bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Limits Of Quantum Information In Weak Interaction Processes Of Hyperons
Authors: Hiesmayr B. C.
Published: July 2015

We analyze the achievable limits of the quantum information processing of the weak interaction revealed by hyperons with spin. We find that the weak decay process corresponds to an interferometric device with a fixed visibility and fixed phase difference for each hyperon. Nature chooses rather low visibilities expressing a preference to parity conserving or violating processes (except for the decay Σ+→ pπ0). The decay process can be considered as an open quantum channel that carries the information of the hyperon spin to the angular distribution of the momentum of the daughter particles. We find a simple geometrical information theoretic interpretation of this process: two quantization axes are chosen spontaneously with probabilities "Equation missing" where α is proportional to the visibility times the real part of the phase shift. Differently stated, the weak interaction process corresponds to spin measurements with an imperfect Stern-Gerlach apparatus. Equipped with this information theoretic insight we show how entanglement can be measured in these systems and why Bell’s nonlocality (in contradiction to common misconception in literature) cannot be revealed in hyperon decays. Last but not least we study under which circumstances contextuality can be revealed.
Waste-Activated Sludge Fermentation for Polyacrylamide Biodegradation Improved by Anaerobic Hydrolysis and Key Microorganisms Involved in Biological Polyacrylamide Removal
Authors: Dai Xiaohu , Luo Fan , Zhang Dong , Dai Lingling , Chen Yinguang , Dong Bin
Published: July 2015

During the anaerobic digestion of dewatered sludge, polyacrylamide (PAM), a chemical conditioner, can usually be consumed as a carbon and nitrogen source along with other organic matter (e.g., proteins and carbohydrates in the sludge). However, a significant accumulation of acrylamide monomers (AMs) was observed during the PAM biodegradation process. To improve the anaerobic hydrolysis of PAM, especially the amide hydrolysis process and to avoid the generation of the intermediate product AM, a new strategy is reported herein that uses an initial pH of 9, 200 mg COD/L of PAM and a fermentation time of 17 d. First, response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize PAM removal in the anaerobic digestion of the sludge. The biological hydrolysis of PAM reached 86.64% under the optimal conditions obtained from the RSM. Then, the mechanisms for the optimized parameters that significantly improved the biological hydrolysis of PAM were investigated by the synergistic effect of the main organic compounds in the sludge, the floc size distribution and the enzymatic activities. Finally, semi-continuous-flow experiments for a microbial community study were investigated based on the determination of key microorganisms involved in the biological hydrolysis of PAM.
Validation of Placebo in a Manual Therapy Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chaibi Aleksander , Šaltytė Benth Jūratė , Bjørn Russell Michael
Published: July 2015

At present, no consensus exists among clinical and academic experts regarding an appropriate placebo for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT). Therefore, we investigated whether it was possible to conduct a chiropractic manual-therapy RCT with placebo. Seventy migraineurs were randomized to a single-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial that consisted of 12 treatment sessions over 3 months. The participants were randomized to chiropractic SMT or placebo (sham manipulation). After each session, the participants were surveyed on whether they thought they had undergone active treatment (“yes” or “no”) and how strongly they believed that active treatment was received (numeric rating scale 0–10). The outcome measures included the rate of successful blinding and the certitude of the participants’ beliefs in both treatment groups. At each treatment session, more than 80% of the participants believed that they had undergone active treatment, regardless of group allocation. The odds ratio for believing that active treatment was received was >10 for all treatment sessions in both groups (all p < 0.001). The blinding was maintained throughout the RCT. Our results strongly demonstrate that it is possible to conduct a single-blinded manual-therapy RCT with placebo and to maintain the blinding throughout 12 treatment sessions given over 3 months.
Synergistic activity of polarised osteoblasts inside condensations cause their differentiation
Authors: Kaul Himanshu , Hall Brian K. , Newby Chris , Ventikos Yiannis
Published: July 2015

Condensation of pre-osteogenic, or pre-chondrogenic, cells is the first of a series of processes that initiate skeletal development. We present a validated, novel, three-dimensional agent-based model of in vitro intramembranous osteogenic condensation. The model, informed by system heterogeneity and relying on an interaction-reliant strategy, is shown to be sensitive to ‘rules’ capturing condensation growth and can be employed to track activity of individual cells to observe their macroscopic impact. It, therefore, makes available previously inaccessible data, offering new insights and providing a new context for exploring the emergence, as well as normal and abnormal development, of osteogenic structures. Of the several stages of condensation we investigate osteoblast ‘burial’ within the osteoid they deposit. The mechanisms underlying entrapment – required for osteoblasts to differentiate into osteocytes – remain a matter of conjecture with several hypotheses claiming to capture this important transition. Computational examination of this transition indicates that osteoblasts neither turn off nor slow down their matrix secreting genes – a widely held view; nor do they secrete matrix randomly. The model further reveals that osteoblasts display polarised behaviour to deposit osteoid. This is both an important addition to our understanding of condensation and an important validation of the model’s utility.
Coral transplantation triggers shift in microbiome and promotion of coral disease associated potential pathogens
Authors: Casey Jordan M. , Connolly Sean R. , Ainsworth Tracy D.
Published: July 2015

