bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forced degradation of lafutidine and characterization of its non-volatile and volatile degradation products using LC-MS/TOF, LC-MSn and HS-GC-MS
Authors: Pravinchandra Shah Kinalkumar , Kurmi Moolchand , Kumar Sanjay , Singh Saranjit
Published: October 2015

The study involved establishment of the intrinsic degradation behaviour of lafutidine under hydrolytic, oxidative and photolytic conditions.
Investigation of adsorption properties of CS2 on interior and exterior surfaces of single-walled silicon-carbide nanotubes and effect of applied electric field: electronic structure, charge density and NMR studies
Authors: Ghiassi Hamideh , Raissi Heidar
Published: October 2015

The adsorption behavior of CS2 on silicon-carbide nanotube has been investigated using B3LYP/6-31G*. 3D NBO contour plots illustrating the interaction between lone pair orbitals of S atom of CS2 with σ*Si12–C13 of the nanotube in configuration 2.
Synthesis, structure and catalysis of a NHC–Pd(ii) complex based on a tetradentate mixed ligand
Authors: Liu Qing-Xiang , Cai Kang-Qing , Zhao Zhi-Xiang
Published: October 2015

NHC–Pd(ii) complex 1 has been prepared. The catalytic activity of 1 in C–C coupling reactions was studied.
Correlation between the chromaticity, dielectric properties and structure of the binary metal pyrophosphates, Cu(2−x)ZnxP2O7
Authors: Baitahe Rattanai , Vittayakorn Naratip , Maensiri Santi
Published: October 2015

The phenomena of both dielectric and optical properties of binary metal pyrophosphates resulted from the changing crystal structure of the respective P2O74− cluster and octahedral MO6 site.
Enhanced gas sensing performance of indium doped zinc oxide nanopowders
Authors: Pugh David C. , Luthra Vandna , Singh Anita , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: October 2015

Indium doped zinc oxide sensors were synthesised, characterised and tested towards a range of gases, displaying particular sensitivity to ethanol.
Preparation of core–shell ion imprinted nanoparticles via photoinitiated polymerization at ambient temperature for dynamic removal of cobalt in aqueous solution
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhong Guoxing , Liu Zhanchao , Meng Minjia , Jiang Yinhua , Ni Liang , Guo Wenlu , Liu Fangfang
Published: October 2015

In this work, novel core–shell ion imprinted polymers were firstly synthesized by photoinitiated polymerization (P-IIPs) for the selective separation of Co(ii) in aqueous solution.
Fabrication of rapidly-responsive switches based on the coupling effect of polyacrylamide and poly(acrylic acid) without IPN structures
Authors: Du Huan-Huan , Xiao Xin-Cai
Published: October 2015

Novel coupling membrane systems with thermoresponsive switches composed of two different polymers PAAM and PAAC have been successfully developed. The membranes show significant positive switch characteristics and higher thermoresponsive speeds.
Effect ofl-tyrosine on aerobic sludge granulation and its stability
Authors: Luo Jinghai , Wei Li , Hao Tianwei , Xue Weiqi , Mackey Hamish R. , Chen Guang-Hao
Published: October 2015

Aerobic sludge granulation and its stability remain challenging in applications.
Optoelectronic properties of oligomers based on tetrazine, benzothiadiazole, benzodithiophene and thiophene moieties for photovoltaic applications: a theoretical study
Authors: Ottonelli Massimo , Alloisio Marina , Moggio Ivana , Martinez Espinosa M. Isabel , Arias Eduardo
Published: October 2015

In this article, a fast theoretical design approach for addressing the synthesis of new conjugated co-polymers for applications in organic photovoltaic devices is discussed.
Two-bit-per-cell resistive switching memory device with a Ti/MgZnO/Pt structure
Authors: Hsieh Wei-Kang , Chuang Ricky W. , Chang Shoou-Jinn
Published: October 2015

We report the fabrication and characterization of resistive random access memory (RRAM) with a Ti/MgZnO/Pt structure at room temperature.
A genetic programming predictive model for parametric study of factors affecting strength of geopolymers
Authors: Leong H. Y. , Ong D. E. L. , Sanjayan J. G. , Nazari A.
Published: October 2015

Genetic programming to present a predictive model for parametric analysis of the factors affecting compressive strength of geopolymers.
Iron–silver oxide nanoadsorbent synthesized by co-precipitation process for fluoride removal from aqueous solution and its adsorption mechanism
Authors: Azari Ali , Kalantary Roshanak Rezaei , Ghanizadeh Ghader , Kakavandi Babak , Farzadkia Mahdi , Ahmadi Ehsan
Published: October 2015

Fe–Ag magnetic binary oxide nanoparticles (Fe–Ag MBON) are prepared with co-precipitation of ferric and ferrous chloride solutions, and used for the adsorption of fluoride from aqueous solution.
Zinc chloride catalyzed stereoselective construction of spiropyrazolone tetrahydroquinolines via tandem [1,5]-hydride shift/cyclization sequence
Authors: Zhao Tuan , Zhang Huanrui , Cui Longchen , Qu Jingping , Wang Baomin
Published: October 2015

