bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Freeze‐Fracture Immunocytochemistry: Fracture‐Label and Label‐Fracture for the Localization of Membrane Proteins
Authors: Kan Frederick W. K.
Published: December 2014

Freeze‐fracture is a unique investigative tool for visualization of the en face topography of individual membrane leaflets of cell membranes at high resolution under the electron microscope. The development of a system of freeze‐fracture cytochemical and immunocytochemical techniques has further advanced the utility of this methodological approach for high‐resolution localization of specific membrane and intracellular macromolecules in tissues and cells. The unit focuses on description, in a step‐by‐step manner, of the experimental procedures for two specific freeze‐fracture labeling techniques, namely fracture‐label and label‐fracture. Users are guided in a stepwise manner, starting from the preparation of tissue or cell samples to the final retrieval and mounting of fracture‐label and label‐fracture specimens for examination on the electron microscope. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Dominance, access to females, and mating success among coresident male mantled howlers (Alouatta palliata) at La Pacifica, Costa Rica
Authors: Corewyn Lisa C.
Published: December 2014

The priority‐of‐access (POA) model posits that high dominance rank increases male mating success by increasing access to fertile females. However, the relationship between rank, access to females, and subsequent mating success is variable in primates, and there are few studies representing Neotropical taxa. The purpose here was to test the parameters of the POA model in an asynchronously breeding Neotropical primate, Alouatta palliata, to contribute to our understanding of the relationship between dominance and reproductive strategies in platyrrhines. I collected data on adult males within two large, multimale‐multifemale groups exhibiting clear dominance hierarchies at La Pacifica, Costa Rica. Females were classified as sexually receptive (SR) or potentially cycling (PC) based on behavioral and birth data. Access to mates was measured based on total time in proximity to SR/PC females, and mating success was measured based on copulation frequency. Results did not support the predictions of the POA model in that first‐ranked males maintained lower than expected time in proximity to SR females, did not consistently maintain the greatest proportion of time in proximity to PC females, obtained lower than expected copulation rates, and did not obtain the highest copulation rates compared to subordinates in either group. Deviations from the POA model were significantly affected by varying operational sex ratios only when considering the lower numbers of available SR females in one group. Alternative reproductive tactics by subordinate males such as tolerance by first‐ranked males appeared to be operating, allowing subordinates to obtain mating success when they would otherwise be unable to do so. The study also highlighted how factors such as operational sex ratio may limit the willingness or ability of dominant males to monopolize access to females, and can vary both within and between groups in a population. Am. J. Primatol. 77:388–400, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Peroxide induced cross‐linking by reactive melt processing of two biopolyesters: Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) and poly(l‐lactic acid) to improve their melting processability
Authors: Wei Liqing , McDonald Armando G.
Published: December 2014

Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) were individually cross‐linked with dicumyl peroxide (DCP) (0.25–1 wt %) by reactive melt processing. The cross‐linked structures of the polymer gel were investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies. The size of the polymer crystal spherulites, glass transition temperature (Tg), melting transition temperature (Tm), and crystallinity were all decreased as a result of cross‐linking. Cross‐linking density (νe) was shown to increase with DCP concentration. Based on parallel plate rheological study (dynamic and steady shear), elastic and viscous modulus (G″ and G′), complex viscosity (η*) and steady shear viscosity (η) were all shown to increase with cross‐linking. Cross‐linked PHB and PLLA showed broader molar mass distribution and formation of long chain branching (LCB) as estimated by RheoMWD. Improvements in melt strength offer bioplastic processors improved material properties and processing options, such as foaming and thermoforming, for new applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41724.
A method test of the use of electric shock treatment to control invasive signal crayfish in streams
Authors: Peay Stephanie , Dunn Alison M. , Kunin William E. , McKimm Robin , Harrod Chris
Published: December 2014

Invasive crayfish exert adverse impacts on native biodiversity in Europe. This field study investigated the scope for use of electric shock treatment to eradicate signal crayfish in a small headwater stream.

High intensity (96 kW, direct current 1600 V, 57.8 A, at 7 Hz) repeated shocks were delivered via electrode tapes to two sections of stream. Both had 98 min as 2‐min shocks. Section 2 had additional 15‐min shocks to a total of 308 min.

Crayfish mortality was 86% and 97% in the two sections respectively, based on the number recovered when the channel was subsequently dewatered. The survivors found were in the banks. Mark–recapture indicated that 72% of the total population was captured, hence the minimum mortality was 77% of the total population after the longer treatment.

All sizes of crayfish were affected, but small individuals (<30 mm carapace length) were more susceptible.

Test cages showed increasing mortality with exposure. A fitted model showed 50% mortality with 17 min shock time, 75% mortality with 30 min (distance to electrode in the range 10–50 cm).

The treatment is a possible non‐selective method of control for invasive crayfish in small watercourses, rather than an eradication method, because some crayfish survived in the stony banks. Periodic treatment downstream of a physical barrier would potentially keep the crayfish density low and may therefore reduce the risk of the barrier being overcome by upstream invasion. Options for further investigation to improve the method are discussed.

Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of SNW1 association with spliceosomal proteins promotes apoptosis in breast cancer cells
Authors: Sato Naoki , Maeda Masao , Sugiyama Mai , Ito Satoko , Hyodo Toshinori , Masuda Akio , Tsunoda Nobuyuki , Kokuryo Toshio , Hamaguchi Michinari , Nagino Masato , Senga Takeshi
Published: December 2014

RNA splicing is a fundamental process for protein synthesis. Recent studies have reported that drugs that inhibit splicing have cytotoxic effects on various tumor cell lines. In this report, we demonstrate that depletion of SNW1, a component of the spliceosome, induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Proteomics and biochemical analyses revealed that SNW1 directly associates with other spliceosome components, including EFTUD2 (Snu114) and SNRNP200 (Brr2). The SKIP region of SNW1 interacted with the N‐terminus of EFTUD2 as well as two independent regions in the C‐terminus of SNRNP200. Similar to SNW1 depletion, knockdown of EFTUD2 increased the numbers of apoptotic cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that exogenous expression of either the SKIP region of SNW1 or the N‐terminus region of EFTUD2 significantly promoted cellular apoptosis. Our results suggest that the inhibition of SNW1 or its associating proteins may be a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
Predictors for Good Therapeutic Outcome and Drop‐out in Technology Assisted Guided Self‐Help in the Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa and Bulimia like Phenotype
Authors: Wagner Gudrun , Penelo Eva , Nobis Gerald , Mayrhofer Anna , Wanner Christian , Schau Johanna , Spitzer Marion , Gwinner Paulina , Trofaier Marie‐Louise , Imgart Hartmut , Fernandez‐Aranda Fernando , Karwautz Andreas
Published: December 2014

Objective

Technology assisted guided self‐help has been proven to be effective in the treatment of bulimia nervosa (BN). The aim of this study was to determine predictors of good long‐term outcome as well as drop‐out, in order to identify patients for whom these interventions are most suitable.

Methods

One hundred and fifty six patients with BN were assigned to either 7 months internet‐based guided self‐help (INT‐GSH) or to conventional guided bibliotherapy (BIB‐GSH), both guided by e‐mail support. Evaluations were taken at baseline, after 4, 7, and 18 months. As potential predictors, psychiatric comorbidity, personality features, and eating disorder psychopathology were considered.

Results

Higher motivation, lower frequency of binge eating, and lower body dissatisfaction at baseline predicted good outcome after the end of treatment. Lower frequency of binge eating predicted good outcome at long‐term follow‐up. Factors prediciting drop‐out were higher depression and lower self‐directedness at baseline.

Conclusion

Technology assisted self‐help can be recommended for patients with a high motivation to change, lower binge‐eating frequency and lower depression scores. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Evidence of Self‐Organized Criticality in riverbank mass failures: a matter of perspective?
Authors: Croke Jacky , Denham Robert , Thompson Chris , Grove James
Published: December 2014

A growing body of field, theoretical and numerical modelling studies suggests that predicting river response to even major changes in input variables is difficult. Rivers are seen to adjust rapidly and variably through time and space as well as changing independently of major driving variables. Concepts such as Self‐Organized Criticality (SOC) are considered to better reflect the complex interactions and adjustments occurring in systems than traditional approaches of cause and effect. This study tests the hypothesis that riverbank mass failures which occurred both prior to, and during, an extreme flood event in southeast Queensland (SEQ) in 2011 are a manifestation of SOC. Each wet‐flow failure is somewhat analogous to the ‘avalanche’ described in the initial sand‐pile experiments of Baket al. (Physical Review Letters, 1987, 59(4), 381–384) and, due to the use of multitemporal LiDAR, the time period of instability can be effectively constrained to that surrounding the flood event. The data is examined with respect to the key factors thought to be significant in evaluating the existence of SOC including; non‐linear temporal dynamics in the occurrence of disturbance events within the system; an inverse power‐law relation between the magnitude and frequency of the events; the existence of a critical state to which the system readjusts after a disturbance; the existence of a cascading processes mechanism by which the same process can initiate both low‐magnitude and high‐magnitude events. While there was a significant change in the frequency of mass failures pre‐ and post‐flood, suggesting non‐linear temporal dynamics in the occurrence of disturbance events, the data did not fit an inverse power‐law within acceptable probability and other models were found to fit the data better. Likewise, determining a single ‘critical’ state is problematic when a variety of feedbacks and multiple modes of adjustment are likely to have operated throughout this high magnitude event. Overall, the extent to which the data supports a self‐organized critical state is variable and highly dependent upon inferential arguments. Investigating the existence of SOC, however, provided results and insights that are useful to the management and future prediction of these features. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pummersdorfer Tunnel – Water conditions in the shallow tunnel / Pummersdorfer Tunnel – Wasserverhältnisse im seicht liegenden Tunnel
Authors: Hödl Reinhold , Höllrigl Michael
Published: December 2014

The Westbahn line between Vienna and Wels in Austria is being upgraded to four tracks to improve its capacity and performance for passenger and goods traffic. The opening of the section “Gap‐closing St.Pölten‐Loosdorf (GZU)” in 2017 completed the four‐track Westbahn line between Vienna and Linz. The Pummersdorfer Tunnel is the last tunnel in this section and is designed as a single‐bore two‐track tunnel with a length of 3.5 km. The tunnel runs close to the surface with a maximum of 25 m overburden in weathered or unweathered Miocene schlier (marl). The driving of the tunnel encountered two groundwater horizons, pore groundwater in the Quaternary cover gravels above the tunnel crown and water in the joints of the Miocene schlier in or just above tunnel level. Some unexpected heavy water inrushes occurred during tunnelling.

