bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two hitherto unknown Indonesian tsunamis of the seventeenth century: Probabilities and context
Authors: Reid Anthony
Published: December 2015

The 2004 tsunami intensified fruitful scientific research into dating past tectonic events in Sumatra, though without comparable work on Java. Geology needs to be informed by careful historical research on documented events, but less such work has been done in Indonesia than in other tectonically endangered areas. This paper examines the historical evidence for two hitherto unknown tsunamis of the seventeenth century. In better-researched Sumatra, Dutch reports that a flood from the sea devastated Aceh in 1660 adds to what the geologists have discovered on the ground. By contrast geological research has barely begun on the south coast of Java. Javanese sources for events before 1800 need careful re-evaluation. The myths around Ratu Kidul, the ‘Queen of the South Seas’, together with more chronologically reliable dated babads, point to a major tsunami in 1618 on the coast south of Yogyakarta.
Additions to the description, reproduction and systematic position of the enigmatic speciesAcritagasyllis longichaetosusLucas, San Martín & Sikorski, 2010 (Annelida: Phyllodocida: Syllidae)
Authors: Rivolta Alessandra , San Martín Guillermo , Sikorski Andrey
Published: December 2015

We present some additional information toAcritagasyllis longichaetosusLucas, San Martín & Sikorski 2010, the only representative of an enigmatic genus of Syllidae from subpolar areas off Norway, based on two newly found specimens and one male and another female stolons. The armature of the pharynx was incorrectly interpreted in the original description, having in fact a trepan instead of a single pharyngeal tooth as originally described. The reproductive stolons are herein described for the first time. With this new information we performed a maximum parsimony phylogenetic analysis that placed this genus within the subfamily Autolytinae, despite its peculiar morphological characteristics. For this reason, we propose a new diagnosis to the genusAcritagasyllisas well as a modified diagnosis of the subfamily Autolytinae.
Can sensitivity to temperature during germination help predict global warming vulnerability?
Authors: Cochrane Anne
Published: December 2015

Seed germination is vital for persistence in species that rely on seeds for post-disturbance regeneration. It is a high-risk phase and vulnerable to environmental parameters. Here, I assessed temperature sensitivity for germination in Banksia L.f. (Proteaceae) from south-western Australia, screening all 38 endemic obligate seeder species. A bi-directional temperature gradient plate with 49 temperature combinations (constant and fluctuating) between 5 and 40°C was used to profile germination temperature requirements and identify upper and lower temperature thresholds for germination. Using these data the impact of increasing temperatures on germination in these species was modelled under high and low greenhouse gas scenarios for 2050 and 2070. The results suggest that many Banksia species from the region have wide physiological tolerance for high germination temperatures, although a number of common, but geographically restricted species, such as B. praemorsa, B. oreophila and B. quercifolia, have more narrow temperature windows for germination than at least one of the rarer species (B. verticillata). Only B. dryandroides is expected to decline in germination in the future; however, the optimal germination timing for many species is predicted to occur later under climate warming. In conjunction with declining rainfall, this germination delay will place seedlings closer to the summer dry in this seasonal Mediterranean-climate ecosystem and thus they will be more vulnerable to desiccation. The framework developed here can be used to identify vulnerable species for monitoring of early population decline.
Usefulness of maximal oxygen pulse in timing of pulmonary valve replacement in patients with isolated pulmonary regurgitation
Authors: Legendre Antoine , Richard Ruddy , Pontnau Florence , Jais Jean-Philippe , Dufour Marc , Grenier Olivier , Mousseaux Elie , Ladouceur Magalie , Iserin Laurence , Bonnet Damien
Published: December 2015

Patients with pulmonary regurgitation after tetralogy of Fallot repair have impaired aerobic capacity; one of the reasons is the decreasing global ventricular performance at exercise, reflected by decreasing peak oxygen pulse. The aims of our study were to evaluate the impact of pulmonary valve replacement on peak oxygen pulse in a population with pure pulmonary regurgitation and with different degrees of right ventricular dilatation and to determine the predictors of peak oxygen pulse after pulmonary valve replacement.

The mean and median age at pulmonary valve replacement was 27 years. Mean pre-procedural right ventricular end-diastolic volume was 182 ml/m2. Out of 24 patients, 15 had abnormal peak oxygen pulse before pulmonary valve replacement. We did not observe a significant increase in peak oxygen pulse after pulmonary valve replacement (p=0.76). Among cardiopulmonary test/MRI/historical pre-procedural parameters, peak oxygen pulse appeared to be the best predictor of peak oxygen pulse after pulmonary valve replacement (positive and negative predictive values, respectively, 0.94 and 1). After pulmonary valve replacement, peak oxygen pulse was well correlated with left ventricular stroke and end-diastolic volumes (r=0.67 and 0.68, respectively).

