bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endophyte species influence the biomass production of the native grassAchnatherum sibiricum(L.) Keng under high nitrogen availability
Authors: Li Xia , Zhou Yong , Mace Wade , Qin Junhua , Liu Hui , Chen Wei , Ren Anzhi , Gao Yubao
Published: November 2016

Research on the interaction of endophytes and native grasses normally takes infection status into account, but less often considers the species of endophyte involved in the interaction. Here, we examined the effect of endophyte infection, endophyte species, nitrogen availability, and plant maternal genotype on the performance of a wild grass,Achnatherum sibiricum. Six differentEpichloë‐infected maternal lines ofA. sibiricumwere used in the study; three lines harboredEpichloë gansuensis(Eg), while three lines harboredEpichloë sibirica(Es). These endophytes are vertically transmitted, whileEgalso occasionally produces stromata on host tillers. We experimentally removed the endophyte from some ramets of the six lines, with the infected (E+) and uninfected (E−) plants grown under varying levels of nitrogen availability.Eghosts produced more aboveground biomass thanEshosts only under high nitrogen supply. Endophyte species did not show any influence on the maximum net photosynthetic rate (Pmax), photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency, or total phenolics ofA. sibiricumunder all nitrogen conditions. However, the plant maternal genotype did influence thePmaxand shoot biomass ofA. sibiricum. Our results show that endophyte species influenced the shoot biomass ofA. sibiricum, and this effect was dependent on nitrogen supply. As with most coevolutionary interactions,A. sibiricumthat harboredEgandEsmay show pronounced geographic variation in natural habitats with increased nitrogen deposition. In addition, stroma‐bearing endophyte (Eg) provides positive effects (e.g., higher biomass production) toA. sibiricumplants during the vegetative growth stage.
Dual‐opposite injection capillary electrophoresis: Principles and misconceptions
Authors: Blackney Donna M. , Foley Joe P.
Published: November 2016

Dual‐opposite injection capillary electrophoresis (DOI‐CE) is a separation technique that utilizes both ends of the capillary for sample introduction. The electroosmotic flow (EOF) is suppressed to allow all ions to reach the detector quickly. Depending on the individual electrophoretic mobilities of the analytes of interest and the effective length that each analyte travels to the detection window, the elution order of analytes in a DOI‐CE separation can vary widely. This review discusses the principles, applications, and limitations of dual‐opposite injection capillary electrophoresis. Common misconceptions regarding DOI‐CE are clarified.
Electrochemical Noise as a Diagnostic Tool for PEMFC
Authors: Denisov E. S. , Evdokimov Y. K. , Martemianov S. , Thomas A. , Adiutantov N.
Published: November 2016

A promising direction for improving proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is the increase of their reliability and operating time without failure. Therefore, the problem of a reliable diagnostic tool is important. It has been theoretically deduced that a non uniform current distribution causes the increase of power spectral density of the flicker‐noise component of electrical fluctuations, which was experimentally confirmed for the case of excess humidification. Theoretical investigations allow to conclude that other reasons of current non uniformity, for example incorrect stoichiometry, can lead to similar results as well. Experimental findings show that the behavior and parameters of electrical fluctuations depend on the fuel cell operation mode and technical state of its components. This paper shows that electrical fluctuations reflect physical processes inside the fuel cell. Thus, the electrical fluctuations can be considered as a reliable diagnostics tool for PEMFC.
Multistage dolomitization in the Qal'eh Dokhtar Formation (Middle‐Upper Jurassic), Central Iran: petrographic and geochemical evidence
Authors: Sabbagh Bajestani Mahnaz , Mahboubi Asadollah , Al‐Aasm Ihsan , Moussavi‐Harami Reza , Nadjafi Mahdi
Published: November 2016

The late Jurassic Qal'eh Dokhtar Formation lithologically comprises three parts, from bottom to top, a lower sandstone unit, middle shale unit and an upper carbonate unit, which extend in a N–S direction over a wide area to the east of the Shotori Range and west of the Lut Block (Central Iran). This succession was deposited on a mixed carbonate–siliciclastic ramp. Carbonate rocks of the Qal'eh Dokhtar Formation vary from undolomitized, to partly dolomitized, to completely dolomitized. Field observations from two measured sections (the type section, 955 m thick, and the Sorond section, 639 m thick), combined with detailed petrographic and geochemical analyses, revealed the diverse types of dolomite in this formation. Five types of replacement dolomite and one type of dolomite cement were distinguished. Replacement dolomites (RD) consist of: (1) fine crystalline planar‐s (RD1); (2) medium crystalline planar‐s (RD2); (3) medium crystalline planar‐e (RD3); (4) coarse crystalline planar‐s (RD4); and (5) coarse crystalline planar‐e (RD5). Coarse crystalline planar dolomite cements (DC) were observed in low abundance and filling dissolution voids and fractures. Variation in dolomite types is mainly related to early to late diagenetic processes leading to changes in composition of the dolomitizing fluids. Replacement dolomites are non‐stoichiometric (Ca43‐56–Mg34‐45) with Sr, Mn and Fe concentrations of 41–138 ppm, 168–919 ppm and 5000–21000 ppm, respectively. These dolomites are characterized by δ18O values ranging from 0.0 to –11.8 ‰ VPDB and δ13C values of +1.1 to +3.2 ‰ VPDB. These values are depleted in δ18O relative to the postulated values for late Jurassic dolomites precipitated in equilibrium with seawater, while δ13C values are within the range of Jurassic seawater dolomite values. Fluid inclusion data of RD4, RD5 and DC yield homogenization temperatures of 72 to 118 °C. Based on petrographic, fluid inclusion microthermometric data and geochemical results, the replacement dolomites in the Qal'eh Dokhtar Formation are interpreted to have formed in the subsurface at shallow to intermediate burial depths. These dolomites were then recrystallized at increased burial depths and temperatures. Seawater was the major source of Mg2+ for early diagenetic dolomite (DR1), while Mg2+ for late diagenetic dolomites was provided from diagenesis of clay minerals in shales and mechanical compaction of mudstone in the Qal'eh Dokhtar Formation. The dolomite cement is postdated by coarsely crystalline mosaic calcite cement indicating that diagenetic fluids eventually became undersaturated with respect to dolomite and oversaturated with respect to calcite. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tissue integrity, costs and time associated with different agents for histological bone preparation
Authors: Abrantes Adelino António Artur , Rafacho Alex , Rivero Elena Riet Correa , Mariano Fernanda Viviane , Siqueira Filipe Modolo , Gondak Rogério Oliveira
Published: November 2016

