bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Updating algal evolutionary relationships through plastid genome sequencing: did alveolate plastids emerge through endosymbiosis of an ochrophyte?
Authors: Ševčíková Tereza , Horák Aleš , Klimeš Vladimír , Zbránková Veronika , Demir-Hilton Elif , Sudek Sebastian , Jenkins Jerry , Schmutz Jeremy , Přibyl Pavel , Fousek Jan , Vlček Čestmír , Lang B. Franz , Oborník Miroslav , Worden Alexandra Z. , Eliáš Marek
Published: May 2015

Algae with secondary plastids of a red algal origin, such as ochrophytes (photosynthetic stramenopiles), are diverse and ecologically important, yet their evolutionary history remains controversial. We sequenced plastid genomes of two ochrophytes, Ochromonas sp. CCMP1393 (Chrysophyceae) and Trachydiscus minutus (Eustigmatophyceae). A shared split of the clpC gene as well as phylogenomic analyses of concatenated protein sequences demonstrated that chrysophytes and eustigmatophytes form a clade, the Limnista, exhibiting an unexpectedly elevated rate of plastid gene evolution. Our analyses also indicate that the root of the ochrophyte phylogeny falls between the recently redefined Khakista and Phaeista assemblages. Taking advantage of the expanded sampling of plastid genome sequences, we revisited the phylogenetic position of the plastid of Vitrella brassicaformis, a member of Alveolata with the least derived plastid genome known for the whole group. The results varied depending on the dataset and phylogenetic method employed, but suggested that the Vitrella plastids emerged from a deep ochrophyte lineage rather than being derived vertically from a hypothetical plastid-bearing common ancestor of alveolates and stramenopiles. Thus, we hypothesize that the plastid in Vitrella and potentially in other alveolates, may have been acquired by an endosymbiosis of an early ochrophyte.
VoICE: A semi-automated pipeline for standardizing vocal analysis across models
Authors: Burkett Zachary D. , Day Nancy F. , Peñagarikano Olga , Geschwind Daniel H. , White Stephanie A.
Published: May 2015

The study of vocal communication in animal models provides key insight to the neurogenetic basis for speech and communication disorders. Current methods for vocal analysis suffer from a lack of standardization, creating ambiguity in cross-laboratory and cross-species comparisons. Here, we present VoICE (Vocal Inventory Clustering Engine), an approach to grouping vocal elements by creating a high dimensionality dataset through scoring spectral similarity between all vocalizations within a recording session. This dataset is then subjected to hierarchical clustering, generating a dendrogram that is pruned into meaningful vocalization “types” by an automated algorithm. When applied to birdsong, a key model for vocal learning, VoICE captures the known deterioration in acoustic properties that follows deafening, including altered sequencing. In a mammalian neurodevelopmental model, we uncover a reduced vocal repertoire of mice lacking the autism susceptibility gene,Cntnap2.VoICE will be useful to the scientific community as it can standardize vocalization analyses across species and laboratories.
Optical ‘magnetic mirror’ metasurfaces using interference between Fabry-Pérot cavity resonances in coaxial apertures
Authors: Rajasekharan Ranjith , Roberts Ann
Published: May 2015

Here we propose and computationally demonstrate a quasi-planar metasurface consisting of arrays of pairs of concentric coaxial apertures in a metallic film. The structure relies on destructive interference between Fabry-Pérot modes excited in each aperture at resonance producing transmitted fields that interfere destructively leading to suppressed transmission. Conversely, we show that in the case of a perfect conductor, near-perfect, broadband reflection can be achieved with zero phase change in the electric field and a variation of 2π on passing through the coincident resonances. Extending the concept to shorter wavelengths, we show that mirrors exhibiting close to a 2π phase excursion, albeit with a reduction in the amplitude reflection coefficient at resonance and a lower Q, can be also achieved. Structures such as these can be used to enhance light-matter interactions at surfaces and act as high impedance ground planes for antenna applications.
Long-haul and high-resolution optical time domain reflectometry using superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors
Authors: Zhao Qingyuan , Xia Lan , Wan Chao , Hu Junhui , Jia Tao , Gu Min , Zhang Labao , Kang Lin , Chen Jian , Zhang Xuping , Wu Peiheng
Published: May 2015

In classical optical time domain reflectometries (OTDRs), for sensing an 200-km-long fiber, the optical pulses launched are as wide as tens of microseconds to get enough signal-to-noise ratio, while it results in a two-point resolution of kilometers. To both reach long sensing distance and sub-kilometer resolution, we demonstrated a long-haul photon-counting OTDR using a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector. In a 40-minute-long measurement, we obtained a dynamic range of 46.9 dB, corresponding to a maximum sensing distance of 246.8 km, at a two-point resolution of 0.1 km. The time for measuring fiber after 100 km was reduced to one minute, while the fiber end at 217 km was still distinguished well from noise. After reducing the pulse width to 100 ns, the experimental two-point resolution was improved to 20 m while the maximum sensing distance was 209.47 km.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: A compact photometer based on metal-waveguide-capillary: application to detecting glucose of nanomolar concentration
Authors: Bai Min , Huang Hui , Hao Jian , Zhang Ji , Wu Haibo , Qu Bo
Published: May 2015

