bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interconnected hierarchical HUSY zeolite-loaded Ni nano-particles probed for hydrodeoxygenation of fatty acids, fatty esters, and palm oil
Authors: Ma Bing , Yi Xianfeng , Chen Li , Zheng Anmin , Zhao Chen
Published: June 2016

Hierarchical H-style ultra-stable Y (HUSY) zeolites with abundant interconnected mesopores have been prepared using a sequential post-synthesis strategy that includes steaming dealumination and mixed-alkali desilication.
Pt-Decorated highly porous flower-like Ni particles with high mass activity for ammonia electro-oxidation
Authors: Liu Jie , Chen Bin , Kou Yue , Liu Zhi , Chen Xu , Li Yingbo , Deng Yida , Han Xiaopeng , Hu Wenbin , Zhong Cheng
Published: June 2016

Pt-Decorated highly porous flower-like Ni particles with nanopores and well-dispersed small Pt grains on petals show high activity for ammonia electro-oxidation.
Inexpensive polyphenylene network polymers with enhanced microporosity
Authors: Msayib Kadhum J. , McKeown Neil B.
Published: June 2016

Greatly enhanced microporosity is obtained for the amorphous porous polymers produced from the AlCl3-mediated coupling of aromatic hydrocarbons by using dichloromethane as the reaction solvent.
Laser action induced in a nanostructured polyaniline LED
Authors: Kalisz Magdalena , Golczak Sebastian , Frąckowiak Ewelina , Langer Krzysztof , Langer Jerzy J.
Published: June 2016

Polyaniline doped with H2SO4is used as an active material in the first polymer random laser directly electrically powered.
Magnetic graphene@PANI@porous TiO2 ternary composites for high-performance electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Liu Panbo , Huang Ying , Yan Jing , Zhao Yang
Published: June 2016

A novel 3D nanostructured composite with high-performance electromagnetic wave absorption and a relatively thin thickness has been synthesized.
Optical, electrical and photoelectric properties of layered-perovskite ferroelectric Bi2WO6 crystals
Authors: Liu Xitao , Long Peiqing , Sun Zhihua , Yi Zhiguo
Published: June 2016

Bi2WO6 crystals show interesting optical, electrical and photoelectric properties.
Journal of Materials Chemistry C Top Picks web collection: “the many faces of carbon”
Authors: Martín Nazario
Published: June 2016

Nazario Martín introduces a Journal of Materials Chemistry C Top Picks web collection on “the many faces of carbon”.
Only the complex N559-glycan in the synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2C mediates high affinity binding to botulinum neurotoxin serotype A1
Authors: Mahrhold Stefan , Bergström Tomas , Stern Daniel , Dorner Brigitte G. , Åstot Crister , Rummel Andreas
Published: June 2016

The extraordinary potency of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) is mediated by their high neurospecificity, targeting peripheral cholinergic motoneurons leading to flaccid paralysis and successive respiratory failure. Complex polysialo gangliosides accumulate BoNTs on the plasma membrane and facilitate subsequent binding to synaptic vesicle membrane proteins which results in toxin endocytosis. The luminal domain 4 (LD4) of the three synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2 (SV2) isoforms A–C mediates uptake of the clinically most relevant serotype BoNT/A1. SV2C-LD4 exhibits the strongest protein–protein interaction and comprises five putative N-glycosylation sites (PNG sites). Here, we expressed human SV2C-LD4 fused to human IgG-Fc in prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression systems to analyse the effect of N-glycosylation of SV2C on the interaction with BoNT/A1. Mass spectrometric analysis of gSV2CLD-Fc demonstrates glycosylation of N534, N559 and N565, the latter two residing at the BoNT/A interface. Mutational analysis demonstrates that only the N559-glycan, but not N565-glycan increases affinity of BoNT/A for human gSV2C-LD4. The N559-glycan was characterised as a complex core-fucosylated type with a heterogeneity ranging up to tetra-antennary structure with bisecting N-acetylglucosamine which can establish extensive interactions with BoNT/A. The mutant gSV2CLD-Fc N559A displayed a 50-fold increased dissociation rate kd resulting in an overall 12-fold decreased binding affinity in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments. The delayed dissociation might provide BoNT/A more time for endocytosis into synaptic vesicles. In conclusion, we show the importance of the complex N559-glycan of SV2C-LD4, adding a third anchor point beside a ganglioside and the SV2C-LD4 peptide, for BoNT/A neuronal cell surface binding and uptake.
Tinnitus Screener: Results From the First 100 Participants in an Epidemiology Study
Authors: Henry James A. , Griest Susan , Austin Don , Helt Wendy , Gordon Jane , Thielman Emily , Theodoroff Sarah M. , Lewis M. Samantha , Blankenship Cody , Zaugg Tara L. , Carlson Kathleen
Published: June 2016

Purpose

In the Noise Outcomes in Servicemembers Epidemiology Study, Veterans recently separated from the military undergo comprehensive assessments to initiate long-term monitoring of their auditory function. We developed the Tinnitus Screener, a four-item algorithmic instrument that determines whether tinnitus is present and, if so, whether it is constant or intermittent, or whether only temporary tinnitus has been experienced. Predictive validity data are presented for the first 100 Noise Outcomes in Servicemembers Epidemiology Study participants.

