bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic tuning of the transport properties of off-stoichiometric PbxSn1−xTe thermoelectric alloys by Bi2Te3 doping
Authors: Guttmann Gilad M. , Dadon David , Gelbstein Yaniv
Published: August 2015

The recent energy demands affected by the dilution of conventional energy resources and the growing awareness of environmental considerations had motivated many researchers to seek for novel renewable energy conversion methods. Thermoelectric direct conversion of thermal into electrical energies is such a method, in which common compositions include IV-VI semiconducting compounds (e.g., PbTe and SnTe) and their alloys. For approaching practical thermoelectric devices, the current research is focused on electronic optimization of off-stoichiometric p-type PbxSn1−xTe alloys by tuning of Bi2Te3 doping and/or SnTe alloying levels, while avoiding the less mechanically favorable Na dopant. It was shown that upon such doping/alloying, higher ZTs, compared to those of previously reported undoped Pb0.5Sn0.5Te alloy, were obtained at temperatures lower than 210–340 °C, depending of the exact doping/alloying level. It was demonstrated that upon optimal grading of the carrier concentration, a maximal thermoelectric efficiency enhancement of ∼38%, compared to that of an undoped material, is expected.
Fast variable step-size maximum power point tracking method for photovoltaic systems
Authors: Kou Yanhong , Xia Yinshui , Ye Yidie
Published: August 2015

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is a key technology in high efficient Photovoltaic (PV) systems. Against the contradiction between the tracking speed and tracking accuracy of the MPPT in the PV systems, this paper presents a self-adaptive step-size MPPT method. First, PV modeling is built under different sunlight intensity and temperatures. Then, by discussing the due features of a self-adaptive step-size function, a new variable step-size function is built based on the logarithm form. Through modeling in Matlab/Simulink and experiment, both results show that the proposed method can improve the MPPT response in both tracking speed and accuracy steadily compared with other published results.
Refractive index dispersion sensing using an array of photonic crystal resonant reflectors
Authors: Hermannsson Pétur G. , Vannahme Christoph , Smith Cameron L. C. , Sørensen Kristian T. , Kristensen Anders
Published: August 2015

Refractive index sensing plays a key role in various environmental and biological sensing applications. Here, a method is presented for measuring the absolute refractive index dispersion of liquids using an array of photonic crystal resonant reflectors of varying periods. It is shown that by covering the array with a sample liquid and measuring the resonance wavelength associated with transverse electric polarized quasi guided modes as a function of period, the refractive index dispersion of the liquid can be accurately obtained using an analytical expression. This method is compact, can perform measurements at arbitrary number of wavelengths, and requires only a minute sample volume. The ability to sense a material's dispersion profile offers an added dimension of information that may be of benefit to optofluidic lab-on-a-chip applications.
In-situ tuning threshold voltage of field-effect transistors based on blends of poly(3-hexylthiophene) with an insulator electret
Authors: Lu Guanghao , Koch Norbert , Neher Dieter
Published: August 2015

Blending the conjugated polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) with the insulating electret polystyrene (PS), we show that the threshold voltage Vt of organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) can be easily and reversely tuned by applying a gate bias stress at 130 °C. It is proposed that this phenomenon is caused by thermally activated charge injection from P3HT into PS matrix, and that this charge is immobilized within the PS matrix after cooling down to room temperature. Therefore, room-temperature hysteresis-free FETs with desired Vt can be easily achieved. The approach is applied to reversely tune the OFET mode of operation from accumulation to depletion, and to build inverters.
Photovoltaic response in pristine WSe2 layers modulated by metal-induced surface-charge-transfer doping
Authors: Wi Sungjin , Chen Mikai , Li Da , Nam Hongsuk , Meyhofer Edgar , Liang Xiaogan
Published: August 2015

We obtained photovoltaic response in pristine multilayer WSe2 by sandwiching WSe2 between top and bottom metals. In this structure, the work-function difference between the top metal and WSe2 plays a critical role in generating built-in potentials and photovoltaic responses. Our devices with Zn as top metal exhibit photo-conversion efficiencies up to 6.7% under 532 nm illumination and external quantum efficiencies in the range of 40%–83% for visible light. This work provides a method for generating photovoltaic responses in layered semiconductors without detrimental doping or exquisite heterostructures, and also advances the physics for modulating the band structures of such emerging semiconductors.
Synthesis of Ag9(SiO4)2NO3 through a reactive flux method and its visible-light photocatalytic performances
Authors: Zhu Xianglin , Wang Zeyan , Huang Baibiao , Wei Wei , Dai Ying , Zhang Xiaoyang , Qin Xiaoyan
Published: August 2015

