bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A rapid, high-yield and large-scale synthesis of uniform spherical silver nanoparticles by a microwave-assisted polyol process
Authors: Helmlinger Jens , Heise Martin , Heggen Marc , Ruck Michael , Epple Matthias
Published: October 2015

Silver nanoparticles, often applied in medical devices and consumer products, can be conveniently prepared by microwave-based synthesis.
Hollow Ag/carbon microporous spheres with high catalytic activity based on a bio-inspiration polydopamine reaction platform
Authors: Zhang Qian , Zhou Chen , Huang Aisheng
Published: October 2015

Based on polydopamine reaction platform, hollow Ag/carbon microporous spheres with high catalytic activity were prepared through a template-assisted method, which is promising to replace other noble metal catalysts in metal catalytic reactions.
In situ controllable synthesis of graphene oxide-based ternary magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer hybrid for efficient enrichment and detection of eight microcystins
Authors: Pan Sheng-Dong , Chen Xiao-Hong , Li Xiao-Ping , Cai Mei-Qiang , Shen Hao-Yu , Zhao Yong-Gang , Jin Mi-Cong
Published: October 2015

A novel graphene oxide-based ternary magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer hybrid was synthesized for highly efficient enrichment and sensitive detection of microcystins.
Double filler reinforced ionomers: a new approach to the design of composite membranes for fuel cell applications
Authors: Donnadio Anna , Pica Monica , Carbone Alessandra , Gatto Irene , Posati Tamara , Mariangeloni Giada , Casciola Mario
Published: October 2015

A novel approach to reinforce polymer electrolytes for fuel cells was developed by using hydrophilic zirconium phosphate and hydrophobic fluoroalkyl zirconium phosphate as a two-component mixed filler.
Inverted and large flexible organic light-emitting diodes with low operating voltage
Authors: Tang Xun , Ding Lei , Sun Yan-Qiu , Xie Yue-Min , Deng Ya-Li , Wang Zhao-Kui , Liao Liang-Sheng
Published: October 2015

Green phosphorescent inverted organic light-emitting diodes (IOLEDs) with 1,4,5,8,9,11-hexaazatriphenylene-hexacarbonitrile (HAT-CN)/aluminium/n-doped 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (Bphen) used as an electron injection layer (EIL) were demonstrated.
Structured sparse representation of residue in screen content video coding
Authors: Kang J.‐W.
Published: October 2015

A novel transform method providing a regionally structured sparse model of residue for a video coding is proposed. Conventional learning‐based video coding methods consider only the number of transformed coefficients in a dictionary construction but disregard any structural form of residue. A structural form of coefficients is used for another factor, specified by a set of local block patterns, in a transform design so as to yield the regionally compact distribution of the coefficients. A transform coefficient coding method is also developed because the distribution of the coefficients is different with that of conventional transforms. It is demonstrated with experiments that the proposed method outperforms the coding efficiency and visual quality over high efficiency video coding/screen content coding reference software.
Maximising power‐transfer efficiency in low‐power DC–DC converters
Authors: Damodaran Prabha R. , Rincón‐Mora G.A.
Published: October 2015

Wireless microsensors can add energy‐ and life‐saving intelligence to remote and inaccessible places like factories, hospitals and so on. For this, they normally house sensors, data converters, digital processors, memory, transmitters, and power supplies. Although some of these functions can demand milliwatts at a time, the events monitored are typically so sporadic and sparse in time that average consumption is in microwatts. Still, tiny batteries cannot supply power for long, so power supplies cannot afford to burn much power. This is why reducing the power that switched‐inductor supplies lose when delivering microwatts is critical. For these power levels, balancing switches to deliver fixed energy packets in discontinuous‐conduction mode and adjusting their frequency to modify power level is the most efficient means of managing a DC–DC converter. In other words, fixing the inductor's peak current and adjusting frequency is more efficient than fixing frequency and adjusting peak current. In fact, experimental measurements show that fixing peak current to 6 mA and adjusting frequency to supply up to 250 µW is 2–10% more efficient than fixing frequencies at 40, 80, and 120 kHz and 1.4–7% more efficient than fixing currents at 5 and 10 mA.
Near‐field communication method using smartphone LCD luminescence
Authors: Oh B.‐H. , Hong K.‐S.
Published: October 2015

In this Letter, a near‐field communication method using smart‐phone liquid‐crystal‐display luminescence is proposed. The proposed system is composed of three parts: colour pattern generation, smartphone detection and colour pattern decoding. When the user inputs digital data such as text or numbers, the sender section converts the digital data into RGB colour pattern images using a previously prepared pattern generation method. The receiver section detects these colour pattern images using a camera, extracts the colour values and decodes them into original digital data. The data transfer accuracy to show that this system can work in real situations is tested.
RLAN: range‐free localisation based on anisotropy of nodes for WSNs
Authors: Chen Liangyin , Pang Liping , Zhou Beisi , Zhang Jingyu , Liu Zhenlei , Luo Qian , Sun Limin
Published: October 2015

