bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic phases in Pt/Co/Pt films induced by single and multiple femtosecond laser pulses
Authors: Kisielewski J. , Kurant Z. , Sveklo I. , Tekielak M. , Wawro A. , Maziewski A.
Published: May 2016

Ultrathin Pt/Co/Pt trilayers with initial in-plane magnetization were irradiated with femtosecond laser pulses. In this way, an irreversible structural modification was introduced, which resulted in the creation of numerous pulse fluence-dependent magnetic phases. This was particularly true with the out-of-plane magnetization state, which exhibited a submicrometer domain structure. This effect was studied in a broad range of pulse fluences up to the point of ablation of the metallic films. In addition to this single-pulse experiment, multiple exposure spots were also investigated, which exhibited an extended area of out-of-plane magnetization phases and a decreased damage threshold. Using a double exposure with partially overlapped spots, a two-dimensional diagram of the magnetic phases as a function of the two energy densities was built, which showed a strong inequality between the first and second incoming pulses.
Nine-channel mid-power bipolar pulse generator based on a field programmable gate array
Authors: Haylock Ben , Lenzini Francesco , Kasture Sachin , Fisher Paul , Streed Erik W. , Lobino Mirko
Published: May 2016

Many channel arbitrary pulse sequence generation is required for the electro-optic reconfiguration of optical waveguide networks in Lithium Niobate. Here we describe a scalable solution to the requirement for mid-power bipolar parallel outputs, based on pulse patterns generated by an externally clocked field programmable gate array. Positive and negative pulses can be generated at repetition rates up to 80 MHz with pulse width adjustable in increments of 1.6 ns across nine independent outputs. Each channel can provide 1.5 W of RF power and can be synchronised with the operation of other components in an optical network such as light sources and detectors through an external clock with adjustable delay.
Resolving amorphous solid-liquid interfaces by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Burson Kristen M. , Gura Leonard , Kell Burkhard , Büchner Christin , Lewandowski Adrian L. , Heyde Markus , Freund Hans-Joachim
Published: May 2016

Recent advancements in liquid atomic force microscopy make it an ideal technique for probing the structure of solid-liquid interfaces. Here, we present a structural study of a two-dimensional amorphous silica bilayer immersed in an aqueous solution utilizing liquid atomic force microscopy with sub-nanometer resolution. Structures show good agreement with atomically resolved ultra-high vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy images obtained on the same sample system, owing to the structural stability of the silica bilayer and the imaging clarity from the two-dimensional sample system. Pair distance histograms of ring center positions are utilized to develop quantitative metrics for structural comparison, and the physical origin of pair distance histogram peaks is addressed by direct assessment of real space structures.
Suppression of self-pulsing regime of direct current driven microplasma discharges
Authors: Mahamud Rajib , Farouk Tanvir
Published: May 2016

An instability suppressor circuit for self-pulsing direct current (DC) driven microplasma discharge is proposed and experimentally tested over a range of pd values for helium feed gas. The external circuit configuration suppresses self-pulsing of the discharge, extending the normal glow regime to lower currents. The negative differential resistance (NDR) region was observed to shift further left in the voltage–current parametric space (i.e., lower current), and the slope of the NDR region was decreased substantially. In addition, the suppressor element decreased the pulsing frequency as well as the static positive resistance of the discharge in the shifted NDR region. Modeling of the discharge configuration indicated that the inductor element of the suppressor circuit increases the time lag of the plasma response, which increases the stable region of operation. A stability map in terms of the external circuit parameters is introduced.
Electrostatic and electrochemical tuning of superconductivity in two-dimensional NbSe2 crystals
Authors: Yoshida Masaro , Ye Jianting , Nishizaki Terukazu , Kobayashi Norio , Iwasa Yoshihiro
Published: May 2016

We report modulation of the superconducting critical temperature (Tc) of ultrathin niobium diselenide (NbSe2) single crystals by gating an electric double-layer transistor. We realized reversible and irreversible changes of the Tc by adjusting the operating range of the voltage. The reversible and irreversible responses correspond to the electrostatic carrier doping and the electrochemical etching of the crystal, respectively. The results suggest that electric double-layer gating provides opportunities to control and functionalize collective electronic phenomena in two-dimensional crystals.
Improved reset breakdown strength in a HfOx-based resistive memory by introducing RuOx oxygen diffusion barrier
Authors: Park Jaesung , Woo Jiyong , Prakash Amit , Lee Sangheon , Lim Seokjae , Hwang Hyunsang
Published: May 2016

We investigated the reset breakdown phenomenon of HfOx-based resistive memory for reliable switching operation in a fully CMOS compatible stack. Through the understanding on the effect of electrode materials and device area, our findings show that observed failure is attributed to additional oxygen vacancies close to the electrode interface, where switching is occurred. Therefore, RuOx serving as an oxygen diffusion barrier was introduced to suppress the generation of unwanted oxygen vacancies by preventing out-diffusion of oxygen through the electrode. As a result, significantly enhanced breakdown strength in HfOx/RuOx stack is achieved and resulting in improved cycle endurance with larger on/off ratio.
Effect of early weaning age on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and serum parameters of lambs
Authors: Chai J.-M. , Ma T. , Wang H.-C. , Qi M.-L. , Tu Y. , Diao Q.-Y. , Zhang N.-F.
Published: May 2016