By cultivating turf algae and aggressively defending their territories, territorial damselfishes in the genusStegastesplay a major role in shaping coral-algal dynamics on coral reefs. The epilithic algal matrix (EAM) insideStegastes’ territories is known to harbor high abundances of potential coral disease pathogens. To determine the impact of territorial grazers on coral microbial assemblages, we established a coral transplant inside and outside ofStegastes’ territories. Over the course of one year, the percent mortality of transplanted corals was monitored and coral samples were collected for microbial analysis. As compared to outside damselfish territories,Stegasteswere associated with a higher rate of mortality of transplanted corals. However, 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that territorial grazers do not differentially impact the microbial assemblage of corals exposed to the EAM. Regardless ofStegastespresence or absence, coral transplantation resulted in a shift in the coral-associated microbial community and an increase in coral disease associated potential pathogens. Further, transplanted corals that suffer low to high mortality undergo a microbial transition from a microbiome similar to that of healthy corals to that resembling the EAM. These findings demonstrate that coral transplantation significantly impacts coral microbial communities and transplantation may increase susceptibility to coral disease.
The Integration of Sub-10 nm Gate Oxide on MoS2 with Ultra Low Leakage and Enhanced Mobility
Authors: Yang Wen , Sun Qing-Qing , Geng Yang , Chen Lin , Zhou Peng , Ding Shi-Jin , Zhang David Wei
Published: July 2015

The integration of ultra-thin gate oxide, especially at sub-10 nm region, is one of the principle problems in MoS2 based transistors. In this work, we demonstrate sub-10 nm uniform deposition of Al2O3 on MoS2 basal plane by applying ultra-low energy remote oxygen plasma pretreatment prior to atomic layer deposition. It is demonstrated that oxygen species in ultra-low energy plasma are physically adsorbed on MoS2 surfaces without making the flakes oxidized and is capable of benefiting the mobility of MoS2 flake. Based on this method, top-gated MoS2 transistor with ultrathin Al2O3 dielectric is fabricated. With 6.6 nm Al2O3 as gate dielectric, the device shows gate leakage about 0.1 pA/μm2 at 4.5 MV/cm which is much lower than previous reports. Besides, the top-gated device shows great on/off ratio of over 108, subthreshold swing (SS) of 101 mV/dec and a mobility of 28 cm2/Vs. With further investigations and careful optimizations, this method can play an important role in future nanoelectronics.
Antimicrobial Peptides: Insights into Membrane Permeabilization, Lipopolysaccharide Fragmentation and Application in Plant Disease Control
Authors: Datta Aritreyee , Ghosh Anirban , Airoldi Cristina , Sperandeo Paola , Mroue Kamal H. , Jiménez-Barbero Jesús , Kundu Pallob , Ramamoorthy Ayyalusamy , Bhunia Anirban
Published: July 2015

The recent increase in multidrug resistance against bacterial infections has become a major concern to human health and global food security. Synthetic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have recently received substantial attention as potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics because of their potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. These peptides have also been implicated in plant disease control for replacing conventional treatment methods that are polluting and hazardous to the environment and to human health. Here, we report de novo design and antimicrobial studies of VG16, a 16-residue active fragment of Dengue virus fusion peptide. Our results reveal that VG16KRKP, a non-toxic and non-hemolytic analogue of VG16, shows significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative E. coli and plant pathogens X. oryzae and X. campestris, as well as against human fungal pathogens C. albicans and C. grubii. VG16KRKP is also capable of inhibiting bacterial disease progression in plants. The solution-NMR structure of VG16KRKP in lipopolysaccharide features a folded conformation with a centrally located turn-type structure stabilized by aromatic-aromatic packing interactions with extended N- and C-termini. The de novo design of VG16KRKP provides valuable insights into the development of more potent antibacterial and antiendotoxic peptides for the treatment of human and plant infections.
An Introduction to a Multiparameter Approach to Improve the Reliability of Environmental Crime Evidence
Authors: Barbieri Cristina , Eduardo Souza Sarkis Jorge , Scapin Marcos , do Carmo Ruaro Peralba Maria , Martinelli Luiz , Antônio Hortellani Marcos
Published: July 2015

Obtaining sound evidence of environmental pollution crimes is usually challenging in environments impacted by multiple sources. This is particularly true when the situation involves running waters systems and the contaminants discharged by the suspect facility must be searched in stream-bed sediments, which are typically heterogeneous in terms of texture and composition. The heterogeneity reflects on the high variability of contaminant content, which implies that a large number of samples must be analyzed in order to reduce the uncertainty of the resulting data to an acceptable level. In environmental crimes investigations, where the State or “People” must provide the scientific proof, resources as laboratory analyses are few, and there are also time restrains, therefore, more effective and fit-for-purpose methodologies must be developed and tested in order to provide the justice operators a reliable evidence in a feasible manner. The present work introduces a case study of leachate discharge from a hazardous waste landfill in a heavily polluted watercourse where the use of a multiparameter approach using metals, stable isotope and organics analysis in stream-bed sediments was performed as an exploratory means provide evidence of this possible crime. A brief review of methods that explore multiple variables to add qualitative consistency for the results obtained is also presented.
Environmental Litigation Issues in Taiwan and the Forensics Strategies of Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Contaminated Sites
Authors: Hsu Hsin-Lan. , Liu P. H. , Hung H. C. , Chang F. C.
Published: July 2015