A concise synthesis of spiropyrazolones has been developed via an efficient ZnCl2-catalyzed stereoselective 1,5-hydride shift/cyclization sequence.
Synthesis of hydrocarbon-soluble, methyl-substituted highly branched polysilanes via the Wurtz-type reductive coupling of trifunctional trisilanes and their pyrolysis to silicon carbide
Authors: Deller K. , Rieger B.
Published: October 2015

(ClMe2Si)2SiMeCl was successfully converted into a hydrocarbon-soluble, highly branched polymethylsilane, which is usable as soluble precursor for the pyrolytic preparation of SiC.
Tridentate P,N,N-ligand promoted copper-catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloaddition of propargylic esters with β-enamino esters: synthesis of highly functionalized pyrroles
Authors: Li Qing , Hou Chuan-Jin , Hui Yun-Ze , Liu Yan-Jun , Yang Rui-Feng , Hu Xiang-Ping
Published: October 2015

By employment of a newly developed tridentate P,N,N-ligand, a copper-catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloaddition of propargylic esters with β-enamino esters for the construction of highly functionalized pyrroles has been developed.
Oxidative oxygen-nucleophilic bromo-cyclization of alkenyl carbonyl compounds without organic wastes using alkali metal reagents in green solvent
Authors: Moriyama Katsuhiko , Nishinohara Chihiro , Sugiue Toru , Togo Hideo
Published: October 2015

A bromo-lactonization of alkenyl carboxylic acids and a bromo-cyclization ofN-allyl amides as oxygen-nucleophilic bromo-cyclization reactions were developedviathe oxidative umpolung of bromide using alkali metal bromide and inorganic oxidant.
Effects of reagent rotation on interferences in the product angular distributions of chemical reactions
Authors: Jambrina P. G. , Aldegunde J. , Aoiz F. J. , Sneha M. , Zare R. N.
Published: October 2015

The amplitude of the interference pattern in the angular distributions diminishes with increasing rotational excitation due to the incoherent sum over the helicity reactant states associated with different mechanisms.
Spray-printed CNT/P3HT organic thermoelectric films and power generators
Authors: Hong Cheon Taek , Kang Young Hun , Ryu Juwhan , Cho Song Yun , Jang Kwang-Suk
Published: October 2015

We report the fabrication of high-performance thermoelectric carbon nanotube/poly(3-hexylthiophene) (CNT/P3HT) nanocomposite films and flexible CNT/P3HT organic thermoelectric generators by spray-printing.
Dual-functional semiconductor-decorated upconversion hollow spheres for high efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Liao Wenming , Zheng Dajiang , Tian Jianhua , Lin Zhiqun
Published: October 2015

Upconversion/semiconductor NaxGdFyOz:Yb/Er@TiO2 hollow spheres were crafted and incorporated into the TiO2 nanoparticle film photoanode to yield DSSCs with improved performance.
An aqueous, organic dye derivatized SnO2/TiO2 core/shell photoanode
Authors: Wee Kyung-Ryang , Sherman Benjamin D. , Brennaman M. Kyle , Sheridan Matthew V. , Nayak Animesh , Alibabaei Leila , Meyer Thomas J.
Published: October 2015

Visible light driven water splitting in a dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cell (DSPEC) based on a phosphonic acid-derivatized donor–π–acceptor (D–π–A) organic dye (P–A–π–D) is described with the dye anchored to an FTO|SnO2/TiO2 core/shell photoanode in a pH 7 phosphate buffer solution.
Facile synthesis of an iron doped rutile TiO2 photocatalyst for enhanced visible-light-driven water oxidation
Authors: Yan Junqing , Zhang Yunxia , Liu Shengzhong , Wu Guangjun , Li Landong , Guan Naijia
Published: October 2015

A three-dimensional flow-like iron doped rutile TiO2 nanostructure is constructed for enhanced visible-light-driven water oxidation.
Crystal structure, electronic structure, temperature-dependent optical and scintillation properties of CsCe2Br7
Authors: Wu Yuntao , Shi Hongliang , Chakoumakos Bryan C. , Zhuravleva Mariya , Du Mao-Hua , Melcher Charles L.
Published: October 2015

The structure–property relationships, thermal quenching, and point defects in CsCe2Br7 single-crystal scintillator were comprehensively studied.
Identification of Id1 as a downstream effector for arsenic-promoted angiogenesis via PI3K/Akt, NF-κB and NOS signaling
Authors: Tsai Chun-Hao , Yang Ming-Hui , Hung Amos C. , Wu Shou-Cheng , Chiu Wen-Chin , Hou Ming-Feng , Tyan Yu-Chang , Wang Yun-Ming , Yuan Shyng-Shiou F.
Published: October 2015