Node localisation for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is applied in various fields, and is an indispensable core to promote the development of WSNs. Since the previous localisation algorithms did not fully utilise the anisotropy of nodes, according to the actual radiation model of the node's communication, a novel range‐free localisation algorithm called range‐free localisation based on the anisotropy of nodes (RLAN) is proposed. RLAN not only uses the information of multi‐hop neighbours, but also considers fully the anisotropy of nodes in real networks, which influences the hop relationship and average hop distance, so as to improve the accuracy of node localisation. The simulation results demonstrate that RLAN has better localisation accuracy than other range‐free node localisation algorithms. When the nodes are relatively uniformly deployed in the localisation area, the normalised localisation average error using RLAN can be <17%.
56 Gbit/s OOK transmission with 20 GHz electronics by resonating segmented electrode InP Mach–Zehnder modulator
Authors: Aimone A. , Fiol G. , Gruner M. , Schell M.
Published: October 2015

A resonating segmented Mach–Zehnder modulator with peaking transfer function is designed and fabricated in InP. The modulator is able to transmit a 56 Gbit/s on–off keying signal although the driver is limited to 20 GHz bandwidth. Bit error ratio over dispersion and optical signal‐to‐noise ratio are measured and show substantial advantage over their non‐resonating counterparts.
Experimental 2.4 GHz CMOS RF front‐ends for non‐contact vital‐sign sensing
Authors: Wang S. , Chang R.‐H.
Published: October 2015

A 2.4 GHz CMOS front‐ends for non‐contact vital‐sign sensing including respiration and heartbeat is presented. The sensor using one circulator and one differential oscillator not only achieves the injection‐locked function but also reduces the system complexity. Moreover, the injection‐locked signals are then down‐converted by a phase demodulator constituted by a lumped power divider and a mixer. Finally, the signals are bandpass filtered and amplified for subsequently performing the vital signals. Under total power consumption of 32 mW, the respiration and heartbeat information can be recognised correctly up to 1.2 m away from the subject.
An effective and feasible approach to prevention of primary cytomegalovirus infection in pregnancy
Authors: Revello Maria Grazia , Frisina Valentina , Oggè Giovanna , Arossa Alessia , Furione Milena
Published: October 2015

In the absence of a cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine, other strategies for prevention of primary infection in pregnancy should be considered. Behavioural interventions have been reported to significantly decrease seroconversion rate among seronegative pregnant women. We report here on a recently completed controlled study in which seronegative women at high risk of infection because of close contacts with children <36 months, were identified and informed about risky and protective behaviours. Informed women seroconverted at a significantly lower rate than non-informed women.
Obituary: Professor Geoffrey Randolph Shellam
Authors: Cunningham Tony , Mackenzie John , Nossal Gustav , Rawlinson William
Published: October 2015

It is a privilege for all of us to present a brief tribute for the life of Geoffrey Shellam, an admired colleague and friend, to some for over 50 years. Geoff’s scientific intuition, his integrity and his scientific leadership were second to none.
Agricultural transition and land-use change: considerations in the development of irrigated enterprises in the rangelands of northern Australia
Authors: McKellar Lisa , Bark Rosalind H. , Watson Ian
Published: October 2015

The factors affecting the adoption of irrigation by landholders, using a case study of a government-managed irrigation water release in north-west Queensland, Australia, where current land use is dominated by extensive beef-cattle production, were investigated. The study was based on multiple data sources – interview data from family-owned agricultural enterprises, historical and contemporary documents and contemporary media analysis, workshop participation and field work. The study revealed multiple drivers and constraints, which affect the rate, timing and location of adoption of irrigation by family-owned grazing enterprises. The key finding was that there are individual, group and regional interests in irrigation development but that considerable social and individual learning is required for adoption of irrigation to occur. It was found that there is a prominent role for knowledge brokers — as individuals, irrigator groups, and trusted brokers of science information — in facilitating learning and change. An insight, relevant to governments that support irrigation developments is that interventions that aid and support learning can play a role in facilitating the land-use transition for individual grazing properties to irrigated agriculture.
Home range, habitat use and movements by the little raven (Corvus mellori) in a coastal peri-urban landscape
Authors: Whisson Desley A. , Weston Michael A. , Shannon Kelly
Published: October 2015

