bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The detailed nature of active central cluster galaxies
Authors: Loubser S. I. , Soechting I. K.
Published: March 2013

We present detailed integral field unit observations of the central few kiloparsecs of the ionized nebulae surrounding four active central cluster galaxies (CCGs) in cooling flow clusters (Abell 0496, 0780, 1644 and 2052). Our sample consists of CCGs with Hα filaments, and have existing data from the X-ray to radio wavelength regimes available, but lacked the detailed optical emission-line (and simultaneous absorption line) data over a broad wavelength range to probe the dominant ionisation processes, excitation sources, morphology and kinematics of the hot gas (as well as the morphology and kinematics of the stars). This, combined with the other multiwavelength data, will form a complete view of the different phases (hot and cold gas and stars) and how they interact in the processes of star formation and feedback detected in central galaxies in cooling flow clusters, as well as the influence of the host cluster. We derive the optical dust extinction maps of the four nebulae. We also derive a range of different kinematic properties, given the small sample size. For Abell 0496 and 0780, we find that the stars and gas are kinematically decoupled, and in the case of Abell 1644 we find that these components are aligned. For Abell 2052, we find that the gaseous components show rotation even though no rotation is apparent in the stellar components. To the degree that our spatial resolution reveals, it appears that all the optical forbidden and hydrogen recombination lines originate in the same gas for all the galaxies. Based on optical diagnostic ratios ([OIII]λ5007/Hβ against [NII]λ6584/Hα, [SII]λ6717,6731/Hα, and [OI]λ6300/Hα), all objects contain a LINER nucleus and show extended LINER-like gas emission. We also show that the hardness of the ionizing continuum does not decrease radially within our field-of-view as the emission line ratios do not vary significantly with radius, thus the derived nebular properties are spatially homogeneous. We fit AGN and pAGB stars photoionisation models as well as shock excitation models to our derived diagnostic ratios. We suggest that AGN photoionisation is the most likely ionisation mechanism even though shocks and pAGB stars can not be conclusively eliminated.
Internal kinematics and physical properties of HII regions in the Arp 270 system
Authors: Zaragoza Javier , Font Joan , Blasco Javier , Beckman John E. , García Begoña
Published: March 2013

We have observed Arp 270 using the GHαFaS Fabry-Perot spectrometer on the 4.2m William Herschel Telescope (La Palma). In the edge-on companion we detect a radial gas inflow of ∼ 0.36 M⊙/yr to the centre and also an axially confined outflow of ∼ 0.24 M⊙/yr from the nucleus in two opposing directions. We find two different behaviors between the physical properties of the HII regions. We suggest as a possible explanation a sub and supersonic regime.
The Connection between Starburst and AGN Activities Probed with the 3.3μm PAH Emission
Authors: Kim Ji Hoon , Im M. , Woo J.-H. , Kim D.
Published: March 2013

We investigated the connection between AGN and star formation (SF) activities of various kinds of AGNs and their host galaxies. In order to probe SF activity, we measured the 3.3 μm PAH emission luminosity utilizing the slitless spectroscopic capability of AKARI space telescope. We present the results from two missions, ASCSG and LQSONG.
The molecular gas properties in external galaxies
Authors: Bayet E. , Viti S. , Bureau M. , Aladro R. , Williams D. , Davis T. , Martin S. , Young L. , Crocker A.
Published: March 2013

We present a summary of the physical and chemical properties we have obtained for the molecular gas found in galaxies, an essential triggering ingredient to any star formation (SF) process. In particular, we focus our studies on the molecular gas phases as traced by CO, HCO+ and CS line emissions, in a sample of galaxies including starbursts -SBs-, irregulars galaxies, low-metallicity sources, normal spirals, mergers, Early Type Galaxies (ETGs), galaxies with an Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN), with Cosmic Ray Dominated Regions (CRDRs) and with Photo-Dominated Regions (PDRs). Our studies mix theoretical developments (i.e. computational models) with the acquisition of large observational datatsets (at both low and high spatial resolution) that we then compare in order to better determine the conditions under which some SF activity is starting and/or is maintained.
Experiments on molecular hydrogen formation on cold ISM dust
Authors: Gavilan Lisseth , Lemaire Jean Louis , Vidali Gianfranco
Published: March 2013

We investigate the formation of molecular hydrogen on ISM dust grains at T < 10 K. We use laboratory methods to detect newly formed D2 that is rovibrationally excited at v” = 4, J” = 2. We discover that recombination is catalyzed by pre-existing molecules on the dust surface and present this an important process in the coldest regions of the ISM.
Spatial Variations and Evolution of PAH, Gas, and Dust Properties in Nearby Major Mergers
Authors: Haan S.
Published: March 2013

Interactions and mergers of gas-rich galaxies are important drivers of galaxy evolution, in particular in reshaping spirals and fueling powerful starbursts and supermassive nuclear black holes. Hubble Space Telescope observations of nuclei in merging galaxies have shown an increasing nuclear luminosity density in the optical/near-infrared light with advancing merger stage (Laine et al. 2003, Rossa et al. 2007, Veilleux et al. 2009, Haan et al. 2011a), suggesting an increase of nuclear starburst activity. To address the physical conditions in major mergers and excitation mechanisms such as shocks and starbursts, it is necessary to resolve the spatial variations of the warm dust, molecular gas, and ionized gas on subgalactic scales. Here we summarize the main results based on Spitzer IRS spectral mapping observations of a sample of eight nearby, IR-bright galaxies of the Toomre Sequence (Toomre & Toomre 1972) that span the range from early through mid- to late-stage major mergers (Haan et al. 2011b).