Method

The Tinnitus Screener was administered to participants by telephone. In lieu of a gold standard for determining tinnitus presence, the predictive validity of the tinnitus category assigned to participants on the basis of the Screener results was assessed when the participants attended audiologic testing.

Results

Of the 100 participants, 67 screened positive for intermittent or constant tinnitus. Three were categorized as “temporary” tinnitus only, and 30 were categorized as “no tinnitus.” Tinnitus categorization was predictively valid with 96 of the 100 participants.

Conclusions

These results provide preliminary evidence that the Screener may be suitable for quickly determining essential parameters of reported tinnitus. We have since revised the instrument to differentiate acute from chronic tinnitus and to identify occasional tinnitus. We are also obtaining measures that will enable assessment of its test-retest reliability.
Krylov subspace methods for model reduction of quadratic‐bilinear systems
Authors: Ilyas Ahmad Mian , Benner Peter , Jaimoukha Imad
Published: June 2016

The authors propose a two sided moment matching method for model reduction of quadratic‐bilinear descriptor systems. The goal is to approximate some of the generalised transfer functions that appear in the input–output representation of the non‐linear system. Existing techniques achieve this by utilising moment matching for the first two generalised transfer functions. In this study, they derive an equivalent representation that simplifies the structure of the generalised transfer functions. This allows them to extend the idea of two sided moment matching to higher subsystems which was difficult in the previous approaches. Numerical results are given for some benchmark examples of quadratic‐bilinear systems.
Calibration of erroneous branch parameters utilising learning automata theory
Authors: Helmzadeh Amin , Kouhsari Shahram Montaser
Published: June 2016

Incorrectness of simulation model parameters can lead to erroneous results in power system operation and planning studies. Therefore, model parameters should be verified according to measurements obtained from the actual system. Mismatches between simulation results and corresponding field measurements can be considered as a sign for the necessity of model verification. Inaccurate branch parameters in simulation models can lead to misguided results in protection, operation and planning studies. An efficient algorithm is proposed in this study for detection and correction of erroneous branch parameters. First, suspicious parameters are selected utilising a sensitivity‐based probabilistic method. Applying learning automata theory, selection probabilities will be modified according to simulation responses. A novel formulation is proposed for calculating selection probabilities according to simulation responses. Afterwards, selected parameters are modified by utilising an iterative Newton–Raphson scheme. Unlike state estimation‐based methods, required sensitivities are calculated numerically. Therefore, the explicit mathematical formulation of measurements dependency on model parameters is unnecessary. The procedure of erroneous parameter detection and correction will be continued until the value of sum of squared errors (SSE), the objective function in optimisation procedure, becomes sufficiently small. Simulation results demonstrate the high efficiency of the proposed method.
Aeronautical ground lighting system study: field measurements and simulations
Authors: Vidal Daniel. , Monjo Lluis , Sainz Luis
Published: June 2016

Aeronautical ground lighting (AGL) systems are single‐phase series circuits where constant current regulators supply transformers and luminaires. These systems provide visual reference to aircraft during airport operations. There is a lack of AGL system models and measurements in the literature to study AGL system behaviour and predict their response to electrical events and future technological changes. The study contributes to AGL system modelling with an equivalent circuit useful to study AGL system concerns by Matlab/Simulink simulations. It also presents field measurements taken at Reus airport (Catalonia, Spain) for the validation of the proposed model and understanding of AGL system behaviour in the event of luminaire failure.
Improved model‐free adaptive wide‐area coordination damping controller for multiple‐input–multiple‐output power systems
Authors: Zhao Yi , Yuan Zhichang , Lu Chao , Zhang Guoli , Li Xiu , Chen Ying
Published: June 2016

Wide‐area power system stabiliser (WAPSS) has been proved to be an effective method to damp inter‐area low‐frequency oscillations by using synchronised‐phasor measurements. However, negative interactions among the WAPSSs may happen when they are designed separately. The conventional model‐based coordination design methods are difficult to get good damping performance because model identification of the high‐order, non‐linear and time‐varying power system is difficult. In this study, an improved model‐free adaptive control (MFAC) algorithm is proposed for WAPSS coordination design. With the consideration of the interactions among the controllers and system noises, a novel decoupled multiple‐input–multiple‐output power system description for WAPSS coordination design are given. The MFAC control law and adaption law for each subsystem are improved to satisfy the controller coordination design requirements. The closed‐loop system stability and parameter settings of the improved MFAC algorithm are also analysed from a global perspective. Compared with model‐based methods, the proposed MFAC algorithm can ensure the controllers cooperate with each other and perform well under various operating conditions without tedious system modelling. The effectiveness of the proposed controllers is tested on an interconnected large‐scale power system in China. An MFAC‐WAPSS control system for field application is also presented in this study to validate its practicality.
Non‐linear adaptive coordinated controller design for multimachine power systems to improve transient stability
Authors: Roy Tushar Kanti , Mahmud Md Apel , Shen Weixiang , Oo Amanullah M.T.
Published: June 2016