Our study confirms the absence of an effect of pulmonary valve replacement on peak oxygen pulse whatever the initial right ventricular volume, reflecting possible irreversible right and/or left ventricle lesions. Pre-procedural peak oxygen pulse seemed to well predict post-procedural peak oxygen pulse. These results encourage discussions on pulmonary valve replacement in patients showing any decrease in peak oxygen pulse during their follow-up.
A Direct Comparison of Real-World and Virtual Navigation Performance in Chronic Stroke Patients
Authors: Claessen Michiel H.G. , Visser-Meily Johanna M.A. , de Rooij Nicolien K. , Postma Albert , van der Ham Ineke J.M.
Published: December 2015

Objectives:An increasing number of studies have presented evidence that various patient groups with acquired brain injury suffer from navigation problems in daily life. This skill is, however, scarcely addressed in current clinical neuropsychological practice and suitable diagnostic instruments are lacking. Real-world navigation tests are limited by geographical location and associated with practical constraints. It was, therefore, investigated whether virtual navigation might serve as a useful alternative.Methods:To investigate the convergent validity of virtual navigation testing, performance on the Virtual Tübingen test was compared to that on an analogous real-world navigation test in 68 chronic stroke patients. The same eight subtasks, addressing route and survey knowledge aspects, were assessed in both tests. In addition, navigation performance of stroke patients was compared to that of 44 healthy controls.Results:A correlation analysis showed moderate overlap (r=.535) between composite scores of overall real-world and virtual navigation performance in stroke patients. Route knowledge composite scores correlated somewhat stronger (r=.523) than survey knowledge composite scores (r=.442). When comparing group performances, patients obtained lower scores than controls on seven subtasks. Whereas the real-world test was found to be easier than its virtual counterpart, no significant interaction-effects were found between group and environment.Conclusions:Given moderate overlap of the total scores between the two navigation tests, we conclude that virtual testing of navigation ability is a valid alternative to navigation tests that rely on real-world route exposure. (JINS, 2016,22, 467–477)
A Cross-National Study on the Psychometric Quality of the Italian	Version of the Dutch Work Addiction Scale (DUWAS)
Authors: Balducci Cristian , Avanzi Lorenzo , Consiglio Chiara , Fraccaroli Franco , Schaufeli Wilmar
Published: December 2015

Abstract. We investigated the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Dutch Work Addiction Scale (DUWAS) by using an Italian sample (N = 1,027) and a comparable Dutch sample (N = 7,523). We first conducted multigroup confirmatory factor analysis and reliability analysis. We then examined the correlations of the DUWAS with job demands, work-family conflict, job-related affective well-being, and psychological and physical strain. Results showed that a two-factor solution of the DUWAS was equivalent across the Italian and Dutch samples, with data supporting factor variance and covariance equivalence in addition to metric equivalence. Internal consistencies of the DUWAS and its subscales were adequate, and test-retest reliability showed a strong stability of the measure at one year. The DUWAS and its subscales showed a pattern of correlations in the expected direction with the adopted criterion measures. Overall, the Italian version of the DUWAS shows adequate validity and reliability.
The Reliability and Validity of a Modified Revised Class Play Examined in Dutch Elementary-School Children
Authors: Aleva A. Elisabeth , Goossens Frits A. , Dekker Peter H. , Laceulle Odilia M.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Social withdrawal in children is a risk factor for maladjustment. The Revised Class Play (RCP; Masten, Morison, & Pelligrini, 1985 ) has often been used to identify children’s behavioral difficulties with peers. However, in previous studies the sensitive-isolated scale of the RCP appeared to measure a mixture of different types of withdrawal, including withdrawal from peers and exclusion by peers. In the present study the original RCP was modified to more clearly distinguish withdrawal from the peer group from behavior associated with exclusion by peers. Two studies in Dutch samples of 8–13-year-old children were conducted to examine the reliability and validity of this modified Revised Class Play. Both studies revealed three scales: Sociability-Leadership, Aggressive-Disruptive, and a third factor labeled Anxious-Withdrawn. Anxious-Withdrawn primarily reflected social reticence. Stability of the scales after two years was high. High scores on the Anxious-Withdrawn scale were best predicted by teacher ratings of timid and anxious behavior and by negative self-perceptions of social competence. The results support the reliability and validity of the modified RCP in a Dutch sample.
The Psychometric Properties of the Scale of Retired Spousal	Intrusion
Authors: Bozoglan Bahadir
Published: December 2015

Abstract. This study examined the psychometric properties of Retired Spousal Intrusion Scale (SRSI). The calibration study was conducted with a sample of women (n = 687) whose husbands were retired, resulting in a one factor scale consisting of six items. Validation study, discriminant validity and test-retest were conducted in a second sample of women (n = 756) whose husbands were retired. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the unidimensional factor model had adequate fit with values x2/df = 4.61, GFI = .98, AGFI = .96, CFI = .96, RMSEA = .06, SRMR = .05. In addition, the correlation of the SRSI with conceptually unrelated measures (dyadic adjustment scale and quality of life) supported the discriminant validity of the SRSI. Finally, analyses showed that SRSI is a valid and reliable measure to assess retired husbands’ intrusion on their wives.
Identification of putative novel O-glycosylations in the NK killer receptor Ncr1 essential for its activity
Authors: Glasner Ariella , Roth Ziv , Varvak Alexander , Miletic Antonija , Isaacson Batya , Bar-On Yotam , Jonjic Stipan , Khalaila Isam , Mandelboim Ofer
Published: December 2015