To determine the effect of a weaning program on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and serum parameters in Hu lambs, 48 newly born twin lambs (2.53 ± 0.13 kg; 24 male and 24 female) were randomly divided into four treatments: ewe reared (ER) or weaned at 10, 20, or 30 days post birth (EW10, EW20, and EW30) and fed milk replacer (MR). All liquid feed were eliminated at 60 days of age. Creep feed was offered ad libitum to all lambs from 15 to 90 days of age. The results indicated that lambs fed MR had higher liveweight, average daily gain, and creep feed intake (P < 0.001) than those in the ER group. There were no differences between treatments in the apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, nitrogen or phosphorus (P > 0.05) from 50 to 60 days of age. The apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus of EW20 and EW30 groups were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of EW10 and ER groups from 80 to 90 days of age. Lambs in the EW10 group had higher concentration of albumin, serum urea nitrogen, and immunoglobulin G levels than those of other groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, early weaning could improve creep intake, growth performance, and nutrient utilisation of Hu lambs. Early weaning age had a significant effect on the growth of lambs.
Ultrasonic Synthesis and Properties of Sodium Lignosulfonate-grafted Poly(Acrylic Acid-co-Vinyl Alcohol) Composite Superabsorbent Polymer
Authors: Hao Chen , Li Jun , He Qiang , Zhou Zilong , Guo Xiaowei , Wang Xiaohong , Gao Sijia , Zhang Yike
Published: May 2016

In this paper, a green and high-efficiency method (ultrasound synthesis) has been applied in the preparation of a sodium lignosulfonate-grafted poly(acrylic acid-co-vinyl alcohol) superabsorbent polymer (SL-P(AA-co-VA)). By Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetry–differential scanning calorimetry, the successful preparation was confirmed. An L16(4)5 orthogonal experiment was carried out to optimize synthetic conditions for SL-P(AA-co-VA). Under the optimized synthetic conditions, maximum water absorbency (949 g g–1) and physiological saline absorbency (62 g g–1) were achieved. Adjusting pH reduces the water absorbency of SL-P(AA-co-VA), as does the presence of metal ions. However, a rise in temperature does not have a significant influence on it. In general, both the water absorbency and physiological saline absorbency of SL-P(AA-co-VA) were significantly improved versus P(AA-co-VA) superabsorbent.
Robert Lyndsay Sutherland 1947–2012
Authors: Musgrove Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2016

Professor Rob Sutherland, AO, FAA was an internationally recognized pioneer in the application of molecular and cellular biology approaches to the translation of research discoveries into more effective prevention and treatment of cancer. Over his career he made significant contributions to the understanding of the pathophysiology and molecular basis of breast, prostate, pancreatic and other cancers and applied this knowledge to the discovery, validation and development of new biomarkers of disease phenotype, prognosis and response to therapy.
‘These Princely Plants’: Ferdinand Mueller and the Naming of Australasian Palms
Authors: Dowe John Leslie , Maroske Sara
Published: May 2016

Ferdinand Mueller named 19 new palm taxa (Arecaceae; nom. cons.: Palmae) between 1865 and 1892. Extolling the ‘princely' character of palms, Mueller named nine taxa for British royalty and nobility; six for botanists and scientists, most of whom had made contributions to palm taxonomy; two for government officials, both of whom were in government at the time that the taxa were described; and two for the physical character of the taxa. This paper examines the eponyms used by Mueller for his new palm taxa, and discusses potential reward and support through eponymous dedication.
Additional keywords: Arecaceae, awards and honours, botany, eponyms, Ferdinand Mueller, palms, Palmae, royalty and nobility, systematics, taxonomy.
In His Own Words: Dr Hermann Beckler’s Writings about His Journeys between the Darling River and Bulloo, 1860–1
Authors: Wood Beverley , Darragh Thomas A.
Published: May 2016

This essay introduces eight reports by Dr Hermann Beckler of the nineteenth-century Victorian Exploring Expedition (better known as the Burke & Wills Expedition) from the State Library of Victoria, the Argus newspaper and a German publication. Together, their detail reflects the complexity of the Expedition. Many are also hand-written manuscripts in nineteenth-century script that are difficult to decipher. In Beckler's own words, the reports range from descriptions of the landscape and his journeys, to the plants he observed and collected, and a meteorological report. The detailed medical reports about his return journey to Bulloo provide extensive insight into the grievous suffering of the men (four deaths) in the drought stricken summer of the semi-arid desert north of the Darling River. After he returned home to Bavaria, Beckler published a second medical report on the same subject, translated here by Thomas Darragh.
Slow life-history traits of a neritic predator, the bronze whaler (Carcharhinus brachyurus)
Authors: Drew Michael , Rogers Paul , Huveneers Charlie
Published: May 2016