The article first gives an overview of the project and the geological conditions and is then concerned with the effects of the groundwater inflows on the tunnelling works and the groundwater use in the near vicinity.

Für die Erhöhung der Kapazität und Leistungsfähigkeit im Personen‐ und Güterverkehr wird die Westbahn zwischen Wien und Wels viergleisig ausgebaut. Mit Inbetriebnahme des Abschnitts “Lückenschluss St.Pölten‐Loosdorf (GZU)” im Jahr 2017 wird die viergleisige Westbahn zwischen Wien‐ und Linz fertiggestellt. Der Tunnel Pummersdorf ist der letzte Tunnel in diesem Abschnitt und ist als einröhriger zweigleisiger Tunnel mit rund 3, 5 km Länge konzipiert. Der Tunnel verläuft oberflächennahe mit maximal 25 m Überlagerung im verwitterten bzw. unverwitterten Miozänschlier. Durch den Vortrieb sind zwei Grundwasserhorizonte, Porengrundwasser in den quartären Deckenschottern oberhalb der Tunnelfirste und Kluftgrundwasser im Miozänschlier in bzw. knapp über Tunnelniveau, berührt. Im Zuge des Vortriebs kam es kurzfristig zu unerwartet starken Wasserzutritten.

Der Beitrag gibt zunächst einen Überblick über das Projekt sowie die geologischen Rahmenbedingungen und befasst sich anschließend mit den Auswirkungen der Bergwasserzutritte für die Vortriebsarbeiten und die im Nahbereich befindlichen Grundwassernutzungen.
Counseling Students' Transformative Learning Through a Study Abroad Curriculum
Authors: Smith Jayne E. , McAuliffe Garrett , Rippard Kelly S.
Published: December 2014

Research on the impact of study abroad curricula on student learning is limited. In this study, data were collected from students the last day abroad and 2 weeks and 6 to 9 months after returning home from a study abroad program. Eight codes conceptualized a grounded theory of student learning during and after completion of the study abroad curriculum. Transformative learning and practical implications for curriculum design are discussed.
A Content Analysis of Career Development Theory, Research, and Practice—2013
Authors: Sampson James P. , Hou Pei‐Chun , Kronholz Julia F. , Dozier V. Casey , McClain Mary‐Catherine , Buzzetta Mary , Pawley Elizabeth K. , Finklea Jane T. , Peterson Gary W. , Lenz Janet G. , Reardon Robert C. , Osborn Debra S. , Hayden Seth C. W. , Colvin Gloria P. , Kennelly Emily L.
Published: December 2014

This annual review of the career counseling and development literature presents a content analysis of refereed journal articles published in 2013. Four research questions guided the analysis: (a) What content topics were included in career development articles published in refereed journals in 2013? (b) To what extent are theory, research, and practice integrated in career development articles published in refereed journals in 2013? (c) What variation exists in the characteristics of career development articles published in refereed journals in 2013? and (d) What variation exists in the content included in theory, research, and practice articles? A total of 360 unique topics were identified in 357 articles from 24 journals. Results indicated that topic content in journals evolved slowly with limited integration of theory, research, and practice. Implications are suggested for (a) future topic content; (b) better integration of theory, research, and practice; (c) education and training; (d) journal editorial policy; and (e) future content analyses of journal articles.
Toward a Framework for Multicultural STEM‐Focused Career Interventions
Authors: Byars‐Winston Angela
Published: December 2014

Numerous federal and national commissions have called for policies, funds, and initiatives aimed at expanding the nation's science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce and education investments to create a significantly larger, more diverse talent pool of individuals who pursue technical careers. Career development professionals are poised to contribute to the equity discourse about broadening STEM participation. However, few are aware of STEM‐related career development matters, career opportunities and pathways, or strategies for promoting STEM pursuits. The author summarizes STEM education and workforce trends and articulates an equity imperative for broadening and diversifying STEM participation. The author then offers a multicultural STEM‐focused career development framework to encourage career development professionals’ knowledge and awareness of STEM education and careers and delineates considerations for practice aimed at increasing the attainment and achievement of diverse groups in STEM fields.
GBA‐associated Parkinson's disease: Reduced survival and more rapid progression in a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Brockmann Kathrin , Srulijes Karin , Pflederer Sylvia , Hauser Ann‐Kathrin , Schulte Claudia , Maetzler Walter , Gasser Thomas , Berg Daniela
Published: December 2014

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with GBA mutations show an earlier age at onset and more severe non‐motor symptoms compared with PD patients without GBA mutations.

Objective

This study was undertaken to evaluate progression of motor and non‐motor symptoms in sporadic PD patients depending on the mutational GBA status.