We find that the cold molecular gas component as observed in the CO emission line does not correlate with the warm gas in early merger systems, leading to large spatial variations in the ratio of cold-to-warm molecular gas. In particular, the cold molecular gas distribution in NGC 4676 and NGC 6621 show a significant offset not only from the warm gas component, but also from the stellar (NIR) and dust distribution (PAH, mid-IR continuum). On locally resolved scales within a merger, we find an intrinsic relation between H2 and PAH flux as given by a power law with a very similar exponent (0.61 ± 0.05) for all galaxies but with a constant that can vary up to a factor of ten between different galaxies. These findings suggest a common dominant excitation mechanism for H2 emission over a large range of global H2/PAH flux ratios in major mergers. The spatial extent of the warm gas component (H2) is larger than for the PAH emission (in all galaxies but more extrem in mid-stage merger), which leads to an increase of the H2/PAH ratio as function of radius. Two merger systems (NGC 7592 and NGC 6621) show evidence for buried star formation in overlap regions between the nuclei, namely strong PAH, [Ne II], [Ne III] and warm gas (H2) emission, but no apparent corresponding CO (J = 1−0) emission. Our findings also demonstrate that the variations of the physical conditions within a merger are much larger than any systematic trends along the Toomre Sequence.
Chemical evolution and spectroscopy of some complex molecules which could be treated as the precursor of some bio-molecules in the interstellar medium
Authors: Majumdar Liton , Das Ankan , Chakrabarti Sandip K. , Chakrabarti Sonali
Published: March 2013

This work reports the chemical evolution of adenine, alanine & glycine along with their precursor molecules during the collapsing phase of protostars. Since the abundances of these three molecules are not in the detectable range, we are proposing to observe some of its pre-cursor molecules to predict the abundances of these bio-molecules. We perform a higher order quantum chemical simulation to provide detailed spectroscopic knowledge of the precursor of these bio-molecules in the infrared and electronic range. These pre-biotic molecules could be produced in the gas phase as well as in the ice phase. Spectral properties significantly vary depending upon the environment around these molecules. To approximate recent observational/experimental features, we conduct our simulation for various astrophysical conditions. We found that our results are in line with the some recent experiments and observations.
The Star Formation Relation in Nearby Galaxies
Authors: Schruba Andreas
Published: March 2013

I review observational studies of the large-scale star formation process in nearby galaxies. A wealth of new multi-wavelength data provide an unprecedented view on the interplay of the interstellar medium and (young) stellar populations on a few hundred parsec scale in 100+ galaxies of all types. These observations enable us to relate detailed studies of star formation in the Milky Way to the zoo of galaxies in the distant universe. Within the disks of spiral galaxies, recent star formation strongly scales with the local amount of molecular gas (as traced by CO) with a molecular gas depletion time of ∼2 Gyr. This is consistent with the picture that stars form in giant molecular clouds that have about universal properties. Galaxy centers and star-bursting galaxies deviate from this normal trend as they show enhanced star formation per unit gas mass suggesting systematic changes in the molecular gas properties and especially the dense gas fraction. In the outer disks of spirals and in dwarf galaxies, the decreasing availability of atomic gas inevitably limits the amount of star formation, though with large local variations. The critical step for the gas-stars cycle seems therefore to be the formation of a molecular gas phase, a process that shows complex dependencies on various environmental properties and is being investigated by intensive simulational work.
Comparison of NIR and Hα emission from the HII regions of M100
Authors: Chan S. J. , Beckman J. E.
Published: March 2013

We measure the flux values in the 4 Spitzer-IRAC bands, of a sample of 78 isolated luminous HII regions in the grand design galaxy M100. We estimate the near-IR luminosities and compare them with the Hα-luminosities from the Knapen HII-region catalogue. We find a strong, and expected positive correlation between the total IR luminosity and the Hα luminosity, but no significant correlation between the luminosity and the IR temperature of the regions.
Connection between the Star Formation Rate and the Gamma-Ray Bursts
Authors: Mészáros Attila , Bagoly Zsolt , Balázs Lajos G. , Horváth István
Published: March 2013

It is remarkable that the long gamma-ray bursts, as objects connected with the supernovae - i.e. with the end of the massive stars, trace the star formation rate. This connection is discussed in this contribution. The presentation is in essence a recapitulation of the article Mészáros A. et al. A&A, 2006, 455, 785.
Binary interactions and SFR calibrations
Authors: Zhang Fenghui , Li Lifang , Han Zhanwen
Published: March 2013

We discuss the effect of binary interactions on the tracers of star formation rate (including L1500, L2800, LHα, L[OII] and LFIR) at different metallicities (0.0001–0.03).
Far-Ultraviolet Observations of Outflows from Infrared-Luminous Galaxies
Authors: Leitherer Claus , Chandar Rupali , Tremonti Christy A. , Wofford Aida
Published: March 2013