Intra-species plasticity in the life-history characteristics of sharks leads to the need for regional estimates to accurately determine resilience to anthropogenic effects. The present study provides the first length-at-age, growth and maturity estimates for the bronze whaler (Carcharhinus brachyurus) from southern Australia. Age estimates were obtained from vertebral sections of 466 individuals spanning 50–308-cm total length. Maximum estimates of age for males and females were 25 and 31 years respectively. The three-parameter logistic model for females (L∞=308cm LT, k=0.15, α=742) and for males (L∞=317cm LT, k=0.13, α=782) provided the best fit to the size at age data. Males matured at a similar age (16 years), but smaller size than females (224v. 270cm LT). Growth parameters and age-at-maturity estimates were similar to those for genetically isolated C. brachyurus populations, and the sympatric dusky shark (C. obscurus). The southern Australian C. brachyurus population is long-lived, slow growing and late maturing. These growth parameters are needed to undertake demographic analyses to assess the resilience of C. brachyurus to fishing, and provide an example of a wide-ranging elasmobranch with similar life-history characteristics across isolated populations.
Contrasting population structures of three Pristis sawfishes with different patterns of habitat use
Authors: Phillips N. M. , Chaplin J. A. , Peverell S. C. , Morgan D. L.
Published: May 2016

This research demonstrates how population structure differs in elasmobranchs with different patterns of habitat use. Population structure was assessed using data at microsatellite loci in three species of Pristis sawfishes in northern Australian waters. Statistically significant population structure was found in each of P. clavata (FST = 0.021, F′ST = 0.151, P < 0.001) and P. zijsron (FST = 0.026, F′ST = 0.130, P < 0.001), which spend their entire life in marine waters. In contrast, there was no evidence of significant population structure in P. pristis, which uses freshwater rivers as juveniles and marine waters as adults (FST = 0.004, F′ST = 0.029, P = 0.210). When combined with the results of mtDNA analyses from a previous study, the results suggested that dispersal in P. pristis is male-biased, whereas both male and female gene flow are restricted at large spatial scales in each of P. clavata and P. zijsron in Australian waters. The present study has provided the first evidence of sex-biased dispersal in a sawfish.
Predicting post-fire canopy mortality in the boreal forest from dNBR derived from time series of Landsat data
Authors: San-Miguel Ignacio , Andison David W. , Coops Nicholas C. , Rickbeil Gregory J. M.
Published: May 2016

Regulatory and certification agencies need historical fire pattern information across the Canadian boreal forest to support natural disturbance-based management. Landsat-derived spectral indices have been used extensively to map burn severity in North America. However, satellite-derived burn severity is difficult to define and quantify, and relies heavily on ground truth data for validation, which hinders fire pattern analysis over broad scales. It is therefore critical to translate burn severity estimates into more quantifiable measurements of post-fire conditions and to provide more cost-effective methods to derive validation data. We assessed the degree to which Landsat-derived indices and ancillary data can be used to classify canopy mortality for 10 fires in the boreal forest of Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada. Models based on two and three mortality classes had overall accuracies of 91 and 72% respectively. The three-level classification has more utility for resource management, with improved accuracy at predicting unburned and complete canopy mortality classes (93 and 66%), but is relatively inaccurate for the partial mortality class (56%). The results presented here can be used to assess the suitability of different canopy mortality models for forest fire management goals, to help provide objective, consistent and cost-effective results to analyse historical fire patterns across the Canadian boreal forest.
Doing translation history and writing a history of translation: the main issues and some examples concerning Portuguese culture
Authors: Seruya Teresa
Published: May 2016

Within Translation Studies, much research has been conducted under “the specific viewpoint [history] applied to the variety of material objects that share the label ‘translation’”. Moreover, the historical viewpoint responds to readers’ expectations: be it a case study or a theoretical discussion, some historical background is demanded by accepted academic standards. It is part of a required context. However, a different issue emerges when the project of a history of translation in a particular country is to be reflected upon. My concern will be meta-historiographical in nature. Indeed, one of the main hurdles to be cleared is the use of some recurrent concepts in traditional historiography, such as “fact” and “event,” “change,” “progress” or “period.” To what extent are they appropriate in translation history? Additionally, the narrative form implicit in history writing has to be tackled, as it implies a great deal of selection and exclusion, and above all questions of sequence and causation which are at the core of historical thought. The discussion of the above mentioned concepts will be illustrated with examples from Portuguese translation history.
Asterless is required for centriole length control and sperm development
Authors: Galletta Brian J. , Jacobs Katherine C. , Fagerstrom Carey J. , Rusan Nasser M.
Published: May 2016

Centrioles are the foundation of two organelles, centrosomes and cilia. Centriole numbers and functions are tightly controlled, and mutations in centriole proteins are linked to a variety of diseases, including microcephaly. Loss of the centriole protein Asterless (Asl), the Drosophila melanogaster orthologue of Cep152, prevents centriole duplication, which has limited the study of its nonduplication functions. Here, we identify populations of cells with Asl-free centrioles in developing Drosophila tissues, allowing us to assess its duplication-independent function. We show a role for Asl in controlling centriole length in germline and somatic tissue, functioning via the centriole protein Cep97. We also find that Asl is not essential for pericentriolar material recruitment or centrosome function in organizing mitotic spindles. Lastly, we show that Asl is required for proper basal body function and spermatid axoneme formation. Insights into the role of Asl/Cep152 beyond centriole duplication could help shed light on how Cep152 mutations lead to the development of microcephaly.
The structured core of human β tubulin confers isotype-specific polymerization properties
Authors: Pamula Melissa C. , Ti Shih-Chieh , Kapoor Tarun M.
Published: May 2016

