bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for Rhythmicity Pacemaker in the Calcification Process of Scleractinian Coral
Authors: Gutner-Hoch Eldad , Schneider Kenneth , Stolarski Jaroslaw , Domart-Coulon Isabelle , Yam Ruth , Meibom Anders , Shemesh Aldo , Levy Oren
Published: February 2016

Reef-building scleractinian (stony) corals are among the most efficient bio-mineralizing organisms in nature. The calcification rate of scleractinian corals oscillates under ambient light conditions, with a cyclic, diurnal pattern. A fundamental question is whether this cyclic pattern is controlled by exogenous signals or by an endogenous ‘biological-clock’ mechanism, or both. To address this problem, we have studied calcification patterns of the Red Sea scleractinian coral Acropora eurystoma with frequent measurements of total alkalinity (AT) under different light conditions. Additionally, skeletal extension and ultra-structure of newly deposited calcium carbonate were elucidated with 86Sr isotope labeling analysis, combined with NanoSIMS ion microprobe and scanning electron microscope imaging. Our results show that the calcification process persists with its cyclic pattern under constant light conditions while dissolution takes place within one day of constant dark conditions, indicating that an intrinsic, light-entrained mechanism may be involved in controlling the calcification process in photosymbiotic corals.
Ultraviolet Laser-induced ignition of RDX single crystal
Authors: Yan Zhonghua , Zhang Chuanchao , Liu Wei , Li Jinshan , Huang Ming , Wang Xuming , Zhou Guorui , Tan Bisheng , Yang Zongwei , Li Zhijie , Li Li , Yan Hongwei , Yuan Xiaodong , Zu Xiaotao
Published: February 2016

The RDX single crystals are ignited by ultraviolet laser (355 nm, 6.4 ns) pulses. The laser-induced damage morphology consisted of two distinct regions: a core region of layered fracture and a peripheral region of stripped material surrounding the core. As laser fluence increases, the area of the whole crack region increases all the way, while both the area and depth of the core region increase firstly and then stay stable over the laser fluence of 12 J/cm2. The experimental details indicate the dynamics during laser ignition process. Plasma fireball of high temperature and pressure occurs firstly, followed by the micro-explosions on the (210) surface and finally shock waves propagate through the materials to further strip materials outside and yield in-depth cracks in larger surrounding region. The plasma fireball evolves from isotropic to anisotropic under higher laser fluence resulting in the damage expansion only in lateral direction while maintaining the fixed depth. The primary insights into the interaction dynamics between laser and energetic materials can help developing the superior laser ignition technique.
A genome-wide association study of fetal response to type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus challenge
Authors: Yang Tianfu , Wilkinson James , Wang Zhiquan , Ladinig Andrea , Harding John , Plastow Graham
Published: February 2016

Control of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is economically important for the swine industry worldwide. As current PRRS vaccines do not completely protect against heterologous challenge, alternative means of control, including enhanced genetic resilience, are needed. For reproductive PRRS, the genetic basis of fetal response to PRRS virus (PRRSV) infection is poorly understood. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were done here using data from 928 fetuses from pregnant gilts experimentally challenged with type 2 PRRSV. Fetuses were assessed for viral load in thymus (VLT), viral load in endometrium (VLE), fetal death (FD) and fetal viability (FV) and genotyped at a medium density. Collectively, 21 candidate genomic regions were found associated with these traits, seven of which overlap with previously reported QTLs for pig health and reproduction. A comparison with ongoing and related transcriptomic analyses of fetal response to PRRSV infection found differentially expressed genes within 18 candidate regions. Some of these genes have immune system functions and have been reported to contribute to host response to PRRSV infection. The results provide new evidence about the genetic basis of fetal response to PRRSV challenge and may ultimately lead to alternative control strategies to reduce the impact of reproductive PRRS.
Comparative transcriptomic profiling of hydrogen peroxide signaling networks in zebrafish and human keratinocytes: Implications toward conservation, migration and wound healing
Authors: Lisse Thomas S. , King Benjamin L. , Rieger Sandra
Published: February 2016

Skin wounds need to be repaired rapidly after injury to restore proper skin barrier function. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a conserved signaling factor that has been shown to promote a variety of skin wound repair processes, including immune cell migration, angiogenesis and sensory axon repair. Despite growing research on H2O2functions in wound repair, the downstream signaling pathways activated by this reactive oxygen species in the context of injury remain largely unknown. The goal of this study was to provide a comprehensive analysis of gene expression changes in the epidermis upon exposure to H2O2concentrations known to promote wound repair. Comparative transcriptome analysis using RNA-seq data from larval zebrafish and previously reported microarray data from a human epidermal keratinocyte line shows that H2O2activates conserved cell migration, adhesion, cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic programs in both zebrafish and human keratinocytes. Further assessment of expression characteristics and signaling pathways revealed the activation of three major H2O2–dependent pathways, EGF, FOXO1 and IKKα. This study expands on our current understanding of the clinical potential of low-level H2O2for the promotion of epidermal wound repair and provides potential candidates in the treatment of wound healing deficits.
Negative regulation of initial steps in skeletal myogenesis by mTOR and other kinases
Authors: Wilson Raphael A. , Liu Jing , Xu Lin , Annis James , Helmig Sara , Moore Gregory , Timmerman Casey , Grandori Carla , Zheng Yanbin , Skapek Stephen X.
Published: February 2016

