bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trantanella Wilkinson power divider with additional transmission lines for simple layout
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Sakagami Iwata , Mase Atsushi , Ichimura Makoto
Published: June 2014

By adding extra transmission lines between 90° transmission lines at an arbitrary phase angle from the input terminal, a modified Trantanella Wilkinson power divider with a simple layout is presented. Design equations for characteristic impedances and complex isolation components are derived from even‐ and odd‐mode analysis. Parallel and series RC circuits are chosen to realise the complex isolation components, and bandwidths are also discussed. For both parallel and series RC circuits, two experimental circuits were fabricated under the same conditions. The experimental results showed good agreement with the results of simulation.
Seven‐level active power conditioner for a renewable power generation system
Authors: Wu Jinn‐Chang , Wu Kuen‐Der , Jou Hurng‐Liahng , Chang Sheng‐Kai
Published: June 2014

A seven‐level active power conditioner (SLAPC) used to inject the real power of the clean power source into the grid is proposed in this study. This SLAPC is composed of a four‐level DC–DC power converter and a full‐bridge inverter. The four‐level DC–DC power converter converts the output voltage of the clean power source into a four‐level pulse voltage. The full‐bridge inverter is switched at low frequency and synchronised with the utility voltage and the output voltage of SLAPC is a seven‐level AC voltage. Accordingly, the switching power loss, harmonic distortion and electromagnetic interference caused by the switching operation of power electronic switches are reduced because of the four‐level in the DC side and the seven‐level in the AC side of the full‐bridge inverter. In addition, the proposed SLAPC acts as an active power filter that filters out the harmonic current of the load, so the utility current of the proposed SLAPC is a sinusoidal current and in phase with the utility voltage. A hardware prototype is developed to verify the performance of the proposed SLAPC. The experimental results show that the performance of the proposed SLAPC is as expected.
A nucleotide-level coarse-grained model of RNA
Authors: Šulc Petr , Romano Flavio , Ouldridge Thomas E. , Doye Jonathan P. K. , Louis Ard A.
Published: June 2014

We present a new, nucleotide-level model for RNA, oxRNA, based on the coarse-graining methodology recently developed for the oxDNA model of DNA. The model is designed to reproduce structural, mechanical, and thermodynamic properties of RNA, and the coarse-graining level aims to retain the relevant physics for RNA hybridization and the structure of single- and double-stranded RNA. In order to explore its strengths and weaknesses, we test the model in a range of nanotechnological and biological settings. Applications explored include the folding thermodynamics of a pseudoknot, the formation of a kissing loop complex, the structure of a hexagonal RNA nanoring, and the unzipping of a hairpin motif. We argue that the model can be used for efficient simulations of the structure of systems with thousands of base pairs, and for the assembly of systems of up to hundreds of base pairs. The source code implementing the model is released for public use.
Effects of discreteness of surface charges on the effective electrostatic interactions
Authors: Zhou Shiqi
Published: June 2014

In the present work, we study effects of relative arrangement of discrete surface charges on electrostatic potential of mean force (EPMF) between two surfaces immersed in a primitive model electrolyte solution. To help in exploring and ascertaining the relevant mechanism, different combinations of values for electrostatic parameters (such as ion concentration, diameter, and valence, solution temperature and relative permittivity) are investigated by solving classical density functional theory in three dimensional space, in combination with different discrete surface charge configurations and surface charge homogeneity configuration as the effects may alter along with change of the surface charge arrangement. Our findings include: (i) if counter-ion is univalent, the EPMF of charge homogeneity surface is always more repulsive than those of charge heterogeneity surfaces whether the discrete surface charges are distributed on the two face-face surfaces commensurately or non-commensurately; (ii) in presence of high valence counter-ion well depth of like charge attraction between two charge homogeneity surfaces approximately takes an averaged value of those for various charge heterogeneity surfaces whether the discrete surface charges are distributed on the two face-face surfaces commensurately or non-commensurately; (iii) the EPMF becomes ever more attractive or less repulsive with a centralization of the discrete surface charges whether the counter-ion valence is univalent, divalent or trivalent; and (iv) the EPMF in the case of charge heterogeneity surfaces is influenced by bulk electrolyte concentration, salt ion diameter and valence, solution temperature, and relative permittivity in the same manner as in the case of charge homogeneity surfaces. All of these findings can be explained self-consistently by a recently proposed hydrogen-bonding style mechanism (for dealing with the EPMF between two charge homogeneity surfaces) reinforced by two new concepts: counter-ion effective adsorption spaces belonging to different localized surface charges and hydrogen bond directivity.
Tunable photoluminescence of self-assembled GeSi quantum dots by B+ implantation and rapid thermal annealing
Authors: Chen Yulu , Wu Shan , Ma Yinjie , Fan Yongliang , Yang Xinju , Zhong Zhenyang , Jiang Zuimin
Published: June 2014

