bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase coexistence induced by cooling across the first order transition in Ni–Co–Mn–Sb shape memory alloy
Authors: Nayak Ajaya K. , Suresh K. G. , Nigam A. K.
Published: September 2010

The first order austenite to martensitic transition in the off-stoichiometric Heusler alloy Ni–Co–Mn–Sb has been studied using magnetization, electrical resistivity, and heat capacity measurements with different field cooling protocols and thermal cyclings. The coexistence of high temperature, high magnetic austenite phase along with the low temperature and low magnetic martensitic phase after field cooling has been confirmed by all these measurements. The time dependence of these data quite vividly illustrates the metastability of the supercooled/superheated phase in the disorder-broadened first order transition.
Optical characterization of GaN/AlGaN bilayer by transmission and reflection spectra
Authors: Li Chao , Bao Xichang , Xu Jintong , Zhang Yan , Li Xiangyang
Published: September 2010

A method has been proposed to study optical characteristics of GaN/Al0.45Ga0.55N bilayer on sapphire substrate at room temperature. Utilizing the incomplete absorption between 270 and 365 nm, absorption spectrum and extinction coefficient of wurtzite GaN both below and above energy gap were determined. Energy gaps of GaN and Al0.45Ga0.55N were located at 3.4 and 4.62 eV, respectively, in the same spectrum. Right above absorption edge (354 nm), the extinction coefficient was 0.269. Average total thickness calculated from transmission and reflection spectra was 1413 and 1407 nm, respectively, and thickness of GaN was calculated as 268.5 nm from the envelope of maximum reflection resulted from GaN/AlGaN interface. By comparison of two spectra, it was deduced that reflection curve had much larger oscillation amplitude than transmission spectrum, thanks to the larger contrast of interference fringes V. Additional half-wave loss was deduced at air/GaN interface, which resulted in the reverse of interference extrema.
Spatially resolved measurements of the magnetocaloric effect and the local magnetic field using thermography
Authors: Christensen D. V. , Bjørk R. , Nielsen K. K. , Bahl C. R. H. , Smith A. , Clausen S.
Published: September 2010

The magnetocaloric effect causes a magnetic material to change temperature upon application of a magnetic field. Here, spatially resolved measurements of the adiabatic temperature change are performed on a plate of gadolinium using thermography. The adiabatic temperature change is used to extract the corresponding change in the local magnetic field strength. The measured temperature change and local magnetic field strength are compared to results obtained with a numerical model, which takes demagnetization into account and employs experimental data.
Nanothermochromics: Calculations for VO2 nanoparticles in dielectric hosts show much improved luminous transmittance and solar energy transmittance modulation
Authors: Li S.-Y. , Niklasson G. A. , Granqvist C. G.
Published: September 2010

VO 2 -based films are thermochromic and show infrared reflectance above a “critical” temperature in the vicinity of room temperature. Implementations on energy efficient windows have been discussed for decades but have been severely curtailed since the luminous absorptance is undesirably large and the solar energy transmittance modulation is too small. Here we show by calculations based on effective medium theory that dilute composites with VO2 nanoparticles embedded in hosts with properties mimicking glass or polymer can yield significantly decreased luminous absorption jointly with much enhanced transmittance modulation of solar energy. These results demonstrate that VO2-based nanothermochromics opens new avenues toward energy efficient fenestration.
Hollow nanoparticle generation on laser-induced cavitation bubbles via bubble interface pinning
Authors: Yan Zijie , Bao Ruqiang , Wright Roger N. , Chrisey Douglas B.
Published: September 2010

We report the self-assembly of ZnOx (0≤x≤1) (and permalloy) nanoclusters into hollow nanoparticles using pulsed laser ablation of bulk Zn (or permalloy) in ethanol–water binary mixture. The self-assembly is due to the trapping of laser-produced nanoclusters by the interfaces of cavitation bubbles and the bonding of the nanoclusters by capillary attraction. It was found that the bubbles generated in the mixture have significantly longer lifetimes compared to water alone, which provide an increasing chance to absorb diffusive nanoclusters. The mixture could be adjusted by adding viscous surfactant that makes the pulsed laser ablation in liquid a promising method for the discovery and fabrication of other hollow geometries.
Electron spin relaxation induced by confined phonons in nanowire-based quantum dots
Authors: Yin Y. , Wu M. W.
Published: September 2010

Electron spin relaxation in nanowire-based quantum dots induced by confined phonons is investigated theoretically. Due to the one-dimensional nature of the confined phonons, the van Hove singularities of the confined phonons and the zero of the form factor of the electron–phonon coupling can lead to unique features of the spin relaxation rate. Extremely strong spin relaxation can be obtained at the van Hove singularity. Meanwhile the spin relaxation rate can also be greatly suppressed at the zero of the form factor. This feature indicates the flexibility of nanowire-based quantum dots in the manipulation of spin states. It also offers a way to probe the property of the confined phonons.
Correlated electron transport assisted by surface acoustic waves in micron-separated quasi-one-dimensional channels
Authors: He Jian-Hong , Gao Jie , Guo Hua-Zhong
Published: September 2010