The transition from a committed progenitor cell to one that is actively differentiating represents a process that is fundamentally important in skeletal myogenesis. Although the expression and functional activation of myogenic regulatory transcription factors (MRFs) are well known to govern lineage commitment and differentiation, exactly how the first steps in differentiation are suppressed in a proliferating myoblast is much less clear. We used cultured mammalian myoblasts and an RNA interference library targeting 571 kinases to identify those that may repress muscle differentiation in proliferating myoblasts in the presence or absence of a sensitizing agent directed toward CDK4/6, a kinase previously established to impede muscle gene expression. We identified 55 kinases whose knockdown promoted myoblast differentiation, either independently or in conjunction with the sensitizer. A number of the hit kinases could be connected to known MRFs, directly or through one interaction node. Focusing on one hit, Mtor, we validated its role to impede differentiation in proliferating myoblasts and carried out mechanistic studies to show that it acts, in part, by a rapamycin-sensitive complex that involves Raptor. Our findings inform our understanding of kinases that can block the transition from lineage commitment to a differentiating state in myoblasts and offer a useful resource for others studying myogenic differentiation.
Invasive floating macrophytes reduce greenhouse gas emissions from a small tropical lake
Authors: Attermeyer K. , Flury S. , Jayakumar R. , Fiener P. , Steger K. , Arya V. , Wilken F. , van Geldern R. , Premke K.
Published: February 2016

Floating macrophytes, including water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), are dominant invasive organisms in tropical aquatic systems and they may play an important role in modifying the gas exchange between water and the atmosphere. However, these systems are underrepresented in global datasets of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study investigated the carbon (C) turnover and GHG emissions from a small (0.6 km2) water-harvesting lake in South India and analysed the effect of floating macrophytes on these emissions. We measured carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) emissions with gas chambers in the field as well as water C mineralization rates and physicochemical variables in both the open water and in water within stands of water hyacinths. The CO2 and CH4 emissions from areas covered by water hyacinths were reduced by 57% compared with that of open water. However, the C mineralization rates were not significantly different in the water between the two areas. We conclude that the increased invasion of water hyacinths and other floating macrophytes has the potential to change GHG emissions, a process that might be relevant in regional C budgets.
The memory effect of magnetoelectric coupling in FeGaB/NiTi/PMN-PT multiferroic heterostructure
Authors: Zhou Ziyao , Zhao Shishun , Gao Yuan , Wang Xinjun , Nan Tianxiang , Sun Nian X. , Yang Xi , Liu Ming
Published: February 2016

Magnetoelectric coupling effect has provided a power efficient approach in controlling the magnetic properties of ferromagnetic materials. However, one remaining issue of ferromagnetic/ferroelectric magnetoelectric bilayer composite is that the induced effective anisotropy disappears with the removal of the electric field. The introducing of the shape memory alloys may prevent such problem by taking the advantage of its shape memory effect. Additionally, the shape memory alloy can also “store” the magnetoelectric coupling before heat release, which introduces more functionality to the system. In this paper, we study a FeGaB/NiTi/PMN-PT multiferroic heterostructure, which can be operating in different states with electric field and temperature manipulation. Such phenomenon is promising for tunable multiferroic devices with multi-functionalities.
Structural basis for two-step glucose trimming by glucosidase II involved in ER glycoprotein quality control
Authors: Satoh Tadashi , Toshimori Takayasu , Yan Gengwei , Yamaguchi Takumi , Kato Koichi
Published: February 2016

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has a sophisticated protein quality control system for the efficient folding of newly synthesized proteins. In this system, a variety of N-linked oligosaccharides displayed on proteins serve as signals recognized by series of intracellular lectins. Glucosidase II catalyzes two-step hydrolysis at α1,3-linked glucose–glucose and glucose–mannose residues of high-mannose-type glycans to generate a quality control protein tag that is transiently expressed on glycoproteins and recognized by ER chaperones. Here we determined the crystal structures of the catalytic α subunit of glucosidase II (GIIα) complexed with two different glucosyl ligands containing the scissile bonds of first- and second-step reactions. Our structural data revealed that the nonreducing terminal disaccharide moieties of the two kinds of substrates can be accommodated in a gourd-shaped bilocular pocket, thereby providing a structural basis for substrate-binding specificity in the two-step deglucosylation catalyzed by this enzyme.
Branched-chain and aromatic amino acid profiles and diabetes risk in Chinese populations
Authors: Chen Tianlu , Ni Yan , Ma Xiaojing , Bao Yuqian , Liu Jiajian , Huang Fengjie , Hu Cheng , Xie Guoxiang , Zhao Aihua , Jia Weiping , Jia Wei
Published: February 2016

Recent studies revealed strong evidence that branched-chain and aromatic amino acids (BCAAs and AAAs) are closely associated with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in several Western countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential role of BCAAs and AAAs in predicting the diabetes development in Chinese populations. The serum levels of valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, and phenylalanine were measured in a longitudinal and a cross sectional studies with a total of 429 Chinese participants at different stages of diabetes development, using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography triple quadruple mass spectrometry platform. The alterations of the five AAs in Chinese populations are well in accordance with previous reports. Early elevation of the five AAs and their combined score was closely associated with future development of diabetes, suggesting an important role of these metabolites as early markers of diabetes. On the other hand, the five AAs were not as good as existing clinical markers in differentiating diabetic patients from their healthy counterparts. Our findings verified the close correlation of BCAAs and AAAs with insulin resistance and future development of diabetes in Chinese populations and highlighted the predictive value of these markers for future development of diabetes.
Research progress on polyoxometalate-based transition-metal–rare-earth heterometallic derived materials: synthetic strategies, structural overview and functional applications
Authors: Zhao Jun-Wei , Li Yan-Zhou , Chen Li-Juan , Yang Guo-Yu
Published: February 2016