The layered GeSi quantum dots (QDs) are grown on (001) Si substrate by molecular beam epitaxy. The photoluminescence (PL) peak of the as-grown GeSi quantum dots has obvious blue shift and enhancement after processed by ion implantation and rapid thermal annealing. It is indicated that the blue shift is originated from the interdiffusion of Ge and Si at the interface between QDs and the surrounding matrix. The dependence of PL intensity on the excitation power shows that there are the nonradiative centers of shallow local energy levels from the point defects caused by the ion implantation, but not removed by the rapid thermal annealing. The tunable blue shift of the PL position from the 1300 nm to 1500 nm region may have significant application value in the optical communication.
Electron transport in pure and substituted iron oxyhydroxides by small-polaron migration
Authors: Alexandrov Vitaly , Rosso Kevin M.
Published: June 2014

Iron oxyhydroxides (FeOOH) are common crystalline forms of iron that play a critical role in technology and the natural environment via a variety of important reduction-oxidation reactions, including electrical semiconduction as an aspect. However, a basic understanding of the electron transport properties of these systems is still lacking. We examine the electron mobility in goethite (α-FeOOH), akaganéite (β-FeOOH), and lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH) polymorphs by means of density functional theory based (DFT+U) calculations. We show that room temperature charge transport should be dominated by the small-polaron hopping type, and that the attendant mobility should be highest for pure goethite and akaganéite. Hopping pathways through the various lattices are discussed in terms of individual electron exchange steps and rates for each. Given the usual occurrence of compositional impurities in natural iron oxyhydroxides, we also investigate the effect of common stoichiometric defects on the electron hopping activation energies such as Al and Cr substitutional cations in goethite, and Cl anions in the channels of akaganéite.
Electrokinetic detection for X-ray spectra of weakly interacting liquids: n-decane and n-nonane
Authors: Lam Royce K. , Shih Orion , Smith Jacob W. , Sheardy Alex T. , Rizzuto Anthony M. , Prendergast David , Saykally Richard J.
Published: June 2014

The introduction of liquid microjets into soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy enabled the windowless study of liquids by this powerful atom-selective high vacuum methodology. However, weakly interacting liquids produce large vapor backgrounds that strongly perturb the liquid signal. Consequently, solvents (e.g., hydrocarbons, ethers, ketones, etc.) and solutions of central importance in chemistry and biology have been inaccessible by this technology. Here we describe a new detection method, upstream detection, which greatly reduces the vapor phase contribution to the X-ray absorption signal while retaining important advantages of liquid microjet sample introduction (e.g., minimal radiation damage). The effectiveness of the upstream detection method is demonstrated in this first study of room temperature liquid hydrocarbons: n-nonane and n-decane. Good agreement with first principles’ calculations indicates that the eXcited electron and Core Hole theory adequately describes the subtle interactions in these liquids that perturb the electronic structure of the unoccupied states probed in core-level experiments.
Valley polarization in graphene-silicene-graphene heterojunction in zigzag nanoribbon
Authors: Shen Man , Zhang Yan-Yang , An Xing-Tao , Liu Jian-Jun , Li Shu-Shen
Published: June 2014

Considering the difference of energy bands in graphene and silicene, we put forward a new model of the graphene-silicene-graphene (GSG) heterojunction. In the GSG, we study the valley polarization properties in a zigzag nanoribbon in the presence of an external electric field. We find the energy range associated with the bulk gap of silicene has a valley polarization more than 95%. Under the protection of the topological edge states of the silicene, the valley polarization remains even the small non-magnetic disorder is introduced. These results have certain practical significance in applications for future valley valve.
Origin of mechanical modifications in poly (ether ether ketone)/carbon nanotube composite
Authors: Pavlenko Ekaterina , Boyer François , Puech Pascal , Olivier Philippe , Sapelkin Andrei , King Stephen , Heenan Richard , Pons François , Gauthier Bénédicte , Cadaux Pierre-Henri , Bacsa Wolfgang
Published: June 2014

Variations in the hardness of a poly (ether ether ketone) beam electrically modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT, 0.5%-3%) are investigated. It is shown that both rupture and hardness variations correlate with the changes in carbon nanotube concentration when using micro indentation and extended Raman imaging. Statistical analysis of the relative spectral intensities in the Raman image is used to estimate local tube concentration and polymer crystallinity. We show that the histogram of the Raman D band across the image provides information about the amount of MWCNTs and the dispersion of MWCNTs in the composite. We speculate that we have observed a local modification of the ordering between pure and modified polymer. This is partially supported by small angle neutron scattering measurements, which indicate that the agglomeration state of the MWCNTs is the same at the concentrations studied.
Emergence of spatiotemporal dislocation chains in drifting patterns
Authors: Clerc M. G. , Falcón C. , García-Ñustes M. A. , Odent V. , Ortega I.
Published: June 2014

One-dimensional patterns subjected to counter-propagative flows or speed jumps exhibit a rich and complex spatiotemporal dynamics, which is characterized by the perpetual emergence of spatiotemporal dislocation chains. Using a universal amplitude equation of drifting patterns, we show that this behavior is a result of a combination of a phase instability and an advection process caused by an inhomogeneous drift force. The emergence of spatiotemporal dislocation chains is verified in numerical simulations on an optical feedback system with a non-uniform intensity pump. Experimentally this phenomenon is also observed in a tilted quasi-one-dimensional fluidized shallow granular bed mechanically driven by a harmonic vertical vibration.
Domain wall displacement by remote spin-current injection
Authors: Skirdkov P. N. , Zvezdin K. A. , Belanovsky A. D. , Grollier J. , Cros V. , Ross C. A. , Zvezdin A. K.
Published: June 2014

