bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive strategies of African pteridophytes to extreme environments
Authors: Kornás Jan
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

Water deficiency is the key factor limiting the occurrence of pteridophytes in seasonally dry tropical areas and shaping their adaptive strategies in respect of habitat preferences, life-forms, phenological patterns, and reproductive biology. In Zambia, which is situated in the savanna woodland zone, a total of 146 pteridophyte species occur mainly in special habitats: extrazonal evergreen forest patches and initial successional stages of lithoseres and hydroseres. Life-forms with perennating buds well protected against desiccation (hemicryptophytes and geophytes) dominate, while those with more exposed buds (epiphytes, chamaephytes and phanerophytes) are much less numerous and restricted mainly to the higher-rainfall areas. Selaginella tenerrima represents the life form of a therophyte, unknown in any other pteridophyte genus. Three major seasonal patterns of growth and dormancy may be distinguished: the evergreen type (ca. 40% of species), the poikilohydrous type (ca. 20%) and the deciduous (‘summer-green’) type (ca. 40%). No less than 20% of species are able to survive recurrent bush-fires, and some of them possess the features of advanced pyrophytes. In the driest parts of the savanna zone in Africa, e.g. in the Lake Chad Basin of northeastern Nigeria, seasonal pools are remarkably rich in water ferns, especially of the genus Marsilea which has undergone an intensive adaptive radiation in this environment.
Conservation of pteridophytes: a postscript
Authors: Given David R. , Jermy A. Clive
Published: March 2014

Professor Gomez stresses the rate at which the tropical forest, the environment of possibly 80% of known ferns, is projected to disappear over the next 20 years. He asks the question ‘Who will act?’, and intimates that the International Association of Pteridologists (I.A.P.) may take a role in developing a strategy. In the discussion following Gomez' paper, Clive Jermy, Chairman of the I.A.P., summarised the proposals put forward by the Association's Working Party on Conservation (Convenor, David R. Given). As those proposals are complementary to Professor Gomez' remarks and indicate what positive actions are being taken, they are included here.
The topography, climate and chemical nature of the mammalian skin surface
Authors: Jenkinson D. McEwan
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

Comparative evidence on the topography, climate and chemical nature of the mammalian skin surface ecosystem is reviewed. Potential and established surface defence systems have been identified and their significance and interactions discussed in an attempt to provide a basis for further multidisciplinary study of the protective role of the skin surface, a function which is more extensive than hitherto recognised.
The inhabitants of the mammalian skin surface
Authors: Lloyd D. H.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

The wide variety of metazoan and microbial species frequenting the mammalian skin surface is described. The damage which they cause to the superficial barrier mechanisms and the host factors which modify their activity are examined. Predatory and inhibitory reactions between the skin inhabitants are discussed in relation to their ability to inhibit the activities of pathogenic organisms.
Experimental chronic dermatophilosis
Authors: Davis D. , Philpott M.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

The effect of artificially induced climatic changes or arthropod bites on the development of experimental dermatophilosis lesions was examined. The lesions were produced following application ofDermatophilus congolensiszoospores to the skin of goats.

When zoospores were applied to skin which had been treated with methanol, the resulting lesion healed rapidly. This observation contrasts with the disease under natural conditions, where lesions become chronic. There was no increase in the time for lesions to heal if the goats were sprayed with water to simulate rainfall. However, if a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to chlorodinitrobenzene was induced at the site of zoospore application (to simulate the host's response to an arthropod bite), the resulting lesion was morphologically similar to natural lesions and failed to heal so long as applications of the chemical were repeated.

It is suggested that arthropods play a primary role in producing chronic lesions by inducing an immune reaction at the site of infection withD. congolensis.
The avian skin in relation to surface ecology
Authors: Spearman R. I. C.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