Ag9(SiO4)2NO3 was prepared by a reactive flux method. The structures, morphologies, and light absorption properties were investigated. Owing to the polar crystal structure, an internal electric field can be formed inside the material, which can facilitate the photogenerated charge separation during the photocatalytic process. Based on both the wide light absorption spectra and high charge separation efficiency originated from the polarized internal electric field, Ag9(SiO4)2NO3 exhibit higher efficiency over Ag3PO4 during the degradation of organic dyes under visible light irradiation, which is expected to be a potential material for solar energy harvest and conversion.
Direct determination of the electron effective mass of GaAsN by terahertz cyclotron resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Eßer F. , Drachenko O. , Patanè A. , Ozerov M. , Winnerl S. , Schneider H. , Helm M.
Published: August 2015

We use cyclotron resonance THz-spectroscopy in pulsed magnetic fields up to 63 T to measure the electron effective mass in Si-doped GaAsN semiconductor alloys with nitrogen content up to 0.2%. This technique directly probes the transport properties of the N-modified conduction band, particularly the electron effective mass, which has been discussed controversially in the experimental and theoretical literature. We report a slight increase of the electron effective mass and nonparabolicity with N-content for different photon energies in agreement with the two-level band anticrossing model calculations. Furthermore, we show a pronounced electron mobility drop with increasing N-content.
Epigenetic mechanisms, T-cell activation, andCCR5genetics interact to regulate T-cell expression of CCR5, the major HIV-1 coreceptor
Authors: Gornalusse German G. , Mummidi Srinivas , Gaitan Alvaro A. , Jimenez Fabio , Ramsuran Veron , Picton Anabela , Rogers Kristen , Manoharan Muthu Saravanan , Avadhanam Nymisha , Murthy Krishna K. , Martinez Hernan , Molano Murillo Angela , Chykarenko Zoya A. , Hutt Richard , Daskalakis Demetre , Shostakovich-Koretskaya Ludmila , Abdool Karim Salim , Martin Jeffrey N. , Deeks Steven G. , Hecht Frederick , Sinclair Elizabeth , Clark Robert A. , Okulicz Jason , Valentine Fred T. , Martinson Neil , Tiemessen Caroline Tanya , Ndung’u Thumbi , Hunt Peter W. , He Weijing , Ahuja Sunil K.
Published: August 2015

Significance

Levels of CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) on T cells are a critical factor influencing HIV/AIDS susceptibility. DNA methylation is an epigenetic feature associated with lower gene expression. Here we show that the DNA methylation status ofCCR5 cis-regulatory regions (cis-regions) correlates inversely with CCR5 levels on T cells. T-cell activation induces demethylation ofCCR5 cis-regions, upregulating CCR5 expression. Higher vs. lower sensitivity ofCCR5 cis-regions to undergoing T-cell activation-induced demethylation is associated with increased vs. decreased CCR5 levels. Polymorphisms inCCR5 cis-regions that are associated with increased vs. decreased HIV/AIDS susceptibility are also associated with increased vs. decreased sensitivity to activation-induced demethylation. Thus, interactions among T-cell activation,CCR5epigenetics, and genetics influence CCR5 levels on T cells and, by extension, HIV/AIDS susceptibility.
Diverse set of Turing nanopatterns coat corneae across insect lineages
Authors: Blagodatski Artem , Sergeev Anton , Kryuchkov Mikhail , Lopatina Yuliya , Katanaev Vladimir L.
Published: August 2015

Significance

Corneal surfaces of some insects are coated with nipple-like nanostructures reducing the light reflection. Here we provide an extensive analysis of corneae across insect groups. Using atomic force microscopy, we discover a striking diversity of corneal nanocoatings, omnipresent in arthropods. These fascinating bionanostructures replicate the complete set of the Turing patterns—shapes resulting from the reaction−diffusion modeling underlying many examples of patterning in biological and physicochemical systems. Our work, verging on the interface of nanotechnology and zoology, evolution and biophysics, and ecology and genetics, sheds light on the molecular origin and evolutionary diversification of a beautiful diversity of insect corneal nanostructures. It also describes, to our knowledge, the first-ever biological example of Turing nanopatterns.
Fish Energy Use among Fluctuating and Constant Thermal Regimes Simulating Winter Conditions in Rivers
Authors: Hansen Eriek S. , Rahel Frank J.
Published: August 2015

During the winter, variation in water temperature in temperate‐zone rivers is strongly influenced by the presence or absence of surface ice cover. Prior to ice formation, water temperatures can fluctuate from nighttime lows near 0°C to daytime highs near 6°C. After ice formation, temperatures remain constant near 0°C. Climate change is projected to reduce the duration of surface ice cover in aquatic ecosystems and, thus, alter winter temperature regimes. We conducted a laboratory experiment to compare fish energy use for two situations: (1) ice free conditions with diel cycling temperatures (0.2–6°C), and (2) ice cover conditions with constant low temperatures (0.5°C). We compared the response of Creek Chub Semotilus atromaculatus, representing a coolwater species, and Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis, representing a coldwater species, to these temperature regimes. During a 60‐d study we monitored metabolic measurements of energy use and proximate body composition of fasted fish. For Creek Chub, there was no effect of time or temperature regime on respiration rates. Ammonium excretion declined over time for Creek Chub held at the constant low temperature but remained unchanged for fish held at the cycling temperature. For Brook Trout, there was no effect of time or temperature regime on respiration or ammonium excretion. Both species showed a loss of body lipids over the 60 d but there was no difference in the rate of loss between the two temperature treatments. Thus, we were unable to detect a difference in the energy use for these species between the different thermal regimes simulating the presence or absence of surface ice cover.
Lack of the evidence for the enzymatic catabolism of Man1GlcNAc2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Hossain Tanim Jabid , Hirayama Hiroto , Harada Yoichiro , Suzuki Tadashi
Published: August 2015