Based on the Soil and Underground Water Pollution Remediation Act of Taiwan, a site has to be enlisted first before a proper pollution control measure can be enforced and liability be imposed. To enlist a site, proof should be provided to demonstrate that the pollution source is well-defined or is located. However, it could be subjective as to what can be the proof. This has been one of the major litigation issues faced by the Taiwan EPA, particularly on the chlorinated hydrocarbon contaminated sites. To learn from these litigation issues, a contaminated site whose enlisting decision just got rescinded in court was presented and the forensics strategy was discussed. According to the court decision, a localized contour of trichloroethylene in the groundwater was not considered as a solid proof of a pollution source because the contaminants could come from elsewhere and accumulate on that site due to hydrogeological heterogeneity. Thus, the proposed strategy was comprised of two aspects. One is to strengthen the arguments presented and to eliminate the scenarios like those brought up by the judges in this case. The other is to provide the direct evidence, such as visual demonstration of the migration pathway or highly contaminated soil which indicates the presence of non-aqueous phase liquids. With the aid of compound-specific isotope analyses, we were able to verify only one source existing on the site and to narrow down the location. An in-situ mapping using membrane interface probing coupled with a detector sensitive to halogenated organic compounds was also attempted to help determine the soil sampling locations. With a combination of multiple lines of evidence, a conclusion shall be drawn based on a clear causation relationship.
δ13C and δ37Cl on Gas-Phase TCE for Source Identification Investigation - Innovative Solvent-Based Sampling Method
Authors: Bouchard Daniel , McLoughlin Patrick W. , Hunkeler Daniel , Pirkle Robert J.
Published: July 2015

The use of stable isotopes (13C, 2H and 37Cl) has shown to be a reliable method to establish a link between the improper presence of a volatile organic compound (VOC) and the suspected emitting source, or to distinguish compound sources on the same contaminated site. While the isotopic tool is commonly applied to contaminated groundwater studies, the tool is considerably less applied for gas-phase studies such as indoor air or atmospheric investigations. The main reason is low VOC concentrations which impede collecting enough VOC mass to perform reliable isotope analysis. Accordingly, a successful isotopic investigation conducted on gas-phase VOC relies on a sampling technique that can sufficiently accumulate the compound during the sampling. Thus far, the most common sampling technique used for atmospheric or indoor air studies is the adsorption tubes. Although the latter method provides reliable isotopic measurements, the sampling method is time consuming and the results require elaborate validation for each sample. A simple and innovative solvent-based sampling method to collect VOC from the gas phase is presented. By analogy to the sorption tube method, the proposed sampling method uses an organic solvent as a sink to accumulate the VOC during the sampling process. Laboratory experiments were first carried out to evaluate the VOC dissolution efficiency in solvent during constant air flow injection, to identify suitable solvents (solvent volatility, VOC solubility) and to confirm reproducible isotopic measurements on selected VOCs (benzene and trichloroethene). After successful preliminary results, the performance of the sampling method was evaluated during an experiment carried out in a former industrial building. A TCE liquid source with known isotopic composition (δ13C and δ37Cl) was used to create a gas-phase plume inside an isolated room. The room air was sampled by using a device developed for the solvent-based method. Summa canisters were used in parallel as the reference method. The δ13C value for TCE showed excellent agreement between the two sampling methods. Furthermore, the δ13C and δ37Cl values measured for the TCE sampled with the solvent method were similar to the source values. The latter results suggested an absence of physical processes causing an isotope fractionation and consequently allowed establishing a direct link between the gas-phase TCE and the emitting source. The combination of the laboratory and field tests underlines a promising sampling method to perform CSIA measurements on gas-phase VOCs. Advantages compared to the use of sorbent tubes, method restrictions and the detection limits will also be covered.
Sensing cisplatin-induced permeation of single live human bladder cancer cells by scanning electrochemical microscopy
Authors: Zhang Meng-Ni , Ding Zhifeng , Long Yi-Tao
Published: July 2015

Simultaneous quantification of cellular topography and membrane permeability of single live cells was realized by means of scanning electrochemical microscopy.
DNA–bare gold affinity interactions: mechanism and applications in biosensing
Authors: Koo Kevin M. , Sina Abu A. I. , Carrascosa Laura G. , Shiddiky Muhammad J. A. , Trau Matt
Published: July 2015

Sequence-dependent non-thiolated DNA–gold affinity interaction for biosensing applications, and the underlying principles governing these interactions are comprehensively reviewed.
Vice versa donor acceptor fluorene–ferrocene alternate copolymer: a twisted ribbon for electrical switching
Authors: Chakraborty Chanchal , Bera Manas Kumar , Rana Utpal , Malik Sudip
Published: July 2015

Two donor–acceptor type copolymers (PFFC-1 and PFFC-2) containing ferrocene and fluorene moieties have been successfully synthesized to evaluate the redox triggered optical and electronic properties.
Phosphine-catalyzed [4+1] annulation of 2-tosylaminochalcones with allenoates: synthesis of trans-2,3-disubstitued indolines
Authors: Gao Zhenzhen , Wang Chang , Yuan Chunhao , Zhou Leijie , Xiao Yumei , Guo Hongchao
Published: July 2015

Phosphine-catalyzed [4+1] annulation of 2-tosylaminochalcones with allenoates has been achieved, giving trans-2,3-disubstitued indolines as major diastereoisomers in moderate to good yields.
MFI zeolite nanosheets with post-synthetic Ti grafting for catalytic epoxidation of bulky olefins using H2O2
Authors: Kim Jaeheon , Chun Joonsoo , Ryoo Ryong
Published: July 2015