Based on an adaptive backstepping approach, this study proposes a new coordinated control design where the coordination is done between the excitation controller of synchronous generators and steam‐valve controller of turbine‐governor systems in a multimachine power system by considering the critical parameters of both systems as unknown. This new coordinated control scheme can ensure the stability of multimachine power systems through the formulation of control Lyapunov functions (CLFs) and derive the adaptation laws to estimate the unknown parameters in the design process to prove the convergence of power systems using CLFs. The performances of the proposed control scheme are evaluated on a two‐area four‐machine 11‐bus power system under different operating conditions such as three‐phase short‐circuit faults along with changes in loads. Simulation results are then compared with those of a similar controller where there is no coordination between the excitation and steam‐valve controllers as well as with a coordinated sliding‐mode controller. The results clearly show the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed control scheme.
Precise aperture‐dependent motion compensation for high‐resolution synthetic aperture radar imaging
Authors: Wang Guanyong , Zhang Lei , Li Jun , Hu Qingrong
Published: June 2016

Aperture‐dependent motion compensation (MOCO) is crucial for high‐resolution airborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging, which can suppress image degradation especially for SAR systems working at a high‐frequency waveband, such as millimetre‐wave (MMW) SAR. The current precise topography and aperture (PTA) dependent MOCO algorithm aims to compensate the azimuth‐dependent motion error by using a modified azimuth matched filtering. However, the matched filter is deduced with the principle of stationary phase without considering the effects from the azimuth‐dependent motion errors, which limits its precision in focusing MMW SAR data involving severe motion errors. This study proposes a refined PTA algorithm with a precise post matched filter established by the method of series reversion. The range‐variant characteristic of residual motion errors is also investigated for an improved precision. Simulated and real MMW SAR data sets are used to validate the effectiveness of the proposal.
L2-stability of a finite element – finite volume discretization of convection-diffusion-reaction equations with nonhomogeneous mixed boundary conditions
Authors: Deuring Paul , Eymard Robert
Published: June 2016

We consider a time-dependent and a steady linear convection-diffusion-reaction equation whose coefficients are nonconstant. Boundary conditions are mixed (Dirichlet and Robin−Neumann) and nonhomogeneous. Both the unsteady and the steady problem are approximately solved by a combined finite element – finite volume method: the diffusion term is discretized by Crouzeix−Raviart piecewise linear finite elements on a triangular grid, and the convection term by upwind barycentric finite volumes. In the unsteady case, the implicit Euler method is used as time discretization. This scheme is shown to be unconditionallyL2-stable, uniformly with respect to diffusion, except if the Robin−Neumann boundary condition is inhomogeneous and the convective velocity is tangential at some points of the Robin−Neumann boundary. In that case, a negative power of the diffusion coefficient arises. As is shown by a counterexample, this exception cannot be avoided.
Die Evaluation des Behindertengleichstellungsgesetzes Rechtliche Aussagen und empirische Ergebnisse zur Barrierefreiheit im Bereich der gesetzlichen Krankenkassen
Authors: Ramm D. , Welti F.
Published: June 2016

Im Jahr 2002 trat das Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz des Bundes (BGG) in Kraft. Im Zuge des Nationalen Aktionsplans zur Umsetzung der UN-Behindertenrechtskonvention (UN-BRK) wurde es evaluiert. Es sollte untersucht werden, ob das Gesetz in seiner jetzigen Form die Belange aller Menschen mit Behinderung ausreichend berücksichtigt und sich die Instrumente des BGG bewährt haben. Die Evaluation umfasste rechtswissenschaftliche Analysen und sozialwissenschaftliche Erhebungen. Im Ergebnis wurde festgestellt, dass das BGG noch nicht hinreichend bekannt ist, jedoch andererseits überwiegend positiv eingeschätzt wird. Im Weiteren zeigt die Evaluation Verbesserungspotenziale zur Barrierefreiheit im Bereich der gesetzlichen Krankenkassen auf und weist darauf hin, dass insgesamt eine verbesserte Datenlage zur Barrierefreiheit im Gesundheitswesen und von Gesundheitsleistungen, ferner von Rehabilitationsdiensten und -einrichtungen notwendig ist.
A new interpretation of the meaning of the center of line slope from a two-dimensional infrared spectrum
Authors: Falvo Cyril
Published: June 2016

This article presents a new approximation to understand the connection between the center of line slope from a single peak of a two-dimensional (2D) infrared spectrum and the frequency-frequency correlation function. This approximation which goes beyond the short-time approximation includes explicitly pure dephasing mechanisms by introducing a time parameter that separates the fast fluctuations and slow fluctuations. While in the short-time approximation, the center of line slope is given by the normalized frequency fluctuations auto-correlation function, I show using this new approximation that the center of line slope measures on long time scales a shifted and scaled correlation function. The results present a new interpretation of the meaning of the center of line slope that allows for a better understanding of what 2D experiments can measure. To illustrate these findings, I compare this approximation with the short-time approximation for several examples of frequency-frequency correlation functions. I also give an estimate of the value of the time separation parameter for a correlation function with a simple exponential decay.
The structure and electronic properties of hexagonal Fe2Si
Authors: Tang Chi Pui , Tam Kuan Vai , Xiong Shi Jie , Cao Jie , Zhang Xiaoping
Published: June 2016