We demonstrate numerically the ability to displace a magnetic domain wall (DW) by remote spin current injection. We consider a long and narrow magnetic nanostripe with a single DW. The spin-polarized current is injected perpendicularly to the film plane through a small nanocontact which is located at certain distance from the DW initial position. We show that the DW motion can be initiated not only by conventional spin-transfer torque but also by indirect spin-torque, created by remote spin-current injection and then transferred to the DW by the exchange-spring mechanism. An analytical description of this effect is proposed.
Both antireflection and superhydrophobicity structures achieved by direct laser interference nanomanufacturing
Authors: Wang Dapeng , Wang Zuobin , Zhang Ziang , Yue Yong , Li Dayou , Qiu Renxi , Maple Carsten
Published: June 2014

Inspired by nature, a number of techniques have been developed to fabricate the bionic structures of lotus leaves and moth eyes in order to realize the extraordinary functions of self-cleaning and antireflection. Compared with the existing technologies, we present a straightforward method to fabricate well-defined micro and nano artificial bio-structures in this work. The proposed method of direct laser interference nanomanufacturing (DLIN) takes a significant advantage of high efficiency as only a single technological procedure is needed without pretreatment, mask, and pattern transfer processes. Meanwhile, the corresponding structures show both antireflection and superhydrophobicity properties simultaneously. The developed four-beam nanosecond laser interference system configuring the TE-TE-TE-TE and TE-TE-TE-TM polarization modes was set up to generate periodic micro cone and hole structures with a huge number of nano features on the surface. The theoretical and experimental results have shown that the periodic microcone structure exhibits excellent properties with both a high contact angle (CA = 156.3°) and low omnidirectional reflectance (5.9–15.4%). Thus, DLIN is a novel and promising method suitable for mass production of self-cleaning and antireflection surface structures.
Self-screening of the quantum confined Stark effect by the polarization induced bulk charges in the quantum barriers
Authors: Zhang Zi-Hui , Liu Wei , Ju Zhengang , Tiam Tan Swee , Ji Yun , Kyaw Zabu , Zhang Xueliang , Wang Liancheng , Wei Sun Xiao , Volkan Demir Hilmi
Published: June 2014

InGaN/GaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs) grown along the polar orientations significantly suffer from the quantum confined Stark effect (QCSE) caused by the strong polarization induced electric field in the quantum wells, which is a fundamental problem intrinsic to the III-nitrides. Here, we show that the QCSE is self-screened by the polarization induced bulk charges enabled by designing quantum barriers. The InN composition of the InGaN quantum barrier graded along the growth orientation opportunely generates the polarization induced bulk charges in the quantum barrier, which well compensate the polarization induced interface charges, thus avoiding the electric field in the quantum wells. Consequently, the optical output power and the external quantum efficiency are substantially improved for the LEDs. The ability to self-screen the QCSE using polarization induced bulk charges opens up new possibilities for device engineering of III-nitrides not only in LEDs but also in other optoelectronic devices.
Metal Ion-Driven Assembly of Two New Coordination Polymers Constructed by Asymmetric Tricarboxylate and Imidazole-Containing Ligands: Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Luminescent Properties
Authors: Liu Wenlong , Wang Xueying , Wu Mengqiang , Wang Bing
Published: June 2014

Two new coordination polymers, namely, {[Cd3(bpt)2(bimb)2]·2(H2O)}n (1) and [Zn3(bpt)2(bimb)2]n (2) (bpt = biphenyl-3,4′,5-tricarboxylate, bimb = 1,4-bis(1-imidazol-yl)-2,5-dimethyl benzene), have been obtained under hydrothermal conditions. Their structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and further characterised by elemental analysis and infrared spectroscopy. Complex 1 exhibits a trinodal (4,4,4)-connected topology with Schläfli symbol of (4.62.83)4.(64.82). Complex 2 is also a three-dimensional structure and displays a (3,4,6)-connected topology with Schläfli symbol of (4.62)2.(42.66.85.102).(64.82). It is shown that the asymmetrically tricarboxylate can bear diverse structures regulated by metal ions. The photoluminescence behaviours of compounds 1 and 2 were also discussed.
Arf6 exchange factor EFA6 and endophilin directly interact at the plasma membrane to control clathrin-mediated endocytosis
Authors: Boulakirba Sonia , Macia Eric , Partisani Mariagrazia , Lacas-Gervais Sandra , Brau Frédéric , Luton Frédéric , Franco Michel
Published: June 2014

Significance

The small G protein ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (Arf6) and the exchange factor for Arf6 (EFA6) are involved in endocytic vesicular transport, but their precise functions remain unclear. The Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (BAR) domain containing endophilin is known to couple fission to uncoating of the clathrin-coated vesicles. Here, we identified endophilin as a direct interactor of EFA6. We analyzed in vitro the effect of this interaction on EFA6 guanine nucleotide exchange factor activity, and on endophilin lipid binding and remodeling activities. We then studied in vivo the role of the two proteins in transferrin receptor endocytosis. Our results suggest a model in which EFA6 recruits endophilin on flat areas of endocytic zones of the plasma membrane, where endophilin cooperates with EFA6 to activate Arf6 and regulate clathrin-mediated endocytosis.
Drastic population fluctuations explain the rapid extinction of the passenger pigeon
Authors: Hung Chih-Ming , Shaner Pei-Jen L. , Zink Robert M. , Liu Wei-Chung , Chu Te-Chin , Huang Wen-San , Li Shou-Hsien
Published: June 2014