Diversity in cytoskeleton organization and function may be achieved through variations in primary sequence of tubulin isotypes. Recently, isotype functional diversity has been linked to a “tubulin code” in which the C-terminal tail, a region of substantial sequence divergence between isotypes, specifies interactions with microtubule-associated proteins. However, it is not known whether residue changes in this region alter microtubule dynamic instability. Here, we examine recombinant tubulin with human β isotype IIB and characterize polymerization dynamics. Microtubules with βIIB have catastrophe frequencies approximately threefold lower than those with isotype βIII, a suppression similar to that achieved by regulatory proteins. Further, we generate chimeric β tubulins with native tail sequences swapped between isotypes. These chimeras have catastrophe frequencies similar to that of the corresponding full-length construct with the same core sequence. Together, our data indicate that residue changes within the conserved β tubulin core are largely responsible for the observed isotype-specific changes in dynamic instability parameters and tune tubulin’s polymerization properties across a wide range.
A neuroprotective role for microglia in prion diseases
Authors: Zhu Caihong , Herrmann Uli S. , Falsig Jeppe , Abakumova Irina , Nuvolone Mario , Schwarz Petra , Frauenknecht Katrin , Rushing Elisabeth J. , Aguzzi Adriano
Published: May 2016

Microglial activation is a hallmark of most neurodegenerative disorders, and is particularly conspicuous in prion diseases. However, the role of microglia, which function as both primary immune effector cells and professional phagocytes in the central nervous system, remains contentious in the context of neurodegeneration. Here, we evaluated the effect of microglial depletion/deficiency on prion pathogenesis. We found that ganciclovir-mediated microglial ablation on tga20/CD11b-thymidine kinase of Herpes simplex virus (HSVTK) cerebellar organotypic cultured slices markedly aggravated prion-induced neurotoxicity. A similar deterioration of disease was recapitulated in in vivo microglial depletion in prion-infected tga20/CD11b-HSVTK mice. Additionally, deficiency of microglia in interleukin 34 knockout (IL34−/−) mice again resulted in significantly augmented proteinase K–resistant prion protein deposition and accelerated prion disease progression. These results provide unambiguous evidence for a general protective role of microglia in prion pathogenesis.
Two distinct voltage-sensing domains control voltage sensitivity and kinetics of current activation in CaV1.1 calcium channels
Authors: Tuluc Petronel , Benedetti Bruno , Coste de Bagneaux Pierre , Grabner Manfred , Flucher Bernhard E.
Published: May 2016

Alternative splicing of the skeletal muscle CaV1.1 voltage-gated calcium channel gives rise to two channel variants with very different gating properties. The currents of both channels activate slowly; however, insertion of exon 29 in the adult splice variant CaV1.1a causes an ∼30-mV right shift in the voltage dependence of activation. Existing evidence suggests that the S3–S4 linker in repeat IV (containing exon 29) regulates voltage sensitivity in this voltage-sensing domain (VSD) by modulating interactions between the adjacent transmembrane segments IVS3 and IVS4. However, activation kinetics are thought to be determined by corresponding structures in repeat I. Here, we use patch-clamp analysis of dysgenic (CaV1.1 null) myotubes reconstituted with CaV1.1 mutants and chimeras to identify the specific roles of these regions in regulating channel gating properties. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we demonstrate that the structure and/or hydrophobicity of the IVS3–S4 linker is critical for regulating voltage sensitivity in the IV VSD, but by itself cannot modulate voltage sensitivity in the I VSD. Swapping sequence domains between the I and the IV VSDs reveals that IVS4 plus the IVS3–S4 linker is sufficient to confer CaV1.1a-like voltage dependence to the I VSD and that the IS3–S4 linker plus IS4 is sufficient to transfer CaV1.1e-like voltage dependence to the IV VSD. Any mismatch of transmembrane helices S3 and S4 from the I and IV VSDs causes a right shift of voltage sensitivity, indicating that regulation of voltage sensitivity by the IVS3–S4 linker requires specific interaction of IVS4 with its corresponding IVS3 segment. In contrast, slow current kinetics are perturbed by any heterologous sequences inserted into the I VSD and cannot be transferred by moving VSD I sequences to VSD IV. Thus, CaV1.1 calcium channels are organized in a modular manner, and control of voltage sensitivity and activation kinetics is accomplished by specific molecular mechanisms within the IV and I VSDs, respectively.
Infrared Spectroscopy‐Based Metabolomic Analysis for the Detection of Preharvest Sprouting in Grain
Authors: Burke Matthew , Small Darryl M. , Antolasic Frank , Hughes Jeff G. , Spencer Michelle J. S. , Blanch Ewan W. , Jones Oliver A. H.
Published: May 2016