On the basis of first principle calculations, we show that a hexagonal structure of Fe2Si is a ferromagnetic crystal. The result of the phonon spectra indicates that it is a stable structure. Such material exhibits a spin-polarized and half-metal-like band structure. From the calculations of generalized gradient approximation, metallic and semiconducting behaviors are observed with a direct and nearly 0 eV band gap in various spin channels. The densities of states in the vicinity of the Fermi level is mainly contributed from the d-electrons of Fe. We calculate the reflection spectrum of Fe2Si, which has minima at 275nm and 3300nm with reflectance of 0.27 and 0.49, respectively. Such results may provide a reference for the search of hexagonal Fe2Si in experiments. With this band characteristic, the material may be applied in the field of novel spintronics devices.
Synthesis of BiFeO3 thin films on single-terminated Nb : SrTiO3 (111) substrates by intermittent microwave assisted hydrothermal method
Authors: Velasco-Davalos Ivan , Ambriz-Vargas Fabian , Kolhatkar Gitanjali , Thomas Reji , Ruediger Andreas
Published: June 2016

We report on a simple and fast procedure to create arrays of atomically flat terraces on single crystal SrTiO3 (111) substrates and the deposition of ferroelectric BiFeO3 thin films on such single-terminated surfaces. A microwave-assisted hydrothermal method in deionized water and ammonia solution selectively removes either (SrO3)4− or Ti4+ layers to ensure the same chemical termination on all terraces. Measured step heights of 0.225 nm (d111) and uniform contrast in the phase image of the terraces confirm the single termination in pure and Nb doped SrTiO3 single crystal substrates. Multiferroic BiFeO3 thin films were then deposited by the same microwave assisted hydrothermal process on Nb : SrTiO3 (111) substrates. Bi(NO3)3 and Fe(NO3)3 along with KOH served as the precursors solution. Ferroelectric behavior of the BiFeO3 films on Nb : SrTiO3 (100) substrates was verified by piezoresponse force microscopy.
A comprehensive picture in the view of atomic scale on piezoelectricity of ZnO tunnel junctions: The first principles simulation
Authors: Zhang Genghong , Chen Weijin , Zhu Jia , Jiang Gelei , Sheng Qiang , Wang Biao , Zheng Yue
Published: June 2016

Piezoelectricity is closely related with the performance and application of piezoelectric devices. It is a crucial issue to understand its detailed fundamental for designing functional devices with more peculiar performances. Basing on the first principles simulations, the ZnO piezoelectric tunnel junction is taken as an example to systematically investigate its piezoelectricity (including the piezopotential energy, piezoelectric field, piezoelectric polarization and piezocharge) and explore their correlation. The comprehensive picture of the piezoelectricity in the ZnO tunnel junction is revealed at atomic scale and it is verified to be the intrinsic characteristic of ZnO barrier, independent of its terminated surface but dependent on its c axis orientation and the applied strain. In the case of the ZnO c axis pointing from right to left, an in-plane compressive strain will induce piezocharges (and a piezopotential energy drop) with positive and negative signs (negative and positive signs) emerging respectively at the left and right terminated surfaces of the ZnO barrier. Meanwhile a piezoelectric polarization (and a piezoelectric field) pointing from right to left (from left to right) are also induced throughout the ZnO barrier. All these piezoelectric physical quantities would reverse when the applied strain switches from compressive to tensile. This study provides an atomic level insight into the fundamental behavior of the piezoelectricity of the piezoelectric tunnel junction and should have very useful information for future designs of piezoelectric devices.
A nonlinear model for magnetocapacitance effect in PZT-ring/Terfenol-D-strip magnetoelectric composites
Authors: Zhang Juanjuan , Wen Jianbiao , Gao Yuanwen
Published: June 2016

In previous works, most of them employ a linear constitutive model to describe magnetocapacitance (MC) effect in magnetoelectric (ME) composites, which lead to deficiency in their theoretical results. In view of this, based on a nonlinear magnetostrictive constitutive relation and a linear piezoelectric constitutive relation, we establish a nonlinear model for MC effect in PZT-ring/Terfenol-D-strip ME composites. The numerical results in this paper coincide better with experimental data than that of a linear model, thus, it’s essential to utilize a nonlinear constitutive model for predicting MC effect in ME composites. Then the influences of external magnetic fields, pre-stresses, frequencies, and geometric sizes on the MC effect are discussed, respectively. The results show that the external magnetic field is responsible for the resonance frequency shift. And the resonance frequency is sensitive to the ratio of outer and inner radius of the PZT ring. Moreover, some other piezoelectric materials are employed in this model and the corresponding MC effects are calculated, and we find that different type of piezoelectric materials affect the MC effect obviously. The proposed model is more accurate for multifunction devices designing.
The tolerance of steers (Bos taurus) to sorghum ergot (Claviceps africana) in a feedlot during the cooler months in subtropical Queensland
Authors: McLennan Stuart R. , Blaney Barry J. , Doogan Vivienne J. , Downing Jeff A.
Published: June 2016

