bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra-low switching energy and scaling in electric-field-controlled nanoscale magnetic tunnel junctions with high resistance-area product
Authors: Grezes C. , Ebrahimi F. , Alzate J. G. , Cai X. , Katine J. A. , Langer J. , Ocker B. , Khalili Amiri P. , Wang K. L.
Published: January 2016

We report electric-field-induced switching with write energies down to 6 fJ/bit for switching times of 0.5 ns, in nanoscale perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with high resistance-area product and diameters down to 50 nm. The ultra-low switching energy is made possible by a thick MgO barrier that ensures negligible spin-transfer torque contributions, along with a reduction of the Ohmic dissipation. We find that the switching voltage and time are insensitive to the junction diameter for high-resistance MTJs, a result accounted for by a macrospin model of purely voltage-induced switching. The measured performance enables integration with same-size CMOS transistors in compact memory and logic integrated circuits.
Evolution of the electronic structure of C60/La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 interface
Authors: Xie Haipeng , Niu Dongmei , Lyu Lu , Zhang Hong , Zhang Yuhe , Liu Peng , Wang Peng , Wu Di , Gao Yongli
Published: January 2016

The evolution of the electronic structure at the interface between fullerene (C60) and La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO) has been investigated with ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. There is a 0.61 eV barrier for the electrons to be injected from LSMO to C60. The energy bands keep bending upward with increasing C60 thickness. A total energy bending of 0.72 eV is observed, changing the C60 film from n-type to p-type. The n-p transition is ascribed to the diffusion of oxygen from LSMO to C60 which subsequently strips electrons from C60, making the latter p-type. Our results suggest a buffer layer be inserted between the LSMO and C60 to lower the interface electron barrier and prevent deterioration of the C60 film in related spintronic devices.
Nitride passivation of the interface between high-k dielectrics and SiGe
Authors: Sardashti Kasra , Hu Kai-Ting , Tang Kechao , Madisetti Shailesh , McIntyre Paul , Oktyabrsky Serge , Siddiqui Shariq , Sahu Bhagawan , Yoshida Naomi , Kachian Jessica , Dong Lin , Fruhberger Bernd , Kummel Andrew C.
Published: January 2016

In-situ direct ammonia (NH3) plasma nitridation has been used to passivate the Al2O3/SiGe interfaces with Si nitride and oxynitride. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of the buried Al2O3/SiGe interface shows that NH3 plasma pre-treatment should be performed at high temperatures (300 °C) to fully prevent Ge nitride and oxynitride formation at the interface and Ge out-diffusion into the oxide. C-V and I-V spectroscopy results show a lower density of interface traps and smaller gate leakage for samples with plasma nitridation at 300 °C.
Equation of state calculations for two-dimensional dust coulomb crystal at near zero temperature by molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Djouder M. , Kermoun F. , Mitiche M. D. , Lamrous O.
Published: January 2016

Dust particles observed in universe as well as in laboratory and technological plasma devices are still under investigation. At low temperature, these particles are strongly negatively charged and are able to form a 2D or 3D coulomb crystal. In this work, our aim was to check the ideal gas law validity for a 2D single-layer dust crystal recently reported in the literature. For this purpose, we have simulated, using the molecular dynamics method, its thermodynamic properties for different values of dust particles number and confinement parameters. The obtained results have allowed us to invalidate the ideal gas behaviour and to propose an effective equation of state which assumes a near zero dust temperature. Furthermore, the value of the calculated sound velocity was found to be in a good agreement with experimental data published elsewhere.
Nonlinear magnetoelectric effect and magnetostriction in piezoelectric CsCuCl3 in paramagnetic and antiferromagnetic states
Authors: Kharkovskiy A. I. , Shaldin Yu. V. , Nizhankovskii V. I.
Published: January 2016

The direct nonlinear magnetoelectric (ME) effect and the magnetostriction of piezoelectric CsCuCl3 single crystals were comprehensively studied over a wide temperature range in stationary magnetic fields of up to 14 T. The direct nonlinear ME effect measurements were also performed in pulsed magnetic fields up to 31 T, at liquid helium temperature in the antiferromagnetic (AF) state for the crystallographic direction in which effect has the maximum value. The nonlinear ME effect was quadratic in the paramagnetic state for the whole range of magnetic fields. In the AF state the phase transition between different configurations of spins manifested itself as plateau-like peculiarity on the nonlinear ME effect. The nonlinear ME effect was saturated by the phase transition to the spin-saturated paramagnetic state. Two contributions to the nonlinear ME effects in CsCuCl3 were extracted from the experimental data: the intrinsic ME effect originated from the magnetoelectric interactions, and the extrinsic one, which resulted from a magnetostriction-induced piezoelectric effect.
Assembly of a high-dielectric constant thin TiOx layer directly on H-terminated semiconductor diamond
Authors: Zhao Jing , Liu Jiangwei , Sang Liwen , Liao Meiyong , Coathup David , Imura Masataka , Shi Baogui , Gu Changzhi , Koide Yasuo , Ye Haitao
Published: January 2016