Natural killer (NK) cells kill tumor and virus-infected cells using activating NK cell receptors. One of the major NK-activating receptors is NKp46 and its mouse ortholog Ncr1. NKp46/Ncr1 is expressed exclusively on NK cells and on a subset of innate lymphoid cells. NKp46/Ncr1 was shown to be involved in a myriad of pathologies and immunological settings. Specifically, NKp46/Ncr1 was shown to interact with the viral hemagglutinin (HA) protein and with an unknown tumor/cellular ligand. NKp46 and Ncr1 are structurally similar; however, they are substantially different in their glycosylation patterns. Although the human NKp46 carries both O- and N-glycosylations that are essential for its activity, the mouse Ncr1 was predicted to have N-linked glycosylations only. Here we discovered using prediction algorithms and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis that Ncr1 carries two putative novel O-glycosylations, one of which (Thr 225) is conserved in NKp46. We next used surface plasmon resonance, biochemical, mutational and functional in vitro and in vivo assays to demonstrate that the putative O-glycosylations of Ncr1 are critical for its function.
Patterns and functional implications of rare germline variants across 12 cancer types
Authors: Lu Charles , Xie Mingchao , Wendl Michael C. , Wang Jiayin , McLellan Michael D. , Leiserson Mark D. M. , Huang Kuan-lin , Wyczalkowski Matthew A. , Jayasinghe Reyka , Banerjee Tapahsama , Ning Jie , Tripathi Piyush , Zhang Qunyuan , Niu Beifang , Ye Kai , Schmidt Heather K. , Fulton Robert S. , McMichael Joshua F. , Batra Prag , Kandoth Cyriac , Bharadwaj Maheetha , Koboldt Daniel C. , Miller Christopher A. , Kanchi Krishna L. , Eldred James M. , Larson David E. , Welch John S. , You Ming , Ozenberger Bradley A. , Govindan Ramaswamy , Walter Matthew J. , Ellis Matthew J. , Mardis Elaine R. , Graubert Timothy A. , Dipersio John F. , Ley Timothy J. , Wilson Richard K. , Goodfellow Paul J. , Raphael Benjamin J. , Chen Feng , Johnson Kimberly J. , Parvin Jeffrey D. , Ding Li
Published: December 2015

Large-scale cancer sequencing data enable discovery of rare germline cancer susceptibility variants. Here we systematically analyse 4,034 cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas cancer cases representing 12 cancer types. We find that the frequency of rare germline truncations in 114 cancer-susceptibility-associated genes varies widely, from 4% (acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)) to 19% (ovarian cancer), with a notably high frequency of 11% in stomach cancer. Burden testing identifies 13 cancer genes with significant enrichment of rare truncations, some associated with specific cancers (for example,RAD51C,PALB2andMSH6in AML, stomach and endometrial cancers, respectively). Significant, tumour-specific loss of heterozygosity occurs in nine genes (ATM,BAP1,BRCA1/2,BRIP1,FANCM,PALB2andRAD51C/D). Moreover, our homology-directed repair assay of 68BRCA1rare missense variants supports the utility of allelic enrichment analysis for characterizing variants of unknown significance. The scale of this analysis and the somatic-germline integration enable the detection of rare variants that may affect individual susceptibility to tumour development, a critical step toward precision medicine.
Yak whole-genome resequencing reveals domestication signatures and prehistoric population expansions
Authors: Qiu Qiang , Wang Lizhong , Wang Kun , Yang Yongzhi , Ma Tao , Wang Zefu , Zhang Xiao , Ni Zhengqiang , Hou Fujiang , Long Ruijun , Abbott Richard , Lenstra Johannes , Liu Jianquan
Published: December 2015

Yak domestication represents an important episode in the early human occupation of the high-altitude Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). The precise timing of domestication is debated and little is known about the underlying genetic changes that occurred during the process. Here we investigate genome variation of wild and domestic yaks. We detect signals of selection in 209 genes of domestic yaks, several of which relate to behaviour and tameness. We date yak domestication to 7,300 years before present (yr BP), most likely by nomadic people, and an estimated sixfold increase in yak population size by 3,600 yr BP. These dates coincide with two early human population expansions on the QTP during the early-Neolithic age and the late-Holocene, respectively. Our findings add to an understanding of yak domestication and its importance in the early human occupation of the QTP.
Atomic scale simulation of carbon nanotube nucleation from hydrocarbon precursors
Authors: Khalilov Umedjon , Bogaerts Annemie , Neyts Erik C.
Published: December 2015

Atomic scale simulations of the nucleation and growth of carbon nanotubes is essential for understanding their growth mechanism. In spite of over twenty years of simulation efforts in this area, limited progress has so far been made on addressing the role of the hydrocarbon growth precursor. Here we report on atomic scale simulations of cap nucleation of single-walled carbon nanotubes from hydrocarbon precursors. The presented mechanism emphasizes the important role of hydrogen in the nucleation process, and is discussed in relation to previously presented mechanisms. In particular, the role of hydrogen in the appearance of unstable carbon structures during in situ experimental observations as well as the initial stage of multi-walled carbon nanotube growth is discussed. The results are in good agreement with available experimental and quantum-mechanical results, and provide a basic understanding of the incubation and nucleation stages of hydrocarbon-based CNT growth at the atomic level.
A self-healable and highly stretchable supercapacitor based on a dual crosslinked polyelectrolyte
Authors: Huang Yan , Zhong Ming , Huang Yang , Zhu Minshen , Pei Zengxia , Wang Zifeng , Xue Qi , Xie Xuming , Zhi Chunyi
Published: December 2015