Significance

The number of passenger pigeons went from billions to zero in mere decades, in contrast to conventional wisdom that enormous population size provides a buffer against extinction. Our understanding of the passenger pigeon’s extinction, however, has been limited by a lack of knowledge of its long-term population history. Here we use both genomic and ecological analyses to show that the passenger pigeon was not always super abundant, but experienced dramatic population fluctuations, which could increase its vulnerability to human exploitation. Our study demonstrates that high-throughput–based ancient DNA analyses combined with ecological niche modeling can provide evidence allowing us to assess factors that led to the surprisingly rapid demise of the passenger pigeon.
Herbivore diet breadth mediates the cascading effects of carnivores in food webs
Authors: Singer Michael S. , Lichter-Marck Isaac H. , Farkas Timothy E. , Aaron Eric , Whitney Kenneth D. , Mooney Kailen A.
Published: June 2014

Significance

This study shows the far-reaching effects of herbivore dietary specialization on the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of carnivore–herbivore–plant interactions. First, we test the long-standing hypothesis that dietary specialization of insect herbivores mediates the strength of bird predation on herbivores. Accounting for phylogenetic nonindependence of herbivores and plants, we show for the first time (to our knowledge) that dietary specialization of herbivore species is associated with reduced bird predation across an herbivore phylogeny, and that dietary specialization of herbivores increases the antipredator effects of camouflage and aposematism. Second, this study develops and finds support for the novel hypothesis that the proportion of dietary specialist species in a plant’s herbivore community predicts the degree of antiherbivore protection birds provide to plants.
Transcellular degradation of axonal mitochondria
Authors: Davis Chung-ha O. , Kim Keun-Young , Bushong Eric A. , Mills Elizabeth A. , Boassa Daniela , Shih Tiffany , Kinebuchi Mira , Phan Sebastien , Zhou Yi , Bihlmeyer Nathan A. , Nguyen Judy V. , Jin Yunju , Ellisman Mark H. , Marsh-Armstrong Nicholas
Published: June 2014

Significance

Mitochondria are organelles that perform many essential functions, including providing the energy to cells. Cells remove damaged mitochondria through a process called mitophagy. Mitophagy is considered a subset of a process called autophagy, by which damaged organelles are enwrapped and delivered to lysosomes for degradation. Implicit in the categorization of mitophagy as a subset of autophagy, which means “self-eating,” is the assumption that a cell degrades its own mitochondria. However, we show here that in a location called the optic nerve head, large numbers of mitochondria are shed from neurons to be degraded by the lysosomes of adjoining glial cells. This finding calls into question the assumption that a cell necessarily degrades its own organelles.
BET and HDAC inhibitors induce similar genes and biological effects and synergize to kill in Myc-induced murine lymphoma
Authors: Bhadury Joydeep , Nilsson Lisa M. , Veppil Muralidharan Somsundar , Green Lydia C. , Li Zhoulei , Gesner Emily M. , Hansen Henrik C. , Keller Ulrich B. , McLure Kevin G. , Nilsson Jonas A.
Published: June 2014

Significance

Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins bind acetylated proteins, including histones, and regulate transcription. Interestingly, inhibitors of BET proteins (BETi) can block cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in a wide range of tumor types. To date many of the effects of BETi have been attributed to transcriptional suppression of genes like the MYC oncogene. We show that genetically-engineered Myc-induced lymphoma mouse models are highly sensitive to BETi without MYC transcription being suppressed. Our data suggest broad effects on transcription by BETi including a set of genes being induced. Here a genetic and functional link between BET proteins and histone deacetylases is unraveled that opens up avenues for combination therapies against cancer.
Molecular ties between the cell cycle and differentiation in embryonic stem cells
Authors: Li Victor C. , Kirschner Marc W.
Published: June 2014

Significance

The role of the cell cycle as an inhibitor of the late stages of cellular differentiation is well known, but in early embryonic development its role is mysterious. Normally, embryonic stem (ES) cells proliferate quickly during differentiation and do not differentiate simply by cell cycle slowing. In this paper, it is shown that the role of the cell cycle in terminal stages of differentiation can be adapted for and extended into ES cells. Methods aimed at inhibiting the cell cycle drive a rapid, condensed differentiation to terminally differentiated cells, demonstrating that the cell cycle is a principle rate-limiting step of differentiation throughout early and late stages. This is beneficial as well for accelerating differentiation in ES cell applications.
Engineering ePTEN, an enhanced PTEN with increased tumor suppressor activities
Authors: Nguyen Hoai-Nghia , Yang Jr-Ming , Afkari Yashar , Park Ben Ho , Sesaki Hiromi , Devreotes Peter N. , Iijima Miho
Published: June 2014