The selection of an appropriate demineralizing solution in pathology laboratories depends on several factors such as the preservation of cellularity, urgency of diagnostic and financial costs. The aim of this study was to test different decalcification bone procedures in order to establish the best value of these in formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded samples. Femurs were removed from 13 adult male Wistar rats to obtain 130 bone disks randomly divided into five groups that were demineralized in different concentrations of nitric acid (Group I); formic acid (Group II); acetic acid (Group III); EDTA, pH7.4 (Group IV) and Morsés solution (Group V). Serial, 3‐μm‐thick sections were obtained and stained with hematoxylin‐eosin to calculate the percentage of osteocyte‐occupied lacunae. The sections were also stained with Masson's trichrome in conjunction with picrosirius red under polarized light followed by a semi‐quantitative analysis to verify the adjacent muscle‐to‐bone integrity and preservation of collagen fibres. The highest percentage of osteocyte‐occupied lacunae was found with 10% acetic acid solution (95.64 ± 0.95%) and Group I (nitric acid) demanded the shorter time (0.8–5.7days). Of all solutions, 5% nitric acid incurred the lowest cost to achieve complete demineralization compared with other solutions (p < .001). Group IV (EDTA) had the highest integrity of muscle and collagen type I and III (P < 0.01). Demineralization with 10% acetic acid was the most effective at preserving bone tissue, while 5% EDTA was the best at maintaining collagen and adjacent muscle to bone. In conclusion, nitric acid at 5% showed the most efficient result as it balanced both time and cost as a demineralizing solution.
Joint L2,1 Norm and Fisher Discrimination Constrained Feature Selection for Rational Synthesis of Microporous Aluminophosphates
Authors: Qi Miao , Wang Ting , Yi Yugen , Gao Na , Kong Jun , Wang Jianzhong
Published: November 2016

Feature selection has been regarded as an effective tool to help researchers understand the generating process of data. For mining the synthesis mechanism of microporous AlPOs, this paper proposes a novel feature selection method by joint l2,1 norm and Fisher discrimination constraints (JNFDC). In order to obtain more effective feature subset, the proposed method can be achieved in two steps. The first step is to rank the features according to sparse and discriminative constraints. The second step is to establish predictive model with the ranked features, and select the most significant features in the light of the contribution of improving the predictive accuracy. To the best of our knowledge, JNFDC is the first work which employs the sparse representation theory to explore the synthesis mechanism of six kinds of pore rings. Numerical simulations demonstrate that our proposed method can select significant features affecting the specified structural property and improve the predictive accuracy. Moreover, comparison results show that JNFDC can obtain better predictive performances than some other state‐of‐the‐art feature selection methods.
Considerations for Fast Cook‐Off Simulations
Authors: Gross Matthew L. , Hedman Trevor D. , Meredith Karl V.
Published: November 2016

Various aspects of fast cook‐off simulations are explored with a spatially one‐dimensional, fully transient numerical model. The model is applied to HMX and consists of equations for the solid (condensed) phase, the gas phase, and the surrounding steel container. The condensed phase HMX decomposition reactions are described by distributed kinetics. The gas phase description includes a detailed chemistry model for the combustion of HMX. Results are presented that outline considerations for simulating fast cook‐off ignition. It is found that small changes in the heat path, such as air gaps, significantly change the predicted ignition time for fast cook‐off, but have minimal effect on slow cook‐off predictions. Simulations indicate that an average heat flux can be used in place of the temporally varying heat flux created by a pool fire. A method is outlined to predict time‐to‐ignition using lab‐scale empirical data instead of directly implementing decomposition kinetics of an energetic material into a simulation.
Charge Accumulation Spectroscopy for Investigating Organic Photovoltaic Stability
Authors: Pachoumi Olympia , Nasrallah Iyad , Sirringhaus Henning
Published: November 2016