We have obtained ultraviolet spectra between 1150 and 1450 Å of four ultraviolet-bright, infrared-luminous starburst galaxies. Our selected sight-lines towards the starburst nuclei probe the conditions in the starburst-driven outflows. We detect outflowing gas with velocities of up to ∼900 km s−1. It is likely that the outflows are a major source of metal enrichment of the galaxies' halos. The mass outflow rates of several tens of M⊙ yr−1 are similar to the star-formation rates. The outflows may quench star formation and ultimately regulate the starburst.
Conference summary
Authors: Fukui Yasuo
Published: March 2013

This is a summary of the highlights of the IAU Symposium 292, “Molecular Gas, Dust and Star Formation in Galaxies”.
Institutional change and information production
Authors: LANDINI FABIO
Published: March 2013

The organization of information production is undergoing a deep transformation. Alongside corporations, which have been for long time the predominant institutions of information production, new organizational forms have emerged, e.g. free software communities, open-content on-line wikis, and collective blogs. The paper investigates the factors that favoured the emergence of these alternative systems, called peer production. Different from the previous literature, the paper considers technology as an endogenous variable in the process of organizational design. On this basis, the paper argues that the diffusion of digital technology is a necessary but not sufficient condition to explain the emergence of peer production. A similarly important role has been played by the set of ethics that motivated the early adherents to the free software movement. Such an ethics indeed operated as a ‘cultural subsidy’ that helped to overcome the complementarities existing among distinct institutional domains, and let a new organizational species to emerge.
Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I is inactivated by NADPH oxidase Nox4
Authors: Kozieł Rafał , Pircher Haymo , Kratochwil Manuela , Lener Barbara , Hermann Martin , Dencher Norbert A. , Jansen-Dürr Pidder
Published: March 2013

ROS (reactive oxygen species) generated by NADPH oxidases play an important role in cellular signal transduction regulating cell proliferation, survival and differentiation. Nox4 (NADPH oxidase 4) induces cellular senescence in human endothelial cells; however, intracellular targets for Nox4 remained elusive. In the present study, we show that Nox4 induces mitochondrial dysfunction in human endothelial cells. Nox4 depletion induced alterations in mitochondrial morphology, stabilized mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased production of H2O2 in mitochondria. High-resolution respirometry in permeabilized cells combined with native PAGE demonstrated that Nox4 specifically inhibits the activity of mitochondrial electron transport chain complex I, and this was associated with a decreased concentration of complex I subunits. These data suggest a new pathway by which sustained Nox4 activity decreases mitochondrial function.
Topological similarity between the 2μm plasmid partitioning locus and the budding yeast centromere: evidence for a common evolutionary origin?
Authors: Jayaram Makkuni , Chang Keng-Ming , Ma Chien-Hui , Huang Chu-Chun , Liu Yen-Ting , Sau Soumitra
Published: March 2013

The partitioning locus STB of the selfish plasmid, the 2μm circle, of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is essential for the propagation of this multi-copy extra-chromosomal DNA element with nearly chromosome-like stability. The functional competence of STB requires the plasmid-coded partitioning proteins Rep1 and Rep2 as well as host-coded proteins. Host factors that associate with STB in a Rep1- and Rep2-dependent manner also interact with centromeres, and play important roles in chromosome segregation. They include the cohesin complex and the centromere-specific histone H3 variant Cse4. The genetically defined point centromere of S. cerevisiae differs starkly from the much more widespread epigenetically specified regional centromeres of eukaryotes. The particularly small size of the S. cerevisiae centromere and the association of chromosome segregation factors with STB raise the possibility of an evolutionary link between these two partitioning loci. The unusual positive supercoiling harboured by the S. cerevisiae centromere and STB in vivo in their functional states, unveiled by recent experiments, bolsters the notion of their potential descent from an ancestral plasmid partitioning locus.
Comparison of linear and ring DNA macromolecules moderately and strongly confined in nanochannels
Authors: Benková Zuzana , Cifra Peter
Published: March 2013

Understanding the mechanism of DNA extension in nanochannels is necessary for interpretation of experiments in nanofluidic channel devices that have been conducted recently with both linear and ring chains. The present article reviews the situation with linear chains and analyses the experimental results and simulations for channel-induced extension (linearization) of ring chains. Results for confined rings indicate a transition between moderate and strong confinement similar to that of linear chains. Owing to stronger self-avoidance in confined rings, the transition and chain extension is shifted relative to linear DNA. We suggest that a relationship similar to that used for the extension of linear chains may also be used for circular DNA.
Effective interactions of knotted ring polymers
Authors: Narros Arturo , Moreno Angel J. , Likos Christos N.
Published: March 2013

In the present article, we review recent computational investigations on the properties of ring polymers in solution. In particular, we focus on effective interactions obtained by means of coarse-graining techniques. We discuss the relative importance of the self-avoidance and the topological contributions in the qualitative features of the effective potential. We extend our previous results on identical rings and determine the effective potential between dissimilar ring polymers of distinct topology and size. The results obtained reveal the dramatic effects of the specific topology on the effective interactions, and hence in the structural correlations, of polymeric systems.
Amino acid distribution rules predict protein fold
Authors: Kister Alexander E. , Potapov Vladimir
Published: March 2013

