bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An operational approach to the Emden–Fowler equation
Authors: Bengochea Gabriel , Verde‐Star Luis
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we present a method for solving the Emden–Fowler equation using the Adomian polynomials and the operational calculus introduced by the authors. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TMEM225: A possible protein phosphatase 1γ2 (PP1γ2) regulator localizes to the equatorial segment in mouse spermatozoa
Authors: Matsuura Minami , Yogo Keiichiro
Published: January 2015

Tmem225 encodes a putative four‐transmembrane domain protein that has an RVxF motif, which is known to be a consensus site for interacting with serine/threonine protein phosphatase 1 (PP1). We previously identified Tmem225 as one of 53 spermatogenesis‐associated transmembrane protein genes, with no known physiological function. In this study, we investigated the expression and molecular characteristics of TMEM225 in mice. Tmem225 production was found to be specific to testicular germ cells, with expression increasing during spermatogenesis. In mature spermatozoa, TMEM225 is localized to the equatorial segment of the acrosome but not to the midpiece or tail. TMEM225 appears to be an outer and/or inner acrosomal membrane protein that is lost from the dorsal region of the acrosome after the acrosome reaction. TMEM225 interacts with PP1 in vivo, and a pull‐down assay revealed that the carboxy‐terminal region of TMEM225 can bind to PP1γ2, the predominant isoform of PP1 in male germ cells. In addition, TMEM225 inhibited PP1γ2 activity in vitro via its RVxF motif. Our results suggest that in mice, TMEM225 is involved in the differentiation and function of spermatozoa through the regulation of PP1γ2 activity, which is necessary for normal spermatogenesis as well as spermatozoa capacitation and motility. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 139–148, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Linear stability of one‐dimensional non‐Darcy flow in broken rocks
Authors: Zhao Moli , Wang Shaowei , Zhang Qiangyong , Li Shucai
Published: January 2015

Considering the effect of non‐Darcy flow, the perturbation theory and normal mode method are introduced to analyze the linear stability of one‐dimensional non‐Darcy flow of gases in broken rocks. A stability criterion for linear systems is obtained theoretically when the steady states of pressure and velocity fields are perturbed, and the effects of the physical parameters on the linear governing system are studied theoretically and numerically. It is pointed out that the deviation coefficient from Darcy's law plays an important role in the governing system; the increasing absolute value of deviation coefficient from Darcy's law stabilizes the system, and the numerical results are shown graphically. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved metabolites of pharmaceutical ingredient grade Ginkgo biloba and the correlated proteomics analysis
Authors: Zheng Wen , Li Ximin , Zhang Lin , Zhang Yanzhen , Lu Xiaoping , Tian Jingkui
Published: January 2015

Ginkgo biloba is an attractive and traditional medicinal plant, and has been widely used as a phytomedicine in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Flavonoids and terpene lactones are the major bioactive components of Ginkgo, whereas the ginkgolic acids (GAs) with strong allergenic properties are strictly controlled. In this study, we tested the content of flavonoids and GAs under ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) treatment and performed comparative proteomic analyses to determine the differential proteins that occur upon UV‐B radiation. That might play a crucial role in producing flavonoids and GAs. Our phytochemical analyses demonstrated that UV‐B irradiation significantly increased the content of active flavonoids, and decreased the content of toxic GAs. We conducted comparative proteomic analysis of both whole leaf and chloroplasts proteins. In total, 27 differential proteins in the whole leaf and 43 differential proteins in the chloroplast were positively identified and functionally annotated. The proteomic data suggested that enhanced UV‐B radiation exposure activated antioxidants and stress‐responsive proteins as well as reduced the rate of photosynthesis. We demonstrate that UV‐B irradiation pharmaceutically improved the metabolic ingredients of Ginkgo, particularly in terms of reducing GAs. With high UV absorption properties, and antioxidant activities, the flavonoids were likely highly induced as protective molecules following UV‐B irradiation.
Identification of cytoplasmic proteins interacting with unliganded estrogen receptor α and β in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Stellato Claudia , Nassa Giovanni , Tarallo Roberta , Giurato Giorgio , Ravo Maria , Rizzo Francesca , Marchese Giovanna , Alexandrova Elena , Cordella Angela , Baumann Marc , Nyman Tuula A. , Weisz Alessandro , Ambrosino Concetta
Published: January 2015

Estrogen receptor subtypes (ERα and ERβ) are transcription factors sharing a similar structure but exerting opposite roles in breast cancer cells. Besides the well‐characterized genomic actions of nuclear ERs upon ligand binding, specific actions of ligand‐free ERs in the cytoplasm also affect cellular functions. The identification of cytoplasmic interaction partners of unliganded ERα and ERβ may help characterize the molecular basis of the extra‐nuclear mechanism of action of these receptors, revealing novel mechanisms to explain their role in breast cancer response or resistance to endocrine therapy. To this aim, cytoplasmic extracts from human breast cancer MCF‐7 cells stably expressing tandem affinity purification‐tagged ERα and ERβ and maintained in estrogen‐free medium were subject to affinity‐purification and MS analysis, leading to the identification of 84 and 142 proteins associated with unliganded ERα and ERβ, respectively. Functional analyses of ER subtype‐specific interactomes revealed significant differences in the molecular pathways targeted by each receptor in the cytoplasm. This work, reporting the first identification of the unliganded ERα and ERβ cytoplasmic interactomes in breast cancer cells, provides novel experimental evidence on the nongenomic effects of ERs in the absence of hormonal stimulus. All MS data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD001202 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD001202).
Highly Conductive Cu Thin Film Deposition on Polyimide by RF‐Driven Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jets under Nitrogen Atmosphere
Authors: Zhao Peng , Zheng Wei , Watanabe Jun , Meng Yue Dong , Nagatsu Masaaki
Published: January 2015