In order to better understand the degradation mechanisms of inverted organic photovoltaics (OPV), a recently developed spectroscopic technique, charge accumulation spectroscopy, is applied. First, the application of this high‐resolution optical spectroscopy technique to OPV devices is demonstrated by detecting the polaronic absorption in a PTB7 (polythienothiophene derivative):PC70BM inverted OPV device and then the technique is used to investigate in situ device operational stability. The device instabilities are identified under operational conditions in vacuum leading to significant losses in open‐circuit voltage and fill factor (20% and 10%, respectively, after 80 h of white‐light exposure in vacuum), which are correlated to an interfacial charge‐transfer mechanism between the metal oxide and photoactive layers. It is suggested that under these conditions 0.2% of the PC70BM molecules become anions due to charge transfer from a highly doped ZnSrO layer leading to device degradation due to enhanced trap‐assisted recombination.
Association Study of Arcuate Nucleus Neuropeptide Y Neuron Receptor Gene Variation And Serum Npy Levels in Clozapine Treated Patients With Schizophrenia
Authors: Klemettilä J.-P. , Kampman O. , Solismaa A. , Lyytikäinen L.-P. , Seppälä N. , Viikki M. , Hämäläinen M. , Moilanen E. , Mononen N. , Lehtimäki T. , Leinonen E.
Published: November 2016

Background

Antipsychotic-induced weight gain (AIWG) leads to metabolic consequences and comorbidity, social stigmatization and nonadherence in patients with schizophrenia. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has an important role in appetite and body weight regulation. Associations between AIWG and serum NPY levels, and genetic polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with its serum levels have been little studied in these patients.

Subjects and methods

Associations between serum NPY concentration and other metabolic and inflammatory markers, and 215 SNPs in 21 genes (NPY gene, NPY receptor genes and genes encoding arcuate nucleus NPY neuron receptors) were studied in 180 patients with schizophrenia on clozapine treatment.

Results

The serum levels of NPY correlated with levels of resistin (r = 0.31, P < 0.001) and age (r = 0.22, P = 0.003). In the general linear univariate model the best-fitting model with explanatory factors age, serum resistin level, serum insulin level, BMI and gender explained 18.0% (P < 0.001) of the variance of serum NPY. Genetic risk score (GRSNPY) analysis found twelve significant (P < 0.05) serum NPY concentration related SNPs among α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene CHRNA7, insulin receptor gene INSR, leptin receptor gene LEPR, glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene NR3C1, and NPY gene. However, after permutation test of gene score the predictive value of GRSNPY remained non-significant (P = 0.078).

Conclusions

Serum NPY level does not seem to be a feasible biomarker of AIWG. Serum NPY level alterations are not significantly associated with the candidate gene polymorphisms studied.
Curricular Messages: How State Standards and Children's Books Narrate 9/11
Authors: Bellows Elizabeth , Bodle Aaron
Published: November 2016

Fifteen years later, the topic of September 11, 2001 is slowly being woven into the U.S. curricular fabric. This paper presents an analysis of the ways current U.S. state curriculum standards treat 9/11 in elementary social studies, and a critical analysis of children's books about 9/11. Finally, the authors suggest children's books that can help treat the historical event of 9/11 in more critical and thought-provoking ways in elementary classrooms, despite the topic's scant representation in state standards.
Mitochondrial transfer of mesenchymal stem cells effectively protects corneal epithelial cells from mitochondrial damage
Authors: Jiang Dan , Gao Fei , Zhang Yuelin , Wong David Sai Hung , Li Qing , Tse Hung-fat , Xu Goufeng , Yu Zhendong , Lian Qizhou
Published: November 2016

Recent studies have demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can donate mitochondria to airway epithelial cells and rescue mitochondrial damage in lung injury. We sought to determine whether MSCs could donate mitochondria and protect against oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in the cornea. Co-culturing of MSCs and corneal epithelial cells (CECs) indicated that the efficiency of mitochondrial transfer from MSCs to CECs was enhanced by Rotenone (Rot)-induced oxidative stress. The efficient mitochondrial transfer was associated with increased formation of tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) between MSCs and CECs, tubular connections that allowed direct intercellular communication. Separation of MSCs and CECs by a transwell culture system revealed no mitochiondrial transfer from MSCs to CECs and mitochondrial function was impaired when CECs were exposed to Rot challenge. CECs with or without mitochondrial transfer from MSCs displayed a distinct survival capacity and mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate. Mechanistically, increased filopodia outgrowth in CECs for TNT formation was associated with oxidative inflammation-activated NFκB/TNFαip2 signaling pathways that could be attenuated by reactive oxygen species scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment. Furthermore, MSCs grown on a decellularized porcine corneal scaffold were transplanted onto an alkali-injured eye in a rabbit model. Enhanced corneal wound healing was evident following healthy MSC scaffold transplantation. And transferred mitochondria was detected in corneal epithelium. In conclusion, mitochondrial transfer from MSCs provides novel protection for the cornea against oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial damage. This therapeutic strategy may prove relevant for a broad range of mitochondrial diseases.
Activation and cleavage of SASH1 by caspase-3 mediates an apoptotic response
Authors: Burgess Joshua T , Bolderson Emma , Adams Mark N , Baird Anne-Marie , Zhang Shu-Dong , Gately Kathy A , Umezawa Kazuo , O’Byrne Kenneth J , Richard Derek J
Published: November 2016