Significance

A major tumor suppressor, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), dephosphorylates the potent tumorigenic signaling lipid phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3) at the plasma membrane. However, most PTEN is located in the cytosol and only transiently associated with the membrane to convert PIP3 to PIP2. Here, we developed a platform using a heterologous expression system, in which a library of randomly mutated human PTEN is expressed and localization of the protein is visually inspected in
Dictyostelium
. This unbiased approach revealed a membrane-binding regulatory interface that is negatively regulated by a phosphorylated C-terminal tail. Based on the mechanistic information, we created an enhanced PTEN that dramatically represses PIP3 signaling. Thus, PTEN activation readjusts PIP3 signaling in tumor cells and serves as a target for anticancer therapies.
Threatened Endemic Fishes in South Africa's Cape Floristic Region: A New Beginning for the Rondegat River
Authors: Weyl Olaf L F , Finlayson Brian , Impson N Dean , Woodford Darragh J , Steinkjer Jarle
Published: June 2014

Nonnative fishes threaten native fish communities in many rivers of the world. In South Africa's Cape Floristic Region, predation by nonnative fishes has severely impacted native fish populations and more than half of the 17 endemic fish species are endangered. To preserve the unique endemic fish fauna, removal of nonnative fish from conservation areas is a priority in this region. In February 2012, South Africa's first nonnative fish eradication using rotenone took place in the Rondegat River, a small headwater stream that had been invaded by Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu). The successful treatment culminated from a decade-long process that was facilitated through collaboration among a South African nature conservation authority (CapeNature), the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, and the American Fisheries Society Fish Management Chemicals Subcommittee. The successful removal of alien fish and almost instantaneous increase in biodiversity is anticipated to encourage more endemic fish restorations in South Africa.

RESUMEN

en muchos ríos a lo largo del mundo, las comunidades ícticas nativas se ven amenazadas por peces foráneos. En la región florística de Cabo, en Sudáfrica, la depredación ejercida por peces foráneos ha impactado severamente las poblaciones nativas de peces y más de 17 especies endémicas de peces están amenazadas. Con el fin de preservar la fauna íctica endémica, se le dio prioridad a la remoción de especies foráneas en las áreas de conservación en esta región. En febrero de 2012, la primera erradicación de peces no nativos mediante el uso de rotenona, se dio lugar en el Río Rondegat, un pequeño cuerpo de agua que ha sido invadido por la lobina boca chica (Micropterus dolomieu). El tratamiento fue exitoso y culminó después de un proceso de diez años facilitado por la colaboración de las autoridades de conservación de Sudáfrica (CapeNature), el Instituto Sudafricano de Biodiversidad Acuática y el subcomité de Manejo de Químicos de La Sociedad Americana de Pesquerías. Se anticipa que el incremento casi instantáneo de la biodiversidad tras la remoción efectiva de peces foráneos invite a tomar nuevos esfuerzos para restaurar más poblaciones de peces endémicos en Sudáfrica.
Canadian Recreational Fisheries: 35 Years of Social, Biological, and Economic Dynamics from a National Survey
Authors: Brownscombe Jacob W , Bower Shannon D , Bowden William , Nowell Liane , Midwood Jonathan D , Johnson Neville , Cooke Steven J
Published: June 2014

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has collected a unique, long-term data set on the social, biological, and economic dynamics of Canada's recreational fisheries. Starting in 1975, these data were collected through mail surveys to recreational anglers at 5-year intervals. A longitudinal analysis revealed that there was an average of 4.5 million licensed anglers catching an annual average of 255 million fish. Release rates were relatively high (53% of fish released on average), with recent survey data (2010) suggesting that release rates had exceeded 60%. Recreational anglers also contribute an average of $8.8 billion each year to the Canadian economy. However, recreational angling has become less popular over time, and the average age of participants has increased. The data were also useful for characterizing Canada's fisheries, including species-specific catch and harvest. Canada is one of the few countries to collect such extensive recreational fisheries data at a national scale and to do so at regular intervals, an approach that could be modeled by other countries.

RESUMEN

la agencia de Pesquerías y Océanos de Canadá ha recolectado una base de datos históricos de la dinámica social, biológica y ecológica de las pesquerías recreativas de Canadá. Esta información, que comienza en 1975, fue compilada a través de sondeos por correo postal, realizados a intervalos de cinco años, dirigidos a pescadores. Un análisis longitudinal reveló que existen en promedio 4.5 millones de pescadores con licencia, que capturan una media de 255 millones de peces. Las tasas de liberación fueron relativamente altas (53% de peces liberados) y los datos del sondeo más reciente (2010) indican que la tasa de liberación excede el 60%. Asimismo, los pescadores recreativos contribuyen, en promedio, con $8.8 mil millones anuales a la economía canadiense. Sin embargo, con el tiempo, la pesca recreativa se ha vuelto cada vez menos popular y el promedio de la edad de los participantes se ha incrementado. Los datos también fueron útiles para caracterizar las pesquerías de Canadá, incluyendo captura y cosecha por especie. Canadá es uno de los pocos países que recolectan datos de pesca recreativa de forma tan extensiva a nivel nacional y lo hace en intervalos regulares, algo que pudiera ser imitado por otros países.
Improvement of the transformation efficiency of Sacchaaromyces cerevisiae by altering carbon sources in pre-culture
Authors: Konishi Tatsunori , Harata Masahiko
Published: June 2014