The external surfaces of the surfactant-directed, 2.5 nm MFI zeolite nanosheets were grafted with Ti using titanium(iv) butoxide.
Simultaneous sensing of UV light and strain with a single-layer network structure of self-assembled ZnO nanorods
Authors: Park Ji-Hyeon , Lee Sang Hoon , Lee Tae Il , Myoung Jae-Min
Published: July 2015

On the basis of physical phenomena that occur during the injection of an alcohol drop onto a water surface, a route for the self-assembly of a single-layer network structure (SLNS) of nanorods (NRs) was introduced for simultaneously sensing UV light and strain.
Single-crystalline Bi19Br3S27 nanorods with an efficiently improved photocatalytic activity
Authors: Chen Yajie , Tian Guohui , Feng Tong , Zhou Wei , Ren Zhiyu , Han Taoran , Xiao Yuting , Fu Honggang
Published: July 2015

Single-crystalline Bi19Br3S27 nanorods were prepared and showed excellent visible-light photocatalytic performance.
The new dimension of silver
Authors: Yang Li-Ming , Frauenheim Thomas , Ganz Eric
Published: July 2015

We predict a novel and highly stable 2D Ag monolayer featuring planar hexacoordinate silver.
Synthesis gas conversion to isobutane-rich hydrocarbons over a hybrid catalyst containing Beta zeolite – role of doped palladium and influence of the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio
Authors: Li Congming , Fujimoto Kaoru
Published: July 2015

Pd-doped Beta exhibits excellent catalytic performance for selective synthesis of isobutane from synthesis gas while Pd-free Beta could not.
[Au5Mes5]: improved gram-scale synthesis and its use as a convenient precursor for halide-free supported gold nanoparticles
Authors: Siddiqi G. , Mougel V. , Copéret C.
Published: July 2015

A novel, simplified synthesis of [Au5Mes5] and its use for deposition of halide free Au nanoparticles on SiO2 and Al2O3.
A novel polymer containing phosphorus–nitrogen ligands for stabilization of palladium nanoparticles: an efficient and recyclable catalyst for Suzuki and Sonogashira reactions in neat water
Authors: Gholinejad M. , Hamed F. , Biji P.
Published: July 2015

Highly monodispersed palladium nanoparticles supported on polymer containing phosphorus and nitrogen ligands was successfully synthesized, characterized and used in Suzuki and Sonogashira coupling reactions in water.
Switching-on luminescence in anilate-based molecular materials
Authors: Atzori Matteo , Artizzu Flavia , Marchiò Luciano , Loche Danilo , Caneschi Andrea , Serpe Angela , Deplano Paola , Avarvari Narcis , Mercuri Maria Laura
Published: July 2015

A simple substituent exchange on the chloranilate ligand induces unprecedented luminescence properties in the class of anilate ligands and their metal complexes.
Yeast with bacteriocin from ruminal bacteria enhances glucose utilization, reduces ectopic fat accumulation, and alters cecal microbiota in dietary-induced obese mice
Authors: Tsai Yi-Chen , Wang Han-Tsung , Hsu Jih-Tay , Li Yi-Hung , Chen Ching-Yi
Published: July 2015

This study investigated the effect of yeast with bacteriocin (YB) on the homeostasis of lipid and glucose in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice.
A choline chloride/DMSO solvent for the direct synthesis of diformylfuran from carbohydrates in the presence of heteropolyacids
Authors: Ghezali W. , De Oliveira Vigier K. , Kessas R. , Jérôme F.
Published: July 2015

Here we report the one pot conversion of fructose to DFF in the presence of a mixture of choline chloride (ChCl) and DMSO as a solvent and Mo-Keggin heteropolyacids.
A colorimetric probe based on diketopyrrolopyrrole and tert-butyl cyanoacetate for cyanide detection
Authors: Wang Lingyun , Zhu Linhui , Cao Derong
Published: July 2015

A new colorimetric probe 1 comprising a diketopyrrolopyrrole-based Michael receptor, which recognized cyanide anions with high selectivity, was designed and synthesized.
Feasibility tests of –SO3H/–SO3−-functionalized magnesium phyllosilicate [–SO3H/–SO3− MP] for environmental and bioenergy applications
Authors: Kang Hyun Gu , Lee Kyoung Min , Choi Saehae , Nam Bora , Choi Sun-A , Lee Soon-Chang , Park Ji-Yeon , Lee Go-Woon , Lee Hyun Uk , Lee Young-Chul
Published: July 2015

We developed water-solubilized and anionic magnesium phyllosilicate [–SO3H/–SO3− MP] with pH ∼ 2.0, enabling applications in both environmental engineering and bioenergy.
Stereoisomerism metabolites found in rats after oral administration of timosaponin B-II using HPLC-Q-TOF-MS and NMR methods
Authors: Fu Zhiwen , Li Zhixiong , Xue Rui , Jiang Jian , Huang Chenggang
Published: July 2015

Stereoisomerism metabolites found in rats after oral administration of timosaponin B-II.
The efficient adsorption removal of Cr(vi) by using Fe3O4 nanoparticles hybridized with carbonaceous materials
Authors: Gao Hongtao , Lv Shuang , Dou Jinbiao , Kong Miaomiao , Dai Dongmei , Si Chongdian , Liu Guangjun
Published: July 2015