Apoptosis is a highly regulated cellular process that functions to remove undesired cells from multicellular organisms. This pathway is often disrupted in cancer, providing tumours with a mechanism to avoid cell death and promote growth and survival. The putative tumour suppressor, SASH1 (SAM and SH3 domain containing protein 1), has been previously implicated in the regulation of apoptosis; however, the molecular role of SASH1 in this process is still unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that SASH1 is cleaved by caspase-3 following UVC-induced apoptosis. Proteolysis of SASH1 enables the C-terminal fragment to translocate from the cytoplasm to the nucleus where it associates with chromatin. The overexpression of wild-type SASH1 or a cleaved form of SASH1 representing amino acids 231–1247 leads to an increase in apoptosis. Conversely, mutation of the SASH1 cleavage site inhibits nuclear translocation and prevents the initiation of apoptosis. SASH1 cleavage is also required for the efficient translocation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) to the nucleus. The use of the NF-κB inhibitor DHMEQ demonstrated that the effect of SASH1 on apoptosis was dependent on NF-κB, indicating a codependence between SASH1 and NF-κB for this process.
Pure crystal orientation and anisotropic charge transport in large-area hybrid perovskite films
Authors: Cho Namchul , Li Feng , Turedi Bekir , Sinatra Lutfan , Sarmah Smritakshi P. , Parida Manas R. , Saidaminov Makhsud I. , Murali Banavoth , Burlakov Victor M. , Goriely Alain , Mohammed Omar F. , Wu Tom , Bakr Osman M.
Published: November 2016

Controlling crystal orientations and macroscopic morphology is vital to develop the electronic properties of hybrid perovskites. Here we show that a large-area, orientationally pure crystalline (OPC) methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) hybrid perovskite film can be fabricated using a thermal-gradient-assisted directional crystallization method that relies on the sharp liquid-to-solid transition of MAPbI3 from ionic liquid solution. We find that the OPC films spontaneously form periodic microarrays that are distinguishable from general polycrystalline perovskite materials in terms of their crystal orientation, film morphology and electronic properties. X-ray diffraction patterns reveal that the film is strongly oriented in the (112) and (200) planes parallel to the substrate. This film is structurally confined by directional crystal growth, inducing intense anisotropy in charge transport. In addition, the low trap-state density (7.9 × 1013 cm−3) leads to strong amplified stimulated emission. This ability to control crystal orientation and morphology could be widely adopted in optoelectronic devices.
Comprehensive polymerase chain reaction assay for detection of pathogenic DNA in lymphoproliferative disorders of the ocular adnexa
Authors: Usui Yoshihiko , Rao Narsing A. , Takase Hiroshi , Tsubota Kinya , Umazume Kazuhiko , Diaz-Aguilar Daniel , Kezuka Takeshi , Mochizuki Manabu , Goto Hiroshi , Sugita Sunao
Published: November 2016

Infectious agents have been identified as a major cause of specific types of human cancers worldwide. Several microorganisms have been identified as potential aggravators of ocular adnexal neoplasms; however, given the rarity of these neoplasms, large epidemiological studies are difficult to coordinate. This study aimed to conduct an exhaustive search for pathogenic DNA in lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) of the ocular adnexa in a total of 70 patients who were diagnosed with LPD of the ocular adnexa between 2008 and 2013. Specimens were screened for bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic DNA by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative real-time PCR. Among cases of conjunctival mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, human herpes virus (HHV)-6, HHV-7, chlamydia, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA were detected. In cases of IgG4-related ocular disease, similar pathogens were detected but in a larger number of patients. Our PCR assays detected DNAs of various infectious agents in tumor specimens, especially HHV6, HHV7, and EBV, with different positive rates in various types of LPD. Chronic inflammatory stimulation or activation of oncogenes from these infectious agents might be involved in the pathogenesis of LPD of the ocular adnexa.
Next generation sequencing of benzo(a)pyrene-induced lacZ mutants identifies a germ cell-specific mutation spectrum
Authors: O’Brien Jason M. , Beal Marc A. , Yauk Carole L. , Marchetti Francesco
Published: November 2016

De novo mutations are implicated in a variety of genetic diseases and arise primarily in the male germline. We investigated whether male germ cells have unique mechanisms for spontaneous or chemically-induced mutation relative to somatic cells using the MutaMouse model. We recovered lacZ transgenes from sperm 42 days after a 28-day exposure to benzo(a)pyrene (BaP, 100 mg/kg/day) to assess mutations arising in dividing spermatogonia. BaP caused a 3.4-fold increase in lacZ mutant frequency over controls which increased to 4.1-fold after clonal correction. We then used next generation sequencing to compare the spontaneous and BaP-induced mutation spectra in sperm and bone marrow. The spontaneous spectrum in sperm had significantly more G:C to A:T transitions and fewer mutations at A:T basepairs than bone marrow. BaP predominantly induced G:C to T:A transversions in both cell types, and both were enriched for mutations at CpG dinucleotides. However, BaP induced significantly more deletions in sperm, but more G:C to A:T transitions and G:C to C:G transversions in bone marrow. Differences in error-prone translesion DNA synthesis polymerases may underlie the observed spectrum differences between sperm and bone marrow. These findings suggest that mutations in sperm can arise via mechanisms that are unique to male germ cells.
Prevalence, patterns, and predictors of meditation use among US adults: A nationally representative survey
Authors: Cramer Holger , Hall Helen , Leach Matthew , Frawley Jane , Zhang Yan , Leung Brenda , Adams Jon , Lauche Romy
Published: November 2016