Context In peri-urban environments, high availability of anthropogenic resources may result in relatively high abundances of some species, with potentially negative implications for other native biota. Effective management of such impacts requires understanding of the spatial ecology of problem species. However, home range and habitat use have not been described for the little raven (Corvus mellori), a superabundant native predator that occurs in urban and natural habitats, including those where threatened shorebirds breed. Aims The aim of this study was to provide basic information on little raven home range, habitat use and movements in a coastal peri-urban landscape. Methods Between October 2011 and January 2012 we radio-tracked 20 little ravens captured in a coastal wetland (near Melbourne, Australia). Key results Little ravens were highly mobile, moving up to 9.9 km in an hour (median = 2 km), and had large ranges: Minimum Convex Polygons were 1664–9989 ha (median = 3362 ha). Although most birds used both anthropogenic and natural habitats, some birds strongly selected for coastal wetland habitat. Birds used multiple roosts during the study period, most of which occurred in grassland (58.7%) or urban (22.3%) areas. Movement of up to 8.3 km (median = 2.2 km) between roosts during the night was also detected. Conclusions Ravens were highly mobile and used large home ranges and a variety of habitats, with habitat preferences varying between birds. Implications Considering the large home ranges and inter-individual variation in habitat preferences of little raven populations, localised management to reduce their impacts on breeding shorebirds is unlikely to be successful.
Researching linguistic features of text genres in a DGS corpus
Authors: Hansen Martje , Hessmann Jens
Published: October 2015

In this article, we investigate the referential and textual functions of finger loci, that is, the pointing towards one or more fingers of the weak hand in signed discourse. The first part of the article deals with the theoretical discussion about referentiality and the related notions of definiteness and specificity in the literature on spoken languages. The second empirical part of the article shows that the use of finger loci in German Sign Language (DGS) varies according to the genre of signed discourse, fulfilling not only referential but also textual functions. Furthermore, formal variations within the use of finger loci reflect referential gradation and specificity.
Two languages at hand
Authors: Zeshan Ulrike , Panda Sibaji
Published: October 2015

This article explores patterns of co-use of two sign languages in casual conversational data from four deaf bilinguals, who are fluent in Indian Sign Language (ISL) and Burundi Sign Language (BuSL). We investigate the contributions that both sign languages make to these conversations at lexical, clause, and discourse level, including a distinction between signs from closed grammatical classes and open lexical classes. The results show that despite individual differences between signers, there are also striking commonalities. Specifically, we demonstrate the shared characteristics of the signers’ bilingual outputs in the domains of negation, where signers prefer negators found in both sign languages, and wh-questions, where signers choose BuSL for specific question words and ISL for general wh-questions. The article thus makes the argument that these signers have developed a fairly stable bilingual variety that is characteristic of this particular community of practice, and we explore theoretical implications arising from these patterns.
Climate change and insect pest distribution range.
Authors: Battisti A. , Larsson S.
Published: October 2015

The dynamics of species' distribution, in particular when it comes to predicting the outcomes of climate change-inflicted variations in the range distributions of insect pests. Several insect life history traits, such as survival, growth rate and voltinism, are likely to change in a warmer environment, and it is to be expected that at least some changes will contribute to altered range edges. For many insect taxa, range expansions are not easy to detect, simply because their presence remains undetected in habitats at range edges, where they are likely to occur at low densities. Insect pests are a group for which information on range expansion is beginning to accumulate, for the obvious reason that their effects on managed ecosystems often require action. Thus, increasingly managers of agriculture and forestry are concerned with the predicted range expansions of important insect pests. This chapter offers an update on the range expansions of insect pests in agriculture and forestry, native and alien. We summarize information from the literature where climate change has been interpreted as, or predicted to become, the driver of range expansion. We discuss the type of evidence for the expansion, ongoing or predicted to occur, and aim to classify according to its empirical nature. A critical read of the database of the literature on climate change resulted in surprisingly few documented examples of climate change-induced range expansion. Of course, long-term trends in the distribution and abundance of insect pests are notoriously difficult to document. Thus, it is possible that more insect pests could have responded to climate change, or are likely to do so in the near future, than can be detected in our literature search. It is also possible, however, that biological systems, including insect pests, are less sensitive to direct climate effects than previously thought (due to the buffering effects of trophic interactions). Future research needs to focus more on the mechanisms of responses to changed climate in order to understand better, and predict more accurately, the likelihood that insect pests will expand their outbreak range.
Effects of climate change on the interactions between insect pests and their natural enemies.
Authors: Kalinkat G. , Rall B. C.
Published: October 2015