Carbonaceous materials, such as pinecone and graphene, have been hybridized with Fe3O4 to modify its surface properties and enhance its adsorption efficiency for Cr(vi) removal in aqueous solution.
Understanding the algal contribution in combined UV-algae treatment to remove antibiotic cefradine
Authors: Du Yingxiang , Zhang Shengnan , Guo Ruixin , Chen Jianqiu
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study is to investigate the algal contribution in a combined UV-algae treatment to remove the commonly used antibiotic cefradine.
Interlocked dimerization of C3-Symmetrical boron difluoride complex: designing non-cooperative supramolecular materials for luminescent thin films
Authors: Ogawa Shigesaburo , Morikawa Masa-aki , Juhász Gergely , Kimizuka Nobuo
Published: July 2015

Radially integrated, luminescent boron difluoride complexes form inter-locked dimers in chloroform. The inter-locked dimers show anti-cooperative features and give homogeneous thin-films on solid surfaces.
Pathological changes and effect on the learning and memory ability in rats exposed to fluoride and aluminum
Authors: Li Mang , Cui Jing , Gao Yanhui , Zhang Wei , Sun Liyan , Liu Xiaona , Liu Yang , Sun Dianjun
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study is to establish a single and combined intoxication model of fluoride and aluminum so as to observe the impact of these chemicals on the learning and memory ability and the pathologic changes in the brains of rats.
Oxygen reactivity of mammalian sulfite oxidase provides a concept for the treatment of sulfite oxidase deficiency
Authors: Belaidi Abdel A. , Röper Juliane , Arjune Sita , Krizowski Sabina , Trifunovic Aleksandra , Schwarz Guenter
Published: July 2015

Mammalian sulfite oxidase (SO) is a dimeric enzyme consisting of a molybdenum cofactor- (Moco) and haem-containing domain and catalyses the oxidation of toxic sulfite to sulfate. Following sulfite oxidation, electrons are passed from Moco via the haem cofactor to cytochrome c, the terminal electron acceptor. In contrast, plant SO (PSO) lacks the haem domain and electrons shuttle from Moco to molecular oxygen. Given the high similarity between plant and mammalian SO Moco domains, factors that determine the reactivity of PSO towards oxygen, remained unknown. In the present study, we generated mammalian haem-deficient and truncated SO variants and demonstrated their oxygen reactivity by hydrogen peroxide formation and oxygen-consumption studies. We found that intramolecular electron transfer between Moco and haem showed an inverse correlation to SO oxygen reactivity. Haem-deficient SO variants exhibited oxygen-dependent sulfite oxidation similar to PSO, which was confirmed further using haem-deficient human SO in a cell-based assay. This finding suggests the possibility to use oxygen-reactive SO variants in sulfite detoxification, as the loss of SO activity is causing severe neurodegeneration. Therefore we evaluated the potential use of PEG attachment (PEGylation) as a modification method for future enzyme substitution therapies using oxygen-reactive SO variants, which might use blood-dissolved oxygen as the electron acceptor. PEGylation has been shown to increase the half-life of other therapeutic proteins. PEGylation resulted in the modification of up to eight surface-exposed lysine residues of SO, an increased conformational stability and similar kinetic properties compared with wild-type SO.
Swarm model for cooperative multi‐vehicle mobility with inter‐vehicle communications
Authors: Tian Daxin , Zhu Keyi , Zhou Jianshan , Wang Yunpeng , Liu He
Published: July 2015

A novel model is proposed to formulate the mobility of multiple vehicles with inter‐communications moving together as a swarm. This model is inspired by the aggregate motion of social force, and is used to describe the self‐organised behaviour of the vehicle swarm in vehicular ad hoc networks. To validate and analyse the proposed model, some simulations are performed in different traffic scenarios, such as the low traffic density with high mobility and the high traffic density with low mobility. Two comparative simulation cases are also provided to explore the effect of vehicular communications on the mobility of multiple vehicles. The simulation results prove that the model can well formulate the cooperative behaviours of multiple vehicles with vehicle‐to‐vehicle communications in inter‐vehicle collision avoidance and obstacle‐avoidance scenarios, and these results also strengthen that the inter‐vehicular communications can enhance the vehicle safety and traffic efficiency.
Theory of Lamb Shift in Muonic Hydrogen
Authors: Karshenboim Savely G. , Korzinin Evgeny Yu. , Shelyuto Valery A. , Ivanov Vladimir G.
Published: July 2015

There has been for a while a large discrepancy between the values of the proton charge radius measured by the Lamb shift in muonic hydrogen and by other methods. It has already been clear that theory of muonic hydrogen is reliable at the level of this discrepancy and an error there cannot be a reason for the contradiction. Still the status of theory at the level of the uncertainty of the muonic-hydrogen experiment (which is two orders of magnitude below the discrepancy level) requires an additional clarification. Here, we revisit theory of the 2p − 2s Lamb shift in muonic hydrogen. We summarize all the theoretical contributions in order α5m, including pure quantum electrodynamics (QED) ones as well as those which involve the proton-structure effects. Certain enhanced higher-order effects are also discussed. We basically confirm former QED calculations of other authors, present a review of recent calculations of the proton-structure effects, and treat self-consistently higher-order proton-finite-size corrections. We also overview theory of the 2p states. Eventually, we derive a value of the root-mean-square proton charge radius. It is found to be 0.840 29(55) fm, which is slightly different from that previously published in the literature (0.840 87(39) fm [Antognini et al., Science 339, 417 (2013)]).
Structural evolution of the methane cation in subfemtosecond photodynamics
Authors: Mondal T. , Varandas A. J. C.
Published: July 2015