Emerging evidence suggests substantial health benefits from using meditation. While there are some indications that the popularity of meditation is increasing, little is known about the prevalence, patterns, and predictors of meditation use in the general population. In this secondary analysis of data from the 2012 US National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) (n = 34,525), lifetime and 12-month prevalence of meditation use were 5.2% and 4.1%, respectively. Compared to non-users, those who had used meditation in the past 12 months were more likely to be 40–64 years, female, non-Hispanic White, living in the West, at least college-educated, not in a relationship, diagnosed with one or more chronic conditions, smoking, consuming alcohol and physically active. Meditation was mainly used for general wellness (76.2%), improving energy (60.0%), and aiding memory or concentration (50.0%). Anxiety (29.2%), stress (21.6%), and depression (17.8%) were the top health problems for which people used meditation; 63.6% reported that meditation had helped a great deal with these conditions. Only 34.8% disclosed their use of meditation with a health provider. These findings indicate that about 9.3 million US adults have used meditation in the past 12 months; and that mental health problems were the most important reason for meditation use.
Importance of the Hubbard correction on the thermal conductivity calculation of strongly correlated materials: a case study of ZnO
Authors: Consiglio Anthony , Tian Zhiting
Published: November 2016

The wide bandgap semiconductor, ZnO, has gained interest recently as a promising option for use in power electronics such as thermoelectric and piezoelectric generators, as well as optoelectronic devices. Though much work has been done to improve its electronic properties, relatively little is known of its thermal transport properties with large variations in measured thermal conductivity. In this study, we examine the effects of a Hubbard corrected energy functional on the lattice thermal conductivity of wurtzite ZnO calculated using density functional theory and an iterative solution to the Boltzmann transport equation. Showing good agreement with existing experimental measurements, and with a detailed analysis of the mode-dependence and phonon properties, the results from this study highlight the importance of the Hubbard correction in calculations of thermal transport properties of materials with strongly correlated electron systems.
CF3+and CF2H+: new reagents for n-alkane determination in chemical ionisation reaction mass spectrometry
Authors: Blake Robert S. , Ouheda Saleh A. , Evans Corey J. , Monks Paul S.
Published: November 2016

Alkanes provide a particular analytical challenge to commonly used chemical ionisation methods such as proton-transfer from water owing to their basicity.
Antibody purification via affinity membrane chromatography method utilizing nucleotide binding site targeting with a small molecule
Authors: Mustafaoglu Nur , Kiziltepe Tanyel , Bilgicer Basar
Published: November 2016

m-NBST is a small-molecule based membrane affinity chromatography system that utilizes the NBS, providing high levels of antibody recovery and purity.
DNA nanotechnology for nucleic acid analysis: multifunctional molecular DNA machine for RNA detection
Authors: Cox A. J. , Bengtson H. N. , Rohde K. H. , Kolpashchikov D. M.
Published: November 2016

The DNA machine unwinds RNA; selectively recognizes targeted fragment; attracts fluorogenic substrate and catalytically multiplies fluorescent signal.
Diffusion-controlled alteration of inhomogeneous materials: tailoring of the spatial distribution of nanoparticles in nanocomposites
Authors: Sapogova Natalia , Pikulin Alexander , Smirnov Anton A. , Bityurin Nikita
Published: November 2016

Nanocomposite materials with controlled spatial distribution of the nanoparticles can be obtained by the spatial modulation of properties of the polymer matrix.
Fine regulation of cellulose dissolution and regeneration by low pressure CO2 in DMSO/organic base: dissolution behavior and mechanism
Authors: Wang Jinfang , Xue Zhimin , Yan Chuanyu , Li Zhonghao , Mu Tiancheng
Published: November 2016

Exploring cellulose dissolving and regenerating behavior in DMSO/organic base solvent systems with the activation of low pressure CO2.
How far away are iron carbide clusters from the bulk?
Authors: Zheng Longyan , Liu Xingchen , Meng Yu , Zhou Yuwei , Guo Wenping , Peng Qing , Yang Yong , Jiao Haijun , Li Yong-Wang , Wen Xiao-Dong
Published: November 2016

Combining the basin hopping structure searching algorithm and density functional theory, the iron carbide clusters, FexCy (x ≤ 8 and y ≤ 8), and clusters with various stoichiometries (Fe2nCn, Fe3nCn, FenC2n, FenC3n and FenC4n (n = 1–7), Fe5nC2n, and Fe4nCn (n = 1–5)) are predicted.
Gadolinium-functionalized nanoparticles for application as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents via polymerization-induced self-assembly
Authors: Esser Lars , Truong Nghia P. , Karagoz Bunyamin , Moffat Bradford A. , Boyer Cyrille , Quinn John F. , Whittaker Michael R. , Davis Thomas P.
Published: November 2016

Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) is an easily applied synthetic technique for the preparation of polymer nanoparticles with various shapes and at high concentrations.
Fast water transmission of zigzag graphyne-3 nanotubes
Authors: Wu Li-Ping , Zhang Xin , Chen Yi , Chen Li-Ye , Gai Jing-Gang
Published: November 2016

We report the MD simulation of water molecules permeating fast through the wall of zigzag graphyne-3 nanotubes. The water fluxes are about 5 orders of magnitude higher than that of the commercial forward osmosis membranes.
Rapid, in situ plasma functionalization of carbon nanotubes for improved CNT/epoxy composites
Authors: Malik Rachit , McConnell Colin , Alvarez Noe T. , Haase Mark , Gbordzoe Seyram , Shanov Vesselin
Published: November 2016

In situ plasma functionalization during manufacturing of CNT/polymer composites.
Luminescence, chemical sensing and mechanical properties of crystalline materials based on lanthanide–sulfonate coordination polymers
Authors: D'Vries Richard F. , Gomez German E. , Lionello Diego F. , Fuertes M. Cecilia , Soler-Illia Galo J. A. A. , Ellena Javier
Published: November 2016