Birds have a layer of plumage over most of the body which provides thermal insulation. The vane-shaped feathers are more efficient than fur in decreasing air movement between the skin microclimate and the ambient environment. Around the feathers is a layer of air, the depth of which for optimum insulation is determined by their angles to the skin surface maintained by the follicular musculature. The mean avian core temperature is 41°C which is higher than in mammals, but skin surface temperature is several degrees lower. Over the exposed skin the microclimate is more variable, but the skin is warmed by the dermal blood vessels and so the feet do not freeze even at sub-zero temperatures. Transpiration occurs through the skin and helps cool the body. Some water vapour is absorbed by the feather keratin, which prevents the feathers from becoming brittle in dry ambient air. Maintenance of the feather vane arrangement requires a more rigid keratin than in hairs. Birds have only one skin gland, the secretion of which contains wax and lipids, but the epidermis is also strongly lipogenic. The sebaceous secretion probably waterproofs the skin, prevents the feathers from becoming too dry, and is anti-microbial. The avian skin surface provides habitats for many commensal micro-organisms and a few bacterial, fungal and arthropod parasites. Pathogenic microorganisms can penetrate the epidermal barrier in wounds or indirectly through the bites of animal parasites. Once in the dermis micro-organisms are combated by immune responses.
Inhabitants of avian skin with special reference to ectoparasitic infestations and diseases of poultry skin
Authors: Titchener R. N.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

Ectoparasites of poultry in the United Kingdom are reviewed. Mention is made of poultry ectoparasites occurring in other parts of the world and of some ectoparasites of British birds. In south west Scotland ectoparasite infestations appear to have decreased following the intensification of the poultry industry. Occasional outbreaks of Dermanyssus gallinae, the red mite and Ceratophyllus gallinae, the hen flea have occurred in modern poultry units. Cases of louse infestation with Menacanthus stramineus have also been observed from farmyard chickens and bantams. The damage caused by ectoparasites and their role in disease transmission is discussed.

Skin diseases of poultry caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses are reviewed. Skin conditions not induced by trauma are extremely rare in south west Scotland. Traumatic induced skin diseases still occur in modern poultry units and are associated with fighting or the use of poor materials in the structure of the house. Cases of staphylococcal wound infection and staphylococcal arthritis have been observed in poultry units where poor quality wire netting or hard spiky litter have been used as floor materials. Mention is also made of two pigeon diseases, pigeon pox and canker.
The biology of the external surfaces of helminth parasites
Authors: Chappell L. H.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

The biological properties of the surface of helminth parasites are examined under three headings, morphology, digestive-absorptive function and defence. The concept of the host-parasite interface is explored.

Platyhelminth parasites are covered by a syncytial tegument with sunken parenchymal cell bodies. The surface is either microvillous or deeply folded, presenting a large surface area relative to volume. The acanthocephalan surface is structurally unique, possessing a branching pore-canal system. The majority of nematodes are surrounded by a thick cuticle composed of distinct layers; exceptions include the entomophilic nematodes.

The absorptive properties of the surface of helminth parasites are discussed and the published data on transtegumental transport of nutrient molecules examined. Most nematodes are impermeable to small molecules, but all other helminths utilise surface transport mechanisms. Cestodes and acanthocephalans lack a gut and the tegument becomes the major site of nutrient uptake.

Surface-bound enzymes have been described in several helminths and indicate the possible extent of surface digestion by parasites. Binding of host digestive enzymes to the helminth surface may also serve a protective as well as nutritional function.

Surface defence mechanisms are described whereby physiological interactions between host and parasite at the helminth surface effect evasion of the host's defences. The essence of these mechanisms is surface disguise.
Limnology and macrophytic vegetation of Loch Obisary, a deep brackish lake in the Outer Hebrides
Authors: Spence D. H. N. , Barclay A. M. , Bodkin P. C.
Published: March 2014

Synopsis

Loch Obisary has a narrow sea inlet to a north basin which is 45 m deep, stratified in summer and winter and joined by shallow channels to an unstratifled south basin.

Mean conductivity (25°C) and sodium measurements indicate that in summer and winter the north basin epilimnion and the south basin comprises about 50%, and the north basin hypolimnion about 80%, sea water. It is calculated that 56% of high tides enter the loch.

Vertical diffuse attenuation coefficients for blue, green and red light are the same in epilimnion and south basin, the blue coefficient being slightly higher than the red in July and much higher in January. In July the blue coefficient in the hypolimnion is lower that the red, as in clear coastal water.