All biological rates depend on temperature, as they are based on biochemical reactions. Hence, the same holds for feeding rates and their functional components. From a 'biologically relevant' scope, feeding rates increase exponentially with temperature. Recent studies suggest that this increase of feeding rates with warming is shallower than the increase in metabolism. Theoretically, this mismatch should lead to a lower numerical response of biological control agents, presumably resulting in a higher probability of insect pest outbreaks. While depending on temperature, the more complex, non-linear nature of feeding rates further implies that they are also critically dependent on prey densities (i.e. the functional response). The fundamental elements of the functional response are the capture rate and the handling time. Basically, the capture rate determines the feeding success at low densities, whereas the handling time determines the maximum amount a predator is able to consume in a given time window. Moreover, capture rates themselves can also depend on prey density, turning a hyperbolic type II into a sigmoid type III functional response. This shift in the shape of the response is introduced by refuges for the prey, among other mechanisms. Contrasting the type II functional response, type III functional responses are well known to promote stable population dynamics and community structure. Therefore, changes in habitat complexity driven by climate change might also affect feeding interactions and insect pest control. Here, we review how climate change influences the functional responses of predator-prey and parasitoid-host pairs directly via increased temperature and indirectly via changes in habitat structure. We complement our review by exploring the potential consequences of feeding relations that are altered by climate change-induced mechanisms, through the application of model simulations of such consumer-resource population dynamics.
Physiological variation of insects in agricultural landscapes: potential impacts of climate change.
Authors: Terblanche J. S. , Karsten M. , Mitchell K. A. , Barton M. G. , Gibert P.
Published: October 2015

Understanding the physiological and behavioural responses of insects to climate variation is critical, for several reasons, of which three are perhaps most important. First, developing a deeper understanding of pest population dynamics and postharvest control requires information on thermal (and other environmental) traits. Second, invasion of new and emerging pests into novel environments requires some knowledge of the basics of environmental physiology. Finally, to predict and manage aspects of efficacy in control programmes through the release of laboratory- or mass-reared insects typically hinges on some information from phenotype-environment interactions. Here, we provide an overview of how climate and landscape environmental opportunities vary spatially and temporally in order to quantify better ecologically meaningful microclimates for insects and to understand better behavioural opportunities in agricultural landscapes. Then, we describe several key biogeographic patterns that may be significant from an insect pest/climate change perspective, and then discuss briefly possible mechanisms associated with variation in the physiological tolerance and performance of insects. We review and discuss issues surrounding the prediction of climate change and insect physiological and behavioural responses, and consider how insect pests might be impacted by changes in climate in the future via physiological tolerances. Next, we consider movement and dispersal in agricultural landscapes, and what this may mean for recolonization potential or introduction to novel environments under climate change scenarios, especially given how many of these processes are influenced by climatic factors. Finally, this chapter examines interactions between hosts and biocontrol agents, and how climate may influence the outcome of these interactions. The chapter concludes with a summary and discussion of possible areas for future research and key themes emerging from this review of physiological variation in agricultural landscapes and the potential impacts of climate change.
Climate change and biological control in agricultural systems: principles and examples from North America.
Authors: Eigenbrode S. D. , Davis T. S. , Crowder D. W.
Published: October 2015

Biological control of pests is a key feature of integrated pest management programmes in many agroecosystems. An assessment of the potential impacts of climate change on biological control is critical but challenging, because biological control depends on interspecific interactions, which are generally complex. This chapter considers the potential effects of projected climate change on the biological control of insect pests, focusing on North American agricultural systems but involving principles that apply globally. The drivers of importance are projected rising surface temperatures, increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations and changes in the amount of and variability in precipitation. We consider how these climate change drivers could affect biological control by: (i) directly affecting the physiology or behaviour of biological control agents and/or pests; (ii) changing the overlap between species in space and time; and (iii) modifying interactions among multiple species involved in biological control within the agroecosystem. We illustrate with the few North American documented examples of the sensitivity of biological control to climate change, or with data that indicate such sensitivities exist. Effects of the first type include increases in the occurrence of temperatures that exceed the thermal optima of natural enemies, such as those that have been documented for coccinellids. Effects of the second type include changes in phenological overlap between insect pests and their natural enemies, illustrated best by a recent report involving the cereal leaf beetle and its principal parasitoid. Effects of the third type include climate-related changes in plant responses to herbivory that influence natural enemies, to the effects of climate on interacting predator assemblages and food webs. Although there is evidence for each of these types of effects, the literature remains sparse. More studies are needed, and we suggest a research agenda to improve understanding of the sensitivity of biological control to climate change.
The Eurasian spruce bark beetle: the role of climate.
Authors: Økland B. , Netherer S. , Marini L.
Published: October 2015