The relationship between the structural features with the mechanical, luminescent and sensing properties were studied in the compounds formed from lanthanide metals, 3-hydroxinaphthalene-2,7-disulfonate and 1,10-phenanthroline ligands.
Optical properties of biosilicas in rice plants
Authors: Sato Kanako , Yamauchi Akira , Ozaki Noriaki , Ishigure Takaaki , Oaki Yuya , Imai Hiroaki
Published: November 2016

Biosilicas in rice plants control transmission of light for the promotion of photosynthesis.
Evidence of methane adsorption over Mo2C involving single C–H bond dissociation instead of facile carbon exchange
Authors: Brush Adrianna , Mullen Gregory M. , Dupré Robin , Kota Shruti , Mullins C. Buddie
Published: November 2016

Methane adsorption on Mo2C involves a single C–H bond dissociation instead of facile carbon exchange as has been previously reported.
An effective π-extended squaraine for solution-processed organic solar cells with high efficiency
Authors: Yang Daobin , Sasabe Hisahiro , Jiao Yan , Zhuang Taojun , Huang Yan , Pu Xuemei , Sano Takeshi , Lu Zhiyun , Kido Junji
Published: November 2016

A π-extension strategy is an effective way for squaraines for achieving high-performance photovoltaic materials capable of showing much enhanced hole mobility.
A solution-processed TiS2/organic hybrid superlattice film towards flexible thermoelectric devices
Authors: Tian Ruoming , Wan Chunlei , Wang Yifeng , Wei Qingshuo , Ishida Takao , Yamamoto Atsushi , Tsuruta Akihiro , Shin Woosuck , Li Sean , Koumoto Kunihito
Published: November 2016

Solution-processed flexible TiS2/organic superlattice films may find applications in powering wearable electronics.
Triazine-core-containing star-shaped compounds as cathode interlayers for efficient inverted polymer solar cells
Authors: Liu Yuan , Zhang Wenjun , Xie Guohua , Zeng Xuan , Fang Junfeng , Yang Chuluo
Published: November 2016

Star-shaped conjugated compounds containing 1,3,5-triazine cores and fluorene arms are efficient cathode interlayers in inverted polymer solar cells.
Are phosphide nano-cages better than nitride nano-cages? A kinetic, thermodynamic and non-linear optical properties study of alkali metal encapsulated X12Y12 nano-cages
Authors: Ayub Khurshid
Published: November 2016

Density functional theory calculations have been performed for alkali metal encapsulated X12Y12 nano-cages (X = B, Al and Y = N, P) to evaluate their stability, boundary crossing barriers and optical (linear and non-linear) properties.
Structure and function of an ancestral-type β-decarboxylating dehydrogenase from Thermococcus kodakarensis
Authors: Shimizu Tetsu , Yin Lulu , Yoshida Ayako , Yokooji Yuusuke , Hachisuka Shin-ichi , Sato Takaaki , Tomita Takeo , Nishida Hiromi , Atomi Haruyuki , Kuzuyama Tomohisa , Nishiyama Makoto
Published: November 2016

β-Decarboxylating dehydrogenases, which are involved in central metabolism, are considered to have diverged from a common ancestor with broad substrate specificity. In a molecular phylogenetic analysis of 183 β-decarboxylating dehydrogenase homologs from 84 species, TK0280 from Thermococcus kodakarensis was selected as a candidate for an ancestral-type β-decarboxylating dehydrogenase. The biochemical characterization of recombinant TK0280 revealed that the enzyme exhibited dehydrogenase activities toward homoisocitrate, isocitrate, and 3-isopropylmalate, which correspond to key reactions involved in the lysine biosynthetic pathway, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and leucine biosynthetic pathway, respectively. In T. kodakarensis, the growth characteristics of the KUW1 host strain and a TK0280 deletion strain suggested that TK0280 is involved in lysine biosynthesis in this archaeon. On the other hand, gene complementation analyses using Thermus thermophilus as a host revealed that TK0280 functions as both an isocitrate dehydrogenase and homoisocitrate dehydrogenase in this organism, but not as a 3-isopropylmalate dehydrogenase, most probably reflecting its low catalytic efficiency toward 3-isopropylmalate. A crystallographic study on TK0280 binding each substrate indicated that Thr71 and Ser80 played important roles in the recognition of homoisocitrate and isocitrate while the hydrophobic region consisting of Ile82 and Leu83 was responsible for the recognition of 3-isopropylmalate. These analyses also suggested the importance of a water-mediated hydrogen bond network for the stabilization of the β3–α4 loop, including the Thr71 residue, with respect to the promiscuity of the substrate specificity of TK0280.
A low-temperature external cavity diode laser for broad wavelength tuning
Authors: Tobias William G. , Rosenberg Jason S. , Hutzler Nicholas R. , Ni Kang-Kuen
Published: November 2016

We report on the design and characterization of a low-temperature external cavity diode laser (ECDL) system for broad wavelength tuning. The performance achieved with multiple diode models addresses the scarcity of commercial red laser diodes below 633 nm, which is a wavelength range relevant to the spectroscopy of many molecules and ions. Using a combination of multiple-stage thermoelectric cooling and water cooling, the operating temperature of a laser diode is lowered to −64 °C, more than 85 °C below the ambient temperature. The laser system integrates temperature and diffraction grating feedback tunability for coarse and fine wavelength adjustments, respectively. For two different diode models, single-mode operation is achieved with 38 mW output power at 616.8 nm and 69 mW at 622.6 nm, more than 15 nm below their ambient temperature free-running wavelengths. The ECDL design can be used for diodes of any available wavelength, allowing individual diodes to be tuned continuously over tens of nanometers and extending the wavelength coverage of commercial laser diodes.
Soft X-ray emission from molybdenum plasmas generated by dual laser pulses
Authors: Lokasani Ragava , Arai Goki , Kondo Yoshiki , Hara Hiroyuki , Dinh Thanh-Hung , Ejima Takeo , Hatano Tadashi , Jiang Weihua , Makimura Tetsuya , Li Bowen , Dunne Padraig , O'Sullivan Gerry , Higashiguchi Takeshi , Limpouch Jiri
Published: November 2016