Exposure to arsenic is known to be a risk factor for various types of cancer. Apart from its carcinogenic activity, arsenic also shows promoting effects on angiogenesis, a crucial process for tumor growth. Yet, the mechanism underlying arsenic-induced angiogenesis is not fully understood. In this study, we aimed at investigating the involvement of inhibitor of DNA binding 1 (Id1) and the associated signal molecules in the arsenic-mediated angiogenesis. Our initial screening revealed that treatment with low concentrations of arsenic (0.5–1 μM) led to multiple cellular responses, including enhanced endothelial cell viability and angiogenic activity as well as increased protein expression of Id1. The arsenic-induced angiogenesis was suppressed in the Id1-knocked down cells compared to that in control cells. Furthermore, arsenic-induced Id1 expression and angiogenic activity were regulated by PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) signaling. In summary, our current data demonstrate for the first time that Id1 mediates the arsenic-promoted angiogenesis, and Id1 may be regarded as an antiangiogenesis target for treatment of arsenic-associated cancer.
Surgical Considerations and Choices in the Management of Velopharyngeal Dysfunction
Authors: Jensen John , VanLue Michael
Published: October 2015

Determining the type of secondary surgical management to treat velopharyngeal dysfunction requires the incorporation of surgical indications and principles to the perceptual, acoustic/airflow, and imaging results of a comprehensive evaluation by a speech-language pathologist. In addition, how the specific type of surgical technique (primary and/or secondary) may affect velopharyngeal function also should be considered. The purpose of this paper is to consider three standard techniques commonly employed in speech surgery—Pharyngeal Flap; Sphincter Pharyngoplasty; and Furlow Double Opposing Z-Plasty—and provide examples of the specific imaging parameters that support the choice of surgical technique. In addition, information is provided regarding the characteristics of different primary surgical techniques for cleft palate which can influence velopharyngeal closure, given that the most common cause of velopharyngeal dysfunction seen in the clinic is a patient with a history of repaired cleft palate.
How To Get Started With Ultrasound Technology for Treatment of Speech Sound Disorders
Authors: Lee Sue Ann S. , Wrench Alan , Sancibrian Sherry
Published: October 2015

Although providing visual feedback with ultrasound is becoming more and more popular among speech-language pathologists, it is still not widely used, perhaps because many speech-language pathologists are unfamiliar with its application to treatment of speech sound disorders. This report introduces basic information on ultrasound for new users and summarizes existing studies conducted with ultrasound to provide clinical evidence for speech treatment. This report also presents a clinical case using ultrasound and discusses a treatment protocol for establishing postvocalic /r/ to illustrate an example of how ultrasound was used in a clinical setting.
Energy-band diagram configuration of Al2O3/oxygen-terminated p-diamond metal-oxide-semiconductor
Authors: Maréchal A. , Aoukar M. , Vallée C. , Rivière C. , Eon D. , Pernot J. , Gheeraert E.
Published: October 2015

Diamond metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors were prepared using atomic layer deposition at 250 °C of Al2O3 on oxygen-terminated boron doped (001) diamond. Their electrical properties were investigated in terms of capacitance and current versus voltage measurements. Performing X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy based on the measured core level energies and valence band maxima, the interfacial energy band diagram configuration of the Al2O3/O-diamond is established. The band diagram alignment is concluded to be of type I with valence band offset ΔEv of 1.34 ± 0.2 eV and conduction band offset ΔEc of 0.56 ± 0.2 eV considering an Al2O3 energy band gap of 7.4 eV. The agreement with electrical measurement and the ability to perform a MOS transistor are discussed.
Development of design technique for vacuum insulation in large size multi-aperture multi-grid accelerator for nuclear fusion
Authors: Kojima A. , Hanada M. , Tobari H. , Nishikiori R. , Hiratsuka J. , Kashiwagi M. , Umeda N. , Yoshida M. , Ichikawa M. , Watanabe K. , Yamano Y. , Grisham L. R.
Published: October 2015

Design techniques for the vacuum insulation have been developed in order to realize a reliable voltage holding capability of multi-aperture multi-grid (MAMuG) accelerators for fusion application. In this method, the nested multi-stage configuration of the MAMuG accelerator can be uniquely designed to satisfy the target voltage within given boundary conditions. The evaluation of the voltage holding capabilities of each acceleration stages was based on the previous experimental results about the area effect and the multi-aperture effect. Since the multi-grid effect was found to be the extension of the area effect by the total facing area this time, the total voltage holding capability of the multi-stage can be estimated from that per single stage by assuming the stage with the highest electric field, the total facing area, and the total apertures. By applying these consideration, the analysis on the 3-stage MAMuG accelerator for JT-60SA agreed well with the past gap-scan experiments with an accuracy of less than 10% variation, which demonstrated the high reliability to design MAMuG accelerators and also multi-stage high voltage bushings.
Calculating vibrational spectra without determining excited eigenstates: Solving the complex linear equations of damped response theory for vibrational configuration interaction and vibrational coupled cluster states
Authors: Godtliebsen Ian H. , Christiansen Ove
Published: October 2015

It is demonstrated how vibrational IR and Raman spectra can be calculated from damped response functions using anharmonic vibrational wave function calculations, without determining the potentially very many eigenstates of the system. We present an implementation for vibrational configuration interaction and vibrational coupled cluster, and describe how the complex equations can be solved using iterative techniques employing only real trial vectors and real matrix-vector transformations. Using this algorithm, arbitrary frequency intervals can be scanned independent of the number of excited states. Sample calculations are presented for the IR-spectrum of water, Raman spectra of pyridine and a pyridine-silver complex, as well as for the infra-red spectrum of oxazole, and vibrational corrections to the polarizability of formaldehyde.
Multiplexed charge-locking device for large arrays of quantum devices
Authors: Puddy R. K. , Smith L. W , Al-Taie H. , Chong C. H. , Farrer I. , Griffiths J. P. , Ritchie D. A. , Kelly M. J. , Pepper M. , Smith C. G.
Published: October 2015

