bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Cell-Substrate Adhesion Properties of Living Chondrocyte by Measuring Adhesive Shear Force and Detachment Using AFM and Inverse FEA
Authors: Nguyen Trung Dung , Gu YuanTong
Published: November 2016

It is well-known that cell adhesion is important in many biological processes such as cell migration and proliferation. A better understanding of the cell adhesion process will shed insight into these cellular biological responses as well as cell adhesion-related diseases treatment. However, there is little research which has attempted to investigate the process of cell adhesion and its mechanism. Thus, this paper aims to study the time-dependent adhesion properties of single living chondrocytes using an advanced coupled experimental-numerical approach. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) tips will be used to apply lateral forces to detach chondrocytes that are seeded for three different periods. An advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) model combining porohyperelastic (PHE) constitutive model and cohesive zone formulation is developed to explore the mechanism of adhesion. The results revealed that the cells can resist normal traction better than tangential traction in the beginning of adhesion. This is when the cell adhesion molecules establish early attachment to the substrates. After that when the cells are spreading, stress fiber bundles generate tangential traction on the substrate to form strong adhesion. Both simulation and experimental results agree well with each other, providing a powerful tool to study the cellular adhesion process.
Infrared imaging of high density protein arrays
Authors: De Meutter Joëlle , Vandenameele Julie , Matagne André , Goormaghtigh Erik
Published: November 2016

We propose in this paper that protein microarrays could be analysed by infrared imaging in place of enzymatic or fluorescence labelling.
The effect of common anticoagulants in detection and quantification of malaria parasitemia in human red blood cells by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Martin Miguela , Perez-Guaita David , Andrew Dean W. , Richards Jack S. , Wood Bayden R. , Heraud Philip
Published: November 2016

Total Reflectance Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) has the potential to become a new diagnostic tool for malaria and other diseases.
Importance of specimen pretreatment for the low-level detection of mycobacterial lipoarabinomannan in human serum
Authors: Laurentius Lars B. , Crawford Alexis C. , Mulvihill Timothy S. , Granger Jennifer H. , Robinson Ryan , Spencer John S. , Chatterjee Delphi , Hanson Kimberly E. , Porter Marc D.
Published: November 2016

Approaches to disrupt the complexation of lipoarabinomannan (LAM), a serum marker for tuberculosis, are investigated to enhance detection in immunoassays.
Detection of the tuberculosis antigenic marker mannose-capped lipoarabinomannan in pretreated serum by surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Crawford Alexis C. , Laurentius Lars B. , Mulvihill Timothy S. , Granger Jennifer H. , Spencer John S. , Chatterjee Delphi , Hanson Kimberly E. , Porter Marc D.
Published: November 2016

Assessment of HClO4sample pretreatment coupled with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) readout for ManLAM detection in tuberculosis-infected patient specimens.
Label-free monitoring of tissue biochemistry following traumatic brain injury using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Surmacki Jakub Maciej , Ansel-Bollepalli Laura , Pischiutta Francesca , Zanier Elisa R. , Ercole Ari , Bohndiek Sarah Elizabeth
Published: November 2016

Acute tissue biochemical response to traumatic brain injury is revealed using Raman spectroscopy.
Ni doped Ag@C core–shell nanomaterials and their application in electrochemical H2O2 sensing
Authors: Sheng Qinglin , Shen Yu , Zhang Jian , Zheng Jianbin
Published: November 2016

Core–shell Ni/Ag@C nanomaterials were synthesized and used for the fabrication of an enzyme-free H2O2 sensor.
Some problems and practicalities in design and interpretation of samples of microplastic waste
Authors: Underwood A. J. , Chapman M. G. , Browne Mark Anthony
Published: November 2016

Improved design of sampling microplastic waste is necessary. Important problems are identified and suggestions for improvements are made.
Hydride & dihydrogen complexes of earth abundant metals: structure, reactivity, and applications to catalysis
Authors: Robinson S. J. Connelly , Heinekey D. M.
Published: November 2016

Recent developments in the chemistry of hydride and dihydrogen complexes of iron, cobalt, and nickel are summarized.
Evolution of solid/aqueous interface in aqueous sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhan Xiaowen , Shirpour Mona
Published: November 2016

Solid–aqueous interface reactions responsible for capacity fade and poor electrode utilization in water-based sodium-ion batteries.
Oxatub[5,6]arene: synthesis, conformational analysis, and the recognition of C60 and C70
Authors: Jia Fei , Li Dong-Hao , Yang Ti-Long , Yang Liu-Pan , Dang Li , Jiang Wei
Published: November 2016

We herein report the synthesis, conformational analysis, and host–guest chemistry of two larger oxatub[n]arenes (n = 5, 6). The influence of the conformational complexity on molecular recognition is emphasized.
Ligand-assisted thickness tailoring of highly luminescent colloidal CH3NH3PbX3 (X = Br and I) perovskite nanoplatelets
Authors: Levchuk Ievgen , Herre Patrick , Brandl Marco , Osvet Andres , Hock Rainer , Peukert Wolfgang , Schweizer Peter , Spiecker Erdmann , Batentschuk Miroslaw , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: November 2016

We present quantum size-confined colloidal CH3NH3PbX3 (X = Br and I) perovskite nanoplatelets with remarkably high photoluminescence quantum yield up to 90%.
Spatial quenching of a molecular charge-transfer process in a quantum fluid: the Csx–C60reaction in superfluid helium nanodroplets
Authors: Hauser Andreas W. , de Lara-Castells María Pilar
Published: November 2016