The Eurasian spruce bark beetle is one of the major forest pests in Europe, capable of mass attacking and killing Norway spruce over extensive areas during outbreaks. Here, we review various aspects of its biology in relation to climatic variables. The aim of this review was to make predictions about the potential consequences of climate change on the propensity for outbreaks across European forests. More frequent extreme winds and drier and warmer summer climate may trigger both population growth and the susceptibility of spruce stands to attack. Breeding material provided by large windfall events increase the beetle population rapidly to a level capable of killing living trees through mass attack. Such epidemics may proceed until the susceptible spruces are exhausted, or when other extrinsic conditions stop the bark beetles from further colonization. At the southern margin of the spruce distribution in Europe, lower than average precipitation seems generally to favour infestations. In central and Western Europe, even-aged plantations outside the natural range of Norway spruce are highly susceptible to disturbance events such as windthrow and bark beetle attacks. A warmer climate is expected to give a northern expansion of the area experiencing two generations per year in Europe. There have been few bark beetle outbreaks in the extensive areas of spruce forest in Finland and the northern part of Scandinavia, but increasing bark beetle populations and infestations have been observed during warm years in the last decade. The northern part of Europe may be subject to huge outbreaks if a warmer climate increases the population sizes of the Eurasian spruce bark beetle.
Northern geometrids and climate change: from abiotic factors to trophic interactions.
Authors: Ammunét T. , Bylund H. , Jepsen J. U.
Published: October 2015

The subarctic mountain birch forests have been periodically disturbed by geometrid moth outbreaks since at least the mid-19th century. The effects of these disturbances can be seen from landscape-level dieback of the birch forest to local-level changes in soil processes. Recent research efforts have demonstrated that the geometrid moth-birch forest system is undergoing changes that could be linked to the ongoing climate warming. Milder winter and spring temperatures influence winter survival and outbreak ranges of the moths, and are also alleviating range expansions and the spread of new species to the area. Moreover, phenology matching with the host plant may be altered. The outcome appears to be intensified outbreaks and a potential for altered species interactions and dynamics with ecosystem wide consequences. This chapter will first introduce the prevailing dynamics of the mountain birch-geometrid system and the reported ecosystem effects of geometrid outbreaks. Second, the chapter summarizes observations of ongoing abiotic changes in the area and presents the potential known and unknown effects on the study species. Finally, the chapter discusses the future scenarios for this northern ecosystem and the possibility of major ecosystem changes.
Genetic selection for wool quality.
Authors: Jafari S.
Published: October 2015

This paper reviews the feasibility of genetic selection for wool quality. More than 30 papers were studied in the present investigation. The traits which have been considered in the majority of the literature for inclusion in the selection programmes were: (a) wool quality traits (fibre diameter, staple length, staple strength, standard deviation of fibre diameter, coefficient variation of fibre diameter, yield and crimp frequency) and (b) wool weight traits (greasy fleece weight and clean fleece weight). Before the studied traits can be proposed as the selection traits, estimates of genetic parameters as well as their relationship with other production traits are needed. Weighted mean of estimates for direct heritability (
h
2
), maternal heritability (
m
2
) and variance ration due to permanent maternal environment (
P
2
) from references 1-37 were calculated to be 0.30-0.61, 0.02-0.08 and 0.03-0.16, respectively. The studied breeds were wool breeds and dual-purpose (wool and meat) breeds. In wool breeds, the weighted mean estimates of genetic correlation were ranged from -0.53 to 0.84 among wool traits and were ranged from -0.38 to 0.25 between wool traits and other traits such as live bodyweight, litter size at birth, litter size at weaning and litter weight weaned. The high estimates of
h
2
indicate that the response to selection may be reliable but the unfavourable genetic (phenotypic) correlations with other traits are a concern.
Emerging risks to plant health: a European perspective.
Authors: Pautasso M. , Petter F. , Rortais A. , Roy A. S.
Published: October 2015