A high-dielectric constant (high-k) TiOx thin layer was fabricated on hydrogen-terminated diamond (H-diamond) surface by low temperature oxidation of a thin titanium layer in ambient air. The metallic titanium layer was deposited by sputter deposition. The dielectric constant of the resultant TiOx was calculated to be around 12. The capacitance density of the metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) based on the TiOx/H-diamond was as high as 0.75 μF/cm2 contributed from the high-k value and the very thin thickness of the TiOx layer. The leakage current was lower than 10−13 A at reverse biases and 10−7A at the forward bias of −2 V. The MOS field-effect transistor based on the high-k TiOx/H-diamond was demonstrated. The utilization of the high-k TiOx with a very thin thickness brought forward the features of an ideally low subthreshold swing slope of 65 mV per decade and improved drain current at low gate voltages. The advantages of the utilization high-k dielectric for diamond metal-oxide semiconductor field effect transistors are anticipated.
Inherent variation in carbon and nitrogen isotopic assimilation in the freshwater macro-invertebrate Cherax destructor
Authors: Mazumder Debashish , Wen Li , Johansen Mathew P. , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Saintilan Neil
Published: January 2016

Individual variability in diet source selection has often been cited as the main factor for intra-specific variation of isotopic signatures among food-web consumers. We conducted a laboratory study to test how well the individual variability of the δ13C and δ15N ratios in the muscle of an omnivore consumer (yabby: Cherax destructor) corresponded to the variability of various diet types and diet combinations. We found that C. destructor muscle isotope signatures varied in concert with the composition of single-source diets, and that this variability was low. However, when fed the same proportional mixture of multiple diet sources, comparatively high isotopic variability was observed among specimens. Results suggest that a substantial component of isotopic variability in wild populations may be owing to inherent differences in uptake, absorption, and sequestration among individuals, which is distinct from behaviourally driven individualised diet selection. Considering the potential of such individual variability in assimilation to be present in many different consumer populations, we suggest further testing for a range of species and inclusion of this source of variation, for interpretation of isotopic data for trophic ecology.
The potential of benthic iron and phosphorus fluxes to support the growth of a bloom forming toxic cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula, Moreton Bay, Australia
Authors: Hanington Peter , Rose Andrew , Johnstone Ron
Published: January 2016

Lyngbya majuscula is a bloom-forming toxic marine cyanobacterium. Most research on L. majuscula growth in Moreton Bay has focussed on water column supplies of iron and phosphorus with little consideration of benthic sources and supply. This study investigates the potential for sandy sediments in a shallow, well mixed subtropical embayment (Deception Bay, Moreton Bay, Australia) to supply iron and phosphorus for L. majuscula growth after significant benthic community change following a major flood event. Measurements of benthic oxygen, iron and nutrient fluxes were obtained by incubating intact sediment cores sampled from Deception Bay. Results suggest that post-flood sediment communities are capable of supplying >1300% of daily L. majuscula Fe requirements and up to 9.2% of daily P demands, suggesting that L. majuscula growth in Deception Bay is likely to be P limited. The benthic release of PO43– and FeII only occurred after water column DO became depleted below 3mgL–1. This study suggests that the benthic release of PO43– and FeII could support the initiation and growth of L. majuscula blooms in Deception Bay.
The spreading of misinformation online
Authors: Del Vicario Michela , Bessi Alessandro , Zollo Fabiana , Petroni Fabio , Scala Antonio , Caldarelli Guido , Stanley H. Eugene , Quattrociocchi Walter
Published: January 2016

Significance

The wide availability of user-provided content in online social media facilitates the aggregation of people around common interests, worldviews, and narratives. However, the World Wide Web is a fruitful environment for the massive diffusion of unverified rumors. In this work, using a massive quantitative analysis of Facebook, we show that information related to distinct narratives––conspiracy theories and scientific news––generates homogeneous and polarized communities (i.e., echo chambers) having similar information consumption patterns. Then, we derive a data-driven percolation model of rumor spreading that demonstrates that homogeneity and polarization are the main determinants for predicting cascades’ size.
Micronucleus formation causes perpetual unilateral chromosome inheritance in mouse embryos
Authors: Vázquez-Diez Cayetana , Yamagata Kazuo , Trivedi Shardul , Haverfield Jenna , FitzHarris Greg
Published: January 2016

Significance

Early mammalian embryos frequently constitute a mixture of euploid and aneuploid cells, termed embryo mosaicism. Although this is considered a major cause of fertility problems, the mechanistic explanation for the mitotic errors that give rise to the aneuploid cells within mosaic embryos remains mysterious. Here using long-term live imaging of chromosome segregation in mouse embryos we show that individual chromosomes are frequently encapsulated within small nucleus-like structures called micronuclei. We show that micronucleus-enclosed chromosomes lack proper kinetochores and are therefore unable to be correctly segregated, causing them to be randomly inherited by just one of the daughter cells during subsequent embryonic cell divisions. This unexpected pattern of chromosome inheritance provides a novel explanation for mosaicism in early embryos.
Quantum violation of the pigeonhole principle and the nature of quantum correlations
Authors: Aharonov Yakir , Colombo Fabrizio , Popescu Sandu , Sabadini Irene , Struppa Daniele C. , Tollaksen Jeff
Published: January 2016