The embedding of two reactants in superfluid helium nanodroplets, here a heliophilic fullerene and a heliophobic cesium dimer, raises the question whether ionic bonding including an electron transfer can take place or not.
Adsorption and dehydrogenation of ethane, propane and butane on Rh13 clusters supported on unzipped graphene oxide and TiO2(110) – a DFT study
Authors: Chang Chun-Chih , Liu Chi-You , Wu Shiuan-Yau , Tsai Ming-Kang
Published: November 2016

The catalytic activity for the adsorption and dehydrogenation of alkanes on a low-symmetry Rh13 cluster (Rh13-Ls) is compared with the same cluster supported on either an unzipped graphene-oxide sheet or a TiO2(110) surface.
A unique copper(ii)-assisted transformation of acetylacetone dioxime in acetone that leads to one-dimensional, quinoxaline-bridged coordination polymers
Authors: Lada Zoi G. , Soto Beobide Amaia , Savvidou Aikaterini , Raptopoulou Catherine P. , Psycharis Vassilis , Voyiatzis George A. , Turnbull Mark M. , Perlepes Spyros P.
Published: November 2016

A novel CuII-assisted transformation of acetylacetone dioxime to coordinated quinoxaline has been discovered.
Spin-crossover between high-spin (S = 5/2) and low-spin (S = 1/2) states in six-coordinate iron(iii) porphyrin complexes having two pyridine-N oxide derivatives
Authors: Ide Yuki , Murai Nami , Ishimae Hiroki , Suzuki Masaaki , Mori Shigeki , Takahashi Masashi , Nakamura Mikio , Yoshino Katsumi , Ikeue Takahisa
Published: November 2016

Some iron(iii) porphyrin complexes with substituted pyridine N-oxides have exhibited spin-crossover from high-spin to low-spin states with decreasing temperature.
Phosphine–imine and –enamido ligands for acceptorless dehydrogenation catalysis
Authors: Stubbs J. M. , Firth K. F. , Bridge B. J. , Berger K. J. , Hazlehurst R. J. , Boyle P. D. , Blacquiere J. M.
Published: November 2016

Ruthenium complexes with phosphine–enamido (blue) and phosphine–imine (red) ligands are both active toward acceptorless dehydrogenation reactions.
V5S8–graphite hybrid nanosheets as a high rate-capacity and stable anode material for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Yang Chenghao , Ou Xing , Xiong Xunhui , Zheng Fenghua , Hu Renzong , Chen Yu , Liu Meilin , Huang Kevin
Published: November 2016

Here we report chemically-exfoliated V5S8 and graphite hybrid nanosheets (ce-V5S8–C) as a novel anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs).
Unique nanocages of 12CaO·7Al2O3boost heterolytic hydrogen activation and selective hydrogenation of heteroarenes over ruthenium catalyst
Authors: Ye Tian-Nan , Li Jiang , Kitano Masaaki , Hosono Hideo
Published: November 2016

A unique nanoporous 12CaO·7Al2O3support material for Ru catalyst exhibited highly efficient chemoselective and sustainable for the formation of heterocycle hydrogenated products that surpasses other supported-metal catalysts in a solvent-free system.
Integrated discovery of FOXO1–DNA stabilizers from marine natural products to restore chemosensitivity to anti-EGFR-based therapy for metastatic lung cancer
Authors: Sun Yingjia , Ai Xinghao , Hou Jingwen , Ye Xiangyun , Liu Ruijun , Shen Shengping , Li Ziming , Lu Shun
Published: November 2016

Small-molecule marine natural products are identified to selectively recognize and stabilize the DNA-binding conformation of FOXO1, an oncogenic transcription factor.
Formal nucleophilic borylation and borylative cyclization of organic halides
Authors: Kubota K. , Iwamoto H. , Ito H.
Published: November 2016

Recent advances in borylations of organic halides, including both transition-metal-catalyzed and metal-free methods are summarized. Borylative cyclization is also discussed.
Real-time detection and imaging of copper(ii) in cellular mitochondria
Authors: Li Hong , Zhang Ruilong , Li Chunxia , Huang Bei , Yu Tingting , Huang Xiaodan , Zhang Xuanjun , Li Fei , Zhou Hongping , Tian Yupeng
Published: November 2016

L displays high selectivity for Cu2+ with a rapidly reversible on–off–on fluorescence switch.
Efficient synthesis of cysteine-rich cyclic peptides through intramolecular native chemical ligation of N-Hnb-Cys peptide crypto-thioesters
Authors: Terrier Victor P. , Delmas Agnès F. , Aucagne Vincent
Published: November 2016

We herein introduce a straightforward synthetic route to cysteine-containing cyclic peptides. It is based on the intramolecular native chemical ligation of thioesters generated in situ from N-Hnb-Cys crypto-thioesters. The strategy is applied to a representative range of natural cyclic disulfide-rich peptide sequences.
Enhancing the permeation and fouling resistance of PVDF microfiltration membranes by constructing an auto-soak surface
Authors: Zhao Xinzhen , Liu Changkun
Published: November 2016

A new kind of hydrophilic polyvinylidene fluoride microfiltration membrane with an auto-soak surface was fabricated by plasma treatment and interfacial crosslinking to improve the separation efficiency and fouling resistance in water treatment.
Durable antifouling polyvinylidene fluoride membrane via surface zwitterionicalization mediated by an amphiphilic copolymer
Authors: Shi Mengyuan , Zhu Jing , He Chunju
Published: November 2016