Superior self-healability and stretchability are critical elements for the practical wide-scale adoption of personalized electronics such as portable and wearable energy storage devices. However, the low healing efficiency of self-healable supercapacitors and the small strain of stretchable supercapacitors are fundamentally limited by conventional polyvinyl alcohol-based acidic electrolytes, which are intrinsically neither self-healable nor highly stretchable. Here we report an electrolyte comprising polyacrylic acid dual crosslinked by hydrogen bonding and vinyl hybrid silica nanoparticles, which displays all superior functions and provides a solution to the intrinsic self-healability and high stretchability problems of a supercapacitor. Supercapacitors with this electrolyte are non-autonomic self-healable, retaining the capacitance completely even after 20 cycles of breaking/healing. These supercapacitors are stretched up to 600% strain with enhanced performance using a designed facile electrode fabrication procedure.
Stimulated Brillouin Scattering Microscopic Imaging
Authors: Ballmann Charles W. , Thompson Jonathan V. , Traverso Andrew J. , Meng Zhaokai , Scully Marlan O. , Yakovlev Vladislav V.
Published: December 2015

Two-dimensional stimulated Brillouin scattering microscopy is demonstrated for the first time using low power continuous-wave lasers tunable around 780 nm. Spontaneous Brillouin spectroscopy has much potential for probing viscoelastic properties remotely and non-invasively on a microscopic scale. Nonlinear Brillouin scattering spectroscopy and microscopy may provide a way to tremendously accelerate the data aquisition and improve spatial resolution. This general imaging setup can be easily adapted for specific applications in biology and material science. The low power and optical wavelengths in the water transparency window used in this setup provide a powerful bioimaging technique for probing the mechanical properties of hard and soft tissue.
Mid-infrared laser emission from Cr:ZnS channel waveguide fabricated by femtosecond laser helical writing
Authors: Peng Ya-Pei , Zou Xiao , Bai Zhengyuan , Leng Yuxin , Jiang Benxue , Jiang Xiongwei , Zhang Long
Published: December 2015

The operation of a mid-infrared laser at 2244 nm in a Cr:ZnS polycrystalline channel waveguide fabricated using direct femtosecond laser writing with a helical movement technique is demonstrated. A maximum power output of 78 mW and an optical-to-optical slope efficiency of 8.6% are achieved. The compact waveguide structure with 2 mm length was obtained through direct femtosecond laser writing, which was moved on a helical trajectory along the laser medium axis and parallel to the writing direction.
Architecture of high-affinity unnatural-base DNA aptamers toward pharmaceutical applications
Authors: Matsunaga Ken-ichiro , Kimoto Michiko , Hanson Charlotte , Sanford Michael , Young Howard A. , Hirao Ichiro
Published: December 2015

We present a remodeling method for high-affinity unnatural-base DNA aptamers to augment their thermal stability and nuclease resistance, for use as drug candidates targeting specific proteins. Introducing a unique mini-hairpin DNA provides robust stability to unnatural-base DNA aptamers generated by SELEX using genetic alphabet expansion, without reducing their high affinity. By this method, >80% of the remodeled DNA aptamer targeting interferon-γ (KD of 33 pM) survived in human serum at 37 °C after 3 days under our experimental conditions and sustainably inhibited the biological activity of interferon-γ.
Dissolved Organic Carbon Mobilisation in a Groundwater System Stressed by Pumping
Authors: Graham P. W. , Baker A. , Andersen M. S.
Published: December 2015

The concentration and flux of organic carbon in aquifers is influenced by recharge and abstraction and surface and subsurface processing. In this study groundwater was abstracted from a shallow fractured rock aquifer and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was measured in observation bores at different distances from the abstraction bore. Groundwater abstraction at rates exceeding the aquifers yield resulted in increased DOC concentration up to 3,500 percent of initial concentrations. Potential sources of this increased DOC were determined using optical fluorescence and absorbance analysis. Groundwater fluorescent dissolved organic material (FDOM) were found to be a combination of terrestrial-derived humic material and microbial or protein sourced material. Relative molecular weight of FDOM within four metres of the abstraction well increased during the experiment, while the relative molecular weight of FDOM between four and ten metres from the abstraction well decreased. When the aquifer is not being pumped, DOC mobilisation in the aquifer is low. We hypothesise that the physical shear stress on aquifer materials caused by intense abstraction significantly increases the temporary release of DOC from sloughing of biofilms and release of otherwise bound colloidal and sedimentary organic carbon (SOC).
Linking the sender to the receiver: vocal adjustments by bats to maintain signal detection in noise
Authors: Luo Jinhong , Goerlitz Holger R. , Brumm Henrik , Wiegrebe Lutz
Published: December 2015

Short-term adjustments of signal characteristics allow animals to maintain reliable communication in noise. Noise-dependent vocal plasticity often involves simultaneous changes in multiple parameters. Here, we quantified for the first time the relative contributions of signal amplitude, duration and redundancy for improving signal detectability in noise. To this end, we used a combination of behavioural experiments on pale spear-nosed bats (Phyllostomus discolor) and signal detection models. In response to increasing noise levels, all bats raised the amplitude of their echolocation calls by 1.8–7.9 dB (the Lombard effect). Bats also increased signal duration by 13%–85%, corresponding to an increase in detectability of 1.0–5.3 dB. Finally, in some noise conditions, bats increased signal redundancy by producing more call groups. Assuming optimal cognitive integration, this could result in a further detectability improvement by up to 4 dB. Our data show that while the main improvement in signal detectability was due to the Lombard effect, increasing signal duration and redundancy can also contribute markedly to improving signal detectability. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the observed adjustments of signal parameters in noise are matched to how these parameters are processed in the receiver’s sensory system, thereby facilitating signal transmission in fluctuating environments.
Contributions of multiple refugia during the last glacial period to current mainland populations of Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis)
Authors: Bao Lei , Kudureti Ayijiamali , Bai Weining , Chen Rongzhang , Wang Tianming , Wang Hongfang , Ge Jianping
Published: December 2015