In the cytosol of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, most of the free N-glycans (FNGs) are generated from misfolded glycoproteins by the action of the cytoplasmic peptide: N-glycanase (Png1). A cytosol/vacuole α-mannosidase, Ams1, then trims the FNGs to eventually form a trisaccharide composed of Manβ1,4GlcNAc β1,4GlcNAc (Man1GlcNAc2). Whether or not the resulting Man1GlcNAc2 is enzymatically degraded further, however, is currently unknown. The objective of this study was to unveil the fate of Man1GlcNAc2 in S. cerevisiae. Quantitative analyses of the FNGs revealed a steady increase in the amount of Man1GlcNAc2 produced in the post-diauxic and stationary phases, suggesting that this trisaccharide is not catabolized during this period. Inoculation of the stationary phase cells into fresh medium resulted in a reduction in the levels of Man1GlcNAc2. However, this reduction was caused by its dilution due to cell division in the fresh medium. Our results thus indicate that Man1GlcNAc2 is not enzymatically catabolized in S. cerevisiae.
The Narrative Construction of European Identity. Meanings of Europe ‘from below’
Authors: Scalise Gemma
Published: August 2015

This article forms a part of the scientific debate on the change of identities related to the process of European integration. It draws on sociological tools for putting forward the concept of ‘narrative identity’ for the analysis of the European sense of belonging. It assumes that the narratives of Europe shared in the transnational networks, which have developed with Europeanization and globalization, contribute to the construction of European identity. It also presumes that the meanings attributed to Europe are shaped by the social context in which people live and are influenced by the local dimension where everyday life takes place. By presenting a qualitative empirical research conducted in two different Italian local contexts, the article highlights the narratives of Europe shared by Europeans from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, how different stories take shape and what types of European identity they contribute to construct. Results show that the narratives of Europe are multi-level stories, a mixture of values and references coming from local cultural heritages and national history, and linked to the European post-national plot. Both subjective autonomy and structural social conditioning influence the conceptualization of Europe and European identity is embedded in local territories. The dynamics of identity formation and the openness toward Europe in local identities are connected to the ‘habitus’ and related to variables such as education, socio-economic background, media exposure, transnational networking, participation and experiencing Europe.
Centrosome-intrinsic mechanisms modulate centrosome integrity during fever
Authors: Vertii Anastassiia , Zimmerman Wendy , Ivshina Maria , Doxsey Stephen
Published: August 2015

The centrosome is critical for cell division, ciliogenesis, membrane trafficking, and immunological synapse function. The immunological synapse is part of the immune response, which is often accompanied by fever/heat stress (HS). Here we provide evidence that HS causes deconstruction of all centrosome substructures primarily through degradation by centrosome-associated proteasomes. This renders the centrosome nonfunctional. Heat-activated degradation is centrosome selective, as other nonmembranous organelles (midbody, kinetochore) and membrane-bounded organelles (mitochondria) remain largely intact. Heat-induced centrosome inactivation was rescued by targeting Hsp70 to the centrosome. In contrast, Hsp70 excluded from the centrosome via targeting to membranes failed to rescue, as did chaperone inactivation. This indicates that there is a balance between degradation and chaperone rescue at the centrosome after HS. This novel mechanism of centrosome regulation during fever contributes to immunological synapse formation. Heat-induced centrosome inactivation is a physiologically relevant event, as centrosomes in leukocytes of febrile patients are disrupted.
Comparison of Rapid Point-of-Care Tests for Detection of Antibodies to Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Fisher Dennis G. , Hess Kristen L. , Erlyana Erlyana , Reynolds Grace L. , Cummins Catherine A. , Alonzo Todd A.
Published: August 2015

Background.  Hepatitis C is one of the most prevalent blood-borne diseases in the United States. Despite the benefits of early screening, among 3.2 million Americans who are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), 50%–70% are unaware of their infection status.

Methods.  Data were collected between 2011 and 2014, from 1048 clients who were in the following groups: (1) injection drug users, (2) women at sexual risk, (3) gay and bisexual men, and (4) transgender individuals. The sensitivity and specificity of point-of-care tests included (1) the MedMira rapid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV antibody test, (2) MedMira hepatitis B (HBV)/HIV/HCV antibody test, (3) Chembio HCV Screen Assay used with both whole blood and (4) oral specimens, (5) Chembio HIV-HCV Assay also used with both whole blood and (6) oral specimens, (7) Chembio HIV-HCV-Syphilis Assay, and (8) OraSure HCV Rapid Antibody Test used with whole blood. The gold standard for the HCV tests were HCV enzyme immunoassay (EIA) 2.0.