In the present article, we provide a brief overview of the main approaches to analysing the sequence–structure relationship of proteins and outline a novel method of structure prediction. The proposed method involves finding a set of rules that describes a correlation between the distribution of residues in a sequence and the essential structural characteristics of a protein structure. The residue distribution rules specify the ‘favourable’ residues that are required in certain positions of a polypeptide chain in order for it to assume a particular protein fold, and the ‘unfavourable’ residues incompatible with the given fold. Identification of amino acid distribution rules derives from examination of inter-residue contacts. We describe residue distribution rules for a large group of β-sandwich-like proteins characterized by a specific arrangement of strands in their two β-sheets. It was shown that this method has very high accuracy (approximately 85%). The advantage of the residue rule approach is that it makes possible prediction of protein folding even in polypeptide chains that have very low global sequence similarities, as low as 18%. Another potential benefit is that a better understanding of which residues play essential roles in a given protein fold may facilitate rational protein engineering design.
Dynamical simulations of DNA supercoiling and compression
Authors: Swigon David , Lim Sookkyung , Kim Yongsam
Published: March 2013

In the present article, we summarize our recent studies of DNA dynamics using the generalized immersed boundary method. Our analysis of the effects of electrostatic repulsion on the dynamics of DNA supercoiling revealed that, after perturbation, a pre-twisted DNA collapses into a compact supercoiled configuration that is sensitive to the initial excess link and ionic strength of the solvent. A stochastic extension of the generalized immersed boundary method shows that DNA in solution subjected to a constant electric field is compressed into a configuration with smaller radius of gyration and smaller ellipticity ratio than those expected for such a molecule in a thermodynamic equilibrium.
Knot localization in proteins
Authors: Rawdon Eric J. , Millett Kenneth C. , Sułkowska Joanna I. , Stasiak Andrzej
Published: March 2013

The backbones of proteins form linear chains. In the case of some proteins, these chains can be characterized as forming linear open knots. The knot type of the full chain reveals only limited information about the entanglement of the chain since, for example, subchains of an unknotted protein can form knots and subchains of a knotted protein can form different types of knots than the entire protein. To understand fully the entanglement within the backbone of a given protein, a complete analysis of the knotting within all of the subchains of that protein is necessary. In the present article, we review efforts to characterize the full knotting complexity within individual proteins and present a matrix that conveys information about various aspects of protein knotting. For a given protein, this matrix identifies the precise localization of knotted regions and shows the knot types formed by all subchains. The pattern in the matrix can be considered as a knotting fingerprint of that protein. We observe that knotting fingerprints of distantly related knotted proteins are strongly conserved during evolution and discuss how some characteristic motifs in the knotting fingerprints are related to the structure of the knotted regions and their possible biological role.
Interdigitated microelectrodes biosensor with nanodot arrays for thyroid‐stimulating hormone detection
Authors: Wang Haoxu , Dong Peitao , Di Di , Wang Chaoguang , Liu Yanzhe , Chen Jian , Wu Xuezhong
Published: March 2013

Interdigitated microelectrodes (IDμE) are always used as the sensing structure of a biosensor to detect the hormone content in the human body. To increase the sensitivity of the IDμE biosensor, the authors provide an improved method that utilises IDμE with nanodot arrays, that is, the nanodot arrays are put into the inter‐electrode gap in IDμE. The nanodot arrays can reduce the conducting distance between microelectrodes, thereby reducing the resistance to electricity and improve the sensitivity of biosensors. The improved biosensor is composed of IDμE and nanodot arrays: the IDμE is made by microelectro mechanical system (MEMS) technology, whereas the fabrication of nanodot arrays makes use of the nanosphere lithography (NSL) technology. Double Cr/Au bilayers are used to make a conjunction between the MEMS and NSL process. The biosensor based on the IDμE with nanodot arrays was used in the detection of low‐level thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), and proved to provide about three times sensitive detection than the biosensor without nanodot arrays. The TSH detection limit of the biosensor based on the IDμE with nanodot arrays can reach 0.005 mIU/l. The improved biosensors can be used in the detection of other hormones, which are critical for disease intervention strategies.
Molecular structure of uranium carbides: Isomers of UC3
Authors: Zalazar M. Fernanda , Rayón Víctor M. , Largo Antonio
Published: March 2013

In this article, the most relevant isomers of uranium tricarbide are studied through quantum chemical methods. It is found that the most stable isomer has a fan geometry in which the uranium atom is bonded to a quasilinear C3 unit. Both, a rhombic and a ring CU(C2) structures are found about 104–125 kJ/mol higher in energy. Other possible isomers including linear geometries are located even higher. For each structure, we provide predictions for those molecular properties (vibrational frequencies, IR intensities, dipole moments) that could eventually help in their experimental detection. We also discuss the possible routes for the formation of the different UC3 isomers as well as the bonding situation by means of a topological analysis of the electron density.
Algorithms to evaluate multiple sums for loop computations
Authors: Anzai C. , Sumino Y.
Published: March 2013