The northern microrefugia that existed during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) are a key factor in the demographic history of species. Pinus koraiensis has a unique distribution in northeast Asia. The Changbai Mountains and the Korean peninsula (CM/KP) are usually considered to be the LGM refugia for P. koraiensis. However, the Xiaoxingan Range (XR), at the northern part of this species’ distribution, is another possible refugium. We used chloroplast sequencing and ten nuclear single-copy gene loci to calculate the genetic diversity pattern of P. koraiensis. The probabilities of a single LGM refugium and of multiple LGM refugia were calculated based on approximate Bayesian computation. The effect of the latitudinal gradient on genetic diversity was not significant. However, unique alleles occurred at low frequencies in CM/KP and XR. A conservative estimate of the coalescence time between CM/KP and XR is 0.4 million years ago, a time prior to the LGM. Gene flow between CM/KP and XR was estimated to be more than one in per generation, an amount that may be sufficient to limit genetic divergence between the regions. Our study strongly supports the hypothesis that XR was another LGM refugium in addition to CM/KP.
Disruption of OsEXO70A1 Causes Irregular Vascular Bundles and Perturbs Mineral Nutrient Assimilation in Rice
Authors: Tu Bin , Hu Li , Chen Weilan , Li Tao , Hu Binhua , Zheng Ling , Lv Zheng , You Shuju , Wang Yuping , Ma Bingtian , Chen Xuewei , Qin Peng , Li Shigui
Published: December 2015

Normal uptake, transportation and assimilation of primary nutrients are essential to plant growth. Tracheary elements (TEs) are tissues responsible for the transport of water and minerals and characterized by patterned secondary cell wall (SCW) thickening. Exocysts are involved in the regulation of SCW deposition by mediating the targeted transport of materials and enzymes to specific membrane areas. EXO70s are highly duplicated in plants and provide exocysts with functional specificity. In this study, we report the isolation of a rice mutant rapid leaf senescence2 (rls2) that exhibits dwarfism, ferruginous spotted necrotic leaves, decreased hydraulic transport and disordered primary nutrient assimilation. Histological analysis of rls2-1 mutants has indicated impaired cell expansion, collapsed vascular tissues and irregular SCW deposition. Map-based cloning has revealed that RLS2 encodes OsEXO70A1, which is one of the 47 members of EXO70s in rice. RLS2 was widely expressed and spatially restricted in vascular bundles. Subcellular localization analysis demonstrated that RLS2 was present on both membrane and nuclear regions. Expression analysis revealed that mutations in rls2 triggers transcriptional fluctuation of orthologous EXO70 genes and affects genes involved in primary nutrient absorption and transport. In brief, our study revealed that RLS2 is required for normal vascular bundle differentiation and primary nutrient assimilation.
Risk Distribution of Human Infections with Avian Influenza H7N9 and H5N1 virus in China
Authors: Li Xin-Lou , Yang Yang , Sun Ye , Chen Wan-Jun , Sun Ruo-Xi , Liu Kun , Ma Mai-Juan , Liang Song , Yao Hong-Wu , Gray Gregory C. , Fang Li-Qun , Cao Wu-Chun
Published: December 2015

It has been documented that the epidemiological characteristics of human infections with H7N9 differ significantly between H5N1. However, potential factors that may explain the different spatial distributions remain unexplored. We use boosted regression tree (BRT) models to explore the association of agro-ecological, environmental and meteorological variables with the occurrence of human cases of H7N9 and H5N1 and map the probabilities of occurrence of human cases. Live poultry markets, density of human, coverage of built-up land, relative humidity and precipitation were significant predictors for both. In addition, density of poultry, coverage of shrub and temperature played important roles for human H7N9 infection, whereas human H5N1 infection was associated with coverage of forest and water body. Based on the risks and distribution of ecological characteristics which may facilitate the circulation of the two viruses, we found Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta, along with a few spots on the southeast coastline, to be the high risk areas for H7N9 and H5N1. Additional, H5N1 risk spots were identified in eastern Sichuan and southern Yunnan Provinces. Surveillance of the two viruses needs to be enhanced in these high risk areas to reduce the risk of future epidemics of avian influenza in China.
Engineering interface-type resistive switching in BiFeO3 thin film switches by Ti implantation of bottom electrodes
Authors: You Tiangui , Ou Xin , Niu Gang , Bärwolf Florian , Li Guodong , Du Nan , Bürger Danilo , Skorupa Ilona , Jia Qi , Yu Wenjie , Wang Xi , Schmidt Oliver G. , Schmidt Heidemarie
Published: December 2015

BiFeO3 based MIM structures with Ti-implanted Pt bottom electrodes and Au top electrodes have been fabricated on Sapphire substrates. The resulting metal-insulator-metal (MIM) structures show bipolar resistive switching without an electroforming process. It is evidenced that during the BiFeO3 thin film growth Ti diffuses into the BiFeO3 layer. The diffused Ti effectively traps and releases oxygen vacancies and consequently stabilizes the resistive switching in BiFeO3 MIM structures. Therefore, using Ti implantation of the bottom electrode, the retention performance can be greatly improved with increasing Ti fluence. For the used raster-scanned Ti implantation the lateral Ti distribution is not homogeneous enough and endurance slightly degrades with Ti fluence. The local resistive switching investigated by current sensing atomic force microscopy suggests the capability of down-scaling the resistive switching cell to one BiFeO3 grain size by local Ti implantation of the bottom electrode.
Generating a Bessel-Gaussian beam for the application in optical engineering
Authors: Chu Xiuxiang , Sun Quan , Wang Jing , Lü Pin , Xie Wenke , Xu Xiaojun
Published: December 2015