Six out of 24 macrophytes, and eight epiphytes, are confined within 200 m of the sea inlet. Distribution and depth limits of those and other species are discussed in relation to substrate, water chemistry and light. The presence of a halocline in the north basin and its absence from the south basin allow a comparison to be drawn between depth limits set by water chemistry (north basin), and those predicted on the basis of light (south basin) for Potamogeton pectinatus and Nitella opaca.
Botany and mycology
Authors: Morton A. G. , Noble Mary
Published: March 2014

In surveying two centuries of Scottish botany—within which the study of mycology was long customarily included—and in examining its links with the global advance of botanical science, we shall focus attention on a general picture of its development and must disclaim any attempt, in a short essay, to give a detailed history. Nor shall we try to lay down a rigid definition of Scottish botany since we believe that a sufficiently clear and reasonable delimitation will become apparent in the context of what we may call, following David Hume, the necessary connections of our theme.
Ecology
Authors: Gimingham C. H. , Spence D. H. N. , Watson A.
Published: March 2014

It is an impossible task to identify a precise point in time which marks the start of an important departure in scientific thought. Every such development has its antecedents in earlier observations, ideas and interpretations. This applies as much to ecology as to any other branch of knowledge, if not more so since ecology at least in part is a synthetic discipline, depending for its progress on advances in other relevant aspects of biological and environmental science. Ecology is, perhaps, more an approach to biological enquiry than a ‘subject’ with clearly circumscribed information content and terms of reference. It is, however, a distinctive approach in that it concerns the interactions between organisms and the environments within which they habitually dwell, and their interactions among themselves in populations and communities.
Freshwater science
Authors: Maitland Peter S.
Published: March 2014

This review is one of a series commemorating the bicentenary of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (1783–1983). However, in the case of freshwater science, so little work was carried out prior to the establishment of the Royal Society that it is convenient to attempt a comprehensive, if rather brief, review of all the published work available in this field. Restrictions of space have meant that most studies —especially those projects issuing many publications over the last two decades can only be given brief mention.
Medicine
Authors: Montgomery George L.
Published: March 2014

During the two hundred years under review, medical education in Scotland evolved gradually from an apprentice system to become the prerogative of the universities of St Andrews, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh, named in the order of their foundation. Of those, the University of Edinburgh was not only the last to be founded, it differed also in that its administration initially was by the Town Council. It was an Act passed by that body on 9 February 1726, that established the Charter of the Medical Faculty of the University. Four Fellows of the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh, namely John Rutherford, Andrew Sinclair, Andrew Plummer and John Innes were appointed foundation professors, the first two to chairs of the theory and practice of medicine, Plummer and Innes to chairs of medicine and chemistry. All four had been pupils of Boerhaave.
Torrens and Malthus’ Challenge
Authors: Arthmar Rogério
Published: March 2014

This paper examines the arguments of Colonel Robert Torrens against the hypothetical prospect that rising corn prices might result in higher farmers’ profits by reducing the real costs of manufactured articles used in the crop-growing activity. First, it shows how this idea evolved through time in Malthus’ writings on rent. Next, it scrutinizes Torrens’ approach to the subject of value, from its origins to the more elaborate version built up in some of his early inquiries regarding political economy. The outcome of his effort was a simplified image of the mutual interaction among the productive sectors, similar to modern input–output models, composed of an interdependent system with prices and a uniform profit rate determined simultaneously. Finally, some applications for this innovative analytical device are presented, but with an emphasis on the refutation of Malthus’ proposition. The concluding remarks stress Torrens’ ability to devise a proper quantitative answer to the parson’s theoretical challenge despite the scanty technical resources available to classical economists at that time.
Dynamic interference suppression for chipless wireless sensors based on an out-of-band channel estimation method
Authors: Kubina Bernd , Mandel Christian , Schüßler Martin , Jakoby Rolf
Published: March 2014

A channel estimation method for chipless wireless sensors is presented. The method is developed to suppress interference signals in radio frequency backscatter systems. It uses two adjacent frequency bands to estimate and suppress the disturbing signal of a dynamic interferer. Afterwards a correction of the sensor tag's backscatter signal is achieved. The method has been tested in indoor measurements with a chipless strain sensor and a chipless temperature sensor. A metal block has been deployed as an interferer. In the given scenario, the method has enabled a determination of the sensors' resonance frequencies with relative errors of <2% in average. A general dependence of the estimation robustness on the peak bandwidth is observed.
Twins Reunited: Scientific and Personal Perspectives/Twin Research Studies: Multiple Birth Effects on IQ and Body Size; Life Style, Muscles, and Metabolism; Monochorionic Dizygotic Twin with Blood Chimerism; Amniocentesis for Twins/Twins in the Media: Identical Doctors; Freedom Fighter for Twins; Twin Scholarships; Auguste and Jean-Felix Piccard; Twins Born Apart
Authors: Segal Nancy L. , Mulligan Christy A.
Published: March 2014