An ab initio quantum dynamics study has been performed to explore the structural rearrangement of ground state CH4+ in subfemtosecond resolved photodynamics. The method utilizes time-dependent wave-packet propagation on the X˜2T2 electronic manifold of the title cation in full dimensionality, including nonadiabatic coupling of the three electronic sheets. Good agreement is obtained with recent experiments [Baker et al., Science 312, 424 (2006)] which use high-order harmonic generation to probe the attosecond proton dynamics. The novel results provide direct theoretical support of the observations while unravelling the underlying details. With the geometrical changes obtained by calculating the expectation values of the nuclear coordinates as a function of time, the structural evolution is predicted to begin through activation of the totally symmetric a1 and doubly degenerate e modes. While the former retains the original Td symmetry of the cation, the Jahn-Teller active e mode conducts it to a D2d structure. At ∼1.85 fs, the intermediate D2d structure is further predicted to rearrange to local C2v minimum geometry via Jahn-Teller active bending vibrations of t2 symmetry.
Composition dependent multiple structural transformations of myoglobin in aqueous ethanol solution: A combined experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Ghosh R. , Samajdar R. N. , Bhattacharyya Aninda Jiban , Bagchi B.
Published: July 2015

Experimental studies (circular dichroism and ultra-violet (UV) absorption spectra) and large scale atomistic molecular dynamics simulations (accompanied by order parameter analyses) are combined to establish a number of remarkable (and unforeseen) structural transformations of protein myoglobin in aqueous ethanol mixture at various ethanol concentrations. The following results are particularly striking. (1) Two well-defined structural regimes, one at xEtOH ∼ 0.05 and the other at xEtOH ∼ 0.25, characterized by formation of distinct partially folded conformations and separated by a unique partially unfolded intermediate state at xEtOH ∼ 0.15, are identified. (2) Existence of non-monotonic composition dependence of (i) radius of gyration, (ii) long range contact order, (iii) residue specific solvent accessible surface area of tryptophan, and (iv) circular dichroism spectra and UV-absorption peaks are observed. Interestingly at xEtOH ∼ 0.15, time averaged value of the contact order parameter of the protein reaches a minimum, implying that this conformational state can be identified as a molten globule state. Multiple structural transformations well known in water-ethanol binary mixture appear to have considerably stronger effects on conformation and dynamics of the protein. We compare the present results with studies in water-dimethyl sulfoxide mixture where also distinct structural transformations are observed along with variation of co-solvent composition.
Polaron dynamics with a multitude of Davydov D2 trial states
Authors: Zhou Nengji , Huang Zhongkai , Zhu Jiangfeng , Chernyak Vladimir , Zhao Yang
Published: July 2015

We propose an extension to the Davydov D2 Ansatz in the dynamics study of the Holstein molecular crystal model with diagonal and off-diagonal exciton-phonon coupling using the Dirac-Frenkel time-dependent variational principle. The new trial state by the name of the “multi-D2 Ansatz” is a linear combination of Davydov D2 trial states, and its validity is carefully examined by quantifying how faithfully it follows the Schrödinger equation. Considerable improvements in accuracy have been demonstrated in comparison with the usual Davydov trial states, i.e., the single D1 and D2 Ansätze. With an increase in the number of the Davydov D2 trial states in the multi-D2 Ansatz, deviation from the exact Schrödinger dynamics is gradually diminished, leading to a numerically exact solution to the Schrödinger equation.
Domain wall generated by graded interlayer coupling in Co/Pt/Co film with perpendicular anisotropy
Authors: Matczak M. , Schäfer R. , Urbaniak M. , Szymański B. , Kuświk P. , Jarosz A. , Schmidt M. , Aleksiejew J. , Jurga S. , Stobiecki F.
Published: July 2015

A magnetic multilayer of the structure substrate/Pt-15 nm/Co-0.8 nm/Pt-wedge(0-7 nm)/Co-0.6 nm/Pt-2 nm is characterized by perpendicular anisotropy of both Co layers. For a Pt spacer thickness tPt≤2.6nm, the magnetization reversal of the Co-layers occurs cooperatively, while for larger tPt, it occurs sequentially. The Co-layer with 0.6 nm thickness (CoS) is magnetically softer than the second one (CoH). In the 2.6≤tPt≤3.0 nm range, there are significant changes of the switching field due to a strong gradient of the interlayer coupling. In this region, the magnetization reversal in the CoS layer takes place reversibly by the propagation of a single, straight domain wall. This specific nature of magnetization reversal is explained by a decelerated motion of the domain wall observed both for the direction corresponding to the increasing, as well as decreasing coupling energy.
Atomic-scale investigation of interface-facilitated deformation twinning in severely deformed Ag-Cu nanolamellar composites
Authors: An X. H. , Zhu S. M. , Cao Y. , Kawasaki M. , Liao X. Z. , Ringer S. P. , Nie J. F. , Langdon T. G. , Zhu Y. T.
Published: July 2015