The use of Ar/H2 atmospheric pressure plasma jets driven by a 13.56 MHz RF wave source with a Cu inner conductor was investigated for the deposition of highly conductive Cu thin films on polyimide substrates. It was found that the intensities of the Cu atom emission line were significantly increased by the addition of H2 gas to the Ar plasmas. Secondary emission microscopy analysis indicated that the Cu films exhibited agglomerated structures with grains of several microns, which were larger than those produced using Ar plasma jets. It was found that the conductivity of Cu thin films prepared in nitrogen was 106 times higher than that of films produced using Ar/H2 plasma jets with 10 sccm H2, and 4 times higher than that for films produced using identical Ar/H2 plasma jets in air.
Diffuse lung disease in infants less than 1 year of age: Histopathological diagnoses and clinical outcome
Authors: O'Reilly Ruth , Kilner David , Ashworth Michael , Aurora Paul
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) in infants is rare. Clinical and radiological features are often non‐specific, and overlap with growth disorders and infection. In infants with severe respiratory compromise, lung biopsy is often necessary to guide acute management, but the risk and diagnostic yield of this procedure is incompletely understood.

Aims

To retrospectively review infants undergoing open lung biopsy for suspected ILD at a large referral center; to determine morbidity and mortality related to the procedure; and to describe subsequent diagnosis and outcome.

Methods

Lung biopsies performed in infants (aged <1 year) between January 1, 2005 and March 31, 2012 were identified and clinical data were collected. Biopsies were reclassified using the ChILD classification for diffuse lung disorders in infants.

Results

Twenty‐seven infants were identified, with the number of biopsies performed increasing each year over the study period. There was no mortality and negligible morbidity associated with biopsy. Diagnoses seen were similar to those reported by the ChILD network. Histopathological diagnosis was not compatible with life in the absence of lung transplant in 6/27 (22%) of infants. Of the 14 children longitudinally followed up (median 0.5 (0.4 – 5.81) years), only four continued to require supplemental oxygen.

Conclusion

Lung biopsy in infants with suspected ILD is safe, and histopathological diagnosis frequently assists treatment decisions, particularly with regard to withdrawal of care. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:1000–1008. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The information age and its effects on NHS prescribing decisions
Authors: Baines Darrin
Published: January 2015

In our series on the history of prescribing policy, Professor Darrin Baines looks at the impact the introduction of computers, and the consequent ability to record prescribing trends, had on the choices GPs made.
Top‐ and bottom‐illumination of solar‐blind AlGaN metal–semiconductor–metal photodetectors
Authors: Brendel Moritz , Helbling Markus , Knauer Arne , Einfeldt Sven , Knigge Andrea , Weyers Markus
Published: January 2015

The spectral performance of solar‐blind AlxGa1–xN based metal–semiconductor–metal ultra‐violet photodetectors has been measured for top‐ as well as bottom‐illumination at different bias voltages. In the bottom‐illumination case the external quantum efficiency spectra can be tuned between a peak or a broad wavelength spectrum by adjusting absorber layer thickness and applied bias voltage. For thin absorber layers the external quantum efficiency is enhanced by a factor of three, reaching 20% quantum efficiency at 20 V bias, compared to the front‐illumination case. Results of two‐dimensional device simulations are well in agreement with the experimental findings. From these simulations it can be concluded, that the different spectral response for top‐ and bottom‐illumination results from the different overlap of optical carrier generation by absorption and carrier transport by the electric field.

Spectra of external quantum efficiency of solar‐blind metal–semiconductor–metal photodetectors upon top‐illumination (dashed) and bottom‐illumination (continuous) at 1 V, 5 V, and 20 V bias voltage. The Al0.5Ga0.5N absorber layers of different thickness dAbs were grown on AlN/sapphire templates.
High‐pressure zinc oxysulphide phases in the ZnO–ZnS system
Authors: Salak Andrei N. , Ignatenko Oleg V. , Zhaludkevich Aliaksandr L. , Lisenkov Aleksey D. , Starykevich Maksim , Zheludkevich Mikhail L. , Ferreira Mário G. S.
Published: January 2015

Wurtzite–zincblende mixture, ZnO–ZnS (1:1 wt.%), was thermally treated at 5 GPa in order to explore a possible mutual solubility of the end members and formation of zinc oxysulphide phases under high pressure. The data on phase content, crystal structure, and microstructure from the X‐ray diffraction and the scanning electron microscopy studies of the obtained compacts (ceramics) were compared and analyzed. It was found that as temperature is increased, the following processes occur in the ZnO–ZnS mixture under pressure: release of the mechanical stresses (between about 300 and 700 °C), recrystallization of the initial wurtzite and zincblende phases (700–900 °C), reaction between the end members (above ∼900 °C) that results in formation of mixed oxysulphides based on ZnO and ZnS, respectively, with the mutual solubility rate of about 8 mol.%.
Theory of semiconductor solid and hollow nano‐ and microwires with hexagonal cross‐section under torsion
Authors: Grundmann Marius
Published: January 2015