This review summarizes the structural types of reported polyoxometalate-based transition-metal–rare-earth heterometallic derived materials (PTRHDMs) together with synthetic strategies, structural motifs and relevant functional applications.
Coupled optical absorption, charge carrier separation, and surface electrochemistry in surface disordered/hydrogenated TiO2 for enhanced PEC water splitting reaction
Authors: Behara Dilip Kumar , Ummireddi Ashok Kumar , Aragonda Vidyasagar , Gupta Prashant Kumar , Pala Raj Ganesh S. , Sivakumar Sri
Published: February 2016

Coupled optical absorption, charge carrier separation, and surface electrochemistry in surface disordered/hydrogenated TiO2 for enhanced PEC water splitting reaction.
Magnetic nanoscale core–shell structured Fe3O4@l-proline: an efficient, reusable and eco-friendly nanocatalyst for diastereoselective synthesis of fulleropyrrolidines
Authors: Safaei-Ghomi Javad , Masoomi Reihaneh , Hamadanian Masood , Naseh Sara
Published: February 2016

An efficient and eco-friendly approach to the diastereoselective synthesis of some new fulleropyrrolidines using magnetic nanoscale core–shell structured Fe3O4@l-proline.
A strontium-incorporated nanoporous titanium implant surface for rapid osseointegration
Authors: Zhang Wenjie , Cao Huiliang , Zhang Xiaochen , Li Guanglong , Chang Qing , Zhao Jun , Qiao Yuqin , Ding Xun , Yang Guangzheng , Liu Xuanyong , Jiang Xinquan
Published: February 2016

A multi-functional strontium incorporated titanium implant coating was fabricated to promote rapid osseointegrationviainducing angiogenesis and osteogenesis.
Synthesis and in vitro properties of iron oxide nanoparticles grafted with brushed phosphorylcholine and polyethylene glycol
Authors: Blin Thomas , Kakinen Aleksandr , Pilkington Emily H. , Ivask Angela , Ding Feng , Quinn John F. , Whittaker Michael R. , Ke Pu Chun , Davis Thomas P.
Published: February 2016

A new and facile strategy for grafting IONPs by phosphonic acic terminated PC brushes has been demonstrated and characterized in vitro.
Infrared spectra of methanol desorption in a He stream and under vacuum on CeO2 and ZrO2 catalyst surfaces
Authors: Chen Lei , Wang Shengping
Published: February 2016

Infrared spectra of methanol desorption in a He stream and under vacuum on CeO2 and ZrO2 catalyst surfaces are added for the article (RSC Adv., 2014, 4, 30968) as a response to the letter of Dr F. C. Meunier (RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 17288) and to make the ascription of the bands at 1096, 1054, 1032 and 1012 cm−1 more convincing.
Experimental solubilities of two lipid derivatives in supercritical carbon dioxide and new correlations based on activity coefficient models
Authors: Lamba Neha , Narayan Ram C. , Raval Joy , Modak Jayant , Madras Giridhar
Published: February 2016

Solubilities of 10-undecen-1-ol and geranyl butyrate were determined and correlated based on new models by combinations of solution/association theories.
The synthesis and tribological properties of small- and large-sized crystals of zeolitic imidazolate framework-71
Authors: Wang Yi-Hua , Shi Qi , Xu Hong , Dong Jin-Xiang
Published: February 2016

Crystals of ZIF-71 with different particle sizes were synthesized using different strategies. The small- and large-sized crystals of ZIF-71 showed different lubrication effects.
In vivo assessment of newly synthesized achiral copper(ii) and zinc(ii) complexes of a benzimidazole derived scaffold as a potential analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory
Authors: AlAjmi Mohamed F. , Hussain Afzal , Alsalme Ali , Khan Rais Ahmad
Published: February 2016

Two new complexes of copper(ii) and zinc(ii) were synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic techniques. The newly synthesized compounds were screened for analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities.
Reductive cyclization of 2-nitro-2′-hydroxy-5′-methylazobenzene to benzotriazole over K-doped Pd/γ-Al2O3
Authors: Wang Bowei , Si Leilei , Yuan Yanyan , Li Yang , Chen Ligong , Yan Xilong
Published: February 2016

A series of Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalysts modified by potassium salts were prepared and evaluated in the reductive cyclization of 2-nitro-2′-hydroxy-5′-methylazobenzene without additional base.
Improved light absorbance does not lead to better DSC performance: studies on a ruthenium porphyrin–terpyridine conjugate
Authors: Lanzilotto Angelo , Büldt Laura A. , Schmidt Hauke C. , Prescimone Alessandro , Wenger Oliver S. , Constable Edwin C. , Housecroft Catherine E.
Published: February 2016

Despite having a good spectral response, a bis(tpy)ruthenium complex with peripheral porphyrin and phosphonate anchoring domains gives poor photoconversion efficiency due to a triplet–triplet energy transfer process.
CuI-catalyzed oxidative cross coupling of oximes with tetrahydrofuran: a direct access to O-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl oxime ethers
Authors: Ren Zhi-Hui , Zhao Mi-Na , Guan Zheng-Hui
Published: February 2016