We show here that the transformation efficiency of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is improved by altering carbon sources in media for pre-culturing cells prior to the transformation reactions. The transformation efficiency was increased up to sixfold by combination with existing transformation protocols. This method is widely applicable for yeast research since efficient transformation can be performed easily without changing any of the other procedures in the transformation.
Yamogenin in fenugreek inhibits lipid accumulation through the suppression of gene expression in fatty acid synthesis in hepatocytes
Authors: Moriwaki Sayaka , Murakami Hiroki , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Uemura Taku , Taketani Keiko , Hoshino Shohei , Tsuge Nobuaki , Narukami Toshihiko , Goto Tsuyoshi , Kawada Teruo
Published: June 2014

Yamogenin is a diastereomer of diosgenin, which we have identified as the compound responsible for the anti-hyperlipidemic effect of fenugreek. Here, we examined the effects of yamogenin on the accumulation of triacylglyceride (TG) in hepatocytes, because yamogenin is also contained in fenugreek. It was demonstrated that yamogenin also inhibited TG accumulation in HepG2 hepatocytes and suppressed the mRNA expression of fatty acid synthesis-related genes such as fatty acid synthase and sterol response element-binding protein-1c. Indeed, yamogenin also antagonized the activation of the liver X receptor (LXR) in luciferase ligand assay similar to diosgenin. However, yamogenin could not exert such effects in the presence of T0901713, a potent agonist of LXR. These findings indicate that the effects of yamogenin on TG accumulation would be weaker than those of diosgenin, suggesting that the structural difference between yamogenin and diosgenin would be important for the inhibition of LXR activation.
Loss of ATP-dependent lysine uptake in the vacuolar membrane vesicles of Saccharomyces cerevisiae ypq1∆ mutant
Authors: Sekito Takayuki , Nakamura Kyosuke , Manabe Kunio , Tone Junichi , Sato Yumika , Murao Nami , Kawano-Kawada Miyuki , Kakinuma Yoshimi
Published: June 2014

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ypq1p is a vacuolar membrane protein of the PQ-loop protein family. We found that ATP-dependent uptake activities of amino acids by vacuolar membrane vesicles were impaired by ypq1∆ mutation. Loss of lysine uptake was most remarkable, and the uptake was recovered by overproduction of Ypq1p. Ypq1p is thus involved in transport of amino acids into vacuoles.
Antioxidant activities of cysteine derivatives against lipid oxidation in anhydrous media
Authors: Miura Yukari , Honda Sari , Masuda Akiko , Masuda Toshiya
Published: June 2014

This study investigated antioxidant activities of cysteine derivatives of amino and carboxylic acid moieties against lipid oxidation in anhydrous acetonitrile. Only cysteine derivatives bearing free amino or carboxylate ion were found to exert potent antioxidant activities. Sequential proton loss and electron transfer-like proton shift and subsequent electron transfer (PS-ET) mechanism may facilitate the antioxidant activities of cysteine derivatives against lipid oxidation in anhydrous media.
Are there useful life history indicators of stock recovery rate in gadoids?
Authors: Wright Peter J.
Published: June 2014

Age at maturity is one of the key variables determining the maximum rate of population growth and so may be a good indicator of stock recovery potential. Spawner age composition may also affect the probability of high recruitment and so could be relevant to stock recovery. This study examined the relation between early survival, age at maturity, and the demographic composition of spawners in many cod and haddock stocks. Reported measures of fecundity and maturity were used to estimate total egg production for comparison with numbers at age 1 and age at 50% maturity. The instantaneous rate of population growth (r) was estimated for cohorts from life history tables during periods when spawning biomass was depleted (e.g. <Bpa) using reproductive and mortality data for stocks. Age-specific survival was found to be far more important than reproductive rate in determining population growth rate. Stocks that experienced low and more variable survival matured early and had a high relative fecundity. Hence, while early maturing stocks have the potential for high population growth following favourable recruitment events, they would not be expected to recover any faster than late maturing stocks because of the generally low early survival rate that they experience. Measures of spawner age diversity and mean age were found to be positively correlated with offspring survivorship in a few cod stocks. However, in general, it appears difficult to infer recovery potential from life history characteristics, which may be expected, given that regional variation in reproductive success will ultimately be expected to shape local reproductive schedules.
Improvising Or, What to Do with a Broken String
Authors: Goehr Lydia
Published: June 2014

This chapter draws on an agonistic background of Apollonian contest, judgment, and punishment to articulate a concept of improvisationimpromptu. This concept is distinguished from the more familiar concept of improvisationextempore.The two concepts are drawn apart as a contribution to a critical theory that regards our lives, practices, and concepts as constantly contested. The argument interweaves ancient and contemporary philosophical discussions of improvisation (from Quintilian and Castiliogne to Schlegel, Nietzsche, Freud, Ryle, and Derrida) with discussions of the cutting contests of jazz and rap, with the cutting edge, Werktreue or perfectly compliant performances of classical musicians, and the deathly cutting down of Karaoke singers in the Philippines. Special attention is given to the 1940 film of the Harlem RenaissanceBroken Strings.
Political Campaign Debates
Authors: Birdsell David S.
Published: June 2014