Methods

We used regression analysis to evaluate independent effects of the mutational GBA status, age at onset, age at examination, and disease duration on motor (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale [UPDRS]‐III, Hoehn and Yahr [H&Y] stage, Levodopa [l‐dopa]‐equivalent‐dosage) and non‐motor characteristics (cognition and mood). Disease progression was assessed prospectively over 3 years.

Results

The GBA‐associated PD patients compared with non‐mutation PD patients, although younger and with an earlier age at onset, show (1) a more rapid disease progression of motor impairment and cognitive decline and (2) reduced survival rates.

Conclusions

The mutational GBA status, rather than older age and age at onset, presents an important predictor for disease progression in this specific subgroup of PD patients. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Presynaptic effects of levodopa and their possible role in dyskinesia
Authors: Mosharov Eugene V. , Borgkvist Anders , Sulzer David
Published: December 2014

Levodopa replacement therapy has long provided the most effective treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD). We review how this dopamine (DA) precursor enhances dopaminergic transmission by providing a greater sphere of neurotransmitter influence as a result of the confluence of increased quantal size and decreased DA reuptake, as well as loading DA as a false transmitter into surviving serotonin neuron synaptic vesicles. We further review literature on how presynaptic dysregulation of DA release after l‐dopa might trigger dyskinesias in PD patients. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Exponential dichotomies of impulsive dynamic systems with applications on time scales
Authors: Wang Chao , Agarwal Ravi P.
Published: December 2014

In this paper, it is the first time that some important inequalities are obtained to estimate the exponential type of upper and lower bounds of solutions for the three representative classes of homogeneous impulsive dynamic systems on time scales. Based on these, some new criteria are established for admitting an exponential dichotomy of the impulsive dynamic systems. The obtained results are essentially new, even the time scale
or
. In addition, in applications, we apply the obtained results to discuss the almost periodic problems of a class of integro‐differential systems, and the numerical simulations are given to illustrate that our timescale methods are feasible and effective. Finally, we present the conclusion and further discussion related to this topic. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antibacterial and antifungal LDPE films for active packaging
Authors: Shemesh Rotem , Krepker Maksym , Goldman Diana , Danin‐Poleg Yael , Kashi Yechezkel , Nitzan Nadav , Vaxman Anita , Segal Ester
Published: December 2014

Active antimicrobial packaging is a promising form of active packaging that can kill or inhibit microorganism growth in order to maintain product quality and safety. One of the most common approaches is based on the release of volatile antimicrobial agents from the packaging material such as essential oils. Due to their highly volatile nature, the challenge is to preserve the essential oils during the high‐temperature melt processing of the polymer, while maintaining high antimicrobial activity for a desired shelf life. This study suggests a new approach in order to achieve this goal. Antimicrobial active films are developed based on low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), organo‐modified montmorillonite clays (MMT) and carvacrol (used as an essential oil model). In order to minimize carvacrol loss throughout the polymer compounding, a pre‐compounding step is developed in which clay/carvacrol hybrids are produced. The hybrids exhibit a significant increase in the d‐spacing of clay and enhanced thermal stability. The resulting LDPE/(clay/carvacrol) films exhibit superior and prolonged antibacterial activity againstEscherichia coliandListeria innocua, while polymer compounded with pure carvacrol loses the antibacterial properties within days. The films also present an excellent antifungal activity againstAlternaria alternata, used as a model plant pathogenic fungus. Furthermore, infrared spectroscopy analysis of the LDPE/(clay/carvacrol) system displayed significantly higher carvacrol content in the film as well as a slower out‐diffusion of the carvacrol molecules in comparison to LDPE/carvacrol films. Thus, these new films have a high potential for antimicrobial food packaging applications due to their long‐lasting and broad‐spectrum antimicrobial efficacy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Yukawas and discrete symmetries in F-theory compactifications without section
Authors: García-Etxebarria Iñaki , Grimm Thomas W. , Keitel Jan
Published: December 2014

Abstract

In the case of F-theory compactifications on genus-one fibrations without section there are naturally appearing discrete symmetries, which we argue to be associated to geometrically massive U(1) gauge symmetries. These discrete symmetries are shown to induce non-trivial selection rules for the allowed Yukawa couplings in SU(N) gauge theories. The general discussion is exemplified using a concrete Calabi-Yau fourfold realizing an SU(5) GUT model. We observe that M2 instanton effects appear to play a key role in the generation of new superpotential terms and in the dynamics close to phase transition loci.
Phase locked inflation. Effectively trans-Planckian natural inflation
Authors: Harigaya Keisuke , Ibe Masahiro
Published: December 2014

Abstract

A model of natural inflation with an effectively trans-Planckian decay constant can be easily achieved by the “phase locking” mechanism while keeping field values in the effective field theory within the Planck scale. We give detailed description of “phase locked” inflation based on this mechanism. We also construct supersymmetric natural inflation based on this mechanism and show that the model is consistent with low scale supersymmetry. We also investigate couplings of the inflaton with the minimal supersymmetric standard model to achieve an appropriate reheating process. Interestingly, in a certain class of models, we find that the inflation scale is related to the mass of the right-handed neutrino in a consistent way with the seesaw mechanism.
Rheumatoid Hand Surgery: Is there a Decline? A 22-Year Population-Based Study
Authors: Gogna Rajiv , Cheung Graham , Arundell Melanie , Deighton Chris , Lindau Tommy R.
Published: December 2014