A CuI-catalyzed oxidative cross coupling of oximes with tetrahydrofuran for the synthesis of O-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl oxime ethers has been developed.
Effects of three-dimensional mechano-chemical tensile strain on fast oxygen diffusion in Au-dispersed Pr1.90Ni0.71Cu0.24Ga0.05O4+δ
Authors: Hyodo Junji , Tominaga Ken , Ida Shintaro , Ishihara Tatsumi
Published: February 2016

We demonstrate the successful generation of 3-dimensional (3D) mechano-chemical tensile strain in Pr2NiO4. It is found that the 3D tensile strain changes the mobility of the oxide ions.
Factors affecting the polarity and magnitude of photoresponse of transient photodetectors
Authors: Reissig L. , Mori K. , Treadwell R. , Dalgleish S. , Awaga K.
Published: February 2016

Understanding the factors that govern the polarity of response of transient photodetectors provides a strategy for optimization of their photoresponsivity.
Correction: Silver(i) complexes as precursors to produce silver nanowires: structure characterization, antimicrobial activity and cell viability
Authors: El-Gamel Nadia E. A.
Published: February 2016

Correction for ‘Silver(i) complexes as precursors to produce silver nanowires: structure characterization, antimicrobial activity and cell viability’ by Nadia E. A. El-Gamel, Dalton Trans., 2013, 42, 9884–9892.
Synthesis and characterization of a highly strained donor–acceptor nanohoop
Authors: Van Raden J. M. , Darzi E. R. , Zakharov L. N. , Jasti R.
Published: February 2016

A highly-strained, nitrogen-doped cycloparaphenylene (CPP), aza[6]CPP, was synthesized and then converted to a donor–acceptor nanohoop, N-methylaza[6]CPP, via alkylation of the nitrogen center.
A redox-labile poly(oligo(ethylene glycol)methacrylate)-based nanogel with tunable thermosensitivity for drug delivery
Authors: Tian Yefei , Bian Shanshan , Yang Wuli
Published: February 2016

We developed a redox degradable P(MEO2MA-s-s-OEGMA) nanogel with tunable volume phase transition temperature for drug delivery via precipitation polymerization using a disulfide-containing crosslinker.
High density plasmas and new diagnostics: An overview (invited)
Authors: Celona L. , Gammino S. , Mascali D.
Published: February 2016

One of the limiting factors for the full understanding of Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Sources (ECRISs) fundamental mechanisms consists of few types of diagnostic tools so far available for such compact machines. Microwave-to-plasma coupling optimisation, new methods of density overboost provided by plasma wave generation, and magnetostatic field tailoring for generating a proper electron energy distribution function, suitable for optimal ion beams formation, require diagnostic tools spanning across the entire electromagnetic spectrum from microwave interferometry to X-ray spectroscopy; these methods are going to be implemented including high resolution and spatially resolved X-ray spectroscopy made by quasi-optical methods (pin-hole cameras). The ion confinement optimisation also requires a complete control of cold electrons displacement, which can be performed by optical emission spectroscopy. Several diagnostic tools have been recently developed at INFN-LNS, including “volume-integrated” X-ray spectroscopy in low energy domain (2-30 keV, by using silicon drift detectors) or high energy regime (>30 keV, by using high purity germanium detectors). For the direct detection of the spatially resolved spectral distribution of X-rays produced by the electronic motion, a “pin-hole camera” has been developed also taking profit from previous experiences in the ECRIS field. The paper will give an overview of INFN-LNS strategy in terms of new microwave-to-plasma coupling schemes and advanced diagnostics supporting the design of new ion sources and for optimizing the performances of the existing ones, with the goal of a microwave-absorption oriented design of future machines.
The positronium and the dipositronium in a Hartree-Fock approximation of quantum electrodynamics
Authors: Sok Jérémy
Published: February 2016

The Bogoliubov-Dirac-Fock (BDF) model is a no-photon approximation of quantum electrodynamics. It allows to study relativistic electrons in interaction with the Dirac sea. A state is fully characterized by its one-body density matrix, an infinite rank non-negative projector. We prove the existence of the para-positronium, the bound state of an electron and a positron with antiparallel spins, in the BDF model represented by a critical point of the energy functional in the absence of an external field. We also prove the existence of the dipositronium, a molecule made of two electrons and two positrons that also appears as a critical point. More generally, for any half integer j∈12+Z+, we prove the existence of a critical point of the energy functional made of 2j + 1 electrons and 2j + 1 positrons.
Natural occupation numbers in two-electron quantum rings
Authors: Tognetti Vincent , Loos Pierre-François
Published: February 2016

Natural orbitals (NOs) are central constituents for evaluating correlation energies through efficient approximations. Here, we report the closed-form expression of the NOs of two-electron quantum rings, which are prototypical finite-extension systems and new starting points for the development of exchange-correlation functionals in density functional theory. We also show that the natural occupation numbers for these two-electron paradigms are in general non-vanishing and follow the same power law decay as atomic and molecular two-electron systems.
Interface properties of Si-SiO2-Ta2O5 structure by cathodoluminescence spectroscopy
Authors: Baraban A. P. , Dmitriev V. A. , Drozd V. E. , Prokofiev V. A. , Samarin S. N. , Filatova E. O.
Published: February 2016