We present the experimental investigation of correlated electron transport through three micron-separated quasi-one-dimensional channels formed in an AlxGa1−xAs/GaAs heterostructure. A surface acoustic wave captures electrons from the two-dimensional electron gas and drives them through two depleted channels connected with an open ballistic channel, where different potential situations are defined by three etched gates placed in series. Experimental results show an acoustoelectric current transition with two sets of quantized plateau which demonstrates the electron-electron correlation due to Coulomb interactions. This basic scheme is toward a physical implementation of quantum logic gates and the realization of quantum entanglement.
Interrelation of transport and optical properties in gold nanoclusters
Authors: Shu G. W. , Chen T. Y. , Shen J. L. , Lin C. A. J. , Chang W. H. , Chan W. H. , Wang H. H. , Yeh H. I. , Chou W. C.
Published: September 2010

Temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity and photoluminescence (PL) in Au nanoclusters (NCs) is investigated. The correlation of the conductivity and PL in Au NCs at different temperatures is evident: (i) for T<50 K, both the conductivity and PL intensity decrease with temperature, which suggests thermal structural fluctuations; (ii) for 50 K<T<90 K, conductivity and PL are explained by variable range hopping; (iii) for 90 K<T<170 K, simple thermal activated hopping dominates in conductivity, with a rate-equation model proposed to analyze the carrier transfer in PL.
Dual-gate field-effect transistors of octathio[8]circulene thin-films with ionic liquid and SiO2 gate dielectrics
Authors: Fujimoto Takuya , Matsushita Michio M. , Awaga Kunio
Published: September 2010

Dual-gate organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) of octathio[8]circulene (1) with ionic liquid and SiO2 gate dielectrics lead to good transistor performance with a high on/off ratio (∼105), a low threshold voltage (∼−5 V), a low subthreshold slope (∼150 mV/decade), and low power operation, thus surpassing the performance of the single-gate OTFTs of 1. This operation is a promising method for improving the carrier concentrations in OTFTs and for realizing high-performance OTFTs.
Light and thermal energy cell based on carbon nanotube films
Authors: Kotipalli Venu , Gong Zhongcheng , Pathak Pushparaj , Zhang Tianhua , He Yuan , Yadav Shashi , Que Long
Published: September 2010

An energy cell for scavenging light and thermal energies is reported. This energy cell, consisting of a carbon nanotube film (CNF) integrated with a lead zirconate titanate cantilever, is capable of converting light and thermal energies into electricity. This device is based on actuation of CNF upon illumination by light and thermal radiation and generates an electric potential of 10 V. Experiments show that 2.1 μW power can be generated at a light intensity of 0.13 W/cm2, sufficient to operate some low-power microsensors and integrated circuits.
Critical droplet volume for spontaneous capillary wrapping
Authors: Chen Longquan , Wang Xiang , Wen Weijia , Li Zhigang
Published: September 2010

In this work, we show that an elastic thin sheet can be folded up by the surface tensions at the contact line when it is in contact with a droplet of sufficient volume. The critical volumes of different droplets for the wrapping of square and triangular polydimethylsiloxane sheets are measured. A dimensionless number involving the droplet volume is proposed and it is found that the critical dimensionless number, for which spontaneous capillary wrapping takes place, scales with the characteristic length of the sheet exponentially.
Structural morphology of acoustically levitated and heated nanosilica droplet
Authors: Kumar Ranganathan , Tijerino Erick , Saha Abhishek , Basu Saptarshi
Published: September 2010

We study the vaporization and precipitation dynamics of a nanosilica encapsulated water droplet by levitating it acoustically and heating it with a CO2 laser. For all concentrations, we observe three phases: solvent evaporation, surface agglomeration, and precipitation leading to bowl or ring shaped structures. At higher concentrations, ring reorientation and rotation are seen consistently. The surface temperature from an infrared camera is seen to be dependent on the final geometrical shape of the droplet and its rotation induced by the acoustic field of the levitator. With nonuniform particle distribution, these structures can experience rupture which modifies the droplet rotational speed.
Photoluminescence characteristics of polar and nonpolar AlGaN/GaN superlattices
Authors: Vashaei Z. , Bayram C. , Lavenus P. , Razeghi M.
Published: September 2010

High quality Al0.2Ga0.8N/GaN superlattices (SLs) with various (GaN) well widths (1.6 to 6.4 nm) have been grown on polar c-plane and nonpolar m-plane freestanding GaN substrates by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. Atomic force microscopy, high resolution x-ray diffraction, and photoluminescence (PL) studies of SLs have been carried out to determine and correlate effects of well width and polarization field on the room-temperature PL characteristics. A theoretical model was applied to explain PL energy-dependency on well width and crystalline orientation taking into account internal electric field for polar substrate. Absence of induced-internal electric field in nonpolar SLs was confirmed by stable PL peak energy and stronger PL intensity as a function of excitation power density than polar ones.
Effectors of biotrophic fungal plant pathogens
Authors: Gan Pamela H. P. , Rafiqi Maryam , Hardham Adrienne R. , Dodds Peter N.
Published: September 2010