Significance

We show that quantum mechanics violates one of the fundamental principles of nature: If you put three particles in two boxes, necessarily two particles will end up in the same box. We find instances when three quantum particles are put in two boxes, yet no two particles are in the same box, a seemingly impossible and absurd effect. This is only one of a host of related quantum effects which we discovered and which point to a very interesting structure of quantum mechanics that was hitherto unnoticed and has major implications for our understanding of nature. It requires us to revisit some of the most basic notions of quantum physics––the notions of separability, of correlations, and of interactions.
Economic Performance and Political Trust: The impact of the financial crisis on European citizens
Authors: Kroknes Veronica Fagerland , Jakobsen Tor Georg , Grønning Lisa-Marie
Published: January 2016

Trust links ordinary citizens to the institutions that are intended to represent them, and thereby enhances both the legitimacy and the effectiveness of democratic government. In this article we investigate whether economic performance affects political trust and if the 2007–2008 financial crisis has decreased confidence levels due to the severity of its consequences. We employ multilevel modeling to analyze data from 25 European countries taken from the European Social Survey, combined with economic indicators from the World Bank and the international Monetary Fund. Our results show that economic performance is an important decider of people's levels of trust. We are also able to conclude that the financial crisis has reduced citizen's trust in political institutions in those countries where the crisis has had a severe impact on the economy.
Cash for childcare schemes in the Nordic welfare states: diverse paths, diverse outcomes
Authors: Duvander Ann-Zofie , Ellingsæter Anne Lise
Published: January 2016

Recent family policy developments may blur conventional family policy typologies. While policies in some European welfare states are shifting away from strong male breadwinner regimes towards work–family reconciliation, the adding of cash for childcare (CFC) benefits in Nordic earner-carer welfare states points in the opposite direction. How can we understand growing family policy hybridisation? Comparison of CFC schemes in the five Nordic countries is the empirical basis of the discussion here – what does the insertion of such a familistic policy measure actually mean? The analysis displays diverse national policy processes and policy outputs and wide variation in parents’ responses to this policy incentive. Reforms have been subject to conflicts and amendments to different degrees, and impact has been shaped by their institution at different times distinguished by mothers’ varying access to childcare services and labour markets. We conclude that conceptualisation of CFC schemes needs to be contextualised in relation to political dynamisms and opportunity structures.
Applying an exemplar model to an implicit rule-learning task: Implicit learning of semantic structure
Authors: Chubala Chrissy M. , Johns Brendan T. , Jamieson Randall K. , Mewhort D. J. K.
Published: January 2016

Studies of implicit learning often examine peoples’ sensitivity to sequential structure. Computational accounts have evolved to reflect this bias. An experiment conducted by Neil and Higham [Neil, G. J., & Higham, P. A.(2012). Implicit learning of conjunctive rule sets: An alternative to artificial grammars. Consciousness and Cognition, 21, 1393–1400] points to limitations in the sequential approach. In the experiment, participants studied words selected according to a conjunctive rule. At test, participants discriminated rule-consistent from rule-violating words but could not verbalize the rule. Although the data elude explanation by sequential models, an exemplar model of implicit learning can explain them. To make the case, we simulate the full pattern of results by incorporating vector representations for the words used in the experiment, derived from the large-scale semantic space models LSA and BEAGLE, into an exemplar model of memory, MINERVA 2. We show that basic memory processes in a classic model of memory capture implicit learning of non-sequential rules, provided that stimuli are appropriately represented.
Frequency–Amplitude Ratio of Ocular Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potentials for Detecting Meniere’s Disease: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Singh Niraj Kumar , Barman Animesh
Published: January 2016

Objective:

Several parameters of ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) have been used to identify Meniere’s disease. Nonetheless frequency–amplitude ratio (FAR), which is the ratio of amplitude between two frequencies, is one among the parameters that has failed to attract researchers’ attention despite proving its worth in diagnosis of Meniere’s disease when used in conjunction with cervical VEMP. Thus, the present study aimed at investigating the utility of FAR of oVEMP in identifying Meniere’s disease and finding out an optimum frequency pair for its diagnosis.

Design:

Using a case–control design, oVEMPs were recorded for tone bursts of 500, 750, 1000, and 1500 Hz from 36 individuals with unilateral definite Meniere’s disease in the age range of 15 to 50 years. For comparison purposes, oVEMP at the above frequencies were also obtained from an equal number of age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. The amplitudes of 750, 1000, 1500 Hz and tuned frequency, which was the frequency with the largest peak to peak amplitude among the above-mentioned frequencies, were divided by the amplitude of 500 Hz to obtain FARs for 750/500, 1000/500, 1500/500, and tuned frequency/500 frequency pairs.