The effect of torsion on ‐oriented wurtzite and ‐oriented zincblende nanowires with hexagonal cross‐section is discussed. The stresses (and strains) are determined via calculation of Prantl's stress function. The spatial variation of the valence band structure in the cross‐section is evaluated in the framework of the valence band Hamiltonian and deformation potential theory. The shear strain induced potential leads to additional localization of holes in the center of the facets. In wurtzite wires, torsion does not evoke piezoelectric charges or potentials and thus does not impact the signal in piezotronic sensors. In zincblende wires, the second order piezoelectric effect causes piezoelectric charges with threefold symmetry. The strain distribution in hexagonal nanowires with rounded corners depends on the curvature radius of the corners. For finite corner radius, the strain does no longer vanish at the corners. Also hexagonal nanotubes are discussed; here the inner and outer boundary exhibit different strain distributions.

Visualization of the distribution of shear stress in the hexagonal cross‐section of a ‐oriented wurtzite nanowire under torsion.
Growth of high‐quality AlN layers on sapphire substrates at relatively low temperatures by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Li Xiao‐Hang , Wang Shuo , Xie Hongen , Wei Yong O. , Kao Tsung‐Ting , Satter Md. Mahbub , Shen Shyh‐Chiang , Douglas Yoder Paul , Detchprohm Theeradetch , Dupuis Russell D. , Fischer Alec M. , Ponce Fernando A.
Published: January 2015

We report a three‐step method to grow high‐quality AlN heteroepitaxial layers on sapphire substrates at relatively low temperatures by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) without the use of epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) or pulse atomic layer epitaxy (PALE) method. The three‐layer AlN structure comprises a 15‐nm thick buffer layer, a 50‐nm thick intermediate layer, and a 3.4‐µm thick template layer grown at 930, 1130, and 1100 °C sequentially on the c‐plane sapphire substrate. The resulting AlN layer had smooth surface with well‐defined terraces and low root‐mean square (RMS) roughnesses of 0.50 and 0.07 nm for 20 × 20 and 1 × 1 µm2 atomic force microscopy (AFM) scans. Band‐edge emission was observed at 208 nm by room temperature (RT) photoluminescence (PL) measurements. The total threading dislocation density was 2.5 × 109/cm2 as determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which is comparable to those of some AlN layers recently grown at significantly higher temperatures. Growth evolution was studied and correlated to the TEM results. The residual impurity concentrations were comparable to those of AlN layers grown at higher temperatures, i.e., 1200–1600 °C. This study demonstrates the high quality AlN layers on sapphire substrates can be grown at achievable temperatures for most of the modern MOCVD systems.
Schottky barrier height modulation at metal/n‐GaN interface by BCl3/Ar plasma treatment
Authors: Ito Toshihide , Nunoue Shinya
Published: January 2015

When n‐GaN surface is treated by BCl3/Ar plasma, the Schottky barrier height (SBH) of Pt, Ni, or Ag/n‐GaN is decreased, whereas that of Al/n‐GaN is increased. The slope parameter is decreased by the BCl3/Ar plasma treatment, indicating that the Fermi‐level pinning is strengthened and the SBH is modulated. From the secondary ion mass spectrometry and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, it is assumed that the strong Fermi‐level pinning is due to the interface states related to oxidized B.
Contactless electroreflectance studies of surface potential barrier in AlGaN/n‐AlGaN structures with various Al concentrations
Authors: Janicki Ł. , Kudrawiec R. , Pakuła K. , Stępniewski R. , Misiewicz J.
Published: January 2015

Contactless electroreflectance spectroscopy has been applied to study the surface potential barrier in AlxGa1−xN/n‐AlxGa1−xN structures with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.25 grown by metaloorganic vapor phase epitaxy. A strong band‐to‐band transition followed by Franz–Keldysh oscillation (FKO) was clearly observed for all samples. The value of built‐in electric field was determined from the period of FKO, and the surface potential barrier was calculated with knowledge of the thickness of undoped AlxGa1−xN layer. For a set of GaN/n‐GaN structures with different thickness of undoped GaN layer (30–120 nm) an analysis of built‐in electric field gives the surface potential barrier of 0.59 ± 0.03 eV. For AlxGa1−xN(60 nm)/n‐AlxGa1−xN structures with 0.09 ≤ x ≤ 0.25 the surface potential barrier does not vary with Al concentration within the experimental accuracy. In this case the position of the Fermi level at the surface has been estimated to be ∼1.4 eV. The increase of surface potential barrier from 0.59 eV for GaN to 1.4 eV for AlGaN with 0.09 ≤ x ≤ 0.25 is attributed to low concentration of n‐type non‐intentional residual dopants in the undoped AlxGa1−xN layer as well as the presence of Al atoms at the surface and their higher sensitivity to oxidation and/or creation of defects states which are not present at GaN surfaces.
Impedance spectroscopy: A method for determining the degree of intermixing in stacks of organic semiconductors
Authors: Tone Robert , Bornemann Nils , Mechau Norman , Dörsam Edgar
Published: January 2015