Trace analysis of liquid samples has wide applications in life science and environmental monitor. In this paper, a compact and low-cost photometer based on metal-waveguide-capillary (MWC) was developed for ultra-sensitive absorbance detection. The optical-path can be greatly enhanced and much longer than the physical length of MWC, because the light scattered by the rippled and smooth metal sidewall can be confined inside the capillary regardless of the incident-angle. For the photometer with a 7 cm long MWC, the detection limit is improved ~3000 fold compared with that of commercial spectrophotometer with 1 cm-cuvette, owing to the novel nonlinear optical-path enhancement as well as fast sample switching and detecting glucose of a concentration as low as 5.12 nM was realized with conventional chromogenic reagent.
Pictionary-based fMRI paradigm to study the neural correlates of spontaneous improvisation and figural creativity
Authors: Saggar Manish , Quintin Eve-Marie , Kienitz Eliza , Bott Nicholas T. , Sun Zhaochun , Hong Wei-Chen , Chien Yin-hsuan , Liu Ning , Dougherty Robert F. , Royalty Adam , Hawthorne Grace , Reiss Allan L.
Published: May 2015

A novel game-like and creativity-conducive fMRI paradigm is developed to assess the neural correlates of spontaneous improvisation and figural creativity in healthy adults. Participants were engaged in the word-guessing game of PictionaryTM, using an MR-safe drawing tablet and no explicit instructions to be “creative”. Using the primary contrast of drawing a given word versus drawing a control word (zigzag), we observed increased engagement of cerebellum, thalamus, left parietal cortex, right superior frontal, left prefrontal and paracingulate/cingulate regions, such that activation in the cingulate and left prefrontal cortices negatively influenced task performance. Further, using parametric fMRI analysis, increasing subjective difficulty ratings for drawing the word engaged higher activations in the left pre-frontal cortices, whereas higher expert-rated creative content in the drawings was associated with increased engagement of bilateral cerebellum. Altogether, our data suggest that cerebral-cerebellar interaction underlying implicit processing of mental representations has a facilitative effect on spontaneous improvisation and figural creativity.
Cellular superresolved imaging of multiple markers using temporally flickering nanoparticles
Authors: Ilovitsh Tali , Danan Yossef , Meir Rinat , Meiri Amihai , Zalevsky Zeev
Published: May 2015

In this paper we present a technique aimed for simultaneous detection of multiple types of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) within a biological sample, using lock-in detection. We image the sample using a number of modulated laser beams that correspond to the number of GNP species that label a given sample. The final image where the GNPs are spatially separated is obtained computationally. The proposed method enables the simultaneous superresolved imaging of different areas of interest within biological sample and also the spatial separation of GNPs at sub-diffraction distances, making it a useful tool in the study of intracellular trafficking pathways in living cells.
Humidity-dependent compression-induced glass transition of the air–water interfacial Langmuir films of poly(d,l-lactic acid-ran-glycolic acid) (PLGA)
Authors: Kim Hyun Chang , Lee Hoyoung , Jung Hyunjung , Choi Yun Hwa , Meron Mati , Lin Binhua , Bang Joona , Won You-Yeon
Published: May 2015

Constant rate compression isotherms of the air–water interfacial Langmuir PLGA films show a distinct feature of an exponential increase in surface pressure in the high surface polymer concentration regime.
Evaluation of photoluminescence quenching for assessing the binding of nitroaromatic compounds to a tyrosyl bolaamphiphile self-assembly
Authors: Kwak Jinyoung , Choi One , Sim Eunji , Lee Sang-Yup
Published: May 2015

Quenching effects of the aromatic stacking and hydrophilic interactions between nitroaromatic compounds and a fluorophore with phenolic groups were investigated.
Rapid, highly sensitive, and simultaneous detection of staphylococcal enterotoxins in milk by using immuno-pillar devices
Authors: Kasama Toshihiro , Ikami Mai , Jin Wanchun , Yamada Keiko , Kaji Noritada , Atsumi Yusuke , Mizutani Makoto , Murai Atsushi , Okamoto Akira , Namikawa Takao , Ohta Michio , Tokeshi Manabu , Baba Yoshinobu
Published: May 2015

Immuno-pillar devices immersed in milk.
Exploratory analysis of avocado extracts by GC-MS: new insights into the avocado fruit ripening process
Authors: Hurtado-Fernández E. , Bajoub A. , Morales J. C. , Fernández-Gutiérrez A. , Carrasco-Pancorbo A.
Published: May 2015

Herewith the usefulness of a gas chromatography-electron ionization-quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-EI-Q MS) methodology has been evaluated for the identification of potential ripening or variety markers of the avocado fruit.
Real time chemical imaging of a working catalytic membrane reactor during oxidative coupling of methane
Authors: Vamvakeros A. , Jacques S. D. M. , Middelkoop V. , Di Michiel M. , Egan C. K. , Ismagilov I. Z. , Vaughan G. B. M. , Gallucci F. , van Sint Annaland M. , Shearing P. R. , Cernik R. J. , Beale A. M.
Published: May 2015

We report the results from an operando XRD-CT study of a working catalytic membrane reactor for the oxidative coupling of methane.
Bis(zinc porphyrin) as a CD-sensitive bidentate host molecule: direct determination of absolute configuration of mono-alcohols
Authors: Hayashi Satoshi , Yotsukura Miku , Noji Masahiro , Takanami Toshikatsu
Published: May 2015

A facile and direct protocol to determine the absolute configurations of chiral mono-alcohols without analyte derivatization can now be realized using a novel circular dichroic (CD)-sensitive bis(zinc porphyrin) BP1 host system.
Macroscopic glass-permeated single-crystals of fresnoite
Authors: Wisniewski Wolfgang , Nagel Marcus , Rüssel Christian
Published: May 2015