Over more than four decades, debate scholarship has addressed the auspices under which debates are conducted, debate formats, variables in news coverage, and debate’s influence on issue knowledge and candidate support across a wide range of audiences, primarily through examination of general election presidential debates in the United States. Primary debates and debates for other offices have received far less attention. While evidence strongly suggests that debates produce more acclaims than attacks from participants and attend more closely to policy than to character, a systematic understanding of performance and performance variables has eluded debate scholarship. Evidence does show that viewers learn from debates and that they can also influence the formation of opinions about candidates, although both phenomena depend to some extent on prior knowledge and partisanship.
Long-term Outcomes Following Radiotherapy for Adolescent Patients With Nonmetastatic WHO Type III Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Greenwalt Julie C. , Indelicato Daniel J. , Amdur Robert J. , Morris Christopher G. , Kirwan Jessica M. , Mendenhall William M.
Published: June 2014

Objectives:

To report long-term results of primary radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) presenting in the adolescent group.

Methods:

Ten adolescent patients with World Health Organization (WHO) type III NPC were treated with primary radiotherapy at our institution between 1969 and 2007. Median age was 16.5 years (range, 11 to 21). Median radiotherapy dose to the primary target volume was 67.5 Gy (range, 60 to 74.8). The bilateral neck received 51.1 Gy (range, 50 to 60 Gy). Five patients were treated with once-daily radiotherapy and 5 received twice-daily radiotherapy. Three patients received neoadjuvant cisplatin and 5FU, and 1 patient received adjuvant maintenance cisplatin and 5FU.

Results:

Median follow-up time was 9.5 years (range, 1.94 to 34.74). Fifteen-year overall survival, cause-specific survival, and progression-free survival rates were all 70%. Fifteen-year local and regional control rates were 100% and 90%. One patient recurred regionally and distantly simultaneously, and 2 patients developed distant metastases alone. All 3 died of their disease within 3 years. One patient died from multiple radiation-induced secondary meningiomas 34 years after radiotherapy. Five patients developed hypothyroidism, 3 developed sensorineural hearing loss, and 4 developed dental complications. The overall rates of CTCAE grade 3, 4, and 5 toxicity were 40%, 10%, and 10%, respectively. Despite high-radiation doses to the skull base, none of the patients in this study developed grade 3+ cognitive or vision toxicity.

Conclusions:

Radiotherapy achieves excellent local control in adolescent patients with unresectable WHO type III NPC. Our data support current protocols to systematically tailor treatment volumes and deescalate radiation doses to reduce treatment toxicity.
Analysis of Prognostic Factors Affecting the Outcome of Stage IB-IIB Cervical Cancer Treated by Radical Hysterectomy and Pelvic Lymphadenectomy
Authors: Xia Xi , Xu Hongbin , Wang Zhonghai , Liu Ronghua , Hu Ting , Li Shuang
Published: June 2014

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors predicting the prognosis of patients with early-stage cervical cancer and to evaluate the effect of adjuvant therapy in patients with certain risk factors.

Methods:

The study population consisted of 274 patients who were presented with FIGO stage IB-IIB cervical cancers. They all received radical hysterectomy (type III) and systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy in our institute. Of the patients, 188 received postoperative adjuvant therapy including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and chemotherapy plus radiotherapy. Radiotherapy was performed with a total of 50 Gy of external whole pelvic irradiation. Remote after loading of intravaginal iridium-192 brachytherapy were placed 1 to 2 weeks after completion of external RT. Chemotherapy was operated with 4 to 6 courses of platinum-based treatment. Chemotherapy plus radiotherapy was performed with the combination of periodically sequential chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Results:

Univariate analysis revealed clinical stage, parametrial invasion, and pelvic node metastasis affected patients’ disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates, whereas multivariate analysis demonstrated parametrial invasion and pelvic node metastasis were independent risk factors for DFS and OS rates. Further analyses showed that adjuvant therapy could significantly enhance DFS and OS rates in patients without the above independent risk factors.

Conclusions:

Patients with combination of pelvic node metastasis and parametrial invasion have the poorest prognosis, and adjuvant therapy significantly increases DFS and OS rates among patients without parametrial invasion and pelvic node metastasis.
Functional and molecular features of the Id4+ germline stem cell population in mouse testes
Authors: Chan Frieda , Oatley Melissa J. , Kaucher Amy V. , Yang Qi-En , Bieberich Charles J. , Shashikant Cooduvalli S. , Oatley Jon M.
Published: June 2014