We present a method of forming and controlling large arrays of gate-defined quantum devices. The method uses an on-chip, multiplexed charge-locking system and helps to overcome the restraints imposed by the number of wires available in cryostat measurement systems. The device architecture that we describe here utilises a multiplexer-type scheme to lock charge onto gate electrodes. The design allows access to and control of gates whose total number exceeds that of the available electrical contacts and enables the formation, modulation and measurement of large arrays of quantum devices. We fabricate such devices on n-type GaAs/AlGaAs substrates and investigate the stability of the charge locked on to the gates. Proof-of-concept is shown by measurement of the Coulomb blockade peaks of a single quantum dot formed by a floating gate in the device. The floating gate is seen to drift by approximately one Coulomb oscillation per hour.
A generalized force-modified potential energy surface for mechanochemical simulations
Authors: Subramanian Gopinath , Mathew Nithin , Leiding Jeff
Published: October 2015

We describe the modifications that a spatially varying external load produces on a Born-Oppenheimer potential energy surface (PES) by calculating static quantities of interest. The effects of the external loads are exemplified using electronic structure calculations (at the HF/6-31G∗∗ level) of two different molecules: ethane and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-s-triazine (RDX). The calculated transition states and Hessian matrices of stationary points show that spatially varying external loads shift the stationary points and modify the curvature of the PES, thereby affecting the harmonic transition rates by altering both the energy barrier as well as the prefactor. The harmonic spectra of both molecules are blueshifted with increasing compressive “pressure.” Some stationary points on the RDX-PES disappear under application of the external load, indicating the merging of an energy minimum with a saddle point.
Room temperature, single mode emission from two-section coupled cavity InGaAs/AlGaAs/GaAs quantum cascade laser
Authors: Pierściński K. , Pierścińska D. , Pluska M. , Gutowski P. , Sankowska I. , Karbownik P. , Czerwinski A. , Bugajski M.
Published: October 2015

Room temperature, single mode, pulsed emission from two-section coupled cavity InGaAs/AlGaAs/GaAs quantum cascade laser fabricated by focused ion beam processing is demonstrated and analyzed. The single mode emission is centered at 1059.4 cm−1 (9.44 μm). A side mode suppression ratio of 43 dB was achieved. The laser exhibits a peak output power of 15 mW per facet at room temperature. The stable, single mode emission is observed within temperature tuning range, exhibiting shift at rate of 0.59 nm/K.
Robust CaZrO3-modified (K, Na)NbO3-based lead-free piezoceramics: High fatigue resistance insensitive to temperature and electric field
Authors: Yao Fang-Zhou , Wang Ke , Shen Yang , Li Jing-Feng
Published: October 2015

Robust resistivity against electrical cycling at not only ambient conditions but also enhanced temperatures is an essential requirement for high-end actuator applications. In this study, the temperature and electric field dependence of unipolar fatigue behaviors of CaZrO3-modfied (K, Na)NbO3 lead-free piezoceramics were investigated. The space charge accumulation during unipolar cycling is responsible for the build-up of internal bias field, the dynamics of which with respect to temperature and driving field can be described using a model based on Maxwell-Wagner relaxation process. Besides, clamping of domain walls can be inferred by comparing the large and small signal permittivity. Most intriguingly, the unipolar strain exhibits a fatigue-free behavior even at elevated temperatures, rendering the material exceptionally suitable for actuator applications.
Integrating AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor with Si: A comparative study of integration schemes
Authors: Mohan Nagaboopathy , Manikant  , Soman Rohith , Raghavan Srinivasan
Published: October 2015

AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor stacks deposited on a single growth platform are used to compare the most common transition, AlN to GaN, schemes used for integrating GaN with Si. The efficiency of these transitions based on linearly graded, step graded, interlayer, and superlattice schemes on dislocation density reduction, stress management, surface roughness, and eventually mobility of the 2D-gas are evaluated. In a 500 nm GaN probe layer deposited, all of these transitions result in total transmission electron microscopy measured dislocations densities of 1 to 3 × 109/cm2 and <1 nm surface roughness. The 2-D electron gas channels formed at an AlGaN-1 nm AlN/GaN interface deposited on this GaN probe layer all have mobilities of 1600–1900 cm2/V s at a carrier concentration of 0.7–0.9 × 1013/cm2. Compressive stress and changes in composition in GaN rich regions of the AlN-GaN transition are the most effective at reducing dislocation density. Amongst all the transitions studied the step graded transition is the one that helps to implement this feature of GaN integration in the simplest and most consistent manner.
Three-dimensional machining of carbon nanotube forests using water-assisted scanning electron microscope processing
Authors: Rajabifar Bahram , Kim Sanha , Slinker Keith , Ehlert Gregory J. , Hart A. John , Maschmann Matthew R.
Published: October 2015