Macroscopic single-crystals of fresnoite permeated by glass are grown by a Czochralski-like procedure for high temperature piezoelectric applications.
Two types of novel tetra-iron substituted sandwich-type arsenotungastates with supporting lanthanide pendants
Authors: Chen Lijuan , Zhang Fang , Ma Xing , Luo Jie , Zhao Junwei
Published: May 2015

Two classes of novel tetra-iron substituted sandwich-type arsenotungastates with supporting lanthanide pendants have been synthesized and characterized.
Facile redox state manipulation in Cu(i) frameworks by utilisation of the redox-active tris(4-(pyridin-4-yl)phenyl)amine ligand
Authors: Hua Carol , Turner Peter , D'Alessandro Deanna M.
Published: May 2015

Two Cu(i) frameworks were synthesised with the NPy3 ligand and Cu(ii) salts to yield electroactive Cu(i) frameworks whose spectral properties varied as a function of the redox state.
High-performance silicon-based multicomponent battery anodes produced via synergistic coupling of multifunctional coating layers
Authors: Lee Jung-In , Ko Younghoon , Shin Myoungsoo , Song Hyun-Kon , Choi Nam-Soon , Kim Min Gyu , Park Soojin
Published: May 2015

We demonstrate the newly developed Si-based multicomponent anodes exhibiting a highly stable cycling retention (∼65% after 1000 cycles at a 1 C discharge–charge rate).
Simulation of nonylphenol degradation in leafy vegetables using a deuterated tracer
Authors: Fang Kun , Jiang Zejun , Wang Jing , She Yongxin , Jin Maojun , Jin Fen , Yang Mao
Published: May 2015

After the safety interval period, nonylphenol (NP) residues from the application of several pesticides in leafy vegetables were still considerably high.
Thioether-triphenolate bimetallic iron(iii) complexes as robust and highly efficient catalysts for cycloaddition of carbon dioxide to epoxides
Authors: Buonerba Antonio , Della Monica Francesco , De Nisi Assunta , Luciano Ermanno , Milione Stefano , Grassi Alfonso , Capacchione Carmine , Rieger Bernhard
Published: May 2015

The selective and effective synthesis of organic carbonates under mild conditions, starting from carbon dioxide and oxiranes, catalyzed by metal complexes is currently a focus of interest for both industrial and academic researchers. We recently developed a novel thioether-triphenolate iron(iii) catalyst (Ct-Bu) that has proven to be highly active for the coupling of CO2 with epoxides, resulting in cyclic organic carbonates under solvent-free conditions. In the current work, the properties of this novel class of catalysts were extensively investigated. In particular, the steric properties of the ligand were modulated by changing the substituents of the aromatic rings in order to obtain a deeper knowledge of the relationship between the complex structure and catalytic performance/selectivity for these iron complexes. Notably, the less steric demanding iron(iii) CH complex synthesized shows, when activated by n-tetrabutylammonium bromide, an impressive turnover frequency (TOF) of 3800 h−1 for the formation of propylene carbonate and glycerol carbonate which are, by far, the highest reported for an iron based catalyst and compares well with the most active catalyst based on other metals.
Endogenous growth of 2D AlOOH nanosheets on a 3D Al-fiber network via steam-only oxidation in application for forming structured catalysts
Authors: Wang Chunzheng , Han Lupeng , Zhang Qiaofei , Li Yakun , Zhao Guofeng , Liu Ye , Lu Yong
Published: May 2015

Endogenous growth of 2D boehmite nanosheets on a 3D Al-fiber network via steam-only oxidation has been demonstrated, showing substantial potential for structured catalysts verified by several hot-topic reactions.
Enhanced photocatalytic performances of n-TiO2 nanotubes by uniform creation of p–n heterojunctions with p-Bi2O3 quantum dots
Authors: Ge Mingzheng , Cao Chunyan , Li Shuhui , Zhang Songnan , Deng Shu , Huang Jianying , Li Qingsong , Zhang Keqin , Al-Deyab Salem S. , Lai Yuekun
Published: May 2015

A facile SILAR strategy was developed for uniform deposition of p-type Bi2O3 quantum dots on n-type TiO2 nanotube arrays for greatly enhanced photocatalytic activity.
Measuring graphene adhesion using atomic force microscopy with a microsphere tip
Authors: Jiang Tao , Zhu Yong
Published: May 2015

This work reports a general method to measure adhesion energies between graphene and different materials using atomic force microscopy with microsphere tips.
Evaluation of the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of novel CRAMP–vancomycin conjugates with diverse linkers
Authors: Mishra Nigam M. , Briers Yves , Lamberigts Chris , Steenackers Hans , Robijns Stijn , Landuyt Bart , Vanderleyden Jos , Schoofs Liliane , Lavigne Rob , Luyten Walter , Van der Eycken Erik V.
Published: May 2015

Conjugates of CRAMP (cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptides) and vancomycin were synthesised using click chemistry with diverse hydrophilic and hydrophobic linkers.
Mechanism and selectivity for zinc-mediated cycloaddition of azides with alkynes: a computational study
Authors: Li Yingzi , Qi Xiaotian , Lei Yu , Lan Yu
Published: May 2015

Distortion–interaction analysis and FMO theory were utilized to explain the reactivity and 1,5-regioselectivity of zinc-mediated cycloaddition of azides and alkynes.
Understanding room-temperature metastability of graphene oxide utilizing hydramines from a synthetic chemistry view
Authors: Qian Yueyue , Zhang Shupeng , Gao Juanjuan , Song Haiou
Published: May 2015