The maintenance of cycling cell lineages relies on undifferentiated subpopulations consisting of stem and progenitor pools. Features that delineate these cell types are undefined for many lineages, including spermatogenesis, which is supported by an undifferentiated spermatogonial population. Here, we generated a transgenic mouse line in which spermatogonial stem cells are marked by expression of an inhibitor of differentiation 4 (Id4)-green fluorescent protein (Gfp) transgene. We found that Id4-Gfp+ cells exist primarily as a subset of the type Asingle pool, and their frequency is greatest in neonatal development and then decreases in proportion during establishment of the spermatogenic lineage, eventually comprising ∼2% of the undifferentiated spermatogonial population in adulthood. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that expression of 11 and 25 genes is unique for the Id4-Gfp+/stem cell and Id4-Gfp−/progenitor fractions, respectively. Collectively, these findings provide the first definitive evidence that stem cells exist as a rare subset of the Asingle pool and reveal transcriptome features distinguishing stem cell and progenitor states within the mammalian male germline.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction studies of La1 fromLiocheles australasiae
Authors: Kamachi Saori , Nagao Junya , Miyashita Masahiro , Nakagawa Yoshiaki , Miyagawa Hisashi , Tada Toshiji
Published: June 2014

A novel scorpion venom peptide, La1 fromLiocheles australasiae, with a molecular weight of 7.8 kDa, is presumed to possess a single von Willebrand factor type C (VWC) domain, a common protein module, based on the position of eight Cys residues in its sequence. The biological function of La1 is still unknown. Deciphering its three-dimensional structure will be helpful in understanding its biological function. La1 was crystallized by the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method using magnesium sulfate as a precipitant. The crystals belonged to the monoclinic space groupC2, with unit-cell parametersa= 63.0,b= 30.2,c= 32.3 Å, β = 108.5°, and diffracted to 1.9 Å resolution. The calculatedVMbased on one molecule per asymmetric unit was 1.87 Å3 Da−1. The solvent content was 34.1%.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of RabX3, a tandem GTPase fromEntamoeba histolytica
Authors: Kumar Srivastava Vijay , Chandra Mintu , Datta Sunando
Published: June 2014

Ras superfamily GTPases regulate signalling pathways that control multiple biological processes by modulating the GTP/GDP cycle. Various Rab GTPases, which are the key regulators of vesicular trafficking pathways, play a vital role in the survival and virulence of the enteric parasiteEntamoeba histolytica. The Rab GTPases act as binary molecular switches that utilize the conformational changes associated with the GTP/GDP cycle to elicit responses from target proteins and thereby regulate a broad spectrum of cellular processes including cell proliferation, cytoskeletal assembly, nuclear transport and intracellular membrane trafficking in eukaryotes.Entamoeba histolyticaRabX3 (EhRabX3) is a unique GTPase in the amoebic genome, the only member in the eukaryotic Ras superfamily that harbours tandem G-domains and shares only 8–16% sequence identity with other GTPases. Recent studies suggested thatEhRabX3 binds to a single guanine nucleotide through its N-terminal G-domain (NTD), while the C-terminal G-domain (CTD) plays a potential role in binding of the nucleotide to the NTD. Thus, understanding the intermolecular regulation between the two GTPase domains is expected to reveal valuable information on the overall action ofEhRabX3. To provide structural insights into the inclusive action of this unique GTPase,EhRabX3 was crystallized by successive micro-seeding using the vapour-diffusion method. A complete data set was collected to 3.3 Å resolution using a single nativeEhRabX3 crystal at 100 K on BM14 at the ESRF, Grenoble, France. The crystal belonged to monoclinic space groupC2, with unit-cell parametersa= 198.6,b= 119.3,c= 89.2 Å, β = 103.1°. Preliminary analysis of the data using theMatthews Probability Calculatorsuggested the presence of four to six molecules in the asymmetric unit.
Crystallographic data of double antisymmetry space groups
Authors: Huang Mantao , VanLeeuwen Brian K. , Litvin Daniel B. , Gopalan Venkatraman
Published: June 2014

This paper presents crystallographic data of double antisymmetry space groups, including symmetry-element diagrams, general-position diagrams and positions, with multiplicities, site symmetries, coordinates, spin vectors, roto vectors and displacement vectors.
Relative deprivation, self-interest and social justice: why I do research on in-equality
Authors: S.W. Ng Eddy
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to offer an insight into why men do research on in-equality.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author utilizes autoethnography, as a form of self-reflection, to help make sense of the own experiences and to connect it with the broader world. It is a narrative based on personal experiences which connects the author's biography with his research endeavours. It also enables to engage in self-analysis and self-awareness of the motives for conducting research on in-equality.

Findings

– In this narrative, the author shares his journey as an equality scholar, and how his multiple identities as a visible minority, an immigrant to Canada, and a gay person shapes my worldview, attitudes, and beliefs, which in turn influences his own work on equality and diversity. The narrative is based on the intersection of multiple identities, and not just solely based on the author's gender. The attribute feeling deprived on behalf of others, rational self-interest, and social justice as the chief reasons for engaging in in-equality research.

Research limitations/implications

– Autoethnography is inherently subjective, based upon the author's own biases and interpretation of events, but the subjectivity can also be an opportunity for intentional self-awareness and reflexivity. Given the multiple identities that the author holds, some of the experiences recounted here may be unique to the author, and some may be shared with others. Thus, it is not the author's intention to represent, in general, why men do in-equality research.

Originality/value

– This autoethnography has allowed the author the opportunity to be self-aware of the complexity of the multiple identities. This self-awareness also allows the author to be more respectful, authentic, and inclusive of others. The author hopes that these reflections will resonate with some of you, and perhaps inspire one to engage in similar work, for reasons that are unique to one and all.