Results.  OraSure had the highest sensitivity at 92.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 88.8%–96.5%) followed closely by Chembio's 3 blood tests at 92.1% (95% CI = 87.7%–96.4%), 91.5% (95% CI = 87.2%–95.7%), and 92.3% (95% CI = 88.4%–96.2%). The sensitivities of MedMira HIV/HCV and MedMira HIV/HCV/HBV tests were the lowest, at 79.1% (95% CI = 72.6%–85.5%), and 81.5% (95% CI = 75.2%–87.8%), respectively. Specificity for the OraSure was 99.8% (95% CI = 99.4%–100%); specificity for the Chembio blood tests was 99.2% (95% CI = 98.6%–99.9%), 99.4% (95% CI = 98.8%–99.9%), and 99.3% (95% CI = 98.8%–99.9%); and specificity for the MedMira was100% and 100%. False-negative results were associated with HIV and hepatitis B core antibody serostatus.

Conclusions.  The OraSure and Chembio blood tests (including those multiplexed with HIV and syphilis) appear to good performance characteristics. This study has identified potential limitations of rapid testing in those testing positive for HIV and HBcAb. There should be discussion of updates to the 2013 CDC guidance.
Evidence of Selection for Fungicide Resistance in Zymoseptoria tritici Populations on Wheat in Western Oregon
Authors: Hayes Laura E. , Sackett Kathryn E. , Anderson Nicole P. , Flowers Michael D. , Mundt Christopher C.
Published: August 2015

Plant pathogens pose a major challenge to maintaining food security in many parts of the world. Where major plant pathogens are fungal, fungicide resistance can often thwart regional control efforts. Zymoseptoria tritici, causal agent of Septoria tritici blotch, is a major fungal pathogen of wheat that has evolved resistance to chemical control products in four fungicide classes in Europe. Compared with Europe, however, fungicide use has been less and studies of fungicide resistance have been infrequent in North American Z. tritici populations. Here, we confirm first reports of Z. tritici fungicide resistance evolution in western Oregon through analysis of the effects of spray applications of propiconazole and an azoxystrobin + propiconazole mixture during a single growing season. Frequencies of strobilurin-resistant isolates, quantified as proportions of G143A mutants, were significantly higher in azoxystrobin-sprayed plots compared with plots with no azoxystrobin treatment at two different locations and were significantly higher in plots of a moderately resistant cultivar than in plots of a susceptible cultivar. Thus, it appears that western Oregon Z. tritici populations have the potential to evolve levels of strobilurin resistance similar to those observed in Europe. Although the concentration of propiconazole required to reduce pathogen growth by 50% values were numerically greater for isolates collected from plots receiving propiconazole than in control plots, this effect was not significant (P > 0.05).
Inheritance of Resistance to Powdery Mildew Race 1W in Watermelon
Authors: Ben-Naim Yariv , Cohen Yigal
Published: August 2015

Powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera xanthii is a major disease of watermelon in Israel. In this study, 291 accessions of Citrullus spp. were evaluated for resistance against P. xanthii race 1W. Only eight accessions exhibited high level of resistance. Inheritance of resistance against P. xanthii race 1W was studied by crossing three resistant accession of Citrullus lanatus var. citroides BIU 119, PI 189225, or PI 482312 with the susceptible cultivar ‘Malali’ or ‘Sugar Baby’. Parents, F1, F2, and back cross progenies were evaluated for resistance in growth chambers at the cotyledon stage and the 4-leaf stage and in the field, at the 15-leaf stage. Resistance at the cotyledon stage was controlled by a single, partially dominant gene, whereas at the 4-leaf stage or the 15-leaf stage resistance was controlled by three complimentary, partially dominant genes. Crosses made among these resistant accessions revealed that BIU 119 and PI 189225 carry the same genes for resistance, whereas PI 482312 shares two out of three genes with both BIU 119 and PI 189225. A breeding line with high resistance level and good fruit qualities was developed from BIU 119 × HA5500.
Long (>12 Months) and Short (<6 Months) Versus Standard Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Coronary Stenting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Palla Mohan , Briasoulis Alexandros , Siddiqui Fayez , Alesh Issa , Afonso Luis
Published: August 2015