Preharvest sprouting of grains causes significant losses to growers and buyers. The problem occurs throughout the world, and economic losses can be millions of dollars. Visual assessment of germination is ineffective because even grains showing no external signs (e.g., having a visible shoot) may still have germinated sufficiently so that it is no longer possible for high‐quality products to be made from them. Current procedures to determine whether a grain has germinated are based around measuring enzyme or starch levels. However, despite protracted efforts to develop enhanced ways to measure germination over the last 50 years, there are currently no sufficiently accurate or reliable approaches available. The present work assesses the potential for infrared spectroscopy‐based metabolomic profiling to assess the germination of barley and wheat. The results indicate that mid‐ and near‐infrared spectroscopy are able to determine if the grain has germinated and give an indication of how long the germination process has been occurring. Both techniques are already well established in the grain industry and have the potential to form the basis of a simple, fast dockside test that would allow segregation of sound and mildly sprouted grain.
Sequencing of the Litchi Downy Blight Pathogen Reveals It Is a Phytophthora Species With Downy Mildew-Like Characteristics
Authors: Ye Wenwu , Wang Yang , Shen Danyu , Li Delong , Pu Tianhuizi , Jiang Zide , Zhang Zhengguang , Zheng Xiaobo , Tyler Brett M , Wang Yuanchao
Published: May 2016

On the basis of its downy mildew–like morphology, the litchi downy blight pathogen was previously named Peronophythora litchii. Recently, however, it was proposed to transfer this pathogen to Phytophthora clade 4. To better characterize this unusual oomycete species and important fruit pathogen, we obtained the genome sequence of Phytophthora litchii and compared it to those from other oomycete species. P. litchii has a small genome with tightly spaced genes. On the basis of a multilocus phylogenetic analysis, the placement of P. litchii in the genus Phytophthora is strongly supported. Effector proteins predicted included 245 RxLR, 30 necrosis-and-ethylene-inducing protein-like, and 14 crinkler proteins. The typical motifs, phylogenies, and activities of these effectors were typical for a Phytophthora species. However, like the genome features of the analyzed downy mildews, P. litchii exhibited a streamlined genome with a relatively small number of genes in both core and species-specific protein families. The low GC content and slight codon preferences of P. litchii sequences were similar to those of the analyzed downy mildews and a subset of Phytophthora species. Taken together, these observations suggest that P. litchii is a Phytophthora pathogen that is in the process of acquiring downy mildew–like genomic and morphological features. Thus P. litchii may provide a novel model for investigating morphological development and genomic adaptation in oomycete pathogens.
Characterization of Botrytis cinerea Isolates from Strawberry with Reduced Sensitivity to Polyoxin D Zinc Salt
Authors: Dowling Madeline E. , Hu Meng-Jun , Schmitz Linus T. , Wilson Jennifer R. , Schnabel Guido
Published: May 2016

Polyoxin D is a Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) code 19 fungicide that was recently registered for gray mold control of strawberry in the United States. In this study, we determined the sensitivity to polyoxin D zinc salt (hereafter, polyoxin D) of Botrytis cinerea isolates from 41 commercial strawberry farms in South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, and Ohio and investigated the fitness of sensitive (S) and reduced sensitive (RS) isolates. Relative mycelial growth ranged between 0 and over 100% on malt extract agar amended with a discriminatory dose of polyoxin D at 5 μg/ml. Isolates that grew more than 70% at that dose were designated RS and were found in three of the five states. The 50% effective dose (EC50) values of three S and three RS isolates ranged from 0.59 to 2.27 and 4.6 to 5.8 μg/ml, respectively. The three RS isolates grew faster on detached tomato fruit treated with Ph-D WDG at recommended label dosage than S isolates (P < 0.008). In all, 25 randomly selected RS isolates exhibited reduced sporulation ability (P < 0.0001) and growth rate (P < 0.0001) but increased production of sclerotia (P < 0.0386) compared with 25 S isolates. Of 10 isolates tested per phenotype, the number of RS isolates producing sporulating lesions on apple, tomato, and strawberry was significantly lower compared with S isolates (P < 0.0001 for each fruit type). The results of this study indicate that resistance management is necessary for fungicides containing polyoxin D. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating reduced sensitivity to FRAC 19 fungicides in B. cinerea isolates from the United States.
Suppression of Bacterial Blight on Mustard Greens with Host Plant Resistance and Acibenzolar-S-Methyl
Authors: Keinath Anthony P. , Wechter W. Patrick , Farnham Mark W.
Published: May 2016