Two experiments tested the tolerance of steers (Bos taurus) to sorghum ergot (Claviceps africana) during cooler months in south-east Queensland. Sorghum grain containing 2.8% ergot and 28 mg/kg ergot alkaloids (84% dihydroergosine, 10% dihydroelymoclavine, 6% festuclavine) was incorporated into feedlot rations. In a previous study in summer–autumn, ergot (1.1–4.4 mg alkaloids/kg ration) severely reduced performance in steers when the temperature–humidity index (THI; dry bulb temperature °C + 0.36 dew-point temperature °C + 41.2) was ~70, whereas a THI of ~79 was tolerated by steers fed ergot-free rations. Experiment 1 was conducted in winter–spring, with rations containing 0, 2.8, 5.6, 8.2 or 11.2 mg ergot alkaloids/kg ration. All ergot inclusions depressed feed intake (14% average reduction) and growth rate (34% average reduction), even when the weekly average daily THI was less than 65. Rectal temperatures were occasionally elevated in ergot-fed steers (P < 0.05), primarily when the THI exceeded ~65. All ergot inclusions depressed plasma prolactin concentrations in steers. Experiment 2 was predominantly carried out in winter, with weekly average daily THI <65 throughout the experiment. Rations containing 0, 0.28, 0.55 or 1.1 mg ergot alkaloids/kg were fed for 4 weeks but produced no significant effect on feed intakes and growth rates of steers. Alkaloid concentrations were then changed to 0, 2.1, 4.3 and 1.1 mg/kg, respectively. Subsequently, feed intakes declined by 17.5% (P < 0.05), and growth rates by 28% (P > 0.05) in the group receiving 4.3 mg/kg alkaloid, compared with Controls. Plasma prolactin concentrations were depressed, relative to the Controls, by dietary alkaloid inclusion greater than 1.1 mg/kg, with alkaloid intake of 4.3 mg/kg causing the greatest reduction (P < 0.05). Cattle performance in these studies shows steers can tolerate up to ~2 mg ergot alkaloid/kg (0.2% ergot) in feedlot rations under low THI conditions (< ~60–65), but previous findings indicate a much lower threshold will apply at higher THI (>65).
Genotypic variation in photosynthetic limitation responses to K deficiency of Brassica napus is associated with potassium utilisation efficiency
Authors: Lu Zhifeng , Lu Jianwei , Pan Yonghui , Li Xiaokun , Cong Rihuan , Ren Tao
Published: June 2016

Cultivars with higher potassium utilisation efficiency (KUtE) are likely to have superior photosynthesis (A) under K deficiency. However, the inner link between KUtE and photosynthesis remains unclear. A quantitative analysis of stomatal (SL), mesophyll conductance (MCL) and biochemical (BL) limitations on A in response to K supplementation was performed on upper and lower leaves of Brassica napus L. Huayouza No. 9 (H9, high KUtE) and Zhongshuang No. 11 (Z11, low KUtE). Both cultivars showed remarkable improvement in leaf area and lower leaf photosynthesis with elevated K supply. The total photosynthetic limitation of Z11 in lower leaf was 51.9% higher than that of H9 under K deficiency. Most of limitation under K deficiency was dominated by MCL for Z11, yet it was equally controlled by MCL and SL for H9. Nevertheless, with increasing K supply, SL became the primary limitation for both cultivars. Z11 needed a 12.0% higher leaf K concentration to avoid A decline, and higher K-based thresholds for each limitation. Overall, cultivars higher in KUtE have improved inherent leaf photosynthesis and area, and present lower K-based thresholds for SL, MCL and BL.
Potential bleaching effects on coral reproduction
Authors: Hagedorn Mary , Carter Virginia L. , Lager Claire , Camperio Ciani Julio F. , Dygert Alison N. , Schleiger Reuben D. , Henley E. Michael
Published: June 2016

Bleaching profoundly impacts coral reproduction, often for years after an event. However, detailed reproductive characteristics of coral after bleaching have not been broadly described, especially as they relate to cryopreservation. Therefore, in the present study we measured several reproductive characteristics in coral in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, for two species, namely Fungia scutaria and Montipora capitata, during the bleaching period of 2014 and 2015. We examined spawning periods, egg morphometry, sperm concentration, fresh and cryopreserved sperm motility exposed to different concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide, time of first cleavage, larval survival with fresh and cryopreserved spermatozoa, infection success and settlement success. Many of these reproductive parameters were reduced in 2015, especially sperm motility. Once the reduced-motility spermatozoa from 2015 post-bleach were cryopreserved, there was a steep decline in post-thaw viability and this would prevent any substantive further use of these samples in reproduction for conservation benefit. Worldwide, as bleaching events become more frequent, the ability to bank and conserve coral ex situ may be significantly reduced. Thus, it is imperative that while genetic diversity is still high in these populations, intensive efforts are made to bank coral species during non-bleaching periods.
Reducing the primary exposure risk of Henderson crakes (Zapornia atra) during aerial broadcast eradication by selecting appropriate bait colour
Authors: Oppel Steffen , Lavers Jennifer L. , Bond Alexander L. , Harrison Gavin
Published: June 2016