One of the main difficulties occurring in printed organic electronics is the intermixing between adjacent layers. This has to be quantified to optimise printed devices. Methods like sputter X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are suitable for this, but also complex, expensive and destructive. We propose impedance spectroscopy as an alternative for quantifying the degree of intermixing non‐destructively. Here, after measuring a device's impedance spectrum its concentration profile is determined with a fit function. For this proof of concept we produced single and double layer samples of NPD and Alq3 with different interface widths by thermal evaporation. The concentration profiles were monitored with micro balances. The material parameters were extracted from single layer spectra and then set in a fit function used to determine the degree of intermixing in double layer devices. Even slight intermixing could be evaluated with this method and complete intermixing was detected as such. Due to the imprecise production of devices and certain simplifications used for this first test, the fit yielded too small interface widths, the deviation reaching almost 50%. The variation for devices produced in the same run was only about 10%, indicating that intermixing can be reliably quantified with impedance spectroscopy if the material's properties are accurately known.
Identification of a fast diffusing oxygen species in silicon based on the generation rate of thermal donors
Authors: Voronkov Vladimir , Falster Robert
Published: January 2015

Oxygen out‐diffusion profiles reported at low temperature (400–500 °C) show a long‐range oxygen migration. By the present analysis, the near‐surface oxygen loss observed in these experiments is found to be well consistent with the known generation rate of thermal donors (TDs). Accordingly, the fast‐diffusing oxygen species (FDS) – responsible for the long‐distance oxygen diffusion – is a relatively large oxygen cluster (most likely, O6) belonging to the TD family. The model developed here accounts for a persistent value of the out‐diffusion distance – close to 2 μm for all temperatures and durations – and well reproduces the observed concentration profiles.
High‐Temperature Phase Stability of 9Cr–W–Ta–V–C Based Reduced Activation Ferritic–Martensitic (RAFM) Steels: Effect of W and Ta Additions
Authors: Kirana Ravi , Raju Subramanian , Mythili Rengachari , Saibaba Saroja , Jayakumar Tammana , Rajendra Kumar Ellappan
Published: January 2015

The high‐temperature phase stability of reduced activation ferritic–martensitic steels having various W and Ta contents has been investigated using calorimetry, microscopy, and thermodynamic simulations. Calorimetric studies revealed the following transformation sequence as a function of increasing temperature upon slow heating at 1 K min−1: α‐ferrite (ferromagnetic) + M23C6 + MX → α‐ferrite (paramagnetic) + M23C6 + MX → γ‐austenite + M23C6 + MX → γ + MX → γ → δ+ γ → γ + δ + L → δ + L → liquid. This is fully supported by equilibrium thermodynamic simulations. It is found that the complete dissolution of M23C6 carbide required significant overheating above Ac3 that is, α + M23C6 + MX → γ + MX transformation finish temperature. The measured values of lattice parameter, Curie temperature, liquidus, solidus, and carbide dissolution temperatures, as well as melting enthalpy, did not reveal a drastic variation with W content, from 0 to 0.2 wt%. However, the measured dissolution temperature of MX phase exhibited a mild increase with Ta content, for up to about 0.2 wt%. The extent of dissolution of M23C6 especially around Ac3 temperature is found to depend on heating rate. Higher heating rates and higher W content yielded inhomogeneous austenite and this is found to have significant influence on subsequent γ‐austenite → α′‐martensite formation during cooling. The critical cooling rate for γ → α′‐martensite formation is found to be 6 K min−1, for all the RAFM steels. Electron microscopy and thermodynamic simulations support the possibility of simultaneous presence of two types of MX type carbonitrides at service conditions.
Labeling opinions in the climate debate: a critical review
Authors: Howarth Candice C. , Sharman Amelia G.
Published: January 2015

Labels play an important role in opinion formation, helping to actively construct perceptions and reality, and place individuals into context with others. As a highly complex issue, climate change invites a range of different opinions and dialogs about its causes, impacts, and action required. However, the polarized labels used in the climate change debate, such as skeptic or alarmist, are both reflecting and helping to frame the debate as antagonistic and combative. This paper critically reviews the literature on climate opinion labels, and the efforts taken within an academic context to categorize differences, create new taxonomies of more detailed sub‐labels, or create or argue for the use of new labels such as denier or contrarian. By drawing on research on typologies of climate opinions, problems with labeling constructs and discussions around context and the implications for science‐policy dialog, we argue that climate labels, both as constructed in the academic literature, and as applied in science and policy debates, are serving to isolate, exclude, ignore, and dismiss claims‐makers of all types from constructive dialog. It suggests that context has been inadequately considered by the literature and that an emphasis on labels is accentuating division and diverting attention away from a focus on underlying motivations, which may be more conducive toward increasing public understanding and encouraging communication across this polarized debate. WIREs Clim Change 2015, 6:239–254. doi: 10.1002/wcc.332

This article is categorized under:

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Communication

Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Knowledge and Practice
Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Properties of Two Novel Dinuclear Complexes involving Lanthanide‐phenoxo Anion Radical
Authors: Liu Ruina , Liu Li , Fang Dong , Xu Jie , Zhao Sanping , Xu Weilin
Published: January 2015

Two novel chelating anion nitronyl nitroxide radical bridged dinuclear lanthanide complexes [Tb2(hfac)4(NIT2PhO)2] (1) and [Ho2(hfac)4(NIT2PhO)2] (2) [hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate; NIT2PhO = 2‐(2′‐hydroxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐imidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide] were prepared and structurally characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, and IR spectroscopy. Both complexes are dinuclear phenoxo‐O anion bridged with the oxygen atom of the N–O group coordinated to a single Ln(hfac)2 unit. The central Ln atoms exhibit a heptacoordinated environment, and the shape around the metal atom is capped octahedral. This structure is first reported in the lanthanide‐nitronyl nitroxide system. It provides an innovative approach to synthesize new dinuclear lanthanide‐nitroxide‐based complexes. Additionally, the magnetic properties of the two complexes are studied.
Two‐step Hydrothermal Syntheses and Structures of Three Tantalum Oxyfluoride Compounds with [M(phen)3]2+(M = Ru, Fe) Counter Ions
Authors: Yu Lan , Ren Zhi‐Gang , Qian Li‐Wen , Zhu Qin‐Yu , Bian Guo‐Qing , Dai Jie
Published: January 2015

Three tantalum oxyfluoride compounds, [Fe(phen)3][Ta2OF10] (1), [Fe(phen)3][Ta2OF10]·2H2O (2), and [Ru(phen)3]2[Ta2OF10][TaF6]2 (3), were synthesized by a two‐step hydrothermal method and their crystal structures were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The unique characters of these compounds are the [M(phen)3]2+ cations. C–H···F interactions exist between cations and anions and O–H···F hydrogen bonds exist between the water molecules and anions. Photocurrent measurements reveal that compound 3 is the photoelectric responsive with the moderate current intensity.
K5Mn3O6and Rb8Mn5O10, New Charge OrderedQuasiOne‐Dimensional Oxomanganates (II, III)
Authors: Nuss Jürgen , Dasari Prasad L. V. K. , Jansen Martin
Published: January 2015

K5Mn3O6and Rb8Mn5O10have been synthesized via the azide/nitrate route from stoichiometric mixtures of MnO and KNO3/KN3, or RbNO3/RbN3, respectively. The two new members of manganese (II/III) mixed‐valent oxides have been studied by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility measurements and density functional theory calculations (DFT). Both crystal structures [K5Mn3O6:Pna21,Z= 4,a= 1632.43(7),b= 970.07(4),c= 616.48(3) pm,R1= 0.051; Rb8Mn5O10:P21/c,Z= 8,a= 1223(2),b= 2717(3),c= 1220(2) pm,β= 118.25(2)°,R1= 0.086] display quasi one‐dimensional [MnO2]n–chains, composed of edge sharing MnO4tetrahedra. Complete charge ordering of Mn2+and Mn3+is observed along the chain direction with repetition units [‐Mn3+―Mn2+―Mn2+‐] resulting for K5Mn3O6, and [‐Mn3+―Mn2+―Mn2+―Mn3+―Mn2+‐] for Rb8Mn5O10. Magnetic susceptibility data as well as DFT calculations indicate stronganti‐ferromagnetic intra‐chain coupling to be present already at ambient temperature, and above. Rb8Mn5O10features three‐dimensional spin ordering belowTN= 10.9 K, mediated by ferromagnetic coupling between the chains, while such a 3D coupling appears to be frustrated in K5Mn3O6.
A mathematical account of draught‐induced disturbances in the fibre spinning process
Authors: Crane L. J. , McVeigh A. G.
Published: January 2015

This work gives a mathematical account of the propagation of disturbances produced by a sudden draught of air impinging on a cylindrical fibre produced by the melt‐spinning process. Accounting for varying tension and aerodynamic drag, the non‐dimensional wave‐type equation of motion is derived in dimensionless form; the solution of which is sought using the Riemann method of characteristics. Using this procedure, the solutions along the leading forward and reflected characteristics are obtained in closed‐form and enable numerical solutions to be obtained via a finite difference routine along the entire computational domain. The analysis shows how such disturbances may be prevented from penetrating beyond the material crystallisation point (where it is extremely susceptible to disturbances) and discusses the application of these findings by optimising the location of a protective shroud.
The extent and costs of reproductive interference among four species of true bug
Authors: Shuker David M. , Currie Niall , Hoole Tara , Burdfield‐Steel Emily R.
Published: January 2015