We present algorithms to evaluate two types of multiple sums, which appear in higher-order loop computations. We consider expansions of a generalized hyper-geometric-type sums, \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\sum _{n_1,\cdots ,n_N} \frac{ \Gamma ({\bm a}_1\cdot {\bm n}+c_1) \Gamma ({\bm a}_2\cdot {\bm n}+c_2) \cdots \Gamma ({\bm a}_P\cdot {\bm n}+c_P) }{ \Gamma ({\bm b}_1\cdot {\bm n}+d_1) \Gamma ({\bm b}_2\cdot {\bm n}+d_2) \cdots \Gamma ({\bm b}_Q\cdot {\bm n}+d_Q) } x_1^{n_1}\cdots x_N^{n_N}$\end{document}∑n1,⋯,nNΓ(a1·n+c1)Γ(a2·n+c2)⋯Γ(aP·n+cP)Γ(b1·n+d1)Γ(b2·n+d2)⋯Γ(bQ·n+dQ)x1n1⋯xNnN with \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}${\bm a}_i\! \cdot \!{\bm n}\break = \sum _{j=1}^N a_{ij}n_j$\end{document}ai·n=∑j=1Naijnj, etc., in a small parameter ε around rational values of ci,di’s. Type I sum corresponds to the case where, in the limit ε → 0, the summand reduces to a rational function of nj’s times \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$x_1^{n_1}\cdots x_N^{n_N}$\end{document}x1n1⋯xNnN; ci,di’s can depend on an external integer index. Type II sum is a double sum (N = 2), where ci, di’s are half-integers or integers as ε → 0 and xi = 1; we consider some specific cases where at most six Γ functions remain in the limit ε → 0. The algorithms enable evaluations of arbitrary expansion coefficients in ε in terms of Z-sums and multiple polylogarithms (generalized multiple zeta values). We also present applications of these algorithms. In particular, Type I sums can be used to generate a new class of relations among generalized multiple zeta values. We provide a Mathematica package, in which these algorithms are implemented.
On the velocity distribution for hydro-kinetic energy conversion from tidal currents and rivers
Authors: Lalander Emilia , Grabbe Mårten , Leijon Mats
Published: March 2013

Tidal currents and rivers are promising sources of renewable energy given that suitable turbines for kinetic energy conversion are developed. To be economically and technically feasible, a velocity distribution that can give a high degree of utilization (or capacity factor) while the ratio of maximum to rated velocity is low would be preferable. The rated velocity is defined as the velocity at which rated power is achieved. Despite many attempts to estimate the resource, however, reports on the possible degree of utilisation from tidal currents and rivers are scarce. In this paper, the velocity distribution from a number of regulated rivers, unregulated rivers, and tidal currents have been analysed regarding the degree of utilisation, the fraction of converted energy, and the ratio of maximum to rated velocity. Two methods have been used for choosing the rated velocity; one aiming at a high fraction of converted energy and one aiming at a high degree of utilisation. Using the first method, with a rated velocity close to the maximum velocity, it is unlikely that the turbine will reach the cut-out velocity. This results in, on average, a degree of utilisation of 23% for regulated rivers, 19% for unregulated rivers, and 17% for tidal currents while converting roughly 30%–40% of the kinetic energy. Choosing a rated velocity closer to the mean velocity resulted in, on average, a degree of utilisation of 57% for regulated rivers, 52% for unregulated rivers, and 45% for tidal currents. The ratio of maximum to rated velocity would still be no higher than 2.0 for regulated rivers, 1.2 for unregulated rivers, and 1.6 for tidal currents. This implies that the velocity distribution of both rivers and tidal currents is promising for kinetic energy conversion. These results, however, do not include weather related effects or extreme velocities such as the 50-year velocity. A velocity factor is introduced to describe what degree of utilisation can be expected at a site. The velocity factor is defined as the ratio Umax/Urate at the desired degree of utilisation, and serves as an early indicator of the suitability of a site.
Magnetoimpedance studies in as quenched Fe73.5Si13.5B8CuV3−xAlNbx nanocrystalline ribbons
Authors: Chunchu Venkatrao , G Markandeyulu
Published: March 2013

Ribbons of Fe73.5Si13.5B8CuV3−xAlNbx (x = 0, 1.0, 1.5) alloys were prepared by melt-spun technique at the speed of 37 m/s. Crystalline phase derived from Fe3Si, in an amorphous matrix was observed in all the ribbons. As cast nanocrystalline ribbons were obtained by controlling cooling rates while quenching. The average crystallite sizes was calculated using the Scherrer's equation to be 44 nm, 39 nm, and 35 nm in x = 0, x = 1.0, and x = 1.5 ribbons, respectively. Magnetoimpedance measurements were carried out using an LCR meter. Among the investigated samples (x = 0, 1.0, 1.5), the largest magnetoimpedance of 61% was obtained for x = 1 ribbon annealed at 100 °C for 15 min, at 4 MHz.
Electric field driven variation in magnetoresistance of Co/Cu/Fe/BaTiO3 heterostructure
Authors: Kojima Hidekazu , Naito Tomoyuki , Muraoka Hironobu , Wada Eiji , Suzuki Ippei , Shirahata Yasuhiro , Itoh Mitsuru , Taniyama Tomoyasu
Published: March 2013