The antifouling properties of PVDF membrane were remarkably enhanced by facile incorporation of an amphiphilic triblock copolymer PDMAEMA-b-PDMS-b-PDMAEMA and subsequent surface zwitterionicalization.
Facile strategy for the development of polyglucopyranose–silver hydrogel/films for antimicrobial applications
Authors: Raveendran Reshma Lali , Devaki Sudha J. , Nampoothiri K. Madhavan
Published: November 2016

Development of silver nanoparticles entrapped hydrogels for antimicrobial applications.
Speciation analysis of inorganic arsenic in food and water samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry after magnetic solid phase extraction by a novel MOF-199/modified magnetite nanoparticle composite
Authors: Abbaszadeh Abolfazl , Tadjarodi Azadeh
Published: November 2016

A novel magnetic metal–organic framework (MOF-199/dithiocarbamate modified magnetite nanoparticles composite) was synthesized and utilized for speciation analysis of inorganic arsenic.
Macromolecular crowders and osmolytes modulate the structural and catalytic properties of alkaline molten globular 5-aminolevulinate synthase
Authors: Stojanovski Bosko M. , Breydo Leonid , Uversky Vladimir N. , Ferreira Gloria C.
Published: November 2016

Tertiary structure, solvation and kinetic properties of the catalytically active aminolevulinate synthase molten globule are modulated by crowders or osmolytes.
Online parameter identification of a giant magnetostrictive actuator based on the dynamic Jiles–Atherton model
Authors: Rong Ce , He Zhongbo , Li Dongwei , Xue Guangming , Yang Zhaoshu
Published: November 2016

Giant magnetostrictive actuators (GMAs) suffer dominant hysteresis nonlinearity. To better predict its output, a dynamic model of GMA based on J–A model is established. Results show the system performs well and is fit for online identification.
Stable high-rate cycling electrode based on Li3V2(PO4)3/C using polyamide as a novel carbon source
Authors: Yan Ji , Cao Yuancheng , Liu Fujun
Published: November 2016

Polyamide, as a novel carbon source, was introduced for the first time into the synthesis of Li3V2(PO4)3/C cathode materials for lithium ion batteries through a carbon-thermal reduction method.
Enhanced green upconversion photoluminescence from Ho3+/Yb3+ co-doped CaZrO3 phosphor via Mg2+ doping
Authors: Maurya A. , Yadav R. S. , Yadav R. V. , Rai S. B. , Bahadur A.
Published: November 2016

This paper reports enhanced green upconversion photoluminescence from Ho3+/Yb3+ co-doped CaZrO3 phosphor via Mg2+ doping synthesized through a solid state reaction method.
Preparation and properties of polyacrylamide/polyvinyl alcohol physical double network hydrogel
Authors: Zhang Yulin , Song Mingwei , Diao Yongfu , Li Binwei , Shi Linying , Ran Rong
Published: November 2016

A novel physical double network hydrogel (PDN gel) composed of physically cross-linked PVA and hydrophobically associated polyacrylamide (HAPAM) has been successfully prepared by one-pot in situ polymerization and subsequent freeze–thaw cycling.
Fe–N-doped carbon-based composite as an efficient and durable electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Panomsuwan Gasidit , Saito Nagahiro , Ishizaki Takahiro
Published: November 2016

An Fe–N-doped carbon nanoparticle–carbon nanofiber (Fe–N-CNP–CNF) composite was prepared by a solution plasma process followed by heat treatment. The Fe–N-CNP–CNF exhibits excellent catalytic activity, durability and methanol tolerance for the ORR.
Synthesis of a thiacalix[4]arenetetrasulfonate-functionalized reduced graphene oxide adsorbent for the removal of lead(ii) and cadmium(ii) from aqueous solutions
Authors: Liu Cong , Zhang Dongxiang , Zhao Liting , Lu Xin , Zhang Peng , He Shengnan , Hu Guowen , Tang Xiuqin
Published: November 2016

A thiacalix[4]arenetetrasulfonate-functionalized reduced graphene oxide (TCAS–rGO) adsorbent was synthesized and used as an adsorbent for the removal of lead(ii) and cadmium(ii) from aqueous solutions.
Donor–acceptor single cocrystal of coronene and perylene diimide: molecular self-assembly and charge-transfer photoluminescence
Authors: Wang Chen , Wang Jianlin , Wu Na , Xu Miao , Yang Xiaomei , Lu Yalin , Zang Ling
Published: November 2016

Organic semiconductor molecules, coronene and perylene diimide, form an alternate stacked cocrystal due to the strong donor–acceptor charge transfer interaction.
Iron oxide/porous carbon as a heterogeneous Fenton catalyst for fast decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and efficient removal of methylene blue
Authors: Yoo Seung Hwa , Jang Dawon , Joh Han-Ik , Lee Sungho
Published: November 2016

A high performance Fe3O4/Fe/Fe3C@PCNF heterogeneous Fenton catalyst was synthesized for aqueous H2O2 decomposition and was utilized to remove methylene blue in water.
A new synthesis strategy towards enhancing the structure and cycle stabilities of the LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 cathode material
Authors: Zhang H. Z. , Liu C. , Song D. W. , Zhang L. Q. , Bie L. J.
Published: November 2016