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common idiopathic inflammatory arthritis affecting 0.8 % of the population. It can cause significant hand and wrist damage and dysfunction. Recent advances in anti-rheumatic treatments have the potential to decrease the prevalence of hand deformities in patients with RA. Our aim was to investigate whether there has been a decline over 22-years in the number of hand surgical procedures being undertaken for patients with RA and whether this correlates with the introduction of new anti-rheumatic therapies.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, population-based (Derbyshire) study of all patients with RA who underwent hand surgery at the Pulvertaft Hand Centre from 1990 to 2012. Index procedures included (1) teno-synovectomy and soft tissue procedures, (2) wrist arthrodesis/arthroplasty and (3) finger arthrodesis.

Results

A total of 297 procedures were performed in 153 Derbyshire patients with RA over the 22-year period, with mean age at surgery 59 years (range 24–88 years). The female to male ratio was 2.5:1. The overall trend showed a peak in 2004 and a subsequent decline thereafter. This coincides with an increasing tendency by local rheumatologists to introduce earlier and more intensive conventional disease-modifying drugs and biological therapies for more resistant disease.

Conclusions

There has been a decline in the number of hand surgery procedures being performed on patients with RA during our 22-year population-based study. It indicates that medical treatments and strategies have been successful at preventing disease progression.
Kinderwunsch als genetisches Risiko?
Authors: Wehling Peter
Published: December 2014

Erweiterte präkonzeptionelle Anlageträgerscreenings auf seltene, rezessive Erkrankungen haben sich in jüngster Zeit als neuartige Form genetischer Diagnostik herausgebildet. Bisher werden Tests auf mehr als 100 Anlageträgerschaften von kommerziellen Unternehmen angeboten, eine künftige Übernahme in öffentliche Gesundheitssysteme wird jedoch bereits diskutiert. Falls Mann und Frau die gleiche rezessive Anlage tragen, eröffnet die Diagnostik ihnen verschiedene Alternativen, um die Geburt eines kranken Kindes zu vermeiden. Erweiterte Trägerscreenings haben jedoch problematische gesellschaftliche Implikationen und werfen ungelöste Fragen auf, u. a. wie die getesteten Krankheiten ausgewählt werden und wie eine angemessene genetische Beratung zu gewährleisten ist. Die Vermutung, die Etablierung solcher Screenings sei unvermeidbar, könnte sich als vorschnell erweisen.
Treacherous Sands: The EU and Terrorism in the Broader Sahel
Authors: Korteweg Rem
Published: December 2014

In the Sahel weak government institutions, porous borders, and ethnic, religious and tribal tensions enable organised crime networks, militants and terrorist groups to operate with relative impunity. The region is now a transmission belt for instability across resource-rich northern Africa. Lucrative hostage deals and smuggling have created a close relationship between organised crime and terrorist networks. Turmoil in the Sahel influences, and is influenced by, the aftermath of the Arab revolutions. European citizens and interests are at risk. The EU has a strategy to promote security and development in the Sahel, and its military missions focus on capacity-building to stem the terrorist threat. However, the EU does not have an integrated approach to the broader Sahel.
Can rove beetles (Staphylinidae) be excluded in studies focusing on saproxylic beetles in central European beech forests?
Authors: Parmain G. , Bouget C. , Müller J. , Horak J. , Gossner M.M. , Lachat T. , Isacsson G.
Published: December 2014

Monitoring saproxylic beetle diversity, though challenging, can help identifying relevant conservation sites or key drivers of forest biodiversity, and assessing the impact of forestry practices on biodiversity. Unfortunately, monitoring species assemblages is costly, mainly due to the time spent on identification. Excluding families which are rich in specimens and species but are difficult to identify is a frequent procedure used in ecological entomology to reduce the identification cost. The Staphylinidae (rove beetle) family is both one of the most frequently excluded and one of the most species-rich saproxylic beetle families. Using a large-scale beetle and environmental dataset from 238 beech stands across Europe, we evaluated the effects of staphylinid exclusion on results in ecological forest studies. Simplified staphylinid-excluded assemblages were found to be relevant surrogates for whole assemblages. The species richness and composition of saproxylic beetle assemblages both with and without staphylinids responded congruently to landscape, climatic and stand gradients, even when the assemblages included a high proportion of staphylinid species. At both local and regional scales, the species richness as well as the species composition of staphylinid-included and staphylinid-excluded assemblages were highly positively correlated. Ranking of sites according to their biodiversity level, which either included or excluded Staphylinidae in species richness, also gave congruent results. From our results, species assemblages omitting staphylinids can be taken as efficient surrogates for complete assemblages in large scale biodiversity monitoring studies.
Theory of the plasma thruster based on the rotating electromagnetic field
Authors: Kolesnichenko Ya. I. , Lutsenko V. V. , Rudenko T. S.
Published: December 2014