Bessel beam is the important member of the family of non-diffracting beams and has many novel properties which can be used in many areas. However, the source of Bessel beam generated by the existing methods can be used only in a short distance due to its low power. In this paper, based on the coherent combining technology, we have proposed a method which can be used to generate a high-power Bessel beam. Even more, we give an innovative idea to form vortex phase by using discontinuous piston phase. To confirm the validity of this method, the intensity evolution of the combined beam and the Bessel-Gaussian beam at different propagation distance have been studied and compared. Meanwhile, the experimental realization has been discussed from the existing experimental result related to the coherent combining technology.
Ecological consequences of long-term browning in lakes
Authors: Williamson Craig E. , Overholt Erin P. , Pilla Rachel M. , Leach Taylor H. , Brentrup Jennifer A. , Knoll Lesley B. , Mette Elizabeth M. , Moeller Robert E.
Published: December 2015

Increases in terrestrially-derived dissolved organic matter (DOM) have led to the browning of inland waters across regions of northeastern North America and Europe. Short-term experimental and comparative studies highlight the important ecological consequences of browning. These range from transparency-induced increases in thermal stratification and oxygen (O2) depletion to changes in pelagic food web structure and alteration of the important role of inland waters in the global carbon cycle. However, multi-decadal studies that document the net ecological consequences of long-term browning are lacking. Here we show that browning over a 27 year period in two lakes of differing transparency resulted in fundamental changes in vertical habitat gradients and food web structure and that these responses were stronger in the more transparent lake. Surface water temperatures increased by 2–3 °C in both lakes in the absence of any changes in air temperature. Water transparency to ultraviolet (UV) radiation showed a fivefold decrease in the more transparent lake. The primary zooplankton grazers decreased and in the more transparent lake were largely replaced by a two trophic level zooplankton community. These findings provide new insights into the net effects of the complex and contrasting mechanisms that underlie the ecosystem consequences of browning.
Molecular spectrum of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA mutations in Chinese colorectal cancer patients: analysis of 1,110 cases
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zheng Jianming , Yang Yinghong , Lu Junliang , Gao Jie , Lu Tao , Sun Jian , Jiang Hui , Zhu Yan , Zheng Yuhui , Liang Zhiyong , Liu Tonghua
Published: December 2015

Mutations in genes such as KRAS, NRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA have become an important part of colorectal carcinoma evaluation. The aim of this study was to screen for mutations in these genes in Chinese patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and to explore their correlations with certain clinicopathological parameters. We tested mutations in the KRAS (exons 2, 3 and 4), NRAS (exons 2, 3 and 4), PIK3CA (exon 20) and BRAF (exon 15) genes using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Sanger sequencing in a large cohort of 1,110 Chinese CRC patients who underwent surgical resection at one of three major teaching hospitals located in different regions of China. The prevalence rates of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA mutations were 45.4%, 3.9%, 3.1% and 3.5%, respectively. Mutant KRAS was associated with the mucinous subtype and greater differentiation, while mutant BRAF was associated with right-sided tumors and poorer differentiation. Our results revealed differences in the genetic profiles of KRAS, NRAS, PIK3CA and BRAF at mutation hotspots between Chinese CRC patients and those of Western countries, while some of these gene features were shared among patients from other Asian countries.
Large and pristine films of reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Ahn Sung Il , Kim Kukjoo , Jung Jura , Choi Kyung Cheol
Published: December 2015

A new self-assembly concept is introduced to form large and pristine films (15 cm in diameter) of reduced graphene oxide (RGO). The resulting film has different degrees of polarity on its two different sides due to the characteristic nature of the self-assembly process. The RGO film can be easily transferred from a glass substrate onto water and a polymer substrate after injection of water molecules between the RGO film and glass substrate using an electric steamer. The RGO film can also be easily patterned into various shapes with a resolution of around ±10 μm by a simple taping method, which is suitable for mass production of printed electronics at low cost.
Population dynamics and associated factors of cereal aphids and armyworms under global change
Authors: Wang Leyun , Hui Cang , Sandhu Hardev S. , Li Zhihong , Zhao Zihua
Published: December 2015

Studying the impacts of global change, which comprises largely climate and landscape changes, on agricultural pests is crucial for developing sustainable pest management. This research is focused on understanding the factors associated with population dynamics of cereal aphids and armyworms feeding on wheat in Henan province in China from 1987 to 2010. Association between changes in climate (temperature, precipitation and relative humidity) and agricultural characteristics (wheat proportion, crop diversity, fertilizer input and wheat yield per unit area) and damage from cereal aphids and armyworms were examined. Cereal aphid damage has been rising, while armyworm damage had no obvious trends, but with strong year-to-year fluctuations. The analysis indicates that the factors most strongly associated with the population dynamics of cereal aphids are fertilizer input and mean temperature in February, while the population dynamics of armyworms is significantly related to precipitation in May. By comparing the characteristics of these two agricultural pests, we identify possible reasons for the disparity between their associated factors, which are related to the differences in their foraging behaviour, host range, migration capacity and life history. These results may contribute to developing ecologically based pest management for cereal aphids and armyworms under global change.
Cell Nucleus-Targeting Zwitterionic Carbon Dots
Authors: Jung Yun Kyung , Shin Eeseul , Kim Byeong-Su
Published: December 2015