A new synthetic strategy (Al-compensation method) for LNCA cathodes is proposed in this paper. As a result, the obtained LNCA electrodes exhibit a more stable layered structure and enhanced electrochemical performances.
A novel LiCoPO4-coated core–shell structure for spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 as a high-performance cathode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Yang , Lu Zhongpei , Deng Chenfang , Ding Jingjing , Xu Yue , Lu Xiaojun , Yang Gang
Published: November 2016

A novel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4@LiCoPO4 structure can improve the electrochemical performance by inducing an appropriate amount of Mn3+.
Cross‐polarisation discrimination studies of single trees at 20 and 62.4 GHz
Authors: Caldeirinha Rafael F.S. , Al‐Nuaimi Miqdad O.
Published: November 2016

This study addresses the characterisation of cross‐polarisation discrimination of re‐radiated signals from natural trees performed in the vicinity around deep signal fades. Results presented in this study will explain the signal behaviour observed in the various regions around the tree. This has been addressed in this study through a combination of analytical and experimental modelling based on thorough examination of the re‐radiation functions of single trees and appropriate measurements performed under controlled environments, at 20 and 62.4 GHz. The identification of three distinct regions of interest in the scatter (re‐radiated) field is discussed in this study, where it is shown that depolarisation, in addition to absorption and scatter, is an important factor formulating accurate models for propagation in vegetation media.
Study of Various Prognostic Factors Affecting Successful Myringoplasty in a Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Dangol Kripa , Shrivastav Rakesh
Published: November 2016

Introduction Myringoplasty is a commonly performed otologic surgery.

Objectives The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of prognostic factors like - size, site of perforation, status of operating ear, approach, status of contralateral ear, experience of surgeon, primary or revision myringoplasty, and smoking in graft uptake, as well as to evaluate the hearing results after myringoplasty.

Methods This is a prospective study. We included in our sample patients aged over 13 years with a Tubotympanic Chronic Otitis Media diagnosis. The patients underwent preoperative evaluation and Pure Tone Audiogram within one week prior to surgery. We performed myringoplasty using temporalis fascia graft with conventional underlay technique. We evaluated postoperative graft uptake and various factors related to the study and did a Pure Tone Audiogram at one year after surgery.

Results The graft uptake rate after myringoplasty was 83.1% at one year in 219 patients. Graft uptake with normal opposite ear was 88.2%, and with Tubotympanic Chronic Otitis Media was 75% (statistically significant). We found no statistically significant difference in graft uptake results with other factors. We calculated hearing results of 132 patients with normal ossicular status who underwent myringoplasty. The average Air Conduction Threshold improvement was 11.44dB (p < 0.001) and the average Air-Bone Gap closure was 8.89dB, highly statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion Diseased contralateral ear was a statistically significant poor prognostic factor for graft uptake after myringoplasty. Other factors studied were not statistically significant determining factor for graft uptake. Hearing improves significantly after myringoplasty if the ossicles are normal.
Catastrophic Failure of Regenerex Tibial Components: A Case Series
Authors: Stormont Daniel , Stormont Gavin
Published: November 2016

The aim of this study was to analyze short-term metal failures in well-placed Signature-guided Regenerex (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN) tibial components in a limited patient series. A retrospective, consecutive, nonrandomized, unblinded study from a limited cohort of young active osteoarthritis patients was conducted. All cases received a Regenerex tibial component which we evaluated for metal failure. Patients met the then current indications from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Guidelines for knee replacement. Age, body mass index (BMI),and gender were compared between Regenerex and concurrent non-Regenerex knee arthroplasties. We identified a 4.7% (2 of 43) fracture rate in our Regenerex tibia replacements. Fractures occurred after 17 and 37 months, with a mean follow-up of 65 months (44–77). No statistical difference was seen in age or BMI between the fracture and nonfracture groups. Regenerex compared with standard arthroplasty patients were younger and predominantly male. Our inability to identify our fractures in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reporting site is concerning, suggesting additional cases may be unreported. A short-term Regenerex tibial fracture rate of 4.7% is unacceptably high. Inability to identify our fractures on the FDA Web site is a system failure, suggesting additional component fractures may be unreported.
Reliability, Concurrent Validity, and Minimal Detectable Change for iPhone Goniometer App in Assessing Knee Range of Motion
Authors: Barker Katherine , Bowman Brett , Galloway Heather , Oliashirazi Nicole , Oliashirazi Ali , Mehta Saurabh
Published: November 2016

Much of the published works assessing the reliability of smartphone goniometer apps (SG) have poor generalizability since the reliability was assessed in healthy subjects. No research has established the values for standard error of measurement (SEM) or minimal detectable change (MDC) which have greater clinical utility to contextualize the range of motion (ROM) assessed using the SG. This research examined the test–retest reproducibility, concurrent validity, SEM, and MDC values for the iPhone goniometer app (i-Goni; June Software Inc., v.1.1, San Francisco, CA) in assessing knee ROM in patients with knee osteoarthritis or those after total knee replacement. A total of 60 participants underwent data collection which included the assessment of active knee ROM using the i-Goni and the universal goniometer (UG; EZ Read Jamar Goniometer, Patterson Medical, Warrenville, IL), knee muscle strength, and assessment of pain and lower extremity disability using quadruple numeric pain rating scale (Q-NPRS) and lower extremity functional scale (LEFS), respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to assess the reproducibility of the knee ROM assessed using the i-Goni and UG. Bland and Altman technique examined the agreement between these knee ROM. The SEM and MDC values were calculated for i-Goni assessed knee ROM to characterize the error in a single score and the index of true change, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficient examined concurrent relationships between the i-Goni and other measures. The ICC values for the knee flexion/extension ROM were superior for i-Goni (0.97/0.94) compared with the UG (0.95/0.87). The SEM values were smaller for i-Goni assessed knee flexion/extension (2.72/1.18 degrees) compared with UG assessed knee flexion/extension (3.41/1.62 degrees). Similarly, the MDC values were smaller for both these ROM for the i-Goni (6.3 and 2.72 degrees) suggesting smaller change required to infer true change in knee ROM. The i-Goni assessed knee ROM showed expected concurrent relationships with UG, knee muscle strength, Q-NPRS, and the LEFS. In conclusion, the i-Goni demonstrated superior reproducibility with smaller measurement error compared with UG in assessing knee ROM in the recruited cohort. Future research can expand the inquiry for assessing the reliability of the i-Goni to other joints.
Pediatric Necrotizing Fasciitis: Restitutio Ad Integrum after Early Diagnosis and Aggressive Surgical Treatment
Authors: Lemaréchal Angela , Zundel Sabine , Szavay Philipp
Published: November 2016