Plant pathogenic biotrophic fungi are able to grow within living plant tissue due to the action of secreted pathogen proteins known as effectors that alter the response of plant cells to pathogens. The discovery and identification of these proteins has greatly expanded with the sequencing and annotation of fungal pathogen genomes. Studies to characterise effector function have revealed that a subset of these secreted pathogen proteins interact with plant proteins within the host cytoplasm. This review focuses on the effectors of intracellular biotrophic and hemibiotrophic fungal plant pathogens and summarises advances in understanding the roles of these proteins in disease and in elucidating the mechanism of fungal effector uptake into host cells.
Effector proteins of extracellular fungal plant pathogens that trigger host resistance
Authors: Catanzariti Ann-Maree , Jones David A.
Published: September 2010

An understanding of the molecular mechanisms that plant pathogens use to successfully colonise host tissue can be gained by studying the biological activity of pathogen proteins secreted during infection. Several secreted ‘effector’ proteins with possible roles in virulence have been isolated from extracellular fungal pathogens, including three that have been shown to negate host defences. In most cases, significant effector variation is observed between different pathogen isolates, driven by the recognitional capacity of disease resistance proteins arrayed against the pathogen by the host plant. This review summarises what is known about the expression, function and variation of effectors isolated from extracellular fungal pathogens.
Deciphering the mode of action and host recognition of bacterial type III effectors
Authors: Gimenez-Ibanez Selena , Hann Dagmar R. , Rathjen John P.
Published: September 2010

Plant pathogenic bacteria adhere to cell walls and remain external to the cell throughout the pathogenic lifecycle, where they elicit host immunity through host plasma membrane localised receptors. To be successful pathogens, bacteria must suppress these defence responses, which they do by secreting a suite of virulence effector molecules into the host cytoplasm. However, effectors themselves can act as elicitors after perception by intracellular host immune receptors, thus, re-activating plant immunity. Bacterial effectors generally target host molecules through specific molecular activities to defeat plant defence responses. Although effectors can be used as tools to elucidate components of plant immunity, only a handful of these molecular targets are known and much remains to be learnt about effector strategies for bacterial pathogenicity. This review highlights recent advances in our understanding of the mode of action of bacterial effectors, which in the future will lead to improvements in agriculture.
Climate-driven range changes in Tasmanian intertidal fauna
Authors: Pitt Nicole R. , Poloczanska Elvira S. , Hobday Alistair J.
Published: September 2010

The south-eastern coast of Australia is recognised as a climate-change hotspot; warming over the past 50 years has exceeded the global average. The marine fauna in the region is responding to this warming with several subtidal species showing a pole-ward range expansion. We provide the first evidence for a similar response in intertidal invertebrates, on the basis of surveys from the eastern coast of Tasmania in 2007–2008 that replicated a set from the 1950s. Of 29 species used in the analysis, 55% were detected further south than in the 1950s. The average minimum movement of the southern (pole-ward) range edges was 116 km (range 20–250 km), representing a rate of ∼29 km per decade for a warming rate of 0.22°C per decade. Barnacles and gastropods showed the greatest range extensions, with one species absent from Tasmania in the 1950s, the giant rock barnacle, Austromegabalanus nigrescens, now recorded widely along the eastern coast of Tasmania. The distance that the southern (pole-ward) range limit moved south for each species was not related to a qualitative dispersal potential index. Local extinction of some species in north-eastern Tasmania may also occur in the coming decades.
Effects of tributary inputs on nutrient export from the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers to the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Duan Shuiwang , Bianchi Thomas S. , Santschi Peter H. , Amon Rainer M. W.
Published: September 2010

In order to better understand the seasonal patterns of nutrient loadings from the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico, nutrient mass balance analyses were performed for the Mississippi River system to separate the effects of primary tributary inputs from in-channel processes. Our results showed that seasonal changes in dissolved inorganic nutrients resulted from conservative mixing of primary tributaries. Maximal values of nitrate plus nitrite (NO3+2) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) fluxes during May through July were largely attributed to inputs from the upper Mississippi River (UMR), which was highest in NO3+2 and SRP levels and contributed more water during this period. Mass balances also showed net losses of particulate nitrogen and phosphorus (29% and 18%, respectively), with the highest values occurring during the falling stage. We speculate that one possible reason was retention of coarse suspended sediments that were mainly derived from the Missouri River. The loss of dissolved organic nitrogen and phosphorus was also apparent (∼12% and 20%, respectively), and the largest loss occurred during summer. This study highlights the importance of divergent processes in controlling different forms of nutrients in large rivers.
An integrated data management and video system for sampling aquatic benthos
Authors: Tyne Julian A. , Loneragan Neil R. , Krützen Michael , Allen Simon J. , Bejder Lars
Published: September 2010