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is recommended for 6–12 months after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation to prevent ischemic events and late stent thrombosis. The optimal duration of DAPT has not been established. We performed a meta-analysis of the comparative effects of short and long versus standard duration DAPT duration on adverse cardiovascular and major bleeding. We conducted an EMBASE and MEDLINE search for studies in which patients were randomized to treatment with a different duration of DAPT. We included studies that provided data on DES selection, DAPT regimen and duration, and incidence of the selected endpoints at the end of the follow-up period. We identified 5 prospective randomized studies comparing short versus standard duration DAPT and 3 comparing long versus standard duration DAPT with a total of 28,343 patients. Short-term DAPT has similar incidence of stent thrombosis, MI, and death compared to standard duration DAPT, whereas major bleeding was significantly lower in short duration DAPT. Long-term DAPT was associated with lower rates of stent thrombosis and MI but significantly increased major bleeding and all-cause mortality compared to standard duration DAPT. In this meta-analysis of prospective controlled studies we found that short duration DAPT is safer and as effective as standard duration DAPT in patients with second-generation DES. Extended DAPT is associated with less ischemic events at the expense of high bleeding and mortality rates.
Comparison of Outcomes following Autologous Breast Reconstruction Using the DIEP and Pedicled TRAM Flaps: A 12-Year Clinical Retrospective Study and Literature Review
Authors: Knox Aaron D. C. , Ho Adelyn L. , Leung Leslie , Tashakkor A. Yashar , Lennox Peter A. , Van Laeken Nancy , Macadam Sheina A.
Published: August 2015

Background:

There are few studies that compare the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap to the pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (pTRAM) flap for use in reconstructive breast surgery. The authors examined four factors that aid in decision-making: donor-site morbidity, need for surgery related to abdominal morbidity, operative time, and complications.

Methods:

This is a retrospective review of patients undergoing breast reconstruction using the DIEP or pTRAM flap at the University of British Columbia between 2002 and 2013. The authors compared operative time and abdomen- and flap-related complications in both groups.

Results:

Reconstruction was performed in 507 patients; 25.6 percent received DIEP flaps (n = 183 breasts) and 74.4 percent underwent pTRAM flap surgery (n = 444 breasts). Pedicled TRAM flap patients were more likely to require abdominal closure with mesh (44.2 percent versus 8.1 percent; p < 0.001); 21.2 percent of them had a postoperative bulge and/or hernia versus 3.1 percent of DIEP flap patients; and 12.7 percent of pTRAM flap patients required surgery for hernia/bulge. Controlling for confounders, there were five times the odds of a hernia/bulge in the pTRAM flap group. DIEP flap surgery was 234 minutes longer than pTRAM flap surgery.

Conclusions:

The benefits of the pTRAM flap may be offset by the need to correct abdominal wall complications. DIEP flap reconstruction had lower donor complications but increased operative time. A cost analysis is needed to determine the most economical procedure.

CLINCIAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Anthony James Merrill Spencer. 23 August 1929 — 26 January 2008
Authors: Chadwick P. , England A. H. , Parker D. F.
Published: August 2015

Anthony J. M. Spencer, known to all as Tony, was one of the most outstanding British applied mathematicians of his generation. His main field of research was in understanding and predicting the mechanical behaviour of advanced materials. His insight and skill in formulating constitutive equations enabled him to develop new models of materials and then solve physically significant problems in the fields of composites, granular materials and laminates. He studied at Cambridge, Birmingham and Keele and, after postdoctoral research in the acclaimed Division of Applied Mathematics at Brown University in the USA and a short period of employment in government service, moved to Nottingham University and spent the rest of his career there. He soon became Head of the Department of Theoretical Mechanics, which had been formed in 1960 and given responsibility for teaching mathematics to students in the Faculty of Applied Science. Under Tony's guidance and inspirational leadership it gained an unrivalled reputation, by virtue of its productivity in research, the quality of its staff and its innovative approach to undergraduate teaching and graduate training. Although firmly rooted in Nottingham, Tony travelled widely and was very well known. He was an astute and highly proficient research worker whose views were prized by his many collaborators and friends in the solid mechanics community. It is a measure of his intellectual strength and dedication that he published 40 research papers in his 13 years of retirement.
Anthony Kelly CBE DL. 25 January 1929 — 3 June 2014
Authors: Howie A.
Published: August 2015

Anthony Kelly was a physicist turned materials scientist and a Vice Chancellor with a penetrating mind, tremendous energy and formidable powers of organizational engagement with both people and data. A deep understanding of the strength of materials, building up from metal crystals and their imperfections through ceramic materials, brought him into the burgeoning field of composites. In this subject, through his own pioneering research, comprehensive knowledge and long-standing inspirational role, he was a seminal figure. Through challenging times he was a very successful, reforming and long-serving Vice Chancellor at the University of Surrey and the mainspring in setting up their Research Park. Remarkably, however, he kept his own research going and continued to be very active long after his retirement, stimulating colleagues of all ages and lighting up with his interventions many a scientific meeting or more general encounter.
John Hugh Westcott. 3 November 1920 — 10 October 2014
Authors: Mayne David Q.
Published: August 2015

John Hugh Westcott was a leader in the revolution of the subject of automatic control that took place in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Appointed to a lectureship in the early 1950s, he rapidly created, and inspired, a group that successfully bridged the transition from classical to ‘modern’ control theory. He supported this activity via a large number of research grants garnered from industry by his persuasive advocacy of the benefits to be gained from modern developments. To encourage transfer of these developments to industry and elsewhere, he motivated and directed several large research projects in areas such as the cold rolling of steel and the control of the UK economy.
Michael John O'Hara. 22 February 1933 — 24 November 2014
Authors: Rickard David
Published: August 2015