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a severe, life-threatening infectious condition. Diagnosis is difficult due to unspecific symptoms yet crucial for favorable outcomes. We report a case of a 1 year old, previously healthy boy, where early suspicion of NF led to prompt aggressive therapy and consecutive restitutio ad integrum.
Spooky correlations and unusual van der Waals forces between gapless and near-gapless molecules
Authors: Dobson John F. , Savin Andreas , Ángyán János G. , Liu Ru-Fen
Published: November 2016

We consider the zero-temperature van der Waals (vdW) interaction between two molecules, each of which has a zero or near-zero electronic gap between a ground state and the first excited state, using a toy model molecule (equilateral H3) as an example. We show that the van der Waals energy between two ground state molecules falls off as D−3 instead of the usual D−6 dependence, when the molecules are separated by distance D. We show that this is caused by a perfect “spooky” correlation between the two fluctuating electric dipoles. The phenomenon is related to, but not the same as, the “resonant” interaction between an electronically excited and a ground state molecule introduced by Eisenschitz and London in 1930. It is also an example of “type C van der Waals non-additivity” recently introduced by one of us [J. F. Dobson, Int. J. Quantum Chem. 114, 1157 (2014)]. Our toy molecule H3 is not stable, but symmetry considerations suggest that a similar vdW phenomenon may be observable, despite Jahn-Teller effects, in molecules with a discrete rotational symmetry and broken inversion symmetry, such as certain metal atom clusters. The motion of the nuclei will need to be included for a definitive analysis of such cases, however.
Voltage-controlled magnetization switching in MRAMs in conjunction with spin-transfer torque and applied magnetic field
Authors: Munira Kamaram , Pandey Sumeet C. , Kula Witold , Sandhu Gurtej S.
Published: November 2016

Voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) effect has attracted a significant amount of attention in recent years because of its low cell power consumption during the anisotropy modulation of a thin ferromagnetic film. However, the applied voltage or electric field alone is not enough to completely and reliably reverse the magnetization of the free layer of a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) cell from anti-parallel to parallel configuration or vice versa. An additional symmetry-breaking mechanism needs to be employed to ensure the deterministic writing process. Combinations of voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy together with spin-transfer torque (STT) and with an applied magnetic field (Happ) were evaluated for switching reliability, time taken to switch with low error rate, and energy consumption during the switching process. In order to get a low write error rate in the MRAM cell with VCMA switching mechanism, a spin-transfer torque current or an applied magnetic field comparable to the critical current and field of the free layer is necessary. In the hybrid processes, the VCMA effect lowers the duration during which the higher power hungry secondary mechanism is in place. Therefore, the total energy consumed during the hybrid writing processes, VCMA + STT or VCMA + Happ, is less than the energy consumed during pure spin-transfer torque or applied magnetic field switching.
Theoretical and experimental analysis of the photoluminescence and photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy spectra of m-plane InGaN/GaN quantum wells
Authors: Schulz S. , Tanner D. S. P. , O'Reilly E. P. , Caro M. A. , Tang F. , Griffiths J. T. , Oehler F. , Kappers M. J. , Oliver R. A. , Humphreys C. J. , Sutherland D. , Davies M. J. , Dawson P.
Published: November 2016

We present a combined theoretical and experimental analysis of the optical properties of m-plane InGaN/GaN quantum wells. The sample was studied by photoluminescence and photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy at low temperature. The spectra show a large Stokes shift between the lowest exciton peak in the excitation spectra and the peak of the photoluminescence spectrum. This behavior is indicative of strong carrier localization effects. These experimental results are complemented by tight-binding calculations, accounting for random alloy fluctuations and Coulomb effects. The theoretical data explain the main features of the experimental spectra. Moreover, by comparison with calculations based on a virtual crystal approximation, the importance of carrier localization effects due to random alloy fluctuations is explicitly shown.
An effective electrical sensing scheme using AC electrothermal flow on a biosensor platform based on a carbon nanotube network
Authors: Lee Won Cheol , Lee Hoseok , Lim Jaeheung , Park Young June
Published: November 2016