Emerging plant pests and diseases are a threat to biodiversity, food security and sustainability. In Europe, recent plant health emergencies include European ash dieback (due to the ascomycete
Hymenoscyphus fraxineus
), the outbreak of the bacterium
Xylella fastidiosa
on olive trees in Apulia, Italy and the invasion by the vinegar cherry fly
Drosophila suzukii
. The main drivers of new plant health threats are increased long-distance plant trade, climate changes and the adoption of new crops (e.g. biofuels). This overview provides an update on available literature on tools and approaches to assess the risk posed by emerging plant health threats in Europe. In the European Union (EU), as well as in other regions, plant health risk assessment (carried out since 2006 by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)) is clearly separated from risk management decisions (taken by the European Commission and Council through the Standing Committee on Plant Health). The role of the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) is very important as an independent plant health risk assessment body covering the whole of Europe, not just the EU, thus liaising with neighbouring regions such as the Maghreb, Asia Minor and Russia. The main activities and projects of EPPO and EFSA in the domain of emerging plant health risks are summarized. The ongoing revision of the EU plant health regulations is an opportunity to improve biosecurity in the face of both the massive increase in trade of plant commodities and climate change. However, improving regulations (e.g. integrating new tools from evolutionary ecology and network theory) is not a panacea: there is also the need to increase public awareness and engagement, to facilitate interdisciplinary careers related to plant health, as well as to ensure long-term funding for research on emerging risks to plant health.
Tracing microbiota changes in yamahai-moto, the traditional Japanese sake starter
Authors: Koyanagi Takashi , Nakagawa Akira , Kiyohara Masashi , Matsui Hiroshi , Tsuji Atsushi , Barla Florin , Take Harumi , Katsuyama Yoko , Tokuda Koji , Nakamura Shizuo , Minami Hiromichi , Enomoto Toshiki , Katayama Takane , Kumagai Hidehiko
Published: October 2015

Sake is made from steamed rice, malted rice, and water. Sake production begins with the preparation of a small-scale starter (moto); the quality of moto significantly influences the flavor and richness of sake. In the traditional starter, yamahai-moto, the growth of naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria represses the putrefactive micro-organisms, whereas in the modern starter, sokujo-moto, this is achieved by adding lactic acid. In this study, the successive change in bacterial flora of yamahai-moto was analyzed by pyrosequencing 16S ribosomal RNA genes. Lactobacillus was dominant throughout the process (93–98%). Nitrate-reducing bacteria that have been generally assumed to be the first colonizers of yamahai-moto were scarcely found in the early stage, but Lactobacillus acidipiscis dominated. Lactobacillus sakei drastically increased in the middle stage. This is the first report, though one case study, to show how the early stage microbiota in Japanese yamahai-moto is varyingly controlled without nitrate-reducing bacteria using next-generation sequencing.
𝐶^{1,1} regularity for an obstacle problem of Hessian equations on Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Jiao Heming
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we study an obstacle problem for a class of fully nonlinear equations on Riemannian manifolds. Using some new ideas, the

C

1
,
1

C^{1,1}

regularity for the greatest viscosity solution is established under essentially optimal structure conditions.
On a result of Thomassen
Authors: Komjáth Péter
Published: October 2015

We give a new proof of Thomassen’s theorem stating that if the chromatic (coloring) number of a graph

X
X

is

>
κ

>\kappa

, then

X
X

contains a

κ
\kappa

-edge-connected subgraph with similar properties.
The Role of Cytokinin During Infection ofArabidopsis thalianaby the Cyst NematodeHeterodera schachtii
Authors: Shanks Carly M. , Rice J. Hollis , Zubo Yan , Schaller G. Eric , Hewezi Tarek , Kieber Joseph J.
Published: October 2015

Plant-parasitic cyst nematodes induce the formation of hypermetabolic feeding sites, termed syncytia, as their sole source of nutrients. The formation of the syncytium is orchestrated by the nematode, in part, by modulation of phytohormone responses, including cytokinin. In response to infection by the nematode Heterodera schachtii, cytokinin signaling is transiently induced at the site of infection and in the developing syncytium. Arabidopsis lines with reduced cytokinin sensitivity show reduced susceptibility to nematode infection, indicating that cytokinin signaling is required for optimal nematode development. Furthermore, lines with increased cytokinin sensitivity also exhibit reduced nematode susceptibility. To ascertain why cytokinin hypersensitivity reduces nematode parasitism, we examined the transcriptomes in wild type and a cytokinin-hypersensitive type-A arr Arabidopsis mutant in response to H. schachtii infection. Genes involved in the response to biotic stress and defense response were elevated in the type-A arr mutant in the absence of nematodes and were hyperinduced following H. schachtii infection, which suggests that the Arabidopsis type-A arr mutants impede nematode development because they are primed to respond to pathogen infection. These results suggest that cytokinin signaling is required for optimal H. schachtii parasitism of Arabidopsis but that elevated cytokinin signaling triggers a heightened immune response to nematode infection.
Gene tree discordance causes apparent substitution rate variation
Authors: Mendes Fábio K. , Hahn Matthew W.
Published: October 2015