We demonstrate control of the magnetoresistance of Co/Cu/Fe giant magnetoresistance structures on BaTiO3(001) by electric field. The magnetoresistance clearly increases with electric field strength in the three different ferroelectric phases of BaTiO3, while the electric field dependence is more significant in the orthorhombic and rhombohedral phases with hysteretic behaviors, associated with the different ferroelectric domain reversal processes of BaTiO3. The results clearly show that electrically induced lattice distortion at the Fe/BaTiO3 interface can provide an alternative means to manipulating the electronic structure of the Fe layer by electric field.
Electric field modulation of magnetism and electric properties in La-Ca-MnO3/Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 magnetoelectric laminate
Authors: Chen Shuiyuan , Zhang Huiqin , Liu Fengjin , Ye Qingying , Tang Lei , Huang Zhigao , Wang Dunhui
Published: March 2013

We investigated the effects of electric field on the magnetization and electric transport properties in La0.6Ca0.4MnO3/Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (LCMO/PZT) thin film prepared by sol-gel method and simple spin coating technology. Obvious converse magnetoelectric effect (the relative change in magnetization, ΔM ∼ 15%), as well as large electroresistance effect (the relative change in resistance, ER ∼ 61%), has been obtained in LCMO thin film with applying electric field on the PZT ceramic. The efficient mechanical coupling, which originated from ferroelectric polarization and inverse piezoelectric effect in PZT substrate, leads to large changes in the magnetism and resistance of LCMO thin film. The experimental results can be interpreted by the changes of both spin exchange coupling and electron-lattice coupling strengths in LCMO film, which result from the strain at the ferromagnetic/ferroelectric interface.
Coexistence of incommensurate and commensurate spiral orders and pressure effect on polycrystalline CoCr2O4
Authors: Chen Xuliang , Yang Zhaorong , Xie Yuanmiao , Huang Zhonghao , Ling Langsheng , Zhang Shile , Pi Li , Sun Yuping , Zhang Yuheng
Published: March 2013

In this paper, we have investigated the magnetism of multiferroic CoCr2O4. With decreasing temperature, CoCr2O4 first undergoes a ferrimagnetic transition at TC then a long-range spiral spin transition at TS followed by a magnetic lock-in transition at TL. Coercive force manifests different slopes in different magnetic phases. Upon cooling the sample at 100 Oe to 5 K then warming back, the magnetization displays irreversibility between the cooling and warming sequence at temperatures below TL. The irreversible behavior under the thermal-cycling is inert to magnetic field up to 45 kOe, indicating the coexistence of incommensurate and commensurate spiral orders. Both TS and TL are increased with the application of high pressure, which implies that the magnetic frustration is enhanced upon the shrinkage of lattice. The spin-lattice coupling is also revealed by infrared spectrum.
Health services management development: what formal knowledge should support the skills and experience required?
Authors: Ritchie David J. , Yen Margaret L.
Published: March 2013

This study reports on an analysis of 17 postgraduate programs in health services management. Public information was collected from websites in February 2010. Data analysed included core subject abstracts, admission requirements and length and aims of each course. Findings indicate that only three out of 16 subjects identified as core are common to more than 50% of the programs, with the eight most common individual subjects appearing in only a third of programs. This suggests diversity in what is deemed core foundational knowledge in managing health services and the approach taken to management development. We believe there should be greater consensus on core subjects in a specialist health services management qualification.

What is known about the topic?
With changes in the organisational structure of health organisations in Australia over the past two decades, managerial positions and roles have also changed. The educational preparation for those managerial roles would also be expected to have changed but core foundational knowledge should remain similar between the various academic institutions.

What does this paper add?
This paper indicates greater diversity in core knowledge areas in health services management education than expected despite a similar target audience.

What are the implications for practitioners?
There are differences in what are deemed to be core foundational areas of knowledge required in specialist management development between academic programs. Management development requires a balance between knowledge, skills and experience and intending students should seek information from a variety of sources in deciding which program best suits their development needs.
Effective clinical supervision for regional allied health professionals: the supervisor’s perspective
Authors: Dawson Margaret , Phillips Bev , Leggat Sandra G.
Published: March 2013

Objective.
To explore the effectiveness of the current clinical supervision (CS) processes for allied health professionals (AHPs) at a regional health service from the perspective of the supervisor.

Method.
A mixed method study with two phases, involving AHPs across nine disciplines, employed at a regional health service and providing CS. In the first phase 14 supervisors participated in focus groups which were followed by the completion of a questionnaire by 26 supervisors.

Results.
Focus group results indicated confusion between CS, line and performance management and mentoring. Clinical supervision was perceived to contribute to the quality of patient care and reflective practice. The challenges of time for busy clinical staff were reported. The questionnaire response rate was 52.1% and the mean total score for the questionnaire was 162.96 (s.d. 13.47), being 76% of the maximum possible total score. Clinical supervision was considered to improve care quality despite the avoidance of addressing personal issues. Identified CS improvements included empowerment through education, resources development, streamlined documentation and use of best practice protocols.