The mechanism investigation of room-temperature simultaneous covalent/noncovalent functionalization reveals that metastable graphene oxide could be regarded as an active platform for various reactions.
Light-induced synthesis of clean-surface PdPt@Pt core–shell nanoparticles with excellent electrocatalytic activity
Authors: Wang Tao , Yang Rong , Ouyang Shenshen , Shi Haibo , Wang Sheng
Published: May 2015

A facile light-induced synthesis approach was reported for preparing clean-surface PdPt@Pt core–shell nanoparticles with significantly improved electrocatalytic activity.
Precursor-controlled and template-free synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon nanoparticles for supercapacitors
Authors: Lv Li-Ping , Wu Zhong-Shuai , Chen Long , Lu Hao , Zheng Yi-Ran , Weidner Tobias , Feng Xinliang , Landfester Katharina , Crespy Daniel
Published: May 2015

We describe the synthesis of hierarchical porous nitrogen-doped carbon nanoparticles with high specific surface area and specific capacitance for supercapacitors.
Di(p-methoxyphenyl)amine end-capped tri(p-thiophenylphenyl)amine based molecular glasses as hole transporting materials for solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Bui Thanh-Tuân , Shah Said Karim , Sallenave Xavier , Abbas Mamatimin , Sini Gjergji , Hirsch Lionel , Goubard Fabrice
Published: May 2015

Star shaped hole conducting molecular glasses were synthetized and applied in solid state dye-sensitized solar cells.
Evaluating the merit of ALD coating as a barrier against hydrogen degradation in capacitor components
Authors: Baba Heidary Damoon Sohrabi , Qu Weiguo , Randall Clive A.
Published: May 2015

An ALD coating can provide a continuous and conformal barrier between the substrate and ambient atmosphere.
Fine-tuning of the dielectric properties of polysiloxanes by chemical modification
Authors: Dünki Simon J. , Tress Martin , Kremer Friedrich , Ko Song Yee , Nüesch Frank A. , Varganici Cristian-Dragos , Racles Carmen , Opris Dorina M.
Published: May 2015

Novel polysiloxanes with dielectric properties which are systematically fine-tuned by utilizing thiol-ene post-polymerization reactions of a polymethylvinylsiloxane with various ratios of 1-butanethiol and 3-mercaptopropionitrile is presented.
Ordered mesoporous crystalline aluminas from self-assembly of ABC triblock terpolymer–butanol–alumina sols
Authors: Tan Kwan Wee , Sai Hiroaki , Robbins Spencer W. , Werner Jörg G. , Hoheisel Tobias N. , Hesse Sarah A. , Beaucage Peter A. , DiSalvo Francis J. , Gruner Sol M. , Murtagh Martin , Wiesner Ulrich
Published: May 2015

One-pot synthesis of periodically mesostructured γ-alumina using an ABC triblock terpolymer as structure-directing agent and in situ derived rigid carbon scaffold.
Ba7(BO3)3GeO4X (X = Cl, Br): borogermanate halides with rigid GeO4tetrahedra and flexible XBa6octahedra
Authors: Wen Ming , Lian Zhipeng , Wu Hongping , Su Xin , Yan Qingfeng , Lu Juanjuan , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: May 2015

An unusual structural transformation occurs between Ba7(BO3)3GeO4X (X = Cl, Br) and Ba7(BO3)3SiO4X (X = Cl, Br).
Fe3O4/carbon nanofibres with necklace architecture for enhanced electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Fu Chaopeng , Mahadevegowda Amoghavarsha , Grant Patrick S.
Published: May 2015

Fe3O4spherulites on carbon nanofibres (CNFs) to form novel necklace structures were prepared by a facile method. The Fe3O4/CNF necklaces show superior performance for both supercapacitor and Li-ion battery applications.
Layered ternary sulfide CuSbS2 nanoplates for flexible solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Ramasamy Karthik , Gupta Ram K. , Sims Hunter , Palchoudhury Soubantika , Ivanov Sergei , Gupta Arunava
Published: May 2015

Supercapacitor devices using nanoplates of ternary layered sulfide CuSbS2 exhibit very good performance with excellent cyclic stability, flexibility and can be operated over a wide temperature range.
Controlled surface density of RGD ligands for cell adhesion: evidence for ligand specificity by using QCM-D
Authors: Sandrin L. , Thakar D. , Goyer C. , Labbé P. , Boturyn D. , Coche-Guérente L.
Published: May 2015

A critical interligand spacing is required to observe selective cell adhesion.
First experimental demonstration of dynamic bandwidth allocation for multiple 10 G‐EPON systems
Authors: Ou H. , Sakai Y. , Tsutsumi T. , Fujiwara T. , Kimura Y. , Sakamoto T. , Suzuki H. , Terada J. , Otaka A.
Published: May 2015

Integrated dynamic bandwidth allocation with an overlap scheme that improves the bandwidth efficiency of aggregated access networks is implemented and demonstrated on the 10 G Ethernet passive optical network (EPON)‐based prototype system for the first time. Experiments revealed that the prototype system can achieve more than 99% bandwidth efficiency with only 150 kB aggregation buffers in each optical subscriber unit.
Magnetic flux density measurement through phase decomposition using non‐interleaved scan in MREIT
Authors: Lee Mun Bae , Jeong Woo Chul , Sajib Saurav Z.K. , Kim Hyung Joong , Kwon Oh In
Published: May 2015

Magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MREIT) measures the z‐component of magnetic flux density B = (Bx, By, Bz) induced by externally injected current through a pair of electrodes. MREIT visualises in‐vivo electrical current density and/or conductivity distribution in a three‐dimensional imaging object from the measured magnetic flux density Bz. MREIT techniques typically use the phase difference approach in an interleaved encoding scheme by the injection of positive and negative currents to cancel systematic phase artefacts. Developed is a method to measure Bz data using only a single scan by the injection of one current, avoiding the interleaved encoding scheme. The method separates measured multiple k‐space lines into acquired k‐space lines with and without injection currents and develops an algorithm to measure the magnetic flux density Bz using acquired k‐space lines by the injecting current. Results from phantom experiments demonstrate that the method has potential to measure magnetic flux density using only a single scan by the injection of one current.
Controlling temporal solitary waves in the generalized inhomogeneous coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations with varying source terms
Authors: Yang Yunqing , Yan Zhenya , Mihalache Dumitru
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we study the families of solitary-wave solutions to the inhomogeneous coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations with space- and time-modulated coefficients and source terms. By means of the similarity reduction method and Möbius transformations, many types of novel temporal solitary-wave solutions of this nonlinear dynamical system are analytically found under some constraint conditions, such as the bright-bright, bright-dark, dark-dark, periodic-periodic, W-shaped, and rational wave solutions. In particular, we find that the localized rational-type solutions can exhibit both bright-bright and bright-dark wave profiles by choosing different families of free parameters. Moreover, we analyze the relationships among the group-velocity dispersion profiles, gain or loss distributions, external potentials, and inhomogeneous source profiles, which provide the necessary constraint conditions to control the emerging wave dynamics. Finally, a series of numerical simulations are performed to show the robustness to propagation of some of the analytically obtained solitary-wave solutions. The vast class of exact solutions of inhomogeneous coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations with source terms might be used in the study of the soliton structures in twin-core optical fibers and two-component Bose-Einstein condensates.
Note: A new regulation method of stable operation of high power cathode ion source
Authors: Jiang C. C. , Xie Y. H. , Hu C. D. , Xie Y. L. , Liu S. , Liang L. Z. , Liu Z. M.
Published: May 2015

The hot cathode ion source will tend to be unstable when operated with high power and long pulse. In order to achieve stable operation, a new regulation method based on the arc power (discharge power) feedback control was designed and tested on the hot cathode ion source test bed with arc discharge and beam extraction. The results show that the new regulation method can achieve stable arc discharge and beam extraction. It verifies the success of feedback control of arc source with arc power.
Note: Work function change measurement via improved Anderson method
Authors: Sabik A. , Gołek F. , Antczak G.
Published: May 2015

We propose the modification to the Anderson method of work function change (Δϕ) measurements. In this technique, the kinetic energy of the probing electrons is already low enough for non-destructive investigation of delicate molecular systems. However, in our implementation, all electrodes including filament of the electron gun are polarized positively. As a consequence, electron bombardment of any elements of experimental system is eliminated. Our modification improves cleanliness of the ultra-high vacuum system. As an illustration of the solution capabilities, we present Δϕ of the Ag(100) surface induced by cobalt phthalocyanine layers.
Design and optimization of ultrathin crystalline silicon solar cells using an efficient back reflector
Authors: Saravanan S. , Dubey R. S. , Kalainathan S. , More M. A. , Gautam D. K.
Published: May 2015

Thin film solar cells are cheaper but having low absorption in longer wavelength and hence, an effective light trapping mechanism is essential. In this work, we proposed an ultrathin crystalline silicon solar cell which showed extraordinary performance due to enhanced light absorption in visible and infrared part of solar spectrum. Various designing parameters such as number of distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) pairs, anti-reflection layer thickness, grating thickness, active layer thickness, grating duty cycle and period were optimized for the optimal performance of solar cell. An ultrathin silicon solar cell with 40 nm active layer could produce an enhancement in cell efficiency ∼15 % and current density ∼23 mA/cm2. This design approach would be useful for the realization of new generation of solar cells with reduced active layer thickness.
Photon flux density and temperature-dependent responses of photosynthesis and photosystem II performance of apple leaves grown in field conditions
Authors: Greer Dennis H.
Published: May 2015

The process of photosynthesis depends on the light, and is modulated by leaf temperature and their interaction is important to understand how climate affects photosynthesis. Photosynthetic and PSII light responses at a range of leaf temperatures were measured on leaves of apple (Malus domestica Borkh. cv. Red Gala) trees growing in field conditions. The objective was to assess the interaction between photon flux density (PFD) and temperature on these processes. Results showed leaf temperature strongly modulated the PFD-dependent response of photosynthesis and PSII performance. An interaction on photosynthesis occurred, with temperature affecting saturated rates as well as PFDs saturating photosynthesis. The efficiency of PSII electron transport (operating and maximum in light) universally declined with increasing PFD but temperature strongly influenced the response. Rates of PSII electron transport at saturating PFDs were affected by temperatures. Both photochemical quenching and non-photochemical quenching also responded strongly to temperature but at high PFDs, photochemical quenching increased linearly with decreasing temperatures while non-photochemical quenching increased curvilinearly with increasing temperatures. Modelling revealed changes in photosynthesis were positively correlated with rates of electron transport. These results greatly enhance our understanding of photosynthesis and the underpinning processes and their responses to temperature and PFD.
Plasma prolactin concentrations during lactation, pouch young development and the return to behavioural oestrus in captive koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Authors: Ballantyne K. , Anderson S. T. , Mucci A. , Nicolson V. , Johnston S. D.
Published: May 2015