We demonstrate efficient enhancement of soft X-ray (SXR) emission from molybdenum plasmas produced using dual pulse irradiation, in which 10-ns and 150-ps pre-pulses were followed by a 150-ps main pulse. The number of photons was observed to be 5.3 × 1016 photons/sr, which corresponded to a conversion efficiency of 1.5%/sr in λ = 2.34–4.38 nm region at a pulse separation time of 1 ns with the 150-ps pre-pulse. The conversion efficiency became 1.3 times as large as that produced by a single pulse. The results indicate the advantage of dual pulse irradiation using sub-ns pre-and main pulses to produce the bright plasmas required for applications such as laboratory based SXR microscopy.
Photodissociation Study of Ca+-Dipropylamine Complex
Authors: Chen Xi-ya , Jin Bing , Cheng Yuan , Wang Dong-sheng , Yang Shi-he
Published: November 2016

Gas-phase Ca+-dipropylamine complex has been subjected to photodissociation (400–690 nm). One reactive product, Ca+-NHC3H7, is detected only in the region of 450–528 nm, besides the evaporation fragment of Ca+, which is dominant throughout the whole spectral region we have studied. The photoreaction channel may be explained in terms of a metal insertion mechanism. The calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental observations.
Enteric methane emissions, intake, and performance of young Nellore bulls fed different sources of forage in concentrate-rich diets containing crude glycerine
Authors: Ribeiro A. F. , Messana J. D. , Neto A. José , Lage J. F. , Fiorentini G. , Vieira B. R. , Berchielli T. T.
Published: November 2016

Forty young Nellore bulls were used to determine the effects of different sources of forage in concentrate-rich diets containing crude glycerine on feed intake, performance, and enteric methane emissions. Ten animals (397 ± 34 kg and 20 ± 2 months of age) were slaughtered to estimate the initial carcass weights, and the remaining 30 animals (417 ± 24.7) were randomly assigned to three treatments with 10 replicates. The treatments consisted of three different sources of forage [NDF from forage (fNDF) was fixed 15% of dry matter]; corn silage, sugarcane, and sugarcane bagasse; in diets rich in concentrates with 10% dry matter crude glycerine. There were no differences in the intake of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, gross energy, or metabolisable energy. No effects of the type of forage were observed on performance or enteric methane emissions. These results suggest that alternatives to corn silage that have high fibre content, such as sugarcane and sugarcane bagasse, do not significantly affect the intake, performance, or enteric methane emissions of young Nellore bulls.
Evaluation of the implementation of Get Healthy at Work, a workplace health promotion program in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Khanal Santosh , Lloyd Beverley , Rissel Chris , Portors Claire , Grunseit Anne , Indig Devon , Ibrahim Ismail , McElduff Sinead
Published: November 2016

Issue addressed

Get Healthy at Work (GHaW) is a statewide program to reduce chronic disease risk among NSW workers by helping them make small changes to modifiable lifestyle chronic disease risk factors and create workplace environments that support healthy lifestyles. It has two primary components: a workplace health program (WHP) for businesses and online or face‐to‐face Brief Health Checks (BHCs) for workers. In this paper, we discuss our evaluation to identify areas for improvement in the implementation of WHP and to assess the uptake of BHCs by workers.

Methods

Routinely collected WHP and BHC program data between July 2014 and February 2016 were analysed. A baseline online survey regarding workplace health promotion was conducted with 247 key contacts at registered GHaW worksites and a control group of 400 key contacts from a range of businesses. Seven telephone interviews were conducted with service provider key contacts.

Results

As at February 2016, 3133 worksites (from 1199 businesses) across NSW had registered for GHaW, of which 36.8% started the program. Similar proportions of GHaW (34.0%) and control (31.7%) businesses had existing WHPs. BHCs were completed by 12 740 workers, and of those whose risks were assessed, 78.9% had moderate or high risk of diabetes and 33.6% had increased or high risk of cardiovascular disease. Approximately half (50.6%) of eligible BHC participants were referred to Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service (GHS) and 37.7% to Quitline. The uptake of face‐to‐face BHCs compared with online was significantly higher for males, people aged over 35 years, those undertaking less physical activity and those less likely to undertake active travel to work. Service providers suggested that the program's structured five‐step pathway did not offer adequate flexibility to support worksites' progress through the program.

Conclusions

During the evaluation period, a substantial number of NSW worksites registered for GHaW but their progress was slow because of the limited flexibility offered by the program model.

So what?

Workplace‐based health promotion programs have potential to reach people at risk of chronic disease, but the implementation of such programs need to be more flexible than traditional health promotion programs in terms of delivery modes and timeframes.
Sectoral system capacity development in health promotion: evaluation of an Aboriginal nutrition program
Authors: Genat Bill , Browne Jennifer , Thorpe Sharon , MacDonald Catherine
Published: November 2016

Issue addressed

The study examined effective ways to build the capacity of health organisations and professionals in the public health sector to reduce Aboriginal chronic disease risk factors. It investigated the capacity‐building strategies of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) nutrition team in the facilitation of the statewide implementation of the Victorian Aboriginal Nutrition and Physical Activity Strategy 2009–2014 (VANPAS).