We demonstrate that vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be precisely machined in a low pressure water vapor ambient using the electron beam of an environmental scanning electron microscope. The electron beam locally damages the irradiated regions of the CNT forest and also dissociates the water vapor molecules into reactive species including hydroxyl radicals. These species then locally oxidize the damaged region of the CNTs. The technique offers material removal capabilities ranging from selected CNTs to hundreds of cubic microns. We study how the material removal rate is influenced by the acceleration voltage, beam current, dwell time, operating pressure, and CNT orientation. Milled cuts with depths between 0–100 microns are generated, corresponding to a material removal rate of up to 20.1 μm3/min. The technique produces little carbon residue and does not disturb the native morphology of the CNT network. Finally, we demonstrate direct machining of pyramidal surfaces and re-entrant cuts to create freestanding geometries.
Shear flexoelectric response along 3121 direction in polyvinylidene fluoride
Authors: Zhang Shuwen , Liang Xu , Xu Minglong , Feng Bo , Shen Shengping
Published: October 2015

Flexoelectricity describes the strain gradient-induced electric polarization. Due to the restrictions of experiment technologies, some of the components of flexoelectric coefficient have not been experimentally obtained. In this letter, an experimental method for the measurement of the shear flexoelectric response along 3121 direction of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is presented. An experiment is conducted on various unpolarized specimens, where shear strain gradient is generated along the radial direction by applying torque to 3 specially designed specimens. The generated shear strain gradient is calculated via finite element analysis and the corresponding induced electrical response is measured. Dynamic torque is exerted on the specimens with a static bias value and at different frequencies. The shear flexoelectric coefficient μ3121 is found to have an average value of 1.037 × 10−8 C/m. With this method, the shear flexoelectric response along 3121 direction of PVDF is experimentally obtained. The experimental results show good agreement with the current research results and indicate the potential value of this material property for electromechanical device fabrication.
Thiol-Reactive Analogues of Galanthamine, Codeine, and Morphine as Potential Probes to Interrogate Allosteric Binding within Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors
Authors: Gallagher Ryan , Chebib Mary , Balle Thomas , McLeod Malcolm D.
Published: October 2015

Alkaloids including galanthamine (1) and codeine (2) are reported to be positive allosteric modulators of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), but the binding sites responsible for this activity are not known with certainty. Analogues of galanthamine (1), codeine (2), and morphine (3) with reactivity towards cysteine thiols were synthesized including conjugated enone derivatives of the three alkaloids 4–6 and two chloro-alkane derivatives of codeine 7 and 8. The stability of the enones was deemed sufficient for use in buffered aqueous solutions, and their reactivity towards thiols was assessed by determining the kinetics of reaction with a cysteine derivative. All three enone derivatives were of sufficient reactivity and stability to be used in covalent trapping, an extension of the substituted cysteine accessibility method, to elucidate the allosteric binding sites of galanthamine and codeine at nAChRs.
How sensitive are invertebrates to riparian-zone replanting in stream ecosystems?
Authors: Giling Darren P. , Mac Nally Ralph , Thompson Ross M.
Published: October 2015

Clearing native vegetation has pervasive effects on stream and river ecosystems worldwide. The stated aims of replanting riparian vegetation often are to restore water quality and to re-establish biotic assemblages. However reach-scale restoration may do little to combat catchment-scale degradation, potentially inhibiting restoration success. Whether reinstating biodiversity is a realistic goal or appropriate indicator of restoration success over intermediate timeframes (<30 years) is currently unclear. We measured the response of aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages to riparian replanting in a chronosequence of replanted reaches on agricultural streams in south-eastern Australia. Sites had been replanted with native vegetation 8–22 years before the study. Indices of macroinvertebrate sensitivity did not respond to replanting over the time gradient, probably because replanting had little benefit for local water quality or in-stream habitat. The invertebrate assemblages were influenced mainly by catchment-scale effects and geomorphological characteristics, but were closer to reference condition at sites with lower total catchment agricultural land cover. Reach-scale replanting in heavily modified landscapes may not effectively return biodiversity to pre-clearance condition over decadal time-scales. Restoration goals, and the spatial and temporal scale of processes required to meet them, should be carefully considered, and monitoring methods explicitly matched to desired outcomes.
Trajectory of an anthropogenically induced ecological regime shift in a New Zealand shallow coastal lake
Authors: Schallenberg Marc , Saulnier-Talbot Émilie
Published: October 2015

This study examines environmental change over the post-colonial period at Wainono (South Canterbury, New Zealand), a coastal lagoon and wetland of national and international significance for native birds and fish, currently targeted for restoration. In order to better understand the recent trajectory of this ecosystem, a multi-proxy palaeolimnological approach was adopted, including the analysis of core composition, and diatom and macrofossil assemblages in sedimentary archives. Results indicated that a combination of land-use changes in the catchment and water-level control, by an artificial connection to the sea, transformed this shallow lake from a freshwater macrophyte-dominated state to a brackish, hypertrophic system with little or no macrophytes. The reconstruction corroborates the trajectory of stressors gleaned from historical reports of changes in and around Wainono Lagoon, as well as reported trajectories from other coastal lakes and lagoons of the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand and elsewhere around the world. This study adds to the evidence that such ecosystems are ecologically vulnerable and in need of careful management to safeguard the important biodiversity and provisioning values that they afford. It also highlights the usefulness of the palaeolimnological approach in providing substantial information for improving sustainable management and restoration strategies for shallow lakes.
General practice registrars’ intentions for future practice: implications for rural medical workforce planning
Authors: Harding Catherine , Seal Alexa , McGirr Joe , Caton Tim
Published: October 2015