Substitution rates are known to be variable among genes, chromosomes, species, and lineages due to multifarious biological processes. Here we consider another source of substitution rate variation due to a technical bias associated with gene tree discordance, which has been found to be rampant in genome-wide datasets, often due to incomplete lineage sorting (ILS). This apparent substitution rate variation is caused when substitutions that occur on discordant gene trees are analyzed in the context of a single, fixed species tree. Such substitutions have to be resolved by proposing multiple substitutions on the species tree, and we therefore refer to this phenomenon as “SPILS” (Substitutions Produced by Incomplete Lineage Sorting). We use simulations to demonstrate that SPILS has a larger effect with increasing levels of ILS, and on trees with larger numbers of taxa. Specific branches of the species trees are consistently, but erroneously, inferred to be longer or shorter, and we show that these branches can be predicted based on discordant tree topologies. Moreover, we observe that fixing a species tree topology when performing tests of positive selection increases the false positive rate, particularly for genes whose discordant topologies are most affected by SPILS. Finally, we use data from multipleDrosophilaspecies to show that SPILS can be detected in nature. While the effects of SPILS are modest per gene, it has the potential to affect substitution rate variation whenever high levels of ILS are present, particularly in rapid radiations. The problems outlined here have implications for character mapping of any type of trait, and for any biological process that causes discordance. We discuss possible solutions to these problems, and areas in which they are likely to have caused faulty inferences of convergence and accelerated evolution.
Reconstructing Genetic History of Siberian and Northeastern European Populations
Authors: Wong Emily HM , Khrunin Andrey , Nichols Larissa , Pushkarev Dmitry , Khokhrin Denis , Verbenko Dmitry , Evgrafov Oleg , Knowles James , Novembre John , Limborska Svetlana , Valouev Anton
Published: October 2015

Siberia and Western Russia are home to over 40 culturally and linguistically diverse indigenous ethnic groups. Yet, genetic variation of peoples from this region is largely uncharacterized. We present whole-genome sequencing data from 28 individuals belonging to 14 distinct indigenous populations from that region. We combine these datasets with additional 32 modern-day and 15 ancient human genomes to build and compare autosomal, Y-DNA and mtDNA trees. Our results provide new links between modern and ancient inhabitants of Eurasia. Siberians share 38% of ancestry with descendants of the 45,000-year-old Ust’-Ishim people, who were previously believed to have no modern-day descendants. Western Siberians trace 57% of their ancestry to the Ancient North Eurasians, represented by the 24,000-year-old Siberian Mal’ta boy. In addition, Siberians admixtures are present in lineages represented by Eastern European hunter-gatherers from Samara, Karelia, Hungary and Sweden (from 8,000-6,600 years ago), as well as Yamnaya culture people (5,300-4,700 years ago) and modern-day northeastern Europeans. These results provide new evidence of ancient gene flow from Siberia into Europe.
Grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering in a twofold rough-interface medium: a new theoretical approach using theq-eigenwave formalism
Authors: Chukhovskii F. N. , Roshchin B. S.
Published: October 2015

Based on the rigorous Green function formalism to describe the grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) problem, a system of two linked integral equations is derived with respect to amplitudes of the reflected and transmitted planeq-eigenwaves (eigenstatefunctions) propagating through two homogeneous media separated from each other by a rough surface interface. To build up the coupled solutions of these basic equations beyond the perturbation theory constraint 2kσθ0< 1, a simple iteration procedure is proposed as opposed to the self-consistent wave approach [Chukhovskii (2011).Acta Cryst.A67, 200–209; Chukhovski (2012).Acta Cryst.A68, 505–512]. Using the first-order iteration, analytical expressions for the averaged specular and non-specular scattering intensity distributions have been obtained. These expressions are further analysed in terms of the GISAXS parameters {k, θ, θ0} and surface finish ones \{ \sigma, \ell, h\}, where θ and θ0are the scattering and incidence angles of the X-rays, respectively, σ is the root-mean-square roughness, \ell is the correlation length,his the fractal surface model index,k= 2π/λ, and λ is the X-ray wavelength. A direct way to determine the surface finish parameters from the experimental specular and diffuse scattering indicatrix scan data is discussed for an example of GISAXS measurements from rough surfaces of α-quartz and CdTe samples.
Dynamic product line for Business Process Management
Authors: Rocha Roberto dos Santos , Fantinato Marcelo , Thom Lucinéia Heloisa , Eler Marcelo Medeiros
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present the proposal of a Product Line (PL)-based approach for Business Process Management (BPM) projects that cover the entire BPM lifecycle and proposes integrating it with dynamic techniques still not used together.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors carried out this work using the design science research methodology. The authors assessed the proposed approach using a classification procedure created through a series of specific attributes, which enables a comparison of the proposed integrated approach with related works selected from a systematic literature review.

Findings

– The comparative assessment has shown that the proposed approach presents the most comprehensive solution than any other similar one suggested for the same purpose, mainly in terms of the coverage of the entire BPM lifecycle and dynamic techniques.

Research limitations/implications

– Due to the high-level conceptual nature of the proposed approach, the authors could not evaluate it also in terms of some controlled experiment or a case study.