An innovative nucleus-targeting zwitterionic carbon dot (CD) vehicle has been developed for anticancer drug delivery and optical monitoring. The zwitterionic functional groups of the CDs introduced by a simple one-step synthesis using β-alanine as a passivating and zwitterionic ligand allow cytoplasmic uptake and subsequent nuclear translocation of the CDs. Moreover, multicolor fluorescence improves the accuracy of the CDs as an optical code. The CD-based drug delivery system constructed by non-covalent grafting of doxorubicin, exhibits superior antitumor efficacy owing to enhanced nuclear delivery in vitro and tumor accumulation in vivo, resulting in highly effective tumor growth inhibition. Since the zwitterionic CDs are highly biocompatible and effectively translocated into the nucleus, it provides a compelling solution to a multifunctional nanoparticle for substantially enhanced nuclear uptake of drugs and optical monitoring of translocation.
UPLC-QTOF-MS based metabolomics coupled with the diagnostic ion exploration strategy for rapidly evaluating sulfur-fumigation caused holistic quality variation in medicinal herbs, Moutan Cortex as an example
Authors: Li Xiu-Yang , Xu Jin-Di , Xu Jun , Kong Ming , Zhou Shan-Shan , Mao Qian , Brand Eric , Chen Hu-Biao , Liu Hong-Quan , Li Song-Lin
Published: December 2015

A novel LC-MS based metabolomics strategy for holistic quality evaluation of sulfur-fumigated herb.
Graphitic carbon nitride catalysed photoacetalization of aldehydes/ketones under ambient conditions
Authors: Abdullah Khan M. , Teixeira Ivo F. , Li Molly M. J. , Koito Yusuke , Tsang Shik Chi Edman
Published: December 2015

Photoacetalization of aldehydes/ketones with alcohols over graphitic carbon nitride is demonstrated without any acid additive.
Deuteration enhances catalyst lifetime in palladium-catalysed alcohol oxidation
Authors: Armenise Nicola , Tahiri Nabil , Eisink Niek N. H. M. , Denis Mathieu , Jäger Manuel , De Vries Johannes G. , Witte Martin D. , Minnaard Adriaan J.
Published: December 2015

The catalyst palladium/2,9-CD3-phenanthroline has a 1.8 times higher turnover number than its non-deuterated counterpart in the aerobic alcohol oxidation of methyl glucoside and allows the regioselective oxidation with dioxygen as the terminal oxidant.
Isonitrile alkylations: a rapid route to imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines
Authors: Li Yajun , Chao Allen , Fleming Fraser F.
Published: December 2015

Metalated isonitriles react with 2-chloropyridine-type electrophiles in an addition–cyclization route to valuable heterocycles.
MicroRNA-induced cascaded and catalytic self-assembly of DNA nanostructures for enzyme-free and sensitive fluorescence detection of microRNA from tumor cells
Authors: Gong Xue , Zhou Wenjiao , Chai Yaqin , Yuan Ruo , Xiang Yun
Published: December 2015

MicroRNA-induced self-assembly formation of DNA nanostructures serves as a significant signal amplification platform for the highly sensitive detection of microRNA biomarkers.
One-step synthesis of honeycomb-like AlPO4-11 macrostructures based on epitaxial growth and phase transformation mechanisms
Authors: Tao Shuo , Li Xiaolei , Xu Renshun , Li Dawei , Zhang Quanqun , Ma Huaijun , Xu Yunpeng , Tian Zhijian
Published: December 2015

Honeycomb-like AlPO4-11 macrostructures have been directly synthesized based on in situ epitaxial growth and phase transformation mechanisms.
Size-controlled synthesis of hematite mesocrystals
Authors: He Kay , Song Bin , Zhan Lingtong , Lu Wangwei , Li Jin , Zhao Gaoling , Han Gaorong
Published: December 2015

Size-controlled hematite mesocrystals were prepared by forced hydrolysis of FeCl3via a facile hydrothermal process.
Pathway of zinc oxide formation by seed-assisted and controlled double-jet precipitation
Authors: Yan Xu , Chai Liyuan , Li Qingzhu , Ye Lijun , Yang Bentao , Wang Qingwei
Published: December 2015

ZnO can be well formed in a short time at room temperatureviaseed-assisted and controlled double-jet precipitation.
Influence of sumanene modifications with boron and nitrogen atoms to its hydrogen adsorption properties
Authors: Armaković Stevan , Armaković Sanja J. , Pelemiš Svetlana , Mirjanić Dragoljub
Published: December 2015

We investigate the influence of sumanene modifications on its adsorption properties towards the hydrogen molecule.
Where does methanol lose hydrogen to trigger steam reforming? A revisit of methanol dehydrogenation on the PdZn alloy model obtained from kinetic Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Cheng Feng , Chen Zhao-Xu
Published: December 2015