Methods

Using a qualitative design, the study analysed the VACCHO program from 2009–2014 across five domains of capacity development: workforce, resources, organisations, partnerships and leadership. Data were sourced from archival program documents and 62 semi‐structured participant interviews.

Results

Diverse Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal professional, organisation representatives and community participants engaged in the implementation of the VANPAS. The VACCHO team used the VANPAS to solidify participant buy‐in, strengthen workforce effectiveness, increase health promotion and resource appropriateness, improve organisational policy and build an evidence‐base through collaborative dialogue using action‐reflection principles.

Conclusion

A credible, high‐profile Aboriginal community led and evidence‐based statewide program and a commitment to dialogue through action‐reflection provided a meaningful basis for both Aboriginal community and mainstream organisational engagement. Upon this foundation, the VACCHO team built a coherent sectoral system with increased capacity to enhance the nutrition of Aboriginal Victorians.

So what?

In an historical context of mistrust and unmet expectations, program implementation methods that build confidence amongst collaborating Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal health agencies is fundamental to building capacity to enhance Aboriginal nutrition and health.
Charles Angas Hurst 1923–2011
Authors: Carey Alan , Lohe M. A.
Published: November 2016

Charles Angas Hurst was born in Adelaide, SouthAustralia, on 22 September 1923 and died in Adelaide on 19 October 2011. He was internationally renowned as a mathematical physicist, making seminal contributions to the understanding of perturbation expansions in quantum field theory, to statistical mechanical models, and other topics in mathematical physics. He was a fine ambassador for his country and for Australian science. His commitment extended beyond physics and mathematical physics, for he was always interested in fostering links across disciplines and with science internationally, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
Donald Metcalf 1929–2014
Authors: Nicola Nicos A.
Published: November 2016

Donald Metcalf was one of Australia's most distinguished medical researchers and is acknowledged internationally as the father of the modern field of haemopoietic growth factors. He defined the hierarchy of haemopoietic progenitor cells, purified and cloned the major molecular regulators of their growth and maturation, determined their mechanisms of action and participated in their development for clinical use in cancer patients. He received numerous awards and distinctions during his career, but was most pleased by the fact that his life's work improved human health.
Elemental Micro-analysis of Organic Compounds: the Australian Experience
Authors: Rae Ian D.
Published: November 2016

Combustion methods for elemental analysis developed in Europewere adopted by Australian chemists, some of whom undertook training in the Pregl laboratory in Graz, the centre of microanalytical expertise. Microanalytical services developed slowly at the Universities of Sydney and Melbourne. After World War 2 the University of Melbourne and Australia's Council for Scientific and Industrial Research combined to bring German experts to Australia. One of them, Dr K. W. Zimmermann, headed the Australian Microanalytical Service in Melbourne that met the needs of Australian chemists and some overseas customers for four decades. Zimmermann also trained a chemist from Singapore, Mrs Tong Hee Keong, who returned to establish a microanalytical service there. Smaller facilities continued at some Australian universities but most of these closed as the need for micro analyses waned. Simple analyses could be conducted with modern auto-analyzers, but the use of mass spectroscopy to determine accurate molecular masses could obviate the need for combustion analysis. Two university services remain, and a microanalytical service in New Zealand has served Australian customers in recent years.
Was Everything Bigger in Texas? Characterization and Trends of a Land-Based Recreational Shark Fishery
Authors: Ajemian Matthew J. , Jose Philip D. , Froeschke John T. , Wildhaber Mark L. , Stunz Gregory W.
Published: November 2016

Although current assessments of shark population trends involve both fishery-independent and fishery-dependent data, the latter are generally limited to commercial landings that may neglect nearshore coastal habitats. Texas has supported the longest organized land-based recreational shark fishery in the United States, yet no studies have used this “non-traditional” data source to characterize the catch composition or trends in this multidecadal fishery. We analyzed catch records from two distinct periods straddling heavy commercial exploitation of sharks in the Gulf of Mexico (historical period = 1973–1986; modern period = 2008–2015) to highlight and make available the current status and historical trends in Texas’ land-based shark fishery. Catch records describing large coastal species (>1,800 mm stretched total length [STL]) were examined using multivariate techniques to assess catch seasonality and potential temporal shifts in species composition. These fishery-dependent data revealed consistent seasonality that was independent of the data set examined, although distinct shark assemblages were evident between the two periods. Similarity percentage analysis suggested decreased contributions of Lemon Shark Negaprion brevirostris over time and a general shift toward the dominance of Bull Shark Carcharhinus leucas and Blacktip Shark C. limbatus. Comparisons of mean STL for species captured in historical and modern periods further identified significant decreases for both Bull Sharks and Lemon Sharks. Size structure analysis showed a distinct paucity of landed individuals over 2,000 mm STL in recent years. Although inherent biases in reporting and potential gear-related inconsistencies undoubtedly influenced this fishery-dependent data set, the patterns in our findings documented potential declines in the size and occurrence of select large coastal shark species off Texas, consistent with declines reported in the Gulf of Mexico. Future management efforts should consider the use of non-traditional fishery-dependent data sources, such as land-based records, as data streams in stock assessments.

Received January 8, 2016; accepted August 17, 2016