Reproductive interference arises when individuals of one species engage in reproductive activities with individuals of another, leading to fitness costs in one or both species. Reproductive interference (RI) therefore has two components. First, there must be mis‐directed mating interactions. Second, there must be costs associated with these mis‐directed interactions. Here we consider RI between four species of true bug in the family Lygaeidae, focusing in particular on the fitness consequences toLygaeus equestris. The species we consider vary in their relationships with each other, including species in the same or different genus, and with or without natural overlap in their geographic ranges. First we show that inter‐specific mating interactions, although not a certain outcome, are common enough to perhaps influence mating behaviour in these species (arising in up to 10 % of inter‐specific pairings). Second, we show that reproductive interference can seriously reduce female fitness inL.equestris. Importantly, different species impose different costs of RI onL.equestris, with interactions with maleSpilostethus pandurusinflicting fitness costs of similar magnitude to the costs of mating with con‐specifics. On the other hand, mating interactions with maleOncopeltus fasciatusappear to have no effect on female fitness. In a follow‐up experiment, when we allowed competition amongst just females ofS.pandurusandL.equestris, the fitness of the latter was not reduced, arguing more strongly for the role of reproductive interference. However, in our final experiments under mass mating conditions with extended ecological interactions (including scope for competition for resources and cannibalism), the costs of RI were less apparent. Our data therefore suggest that the costs of RI will be context‐specific and may act in concert with, or be swamped by, other ecological effects. We suggest that comparative studies of this sort that both mimic naturally occurring reproductive interference events, and also artificially generate new ones, will be necessary if we are to better understand the ecological and evolutionary significance of reproductive interference.
Interaction‐type diversity hypothesis and interaction strength: the condition for the positive complexity‐stability effect to arise
Authors: Kondoh Michio , Mougi Akihiko
Published: January 2015

Recently, a theoretical hypothesis was proposed that the coexistence of antagonism and mutualism may stabilize ecological community and even give rise to a positive complexity‐stability relationship (interaction‐type diversity hypothesis). This hypothesis was derived from an analysis of community model, which was developed based on two specific assumptions about the interaction strengths: those are, (i) different interaction types, antagonism and mutualism, have quantitatively comparable magnitude of effects to population growth; and (ii) interaction strength decreases with increasing interaction links of the same interaction type. However, those assumptions do not necessarily hold in real ecosystems, leaving unclear how robust this hypothesis is. Here, using a model with those two assumptions relaxed, we show (i) that the balance of interaction strength is necessary for the positive complexity effect to arise and (ii) that interaction‐type diversity hypothesis may still hold when interaction strength decreases with increasing links of all interaction type for some species.
Bioethanol production from the dry powder of Jerusalem artichoke tubers by recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae in simultaneous saccharification and fermentation
Authors: Wang Yi-Zhou , Zou Shan-Mei , He Mei-Lin , Wang Chang-Hai
Published: January 2015

It has been found that recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae 6525 can produce high concentration of ethanol in one-step fermentation from the extract of Jerusalem artichoke tubers or inulin. However, the utilization rate of raw materials was low and the fermentation process was costly and complicated. Therefore, in this study, after the optimum processing conditions for ethanol production in fed-batch fermentation were determined in flask, the recombinant S. cerevisiae 6525 was first used to produce ethanol from the dry powder of Jerusalem artichoke tubers in 5-L agitating fermentor. After 72 h of fermentation, around 84.3 g/L ethanol was produced in the fermentation liquids, and the conversion efficiency of inulin-type sugars to ethanol was 0.453, or 88.6 % of the theoretical value of 0.511. This study showed high feasibility of bioethanol industrial production from the Jerusalem artichoke tubers and provided a basis for it in the future.
OPTIMAL INVESTMENT FOR A DEFINED-CONTRIBUTION PENSION SCHEME UNDER A REGIME SWITCHING MODEL
Authors: Chen An , Delong Łukasz
Published: January 2015

We study an asset allocation problem for a defined-contribution (DC) pension scheme in its accumulation phase. We assume that the amount contributed to the pension fund by a pension plan member is coupled with the salary income which fluctuates randomly over time and contains both a hedgeable and non-hedgeable risk component. We consider an economy in which macroeconomic risks are existent. We assume that the economy can be in one ofIstates (regimes) and switches randomly between those states. The state of the economy affects the dynamics of the tradeable risky asset and the contribution process (the salary income of a pension plan member). To model the switching behavior of the economy we use a counting process with stochastic intensities. We find the investment strategy which maximizes the expected exponential utility of the discounted excess wealth over a target payment, e.g. a target lifetime annuity.
The dimensions of alliance portfolio configuration: A mediation model
Authors: Castro Ignacio , Roldán José L , Acedo Francisco J
Published: January 2015

Our paper contributes to progress on the conceptualization and the operationalization of the alliance portfolio configuration. A variance-based structural equation modeling (partial least squares) has been applied to a sample made up of top global contractors. Previous works on alliance portfolio have analyzed the dimensions of alliance portfolio configuration independently and therefore, the interrelationships between them have not been studied. Results from the data analysis show that the dimensions of alliance portfolio configuration are interrelated in such a way that the relational and the partner alliance portfolio dimensions (a) fully mediate the effect of structural alliance portfolio on the value of the alliance portfolio capital; and (b) this capital exerts significant and positive influences on the growth of the international market share.
Teacher Attitudes Towards Students Who Exhibit ADHD-Type Behaviours
Authors: Mulholland Sarah M. , Cumming Therese M. , Jung Jae Yup
Published: January 2015

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, its diagnosis and its treatment have been controversial since the 1970s (Kean, 2012), with opinions differing with respect to the diagnostic process, whether it in fact exists, or if it is an excuse for poor parenting and teaching (Maras, Redmayne, Hall, Braithwaite, & Prior, 1997). There are currently few studies that directly examine demographic characteristics as an indicator of teacher knowledge of ADHD and their attitudes towards ADHD-type behaviours. In this pilot study of teachers in Sydney public schools, we examined teacher knowledge about ADHD, their attitudes towards students who exhibit behaviours associated with ADHD, and the impact of demographic characteristics on their opinions and attitudes. We set out to discover the levels of overall knowledge teachers possess regarding ADHD, the attitudes teachers hold towards ADHD and its associated inattentive/hyperactive behaviours, and if any demographic characteristics can predict these attitudes.

Exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis were performed to establish the existence of groups of variables with respect to teacher knowledge of ADHD and teacher attitudes towards ADHD-type behaviours and any demographic predictors of teacher attitudes. Analysis showed that, overall, teachers exhibit an adequate (50–85% correct responses to knowledge test questions) knowledge of ADHD, but less sound knowledge in some areas than others, for example, aetiology. Analysis also demonstrated that there are some significant demographic predictors of teacher attitudes; however, further research is needed to verify these preliminary findings.
Heavy-mineral analysis as a tool to trace the source areas of sediments in an ice-marginal valley, with an example from the Pleistocene of northwest Poland
Authors: Pisarska-Jamroży M. , van Loon A.J. , Woronko B. , Sternal B.
Published: January 2015

The ice caps that covered large parts of the continents of the northern hemisphere during the Pleistocene glaciations drained huge quantities of meltwater. In several places the erosive power of the meltwater rivers has led to the formation of ice-marginal valleys (IMVs). A much-debated question is whether sediments deposited in IMVs by proglacial and extraglacial streams can be distinguished on the basis of their heavy-mineral content. This question was assessed by an inventory of the heavy-mineral assemblages from the middle part of the Toruń-Eberswalde IMV in northwest Poland, two sandurs that supplied sediment from the north and the pre-Wisła river system that supplied sediment from the south; all these streams fed the IMV. The largely similar heavy-mineral compositions and sediments concentrations of the middle part of the IMV and sandurs suggest that the sediment in the IMV was supplied almost entirely by the streams on the sandurs but also that some sediments were eroded from the Miocene subsoil of the IMV itself and for a small part from the south by the pre-Wisła river system. The only heavy mineral in the pre-Wisła sediments for which the percentage is significantly different from those in the sediments of the sandurs and the IMV terrace is epidote. The difference, however, is not seen in the sediments of the IMV so it can be concluded that the sediment supply to the middle part of this IMV by streams from the south was insignificant. This is in contrast with what was hitherto commonly assumed.
The impact of pre-natal stress on offspring development in pigs
Authors: OTTEN W. , KANITZ E. , TUCHSCHERER M.
Published: January 2015

In farm animals, restricted housing conditions or inadequate management practices during gestation may be potential stressors for the mother, with possible consequences on the growth, vitality, health and welfare of the dam and its offspring, and thus can have economic as well as ethical implications. The current review summarizes data from studies in pigs on the impact of maternal stress during gestation on the litter characteristics and phenotypic traits of offspring. The outcomes from the different experimental models using either maternal stress paradigms or artificially increased maternal cortisol are presented, and possible reasons for the consistent or divergent results are discussed. Maternal stress models are of particular importance, because social stress, restraint, rough handling and heat or cold stress are of practical relevance during housing of pregnant sows, whereas in other models the specific role of maternal cortisol as a mediator for pre-natal stress is studied. The data reveal that pre-natal stress in pigs can impair growth and modify the immune function, stress reactivity and behaviour of offspring. There is evidence that the materno-foetal cortisol regulation is a major determinant of the alterations in offspring. Neuroendocrine and behavioural data in the offspring indicate that pre-natally stressed pigs can express a modified phenotype characterized by increased reactivity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, altered emotionality, more fearfulness in a novel environment and disturbed social and maternal behaviour. Further research is needed and should focus on the long-term consequences on immune function, reproductive traits and maternal behaviour in female offspring used as breeding animals.
DOES CHILDHOOD NUTRITION PREDICT HEALTH OUTCOMES DURING ADULTHOOD? EVIDENCE FROM A POPULATION-BASED STUDY IN CHINA
Authors: QI YAQIANG , NIU JIANLIN
Published: January 2015

Using data collected from the 2008 survey of Internal Migration and Health in China, this study examines the impact of late childhood nutrition intakes on a wide range of indicators of adult health. The results show that respondents who consume rich nutrients (meat, fish, milk, etc.) less frequently during late childhood have worse health outcomes when they grow up. They are more likely to rate their health as ‘fair/poor’, report a greater number of chronic diseases, have a higher incidence of acute illness, perceive greater numbers of physical pains/discomforts and to suffer more from insomnia and depression. With respect to objective biometrics, respondents who have less access to rich nutrients at age 14 tend to attain a shorter stature, gain more weight as an adult, and are more likely to become obese or have low lung capacity. Taken together, the evidence in support of a harmful impact of late childhood undernutrition on adult health is stronger and more consistent for subjective health indicators than for the objective biometrics examined in this study. Moreover, the results also indicate that the long-term health impact of late childhood nutrition deprivation is especially detrimental for females in China.
Images of otoscopy: rate and extent of non-compliance with good practice standards
Authors: Crundwell G , Harmer J , Maltby M , Mills T , Neumann C , Walsh L , Baguley D
Published: January 2015

Background:

The British Society of Audiology has produced clear guidelines as to how otoscopy should be undertaken; however, no nationally recognised guidelines exist for the wider clinical community. Images of otoscopy appear in many books, journals, magazines and websites.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the rate of non-compliance with good practice in images of otoscopy, the seriousness of the breach, and whether this is more common in sites for professionals or the general public.