Remote video systems can be expensive, slow to deploy and the data recorded may not be available until the system has been retrieved. To overcome these issues, a rapid, non-destructive and cost-effective remote video and data management system was developed to record benthic habitats in Shark Bay, Western Australia. This system comprises a downward-oriented video camera, linked to a laptop computer, attached to the apex of a stainless steel pyramid to film a 1-m2 area of benthos. The video image of the substratum, spatial coordinates, depth and temperature are recorded in a database at the time of deployment. A web interface was developed to manage the database and examine the video images to determine the percentage cover of seagrass, sponge type (conical/non-conical) and the total number of sponges in the quadrat. Using this system, 1380 video quadrats were collected from a study area of ∼248 km2, ranging in water depth from 2 m to 16 m. An average of 16.4 (±1.3 s.e.) samples was recorded every hour during 15 days. This system could be modified to quantify substratum components at a greater taxonomic resolution or to record details of the mobile fauna.
Coral mucus release and following particle trapping contribute to rapid nutrient recycling in a Northern Red Sea fringing reef
Authors: Mayer Florian W. , Wild Christian
Published: September 2010

Mucus released by corals can function as an important energy carrier and particle trap in reef ecosystems with strong tidal currents. In fringing reefs with calm conditions, these processes may occur on smaller spatial scales. Observations of coral mucus dynamics in the Northern Red Sea revealed highly particle-enriched and negatively buoyant mucus strings attached to ∼27% of coral colonies for up to 79 min. Mucus strings of the scleractinian coral genus Acropora exhibited three orders of magnitude higher particulate organic carbon and nitrogen concentrations when compared with freshly released coral mucus, which confirms efficient particle trapping. After detachment from the coral surface, more than 95% of mucus strings rapidly descended to the reef sea floor within less than 1 m. Such mucus-induced transport may account for 21–25% of the total sedimentary particulate organic matter supply. In situ and laboratory analyses of planktonic and benthic microbial degradation of mucus strings showed high rates of up to 16 and 26% particulate organic carbon h–1, respectively. These findings suggest a newly discovered, tight sediment–water coupling mechanism via coral mucus that may contribute to rapid nutrient recycling in oligotrophic fringing coral reefs.
Can storms and shore armouring exert additive effectson sandy-beach habitats and biota?
Authors: Lucrezi Serena , Schlacher Thomas A. , Robinson Wayne
Published: September 2010

Increased storminess is a likely consequence of global climate change; its effects may be most dramatic on coasts dominated by sandy beaches. This scenario demands that the impacts of storms and the role of armouring structures, constructed as storm defences, are better understood. Here, we assess how a relatively small storm affected beach morphology and macrobenthos, and whether a seawall can modulate such impacts. The study system was a small (<1.5 km long) beach, bisected into parts with and without a seawall. The beach became narrower and steeper during the storm, when 26% of the subaerial sediment prism eroded from the armoured section; sand losses on the unarmoured part were one-fifth of those on the armoured part. Densities of ghost crabs (Ocypode) dropped significantly (36%) and were to some extent modulated by shore armouring; losses were high (62%) just seawards of the seawall where post-storm densities remained consistently lower. There was no ecological recovery in the short term, with most (83%) post-storm density values of crabs being lower, and crab counts in front of the seawall being depressed up to 3 months after the storm. Seawalls can change the resilience of beaches to storms, which may result in stronger ecological effects on armoured coasts.
Distribution and population genetics of the threatened freshwater crayfish genus Tenuibranchiurus (Decapoda:Parastacidae)
Authors: Dawkins Kathryn L. , Furse James M. , Wild Clyde H. , Hughes Jane M.
Published: September 2010

Very high rates of extinction are recorded in freshwater ecosystems, with coastally distributed species threatened by urban development, pollution and climate change. One example, the world’s second smallest freshwater crayfish (genus Tenuibranchiurus), inhabits coastal swamps in central-eastern Australia. Although only one species is described (Tenuibranchiurus glypticus), it was expected that populations isolated through habitat fragmentation would be highly divergent. The aims of this study were to determine if populations of Tenuibranchiurus are genetically distinct, and if ancient divergence, as indicated in other species in the region, was evident. Tenuibranchiurus were collected at seven sites, extending the known geographical distribution ∼260 km south to Wooli, New South Wales. Analysis of two mitochondrial DNA gene regions indicated two highly divergent clades, with numerous additional subclades. Both clades and subclades were strongly congruent with geographical location, and were estimated to have diverged from each other during the Miocene or Pliocene era. Little sharing of haplotypes between subpopulations was evident, indicating negligible gene flow, and genetic differentiation between subclades possibly indicates distinct species. The coastal distribution of Tenuibranchiurus, severe habitat fragmentation and clear differences between subclades suggest that they should be recognised as evolutionarily significant units, and be treated as such if conservation and management initiatives are warranted.
The ant fauna of Timor and neighbouring islands: potential bridges between the disjunct faunas of South East Asia and Australia
Authors: Trainor Colin R. , Andersen Alan N.
Published: September 2010