A reunion of 38-year-old female monozygotic twins took place in Daegu, South Korea, on January 14, 2014. Scientific and personal perspectives on this extraordinary event are provided. A review of timely twin research follows, covering the effects of multiple births on IQ and body size, lifestyle and physical fitness associations, a rare case of a dizygotic twin with blood chimerism and definitional issues surrounding amniocentesis-related loss in multiple birth pregnancies. Interesting and informative mention of twins in the media includes twin doctors, a twin freedom fighter, the availability of college scholarships for twins, a new book about the Piccard family (two of whose members were twins), and co-twins born before and after the new year. A follow-up to a previous mention of identical twin biatheletes is also provided.
Plastic behaviors in hosts promote the emergence of retaliatory parasites
Authors: Abou Chakra Maria , Hilbe Christian , Traulsen Arne
Published: March 2014

Mafia like behavior, where individuals cooperate under the threat of punishment, occurs not only in humans, but is also observed in several animal species. Observations suggest that avian hosts tend to accept a certain degree of parasitism in order to avoid retaliating punishment from the brood parasite. To understand under which conditions it will be beneficial for a host to cooperate, we model the interaction between hosts and parasites as an evolutionary game. In our model, the host's behavior is plastic and thus, its response depends on the previous interactions with the parasite. We find that such learned behavior in turn is crucial for the evolution of retaliating parasites. The abundance of this kind of mafia behavior oscillates in time and does not settle to an equilibrium. Our results suggest that retaliation is a mechanism for the parasite to evade specialization and to induce acceptance by the host.
Southward spreading of the Fukushima-derived radiocesium across the Kuroshio Extension in the North Pacific
Authors: Kumamoto Yuichiro , Aoyama Michio , Hamajima Yasunori , Aono Tatsuo , Kouketsu Shinya , Murata Akihiko , Kawano Takeshi
Published: March 2014

The accident of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant in March 2011 released a large amount of radiocesium into the North Pacific Ocean. Vertical distributions of Fukushima-derived radiocesium were measured at stations along the 149°E meridian in the western North Pacific during the winter of 2012. In the subtropical region, to the south of the Kuroshio Extension, we found a subsurface radiocesium maximum at a depth of about 300 m. It is concluded that atmospheric-deposited radiocesium south of the Kuroshio Extension just after the accident had been transported not only eastward along with surface currents but also southward due to formation/subduction of subtropical mode waters within about 10 months after the accident. The total amount of decay-corrected 134Cs in the mode water was an estimated about 6 PBq corresponding to 10–60% of the total inventory of Fukushima-derived 134Cs in the North Pacific Ocean.
Fano resonances in three-dimensional dual cut-wire pairs
Authors: Wei Xingzhan , Altissimo Matteo , Davis Timothy J. , Mulvaney Paul
Published: March 2014

This paper presents an experimental demonstration of pronounced Fano resonances in a remarkably simple, three-dimensional (3D) plasmonic system, composed of two groups of paired cut-wires with different sizes.
Inverted process for graphene integrated circuits fabrication
Authors: Lv Hongming , Wu Huaqiang , Liu Jinbiao , Huang Can , Li Junfeng , Yu Jiahan , Niu Jiebin , Xu Qiuxia , Yu Zhiping , Qian He
Published: March 2014

CMOS compatible 200 mm two-layer-routing technology is employed to fabricate graphene field-effect transistors and monolithic graphene ICs.
Formation and catalytic activity of Pt supported on oxidized graphene for the CO oxidation reaction
Authors: Tang Yanan , Dai Xianqi , Yang Zongxian , Pan Lijun , Chen Weiguang , Ma Dongwei , Lu Zhansheng
Published: March 2014

Oxidized graphene as the reactive support can control the stability and reactivity of a single-atom Pt catalyst for CO oxidation.
Remarkably enhanced photocatalytic activity of ordered mesoporous carbon/g-C3N4 composite photocatalysts under visible light
Authors: Shi Lei , Liang Lin , Ma Jun , Wang Fangxiao , Sun Jianmin
Published: March 2014