Michael John (Mike) O'Hara was born in Sydney, Australia, but came to the UK when he was one year old. He received his BSc and PhD degrees from Cambridge University. He was appointed assistant lecturer at the Grant Institute of Geology at Edinburgh University in 1958, where he rose to a personal chair in 1970. He moved to the University College of Wales Aberystwyth in 1978 as Head of Department and was appointed Distinguished Research Professor at Cardiff University in 1993. Mike O'Hara was one of the leading igneous petrologists of his generation, a pioneering mountaineer and eminent science administrator. He made fundamental contributions to a wide range of topics in igneous petrology, including identifying rocks from the Earth's deep mantle, experimental petrology, the primary magma problem and mathematical modelling of igneous rock formation. Mike O'Hara's name is legendary in climbing circles because he made the first ascents of 39 of the finest rock climbs in the UK. As a national science administrator he was mainly responsible for the present profile of Earth science teaching and research in UK universities.
Primorskyibacter insulae sp. nov., isolated from the junction between the ocean and a freshwater spring
Authors: Park Sooyeon , Park Ji-Min , Jung Yong-Taek , Won Sung-Min , Yoon Jung-Hoon
Published: August 2015

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming, non-flagellated and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated SSK3-2T, was isolated from the locality where the ocean and a freshwater spring meet at Jeju island, South Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain SSK3-2T grew optimally at 30 °C, at pH 7.0–8.0 and in the presence of 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Neighbour-joining, maximum-likelihood and maximum-parsimony phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain SSK3-2T clustered with the type strain of Primorskyibacter sedentarius, with which it exhibited 97.3 % sequence similarity. Strain SSK3-2T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18 : 1ω7c as the major fatty acid. The major polar lipids detected in strain SSK3-2T were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified lipid and one unidentified aminolipid. The DNA G+C content of strain SSK3-2T was 60.6 mol% and its mean DNA–DNA relatedness value with P. sedentarius JCM 16874T was 19 %. Differential phenotypic properties, together with phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain SSK3-2T is separated from P. sedentarius. On the basis of the data presented, strain SSK3-2T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Primorskyibacter, for which the name Primorskyibacter insulae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SSK3-2T ( = KCTC 42602T = CECT 8871T).
Severe acute encephalopathy related to human parainfluenza virus type 2 infection in an infant: a case report
Authors: Sugai Kazuko , Tsukagoshi Hiroyuki , Nojima Ikuko , Fujiwara Kaori , Kodera Aya , Kimura Noriko , Tsuchimoto Keiji , Sekimoto Kazuhiro , Kitada Kumimi , Takahashi Nobumasa , Araki Tooru , Fujii Yosuke , Miyaji Yumiko , Ikeda Masanori , Kozawa Kunihisa , Noda Masahiro , Kuroda Makoto , Kimura Hirokazu
Published: August 2015

Introduction:

We present here a rare case of severe acute encephalopathy with extra-pulmonary symptoms in a two-year-old girl caused by human parainfluenza virus type 2 (HPIV2) infection.

Case Presentation:

The patient was brought in by ambulance, presenting with fever, hypoxia and generalized tonic-clonic seizure, and was admitted into Fukuyama Medical Center. She had a depressed level of consciousness with drowsiness. Her Glasgow coma score was 6. Based on the results of laboratory examinations, brain computed tomography, brain magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography, we diagnosed her with acute encephalopathy. Treatment was initiated with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin, methylprednisolone pulse therapy and edaravone along with mechanical ventilation. We confirmed HPIV2 infection using samples of sputum from the intra-tracheal tube, throat swab and blood using next-generation sequencing and the PCR method. After continued steroid and anti-inflammatory therapy, the patient recovered completely.

Conclusion:

Extra-pulmonary symptoms in parainfluenza viral infections are rare. HPIV2 infection can cause severe acute encephalopathy via a systemic immunological reaction along with airway symptoms.
Structure and conformational states of the bovine mitochondrial ATP synthase by cryo-EM
Authors: Zhou Anna , Rohou Alexis , Schep Daniel G , Bason John V , Montgomery Martin G , Walker John E , Grigorieff Nikolaus , Rubinstein John L
Published: August 2015

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the chemical energy currency of biology, is synthesized in eukaryotic cells primarily by the mitochondrial ATP synthase. ATP synthases operate by a rotary catalytic mechanism where proton translocation through the membrane-inserted FO region is coupled to ATP synthesis in the catalytic F1 region via rotation of a central rotor subcomplex. We report here single particle electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM) analysis of the bovine mitochondrial ATP synthase. Combining cryo-EM data with bioinformatic analysis allowed us to determine the fold of the a subunit, suggesting a proton translocation path through the FO region that involves both the a and b subunits. 3D classification of images revealed seven distinct states of the enzyme that show different modes of bending and twisting in the intact ATP synthase. Rotational fluctuations of the c8-ring within the FO region support a Brownian ratchet mechanism for proton-translocation driven rotation in ATP synthases.
A single chromosome assembly ofBacteroides fragilisstrain BE1 from Illumina and MinION nanopore sequencing data
Authors: Risse Judith , Thomson Marian , Blakely Garry , Koutsovoulos Georgios , Blaxter Mark , Watson Mick
Published: August 2015

Background

Second and third generation sequencing technologies have revolutionised bacterial genomics. Short-read Illumina reads result in cheap but fragmented assemblies, whereas longer reads are more expensive but result in more complete genomes. The Oxford Nanopore MinION device is a revolutionary mobile sequencer that can produce thousands of long, single molecule reads.