The first step of methanol steam reforming most likely takes place on the hollow sites composed of Zn atoms and water is important for refreshing the active sites.
A comprehensive comparison of dye-sensitized NiO photocathodes for solar energy conversion
Authors: Wood Christopher J. , Summers Gareth H. , Clark Charlotte A. , Kaeffer Nicolas , Braeutigam Maximilian , Carbone Lea Roberta , D'Amario Luca , Fan Ke , Farré Yoann , Narbey Stéphanie , Oswald Frédéric , Stevens Lee A. , Parmenter Christopher D. J. , Fay Michael W. , La Torre Alessandro , Snape Colin E. , Dietzek Benjamin , Dini Danilo , Hammarström Leif , Pellegrin Yann , Odobel Fabrice , Sun Licheng , Artero Vincent , Gibson Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2015

Summary of photocurrent vs. time and (inset) total theoretical H2 generated for the 7 different NiO electrodes compared in this study.
Nitrogenated, phosphorated and arsenicated monolayer holey graphenes
Authors: Yagmurcukardes Mehmet , Horzum Seyda , Torun Engin , Peeters Francois M. , Tugrul Senger R.
Published: December 2015

Electronic, magnetic and mechanical properties of holey monolayer C2X (X: N, P or As) crystals.
Introduction of carbon nano-tubes into the phosphor to restrain the saturation behavior in low voltage cathodoluminescence
Authors: Shang Chunyu , Zhao Jinxian , Wang Xiuqin
Published: December 2015

To restrain the saturation behavior in low voltage cathodoluminescence, a small amount of carbon nano-tubes (CNT) was introduced into a phosphor to form a CNT-introduced phosphor material.
Switchable self-assembly of Prussian blue analogs nano-tiles triggered by salt stimulus
Authors: Dedovets D. , Bauduin P. , Causse J. , Girard L. , Diat O.
Published: December 2015

We showed fully reversible, ionic strength controlled self-assembly of Prussian blue analogues nano-tiles into large superlattice structures.
Scope of negative solvatochromism and solvatofluorochromism of merocyanines
Authors: Kulinich A. V. , Mikitenko E. K. , Ishchenko A. A.
Published: December 2015

Can negatively solvatochromic merocyanines retain their generic characteristics in the full range of solvent polarities including low-polarity alkanes? To find the answer, the solvatochromism of a vinylogous series of tailored highly dipolar merocyanines was thoroughly investigated both experimentally and theoretically.
Enhanced cation recognition by a macrocyclic ionophore at the air–solution interface probed by mass spectrometry
Authors: Rodrigo Francisco , Gámez Francisco , Avilés-Moreno Juan R. , Pedrosa José M. , Martínez-Haya Bruno
Published: December 2015

The cation binding selectivity of a benchmark calixarene is enhanced at the air–solution interface, as demonstrated by a novel mass spectrometry method.
The new insight into the structure–activity relation of Pd/CeO2–ZrO2–Nd2O3 catalysts by Raman, in situ DRIFTS and XRD Rietveld analysis
Authors: Yang X. , Yang L. , Lin J. , Zhou R.
Published: December 2015

ZrO2 increase O* active species and accelerate the formation of nitrate species, thus enhancing the catalytic activity.
Evolution of domains and grain boundaries in graphene: a kinetic Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Zhuang Jianing , Zhao Ruiqi , Dong Jichen , Yan Tianying , Ding Feng
Published: December 2015

Energy-driven kinetic Monte Carlo simulation of graphene fast annealing process and graphene grain boundary misorientation angle distribution analysis.
Multifunctional biosensors based on peptide–polyelectrolyte conjugates
Authors: Kogikoski S. , Sousa C. P. , Liberato M. S. , Andrade-Filho T. , Prieto T. , Ferreira F. F. , Rocha A. R. , Guha S. , Alves W. A.
Published: December 2015

The crystal structure of self-assembled peptide nanostructures dictates the conductivity. We show that the orthorhombic phase can be doped with PAH, improving hole and electron injection, opening opportunities for self-assembled peptide composites.
Reducing the V2O3(0001) surface through electron bombardment – a quantitative structure determination with I/V-LEED
Authors: Feiten Felix E. , Kuhlenbeck Helmut , Freund Hans-Joachim
Published: December 2015

First quantitative structure determination of a reduced V2O3(0001) thin film with I/V-LEED and STM revealing a single metal surface termination.
Simulations of iron K pre-edge X-ray absorption spectra using the restricted active space method
Authors: Guo Meiyuan , Sørensen Lasse Kragh , Delcey Mickaël G. , Pinjari Rahul V. , Lundberg Marcus
Published: December 2015

The intensities and relative energies of metal K pre-edge features are sensitive to both geometric and electronic structures.
Crystal-plane effect of nanoscale CeO2on the catalytic performance of Ni/CeO2catalysts for methane dry reforming
Authors: Wang Ning , Qian Weizhong , Chu Wei , Wei Fei
Published: December 2015

The morphology and crystal-plane effects of CeO2materials (nanorods, nanocubes, nanooctas and nanoparticles) on the catalytic performance of Ni/CeO2in methane dry reforming were investigated.
DBU/benzyl bromide: an efficient catalytic system for the chemical fixation of CO2 into cyclic carbonates under metal- and solvent-free conditions
Authors: Wang Lin , Kodama Koichi , Hirose Takuji
Published: December 2015

A simple, mild and inexpensive catalytic system, DBU and benzyl bromide, was developed for the cycloaddition of epoxides to ambient CO2 under metal-free and solvent-free conditions and a wide range of epoxides was converted to the corresponding cyclic carbonates with good to excellent yields (81–95%).