A theory of electrodeless electric propulsion systems (EEPS) based on the use of the solenoid magnetic field and the rotating electromagnetic field produced by antennas is developed, which includes a study of the plasma acceleration by the Radio Frequency (RF) field and the concomitant thrust. It was assumed that the frequency of the RF field exceeds the lower hybrid frequency but is much less than the electron gyrofrequency. Relations for the thrust are obtained and analyzed. It is shown that thrust gain is significant only when the RF-induced drift velocity well exceeds the fluid velocity of the injected plasma. It is revealed that the curvature of the magnetic field lines and the plasma acceleration in the region outside the solenoid are the factors which can considerably increase the thrust. On the other hand, it is found that the axial inhomogeneity of the plasma and some other factors are unfavorable for the thrust. The obtained results can be used for the optimization of particular experiments aimed to create a new thruster for long-time space missions.
Is Equal Marriage an Anglican Ideal?
Authors: Henwood Gill
Published: December 2014

A critical conversation between the Church of England's response to the Government's consultation on Equal Civil Marriage 2012, questions arising from professional parish practice as a priest, and literature in this area of research. The article explores the theological significance of ‘equal marriage’ (equal access to marriage and equality within marriage) as a Christian possibility within the Church of England, with contemporary approaches to gender and sexuality.
Highly selective colorimetric bacteria sensing based on protein-capped nanoparticles
Authors: Qiu Suyan , Lin Zhenyu , Zhou Yaomin , Wang Donggen , Yuan Lijuan , Wei Yihua , Dai Tingcan , Luo Linguang , Chen Guonan
Published: December 2014

A rapid and cost effective colorimetric sensor has been developed for the detection of bacteria, and Bacillus subtilis was selected as an example to demonstrate the feasibility of the sensing system.
Directionality of π-holes in nitro compounds
Authors: Bauzá Antonio , Mooibroek Tiddo J. , Frontera Antonio
Published: December 2014

A statistical survey of the Cambridge Structural Database reveals that the interaction between the π-holes of nitro groups and electron-rich atoms is somewhat directional.
SO2 – yet another two-faced ligand
Authors: Li Jingbai , Rogachev Andrey Yu.
Published: December 2014

The SO2 molecule represents the unique class of systems, which show two-faced behavior. This is the case when the molecule can act as an electron donor or an electron acceptor through the same atom, depending on the environment. In this article, we report the first comprehensive theoretical investigation of the behavior of SO2 molecules in reaction with different (Lewis acidic or basic) organometallic fragments. Orbital interactions in such adducts were analyzed in detail.
Gold and silver nanoparticle monomers are non-SERS-active: a negative experimental study with silica-encapsulated Raman-reporter-coated metal colloids
Authors: Zhang Yuying , Walkenfort Bernd , Yoon Jun Hee , Schlücker Sebastian , Xie Wei
Published: December 2014

Spherical metal nanoparticle colloids prepared at low centrifugation speed show that the monomers are not SERS-active at the ensemble level.
Photo-responsive pseudorotaxanes and assemblies
Authors: Mandal Amal Kumar , Gangopadhyay Monalisa , Das Amitava
Published: December 2014

Optical responses for understanding the dynamic conformational change(s) in solution during the stimuli responsive complexation and decomplexation process(es) in a supramolecular assembly.
Mineralization pathways of organic matter deposited in a river–lake transition of the Rhone River Delta, Lake Geneva
Authors: Randlett Marie-Eve , Sollberger Sebastien , Del Sontro Tonya , Müller Beat , Corella Juan Pablo , Wehrli Bernhard , Schubert Carsten J.
Published: December 2014

During the éLEMO endeavour sediment cores were retrieved to study the degradation pathways of lacustrine organic material.
Simultaneous conversion of all cell wall components by an oleaginous fungus without chemi-physical pretreatment
Authors: Xie Shangxian , Qin Xing , Cheng Yanbing , Laskar Dhrubojyoti , Qiao Weichuan , Sun Su , Reyes Luis H. , Wang Xin , Dai Susie Y. , Sattler Scott E. , Kao Katy , Yang Bin , Zhang Xiaoyu , Yuan Joshua S.
Published: December 2014

C. echinulata FR3, a non-basidiomycete oleaginous fungus with strong lignin degradation machinery, could convert all cell wall components to lipid without chemi-physical pretreatment.
Zinc isotopic compositions of breast cancer tissue
Authors: Larner Fiona , Woodley Laura N. , Shousha Sami , Moyes Ashley , Humphreys-Williams Emma , Strekopytov Stanislav , Halliday Alex N. , Rehkämper Mark , Coombes R. Charles
Published: December 2014

Zinc isotope compositions of breast cancer tissue are significantly different compared to healthy breast tissue.
Heavy metal cation and anion sensing studies of N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-isopropylamine surface functionalized AgNPs
Authors: Vinod Kumar V. , Anthony Savarimuthu Philip
Published: December 2014

Developing coordinating ligand functionalized AgNPs for selective colorimetric sensing of multiple metal cations and anions with distinguishable colors.
Asymmetric syntheses of three-membered heterocycles using chiral amide-based ammonium ylides
Authors: Pichler Mathias , Novacek Johanna , Robiette Raphaël , Poscher Vanessa , Himmelsbach Markus , Monkowius Uwe , Müller Norbert , Waser Mario
Published: December 2014