Results:

The results revealed significantly higher FAR in the Meniere’s disease group than the healthy controls for all the frequency pairs (p< 0.05). The sensitivity of almost 90% and the specificity 100% was obtained for 1000/500 and 750/500, whereas the other frequency pairs produced a sensitivity of about 56% while still showing a specificity of 100%.

Conclusions:

High sensitivity and specificity, coupled with considerably lowered test duration when using only two frequencies, makes the use of FAR a more attractive prerogative, with 1000/500 as the frequency pair of choice.
Ovarian cancer: epidemiology and risk factors
Authors: La Vecchia Carlo
Published: January 2016

The present overview of ovarian cancer epidemiology summarizes the main results for a network of case–control studies in Italy and from the Collaborative Group on Epidemiological Studies of Ovarian Cancer. There are consistent inverse relations between parity, oral contraceptive use and the risk of ovarian cancer. For other menstrual and hormonal factors (i.e. early age at menarche and late menopause), there are established associations, but of limited impact on ovarian cancer incidence on a population level. Serous and endometrioid ovarian cancers (but not mucinous or clear cell types) are related to current and recent use of hormone replacement therapy in menopause. There are no strong associations with alcohol and tobacco overall, but a direct link for tobacco with (borderline) mucinous cancers, of limited impact, however, on overall ovarian cancer mortality. There are direct associations of ovarian cancer risk with height and BMI, as well as possible relations with selected dietary factors – in the absence, however, of consistent findings – and a possible inverse association with physical activity. There is a strong association with a family history of ovarian cancer (and a few selected other neoplasms, including colorectum and endometrium). Recognized risk factors explain only a limited proportion of ovarian cancer cases on a population level. A key reason for the recent favourable trends of ovarian cancer incidence and mortality in several high-income countries is the widespread use of oral contraceptive in the generations born after 1930.
A Unique Case of Bilateral Microphthalmia That May Be Related to 14q32.33
Authors: Dworak Douglas P. , Thompson Lisa S. , Patel Shyam A. , Echiverri Susan C. , Dray Phillip B.
Published: January 2016

A 2-day-old Hispanic boy was transferred to us with concerns of a small left eye. The pregnancy was uncomplicated, and both parents are healthy. Examination showed a left orbit that appeared to be empty with conjunctival tissue. The right eye had a 7 mm clear cornea, and retinal exam showed areas of thin or absent tissue and no visible optic nerve. MRI revealed a hypoplastic left orbit with an orbital cyst. The anterior-posterior diameter of the right globe was 14 mm and the left globe was 4 mm. Genetic microanalysis showed genetic abnormalities (845 kb gain) on chromosome 14 at q32.33. A diagnosis of bilateral microphthalmia with an orbital cyst was made. This is an isolated case of bilateral microphthalmia possibly associated with 14q32-33.
Proptosis and Anterior Dislocation as a Late Noninflammatory Complication of Failure of Tissue Integration in the Alphasphere Implant
Authors: Neimkin Michael G. , Reggie Sara , Holds John B.
Published: January 2016

A 57-year-old healthy female underwent enucleation for choroidal melanoma with primary implantation of a 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate sphere (AlphaSphere, Addition Technology, Des Plaines, IL). Her course was uneventful, with successful prosthetic fitting 6 weeks postoperatively. She returned 2 years later, with anterior displacement of the implant, poor implant movement, and poor prosthetic fit. There was no defect in the conjunctiva, Tenon’s layer or evidence of inflammation. Successful orbital implant exchange was performed, replacing the AlphaSphere with an eyebank-scleral wrapped acrylic implant. Intraoperative findings revealed dissolution of the scaffolding aspect of the anterior implant, with loss of extraocular muscle attachments and no fibrovascular ingrowth. This case demonstrates late AlphaSphere failure in an otherwise unremarkable course; further review of similar cases or a larger study is warranted to examine the efficacy of this relatively new implant.
There is no fitness but fitness, and the lineage is its bearer
Authors: Akçay Erol , Van Cleve Jeremy
Published: January 2016