We studied formation of the SiO2-T2O5 interface in the Si-SiO2-Ta2O5 structure using Cathodoluminescence Spectroscopy (CLS). Analyzing the evolution of CLS spectrum of the Si-SiO2 structure while depositing the Ta2O5 layer allowed to estimate an optical transmittance of the Ta2O5 layer and its band gap. Spectral features related to the formation of the SiO2-Ta2O5 interface were identified by comparison of the experimental CL spectrum of the Si-SiO2-Ta2O5 structure and its simulated counterpart. This formation involves a decomposition of silanol groups at the outer surface of the SO2 layer and creation of the SixTayO-type layer containing luminescence centers with the emission band centered at 3 eV photon energy.
Microscopic analysis of saturable absorbers: Semiconductor saturable absorber mirrors versus graphene
Authors: Hader J. , Yang H.-J. , Scheller M. , Moloney J. V. , Koch S. W.
Published: February 2016

Fully microscopic many-body calculations are used to study the influence of strong sub-picosecond pulses on the carrier distributions and corresponding optical response in saturable absorbers used for mode-locking—semiconductor (quantum well) saturable absorber mirrors (SESAMs) and single layer graphene based saturable absorber mirrors (GSAMs). Unlike in GSAMs, the saturation fluence and recovery time in SESAMs show a strong spectral dependence. While the saturation fluence in the SESAM is minimal at the excitonic bandgap, the optimal recovery time and least pulse distortion due to group delay dispersion are found for excitation higher in the first subband. For excitation near the SESAM bandgap, the saturation fluence is about one tenth of that in the GSAM. At energies above the bandgap, the fluences in both systems become similar. A strong dependence of the saturation fluence on the pulse width in both systems is caused by carrier relaxation during the pulse. The recovery time in graphene is found to be about two to four times faster than that in the SESAMs. The occurrence of negative differential transmission in graphene is shown to be caused by dopant related carriers. In SESAMs, a negative differential transmission is found when exciting below the excitonic resonance where excitation induced dephasing leads to an enhancement of the absorption. Comparisons of the simulation data to the experiment show a very good quantitative agreement.
Anisotropic pyrochemical microetching of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) initiated by synchrotron radiation-induced scission of molecule bonds
Authors: Yamaguchi Akinobu , Kido Hideki , Ukita Yoshiaki , Kishihara Mitsuyoshi , Utsumi Yuichi
Published: February 2016

We developed a process for micromachining polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE): anisotropic pyrochemical microetching induced by synchrotron X-ray irradiation. X-ray irradiation was performed at room temperature. Upon heating, the irradiated PTFE substrates exhibited high-precision features. Both the X-ray diffraction peak and Raman signal from the irradiated areas of the substrate decreased with increasing irradiation dose. The etching mechanism is speculated as follows: X-ray irradiation caused chain scission, which decreased the number-average degree of polymerization. The melting temperature of irradiated PTFE decreased as the polymer chain length decreased, enabling the treated regions to melt at a lower temperature. The anisotropic pyrochemical etching process enabled the fabrication of PTFE microstructures with higher precision than simultaneously heating and irradiating the sample.
Interaction between two magnetic dipoles in a uniform magnetic field
Authors: Ku J. G. , Liu X. Y. , Chen H. H. , Deng R. D. , Yan Q. X.
Published: February 2016

A new formula for the interaction force between two magnetic dipoles in a uniform magnetic field is derived taking their mutual magnetic interaction into consideration and used to simulate their relative motion. Results show that when the angle β between the direction of external magnetic field and the centerline of two magnetic dipoles is 0 ° or 90 °, magnetic dipoles approach each other or move away from each other in a straight line, respectively. And the time required for them to contact each other from the initial position is related to the specific susceptibility and the diameter of magnetic particles, medium viscosity and magnetic field strength. When β is between 0 ° and 90 °, magnetic dipole pair performs approximate elliptical motion, and the motion trajectory is affected by the specific susceptibility, diameter and medium viscosity but not magnetic field strength. However, time required for magnetic dipoles to complete the same motion trajectory is shorter when adopting stronger magnetic field. Moreover, the subsequent motion trajectory of magnetic dipoles is ascertained once the initial position is set in a predetermined motion trajectory. Additionally, magnetic potential energy of magnetic dipole pairs is transformed into kinetic energy and friction energy during the motion.
Timing and rates of nitrogen fertiliser application on seed yield, quality and nitrogen-use efficiency of canola
Authors: Ma B. L. , Herath A. W.
Published: February 2016