The models of practice that general practice registrars (GPRs) envisage undertaking will affect workforce supply. The aim of this research was to determine practice intentions of current GPRs in a regional general practice training program (Coast City Country General Practice Training). Questionnaires were circulated to 220 GPRs undertaking general practice placements to determine characteristics of ideal practice models and intentions for future practice. Responses were received for 99 participants (45%). Current GPRs intend to work an average of less than eight half-day sessions/week, with male participants intending to work more hours (t(91)=3.528, P=0.001). More than one-third of this regional cohort intends to practice in metropolitan centres. Proximity to family and friends was the most important factor influencing the choice of practice location. Men ranked remuneration for work as more important (t (88)=–4.280, P<0.001) and women ranked the ability to work part-time higher (t(94)=3.697, P<0.001). Fee-for-service payment alone, or in combination with capitation, was the preferred payment system. Only 22% of Australian medical graduates intend to own their own practice compared with 52% of international medical graduates (χ2(1)=8.498, P=0.004). Future general practitioners (GPs) intend to work fewer hours than current GPs. Assumptions about lifestyle factors, practice models and possible professional roles should be carefully evaluated when developing strategies to recruit GPs and GPRs into rural practice.
HIGH-RESOLUTION HYBRID SIMULATIONS OF KINETIC PLASMA TURBULENCE AT PROTON SCALES
Authors: Franci Luca , Landi Simone , Matteini Lorenzo , Verdini Andrea , Hellinger Petr
Published: October 2015

We investigate properties of plasma turbulence from magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) to sub-ion scales by means of two-dimensional, high-resolution hybrid particle-in-cell simulations. We impose an initial ambient magnetic field perpendicular to the simulation box, and we add a spectrum of large-scale magnetic and kinetic fluctuations with energy equipartition and vanishing correlation. Once the turbulence is fully developed, we observe an MHD inertial range, where the spectra of the perpendicular magnetic field and the perpendicular proton bulk velocity fluctuations exhibit power-law scaling with spectral indices of

and

respectively. This behavior is extended over a full decade in wavevectors and is very stable in time. A transition is observed around proton scales. At sub-ion scales, both spectra steepen, with the former still following a power law with a spectral index of

A

slope is observed in the density and parallel magnetic fluctuations, highlighting the presence of compressive effects at kinetic scales. The spectrum of the perpendicular electric fluctuations follows that of the proton bulk velocity at MHD scales, and flattens at small scales. All these features, which we carefully tested against variations of many parameters, are in good agreement with solar wind observations. The turbulent cascade leads to on overall proton energization with similar heating rates in the parallel and perpendicular directions. While the parallel proton heating is found to be independent on the resistivity, the number of particles per cell, and the resolution employed, the perpendicular proton temperature strongly depends on these parameters.
Building Economic Models Corresponding to the Real World
Authors: Huffaker Ray
Published: October 2015

Increasingly, there are calls to audit models used in public policy for how accurately they portray the reality facing policy makers. Although models cannot be logically verified as accurate representations of reality, past work concludes that modelers can reasonably demonstrate the degree of correspondence. How to establish real‐world correspondence remains an open question. This paper outlines a framework of pre‐modeling data diagnostics to provide evidence of correspondence. The scheme—based on Nonlinear Time Series Analysis—provides a rigorous benchmark for specification and testing of policy models that reduces the likelihood that a misspecified model is discredited by an unanticipated crisis.
The Risk Attitudes of U.S. Farmers
Authors: Roe Brian E.
Published: October 2015

I compare the distribution of risk attitudes of farm owners in the United States to nonfarm business owners and the general population using a measure of risk tolerance collected from national surveys. I find that farmers are significantly more tolerant of risk than the general population, though they are significantly less tolerant of risk than nonfarm business owners. Once demographic differences are controlled, farm and nonfarm business owners are more similar in their risk attitudes and both groups remain significantly more risk tolerant than the general population. First‐generation farmers display greater risk tolerance than farmers who inherit operations from family members, as do farmers who have just begun operating a farm; neither pattern emerges among nonfarm business owners. The most risk tolerant farmers are young and male with larger operations, higher incomes, less formal education and close proximity to metropolitan centers. Among farmers, those with less diversified operations and those with specialty enterprises are more risk tolerant than other types of farmers. Crop farmers are less risk tolerant than fruit and vegetable farmers or farmers with specialty enterprises, while farmers who receive government payments or buy enterprise insurance are not significantly different in risk tolerance from farmers who eschew such opportunities. These findings stimulate questions about how farm programs and the distinct challenges of entry in the production agriculture sector shape the underlying distribution of key farmer characteristics such as risk tolerance.
Labor Market Reform and Rent‐sharing: A Quasi‐experiment Experience
Authors: Poggi Ambra , Nicolini Rosella
Published: October 2015