Plasma prolactin (PRL) concentrations in captive koalas during lactation were determined by serial blood sampling. PRL concentrations were low (1.3 ± 0.1 ng mL–1; n = 5) during early lactation until pouch young (PY) began to emerge from the pouch (around Day 130) before significantly (P < 0.05) increasing between Day 161 and Day 175 (5.3 ± 1.0 ng mL–1). A significant (P < 0.001) peak in PRL (7.7 ± 0.6 ng mL–1) coincided with maturing young between Day 189 and Day 231. All females failed to exhibit any signs of oestrous behaviour until Day 268.8 ± 8.5 (n = 4), some 102 ± 19 days before PY were weaned following achieving target weights of 2.5–2.7 kg. Throughout lactation, plasma LH concentrations were relatively high (range 4.9–8.7 ng mL–1) and LH responses to exogenous gonadotrophin-releasing hormone were observed in all koalas at all times during lactation.
The effects of burn entry and burn severity on ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forests in Grand Canyon National Park
Authors: Higgins Anna M. , Waring Kristen M. , Thode Andrea E.
Published: May 2015

Over a century of fire exclusion in frequent-fire ponderosa pine and dry mixed conifer forests has resulted in increased tree densities, heavy surface fuel accumulations and an increase in late successional, fire-intolerant trees. Grand Canyon National Park uses prescribed fires and wildfires to reduce fire hazard and restore ecosystem processes. Research is needed to determine post-fire vegetation response thus enabling future forest succession predictions. Our study focussed on the effects of burn entry and burn severity on species composition and regeneration in two forest types: ponderosa pine with white fir encroachment and dry mixed conifer. We found no difference in tree composition and structure in a single, low-severity burn compared with unburned areas in the white fir encroachment forest type. We found no white fir seedlings or saplings in a second-entry, low-severity burn in the white fir encroachment forest type. Second-entry burns were effective in reducing white fir densities in the white fir encroachment forest type. There was significant aspen regeneration following high-severity fire in the dry mixed conifer forest type. This research suggests that repeated entries and an increase in burn severity may be necessary for prescribed fire or wildfire to be effective in meeting management objectives.
Outer and expanding circle Englishes
Authors: Edwards Alison , Laporte Samantha
Published: May 2015

The classification of English as a native (ENL), second (ESL) and foreign (EFL) language is traditionally mapped onto Kachru’s (1985) Inner, Outer and Expanding circles, respectively. This paper addresses the divide upheld between these different varietal types. We explore the prepositionintousing comparable corpora for all three varietal types: the International Corpus of English (ICE) for Inner and Outer Circle varieties, and a comparable Corpus of Dutch English to represent the Expanding Circle. Our results show that the least institutionalised varieties (Hong Kong and Dutch English) are the most dissimilar to the ENL varieties, and the most institutionalised variety (Singapore English) is the most similar. We also compare our results for the Corpus of Dutch English to the Dutch component of the International Corpus of Learner English. While the latter patterns with other learner varieties, the Dutch English corpus patterns with ESL varieties, suggesting that “Expanding Circle” and “EFL” are not synonymous.
Contributions of Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair Walleye Populations to the Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron, Recreational Fishery: Evidence from Genetic Stock Identification
Authors: Brenden Travis O. , Scribner Kim T. , Bence James R. , Tsehaye Iyob , Kanefsky Jeannette , Vandergoot Christopher S. , Fielder David G.
Published: May 2015

Genetic stock identification analyses were conducted to determine spawning population contributions to the recreational fishery for Walleyes Sander vitreus in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron. Two spawning population groups were considered: (1) the Tittabawassee River, which has been identified as the largest source of spawning Walleyes for Saginaw Bay; and (2) an aggregate of six spawning populations from Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair that were found to be genetically similar. Overall, the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair spawning populations were estimated to comprise approximately 26% of the Walleye recreational harvest in Saginaw Bay during 2008–2009. Contribution levels were similar for the 2 years in which genetic samples were collected. Contributions from the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair spawning populations to the harvest of age-5 and older Walleyes were greater during summer (31.8%; SE = 6.2%) than during late winter and spring (6.0%; SE = 3.7%). Conversely, contributions from the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair spawning populations to the harvest of age-3 and age-4 fish were fairly similar between seasons (late winter and spring: 31.2%, SE = 6.7%; summer: 41.7%, SE = 5.6%), suggesting that younger Walleyes migrate earlier or reside in Saginaw Bay for extended periods. Our finding that one-quarter of the Saginaw Bay recreational harvest of Walleyes comprises fish from Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair has important management implications, as policies for one lake may have bearing on the other lake—one of the challenges associated with managing migratory fish species. Fisheries management in the Laurentian Great Lakes has a history of being highly coordinated and cooperative among the states and province bordering the individual lakes. Results from this study suggest that cooperation may need to be expanded to account for fish movement between lakes.