We report an atomic-scale investigation of interface-facilitated deformation twinning behaviour in Ag-Cu nanolamellar composites. Profuse twinning activities in Ag supply partial dislocations to directly transmit across the Ag-Cu lamellar interface that promotes deformation twinning in the neighbouring Cu lamellae although the interface is severely deformed. The trans-interface twin bands change the local structure at the interface. Our analysis suggests that the orientation relationship and interfacial structure between neighbouring Ag-Cu lamellae play a crucial role in such special interface-facilitated twinning behaviour.
Suppression and nonlinear excitation of parasitic modes in second harmonic gyrotrons operating in a very high order mode
Authors: Nusinovich Gregory S. , Pu Ruifeng , Granatstein Victor L.
Published: July 2015

In recent years, there was an active development of high-power, sub-terahertz (sub-THz) gyrotrons for numerous applications. For example, a 0.67 THz gyrotron delivering more than 200 kW with about 20% efficiency was developed. This record high efficiency was achieved because the gyrotron operated in a high-order TE31,8-mode with the power of ohmic losses less than 10% of the power of outgoing radiation. That gyrotron operated at the fundamental cyclotron resonance, and a high magnetic field of about 27 T was created by a pulse solenoid. For numerous applications, it is beneficial to use gyrotrons at cyclotron harmonics which can operate in available cryomagnets with fields not exceeding 15 T. However, typically, the gyrotron operation at harmonics faces severe competition from parasitic modes at the fundamental resonance. In the present paper, we consider a similar 0.67 THz gyrotron designed for operation in the same TE31,8-mode, but at the second harmonic. We focus on two nonlinear effects typical for interaction between the fundamental and second harmonic modes, viz., the mode suppression and the nonlinear excitation of the mode at the fundamental harmonic by the second harmonic oscillations. Our study includes both the analytical theory and numerical simulations performed with the self-consistent code MAGY. The simulations show that stable second harmonic operation in the TE31,8 mode is possible with only modest sacrifice of efficiency and power.
The value of a broad temporal and spatial perspective in understanding dynamics of kelp forest ecosystems
Authors: Reed Daniel C. , Rassweiler Andrew R. , Miller Robert J. , Page Henry M. , Holbrook Sally J.
Published: July 2015

Many ecological processes play out over longer time scales and larger spatial scales than can be studied in a traditional 2–4-year grant cycle. Uncertainties in future funding hinder efforts to implement comprehensive research programs that integrate coupled time series observations of physical variables and ecological responses, manipulative experiments and synthetic analyses over the long term. Such research is essential for advancing our understanding of ecological responses associated with climate change, and the physical and biological processes that control them. This need is perhaps greatest for ecosystems that display highly dynamic and spatially complex patterns that are difficult to explain with short-term, small-scale studies. Such is the case for kelp forest ecosystems, which often show tremendous spatial and temporal variability in resource supply, consumer control and physical disturbance across spatial scales of metres to hundreds of kilometres and temporal scales of hours to decades. Here we present four examples from the Santa Barbara Coastal Long-term Ecological Research project that demonstrate the value of a broad temporal and spatial perspective in understanding the causes and ecological consequences of short-term local dynamics of giant kelp forests of California, USA.
Feeding habits of range-shifting herbivores: tropical surgeonfishes in a temperate environment
Authors: Basford Alexander J. , Feary David A. , Truong Gary , Steinberg Peter D. , Marzinelli Ezequiel M. , Vergés Adriana
Published: July 2015

A widely documented impact of ocean warming is the poleward shift in species’ distributions. This includes the global movement of tropical fishes into temperate rocky reefs. The ecological impacts of such range extensions are, however, largely unknown. We compared the feeding habits of herbivorous tropical surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae) to that of warm-temperate surgeonfishes near Sydney, Australia. The abundance of tropical surgeonfishes peaked during warmer months before they became locally extinct in winter. Comparisons of bite rates in the field between tropical (Acanthurus triostegus, Acanthurus dussumieri) and warm-temperate (Prionurus microlepidotus, Prionurus maculatus) surgeonfishes showed a significant effect of schooling, with both groups feeding most intensely in monospecific schools. In aquarium feeding trials, tropical surgeonfishes consumed more algae than their warm-temperate counterparts at both high and low temperatures (25 and 20°C), and had higher bite rates at 25°C than at 20°C. A. dussumieri also had significantly higher consumption rates on brown algal recruits at warmer temperatures. We further compared gut indices and jaw-lever ratios among the four focal species, and found no consistent pattern between tropical and warm-temperate fishes. This study suggests that the continued intrusion of tropical surgeonfishes in temperate reefs will result in increased herbivory, as a result of both higher herbivore abundance and higher consumption rates per capita by tropical species.
Effect of stallion age on the expression of LH and FSH receptors and aromatase P450 in equine male reproductive tissues
Authors: Herrera-Luna Carlos Vladimir , Scarlet Dragos , Walter Ingrid , Aurich Christine
Published: July 2015