Inclusive fitness has been the cornerstone of social evolution theory for more than a half-century and has matured as a mathematical theory in the past 20 years. Yet surprisingly for a theory so central to an entire field, some of its connections to evolutionary theory more broadly remain contentious or underappreciated. In this paper, we aim to emphasize the connection between inclusive fitness and modern evolutionary theory through the following fact: inclusive fitness is simply classical Darwinian fitness, averaged over social, environmental and demographic states that members of a gene lineage experience. Therefore, inclusive fitness is neither a generalization of classical fitness, nor does it belong exclusively to the individual. Rather, the lineage perspective emphasizes that evolutionary success is determined by the effect of selection on all biological and environmental contexts that a lineage may experience. We argue that this understanding of inclusive fitness based on gene lineages provides the most illuminating and accurate picture and avoids pitfalls in interpretation and empirical applications of inclusive fitness theory.
Cooperation and the common good
Authors: Johnstone Rufus A. , Rodrigues António M. M.
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we draw the attention of biologists to a result from the economic literature, which suggests that when individuals are engaged in a communal activity of benefit to all, selection may favour cooperative sharing of resources even among non-relatives. Provided that group members all invest some resources in the public good, they should refrain from conflict over the division of these resources. The reason is that, given diminishing returns on investment in public and private goods, claiming (or ceding) a greater share of total resources only leads to the actor (or its competitors) investing more in the public good, such that the marginal costs and benefits of investment remain in balance. This cancels out any individual benefits of resource competition. We illustrate how this idea may be applied in the context of biparental care, using a sequential game in which parents first compete with one another over resources, and then choose how to allocate the resources they each obtain to care of their joint young (public good) versus their own survival and future reproductive success (private good). We show that when the two parents both invest in care to some extent, they should refrain from any conflict over the division of resources. The same effect can also support asymmetric outcomes in which one parent competes for resources and invests in care, whereas the other does not invest but refrains from competition. The fact that the caring parent gains higher fitness pay-offs at these equilibria suggests that abandoning a partner is not always to the latter's detriment, when the potential for resource competition is taken into account, but may instead be of benefit to the ‘abandoned’ mate.
Individual variation behind the evolution of cooperation
Authors: Barta Zoltán
Published: January 2016

Life on Earth has two remarkable properties. The first is variation: even apart from the vast number of extant species, there are considerable differences between individuals within a single species. The second property is cooperation. It is surprising that until recently the interactions between these two properties have rarely been addressed from an evolutionary point of view. Here, I concentrate on how inter-individual differences influence the evolution of cooperation. First, I deal with cases where individuality is maintained by random processes like mutation or phenotypic noise. Second, I examine when differences in state cause differences in behaviour. Finally, I investigate the effects of individual role specialization. Variation can be important in several ways. Increased random variation can change the expectation about cooperativeness of future partners, altering behaviour in a current relationship. Differences in state may serve as a book-keeping mechanism that is necessary for the evolution of reciprocity. If the cost of cooperation can depend on state then strategic regulation of state makes it possible to coerce partners to cooperate. If conditions force individuals to specialize, cooperation becomes more valuable. My review of theoretical models suggests that variation plays an important role in the evolution of cooperation.
Negotiation and appeasement can be more effective drivers of sociality than kin selection
Authors: Quiñones Andrés E. , van Doorn G. Sander , Pen Ido , Weissing Franz J. , Taborsky Michael
Published: January 2016

Two alternative frameworks explain the evolution of cooperation in the face of conflicting interests. Conflicts can be alleviated by kinship, the alignment of interests by virtue of shared genes, or by negotiation strategies, allowing mutually beneficial trading of services or commodities. Although negotiation often occurs in kin-structured populations, the interplay of kin- and negotiation-based mechanisms in the evolution of cooperation remains an unresolved issue. Inspired by the biology of a cooperatively breeding fish, we developed an individual-based simulation model to study the evolution of negotiation-based cooperation in relation to different levels of genetic relatedness. We show that the evolution of negotiation strategies leads to an equilibrium where subordinates appease dominants by conditional cooperation, resulting in high levels of help and low levels of aggression. This negotiation-based equilibrium can be reached both in the absence of relatedness and in a kin-structured population. However, when relatedness is high, evolution often ends up in an alternative equilibrium where subordinates help their kin unconditionally. The level of help at this kin-selected equilibrium is considerably lower than at the negotiation-based equilibrium, and it corresponds to a level reached when responsiveness is prevented from evolving in the simulations. A mathematical invasion analysis reveals that, quite generally, the alignment of payoffs due to the relatedness of interaction partners tends to impede selection for harsh but effective punishment of defectors. Hence kin structure will often hamper rather than facilitate the evolution of productive cooperation.
Cooperation between non-relatives in a primitively eusocial paper wasp,Polistes dominula
Authors: Field Jeremy , Leadbeater Ellouise
Published: January 2016

In cooperatively breeding vertebrates, the existence of individuals that help to raise the offspring of non-relatives is well established, but unrelated helpers are less well known in the social insects. Eusocial insect groups overwhelmingly consist of close relatives, so populations where unrelated helpers are common are intriguing. Here, we focus onPolistes dominula—the best-studied primitively eusocial wasp, and a species in which nesting with non-relatives is not only present but frequent. We address two major questions: why individuals should choose to nest with non-relatives, and why such individuals participate in the costly rearing of unrelated offspring.Polistes dominulafoundresses produce more offspring of their own as subordinates than when they nest independently, providing a potential explanation for co-founding by non-relatives. There is some evidence that unrelated subordinates tailor their behaviour towards direct fitness, while the role of recognition errors in generating unrelated co-foundresses is less clear. Remarkably, the remote but potentially highly rewarding chance of inheriting the dominant position appears to strongly influence behaviour, suggesting that primitively eusocial insects may have much more in common with their social vertebrate counterparts than has commonly been thought.
Adaptations for social cognition in the primate brain
Authors: Platt Michael L. , Seyfarth Robert M. , Cheney Dorothy L.
Published: January 2016