Received October 28, 2014; accepted February 11, 2015
Production of l-allose and d-talose from l-psicose and d-tagatose by l-ribose isomerase
Authors: Terami Yuji , Uechi Keiko , Nomura Saki , Okamoto Naoki , Morimoto Kenji , Takata Goro
Published: May 2015

l-ribose isomerase (L-RI) from Cellulomonas parahominis MB426 can convert l-psicose and d-tagatose to l-allose and d-talose, respectively. Partially purified recombinant L-RI from Escherichia coli JM109 was immobilized on DIAION HPA25L resin and then utilized to produce l-allose and d-talose. Conversion reaction was performed with the reaction mixture containing 10% l-psicose or d-tagatose and immobilized L-RI at 40 °C. At equilibrium state, the yield of l-allose and d-talose was 35.0% and 13.0%, respectively. Immobilized enzyme could convert l-psicose to l-allose without remarkable decrease in the enzyme activity over 7 times use and d-tagatose to d-talose over 37 times use. After separation and concentration, the mixture solution of l-allose and d-talose was concentrated up to 70% and crystallized by keeping at 4 °C. l-Allose and d-talose crystals were collected from the syrup by filtration. The final yield was 23.0% l-allose and 7.30% d-talose that were obtained from l-psicose and d-tagatose, respectively.
5. Breach of Duty
Authors: Witting Christian
Published: May 2015

This chapter examines breach of duty in tort law. It discusses the factors that the court considers in determining whether the defendant is in breach of his duty of care to the claimant. These include the foreseeability of harm to the claimant, the appropriate standard of care owed by the defendant to the claimant, and the conduct of the defendant in comparison to the expected standard of care. This chapter suggests that the question of whether the defendant has breached a duty of care is a mixed one of law and fact and that the standard of care required of the defendant is an exclusively legal construct and based on the standard of a hypothetical reasonable person.
12. Defences to Intentional Torts Against the Person or Property
Authors: Witting Christian
Published: May 2015

This chapter examines the types of defence that can be used against intentional torts against the property or person. It explains that defences to these torts can be placed within a threefold system. The first category consists of absent element defences, the second comprises justification defences, and the third contains public policy defences. This chapter also mentions that tort law does recognise defences of insanity, infancy, duress, provocation, and private necessity.
14. False Representations
Authors: Witting Christian
Published: May 2015

This chapter examines the protection provided by tort law against false representations. It explains that false representation is the unifying term which refers to torts designed to protect the financial interests of the claimant against the improper actions of others. It discusses the principle of three different types of false representation, these being deceit, passing off, and malicious falsehood.
18. The Rule in Rylands v Fletcher
Authors: Witting Christian
Published: May 2015

This chapter examines the rule in Rylands v Fletcher, which is probably the best known example of a strict liability tort in English law. It explains that the rule in this case highlighted various elements of the tort, such as non-natural use and escape, which must be present before liability can be imposed. It discusses criticisms of the rule, particularly about whether it amounts to an instance of strict liability in tort and considers the view that it is merely a sub-branch of the law of private nuisance.
Unravelling of a mechanism of resistance to colistin in Klebsiella pneumoniae using atomic force microscopy
Authors: Formosa C. , Herold M. , Vidaillac C. , Duval R. E. , Dague E.
Published: May 2015

Objectives

In this study we focused on the mechanism of colistin resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Methods

We used two strains of K. pneumoniae: a colistin-susceptible strain (K. pneumoniae ATCC 700603, KpATCC) and its colistin-resistant derivative (KpATCCm, MIC of colistin 16 mg/L). We performed a genotypic analysis based on the expression of genes involved in LPS synthesis and L-Ara4N moiety addition. We also explored the status of the mgrB gene. Then, a phenotypic analysis was performed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The Young modulus was extracted from force curves fitted using the Hertz model, and stiffness values were extracted from force curves fitted using the Hooke model.

Results

We failed to observe any variation in the expression of genes implicated in LPS synthesis or L-Ara4N moiety addition in KpATCCm, in the absence of colistin or under colistin pressure (versus KpATCC). This led us to identify an insertional inactivation/mutation in the mgrB gene of KpATCCm. In addition, morphology results obtained by AFM showed that colistin removed the capsule from the susceptible strain, but not from the resistant strain. Nanomechanical data on the resistant strain showed that colistin increased the Young modulus of the capsule. Extend force curves recorded on top of the cells allowed us to make the following hypothesis about the nanoarchitecture of the capsule of the two strains: KpATCC has a soft capsule consisting of one layer, whereas the KpATCCm capsule is harder and organized in several layers.

Conclusions

We hypothesize that capsular polysaccharides might be implicated in the mechanism of colistin resistance in K. pneumoniae, depending on its genotype.
Price Coherence and Excessive Intermediation
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Authors: Edelman Benjamin , Wright Julian
Published: May 2015

Suppose an intermediary provides a benefit to buyers when they purchase from sellers using the intermediary’s technology. We develop a model to show that the intermediary would want to restrict sellers from charging buyers more for transactions it intermediates. With this restriction an intermediary can profitably raise demand for its services by eliminating any extra price buyers face for purchasing through the intermediary. We show that this leads to inflated retail prices, excessive adoption of the intermediaries’ services, over-investment in benefits to buyers, and a reduction in consumer surplus and sometimes welfare. Competition among intermediaries intensifies these problems by increasing the magnitude of their effects and broadening the circumstances in which they arise. We discuss applications to payment card systems, travel reservation systems, rebate services, and various other intermediaries.
Degenerative Cervical Disc Disease: Long-term Changes in Sagittal Alignment and Their Clinical Implications After Cervical Interbody Fusion Cage Subsidence
Authors: Tomé-Bermejo Félix , Morales-Valencia Julián A. , Moreno-Pérez Javier , Marfil-Pérez Juan , Díaz-Dominguez Elena , Piñera Angel R. , Alvarez Luis
Published: May 2015

Study Design:

A retrospective, observational study of prospectively collected outcomes.

Objective:

To investigate the long-term clinical course of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with interbody fusion cages (ACDF-IFC) with lordotic tantalum implants and to correlate the radiologic findings with the clinical outcomes, with special emphasis on the significance and the influence of implant subsidence.