This study examines the biogeography of the ant fauna of Timor and of stepping stone Nusa Tenggara islands to the north (Wetar, Atauro, Alor, Pantar and Lembata) that are geographically closer to continental South East Asia. Timor is of outstanding biogeographical significance because it is the second largest island within the Wallacean transitional zone between the closely approximated but geologically distinct Indo-Australasian and South East Asian continental plates. It represents a potential overlap zone between the otherwise disjunct ant faunas of Australia and South East Asia. A total of 154 ant species from 32 genera and six subfamilies were collected through a combination of systematic sampling in evergreen forest, dry forest, savanna and grassland at 23 locations in the Lautem district of Timor-Leste, and opportunistic collections at 29 sites elsewhere on Timor and on the neighbouring islands. The most species-rich genera were Camponotus and Polyrhachis (both 28 species), Tetramorium (14 species), Diacamma and Paratrechina (both 8 species). On Timor, 111 ant species were recorded, including 64 species in the Lautem district. The Timor ant fauna is dominated by taxa of South East Asian origin (76% of native species), and has only weak Australian affinities (18%). The latter figure is even smaller (14%) for the neighbouring islands, reflecting their closer proximity to South East Asia. In contrast to Australia, there was no clear disjunction between the ant faunas of contrasting tropical forest and savanna habitats sampled in Lautem district. This can be explained by the Timor ant fauna being dominated by South East Asian tropical forest taxa, with Australian savanna woodland taxa being poorly represented.
Evaluating migratory fish behaviour and fishway performance: testing a combined assessment methodology
Authors: Baumgartner Lee J. , Boys Craig A. , Stuart Ivor G. , Zampatti Brenton P.
Published: September 2010

To provide passage for migratory native fish, a series of 14 vertical-slot and lock fishways are being constructed on the Murray River in south-eastern Australia. Three of these vertical-slot fishways, at Locks 7, 9 and 10, have a conservative slope (1V : 32H) and are designed with internal hydraulics suitable for the passage of a broad size range of fish (30–1000 mm long). An assessment of these fishways was performed using a combined trapping survey and passive integrated transponder (PIT) approach to determine fishway effectiveness at passing an entire fish community. Fish were trapped within the three fishways between 2004 and 2006, where a total of 13 626 individuals comprising 13 species were collected from 48 sample days (24 h each). Trapping data revealed that the three fishways successfully passed fish within the target size range, though significantly greater numbers of individuals smaller (10–29 mm long) than the target size range could not ascend. PIT tagging revealed important information on fishway ascent times, descent times, seasonality and diel behaviour of medium and large fish. Although each method alone had advantages and disadvantages, the dual assessment approach was useful as it permitted an assessment of fishway success and also provided insights into migratory fish behaviour.
Epigenetic modifications on X chromosomes in marsupial and monotreme mammals and implications for evolution of dosage compensation
Authors: Rens Willem , Wallduck Margaret S. , Lovell Frances L. , Ferguson-Smith Malcolm A. , Ferguson-Smith Anne C.
Published: September 2010

X chromosome dosage compensation in female eutherian mammals is regulated by the noncoding
Xist
RNA and is associated with the differential acquisition of active and repressive histone modifications, resulting in repression of most genes on one of the two X chromosome homologs. Marsupial mammals exhibit dosage compensation; however, they lack Xist, and the mechanisms conferring epigenetic control of X chromosome dosage compensation remain elusive. Oviparous mammals, the monotremes, have multiple X chromosomes, and it is not clear whether they undergo dosage compensation and whether there is epigenetic dimorphism between homologous pairs in female monotremes. Here, using antibodies against DNA methylation, eight different histone modifications, and HP1, we conduct immunofluorescence on somatic cells of the female Australian marsupial possum
Trichosurus vulpecula
, the female platypus
Ornithorhynchus anatinus
, and control mouse cells. The two marsupial X's were different for all epigenetic features tested. In particular, unlike in the mouse, both repressive modifications, H3K9me3 and H4K20Me3, are enriched on one of the X chromosomes, and this is associated with the presence of HP1 and hypomethylation of DNA. Using sequential labeling, we determine that this DNA hypomethylated X correlates with histone marks of inactivity. These results suggest that female marsupials use a repressive histone-mediated inactivation mechanism and that this may represent an ancestral dosage compensation process that differs from eutherians that require Xist transcription and DNA methylation. In comparison to the marsupial, the monotreme exhibited no epigenetic differences between homologous X chromosomes, suggesting the absence of a dosage compensation process comparable to that in therians.
China's medical periodicals: from localization to internationalization
Authors: SHEN Min , JIANG Wan‐Jie , ZHENG Shu‐sen
Published: September 2010

From English and Chinese periodicals published by missionaries, to Chinese and English periodicals published by the Chinese, China's medical periodicals have experienced a developmental process that is the outcome of the introduction of Western medicine into China, gradually replacing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), to become eventually the mainstream medicine. For half a century after the founding of People's Republic of China, Chinese medical periodicals focused on serving the planned economy, directed as they were by government policies on healthcare and publication. These periodicals scarcely entered the international sphere, and became typical regional publications. This article charts the interesting history of these developments. At the beginning of the 21st century, the growth of international medical exchange put Chinese medical periodicals in a difficult position: both good submissions and subscriptions are insufficient for viability. In today's multicultural world, the internationalization of Chinese medical periodicals can be accomplished by promoting the internationalization of TCM and regional medicine. The ability to ensure academic independence and control of their economic management are essential if these periodicals are to thrive.
Authorship conflict in Bangladesh: an exploratory study
Authors: AHMED Hasan Shareef , HADI Abdullahel , CHOUDHURY Nuzhat
Published: September 2010