We report a simple and efficient electrical sensing scheme that can be used to overcome the “diffusion limit” of affinity-based biosensors by incorporating the structural advantage of a concentric electrode biosensor platform and the microstirring effect of AC electrothermal flow (ACEF). To prove the effect of ACEF on the biosensor performance, we performed both simulations and experiments for the detection of cardiac troponin-I, which is a biomarker for acute myocardial infarction. The finite element simulation results indicate that AC bias to the electrode (which has a concentric structure in our device) can induce fast convection flow, which facilitates the transport of the target molecules to the binding region located between the two electrodes. In our device, the channel region made of a carbon nanotube network decorated with gold nanoparticles, which act as the attaching sites of the probe molecules, is used as a highly sensitive electrical channel. We find that the electrical sensing method exhibited extremely fast sensing speeds compared with those under no bias (diffusion-limited) conditions.
The linewidth enhancement factor of intersubband lasers: From a two-level limit to gain without inversion conditions
Authors: Pereira M. F.
Published: November 2016

The linewidth enhancement (α factor) due to fluctuations in the refractive index induced by carrier fluctuations of intersubband lasers was initially expected to be zero. However, values ranging from −0.5 to 3 have been found experimentally. This paper resolves this controversy showing that counter rotating terms, usually ignored in simulations, are the actual fundamental origin of nonzero α at peak gain even without the inclusion of nonparabolicity and manybody effects, which are however needed to explain negative values. For laser without inversion conditions, significant as a potential out of the box solution for the elusive room temperature operation of terahertz lasers, α is found to be larger, but still at the same order of magnitude of conventional inverted medium lasers, thus ensuring their applicability to a huge number of spectroscopic applications that require sharp laser linewidths.
Effect of replacing palm fat with high-linoleic cold-pressed rapeseed or sunflower cakes on fatty acid biohydrogenation in an artificial rumen (Rusitec)
Authors: Benhissi H. , Beltrán de Heredia I. , García-Rodríguez A.
Published: November 2016

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of substituting high-linoleic cold-pressed rapeseed or sunflower cakes for palm fat on fatty acids biohydrogenation in an artificial rumen. Three isoproteic and isolipidic diets (forage : concentrate ratio 10 : 90) were evaluated. The three diets consisted of barley straw plus a concentrate mixture supplemented with (1) prilled palm fat (CTR, Control), (2) cold-pressed rapeseed cake (CPRC treatment) or (3) cold-pressed sunflower cake (CPSC treatment) as a lipid source. The assay was conducted using a Rusitec unit consisting of six vessels (two vessels per treatment). After 7-day adaptation period, nutrients disappearance, rumen fermentation parameters and fatty acid profile of rumen digesta were determined for 3 days. CPRC treatment had no effect on nutrients disappearances and rumen fermentation. In contrast, CPSC reduced neutral detergent fibre (P = 0.04), acid detergent fibre (P = 0.01), protein (P = 0.01), organic matter (P < 0.01) and dry matter (P = 0.01) disappearances, compared with CTR and CPRC. CPSC also decreased total volatile fatty acids (P = 0.01) production and shifted rumen fermentation pattern towards lower acetate (P = 0.03) and higher propionate proportion (P = 0.01), in comparison to CTR and CPRC. Both CPRC and CPSC altered the fatty acids composition of ruminal digesta by decreasing the total saturated fatty acids (P < 0.01) and increasing the accumulation of C18:0 (P < 0.01), total C18:1 cis (P < 0.01) and total C18:1 trans (P < 0.01). Vaccenic acid was increased (P < 0.01) 2.18-fold by CPRC and 4.09-fold by CPSC. C18:1 trans-10 :  trans-11 ratio remained constant among treatments (P = 0.31). Rumenic acid was not affected by CPRC but was increased (P = 0.04) 4.25- and 2.83-fold by CPSC compared with CTR and CPRC, respectively. Overall, feeding CPRC or CPSC to ruminants might improve the ruminal fatty acid profile mainly by reducing saturated fatty acids and promoting cis-monounsaturated fatty acids and vaccenic acid accumulation without altering the trans-10 : trans-11 ratio. These changes in rumen fatty acid composition could occur without detrimental effects on ruminal fermentation for CPRC but they might be associated with impaired rumen function for CPSC.
Comparison of ruminal fermentation parameters, fatty acid composition and flavour of beef in finishing bulls fed active dry yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and yeast culture
Authors: Geng C. Y. , Meng Q. X. , Ren L. P. , Zhou Z. M. , Zhang M. , Yan C. G.
Published: November 2016

This study was conducted to compare the effect of active dry yeasts (ADY) and yeast cultures (YC), two typical products of yeast preparations, on ruminal fermentation parameters, and on the fatty acid composition and flavour of beef from finishing bulls fed a high-concentrate diet. Forty-five finishing bulls (mean bodyweight ± s.d.: 505.4 ± 29.1 kg body weight) were allocated to three groups of 15 bulls and assigned randomly to one of three diets, which were CON diet (basal diet), ADY diet (basal diet + Levucell SC) and YC diet (basal diet + Diamond V XP). After 112 days trial, all bulls (mean bodyweight ± s.d.: 591.6 ± 64.2 kg body weight) were slaughtered. The rumen fluid of each animal was collected at slaughter and cross-sectional samples of longissimus lumborum were collected from three treatments at carcass segmentation after a 24-h chill. The result indicated that both ADY and YC supplementation had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on rumen pH, concentration of ammonia-N and total volatile fatty acid compared with CON. ADY had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on percentage of rumen individual fatty acid whereas YC significantly decreased valerate molar percentage (P = 0.008) and increased acetate molar percentage (P = 0.029) and the ratio of acetate to propionate (P = 0.035). In addition, compared with CON, ADY significantly (P = 0.003) increased the concentration of C16:1n7 and significantly (P = 0.012) decreased the concentration of C18:3n6c compared with CON. YC significantly decreased the concentration of C18:3n6c (P = 0.014) compared with CON. However, both ADY and YC had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on other individual fatty acid concentrations, the proportions of saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids and nutritionally important values including the ratio of n-6/n-3, polyunsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acid and C18:2n6/C:18:3n3. Both ADY and YC significantly improved beef tenderness for cooking method of chaffy dish (P < 0.05) and beef tenderness also tended improve for ADY (P = 0.075) and YC (P = 0.097) when samples were fried. Both ADY and YC did not show improvements in flavour or juiciness compared with CON for either cooking method.
Fatty acid profile of ghee derived from two genotypes (cattle–yak vs yak) grazing different alpine Himalayan pasture sites
Authors: Marquardt S. , Barsila S. R. , Amelchanka S. L. , Devkota N. R. , Kreuzer M. , Leiber F.
Published: November 2016

