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]styryl}-1-methylpyridinium nitrate hemihydrate
Authors: Zhang Hui , Peng Mu-Hua , Wang Xiao-Juan , Li Xiao-Ying
Published: January 2015

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C18H23N2O+·NO3−·0.5H2O, contains two independent 4-{4-[ethyl(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]styryl}-1-methylpyridin-1-ium cations, two nitrate anions and one lattice water molecule. In the cations, the pyridine ring is twisted with respect by 7.98 (12) and 18.42 (10)° to the benzene ring. In the crystal, the cations, the anions and the lattice water molecules are linked by O—H...O hydrogen bonds and weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture. π–π stacking occurs between pyridine and benzene rings of adjacent cations, the centroid–centroid distances being 3.8169 (15) and 3.8663 (14) Å. In the crystal, one of the independent cations is disordered, the central vinyl unit and the terminal hydroxylethyl group being disordered over two sets of sites with site occupancy factors of 0.600 (6) and 0.400 (6).
Crystal structure of bis[S-hexyl 3-(4-methylbenzylidene)dithiocarbazato-κ2N3,S]nickel(II)
Authors: Howlader M. B. H. , Begum M. S. , Sheikh M. C. , Miyatake R. , Zangrando E.
Published: January 2015

In the title complex, [Ni(C15H21N2S2)2], the NiIIatom exhibits a square-planar coordination geometry and is located on an inversion centre leading to atransconfiguration of theN,S-chelating ligands. In the crystal, the complex molecules stack at a distance of 4.6738 (3) Å along theaaxis, which exclude any significant interactions between the aromatic rings.
Review of performance measurement: implications for public–private partnerships
Authors: Liu Junxiao , Love Peter E.D. , Smith Jim , Regan Michael , Palaneeswaran Ekambaram
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review the normative literature in regard to public-private partnerships (PPPs) and their evaluations, and attempts to investigate whether the Performance Prism is a feasible framework for effective PPP performance measurement.

Design/methodology/approach

– An in-depth and critical literature review is conducted in this study. Discussion concentrates on PPP features, performance measurement in PPPs, performance measurement in construction, and characteristics of the Performance Prism.

Findings

– The Performance Prism exhibits a strong ability to capture the distinct features of PPP infrastructure projects and can be considered as a framework suitable for effective and efficient performance measurement.

Practical implications

– It is essential that stakeholders have a feasible performance measurement framework to effectively measure performance as they embark on PPP infrastructure projects. This paper can be used as a theoretical base and conceptual framework capable of assisting in the design and selection of effective performance measures for PPPs.

Originality/value

– Many governments across the world use PPPs to procure public assets owing to the scarce funds available for infrastructure development. Effective performance measurement is critical to the successful delivery of a PPP project. Conventionalex postevaluation that solely focuses on meeting budget and predetermined project duration is being widely used to measure PPPs in practice. PPPs are more complicated than traditional procurement due to their multiple stakeholder integrations and long-term processes. However, the research on effective PPP performance measurement is limited for addressing such vital issues, and this paper attempts to bridge this knowledge gap.
Web-based discourse on agriculture among the general public
Authors: Mann Stefan
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The discourse about agriculture within Switzerland’s and Germany’s public is to be compared in order to obtain an idea about the impact of the different agricultural systems. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– After a brief description of agricultural systems and policies in Germany and Switzerland, the discourse among the general public in the two countries in internet newsrooms and message boards is analyzed. The subjects of discussions are compared, and selected sequences are analyzed using objective hermeneutics.

Findings

– Results indicate that, in Germany, agriculture is largely perceived as a black box where food safety is a crucial issue. Although food safety also is discussed in Switzerland, Swiss discussants focus more on changes that should be implemented in agricultural production and policy systems.

Research limitations/implications

– The quantitative and qualitative evaluation of newsrooms and message boards reveals important insights, particularly in a comparative setting.

Practical implications

– A small-structured agriculture may contribute to generate trust in the reliability of food safety among consumers.

Originality/value

– The discourse on German and Swiss internet platforms on agricultural issues reveals significant differences which shows that such an analysis allows important insights.
Nonlinearities in the Slovenian apple price transmission
Authors: Hassouneh Islam , Serra Teresa , Bojnec Štefan
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess price linkages and patterns of transmission among producer and consumer markets for apple in Slovenia.

Design/methodology/approach

– Non-linear error correction models are applied. Non-linearities are allowed by means of threshold and multivariate local linear regression estimation techniques. Monthly prices over the period 2000-2011 are used in the empirical application.

Findings

– Both techniques provide evidence of non-linearities in price adjustments. Findings suggest that producer and consumer prices tend to increase rather than decrease. Results also indicate that parametric threshold approaches may have difficulties in adequately representing price behavior dynamics.

Originality/value

– The main contribution of this work to the literature relies on the fact that this is the first attempt to assess vertical price transmission in the apple sector in Central and Eastern European Country markets. Further, it is the first attempt to use multivariate local linear regression techniques in this context.