This study aimed to explore the causes, types, and consequences of authorship conflicts among the researchers of selected research institutions in Dhaka, Bangladesh; and to suggest ways to reduce conflicts. A sample of 100 researchers was given a semi‐structured questionnaire; 45 subjects responded. The responses were confidential and anonymous. Over two‐thirds of the respondents were aware of authorship conflicts, and one‐third had actually faced conflicts with their co‐authors. Of them, four faced conflicts with their juniors, while 13 faced conflicts with their seniors or supervisors. The primary causes of such conflicts appear to be unethical claims of authorship, violation of authorship order, and deprivation of authorship. In most cases, the victims became frustrated and had to give up, and avoided a direct clash to safeguard their job. Four respondents claimed to have been victimized for raising their voice. Conflict was never resolved in seven cases. To reduce conflicts, respondents suggested that authorship should be decided before the study begins, order of authorship must be determined according to contribution, and a standard code of authorship should be followed strictly. Authorship conflicts arise among researchers mostly due to what they regard as unethical practice of their co‐authors, supervisors, and department heads in the absence of any formal authorship policy in the institutions. A standard code of authorship, sensitization of researchers to the problem through open discussions and advocacy, and formation of a grievance redress committee are suggested to minimize such conflicts. Although the sample size was small, some of the specific recommendations will be appropriate in many other cases.
Scholarly book publishing practice: the ALPSP survey findings
Authors: COX Laura
Published: September 2010

In summer 2009 ALPSP undertook the first industry‐wide survey into scholarly book publishing practice. This article covers the key findings and attempts to describe the current scholarly book and e‐book publishing landscape. Publishers' development of e‐books varies considerably from early experimentation to being a standard component of their publishing programme. However, publishers of all shapes and sizes have developed some common policies and practices despite the rapid evolution of an emerging element of scholarly publishing. E‐books currently make up a small, if growing, proportion of total book sales, although they are currently one of the most talked about developments in the entire publishing industry.
The role of the aggregator: using third‐party suppliers to reach the market
Authors: MARLOW Martin
Published: September 2010

As e‐books start to move from experimentation to expansion in certain sectors and regions of the world, this paper looks to take a fresh approach to the conundrum of aggregator choice. Is the aggregator route the right decision for all types of publisher? What should publishers be looking for in an aggregation partner? What should be expected or requested both in terms of basic provision as well as value‐added services. And what will the aggregators expect from their publishing partners? With an emphasis on practical suggestions and tips on how all parties can get the most out of the relationship, this paper explores how things are changing as digital moves to front of stage.
Spin foams and noncommutative geometry
Authors: Denicola Domenic , Marcolli Matilde , Zainy al-Yasry Ahmad
Published: September 2010

We extend the formalism of embedded spin networks and spin foams to include topological data that encode the underlying three-manifold or four-manifold as a branched cover. These data are expressed as monodromies, in a way similar to the encoding of the gravitational field via holonomies. We then describe convolution algebras of spin networks and spin foams, based on the different ways in which the same topology can be realized as a branched covering via covering moves, and on possible composition operations on spin foams. We illustrate the case of the groupoid algebra of the equivalence relation determined by covering moves and a 2-semigroupoid algebra arising from a 2-category of spin foams with composition operations corresponding to a fibered product of the branched coverings and the gluing of cobordisms. The spin foam amplitudes then give rise to dynamical flows on these algebras, and the existence of low temperature equilibrium states of the Gibbs form is related to questions on the existence of topological invariants of embedded graphs and embedded two-complexes with given properties. We end by sketching a possible approach to combining the spin network and spin foam formalism with matter within the framework of spectral triples in noncommutative geometry.
Antizyme Restrains Centrosome Amplification by Regulating the Accumulation of Mps1 at Centrosomes
Authors: Kasbek Christopher , Yang Ching-Hui , Fisk Harold A.
Published: September 2010

Extra centrosomes are found in many tumors, and their appearance is an early event that can generate aberrant mitotic spindles and aneuploidy. Because the failure to appropriately degrade the Mps1 protein kinase correlates with centrosome overproduction in tumor-derived cells, defects in the factors that promote Mps1 degradation may contribute to extra centrosomes in tumors. However, while we have recently characterized an Mps1 degradation signal, the factors that regulate Mps1 centrosomal Mps1 are unknown. Antizyme (OAZ), a mediator of ubiquitin-independent degradation and a suspected tumor suppressor, was recently shown to localize to centrosomes and modulate centrosome overproduction, but the known OAZ substrates were not responsible for its effect on centrosomes. We have found that OAZ exerts its effect on centrosomes via Mps1. OAZ promotes the removal of Mps1 from centrosomes, and centrosome overproduction caused by reducing OAZ activity requires Mps1. OAZ binds to Mps1 via the Mps1 degradation signal and modulates the function of Mps1 in centrosome overproduction. Moreover, OAZ regulates the canonical centrosome duplication cycle, and reveals a function for Mps1 in procentriole assembly. Together, our data suggest that OAZ restrains the assembly of centrioles by controlling the levels of centrosomal Mps1 through the Cdk2-regulated Mps1 degradation signal.
The γTuRC Revisited: A Comparative Analysis of Interphase and Mitotic Human γTuRC Redefines the Set of Core Components and Identifies the Novel Subunit GCP8
Authors: Teixidó-Travesa Neus , Villén Judit , Lacasa Cristina , Bertran Maria Teresa , Archinti Marco , Gygi Steven P. , Caelles Carme , Roig Joan , Lüders Jens
Published: September 2010