Results

We sequencedBacteroides fragilisstrain BE1 using both the Illumina MiSeq and Oxford Nanopore MinION platforms. We were able to assemble a single chromosome of 5.18 Mb, with no gaps, using publicly available software and commodity computing hardware. We identified gene rearrangements and the state of invertible promoters in the strain.

Conclusions

The single chromosome assembly ofBacteroides fragilisstrain BE1 was achieved using only modest amounts of data, publicly available software and commodity computing hardware. This combination of technologies offers the possibility of ultra-cheap, high quality, finished bacterial genomes.
Genetic and Physical Interaction Studies Reveal Functional Similarities between ALBINO3 and ALBINO4 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Trösch Raphael , Töpel Mats , Flores-Pérez Úrsula , Jarvis Paul
Published: August 2015

ALBINO3 (ALB3) is a well-known component of a thylakoid protein-targeting complex that interacts with the chloroplast signal recognition particle (cpSRP) and the cpSRP receptor, chloroplast filamentous temperature-sensitive Y (cpFtsY). Its protein-inserting function has been established mainly for light-harvesting complex proteins, which first interact with the unique chloroplast cpSRP43 component and then are delivered to the ALB3 integrase by a GTP-dependent cpSRP-cpFtsY interaction. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), a subsequently discovered ALB3 homolog, ALB4, has been proposed to be involved not in light-harvesting complex protein targeting, but instead in the stabilization of the ATP synthase complex. Here, however, we show that ALB3 and ALB4 share significant functional overlap, and that both proteins are required for the efficient insertion of cytochrome f and potentially other subunits of pigment-bearing protein complexes. Genetic and physical interactions between ALB4 and ALB3, and physical interactions between ALB4 and cpSRP, suggest that the two ALB proteins may engage similar sets of interactors for their specific functions. We propose that ALB4 optimizes the insertion of thylakoid proteins by participating in the ALB3-cpSRP pathway for certain substrates (e.g. cytochrome f and the Rieske protein). Although ALB4 has clearly diverged from ALB3 in relation to the partner-recruiting C-terminal domain, our analysis suggests that one putative cpSRP-binding motif has not been entirely lost.
Conserved Gene Expression Programs in Developing Roots from Diverse Plants
Authors: Huang Ling , Schiefelbein John
Published: August 2015

The molecular basis for the origin and diversification of morphological adaptations is a central issue in evolutionary developmental biology. Here, we defined temporal transcript accumulation in developing roots from seven vascular plants, permitting a genome-wide comparative analysis of the molecular programs used by a single organ across diverse species. The resulting gene expression maps uncover significant similarity in the genes employed in roots and their developmental expression profiles. The detailed analysis of a subset of 133 genes known to be associated with root development in Arabidopsis thaliana indicates that most of these are used in all plant species. Strikingly, this was also true for root development in a lycophyte (Selaginella moellendorffii), which forms morphologically different roots and is thought to have evolved roots independently. Thus, despite vast differences in size and anatomy of roots from diverse plants, the basic molecular mechanisms employed during root formation appear to be conserved. This suggests that roots evolved in the two major vascular plant lineages either by parallel recruitment of largely the same developmental program or by elaboration of an existing root program in the common ancestor of vascular plants.
Domestic versus offshore service providers
Authors: Forman Andrew M. , Thelen Shawn , Shapiro Terri
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– Prior research has determined that consumers are opposed to services offshoring. The purpose of this paper is to determine the likelihood that consumers would choose a domestic vs an offshore service provider if asked to pay more, wait longer, or sacrifice service quality.

Design/methodology/approach

– The cost, time to wait, and quality of services provided (for two different services: taxes and customer service) were varied to determine respondent likelihood to choose a domestic as opposed to an offshore service provider when asked to pay more, wait longer, or sacrifice the quality of the service in return for access to a domestic service provider. Data were collected via survey research, using an internet panel.

Findings

– Results of repeated measures analysis indicated that customer loyalty to the domestic service provider significantly decreased as the cost or time to interact with a domestic service provider increased or the quality of service provided by the offshore service provider increased.

Research limitations/implications

– The research results signify that while customers, in general, may be opposed to services offshoring, they will “defect” or show less loyalty to the domestic service provider when asked to sacrifice time or money for that access. Respondents were asked to react to each trade-off as individual factors. Future research might combine these factors to determine interrelated tradeoffs.