Studies of the factors affecting reproductive success in group-living monkeys have traditionally focused on competitive traits, like the acquisition of high dominance rank. Recent research, however, indicates that the ability to form cooperative social bonds has an equally strong effect on fitness. Two implications follow. First, strong social bonds make individuals' fitness interdependent and the ‘free-rider’ problem disappears. Second, individuals must make adaptive choices that balance competition and cooperation—often with the same partners. The proximate mechanisms underlying these behaviours are only just beginning to be understood. Recent results from cognitive and systems neuroscience provide us some evidence that many social and non-social decisions are mediated ultimately by abstract, domain-general neural mechanisms. However, other populations of neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex, striatum, amygdala and parietal cortex specifically encode the type, importance and value of social information. Whether these specialized populations of neurons arise by selection or through developmental plasticity in response to the challenges of social life remains unknown. Many brain areas are homologous and show similar patterns of activity in human and non-human primates. In both groups, cortical activity is modulated by hormones like oxytocin and by the action of certain genes that may affect individual differences in behaviour. Taken together, results suggest that differences in cooperation between the two groups are a matter of degree rather than constituting a fundamental, qualitative distinction.
EBSD study of the morphology and orientation of the primary and eutectic phases in Al–Cu alloys during solidification under a strong magnetic field
Authors: Li Xi , Fautrelle Yves , Moreau Rene , Ren Zhongming
Published: January 2016

The effect of a strong magnetic field on the morphology and orientation of the Al2Cu dendrite and Al–Al2Cu eutectic in Al–Cu alloys was studied using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technology. The experimental results revealed that the applied magnetic field modified the morphology and orientation of both the Al2Cu dendrite and the Al–Al2Cu eutectic significantly. The magnetic field caused a break in the Al2Cu dendrite and the degeneration of Al–Al2Cu eutectic lamellae during directional solidification. It was also found that the magnetic field caused the formation of dislocations in the α-Al and Al2Cu phases during directional solidification. In addition, the primary and eutectic Al2Cu phases were oriented with the 〈001〉 crystal direction along the magnetic field during volume solidification. Both α-Al and Al2Cu phases were oriented with the 〈001〉 crystal direction along the solidification direction during directional solidification under an axial magnetic field. The above phenomena were enhanced as the magnetic field increased; this could be attributed to magnetic crystalline anisotropy of the material and thermoelectric magnetic effects. This study may offer experimental evidence that shows that thermoelectric magnetic effects significantly influence dendrite arrays during directional solidification in a magnetic field.
Diffraction tomography and Rietveld refinement of a hydroxyapatite bone phantom
Authors: Frølich S. , Leemreize H. , Jakus A. , Xiao X. , Shah R. , Birkedal H. , Almer J. D. , Stock S. R.
Published: January 2016

A model sample consisting of two different hydroxyapatite (hAp) powders was used as a bone phantom to investigate the extent to which X-ray diffraction tomography could map differences in hAp lattice constants and crystallite size. The diffraction data were collected at beamline 1-ID, the Advanced Photon Source, using monochromatic 65 keV X-radiation, a 25 × 25 µm pinhole beam and translation/rotation data collection. The diffraction pattern was reconstructed for each volume element (voxel) in the sample, and Rietveld refinement was used to determine the hAp lattice constants. The crystallite size for each voxel was also determined from the 00.2 hAp diffraction peak width. The results clearly show that differences between hAp powders could be measured with diffraction tomography.
Informal learning spaces (ILS) in university libraries and their campuses
Authors: Cunningham Matthew , Walton Graham
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore at Loughborough University (UK) how informal learning spaces (ILS) are used by students in the Library and elsewhere on campus. Focus includes learning activities undertaken by students, reasons why the ILS is chosen, suggestions on how they can be improved and how technologies are used. Comparison will be drawn between how students use Library ILS and other ILS.

Design/methodology/approach

– Case study based at Loughborough University and its Library. Semi-structured interviews were held with 265 students in various ILS spaces across campus.

Findings

– Similarities and differences are present in the way students use Library ILS compared with other ILS campus spaces. These include impact of campus geography and individual academic levels of students.

Research limitations/implications

– This is a single case study and the results can only relate to Loughborough University. There may be some lessons and themes that are relevant to other universities. The number of interviewees is relatively small.

Practical implications

– Highlights the need for cooperation between various university stakeholders to strategically and operationally manage different ILS on campus.