Effective management strategies for nitrogen (N) fertiliser are important to ensure optimum seed yields and seed quality of canola (Brassica napus L.) crop production. A field experiment was conducted for 3 years in Ontario, Canada to determine the (i) impact of different rates and timing of application of N fertiliser on canola yield and quality; and (ii) fertiliser-N economy, including agronomic N-use efficiency (aNUE), N-uptake efficiency (NupE), N-utilisation efficiency, partial N balance and N harvest index. Treatments included factorial combinations of six (2011) or eight (2012 and 2013) rates of N as urea (46% N) and timing of application (pre-plant only or preplant plus side-dressed applications at the 6-leaf stage). Side-dressed N application resulted in significant improvements in seed yield and protein concentrations (up to 16%) over equivalent preplant-only applications. The highest seed yield (2700 kg ha–1 in 2011 and 3500 kg ha–1 in 2013) was produced by the treatments including side-dressing: 50 + 50 kg N ha–1 or 50 + 100 kg N ha–1 (preplant + side-dressing). Seed protein concentrations varied from 21% to 23% in 2011 and 2013 and up to 28% in 2012. On average, the sum of protein and oil concentrations was 65–68%. Oil yield increased with increasing N rates in 2011 and 2013, but significant increases were recorded only when N was side-dressed at the 6-leaf stage. Drought conditions in 2012 negated responses to N fertiliser regardless of when it was applied. In general, aNUE and N-utilisation efficiency were decreased with increasing N fertiliser rates, but NupE varied among environments with increasing preplant and side-dressed N application. Side-dressed N applications after preplant application resulted in higher partial N balance, aNUE and/or higher NupE than comparative preplant-only N applications. Overall, side-dressed N application led to improved crop N uptake and better N economy of canola production in eastern Canada.
The effects of ordinal load on incidental temporal learning
Authors: Silva Susana , Petersson Karl Magnus , Castro São Luís
Published: February 2016

How can we grasp the temporal structure of events? A few studies have indicated that representations of temporal structure are acquired when there is an intention to learn, but not when learning is incidental. Response-to-stimulus intervals, uncorrelated temporal structures, unpredictable ordinal information, and lack of metrical organization have been pointed out as key obstacles to incidental temporal learning, but the literature includes piecemeal demonstrations of learning under all these circumstances. We suggest that the unacknowledged effects of ordinal load may help reconcile these conflicting findings, ordinal load referring to the cost of identifying the sequence of events (e.g., tones, locations) where a temporal pattern is embedded. In a first experiment, we manipulated ordinal load into simple and complex levels. Participants learned ordinal-simple sequences, despite their uncorrelated temporal structure and lack of metrical organization. They did not learn ordinal-complex sequences, even though there were no response-to-stimulus intervals nor unpredictable ordinal information. In a second experiment, we probed learning of ordinal-complex sequences with strong metrical organization, and again there was no learning. We conclude that ordinal load is a key obstacle to incidental temporal learning. Further analyses showed that the effect of ordinal load is to mask the expression of temporal knowledge, rather than to prevent learning.
Demonstration of enhancement of x-ray flux with foam gold compared to solid gold
Authors: Zhang Lu , Ding Yongkun , Lin Zhiwei , Li Hang , Jing Longfei , Yuan Zheng , Yang Zhiwen , Tan Xiulan , Kuang Longyu , Zhang Wenhai , Li Liling , Li Ping , Yuan Guanghui , Jiang Shaoen , Zhang Baohan
Published: February 2016

Experiments have been conducted to compare the re-emission from foam gold with a 0.3 g cc−1 density and solid gold in a SGIII prototype laser facility. Measurements of the re-emission x-ray flux demonstrate that emission is enhanced by the low density foam gold compared to the solid gold under the same conditions. The emission fraction increases with time and is concentrated on soft x-ray flux between 0.1–1 keV. The simulation results with Multi 1D agree with the experimental results. There are potential advantages to using foam walls for improving the emission and soft x-ray flux in hohlraums.
Dependence of neoclassical toroidal viscosity on the poloidal spectrum of applied nonaxisymmetric fields
Authors: Logan N.C. , Park J.-K. , Paz-Soldan C. , Lanctot M.J. , Smith S.P. , Burrell K.H.
Published: February 2016

This paper presents a single mode model that accurately predicts the coupling of applied nonaxisymmetric fields to the plasma response that induces neoclassical toroidal viscosity (NTV) torque in DIII-D H-mode plasmas. The torque is measured and modeled to have a sinusoidal dependence on the relative phase of multiple nonaxisymmetric field sources, including a minimum in which large amounts of nonaxisymmetric drive is decoupled from the NTV torque. This corresponds to the coupling and decoupling of the applied field to a NTV-driving mode spectrum. Modeling using the perturbed equilibrium nonambipolar transport (PENT) code confirms an effective single mode coupling between the applied field and the resultant torque, despite its inherent nonlinearity. The coupling to the NTV mode is shown to have a similar dependence on the relative phasing as that of the IPEC dominant mode, providing a physical basis for the efficacy of this linear metric in predicting error field correction optima in NTV dominated regimes.
A Framework to Analyze the Performance of Thinly Traded Agricultural Commodity Markets
Authors: Adjemian Michael K. , Saitone Tina L. , Sexton Richard J.
Published: February 2016

Thinly traded agricultural commodity markets are a concern for farmers and policy markers due to the belief that prices in these settings will be highly volatile, subject to manipulation, and incapable of efficiently allocating resources. Analysis of thin agricultural markets has to date been impeded by lack of an appropriate analytical framework from which to study their behavior. In this paper we propose the modern agricultural markets (MAM) framework as an appropriate paradigm through which to view and evaluate thin markets. We argue that thinly traded markets that meet key conditions required for a MAM will generate maximum economic surplus and enable farmers to earn at least a competitive return on their investments. In the absence of these conditions, however, the concerns known as the “thin market problem” have validity. We set forth the MAM framework, interpret it in a thin‐market context, and conduct several brief case studies of thin markets to illustrate use of the approach and draw some key inferences about these markets' behavior. The analysis indicates that appropriate government policies directed to thin markets are those that facilitate their convergence to MAM status, but in reality key policies under recent consideration would have the opposite effect.
Breastfeeding: a reproductive factor able to reduce the risk of luminal B breast cancer in premenopausal White women
Authors: Giudici Fabiola , Scaggiante Bruna , Scomersi Serena , Bortul Marina , Tonutti Maura , Zanconati Fabrizio
Published: February 2016