Conclusions.
The results identified AHP supervisors’ perceptions of CS and possible improvements to CS processes, including differentiating CS from line management, protecting CS time and the provision of critical feedback.

What is known about the topic?
There are limited published reports about CS for AHPs, with AHP supervisor experience and knowledge not previously reported.

What does the paper add?
This is the first study to identify current supervisor understanding and practice of CS for AHPs.

What are the implications for practitioners?
CS is a valued activity, the effectiveness of which may be supported by education and resources.
A preliminary study of the relationship between general practice care and hospitalisation using a diabetes register, CARDIAB
Authors: Comino Elizabeth J. , Tran Duong Thuy , Taggart Jane R. , Liaw Siaw-Teng , Ruscoe Warwick , Snow Jill M. , Harris Mark F.
Published: March 2013

Background.
Diabetes can be effectively managed in general practice (GP). This study used record linkage to explore associations between diabetes care in GP and hospitalisation.

Methods.
Data on patients with type 2 diabetes were extracted from a Division of GP diabetes register (CARDIAB) for 2002–05 and were linked to the New South Wales Admitted Patient and Emergency Department (ED) Data Collection to create a unit record data collection containing demographic, clinical and health service records. Rates of admission and ED presentation per patient-year of follow up were calculated for the year following CARDIAB record.

Results.
The study included 1178 diabetic patients with 2959 patient-years of follow up. Their mean age was 65.7 years and duration of diabetes was 5.9 years. All-cause admission and ED presentation rates were 0.7 and 0.2 per patient-year of follow up respectively and length of admission 3.2 days (s.d. 11.7 days). Admission was associated with age, duration of diabetes and prior admission. The number of processes of care recorded for each patient-year was associated with admission. Admission and length of stay were not associated with achievement of clinical targets.

Conclusions.
These data suggest that receipt of processes of care, rather than clinical targets, will prevent admission. One explanation may be that continuity of care in GP provides opportunity for early intervention and treatment.

What is known about the topic?
Diabetes is a serious public health problem that is largely managed in primary care. Health care planners use health service use (hospital admissions) for diabetes as an indicator of primary care. Guidelines for diabetes care are known to be effective in reducing diabetes-related complications.

What does this paper add?
This paper created a linked data collection comprising demographic and clinical data from general practice and administrative health records of hospital admissions and emergency department presentations. The paper explores the associations between processes of primary care and control of diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors, and use of health services for a general practice population with diabetes.

What are the implications for practitioners?
The study suggests that processes of care and not technical control of diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors are important in preventing hospital admission. Continuity of care in general practice that ensures implementation of processes of care provides opportunity for early intervention and treatment.
What is a reasonable length of employment for health workers in Australian rural and remote primary healthcare services?
Authors: Russell Deborah Jane , Wakerman John , Humphreys John Stirling
Published: March 2013

Background.
Optimising retention of rural and remote primary healthcare (PHC) workers requires workforce planners to understand what constitutes a reasonable length of employment and how this varies. Currently, knowledge of retention patterns is limited and there is an absence of PHC workforce benchmarks that take account of differences in geographic context and profession.

Methods.
Three broad strategies were employed for proposing benchmarks for reasonable length of stay. They comprised: a comprehensive literature review of PHC workforce-retention indicators and benchmarks; secondary analysis of existing Australian PHC workforce datasets; and a postal survey of 108 rural and remote PHC services, identifying perceived and actual workforce-retention patterns of selected professional groups.

Results.
The literature review and secondary data analysis revealed little that was useful for establishing retention benchmarks. Analysis of primary data revealed differences in retention by geographic location and profession that took time to emerge and were not sustained indefinitely. Provisional benchmarks for reasonable length of employment were developed for health professional groups in both rural and remote settings.

Conclusions.
Workforce-retention benchmarks that differ according to geographic location and profession can be empirically derived, facilitating opportunities for managers to improve retention performance and reduce the high costs of staff replacement.

What is known about the topic?
Health services located in small rural and remote locations are likely to continue to experience workforce shortages and high costs of recruitment. Health workforce retention is therefore crucial. However, effective rural health workforce planning and use of strategies to maximise retention of existing health workers is hindered by inadequate knowledge about baseline employment-retention patterns.

What does this paper add?
Differences in health worker retention patterns by geographic location and profession are most evident after the first 6 months through until the end of the second year of employment. Health worker-retention benchmarks that differ according to geographic location and profession are proposed.