Context Operations to eradicate non-native invasive predators from islands frequently put native species at risk of consuming harmful substances, such as poison bait. The incorporation of certain colours in poison-bait pellets may reduce the risk of bait consumption and, therefore, non-target mortality. Previous work indicated that birds generally avoid blue or green colours; however, there is substantial inter-specific variation in this preference, and more experimental work on species of conservation concern is needed. Aims We tested whether a globally threatened island endemic, the Henderson crake (Zapornia atra), which suffered substantial mortality during a rat-eradication attempt on Henderson Island in 2011, would consume fewer blue than green pellets, which were used during the previous eradication attempt. Methods We held 22 Henderson crakes in captivity and provided them with either blue or green non-toxic pellets for 5 days in June and July 2015. We measured consumption and used linear mixed models to evaluate whether bait colour influenced consumption. Key results Henderson crakes did not consume any dry pellets, and all trials were conducted with wet bait pellets. We found slightly lower consumption of blue pellets than green pellets, and substantial variation among individuals. Females (n = 17) consumed 24% less blue than green bait, whereas males (n = 5) consumed 77% less blue than green bait. Conclusion Henderson crakes are unlikely to consume dry pellets, and will likely consume fewer blue than green bait pellets. Implications We recommend that any future rat eradication on Henderson Island considers using blue rather than green baits and targets dry weather to reduce the risk of Henderson crakes consuming toxic rodenticide bait pellets.
Phylogeny and biogeography of species of Syphacia Seurat, 1916 (Nemata : Oxyurida : Oxyuridae) from the Australian Bioregion
Authors: Weaver Haylee J. , Monks Scott , Gardner Scott L.
Published: June 2016

Pinworm nematodes of the genus Syphacia (Nemata : Oxyurida : Oxyuridae) have a global distribution, and infect the caecum of rodents. Within the Australian Bioregion, 17 species of Syphacia infect a range of rodent hosts. Pinworms are traditionally thought to have coevolutionary relationships with their hosts, but the evolution and dispersal of Australian rodents and their helminths remains unclear. This combination of factors allowed us to investigate the likely relationships of Australian Syphacia species based on phylogenetic analysis, overlaid with the ecology and relationships of host species. We conducted a phylogenetic analysis using morphological characters of the species of Syphacia from the Australian Bioregion in order to examine the relationships between species, and to investigate how host evolution and phylogeny could inform (or be informed) by parasite phylogeny. Application of the taxon pulse theory of parasite speciation by matching host species to parasites shed some light on the timing of speciation of rodent hosts. We found that species of Syphacia had reasonably close host–parasite relationships, with additional evidence for ecological fitting or host switching occurring. Evidence provided here suggests strongly that most elements of the Stockholm Paradigm are at play in structuring the relationships we observe in this pinworm–mammal system.
Evolution of domain–peptide interactions to coadapt specificity and affinity to functional diversity
Authors: Kelil Abdellali , Levy Emmanuel D. , Michnick Stephen W.
Published: June 2016

Significance

Today, we understand how short linear peptides bind to distinct recognition domains. However, at the cellular level, we still do not grasp why certain binding peptides are highly specific, whereas others are highly cross-reactive, and also what is the relationship with the functions of domain–peptide interactions. We revealed remarkable relationships among binding peptides, between their binding specificity, binding affinity, structural properties, and evolution. Surprisingly, we found that these properties are also related to functional specificity of domain–peptide interactions. Our results suggest that the structural properties and sequences of binding peptides have coevolved to achieve the levels of binding specificity and binding affinity that are required for the different levels of functional specificity of domain–peptide interactions.
Residual surface stress: Comparing traditional and modulated tool path machining processes
Authors: Schmidt P. , Handy R. , Anderson T. , Rees T. , Morrell J. , Williams W. , Jackson M.
Published: June 2016

Traditional machining processes, where material is removed by a cutting tool from a workpiece, can introduce residual stresses at the surface of machined pieces. This paper provides an examination of an alternative machining methodology called modulated tool path machining. The ultimate objective of this research is to determine the effects of modulated tooling path machining processes, as applied to control chip geometry, on the surface stress of selected materials. Residual stresses in machined samples were characterised through the use of X-ray diffraction by comparing the modulated path method with a more traditional material removal technique (i.e. constant surface speed and constant contact).

This paper is part of a Themed Issue on Measurement, modelling and mitigation of residual stress.
A qPCR method to characterize the sex type of the cell strains from rats
Authors: Xiang Junbei , Li Zhilin , Wan Qian , Chen Qiang , Liu Mianxue , Jiang Xiaohui , Xie Linfeng
Published: June 2016

A simple and fast method was established to identify the sex types of the rat-derived cell strains. The single copy X-chromosome-linked gene AR and the single copy Y-chromosome-linked gene Sry were both detected with qPCR for the rat genomic DNA sample and the AR/Sry ratio was calculated. According to the law of the AR/Sry ratio, a new method to identify the sex types of the rat-derived cell strains was developed. The new assay was proved effective. The new assay showed advantages over the traditional sex type identification PCR methods, which detected only the Sry gene. Moreover, the new method was used to identify the sex types of two rat-derived cell strains unknown for the sex types and the results were confirmed with the in situ hybridization. Finally, the problem of the cross contamination between the female and the male samples was addressed and discussed extensively.
Cloning and identification of saprolmycin biosynthetic gene cluster fromStreptomycessp. TK08046
Authors: Kawasaki Takashi , Moriyama Asako , Nakagawa Kazuya , Imamura Nobutaka
Published: June 2016