Phenylglycinol serves as a powerful chiral auxiliary in ammonium ylide-mediated reactions to obtain chiral epoxides/aziridines with excellent stereoselectivities.
Simultaneous enhancement of fluorescence and solubility by N-alkylation and functionalization of 2-(2-thienyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]-phenanthroline with heterocyclic bridges
Authors: Peng Yu-Xin , Wang Na , Dai Yuan , Hu Bin , Ma Bin-Bin , Huang Wei
Published: December 2014

A family of TIP based aromatic heterocyclic compounds has been designed and synthesized by introducing alkyl chains and extended S-, N- and O-containing tails, where simultaneous enhancement of fluorescence and solubility has been achieved.
Application of bubble‐check algorithm to non‐binary LLR computation in QAM coded schemes
Authors: Conde‐Canencia L. , Boutillon E.
Published: December 2014

The generation of intrinsic LLR messages in non‐binary (NB) coded schemes associated with quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) is considered. It is shown that the intrinsic LLR message generation corresponds to the same kind of computation as the one performed at the elementary check nodes in extended min‐sum NB‐LDPC decoders, i.e. finding a given number of minimum values in a structured set. It is proposed to use the bubble‐check algorithm for the LLR calculation to benefit from two advantages: low‐complexity hardware architecture and sharing the same hardware at the demapping and the decoding steps.
Characterisation of THz emission from double‐metal‐patterned gallium–arsenide multiple emitters
Authors: Gow P.C. , McBryde D. , Berry S.A. , Barnes M.E. , Apostolopoulos V.
Published: December 2014

Multiplexed gallium–arsenide (GaAs)‐based terahertz (THz) emitters fabricated with periodic double‐metal structures are demonstrated and the effect of different metals on the THz output is investigated. THz emission originates from the lateral photo‐Dember effect and from the different Schottky barrier heights of the chosen metal pair. The metal combinations used were Au–Al, Au–Pb and Cu–Cr. The emitters were characterised according to temperature and the highest peak‐to‐peak THz emission was achieved with the Cu–Cr metal pairing at 150 K.
Integrated OCSVM mechanism for intrusion detection in SCADA systems
Authors: Maglaras Leandros A. , Jiang Jianmin , Cruz Tiago
Published: December 2014

Intrusion detection in real‐time systems is a problem without a profound solution. In supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems the absence of a defence mechanism that can cope with different types of intrusions is of great importance. False positive alarms or mistakes regarding the origin of the intrusion mean severe costs for the system. An integrated one‐class support vector machine (OCSVM) mechanism that is distributed in a SCADA network is presented, as a part of an intrusion detection system, providing accurate information about the origin and the time of an intrusion. The module reads the network traffic, splits traffic according to the source of the packets and creates a cluster of OCSVM models. These trained models run in parallel and can accurately and fast recognise different types of attacks.
Deep brain stimulation lead design to reduce radio‐frequency heating in MRI
Authors: Jiang Changqing , Mo Xiaolong , Ding Jianqi , Dong Yantao , Zhang Feng , Hao Hongwei , Li Luming
Published: December 2014

Radio‐frequency (RF) induced heating at the electrodes of the deep brain stimulation lead is a major concern when used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A novel lead design is proposed to address this problem. By adopting a coil with non‐uniform diameters, the maximal temperature rise measured in a standard phantom is reduced from 4.6 to 2.0°C, with an average reduction of 59%. The suppression of RF heating is probably achieved because of the alteration of the transmission line parameters of the lead by the novel design. The details of the design, experiment validation and discussion of the mechanisms are presented.
Single‐image super‐resolution in RGB space via group sparse representation
Authors: Cheng Ming , Wang Cheng , Li Jonathan
Published: December 2014

Super‐resolution (SR) is the problem of generating a high‐resolution (HR) image from one or more low‐resolution (LR) images. This study presents a new approach to single‐image super‐resolution based on group sparse representation. Two dictionaries are constructed corresponding to the LR and HR image patches, respectively. The sparse coefficients of an input LR image patch in terms of the LR dictionary are used to recover the HR patch from the HR dictionary. When constructing the dictionaries, the three colour channels in a training image patch are considered a group composed of three atoms. The whole group is selected simultaneously when representing an image patch so that the correlations between the colour channels can be retained. A dictionary training method is also designed in which the two dictionaries are trained jointly to ensure that the corresponding LR and HR patches have the same sparse coefficients. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and its robustness to noise.
Effect of manganese doping on optical and magnetic properties of titanium dioxide nanostructures prepared by hydrothermal technique in the presence of thiourea
Authors: Zamiri Golnoush , Zakaria A. , Hussein M.Z.B. , Zamiri R. , Rebelo A. , Abbastabar Ahangar H.
Published: December 2014