Bacterial blight, caused by Pseudomonas cannabina pv. alisalensis, attacks the leaves of most brassica vegetables, including mustard greens (Brassica juncea). ‘Carolina Broadleaf,’ a new mustard cultivar, is resistant to bacterial blight, whereas ‘Florida Broadleaf,’ a commonly grown cultivar, is susceptible. Acibenzolar-S-methyl (trade name Actigard) has been used to manage bacterial diseases caused by P. syringae on a variety of crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate host plant resistance and acibenzolar-S-methyl alone and in combination to manage bacterial blight. Three field experiments were done in spring and fall 2011 and fall 2014. In each experiment, acibenzolar-S-methyl was applied twice as a foliar spray, once before and once after plants were inoculated. Severity of bacterial blight was 81% less on nontreated Carolina Broadleaf than on nontreated Florida Broadleaf (P ≤ 0.0003). Acibenzolar-S-methyl applications reduced severity of bacterial blight by 55% compared with the water control treatment on susceptible Florida Broadleaf. Mean weight of diseased leaves, averaged across acibenzolar-S-methyl treatments, was 53% less with Carolina Broadleaf than with Florida Broadleaf (P < 0.0001). However, acibenzolar-S-methyl applied at the recommended rate (14.2 g/ha) significantly injured leaves of Carolina Broadleaf in two experiments and injured leaves of Florida Broadleaf in one experiment. Overall, host plant resistance was more effective than acibenzolar-S-methyl for managing bacterial blight on mustard greens.
Perspectives on the Transition From Bacterial Phytopathogen Genomics Studies to Applications Enhancing Disease Management: From Promise to Practice
Authors: Sundin George W. , Wang Nian , Charkowski Amy O. , Castiblanco Luisa F. , Jia Hongge , Zhao Youfu
Published: May 2016

The advent of genomics has advanced science into a new era, providing a plethora of “toys” for researchers in many related and disparate fields. Genomics has also spawned many new fields, including proteomics and metabolomics, furthering our ability to gain a more comprehensive view of individual organisms and of interacting organisms. Genomic information of both bacterial pathogens and their hosts has provided the critical starting point in understanding the molecular bases of how pathogens disrupt host cells to cause disease. In addition, knowledge of the complete genome sequence of the pathogen provides a potentially broad slate of targets for the development of novel virulence inhibitors that are desperately needed for disease management. Regarding plant bacterial pathogens and disease management, the potential for utilizing genomics resources in the development of durable resistance is enhanced because of developing technologies that enable targeted modification of the host. Here, we summarize the role of genomics studies in furthering efforts to manage bacterial plant diseases and highlight novel genomics-enabled strategies heading down this path.
Cercospora cf. flagellaris and Cercospora cf. sigesbeckiae Are Associated with Cercospora Leaf Blight and Purple Seed Stain on Soybean in North America
Authors: Albu S. , Schneider R. W. , Price P. P. , Doyle V. P.
Published: May 2016

Cercospora kikuchii has long been considered the causal agent of Cercospora leaf blight (CLB) and purple seed stain (PSS) on soybean, but a recent study found C. cf. flagellaris associated with CLB and PSS in Arkansas (United States) and Argentina. Here, we provide a broader perspective on the distribution of C. cf. flagellaris on soybean and alternate hosts within the United States (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Kansas). We used a multilocus phylogenetic approach with data from actin, calmodulin, translation elongation factor 1-α, histone 3, the internal transcribed spacer region of rDNA and the mating-type locus to determine that two species, C. cf. flagellaris (200 of 205 isolates) and C. cf. sigesbeckiae (five of 205 isolates), are associated with CLB and PSS in the United States. In our phylogenetic analyses, species-level lineages were generally well-supported, though deeper-level evolutionary relationships remained unresolved, indicating that these genes do not possess sufficient phylogenetic signal to resolve the evolutionary history of Cercospora. We also investigated the potential for sexual reproduction in C. cf. flagellaris in Louisiana by determining the frequency of MAT1-1/MAT1-2 mating-type idiomorphs within the Louisiana population of C. cf. flagellaris. Though the MAT 1-2 idiomorph was significantly more common in our collection, the presence of both mating types suggests the potential for sexual reproduction exists.
A case of Ignatzschineria bacteraemia in an unconscious man from the Netherlands
Authors: Heddema Edou , Janssen Frank , Westreenen Harro van
Published: May 2016

Introduction:

Ignatzschineria species were previously known as Schineria species and are well known inhabitants of the larvae of the parasitic fly Wohlfahrtia magnifica.

Case presentation:

We report a case of Ignatzschineria species bacteraemia in a Dutch patient with a wound infested with maggots.

Conclusion:

In the past, these bacteria have been isolated from Wohlfahrtia magnifica, a fly not indigenous to The Netherlands. Other fly larvae such as the blowfly larvae probably infested the wound and harboured this Ignatzschineria strain which subsequently caused this bacteraemia. A two-week course of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was given with good clinical response.
Disc-shaped nanocrystal model for simulating the diffraction peak profile from a one-dimensional superlattice and its application to Pt/AlN superlattice films
Authors: Harumoto Takashi , Sannomiya Takumi , Muraishi Shinji , Shi Ji , Nakamura Yoshio
Published: May 2016

On the basis of the film structure of a Pt/AlN multilayer film which exhibits a superlattice peak after annealing, a disc-shaped nanocrystal model is proposed for simulating the diffraction line profile from a one-dimensional superlattice. The proposed model demonstrates that a superlattice peak can arise even from just two disc-shaped nanocrystals and even with a large misorientation (a few degrees), provided both the thickness and the in-plane crystal size of the nanocrystals are of the order of nanometres. Using the model, the superlattice peaks from Pt/AlN superlattices are analysed quantitatively and the effect of annealing on the film is discussed.
Ultra-small-angle neutron scattering with azimuthal asymmetry
Authors: Gu X. , Mildner D. F. R.
Published: May 2016