In the medical literature, the role of breastfeeding and reproductive factors in the risk of breast carcinoma is still an open debate in premenopausal women. We highlight the role of breastfeeding and reproductive factors in luminal A and luminal B, the most frequent breast cancers. This case–control study analyzes a White premenopausal population of 286 breast cancer patients, divided into molecular subtypes, and 578 controls matched by age. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the relationships of breastfeeding and other reproductive factors (age at menarche, parity, age at first pregnancy, number of children) with the risk of breast cancers. Among the variables examined, reproductive factors did not alter the risk of cancer, whereas breastfeeding up to 12 months was a significant protective factor against luminal B breast cancer (multivariate odds ratio: 0.22, 95% confidence interval: 0.09–0.59, P=0.002). In contrast, luminal A cases did not significantly correlate with breastfeeding or other reproductive factors. Breastfeeding up to 12 months is strongly protective against the more aggressive luminal B, but not against the less aggressive luminal A breast cancer in premenopausal White women.
Clear Cell Atypical Fibroxanthoma: Clinicopathological Study of 6 Cases and Review of the Literature With Special Emphasis on the Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Tardío Juan C. , Pinedo Fernando , Aramburu José Antonio , Martínez-González Miguel Á. , Arias Dolores , Khedaoui Radia , Suárez-Massa Dolores , Santonja Carlos
Published: February 2016

Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is an uncommon dermal-based neoplasm arising on the sun-damaged skin of elderly people. Clear cell AFX is a rare variant with only 12 cases reported until the present date, all of them as case reports, except for 1 small series of 3 cases. The authors report 6 new cases and review the literature with special emphasis on the differential diagnosis. The clear cell variant represents 5% of AFX from their files. Histopathologically, it consists of sheets of epithelioid, pleomorphic cells, intermixed with a varying number of giant multinucleated and spindle cells, the latter arranged in a fascicular pattern. All cell types predominantly exhibit a clear, microvacuolated cytoplasm with well-demarcated cell borders. The clinical and immunohistochemical features of this variant are similar to those of the classic type. Clear cell AFX must be differentiated from other cutaneous clear cell neoplasms, some of them with an aggressive clinical behavior, including clear cell melanoma, primary cutaneous and metastatic clear cell carcinomas, clear cell sarcoma, pleomorphic liposarcoma, tumor of perivascular epithelioid cells, and distinctive dermal clear cell mesenchymal neoplasm. The clinical presentation and immunohistochemical profile play a key role in the differential diagnosis.
Serological screening for celiac disease in a northern Italian child and adolescent population after the onset of type 1 diabetes: a retrospective longitudinal study of a 7-year period
Authors: Bianchi Marina , Cartabia Massimo , Clavenna Antonio , Fortino Ida , Bortolotti Angela , Merlino Luca , Bonati Maurizio
Published: February 2016

Aim

To evaluate the temporal trend and extent of screening for celiac disease in an Italian pediatric population of incident type 1 diabetes in the period 2006–2011, providing information on adherence to guidelines in primary care.

Methods

Using the Lombardy region’s administrative database, 1–17-year-old children and adolescents diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during the 2006–2011 period were identified. Among these patients, the number screened for celiac disease was calculated on the basis of specific antibodies.

Results

Of the 1563 children and adolescents receiving a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes during the observational period, 53% were tested for celiac disease compared with 12% of individuals without diabetes. The extent to which screening was performed increased two-fold from the 2006–2008 to the 2009–2011 period (P<0.0001). Among the screened population, 1.8 of the non-type 1 diabetes population and 9.4% of the new cases of type 1 diabetes received a diagnosis of celiac disease (90% after type1 diabetes diagnosis and 10% before). Being female and less than 4 years old were factors associated with an increased risk of receiving both diagnoses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in which celiac disease screening is measured in a type 1 diabetes population from the time of diagnosis up to at least 12 months afterwards. The results provide evidence that, although the rate of screening increased over time, nearly half of children with type 1 diabetes were not screened after diagnosis during the observed period, suggesting scarce adherence to guidelines in primary care.
Chemerin: a new biomarker to predict postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis
Authors: Koksal Ali R. , Boga Salih , Alkim Huseyin , Sen Ilker , Neijmann Sebnem T. , Alkim Canan
Published: February 2016

Introduction

Individuals with increased visceral adiposity are considered to be more sensitive and more prone to severe acute pancreatitis because of the inflammatory microenvironment they have. We hypothesized that insulin resistance, adipokines, and proinflammatory cytokines that markedly affect the course of pancreatitis can contribute toward development of postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (post-ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) and aimed to investigate the association between PEP risk and preprocedural serum vaspin, chemerin, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance.