Saprolmycins A–E are anti-Saprolegnia parasitica antibiotics. To identify the gene cluster for saprolmycin biosynthesis in Streptomyces sp. TK08046, polymerase chain reaction using aromatase and cyclase gene-specific primers was performed; the spr gene cluster, which codes for angucycline biosynthesis, was obtained from the strain. The cluster consists of 36 open reading frames, including minimal polyketide synthase, ketoreductase, aromatase, cyclase, oxygenase, and deoxy sugar biosynthetic genes, as defined by homology to the corresponding genes of the urdamycin, Sch-47554, and grincamycin biosynthetic gene clusters in Streptomyces fradiae, Streptomyces sp. SCC-2136, and Streptomyces lusitanus, respectively. To establish the function of the gene cluster, an expression cosmid vector containing all 36 open reading frames was introduced into Streptomyces lividans TK23. The transformant was confirmed to express the biosynthetic genes and produce saprolmycins by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the extract.
An Observational Study of Inhaled‐Treprostinil Respiratory‐Related Safety in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Zamanian R. T. , Levine D. J. , Bourge R. C. , De Souza S. A. , Rosenzweig E. B. , Alnuaimat H. , Burger C. , Mathai S. C. , Leedom N. , DeAngelis K. , Lim A. , De Marco T.
Published: June 2016

Inhaled treprostinil (Tyvaso) has been shown to be a safe and effective addition to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) oral therapies; however, the respiratory‐related safety profile of inhaled treprostinil required further elucidation in the setting of routine clinical care. The objectives of this study were to characterize respiratory‐related adverse events (AEs) associated with current or recent treatment with inhaled treprostinil and to compare the incidence of respiratory‐related AEs in PAH patients treated with inhaled treprostinil with that in patients treated with other Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved PAH therapies. This was a long‐term, prospective, observational study. All respiratory‐related AEs were recorded during the study. The number of PAH patients enrolled was 1,333, 666 treated with inhaled treprostinil and 667 controls (treated with an FDA‐approved PAH therapy other than inhaled treprostinil), for a total of 958 and 1,094 patient‐years of exposure, respectively. In the inhaled‐treprostinil group, 1,281 respiratory‐related AEs were reported in 403 patients (61%), and in the control group, 1,295 respiratory‐related AEs were reported in 388 patients (58%). Cough, throat irritation, nasal discomfort, and hemoptysis were the most common respiratory‐related AEs (occurring in ≥2% of patients in either treatment group) that demonstrated a higher number of events per patient‐year of exposure in the inhaled‐treprostinil group than in the control group (risk ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.487 [1.172–1.887], 3.777 [2.050–6.956], 2.039 [1.072–3.879], and 1.957 [1.024–3.741], respectively). Overall, inhaled treprostinil was well tolerated by PAH patients in routine clinical care, with respiratory‐related AEs consistent with the known safety profile (trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01266265).
MultiQC: summarize analysis results for multiple tools and samples in a single report
Authors: Ewels Philip , Magnusson Måns , Lundin Sverker , Käller Max
Published: June 2016

Motivation: Fast and accurate quality control is essential for studies involving next-generation sequencing data. Whilst numerous tools exist to quantify QC metrics, there is no common approach to flexibly integrate these across tools and large sample sets. Assessing analysis results across an entire project can be time consuming and error prone; batch effects and outlier samples can easily be missed in the early stages of analysis.

Results: We present MultiQC, a tool to create a single report visualising output from multiple tools across many samples, enabling global trends and biases to be quickly identified. MultiQC can plot data from many common bioinformatics tools and is built to allow easy extension and customization.

Availability and implementation: MultiQC is available with an GNU GPLv3 license on GitHub, the Python Package Index and Bioconda. Documentation and example reports are available at http://multiqc.info

Contact:  phil.ewels@scilifelab.se
Of mice, fishermen, and food†
Authors: Hilborn Ray
Published: June 2016

A non-linear science career: how I started in terrestrial ecology working on rodents, moved on to fisheries management, and ended up comparing the environmental impacts of fishing to farming. I was drawn to fisheries because there was a real need for science and the kind of analysis I did to help solve real world problems. I was very fortunate that the advent of major computing power and the demand for fisheries management driven by the declaration of 200 mile exclusive economic zones coincided with my completing the PhD. A career formed by good fortune, meeting and working with excellent colleagues, and random events at just the right time. My advice to young scientists in the field is to build collaborations, both with other scientists but also with the managers of the fisheries. Get your hands dirty in real problems, but always remembering the importance of fisheries to the food security of some of the poorest people of the world. What you do really matters.
Radio SNRs in the Magellanic Clouds as probes of shock microphysics
Authors: Barniol Duran Rodolfo , Whitehead Joseph F. , Giannios Dimitrios
Published: June 2016

A large number of supernova remnants (SNRs) in our Galaxy and galaxies nearby have been resolved in various radio bands. This radio emission is thought to be produced via synchrotron emission from electrons accelerated by the shock that the supernova ejecta drives into the external medium. Here we consider the sample of radio SNRs in the Magellanic Clouds. Given the size and radio flux of an SNR, we seek to constrain the fraction of shocked fluid energy in non-thermal electrons (ϵe) and magnetic field (ϵB), and find ϵeϵB ∼ 10−3. These estimates do not depend on the largely uncertain values of the external density and the age of the SNR. We develop a Monte Carlo scheme that reproduces the observed distribution of radio fluxes and sizes of the population of radio SNRs in the Magellanic Clouds. This simple model provides a framework that could potentially be applied to other galaxies with complete radio SNRs samples.
Diabetes Reduces the Rate of Sputum Culture Conversion in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Salindri Argita D. , Kipiani Maia , Kempker Russell R. , Gandhi Neel R. , Darchia Lasha , Tukvadze Nestani , Blumberg Henry M. , Magee Matthew J.
Published: June 2016