The γ-tubulin complex is a multi-subunit protein complex that nucleates microtubule polymerization. γ-Tubulin complexes are present in all eukaryotes, but size and subunit composition vary. In Drosophila, Xenopus, and humans large γ-tubulin ring complexes (γTuRCs) have been described, which have a characteristic open ring-shaped structure and are composed of a similar set of subunits, named γ-tubulin, GCPs 2-6, and GCP-WD in humans. Despite the identification of these proteins, γTuRC function and regulation remain poorly understood. Here we establish a new method for the purification of native human γTuRC. Using mass spectrometry of whole protein mixtures we compared the composition of γTuRCs from nonsynchronized and mitotic human cells. Based on our analysis we can define core subunits as well as more transient interactors such as the augmin complex, which associates specifically with mitotic γTuRCs. We also identified GCP8/MOZART2 as a novel core subunit that is present in both interphase and mitotic γTuRCs. GCP8 depletion does not affect γTuRC assembly but interferes with γTuRC recruitment and microtubule nucleation at interphase centrosomes without disrupting general centrosome structure. GCP8-depleted cells do not display any obvious mitotic defects, suggesting that GCP8 specifically affects the organization of the interphase microtubule network.
MAL/VIP17, a New Player in the Regulation of NKCC2 in the Kidney
Authors: Carmosino Monica , Rizzo Federica , Procino Giuseppe , Basco Davide , Valenti Giovanna , Forbush Biff , Schaeren-Wiemers Nicole , Caplan Michael J. , Svelto Maria
Published: September 2010

The renal-specific Na+-K+-2Cl−cotransporter (NKCC2) is the major salt transport pathway of the apical membrane of the mammalian thick ascending limb of Henle's loop. Here, we analyze the role of the tetraspan protein myelin and lymphocytes-associated protein (MAL)/VIP17 in the regulation of NKCC2. We demonstrated that 1) NKCC2 and MAL/VIP17 colocalize and coimmunoprecipitate in Lilly Laboratories cell porcine kidney cells (LLC-PK1) as well as in rat kidney medullae, 2) a 150-amino acid stretch of NKCC2 C-terminal tail is involved in the interaction with MAL/VIP17, 3) MAL/VIP17 increases the cell surface retention of NKCC2 by attenuating its internalization, and 4) this coincides with an increase in cotransporter phosphorylation. Interestingly, overexpression of MAL/VIP17 in the kidney of transgenic mice results in cysts formation in distal nephron structures consistent with the hypothesis that MAL/VIP17 plays an important role in apical sorting or in maintaining the stability of the apical membrane. The NKCC2 expressed in these mice was highly glycosylated and phosphorylated, suggesting that MAL/VIP17 also is involved in the stabilization of NKCC2 at the apical membrane in vivo. Thus, the involvement of MAL/VIP17 in the activation and surface expression of NKCC2 could play an important role in the regulated absorption of Na+and Cl−in the kidney.
Jen1p: A High Affinity Selenite Transporter in Yeast
Authors: McDermott Joseph R. , Rosen Barry P. , Liu Zijuan
Published: September 2010

Selenium is a micronutrient in most eukaryotes, including humans, which is well known for having an extremely thin border between beneficial and toxic concentrations. Soluble tetravalent selenite is the predominant environmental form and also the form that is applied in the treatment of human diseases. To acquire this nutrient from low environmental concentrations as well as to avoid toxicity, a well-controlled transport system is required. Here we report that Jen1p, a proton-coupled monocarboxylate transporter in S. cerevisiae, catalyzes high-affinity uptake of selenite. Disruption of JEN1 resulted in selenite resistance, and overexpression resulted in selenite hypersensitivity. Transport assay showed that overexpression of Jen1p enables selenite accumulation in yeast compared with a JEN1 knock out strain, indicating the Jen1p transporter facilitates selenite accumulation inside cells. Selenite uptake by Jen1p had a Kmof 0.91 mM, which is comparable to the Kmfor lactate. Jen1p transported selenite in a proton-dependent manner which resembles the transport mechanism for lactate. In addition, selenite and lactate can inhibit the transport of each other competitively. Therefore, we postulate selenite is a molecular mimic of monocarboxylates which allows selenite to be transported by Jen1p.
FastPval: a fast and memory efficient program to calculate very low P-values from empirical distribution
Authors: Li Mulin Jun , Sham Pak Chung , Wang Junwen
Published: September 2010

Motivation: Resampling methods, such as permutation and bootstrap, have been widely used to generate an empirical distribution for assessing the statistical significance of a measurement. However, to obtain a very low P-value, a large size of resampling is required, where computing speed, memory and storage consumption become bottlenecks, and sometimes become impossible, even on a computer cluster.