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements from thin sections of rock samples such as shales demand as great a scattering vector range as possible because the pores cover a wide range of sizes. The limitation of the scattering vector range for pinhole SANS requires slit-smeared ultra-SANS (USANS) measurements that need to be converted to pinhole geometry. The desmearing algorithm is only successful for azimuthally symmetric data. Scattering from samples cut parallel to the plane of bedding is symmetric, exhibiting circular contours on a two-dimensional detector. Samples cut perpendicular to the bedding show elliptically dependent contours with the long axis corresponding to the normal to the bedding plane. A method is given for converting such asymmetric data collected on a double-crystal diffractometer for concatenation with the usual pinhole-geometry SANS data. The aspect ratio from the SANS data is used to modify the slit-smeared USANS data to produce quasi-symmetric contours. Rotation of the sample about the incident beam may result in symmetric data but cannot extract the same information as obtained from pinhole geometry.
Fast two-dimensional grid and transmission X-ray microscopy scanning methods for visualizing and characterizing protein crystals
Authors: Wojdyla Justyna Aleksandra , Panepucci Ezequiel , Martiel Isabelle , Ebner Simon , Huang Chia-Ying , Caffrey Martin , Bunk Oliver , Wang Meitian
Published: May 2016

A fast continuous grid scan protocol has been incorporated into the Swiss Light Source (SLS) data acquisition and analysis software suite on the macromolecular crystallography (MX) beamlines. Its combination with fast readout single-photon counting hybrid pixel array detectors (PILATUS and EIGER) allows for diffraction-based identification of crystal diffraction hotspots and the location and centering of membrane protein microcrystals in the lipid cubic phase (LCP) inin meso in situserial crystallography plates and silicon nitride supports. Diffraction-based continuous grid scans with both still and oscillation images are supported. Examples that include a grid scan of a large (50 nl) LCP bolus and analysis of the resulting diffraction images are presented. Scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) complements and benefits from fast grid scanning. STXM has been demonstrated at the SLS beamline X06SA for near-zero-dose detection of protein crystals mounted on different types of sample supports at room and cryogenic temperatures. Flash-cooled crystals in nylon loops were successfully identified in differential and integrated phase images. Crystals of just 10 µm thickness were visible in integrated phase images using data collected with the EIGER detector. STXM offers a truly low-dose method for locating crystals on solid supports prior to diffraction data collection at both synchrotron microfocusing and free-electron laser X-ray facilities.
Probing structural chirality with high-energy synchrotron radiation
Authors: Dyadkin Vadim , Wright Jon , Pattison Philip , Chernyshov Dmitry
Published: May 2016

The absolute structure has been determined for MnSi with data collected using synchrotron radiation withE= 78.3 keV (0.158 Å). At this energy, the resonant scattering contribution from MnSi is very small (f′Mn= −0.0397,f′′Mn= 0.0385,f′Si = −0.0197,f′′Si= 0.0027), but the large number of observed Bijvoet differences together with a wideQrange make absolute structure determination possible. A comparison with the data collected atE= 18 keV (0.68 Å) (f′Mn= 0.2858,f′′Mn= 0.6739,f′Si= 0.0653,f′′Si= 0.0646) for the same crystal shows the correctness of the absolute structure measured at the higher energy. A similar data collection has also been done atE= 65.3 keV (0.19 Å) for a single crystal of Fe0.7Co0.3Si with known absolute structure. In all cases, the absolute structure was correctly determined by analysing the statistical distribution of the chirality measure. Statistical descriptors of the refinements, the Flack parameter and the distribution of Parsons quotients are discussed for all presented experiments.
Undulator beamline optimization with integrated chicanes for X-ray free-electron-laser facilities
Authors: Prat Eduard , Calvi Marco , Ganter Romain , Reiche Sven , Schietinger Thomas , Schmidt Thomas
Published: May 2016

An optimization of the undulator layout of X-ray free-electron-laser (FEL) facilities based on placing small chicanes between the undulator modules is presented. The installation of magnetic chicanes offers the following benefits with respect to state-of-the-art FEL facilities: reduction of the required undulator length to achieve FEL saturation, improvement of the longitudinal coherence of the FEL pulses, and the ability to produce shorter FEL pulses with higher power levels. Numerical simulations performed for the soft X-ray beamline of the SwissFEL facility show that optimizing the advantages of the layout requires shorter undulator modules than the standard ones. This proposal allows a very compact undulator beamline that produces fully coherent FEL pulses and it makes possible new kinds of experiments that require very short and high-power FEL pulses.
Two-color operation of a free-electron laser with a tilted beam
Authors: Reiche Sven , Prat Eduard
Published: May 2016