Background.  Diabetes is a risk factor for active tuberculosis (TB), but little is known about the relationship between diabetes and multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB. We aimed to assess risk factors for primary MDR TB, including diabetes, and determine whether diabetes reduced the rate of sputum culture conversion among patients with MDR TB.

Methods.  From 2011 to 2014, we conducted a cohort study at the National Center for Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases in Tbilisi, Georgia. Adult (≥35 years) patients with primary TB were eligible. Multidrug-resistant TB was defined as resistance to at least rifampicin and isoniazid. Patients with capillary glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5% or previous diagnosis were defined to have diabetes. Polytomous regression was used to estimate the association of patient characteristics with drug resistance. Cox regression was used to compare rates of sputum culture conversion in patients with and without diabetes.

Results.  Among 318 patients with TB, 268 had drug-susceptibility test (DST) results. Among patients with DST results, 19.4% (52 of 268) had primary MDR TB and 13.4% (36 of 268) had diabetes. In multivariable analyses, diabetes (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–6.31) and lower socioeconomic status (aOR, 3.51; 95% CI, 1.56–8.20) were associated with primary MDR TB. Among patients with primary MDR TB, 44 (84.6%) converted sputum cultures to negative. The rate of sputum culture conversion was lower among patients with diabetes (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.34; 95% CI, .13–.87) and among smokers (aHR, 0.16; 95% CI, .04–.61).

Conclusions.  We found diabetes was associated with an increased risk of primary MDR TB; both diabetes and smoking were associated with a longer time to sputum culture conversion.
Social Work–Business Sector Collaboration in Pursuit of Economic Justice
Authors: Lee Wonhyung
Published: June 2016

This article examines social workers’ perceptions, experiences, and prospects regarding working in the business sector after participating in an MSW field practicum with a local microlending program. Social workers’ insights suggest that cross-sector collaboration leads to vast opportunities not only for the populations served by the collaborative efforts, but also for social work as a profession. However, several challenges are revealed, including social workers’ unfamiliarity with business operations, the business sector’s narrow understanding of social workers’ roles, and divisions between participants in interprofessional collaboration. This article calls for enhancing the role of social work to maximize its impact on economic development through further research and tangible cross-sector projects.
Feminist Social Work: Practice and Theory of Practice
Authors: Eyal-Lubling Roni , Krumer-Nevo Michal
Published: June 2016

Although feminist social work has been practiced in Israel since the 1970s, little has been written about it. This qualitative study aims to fill this gap by documenting and conceptualizing feminist theory of practice and actual practice based on interviews with 12 feminist social workers. Findings reveal that the interviewees perceive feminist practice as significantly different from traditional social work practice based on four analytical principles: (1) gender analysis, (2) awareness of power relations, (3) analysis of welfare services as structures of oppression, and (4) utilization of feminist language, as well as 10 principles of action. The principles are discussed in the context of feminist social work in Israel and in light of feminist principles described in international literature.
Activity Pacing is Associated With Better and Worse Symptoms for Patients With Long-term Conditions
Authors: Antcliff Deborah , Campbell Malcolm , Woby Steve , Keeley Philip
Published: June 2016

Background:

Activity pacing has been associated with both improved and worsened symptoms, and its role in reducing disability among patients with long-term conditions has been questioned. However, existing studies have measured pacing according to unidimensional subscales, and therefore the empirical evidence for pacing as a multifaceted construct remains unclear. We have developed a 26-item Activity Pacing Questionnaire (APQ-26) for chronic pain/fatigue containing 5 themes of pacing: activity adjustment, activity consistency, activity progression, activity planning, and activity acceptance.

Objective:

To assess the associations between the 5 APQ-26 pacing themes and symptoms of pain, physical fatigue, depression, avoidance, and physical function.

Methods:

Cross-sectional questionnaire study design. Data analyzed using multiple regression.

Participants:

A total of 257 adult patients with diagnoses of chronic low back pain, chronic widespread pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Results:

Hierarchical multiple regression showed that activity adjustment was significantly associated with increased physical fatigue, depression, and avoidance, but decreased physical function (all Ps≤0.030). Activity consistency was associated with decreased pain, physical fatigue, depression, and avoidance, but increased physical function (all Ps≤0.003). Activity planning was associated with reduced physical fatigue (Ps=0.025) and activity acceptance was associated with increased avoidance (Ps=0.036).

Conclusions:

Some APQ-26 pacing themes were associated with worse symptoms and others with symptom improvement. Specifically, pacing themes involving adjusting/reducing activities were associated with worse symptoms, whereas pacing themes involving undertaking consistent activities were associated with improved symptoms. Future study will explore the causality of these associations to add clarification regarding the effects of pacing on patients’ symptoms.