Originality/value

– This is one of the very few studies that investigate together the range of ILS including the Library in a comparative approach.
Research methods used in library and information science during the 1970-2010
Authors: Gauchi Risso Veronica
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore research methods used in Library and Information Science (LIS) during the past four decades. The goal is to compile a annotated bibliography of seminal works of the discipline used in different countries and social contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

– When comparing areas and types of research, different publication patterns are taken into account. As we can see, data indicators and types of studies carried out on scientific activity contribute very little when evaluating the real response potential to identified problems. Therefore, among other things, LIS needs new methodological developments, which should combine qualitative and quantitative approaches and allow a better understanding of the nature and characteristics of science in different countries.

Findings

– The conclusion is that LIS emerges strictly linked to descriptive methodologies, channeled to meet the challenges of professional practice through empirical strategies of a professional nature, which manifests itself the preponderance of a professional paradigm that turns out to be an indicator of poor scientific discipline development.

Research limitations/implications

– This, undoubtedly, reflects the reality of Anglo-Saxon countries, reproduced in most of the recognized journals of the field; this issue plus the chosen instruments for data collection certainly slant the results.

Originality/value

– The development of taxonomies in the discipline cannot be left aside from the accepted by the rest of the scientific community, at least if LIS desires to be integrated and recognized as a scientific discipline.
Facilitating a research culture in an academic library: top down and bottom up approaches
Authors: Pickton Miggie
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider why and how a research culture might be established in an academic library and to describe and evaluate efforts to achieve this at the University of Northampton.

Design/methodology/approach

– Contextualised within current literature on this topic, the paper examines the top-down and bottom-up approaches taken to facilitate practitioner research in one academic library.

Findings

– The approaches taken have led to a significant increase in practitioner research activity from library staff, resulting in a variety of enhancements to library services; a number of innovative practices being shared with the professional community through conference presentations and publications; and consequent rise in profile and reputation for individuals, the department and the university.

Practical implications

– The paper offers a wide range of ideas and practical suggestions for encouraging and facilitating practitioner research in an academic library. These include incorporating research activity into job descriptions and annual performance reviews; facilitating peer support for research; and providing competitive research awards, research training opportunities and funding for staff presenting at external events. Many of these require relatively little resource, yet offer significant benefit to those involved.

Originality/value

– It is rare, and maybe unique in the UK, for an academic library to attempt to instil a research culture throughout its staff and to provide ongoing resources, activities and practical support for this. The many positive outcomes from this work demonstrate its success and value. The experiences described in this paper are transferable to other academic and research libraries and, if replicated, have the potential to increase librarians’ engagement in research activity, promote research-informed practice and stimulate interest in library and information research across the sector.
Keeping current with climate change resources: it’s always the day after tomorrow!
Authors: Hartman Patricia J
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– Keeping up with the abundance of new materials on climate change can be a challenge for selectors of library materials. There is a need for an updated list of recommended titles in the library literature.

Design/methodology/approach

– An exhaustive literature review was performed on climate change books published within the past four years.

Findings

– The following is an annotated bibliography of 22 recommended titles focused on climate change that were published within that timeframe.

Originality/value

– This will be helpful to librarians seeking to develop or update climate change collections.
Strategy for treatment of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis: Present and future
Authors: Yanaba Koichi
Published: January 2016

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a generalized connective tissue disorder characterized by microvascular damage, autoimmunity, and excessive fibrosis of the skin and various internal organs. Regardless of the recent progress in medicine, no radical therapy for SSc has been developed, and the risk of mortality remains high. Therefore, diagnosis in the early disease stage, risk stratification for the development of serious organ involvement and therapeutic intervention with disease‐modifying drugs can reduce the maximum degree of fibrosis, leading to improved long‐term survival. Recently, new criteria for very early diagnosis of SSc have been proposed, which are expected to be useful for regularly following up patients with very early SSc, regardless of the absence of skin sclerosis, and for detecting the development of internal organ involvement as early as possible. At present, several immunosuppressants, including methotrexate, corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, are being used for the treatment of fibrosis. Furthermore, mycophenolate mofetil, i.v. immunoglobulins, B‐cell depletion, anti‐interleukin‐6 receptor antibody, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, rapamycin, pirfenidone and imatinib mesylate are potential candidates for the treatment of SSc, although their efficacy has not been validated. Moreover, targeting transforming growth factor‐1 and its signaling pathway or modulating the imbalance between T‐helper 1 and 2 immune responses are also attractive therapeutic options. This review describes recent advances in the strategy for treatment of fibrosis in SSc and future perspectives.
B lymphocytes in systemic sclerosis: Abnormalities and therapeutic targets
Authors: Yoshizaki Ayumi
Published: January 2016