With the successful operation of free-electron lasers (FELs) as user facilities there has been a growing demand for experiments with two photon pulses with variable photon energy and time separation. A configuration of an undulator with variable-gap control and a delaying chicane in the middle of the beamline is proposed. An injected electron beam with a transverse tilt will only yield FEL radiation for the parts which are close to the undulator axis. This allows, after re-aligning and delaying the electron beam, a different part of the bunch to be used to produce a second FEL pulse. This method offers independent control in photon energy and delay. For the parameters of the soft X-ray beamline Athos at the SwissFEL facility the photon energy tuning range is a factor of five with an adjustable delay between the two pulses from −50 to 950 fs.
Monitoring and evaluating disaster risk management capacity
Authors: Scott Zoe , Wooster Kelly , Few Roger , Thomson Anne , Tarazona Marcela
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to focus on improving the monitoring and evaluation of DRM capacity development initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper first explores the complexities and challenges presented in the literature, before using empirical data from a research project in six countries (Ethiopia, Pakistan, Myanmar, Philippines, Haiti and Mozambique) to discuss current approaches to M
&
E of DRM capacity strengthening interventions.

Findings

– This is generally an area of technical weakness in the initiatives studied, with poor understanding of terminology, little attention to outcomes or impact and few independent evaluations. The need for greater inclusion of participants in M
&
E processes is identified and one programme from the fieldwork in Mozambique is presented as a case study example.

Originality/value

– The paper ends by presenting a unique M
&
E framework developed for use by DRM programmes to track the outcomes of their interventions and ultimately raise standards in this area.
Competing paradigms of flood management in the Scottish/English borderlands
Authors: Cook Brian , Forrester John , Bracken Louise , Spray Christopher , Oughton Elizabeth
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore how flood management practitioners rationalise the emergence of sustainable flood management. Key to this analysis are differences rooted in assumptions over what flood management is and should do.

Design/methodology/approach

– The popularity of natural flood management offers a case with which to explore how a dominant framing persists and how individuals at the government-public interface negotiate different visions of future flood management. The authors draw on the perceptions of flood experts, elucidating a deep hold amongst a professional community “grounded” in science and economics, but also their desire to innovate and become more open to innovative practices.

Findings

– The authors show how the idea of “sustainable” and “natural” flood management are understood by those doing flood management, which is with reference to pre-existing technical practices.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper explores the views of expert decision making, which suffers from challenges associated with small sample size. As such, the findings must be tempered, but with recognition for the influence of a small group of individuals who determine the nature of flood management in Scotland.

Practical implications

– The authors conclude that, in the context of this study, a technical framing persists by predetermining the criteria by which innovative techniques are judged.

Originality/value

– Broadly, these findings contribute to debates over the evolution of flood management regimes. This recognises the importance of events while also emphasising the preparations that shape the context and norms of the flood management community between events.
Assessing the benefits of organized voluntary emergency services
Authors: Bachner Gabriel , Seebauer Sebastian , Pfurtscheller Clemens , Brucker Anja
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to reveal the benefits of organized voluntary emergency services (OVES) in the case of flood events, since such information is mostly not available, but needed to analyze the total effects of disasters and respective responses. Moreover, the efficient allocation of scarce public resources for emergency and risk management should be based on empirical data.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a qualitative framework describing the benefits of OVES, the authors develop different tools for monetizing tangible as well as intangible benefits and apply them for case studies in Austria.

Findings

– The benefits of volunteer efforts for emergency management cannot be monetized easily, since they are often of intangible character. Nevertheless, we show that the benefits of OVES could be substantial.

Research limitations/implications

– As the authors analyze case studies, the results cannot be directly transferred to other regions, but illustrate the empirical dimension of the benefits of OVES. Further research should be undertaken to assess the benefits of avoided losses by OVES using single-object data.

Practical implications

– Since many emergency service institutions are involved during/after natural hazards, data availability and exchange should be improved. Objective decisions for investment in emergency services should be based on data of recent hazard events and case studies.

Originality/value

– The paper develops a toolbox to evaluate the benefits of OVES and is thus highly valuable for emergency managers, which are responsible for deploying volunteers and non-volunteers in emergency management.
Embedding the ethos of codes of ethics into corporate South Africa: current status
Authors: Mpinganjira Mercy , Roberts-Lombard Mornay , Wood Greg , Svensson Göran
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This study aims to examine and describe ways that organisations in corporate South Africa try to embed ethos of corporate codes of ethics in their organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study followed a quantitative research approach. The target population was the top 500 companies operating in the corporate sector by revenue. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 222 company secretaries and heads/managers responsible for ethics in the companies.

Findings

The findings show that the majority of companies have regulations that can help promote ethics ethos. The most prevalent artefact in the area of regulation was found to be conduct of ethical audits. Training was found to be the most prevalent artefact under staff support.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to large organisations in South Africa. The findings can thus not be generalised to include small- and medium- sized businesses which make up the largest segment of all businesses in South Africa.

Practical implications

The research provides information that can be used to compare companies operating in different contexts on practices that help promote corporate ethics quality. It provides business managers with information that they can use to evaluate and benchmark their companies on practices that help promote the ethos of corporate codes of ethics.

Originality/value

The study is the first of its kind to examine how organisations go about institutionalising codes of ethics in South Africa. The findings can be used by all sectors of South African business as a point of reference in their efforts aimed at embedding the ethos of ethics in their respective organisations.