Originality/value

– The proposed approach aims at improving the management of business processes in organizations in a systematic way using concepts and techniques that exist in other areas, but not widely used together yet, such as BPM, service-oriented computing, and Software PL.
A study of inhibitors to transparency in red meat supply chains in Gulf cooperation council (GCC) countries
Authors: Faisal Mohd.  Nishat
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the variables for the non-existence of transparency information in red meat supply chains operating in Gulf cooperation council (GCC) countries. The study provides a synthesis and proposes a hierarchy-based model among the identified inhibitors of transparency with their respective importance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The synthesis and prioritization of inhibitors are done on the basis of an extensive literature review as well as consultation with academicians and meat supply chain professionals. Using semi-structured interviews and Fuzzy-Interpretive Structure Modeling (F-ISM) approach, the research presents a structured model of the identified inhibitors.

Findings

– The research has two major contributions, first, it presents variables that can be considered as inhibitors for transparency in a supply chain. Second, utilizing the F-ISM model it shows that there exists a group of inhibitors having a high control power and low reliance and are of strategic importance. These variables require utmost attention to make implementation of transparency initiatives to be successful.

Practical implications

– At a time when management of red meat supply chain is crucial for the food security in the GCC region, these findings will be immensely helpful for the government and industry professionals in developing suitable policies to regulate the red meat supply chains. The study would be particularly relevant when the upstream side is in a developing nation and the need is to avoid any health hazards resulting from the consumption of contagious meat and jeopardize the whole supply chain.

Social implications

– Cases of discarding plausible contagious meat into sea or abandoning it in open to create environment hazards can be minimized if transparency is implemented in meat supply chain by considering the variables and their relationships discussed in the research.

Originality/value

– Key issues related to transparency in a food supply chain are discussed and interconnectedness of critical factors for the red meat supply chain are delineated.
Numerical analysis on effect of support engineering on flame propagation from gas explosion accident in mining
Authors: Pang Lei , Liu Lei , Kang Yong , Lv Pengfei
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– Gas explosion is one of the most major types of accident in mining projects, and the flame front with high temperature is major hazardous factor induced by this kind of accident. Support engineering provides an available way to solve problems related to ground movements, but very likely has a great influence on the gas explosion accident process, especially the flame propagation, and then aggravates mining risk. However, until now it has not been received much attention from scientific works. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– A commercial CFD software package AutoReaGas suitable for gas explosion is used to carry out the numerical investigation of gas explosion process in a straight coal tunnel with typical support engineering, especially the unsteady explosion field and the flame propagation process in it.

Findings

– Support engineering composed by multiple bars take positive influence on flame acceleration: the flame speed is much faster than that under no support bars, and the smaller support spacing induces greater flame speed near the ignition. The support bars also exert negative influence on flame acceleration: the larger support spacing induces greater flame speed in most region of the tunnel. Furthermore, a traditional viewpoint that denser obstacles induce greater explosion effects is one-sided according to this study.

Originality/value

– At present, no one concerns the aggravating influence of support engineering on accident risk in practical mining projects because of small geometric dimension. This work examines the effect of steel support system on evolution processes of gas explosion accidents, especially the flame propagation. The conclusions provide quantitative scientific basis for this kind of the accidents in risk evolution and accident investigation of mining engineering.
Simulations of two-dimensional steady isothermal and non-isothermal steady flows with slip for a viscoelastic memory-integral fluid
Authors: Chine Adel , Ammar Amine , Clermont J.R.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to compute flow effects of the transition from adherence-to-slip in two-dimensional flows, for a polymer melt obeying a memory-integral viscoelastic equation, in isothermal and non-isothermal cases.

Design/methodology/approach

– Temperature dependence is expressed by Arrhenius and William-Landel-Ferry models. A coupling approach is defined. For the dynamic equations, the Stream-Tube Method (STM) is used with finite differences in a mapped rectangular domain of the real domain, where streamlines are parallel and straight. STM avoids particle-tracking problems and allows simple formulae to evaluate stresses resulting from the constitutive equation. For the temperature field, a finite-element method is carried out to solve the energy equation in the real domain.

Findings

– The approach avoids numerical problems arising with classical formulations and proves to be robust and efficient. Large elasticity levels are attained without convergence and refinement difficulties that may arise close to the “stick-slip” transition section. The method highlights the role of temperature conditions and reveals interesting differences for the ducts considered.

Practical implications

– The results of the study are of interest for polymer processing where slip at the wall can be encountered, in relation with the physical properties of the materials.

Originality/value

– The paper presents a simple approach that limits considerably numerical problems coming from stick-slip boundary conditions and avoids particle-tracking. Results are obtained at flow rates encountered in industrial conditions.