Patients and methods

Eighty-two patients with a diagnosis of choledocholithiasis and 30 controls were enrolled. Preprocedural chemerin, vaspin, IL-6, and well-known PEP risk factors were compared between PEP and non-PEP groups.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 56.3±14.4 years; 52 patients were women. Adipocytokine levels, BMIs, and waist circumferences of the patient group were found to be higher than those of the controls. Total cannulation success and the mean procedure time were 82.9% and 28.7±8.8 min, respectively. PEP developed in 12 (14.6%) patients. Chemerin levels in the PEP group were higher than those in the non-PEP group (580.2±172.5 vs. 392.2±168.2 ng/ml, P<0.01). Insulin resistance was higher in the PEP group than the non-PEP group (P=0.001), but there was no significant difference between PEP and non-PEP groups in terms of preprocedural vaspin, tumor necrosis factor α, IL-6, and C-reactive protein levels. According to logistic regression analysis, increased chemerin levels, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance 2.5 or greater, and pancreatic duct cannulation were found to be independent risk factors for PEP [odds ratio (OR)=1.006, P=0.006; OR=4.57, P=0.05; OR=6.54, P=0.02].

Conclusion

Elevated serum chemerin levels and insulin resistance are independent risk factors of PEP development.
Isolated Loss of PMS2 Immunohistochemical Expression is Frequently Caused by Heterogenous MLH1 Promoter Hypermethylation in Lynch Syndrome Screening for Endometrial Cancer Patients
Authors: Kato Aya , Sato Naoki , Sugawara Tae , Takahashi Kazue , Kito Masahiko , Makino Kenichi , Sato Toshiharu , Shimizu Dai , Shirasawa Hiromistu , Miura Hiroshi , Sato Wataru , Kumazawa Yukiyo , Sato Akira , Kumagai Jin , Terada Yukihiro
Published: February 2016

Lynch syndrome (LS) is an autosomal-dominant inherited disorder mainly caused by a germline mutation in the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2) and is associated with increased risk for various cancers, particularly colorectal cancer and endometrial cancer (EC). Women with LS account for 2% to 6% of EC patients; it is clinically important to identify LS in such individuals for predicting and/or preventing additional LS-associated cancers. PMS2 germline mutation (PMS2-LS) is the rarest contribution to LS etiology among the 4 LS-associated MMR germline mutations, and its detection is complicated. Therefore, prudent screening for PMS2-LS is important as it leads to an efficient LS identification strategy. Immunohistochemistry is recommended as a screening method for LS in EC. Isolated loss of PMS2 (IL-PMS2) expression is caused not only by PMS2-LS but also by MLH1 germline mutation or MLH1 promoter hypermethylation (MLH-PHM). This study aimed to determine the association between MLH1-PHM and IL-PMS2 to avoid inappropriate genetic analysis. We performed MLH1 methylation analysis and MLH1/PMS2 germline mutation testing on the IL-PMS2 cases. By performing MMR-immunohistochemistry on 360 unselected ECs, we could select 8 (2.2%) cases as IL-PMS2. Heterogenous MLH1 staining and MLH1-PHM were detected in 4 of 8 (50%) IL-PMS2 tumors. Of the 5 IL-PMS2 patients who underwent genetic analysis, 1 had PMS2 germline mutation with normal MLH1 expression (without MLH1-PHM), and no MLH1 germline mutation was detected. We suggest that MLH1 promoter methylation analysis for IL-PMS2 EC should be performed to exclude sporadic cases before further PMS2 genetic testing.
An Extended Maximum Likelihood Inference of Geographic Range Evolution by Dispersal, Local Extinction and Cladogenesis
Authors: Beeravolu Champak R. , Condamine Fabien L.
Published: February 2016

The origin and evolution of species’ ranges remains a central focus of historical biogeography and the advent of likelihood methods based on phylogenies has revolutionized the way in which range evolution has been studied. A decade ago, the first elements of what turned out to be a popular inference approach of ancestral ranges based on the processes of Dispersal, local Extinction and Cladogenesis (DEC) was proposed. The success of theDECmodel lies in its use of a flexible statistical framework known as a Continuous Time Markov Chain and since, several conceptual and computational improvements have been proposed using this as a baseline approach. In the spirit of the original version ofDEC, we introduceDEC eXtended(DECX) by accounting for rapid expansion and local extinction as possible anagenetic events on the phylogeny but without increasing model complexity (i.e. in the number of free parameters). Classical vicariance as a cladogenetic event is also incorporated by making use of temporally flexible constraints on the connectivity between any two given areas in accordance with the movement of landmasses and dispersal opportunity over time.DECXis built upon a previous implementation in C/C++ and can analyze phylogenies on the order of several thousand tips in a few minutes. We test our model extensively on Pseudo Observed Datasets and on well-curated and recently published data from various island clades and a worldwide phylogeny of Amphibians (3309 species). We also propose the very first implementation of theDECmodel that can specifically account for trees with fossil tips (i.e. non-ultrametric) using the phylogeny of palpimanoid spiders as a case study. In this paper, we argue in favour of the proposed improvements, which have the advantage of being computationally efficient while toeing the line of increased biological realism.
Domain theory and method theory revisited: a reply to Lowe, De Loo and Nama
Authors: Lukka Kari , Vinnari Eija
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a response to the commentary of Lowe, De Loo and Nama concerning the authors’ previous article, which was published inAccounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Volume 27 Number 8.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors address the main points of the commentary by Loweet al.

Findings

– In addressing each of these issues, the authors point out a few misunderstandings included in the critique as well as make an attempt to further clarify the previous argument.

Originality/value

– The authors maintain that distinguishing between domain theory and method theory in accounting research will be of help to researchers in several ways.