We analyze the impact on wages of the adoption of a rent‐sharing remuneration scheme aimed at making labor institutions more flexible. We work within a quasi‐experimental setting referring to a sample of Italian companies before and after the introduction of the Treu Reform (1997). Our estimations confirm that this reform not only increased insider workers' wages via rent‐sharing, but also fueled a σ−convergence process of the rent‐sharing elasticity across the sectors at a different rate. Finally, we deliver a reasoned discussion of the consequences of implementing this reform on the Italian job market. This reform produced advances in the quality of job remuneration but it deepened a structural gap in the Italian labor market composition.
What Is the Social Value of Second Generation Biofuels?
Authors: Hertel Thomas W. , Steinbuks Jevgenijs , Tyner Wallace E.
Published: October 2015

What are second‐generation (2G) biofuel technologies worth to global society? A dynamic, economic model is used to assess the impact that introducing 2G biofuels technology has on crops, livestock, biofuels, forestry, and environmental services, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Under baseline conditions, this amounts to $64 billion and is $84 billion under the optimistic technology case, suggesting that investing in 2G technology could be appropriate. Under greenhouse gas regulation, global valuation more than doubles to $139 and $174 billion, respectively. A flat energy price scenario eliminates the value of 2G technology to society.
Luteimonas soli sp. nov., isolated from farmland soil
Authors: Wang Xiang , Yang Hong-Xing , Zhang Ying-Kun , Zhu Shi-Jun , Liu Xiao-Wei , Zhang Hao , Zhang Chen-Fei , Zhao Chao-Ran , Hu Gang , Hong Qing
Published: October 2015

A yellow-pigmented bacterial strain, designated Y2T, was isolated from farmland soil in Bengbu, Anhui province, China. Cells of strain Y2T were Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped. Strain Y2T grew optimally at pH 7.0, 30 °C and in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. The DNA G+C content was 68.9 mol%. The major fatty acids (>5 %) were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0, summed feature 9 (C16 : 0 10-methyl and/or iso-C17 : 1ω9c), iso-C11 : 0 3-OH and iso-C11 : 0. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8 (Q-8), and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain Y2T was most closely related to Luteimonas mephitis B1953/27.1T (99.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), followed by Luteimonas lutimaris G3T (98.6 %), Luteimonas abyssi XH031T (96.2 %) and Luteimonas aquatica RIB1-20T (96.0 %). Strain Y2T exhibited low DNA–DNA relatedness with Luteimonas mephitis B1953/27.1T (43.6 ± 0.5 %) and Luteimonas lutimaris G3T (43.9 ± 2.1 %). On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic evidence, strain Y2T represents a novel species of the genus Luteimonas, for which the name Luteimonas soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Y2T ( = ACCC 19799T = KCTC 42441T).
Resolving Complex Structural Genomic Rearrangements using a Randomized Approach
Authors: Zhao Xuefang , Emery Sarah B. , Myers Bridget , Kidd Jeffrey M. , Mills Ryan E.
Published: October 2015

Complex chromosomal rearrangements consist of structural genomic alterations involving multiple instances of deletions, duplications, inversions, or translocations that co-occur either on the same chromosome or represent different overlapping events on homologous chromosomes. We present SVelter, an algorithm that first identifies regions of the genome suspected to harbor a complex event and then iteratively rearranges the local genome structure, in a randomized fashion, with each structure scored against characteristics of the observed sequencing data. We show that SVelter is able to accurately reconstruct these regions when compared to well-characterized genomes that have been deep sequenced with both short and long read technologies.
Nanopore sequencing detects structural variants in cancer
Authors: Norris Alexis L. , Workman Rachael E. , Fan Yunfan , Eshleman James R. , Timp Winston
Published: October 2015

Despite advances in sequencing, structural variants (SVs) remain difficult to reliably detect due to the short read length (<300bp) of 2ndgeneration sequencing. Not only do the reads (or paired-end reads) need to straddle a breakpoint, but repetitive elements often lead to ambiguities in the alignment of short reads. We propose to use the long-reads (up to 20kb) possible with 3rdgeneration sequencing, specifically nanopore sequencing on the MinION. Nanopore sequencing relies on a similar concept to a Coulter counter, reading the DNA sequence from the change in electrical current resulting from a DNA strand being forced through a nanometer-sized pore embedded in a membrane. Though nanopore sequencing currently has a relatively high mismatch rate that precludes base substitution and small frameshift mutation detection, its accuracy is sufficient for SV detection because of its long reads. In fact, long reads in some cases may improve SV detection efficiency.