The fatty acid (FA) profile of ghee produced from milk of cattle–yak hybrids grazing five mountain pasture sites along a high-alpine transhumance route in Nepal was analysed. Pastures differed in altitude above sea level (2600–4500 m), time period of being grazed and phytochemical composition of the swards. Additionally, a comparison of ghee from purebred yak and hybrid was performed, with samples produced at two of the sites. Pasture site had a strong effect on almost all FAs. Proportions of oleic, linoleic and α-linolenic acid in ghee were smallest on the highest pasture at 4500 m where the largest condensed tannin concentrations in the forages were found. No systematic site effects were found for c9,t11 conjugated linoleic acid and total polyunsaturated FAs. Ghee produced from the hybrids’ milk was richer in major functional FAs such as α-linolenic and linoleic acid, while yak ghee contained more saturated FAs and eicosapentaenoic, docosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids.
Assessing and mitigating post-operative castration pain in Bos indicus cattle
Authors: Laurence M. , Barnes A. , Collins T. , Hyndman T. , Musk G. C.
Published: November 2016

Cattle on pastoral land are subject to potentially painful husbandry procedures. In northern Australia, these practices generally occur once a year after the muster and the procedures are usually performed on animals older than 6 months of age. It is seldom that any pain mitigating medications are administered at this time and there is increasing concern that this perceived impost on the animal’s welfare will become more significant at both an economic and cultural level. There is a need to investigate the possibility of using simple, cost-effective, readily available medications, administered using relatively quick and easily taught techniques to increase the chance of industry adoption. This research used castration of 6–8-month-old Bos indicus calves as the test model because it is arguably one of the most common and most painful procedures endured by the animals. Forty-eight, 6–8-month-old Brahman bulls were surgically castrated after random assignment to six different treatment groups (n = 8): no castration Control (NC); castration (C); castration with post-operative meloxicam (CMpost-op); castration with lignocaine (CL); castration with lignocaine and post-operative meloxicam (CLMpost-op); castration with pre-operative meloxicam (CMpre-op). Serial measures of weight, blood cortisol concentrations, balk score, crush score, and daily activity (steps taken, number and duration of rest bouts) were taken. Linear mixed modelling was used to compare experimental groups. Bulls that were castrated and did not receive post-operative meloxicam (C and CL) had significantly lower average weights at all time points (Days 0–13, P < 0.001) of 170.9 kg and 168.6 kg, respectively, than those that did (CMpost-op and CLMpost-op) at 174.7 kg and 173.7 kg, respectively. When lignocaine was not administered before castration, Day 1 post-operative cortisol concentrations were significantly lower when post-operative meloxicam was provided than when it was not (CMpost-op: 47.2 nmol/L vs C: 65.5 nmol/L). When post-operative meloxicam was not given, animals that were given lignocaine before castration had significantly lower cortisol concentrations than those that received no lignocaine (CL: 52.7 nmol/L vs C: 65.5 nmol/L). Animals that were given pre-operative meloxicam had, on average, significantly lower Day 1 post-operative cortisol concentrations than animals that received no lignocaine or meloxicam (CMpre-op: 44.8 nmol/L vs C: 65.5 nmol/L). Analysis of Day 1 (the day following castration) data showed that animals that were given pre-operative meloxicam (CMpre-op) were significantly more active than animals in all other treatment groups (P = 0.038). It was concluded that 6–8-month old, Bos indicus bulls benefit from the administration of both lignocaine before surgery and peri-operative meloxicam. The analgesic methods used are readily adoptable by industry with respect to cost, efficiency and degree of technical skill required.
Intake of milk and pasture and growth rate of calves reared by cows with high or low potential for milk production
Authors: Fraga F. J. Roca , Lopez-Villalobos N. , Martin N. P. , Kenyon P. R. , Morris S. T. , Hickson R. E.
Published: November 2016

Milk production of cows influences calf weaning weight, which is the major driver for economic return in a cow–calf operation. The growth trajectory of 64 steer calves resulting from a terminal cross between Angus or Simmental bulls with Angus, Angus cross Holstein Friesian, Angus cross Jersey and Angus cross KiwiCross cows was examined during the pre-weaning period from birth (D0) to weaning (D148) and during the post-weaning period until a year of age (D365). Random regression models were used to model milk intake and liveweight of calves throughout lactation. These models were a good fit to the data (r2 = 0.77 for milk intake and r2 = 0.99 for liveweight). Total energy intake from milk was greater (P < 0.05) for the Angus cross Holstein Friesian-, Angus cross Jersey- and Angus cross KiwiCross-reared steers than for those reared by Angus dams. Additional milk intake increased liveweight of steers from D90 to D365, but the magnitude of the effect decreased as the calves aged. Simmental-sired steers had a greater liveweight response to additional milk intake than Angus-sired steers at D120 and D148, probably reflecting greater growth potential from out-crossed calves.
Accumulation and depletion of indospicine in calves (Bos taurus) fed creeping indigo (Indigofera spicata)
Authors: Fletcher Mary T. , Reichmann Keith G. , Ossedryver Selina M. , McKenzie Ross A. , Carter Phillip D. , Blaney Barry J.
Published: November 2016