Summary of Background Data:

Cage subsidence is the most frequently reported complication after ACDF-IFC. However, most reports fail to correlate cage subsidence with lower fusion rates or with unsatisfactory clinical results.

Methods:

Forty-one consecutive patients with symptomatic degenerative cervical disk disease with failure of conservative treatment were included. All patients underwent 1-/2-level ACDF-IFC with lordotic tantalum implants. The mean follow-up was 4.91 years.

Results:

The final follow-up fusion rate was 96.96% (32/33). The interspace height (IH) at the affected levels was significantly incremented after implant insertion, and despite a gradual loss in the height over time, the final follow-up IH was significantly higher than that measured preoperatively (P<0.0001). Anterior IH and posterior IH lost 55.8% and 76.2% of the initially incremented height, respectively, with a final increase of 72% in the AIH-PIH height differential. Implant subsidence (>3 mm) occurred in 11 disk spaces (26.82%). Preoperative and postoperative IH were significantly higher in subsidence patients; however, there was no difference in the final follow-up IH (P>0.05). Patients with ≥3 years of follow-up (n=29) did not demonstrate further significant subsidence beyond the second year. Regarding C1–C7 lordosis, the segmental Cobb angle, the cervical Visual Analogue Scale, and Neck Disability Index questionnaires, no difference between patients with or without final follow-up endplate subsidence was encountered.

Conclusions:

Until fusion occurs, tantalum cage settlement into the vertebral body is to be expected. Further subsidence could be the result of segmental adaptative changes. Graft subsidence did not affect the clinical outcome in any of our patients during long-term follow-up. The occurrence of dynamical implant subsidence had a positive effect on cervical lordosis, especially at the posterior IH.
A Model to Predict the Feasibility of Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy With Temozolomide in Glioblastoma Multiforme Patients Over Age 65
Authors: Putz Florian , Knippen Stefan , Lahmer Godehard , Fietkau Rainer , Semrau Sabine
Published: May 2015

Objectives:

It is controversial whether concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with temozolomide is feasible and beneficial in elderly patients with glioblastoma.

Materials and Methods:

Retrospective analysis of 74 elderly glioblastoma patients (65 y and above) treated with concurrent CRT with temozolomide. Factors influencing prognosis and feasibility of CRT were investigated.

Results:

The median overall survival was 11.3 months. Univariate analysis showed a significant difference in median overall survival for cumulative dose of concurrent temozolomide (optimal cutoff, 2655 mg/m2; 13.9 mo for >2655 mg/m2 vs. 4.9 mo for ≤2655 mg/m2; P=0.0216, adjusted for multiple testing). Furthermore, cumulative dose of concurrent temozolomide >2655 mg/m2 was a significant independent prognostic parameter in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 0.33; P=0.002). Hematotoxicity was the most common cause of treatment interruption or discontinuation in patients with an insufficient cumulative temozolomide dose. Prognostic factors for successful performance of CRT with a cumulative dose of concurrent temozolomide >2655 mg/m2 were female sex (odds ratio [OR], 0.174; P=0.006), age (OR, 0.826 per year; P=0.017), and pretreatment platelet count (OR, 1.013 per 1000 platelets/µL; P=0.001). For easy clinical application of the model an online calculator was developed, which is available at http://www.OldTMZ.com.

Conclusions:

The probability of successful performance of concurrent CRT with temozolomide can be estimated based on the patient’s age, sex, and pretreatment platelet count using the model developed in this study. Thus, a subgroup of elderly glioblastoma patients suitable for chemoradiation with temozolomide can be identified.
The Degradation of Mitomycin C Under Various Storage Methods
Authors: Kinast Robert M. , Akula Kiran K. , DeBarber Andrea E. , Barker Gordon T. , Gardiner Stuart K. , Whitson Emily , Mansberger Steve L.
Published: May 2015

Purpose:

To compare the effects of common pharmacy preparation and storage conditions on the stability of mitomycin C (MMC) in solution.

Methods:

We used C18 reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography to determine the stability of 0.4 mg/mL MMC solutions, and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry to identify degradation products. Conditions compared were: compounding and storage by refrigeration (1 and 2 wk), freezing (23 d), shipment “on-ice” (1 mo frozen followed by 1-wk refrigeration), and immediately compounding dry powder (Mitosol; Mobius Therapeutics LLC). We tested 3 samples for each storage method when samples reached room temperature (time 0), and then 1, 4, and 24 hours later. We used MMC peak area as a percentage of total (MMC plus degradants) area detected with high-performance liquid chromatography as a measure of stability.

Results:

We assessed MMC stability for 5 preparation and storage methods at 4 timepoints (with n=3 per timepoint). At time 0, we found similar stabilities for MMC (F=0.72, P=0.599) between all 5 storage methods: 1-week refrigerated (97.9±0.2%), dry powder (97.5±0.3%), 2-week refrigerated (96.9±0.2%), 23-day frozen (96.7±3.1%), and shipment on-ice (96.0±1.2%). However, MMC demonstrated significant degradation over a 24-hour period with 2-week refrigeration (95.7±0.3%, β=−0.1%/h, P<0.001) and shipment on-ice (93.1±1.8%, β=−0.1%/h, P=0.013). We identified small amounts (<3.2%) of 2 degradants, cis-hydroxymitosene and trans-hydroxymitosene, across all samples.

Conclusions:

The different preparation and storage methods of MMC showed similar stability when used immediately upon reaching room temperature. However, degradation of MMC occurred with further storage at room temperature. The clinical implication of small amounts of MMC degradants is unclear.