The aim of the present study was to characterise receptors for LH and FSH (LHR and FSHR, respectively) and aromatase in epididymal and testicular tissue from stallions of different ages (prepubertal, young, mature and old). Gene and protein expression were assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time qPCR), immunohistochemistry and multiple immunofluorescence labelling. There were no differences in LHR mRNA expression in epididymal and testicular parenchyma in stallions of different age. In contrast, expression of FSHR and CYP19A1 in caput, corpus and cauda epididymis and in testicular parenchyma increased with age (P < 0.001). Immunolabelling for LHR, FSHR and aromatase was influenced by puberty. In postpubertal stallions, positive staining for LHR and aromatase was detected in Leydig cells, whereas protein expression of FSHR was present in Sertoli cells and primary spermatocytes. In prepubertal colts, staining for LHR, FSHR and aromatase was detected in seminiferous tubules. In epididymal tissue, aromatase was present in the cauda epididymis only, regardless of age. In conclusion, the results highlight the significance of gonadotropin action and oestrogen production for the maturation of male reproductive tissue in the horse. The presence of FSHR in the seminiferous tubules suggests effects of FSH on spermatogenesis in this species. The importance of oestrogen production for maintenance of testicular function in stallions was confirmed.
Hepatitis C risk factors, attitudes and knowledge among HIV-positive, HIV-negative and HIV-untested gay and bisexual men in Australia
Authors: Brener Loren , Murphy Dean A. , Cama Elena J. , Ellard Jeanne
Published: July 2015

Background There are increasing reports of sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). Still unclear is the level of HCV knowledge and the risk factors specific to HCV transmission among this population. This study compared HCV knowledge and risk practices among HIV-positive, HIV-negative and HIV-untested gay and bisexual men in Australia. Methods: Participants (n = 534) completed an online survey assessing sexual risk practices, HCV knowledge, perceived risk of acquiring HCV and perceptions of people with HCV and who inject drugs. Results: HIV-positive participants were older, reported greater engagement in sexual risk and injecting drug practices, felt they were at greater risk of acquiring HCV, were less likely to socially and sexually exclude people with HCV and had more positive attitudes towards people who inject drugs and people with HCV compared with HIV-negative and HIV-untested participants. HIV-untested participants were younger, reported fewer HCV-related serosorting practices and were more likely to socially and sexually exclude people with HCV than the other groups. Conclusions: Findings suggest that HCV education and prevention for gay men may be most effective if tailored according to HIV status. For HIV-positive men, health promotion could focus on specific sexual practices and biological factors linked to HCV transmission, regular HCV testing and better strategies for disclosure of HCV serostatus. For HIV-negative and HIV-untested men, there should be a more general focus on awareness, changing attitudes towards HCV testing and increasing general knowledge around HCV, including evidence of sexual transmission.
Risk assessment of post-wildfire hydrological response in semiarid basins: the effects of varying rainfall representations in the KINEROS2/AGWA model
Authors: Sidman Gabriel , Guertin D. Phillip , Goodrich David C. , Unkrich Carl L. , Burns I. Shea
Published: July 2015

Representation of precipitation is one of the most difficult aspects of modelling post-fire runoff and erosion and also one of the most sensitive input parameters to rainfall-runoff models. The impact of post-fire convective rainstorms, especially in semiarid watersheds, depends on the overlap between locations of high-intensity rainfall and areas of high-severity burns. One of the most useful applications of models in post-fire situations is risk assessment to quantify peak flow and identify areas at high risk of flooding and erosion. This study used the KINEROS2/AGWA model to compare several spatial and temporal rainfall representations of post-fire rainfall-runoff events to determine the effect of differing representations on modelled peak flow and determine at-risk locations within a watershed. Post-fire rainfall-runoff events at Zion National Park in Utah and Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico were modelled. Representations considered included both uniform and Soil Conservation Service Type II hyetographs, applying rain over the entire watershed and applying rain only on the burned area, and varying rainfall both temporally and spatially according to radar data. Results showed that rainfall representation greatly affected modelled peak flow, but did not significantly alter the model’s predictions for high-risk locations. This has important implications for post-fire assessments before a flood-inducing rainfall event, or for post-storm assessments in areas with low-gauge density or lack of radar data due to mountain beam blockage.
Ideologies of language at Hippo Family Club
Authors: Nilep Chad
Published: July 2015

Ethnographic study of Hippo Family Club, a foreign language learning club in Japan with chapters elsewhere, reveals a critique of foreign language teaching in Japanese schools and in the commercial English conversation industry. Club members contrast their own learning methods, which they view as “natural language acquisition”, with the formal study of grammar, which they see as uninteresting and ineffective. Rather than evaluating either the Hippo approach to learning or the teaching methods they criticize, however, this paper considers the ways of thinking about language that club members come to share. Members view the club as a transnational organization that transcends the boundaries of the nation-state. Language learning connects the club members to a cosmopolitan world beyond the club, even before they interact with speakers of the languages they are learning. The analysis of club members’ ideologies of language and language learning illuminates not only the pragmatics of language use, but practices and outcomes of socialization and shared social structures.
The pausative pattern of speakers with and without high-functioning autism spectrum disorder from long silences
Authors: Rodríguez Muñoz Francisco J.
Published: July 2015

This study aims to accomplish the functional and positional analysis of long silences – single, double or triple – in the oral productions of 20 speakers with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder and 20 typically-developing speakers. Thus, a pausative pattern, which combines different quantitative measures, is proposed for speakers with this disorder. Different comparisons showed homogeneity in the relative average between the word quantity and the number of long pauses in oral interactions of both groups. Finally, the excess of long internal shared pauses that are produced by speakers with high-functioning autism due to comprehension problems or lack of attention during dialogue is significant.