What are the implications for practitioners?
Benchmarking workforce retention in comparable health services can enable identification of best practice and the underpinning retention strategies. Workforce planners can use this, together with knowledge of baseline retention patterns and the high cost of staff replacement, to guide the design, timing and implementation of cost-neutral retention strategies.
Multi-Bond Forming Processes in Efficient Synthesis
Authors: Green Nicholas J. , Sherburn Michael S.
Published: March 2013

An increasing number of synthetic organic chemists are embracing the philosophy of efficiency. Herein we highlight multi-bond forming processes, which form two or more new covalent bonds in a single synthetic operation. Such processes, which have the ability to rapidly increase structural complexity, are preeminent in contemporary synthetic organic chemistry. In this short review we classify, analyse, and contrast contemporary multi-bond forming processes, frame these cutting edge contributions within a historical context, and speculate on likely future developments in the area.
Feeding of twaite shad, Alosa fallax (Lacépède, 1803), during the upstream spawning migration in the River Ulla (NW Spain)
Authors: Nachón D. J. , Sánchez-Hernández J. , Vieira-Lanero R. , Cobo F.
Published: March 2013

In order to contribute to a better understanding of feeding behaviour of adult twaite shad, Alosa fallax, in freshwater, we studied the stomach content composition of 147 A. fallax during their upstream spawning migration in the River Ulla (Galicia, NW Spain). The diet composition included 34 types of prey, aquatic invertebrates being the most important food. The present study is, to the best of our knowledge, the first record of A. fallax feeding on potamodromous Pseudochondrostoma duriense.
Mucin 15 is lost but mucin 13 remains in uterine luminal epithelial cells and the blastocyst at the time of implantation in the rat
Authors: Poon Connie E. , Lecce Laura , Day Margot L. , Murphy Christopher R.
Published: March 2013

The glycocalyx of the uterine luminal epithelium in the rat undergoes considerable reduction before implantation. In particular, the reduction of some mucins is necessary to facilitate blastocyst adhesion and subsequent implantation. The present study investigated the localisation, abundance and hormonal control of two mucin proteins, Muc13 and Muc15, in rat uterine epithelial cells during early pregnancy to determine whether they are likely to play a role in uterine receptivity for implantation. Muc13 and Muc15 are localised to the uterine luminal epithelium but show a presence and an absence, respectively, at the apical cell surface at the time of implantation. This localisation corresponds to changes in the molecular weights of Muc13 and Muc15, as shown with western blotting analysis. Furthermore, the localisation of Muc13 and Muc15 was shown to be controlled by the ovarian hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, and they were also localised in preimplantation rat blastocysts. Our results suggest that Muc15 may operate in an anti-adhesive capacity to prevent implantation while Muc13 potentially functions in either an adhesive or cell-signalling role in the events of implantation.
Use of a novel polydimethylsiloxane well insert to successfully mature, culture and identify single porcine oocytes and embryos
Authors: Yuan Ye , Paczkowski Melissa , Wheeler Matthew B. , Krisher Rebecca L.
Published: March 2013

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a novel polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) well-insert system for oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro embryo culture (IVC) in pigs. The PDMS well inserts, consisting of multiple microwells with connecting microchannels, resulted in equivalent blastocyst development compared with standard microdrop culture for IVC. These PDMS well inserts were then evaluated for IVM or IVC in a rocking versus static environment. The rocking environment during both oocyte IVM and embryo culture had detrimental effects on oocyte and embryo development compared with a static environment. Importantly, blastocyst development of oocytes and embryos cultured in the PDMS well inserts in the static environment was equivalent to that of standard microdrops. Further analysis of transcript abundance in blastocysts produced from these different environments revealed that the PDMS well-insert system may produce more viable embryos. In conclusion, this PDMS well-insert system can successfully mature oocytes and culture embryos in an individually-identifiable manner without compromising, and perhaps enhancing, developmental potential.
Modelling conditional burn probability patterns for large wildland fires
Authors: Ziesler Pamela S. , Rideout Douglas B. , Reich Robin
Published: March 2013

We present a technique for modelling conditional burn probability patterns in two dimensions for large wildland fires. The intended use for the model is strategic program planning when information about future fire weather and event durations is unavailable and estimates of the average probabilistic shape and extent of large fires on a landscape are needed. To model average conditional burn probability patterns, we organised historical fire data from Yellowstone National Park, USA, into a set of grids; one grid per fire. We captured various spatial relationships inherent in the gridded data through use of geometric variables in the main model and by incorporating an autoregressive covariance structure. The final model had ‘good’ predictive ability with an AUC of 0.81 (1.0 is perfect prediction) and the estimated coefficients are consistent with theory and reflect how fires usually behave on the study site landscape. This technique produces a predictive model with finer detail than most landscape-wide models of burn probability and it has advantages over simulation methods for strategic planning because it does not require multiple runs of spread simulation models or information on fire duration.
PeptideLocator: prediction of bioactive peptides in protein sequences
Authors: Mooney Catherine , Haslam Niall J. , Holton Thérèse A. , Pollastri Gianluca , Shields Denis C.
Published: March 2013

Motivation: Peptides play important roles in signalling, regulation and immunity within an organism. Many have successfully been used as therapeutic products often mimicking naturally occurring peptides. Here we present PeptideLocator for the automated prediction of functional peptides in a protein sequence.

Results: We have trained a machine learning algorithm to predict bioactive peptides within protein sequences. PeptideLocator performs well on training data achieving an area under the curve of 0.92 when tested in 5-fold cross-validation on a set of 2202 redundancy reduced peptide containing protein sequences. It has predictive power when applied to antimicrobial peptides, cytokines, growth factors, peptide hormones, toxins, venoms and other peptides. It can be applied to refine the choice of experimental investigations in functional studies of proteins.

Availability and implementation: PeptideLocator is freely available for academic users at http://bioware.ucd.ie/.

Contact:  denis.shields@ucd.ie

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.