Due to the loaded OMC, photogenerated electrons and holes were efficiently separated, which made OMC/g-C3N4 exhibit enhanced visible light activity.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of coumarin–1,2,3-triazole–dithiocarbamate hybrids as potent LSD1 inhibitors
Authors: Ye Xian-Wei , Zheng Yi-Chao , Duan Ying-Chao , Wang Meng-Meng , Yu Bin , Ren Jing-Li , Ma Jin-Lian , Zhang En , Liu Hong-Min
Published: March 2014

Design of novel coumarin–1,2,3-triazole–dithiocarbamate hybrids as potent LSD1 inhibitors by introducing a coumarin scaffold.
Timed-release polymers as novel transfection reagents
Authors: Gillard Marianne , Jia Zhongfan , Gray Peter P. , Munro Trent P. , Monteiro Michael J.
Published: March 2014

Timed-release polymer with 95% gene expression, which was greater than a commercial transfection reagent.
Bubble-assisted growth of hollow palladium nanospheres with structure control allowing very thin shells for highly enhanced catalysis
Authors: Tang Shaochun , Vongehr Sascha , Wang Xiangyu , Wang Yongguang , Meng Xiangkang
Published: March 2014

Palladium shells are prepared via a one-step solvothermal synthesis involving nanobubbles as soft templates, while still allowing control over diameter, thickness, and grain size, leading to grain-monolayer thin and porous shells with very high electrocatalytic activity.
Stereoselective allylboration of imines and indoles under mild conditions. An in situ E/Z isomerization of imines by allylboroxines
Authors: Alam Rauful , Das Arindam , Huang Genping , Eriksson Lars , Himo Fahmi , Szabó Kálmán J.
Published: March 2014

Direct allylboration of various acyclic and cyclic aldimine, ketimine and indole substrates was performed using allylboronic acids.
‘Click’ to functionalise: synthesis, characterisation and enhancement of the physical properties of a series of exo- and endo-functionalised Pd2L4nanocages
Authors: Lewis James E. M. , Elliott Anastasia B. S. , McAdam C. John , Gordon Keith C. , Crowley James D.
Published: March 2014

Facile CuAAC ‘click’ chemistry has been utilised toexo-functionalise Pd2L4host nanocages with electrochemically active, emissive and solubilising groups.
Synthesis of upconversion NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+particles with enhanced luminescent intensity through control of morphology and phase
Authors: Lin Min , Zhao Ying , Liu Ming , Qiu MuShu , Dong YuQing , Duan ZhenFeng , Li Ying Hui , Pingguan-Murphy Belinda , Lu Tian Jian , Xu Feng
Published: March 2014

Preparation of well-defined NaYF4crystals with bright upconversion emission remains a major challenge.
Glutamyl-tRNAGln amidotransferase is essential for mammalian mitochondrial translation in vivo
Authors: Echevarría Lucía , Clemente Paula , Hernández-Sierra Rosana , Gallardo María Esther , Fernández-Moreno Miguel A. , Garesse Rafael
Published: March 2014

Translational accuracy depends on the correct formation of aminoacyl-tRNAs, which, in the majority of cases, are produced by specific aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases that ligate each amino acid to its cognate isoaceptor tRNA. Aminoacylation of tRNAGln, however, is performed by various mechanisms in different systems. Since no mitochondrial glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase has been identified to date in mammalian mitochondria, Gln-tRNAGln has to be formed by an indirect mechanism in the organelle. It has been demonstrated that human mitochondria contain a non-discriminating glutamyl-tRNA synthetase and the heterotrimeric enzyme GatCAB (where Gat is glutamyl-tRNAGln amidotransferase), which are able to catalyse the formation of Gln-tRNAGlnin vitro. In the present paper we demonstrate that mgatA (mouse GatA) interference in mouse cells produces a strong defect in mitochondrial translation without affecting the stability of the newly synthesized proteins. As a result, interfered cells present an impairment of the oxidative phosphorylation system and a significant increase in ROS (reactive oxygen species) levels. MS analysis of mitochondrial proteins revealed no glutamic acid found in the position of glutamines, strongly suggesting that misaminoacylated Glu-tRNAGln is rejected from the translational apparatus to maintain the fidelity of mitochondrial protein synthesis in mammals.
The Ang-(1–7)/Mas-1 axis attenuates the expression and signalling of TGF-β1 induced by AngII in mouse skeletal muscle
Authors: Morales María Gabriela , Ábrigo Johanna , Meneses Carla , Simon Felipe , Cisternas Franco , Rivera Juan Carlos , Vazquez Yaneisi , Cabello-Verrugio Claudio
Published: March 2014