We have tested nanopore sequencing to detect a series of well-characterized SVs, including large deletions, inversions, and translocations that inactivate theCDKN2A/p16andSMAD4/DPC4tumor suppressor genes in pancreatic cancer. Using PCR amplicon mixes, we have demonstrated that nanopore sequencing can detect large deletions, translocations and inversions at dilutions as low as 1:100, with as few as 500 reads per sample. Given the speed, small footprint, and low capital cost, nanopore sequencing could become the ideal tool for the low-level detection of cancer-associated SVs needed for molecular relapse, early detection, or therapeutic monitoring.
Skin transcriptome profiles associated with coat color in goat
Authors: Peng Yongdong , Liu Xiaohui , Geng Liying , Zhang Chuansheng , Liu Zhengzhu , Gong Yuanfang , Li Hongqiang , Li Xianglong
Published: October 2015

Capra hircus, an economically important livestock, plays an indispensable role in the world animal fiber industry. To identify additional genes that may play important roles in coat color regulation, Illumina/Solexa high throughput sequencing technology was used to catalog the global gene expression profiles in the skin of three different coat colors goat (Lubei white goat (white), Jining gray goat (gray) and Jianyang big ear goat (brown)). The RNA-Seq analysis generated 83174342, 70222592 and 52091212 clean reads in white skin, gray skin and brown skin, respectively, which provided abundant data for further analysis. A total of 91 genes were differentially expressed between the gray skin and white skin libraries, with 74 upregulated and 17 genes downregulated. Between the brown skin and white skin libraries, there were 23 upregulated genes and 44 downregulated genes, while there were 33 upregulated genes and 121 downregulated genes between the brown skin and gray skin libraries. To our surprise,MC1R, MITF, TYR, KITandKITLGshowed no significant difference in the skin of three different coat colors and the expression ofASIPwas only detected in white skin and not in gray and brown skins. The expression ofPMEL,TRPM1,DCT,TYRP1andELOVL3was validated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and the results of the qPCR were consistent with the RNA-seq except the expression ofTYRP1between the gray skin and white skin libraries. This study provides several candidate genes that may be associated with the development of diferent coat colors goat skin. More importantly, the fact that theASIPgene was only detected in the white skin and not in the other dark skins and theMC1Rgene showed no significant difference in expression between the three different coat colors goat is of particular interest for future studies that aim to elucidate theirs functional role in the regulation of skin color. These results will expand our understanding of the complex molecular mechanisms of skin physiology and melanogenesis in goat and provide a foundation for future studies.
De novo mutations in PURA are associated with hypotonia and developmental delay
Authors: Tanaka Akemi J. , Bai Renkui , Cho Megan T. , Anyane-Yeboa Kwame , Ahimaz Priyanka , Wilson Ashley L. , Kendall Fran , Hay Beverly , Moss Timothy , Nardini Monica , Bauer Mislen , Retterer Kyle , Juusola Jane , Chung Wendy K.
Published: October 2015

PURA is the leading candidate gene responsible for the developmental phenotype in the 5q31.3 microdeletion syndrome. De novo mutations in PURA were recently reported in 15 individuals with developmental features similar to the 5q31.3 microdeletion syndrome. Here we describe six unrelated children who were identified by clinical whole-exome sequencing (WES) to have novel de novo variants in PURA with a similar phenotype of hypotonia and developmental delay and frequently associated with seizures. The protein Purα (encoded by PURA) is involved in neuronal proliferation, dendrite maturation, and the transport of mRNA to translation sites during neuronal development. Mutations in PURA may alter normal brain development and impair neuronal function, leading to developmental delay and the seizures observed in patients with mutations in PURA.
Democratization of genetic data: connecting government approval of clinical tests with data sharing
Authors: Ross Theodora S.
Published: October 2015

When a doctor orders a genetic test, patients assume that the test will yield a useful result to guide how their physicians take care of them. That assumption is frequently correct, but not always. Until recently, a genetic test only interrogated the sequence of one or two genes. Now, DNA-sequencing technologies are so fast and cheap that they have enabled clinicians to sequence panels of genes that may or may not be relevant to the patient's condition. The technology has outpaced our ability to interpret the results. Connecting approval of clinical tests to data sharing could help close this gap.
Genome-wide variant analysis of simplex autism families with an integrative clinical-bioinformatics pipeline
Authors: Jiménez-Barrón Laura T. , O'Rawe Jason A. , Wu Yiyang , Yoon Margaret , Fang Han , Iossifov Ivan , Lyon Gholson J.
Published: October 2015

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities that affect social interaction and communication and are characterized by repetitive behaviors. There is now a large body of evidence that suggests a complex role of genetics in ASDs, in which many different loci are involved. Although many current population-scale genomic studies have been demonstrably fruitful, these studies generally focus on analyzing a limited part of the genome or use a limited set of bioinformatics tools. These limitations preclude the analysis of genome-wide perturbations that may contribute to the development and severity of ASD-related phenotypes. To overcome these limitations, we have developed and utilized an integrative clinical and bioinformatics pipeline for generating a more complete and reliable set of genomic variants for downstream analyses. Our study focuses on the analysis of three simplex autism families consisting of one affected child, unaffected parents, and one unaffected sibling. All members were clinically evaluated and widely phenotyped. Genotyping arrays and whole-genome sequencing were performed on each member, and the resulting sequencing data were analyzed using a variety of available bioinformatics tools. We searched for rare variants of putative functional impact that were found to be segregating according to de novo, autosomal recessive, X-linked, mitochondrial, and compound heterozygote transmission models. The resulting candidate variants included three small heterozygous copy-number variations (CNVs), a rare heterozygous de novo nonsense mutation in MYBBP1A located within exon 1, and a novel de novo missense variant in LAMB3. Our work demonstrates how more comprehensive analyses that include rich clinical data and whole-genome sequencing data can generate reliable results for use in downstream investigations.