Prolonged consumption of Indigofera pasture plants can cause both hepatotoxicosis and reproductive losses in grazing animals with the responsible toxin indospicine forming persistent tissue residues. Separate accumulation and depletion feeding trials were undertaken in calves fed Indigofera spicata (3 mg indospicine/kg bodyweight) to ascertain the appearance and elimination of indospicine from various tissues. In the accumulation trial indospicine concentrations increased throughout the 42-day feeding period with maximum levels of 15 mg/L in plasma and 19 and 33 mg/kg in liver and muscle, respectively. In the depletion trial, calves were fed I. spicata for 35 days, after which the plant was withdrawn from the diet. The rate of elimination was relatively slow with estimates of half-life being 31, 25 and 20 days for muscle, liver and plasma, respectively. Indospicine levels measured in bovine tissues in this trial are comparable with levels in horsemeat and camel meat reported to cause fatal hepatoxicity in dogs, a species known to be susceptible to this toxin. The persistence of indospicine residues in bovine tissues and the widespread distribution of Indigofera species in tropical and sub-tropical grazing lands warrant further investigation, as indospicine has been established as causing reproductive losses and likely contributes to calf losses in these regions.
Effect of replacing a commercial pelleted calf meal with lucerne leaf-meal on performance of neonatal and transitional Holstein heifer calves
Authors: Marumo Joyce L. , Nherera-Chokuda Florence V. , Ng'ambi Jones W. , Muya Mukengela C.
Published: November 2016

A study was conducted to (i) determine in vitro ruminal dry matter (DM) fermentation kinetics, effective rumen degradation of DM (EDDM), (ii) estimate energy fractions supply of lucerne leaf-meal (LLM) and composite diets of LLM with commercial pelleted calf meal and also (iii) determine the effects of substituting commercial pelleted calf meal with LLM on the intake, % ruminal nitrogen balance (RNB) and growth of the neonates (21–42 days old) and transition (43–56 days old) Holstein heifer calves. Forty-eight Holstein heifer calves were randomly assigned to three different dietary treatments in a complete randomised design of: (a) pelleted concentrate (PEL), (b) 65% pelleted concentrate: 35% LLM (P65 L35); (c) and 50% pelleted concentrate: 50% LLM (P50 L50). The study comprised of two experiments: neonatal (Experiment 1) and transition (Experiment 2) phases. Lucerne leaf-meal had gross energy of 16.2 MJ/kg and 25% crude protein DM. PEL diet was high in starch and bound protein compared with other diets. Inclusion of LLM in diets increased calcium levels but tended to decrease phosphorus levels. Calves were weaned at the age of 56 days. The feeds were incubated for 0, 4, 10, 18, 24 and 48 h using a DaisyII incubator. Rumen fluid was obtained from calves <50 days old. Large Ruminant Nutrition System was used to predict %RNB and energy density of the diets during neonatal and transition phases. Higher mean EDDM levels were found with LLM inclusions whereas fractions a, a + b and c did not vary. Neonates on diet C had higher (P < 0.05) daily DM and crude protein intakes, %RNB, total digestible nutrients, net energy at maintenance and net energy at gain during neonatal phase. Performance of calves was similar during the transition phase. LLM should be considered as a concentrate replacement in diets of neonates and calves.
Ex situ germplasm preservation and plant regeneration of a threatened terrestrial orchid, Caladenia huegelii, through micropropagation and cryopreservation
Authors: Bustam Betty Mauliya , Dixon Kingsley , Bunn Eric
Published: November 2016

Caladenia huegelii Rchb.f. is a threatened obligate mycotrophic orchid species with limited distribution in its remaining habitat, hence, this study to develop ex situ conservation protocols. An asymbiotic seed germination protocol was used to generate primary protocorms that were then used to proliferate secondary (adventitious protocorms). Both primary and secondary protocorms were utilised for development of a cryopreservation protocol. An average 94% germination of C. huegelii seeds occurred on ½ MS medium with 5% (v/v) coconut water) and 43% primary protocorms formed secondary (adventitious) protocorms) on ½ MS (– CW) + 5µM ∝-naphthaleneacetic acid + 2 µM BAP. Incubation at a constant 20 ± 0.5°C after cryopreservation significantly increased regeneration of both primary and secondary protocorms at 79 and 45%, respectively, compared with 46 and 19% at a higher, more variable standard culture temperature range (22−26°C). Seedlings were successfully regenerated from both cryopreserved primary and secondary protocorms, but only plantlets derived from primary protocorms were investigated for transfer to soil, where 88% plantlets survived, with sustained growth (average leaf length increase of 4.1 cm) after 12 weeks. This study demonstrates that plantlets derived from cryopreserved asymbiotically-produced protocorms can be established in soil and provide a feasible option to facilitate conservation and development of restoration protocols for endangered terrestrial orchids.