Results: We have developed a multiple stage P-value calculating program called FastPval that can efficiently calculate very low (up to 10−9) P-values from a large number of resampled measurements. With only two input files and a few parameter settings from the users, the program can compute P-values from empirical distribution very efficiently, even on a personal computer. When tested on the order of 109 resampled data, our method only uses 52.94% the time used by the conventional method, implemented by standard quicksort and binary search algorithms, and consumes only 0.11% of the memory and storage. Furthermore, our method can be applied to extra large datasets that the conventional method fails to calculate. The accuracy of the method was tested on data generated from Normal, Poison and Gumbel distributions and was found to be no different from the exact ranking approach.

Availability: The FastPval executable file, the java GUI and source code, and the java web start server with example data and introduction, are available at http://wanglab.hku.hk/pvalue

Contact:  junwen@hku.hk

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online and http://wanglab.hku.hk/pvalue/.
Tissue advanced glycation end products are associated with diastolic function and aerobic exercise capacity in diabetic heart failure patients
Authors: Willemsen Suzan , Hartog Jasper W.L. , Hummel Yoran M. , van Ruijven Marieke H.I. , van der Horst Iwan C.C. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Voors Adriaan A.
Published: September 2010

Aims

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are increased in patients with diabetes and are associated with diastolic dysfunction through the formation of collagen crosslinks in the heart. The association among AGEs, diastolic function, and aerobic capacity in heart failure (HF) patients with and without diabetes is, however, unknown. We therefore studied the association among tissue AGEs, diastolic function, and aerobic capacity in patients with HF with or without diabetes.

Methods and results

In chronic HF patients (with and without left ventricular systolic dysfunction), tissue AGEs [skin autofluorescence (AF)], diastolic function (echocardiographic mean E′ and E/E′), and aerobic capacity [peak oxygen uptake (VO2) on cardiopulmonary exercise testing] were obtained. A total of 49 diabetics and 156 non‐diabetics were included. Diabetics were older and had more cardiovascular risk factors, but left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF) were similar. Tissue AGEs were higher in diabetics compared with non‐diabetics (2.8 ± 0.8 vs. 2.3 ± 0.7 a.u.; P < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a correlation between tissue AGEs and mean E′ (r = −0.30; P < 0.001, after adjustment for age, r = −0.21; P = 0.004). Aerobic capacity was significantly lower in diabetic patients with HF (peak VO2: 17.4 ± 5.1 vs. 21.7 ± 6.1 mL/min/kg; P = 0.001), even after adjustment for age and LVEF. Peak VO2 was related to skin AF (P = 0.03), independent of age, diabetes, LVEF, and New York Heart Association functional class.

Conclusion

Patients with diabetes and HF have similar LVEF but poorer exercise capacity compared with non‐diabetic HF patients. Our data suggest that these findings might be explained by the observed association among tissue AGE levels, diastolic function, and exercise capacity.
Recognizing Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Manifestations of Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases
Authors: Guerrerio Anthony L , Frischmeyer‐Guerrerio Pamela A , Lederman Howard M , Oliva‐Hemker Maria
Published: September 2010

Given the complex immune function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, it is not surprising that many children with primary immunodeficiencies present with GI tract manifestations. Although many immunodeficiency disorders present with overt evidence of immune dysregulation, a few can present in older children with more subtle signs and symptoms. Such children may present first to a gastroenterologist with common symptoms, including malabsorption, diarrhea, hepatomegaly, or inflammatory bowel disease, which may actually be a manifestation of their underlying immune disorder. A thorough clinical history in combination with a careful review of histology from biopsies may reveal clues that one is dealing with a disease entity outside the norm and may prompt additional laboratory studies beyond the usual set of screening laboratory tests. Once the true underlying diagnosis is revealed, more appropriate therapy can be initiated. Additionally, more appropriate anticipatory guidance regarding the expected disease course, response to medications, and any additional risks that therapy may entail can be provided to the family.
Crookes's radiometers: a train of thought manifest
Authors: Wess Jane
Published: September 2010

The Royal Society is to exhibit its collection of original radiometers by William Crookes in the 350th anniversary re-display, thus providing an opportune moment to study the instruments in some detail. This paper attempts to trace Crookes's line of enquiry as described in a series of papers in
Philosophical Transactions
, linking the individual objects with the particular experiments in which they participated. From these accounts of painstaking technical endeavours, involving the construction of these exquisite objects, we gain an insight into the challenges, both physical and intellectual, posed by the exploration of new extremes of sensitivity and pressure. The radiometer's charm has been lasting, and Crookes's legacy is to allow us to follow a train of thought through a series of beautiful artefacts.