Method:

Google Images was searched using the terms ‘otoscopy’ and ‘ear examination’. A total of 200 images were identified and collated. The images were reviewed for compliance with good practice standards.

Results:

Only 12.75 per cent of the images were graded as having no breach of good practice standards.

Conclusion:

Professional websites have a responsibility to show best practice. When choosing an image, the source of the image needs to be carefully considered.
Plasma immersion ion implantation characteristics with q-nonextensive electron velocity distribution
Authors: Safa N. Navab , Ghomi H. , Niknam A. R.
Published: January 2015

The plasma immersion ion implantation process is investigated in the presence ofq–nonextensive electrons by using a one-dimensional fluid model. The effect of the nonextensivity parameter,q, on the plasma parameters and sheath dynamics during the implantation process is studied. The results show that the implantation dose can be enhanced in the presence of energetic electrons at the tail of the distribution function. Different parameters of plasma such as sheath thickness, ion velocity and ion density show more change at the larger values of theq–parameter. Furthermore, the results of simulation tend to what is predicted by the Maxwellian electron distribution function (q= 1).
Empowering people to be healthier: public health nutrition through the Ottawa Charter
Authors: Flynn Mary A. T.
Published: January 2015

The WHO's Ottawa Charter highlights five priority areas for taking action in public health. Only one of them is at the individual level as action at more upstream intervention levels, such as community or policy levels, is critical for enabling individuals to succeed. The objective of the present paper is to give insight into the many complex processes involved in public health nutrition by describing the Ottawa Charter's five priority areas for taking action using public health nutrition initiatives I have been involved in. Evidence-based guidelines for healthy eating and infant feeding provide an essential basis for individuals to ‘develop personal skills’ (Action Area 1). ‘Re-orienting health services’ (Action Area 2) can address the needs of vulnerable population subgroups, such as the culturally sensitive diabetes prevention programme established for an Indo-Asian community in Canada. Identifying geographic areas at high risk of childhood obesity enables better strategic planning and targeting of resources to ‘strengthen community action’ (Action Area 3). Calorie menu labelling can ‘create supportive environments’ (Action Area 4) through encouraging a demand for less energy-dense, healthier food options. ‘Building healthy public policy’ (Action Area 5) to implement mandatory folic acid food fortification for prevention of birth defects has many advantages over a voluntary approach. In conclusion, evaluation and evidence-based decision-making needs to take account of different strategies used to take action in each of these priority areas. For this, the randomised control trial needs adaptation to determine the best practice in public health nutrition where interventions play out in real life with all its confounding factors.
Visualizing transient dark states by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Anthis Nicholas J. , Clore G. Marius
Published: January 2015

Myriad biological processes proceed through states that defy characterization by conventional atomic-resolution structural biological methods. The invisibility of these ‘dark’ states can arise from their transient nature, low equilibrium population, large molecular weight, and/or heterogeneity. Although they are invisible, these dark states underlie a range of processes, acting as encounter complexes between proteins and as intermediates in protein folding and aggregation. New methods have made these states accessible to high-resolution analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, as long as the dark state is in dynamic equilibrium with an NMR-visible species. These methods – paramagnetic NMR, relaxation dispersion, saturation transfer, lifetime line broadening, and hydrogen exchange – allow the exploration of otherwise invisible states in exchange with a visible species over a range of timescales, each taking advantage of some unique property of the dark state to amplify its effect on a particular NMR observable. In this review, we introduce these methods and explore two specific techniques – paramagnetic relaxation enhancement and dark state exchange saturation transfer – in greater detail.
Embraced by the past, hopeful for the future: meaning of health to ageing persons who have migrated from the Western Balkan region to Sweden
Authors: LOOD QARIN , HÄGGBLOM-KRONLÖF GRETA , DELLENBORG LISEN
Published: January 2015

Previous research has often visualised ageing and migration as risk factors for poor health, pointing to a need for targeting health-promoting efforts towards ageing persons who are born abroad. However, most research has been conducted from an objective and poor health perspective, losing the broader picture of health in the context of ageing and migration. A key issue left unexplored is the meaning of health from a subjective perspective with focus upon persons who constitute the target groups for health promotion and other health-care services. A large number of people are now ageing in countries other than their country of birth. Therefore, studying the meaning of health in relation to this part of the population is of growing importance. As part of a larger health promotion project, the aim of this study was to explore the meaning of health to ageing persons who have migrated from the Western Balkan region to Sweden. Data were collected by individual interviews, conducted in the participants' mother tongue. Inspired by Ricoeur's hermeneutic approach, health was interpreted as a retrospective and prospective process of exercising control over one's own life, daily activities and social commitments. This interpretation is discussed in relation to how a person-centred approach to health-care services could bridge health inequities in an ageing and globalising society.