Manganese (Mn)‐doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanostructures were synthesised by hydrothermal reaction of TiO2 and Mn acetate with ethylenediamine and thiourea. The prepared samples were characterised by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Characterisation of samples confirmed the formation of pure and crystalline nanostructures. Photoluminescence spectroscopy was carried out to study the optical properties of the pure and Mn‐doped TiO2 nanostructures. A vibrating sample magnetometer was used to study the magnetic properties of the prepared Mn‐doped TiO2 nanostructures.
Fingering dynamics on the adsorbed solute with influence of less viscous and strong sample solvent
Authors: Rana Chinar , Mishra Manoranjan
Published: December 2014

Viscous fingering is a hydrodynamic instability that sets in when a low viscous fluid displaces a high viscous fluid and creates complex patterns in porous media flows. Fundamental facets of the displacement process, such as the solute concentration distribution, spreading length, and the solute mixing, depend strongly on the type of pattern created by the unstable interface of the underlying fluids. In the present study, the frontal interface of the sample shows viscous fingering and the strong solvent causes the retention of the solute to depend on the solvent concentration. This work presents a computational investigation to explore the effect of the underlying physico-chemical phenomena, (i.e., the combined effects of solvent strength, retention, and viscous fingering) on the dynamics of the adsorbed solute. A linear adsorption isotherm has been assumed between the mobile and stationary phases of the solute. We carried out the numerical simulations by considering a rectangular Hele-Shaw cell as an analog to 2D-porous media containing a three component system (displacing fluid, sample solvent, solute) to map out the evolution of the solute concentration. We observed that viscous fingering at the frontal interface of the strong sample solvent intensifies the band broadening of the solute zone. Also notable increase in the spreading dynamics of the solute has been observed for less viscous and strong sample solvent as compared to the high viscous sample slices or in the pure dispersive case. On the contrary, the solute gets intensively mixed at early times for more viscous sample in comparison to less viscous one. The results of the simulations are in qualitative agreement with the behavior observed in the liquid chromatography column experiments.
Synaptic long-term potentiation realized in Pavlov's dog model based on a NiOx-based memristor
Authors: Hu S. G. , Liu Y. , Liu Z. , Chen T. P. , Yu Q. , Deng L. J. , Yin Y. , Hosaka Sumio
Published: December 2014

Synaptic Long-Term Potentiation (LTP), which is a long-lasting enhancement in signal transmission between neurons, is widely considered as the major cellular mechanism during learning and memorization. In this work, a NiOx-based memristor is found to be able to emulate the synaptic LTP. Electrical conductance of the memristor is increased by electrical pulse stimulation and then spontaneously decays towards its initial state, which resembles the synaptic LTP. The lasting time of the LTP in the memristor can be estimated with the relaxation equation, which well describes the conductance decay behavior. The LTP effect of the memristor has a dependence on the stimulation parameters, including pulse height, width, interval, and number of pulses. An artificial network consisting of three neurons and two synapses is constructed to demonstrate the associative learning and LTP behavior in extinction of association in Pavlov's dog experiment.
Initiation process and propagation mechanism of positive streamer discharge in water
Authors: Fujita Hidemasa , Kanazawa Seiji , Ohtani Kiyonobu , Komiya Atsuki , Kaneko Toshiro , Sato Takehiko
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study was to clarify the initiation process and the propagation mechanism of positive underwater streamers under the application of pulsed voltage with a duration of 10 μs, focusing on two different theories of electrical discharges in liquids: the bubble theory and the direct ionization theory. The initiation process, which is the time lag from the beginning of voltage application to streamer inception, was found to be related to the bubble theory. In this process, Joule heating resulted in the formation of a bubble cluster at the tip of a needle electrode. Streamer inception was observed from the tip of a protrusion on the surface of this bubble cluster, which acted as a virtual sharp electrode to enhance the local electric field to a level greater than 10 MV/cm. Streak imaging of secondary streamer propagation showed that luminescence preceded gas channel generation, suggesting a mechanism of direct ionization in water. Streak imaging of primary streamer propagation revealed intermittent propagation, synchronized with repetitive pulsed currents. Shadowgraph imaging of streamers synchronized with the light emission signal indicated the possibility of direct ionization in water for primary streamer propagation as well as for secondary streamer propagation.
Love Bugs: promoting sexual health among young people in Samoa
Authors: Heard Emma , Auvaa Leveti , Pickering Charlotte
Published: December 2014

Issue

This project addressed the sexual health and well being of youth in Samoa; a key at‐risk group experiencing high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and alienation from sexual health services.

Methods

Love Bugs included a health promotion event held at the National University of Samoa (NUS), exposing young people to sexual health information and developing personal skills and building self‐efficacy around healthy relationships, communication and safer sex. A survey provided insights into participants' knowledge and perceptions of sexual health, STIs and healthy relationships. In response to survey results, six free condom dispensers were installed at NUS.

Results

Love Bugs exposed over 500 Samoan youth to positive sexual health information and provided an opportunity for personal skill development with regard to protecting sexual health and well being. Condom dispensers were developed and installed on the university campus for the ongoing access by students without concern of cost or embarrassment. Strong partnerships were built between key community and government stakeholders that encouraged collaborative action towards protecting sexual health and well being of Samoan youth.

Conclusions

Love Bugs was a successful initiative which addressed sexual health and well being of young people in Samoa. A comprehensive evaluation should be undertaken.