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition in the skin and visceral organs with an autoimmune background. Although the pathogenic relationship between systemic autoimmunity and the clinical manifestations remains unknown, SSc patients have immunological abnormalities including the production of disease‐specific autoantibodies. Recent studies have demonstrated that B cells play a crucial role in systemic autoimmunity and disease expression via various functions in addition to autoantibody production. Recent studies show that B cells from SSc patients demonstrate an upregulated CD19 signaling pathway, which is a crucial regulator of B‐cell activation, that induces SSc‐specific autoantibody production in SSc. In addition, B cells from SSc patients exhibit an overexpression of CD19. Consistently, in CD19 transgenic mice, CD19 overexpression induces SSc‐specific autoantibody production. SSc patients have also intrinsic B‐cell abnormalities characterized by chronic hyperreactivity of memory B cells, possibly due to CD19 overexpression. Similarly, B cells from a tight‐skin mouse, a genetic model of SSc, show augmented CD19 signaling and chronic hyperreactivity. Furthermore, in bleomycin‐induced SSc model mice, endogenous ligands for Toll‐like receptors, induced by bleomycin treatment, stimulate B cells to produce various fibrogenic cytokines and autoantibodies. Remarkably, CD19 loss results in inhibition of B‐cell hyperreactivity and elimination of autoantibody production, which is associated with improvement of fibrosis. Taken together, altered B‐cell function may result in tissue fibrosis, as well as autoimmunity, in SSc. Although further studies and greater understanding are needed, B cells are potential therapeutic target in SSc.
An Overview of Regular Dialysis Treatment in Japan (As of 31 December 2013)
Authors: Masakane Ikuto , Nakai Shigeru , Ogata Satoshi , Kimata Naoki , Hanafusa Norio , Hamano Takayuki , Wakai Kenji , Wada Atsushi , Nitta Kosaku
Published: January 2016

A nationwide survey of 4325 dialysis facilities was conducted at the end of 2013, among which 4268 (98.7%) responded. The number of new dialysis patients was 38 095 in 2013. Since 2008, the number of new dialysis patients has remained almost the same without any marked increase or decrease. The number of dialysis patients who died in 2013 was 30 751. The dialysis patient population has been growing every year in Japan; it was 314 438 at the end of 2013. The number of dialysis patients per million at the end of 2013 was 2470. The crude death rate of dialysis patients in 2013 was 9.8%. The mean age of new dialysis patients was 68.7 years and the mean age of the entire dialysis patient population was 67.2 years. The most common primary cause of renal failure among new dialysis patients was diabetic nephropathy (43.8%). The actual number of new dialysis patients with diabetic nephropathy has almost been unchanged for the last few years. Diabetic nephropathy was also the most common primary disease among the entire dialysis patient population (37.6%), followed by chronic glomerulonephritis (32.4%). The percentage of dialysis patients with diabetic nephropathy has been increasing continuously, whereas the percentage of dialysis patients with chronic glomerulonephritis has been decreasing. The number of patients who underwent hemodiafiltration (HDF) at the end of 2013 was 31 371, a marked increase from that in 2012. This number is more than twice that at the end of 2011 and approximately 1.5 times the number at the end of 2012. In particular, the number of patients who underwent online HDF increased approximately fivefold over the last 2 years. Among 151 426 dialysis patients with primary causes of renal failure other than diabetic nephropathy, 10.8% had a history of diabetes. Among those with a history of diabetes, 26.8% used glycoalbumin as an indicator of blood glucose level; and 33.0 and 27.6% were administered insulin and dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)–4 inhibitor, respectively, as a medication of diabetes. The facility survey showed that 9392 patients underwent peritoneal dialysis (PD). The patient survey revealed that 1920 of these PD patients also underwent another dialysis method using extracorporeal circulation, such as hemodialysis (HD) or HDF. The number of patients who underwent HD at home at the end of 2013 was 461, a marked increase from that at the end of 2012 (393).
Effects of an insect‐mediated mental healthcare program for mentally disordered children
Authors: Jun Young‐Soon , Bae Sung‐Min , Shin Tae‐Young , Lee Seung‐Hee , Gwak Won‐Seok , Ahn Yong‐Oh , Kim In‐Hui , Lee See‐Nae , Kim Dong‐Jun , Kim Tae‐Ho , Woo Soo‐Dong
Published: January 2016

Insects are the most diverse groups of animals on the planet, representing more than one‐half of all known living organisms, and are found in nearly every environment. Recently, the importance of insects as food sources or as pets has increased in many countries, including Korea. In addition, several insects have been shown to exert a strong influence on people's emotions. Our insect‐mediated mental healthcare program is designed to help meet the physical, behavioral and developmental needs of people with mental disorders. Children with mental disorders, the experimental group, were provided with an insect‐mediated mental healthcare program for a total of eight sessions, one session per week, at 1–2 h per session, accompanied by a pre‐test and post‐test. The overall, gender, education level, and mental disease profiles of the participants in this study were balanced. Our results indicated that children who participated in the insect‐mediated healthcare program group once showed significant improvement in their emotional health and insect awareness. Additionally, paired education level's t‐tests showed that the outcomes of the participants in treatment group were significantly improved (α < 0.05). However, participants' satisfaction with their school life (middle school) was not influenced. These results suggest that insects positively influence children's emotional health through an insect‐mediated healthcare program. Further research on the basis of this study is expected to help children with emotional therapy in other areas.