Practical implications

– The research results signify that while customers, in general, may be opposed to services offshoring, they will “defect” or show less loyalty to the domestic service provider when asked to sacrifice time or money for that access.

Originality/value

– The paper extends research with regard to consumer reaction to service offshoring and provides insight into the trade-offs consumers might be willing to incur in return for access to domestic service providers. The paper is of value to practitioners and academic researchers.
Innovation strategy and performance of international technology services ventures
Authors: Ndubisi Nelson Oly , Capel Celine Marie , Ndubisi Gibson C
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the moderating role of structural autonomy in the relationship between innovation strategy and performance of international technology services ventures (ITVs).

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from 200 ITVs serving markets outside their country of origin. Instrumentation followed standard procedure by adapting validated and parsimonious items from existing literature. Factor and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were applied to examine the hypothesised relationships.

Findings

– The results indicate a significant relationship between innovation strategy (namely service products innovation, process innovation and administrative innovation) and performance of ITVs. Structural autonomy moderates the relationship between process innovation, administrative innovation and performance. There is no moderating effect of autonomy in the association of service products innovation and performance.

Research limitations/implications

– The study corroborates the argument that service firms have more to gain by granting autonomy. In the context of ITVs, such gains are directly linked to performance through enhanced innovation in service products, processes and administration. It adds to the growing suggestions and rebuttals in the literature of a trade-off between innovation and communication; and between exploration of new knowledge and exploitation of existing knowledge in organisations when there is autonomy.

Practical implications

– Management can increase innovation and performance by granting greater autonomy to employees. Managers who are concerned that autonomy’s capacity to increase innovation capability may come at the expense of intra-organisational communication can be assured that intra-organisation communications can exist in the face of autonomy, and there is no real trade-off after all. Similarly, there is no basis for any concern for potential trade-off between exploration of new knowledge and exploitation of existing knowledge in organisations.

Originality/value

– Research suggests that autonomy of subsidiaries, units, groups or individuals encourages innovation, and that innovation strategy can enhance organisational performance. However, there is a counter-argument that same autonomy potentially hinders exploitation and performance of innovations. The study sheds more light on these anecdotal views based on data from ITVs.
Driver turnover research: exploring the missing angle with a global perspective
Authors: Sersland Daniel , Nataraajan Rajan
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate and contribute to the understanding of the critical issue of “driver turnover” in the USA long-haul trucking environment which is becoming a malaise in the transportation sector not only in the USA but also worldwide. Most importantly, it accomplishes this through an exploration of the perceptions of the “drivers” themselves regarding the external customer-base in the trucking industry. This, to the best knowledge of the authors, has not yet been done and so becomes the missing angle in focus on driver turnover research.

Design/methodology/approach

– This exploratory study employs a qualitative research methodology via in-depth interviews of a select sample of drivers in a field setting followed by content analysis of the responses. This methodology, by and large, is the most suitable for this type of exploration.

Findings

– A content analysis of the perceptions of drivers reveals several important reasons (or causes) for driver turnover. This paper elaborates on those and offers customer-centric solutions to alleviate the plight of the driver and improve overall performance in the trucking sector.

Research limitations/implications

– Needless to say, this exploratory research should be replicated in several other locations within the USA, other settings (e.g. trucking in extreme conditions), and other countries in order to enhance the external validity of the findings and recommendations.

Practical implications

– All implications of this research are practical as they have direct managerial significance.

Originality/value

– The value of this research lies in the fact that, to the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first study that explores the perceptions of long-haul drivers regarding the external customer-base of the trucking industry. The findings have direct implications for management in the trucking sector.
Large wildlife removal drives immune defence increases in rodents
Authors: Young Hillary S. , Dirzo Rodolfo , Helgen Kristofer M. , McCauley Douglas J. , Nunn Charles L. , Snyder Paul , Veblen Kari E. , Zhao Serena , Ezenwa Vanessa O.
Published: August 2015

Anthropogenic disturbances involving land use change, climate disruption, pollution and invasive species have been shown to impact immune function of wild animals. These immune changes have direct impacts on the fitness of impacted animals and, also, potentially indirect effects on other species and on ecological processes, notably involving the spread of infectious disease. Here, we investigate whether the selective loss of large wildlife can also drive changes in immune function of other consumer species.

Using a long‐standing large‐scale exclosure experiment in East Africa, we investigated the effects of selective removal of large wildlife on multiple measures of immune function in the dominant small rodent in the system, the East African pouched mouse, Saccostomus mearnsi.

We find support for a general increase in immune function in landscapes where large wildlife has been removed, but with some variation across immune parameters. These changes may be mediated in part by increased pathogen pressure in plots where large wildlife has been removed due to major increases in rodent density in such plots, but other factors such as changes in food resources are also likely involved.

Overall, our research reveals that the elimination of large‐bodied wildlife – now recognized as another major form of global anthropogenic change – may have cascading effects on immune health, with the potential for these effects to also impact disease dynamics in ecological communities.