AngII (angiotensin II) induces pathological conditions such as fibrosis in skeletal muscle. In this process, AngII increases ROS (reactive oxygen species) and induces a biphasic phosphorylation of p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase). In addition, AngII stimulates the expression and production of TGF (transforming growth factor)-β1 via a mechanism dependent on ROS production mediated by NADPH oxidase (NOX) and p38 MAPK activation. In the present study, we investigated whether Ang-(1–7) [angiotensin-(1–7)], through the Mas-1 receptor, can counteract the signalling induced by AngII in mouse skeletal muscle and cause a decrease in the expression and further activity of TGF-β1 in skeletal muscle cells. Our results show that Ang-(1–7) decreased the expression of TGF-β1 induced by AngII in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, we observed that Ang-(1–7) prevented the increase in TGF-β1 expression induced by AngII, ROS production dependent on NOX and the early phase of p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Interestingly, Ang-(1–7) also prevented the late phase of p38 MAPK phosphorylation, Smad-2 phosphorylation and Smad-4 nuclear translocation, an increase in transcriptional activity, as determined using the p3TP-lux reporter, and fibronectin levels, all of which are dependent on the TGF-β1 levels induced by AngII. We also demonstrated that Ang-(1–7) prevented the increase in TGF-β1, fibronectin and collagen content in the diaphragm of mice infused with AngII. All of these effects were reversed by the administration of A779, indicating the participation of Mas-1. In conclusion, our findings support the hypothesis that Ang-(1–7) decreases the expression and further biological activity of TGF-β1 induced by AngII in vitro and in vivo.
Comparison of CABAC rate estimation models for HEVC rate distortion optimisation
Authors: Choi Soonwoo , Chae Soo‐Ik
Published: March 2014

Eight models are compared for CABAC rate estimation for HEVC rate‐distortion optimisation, which are derived by changing three model variables such as the interval range distribution, the MPS range model and the model of generated bits per bin. It is found that the fractional bit model provides substantially better accuracy of rate estimation than the integer model for generated bits per bin, while the interval range distribution and the model of the MPS range do not affect the estimation accuracy significantly. Moreover, it is found that for hardware implementation, using three bits for the fractional part of the estimated bit length per bin in the rate estimation table is enough to obtain reasonable accuracy of rate estimation.
Higher‐order sliding mode observer for estimation of tyre friction in ground vehicles
Authors: Rath Jagat Jyoti , Veluvolu Kalyana Chakravarthy , Defoort Michael , Soh Yeng Chai
Published: March 2014

The estimation of friction coefficient for a vehicle when it traverses on different surfaces has been an important issue. In this work, the longitudinal vehicle dynamics, the torsional tyre dynamics and the non‐linear LuGre friction dynamics are integrated to model the quarter vehicle dynamics. The road adhesion coefficient in the vehicle dynamics is unknown and varies with the contact surface. To address this issue, the authors consider a class of non‐linear uncertain systems that covers the vehicle dynamics and develop a higher‐order sliding mode observer based on supertwisting algorithm for state and unknown input estimations. Under Lipschitz conditions for the non‐linear functions, the convergence of the estimation error is established. By estimating the road adhesion coefficient, the coefficient of friction can be estimated. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed observer for state and unknown input estimation.
Potential impacts of ecological adaptive cruise control systems on traffic and environment
Authors: Wang Meng , Daamen Winnie , Hoogendoorn Serge , van Arem Bart
Published: March 2014

In this contribution, we put forward a modelling framework for generic Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) based on rolling horizon optimal control and design control algorithms for an Ecological Adaptive Cruise Control (EcoACC) system under this framework. The accelerations of EcoACC vehicles are determined by minimizing some predicted cost, and the optimal control problem is solved using a dynamic programming approach. The proposed algorithm is applied on a single lane ring road to examine the impacts of the EcoACC system employing the Eco‐driving strategy comparison with a system employing an Efficient‐driving strategy. Simulation results show that the Eco‐driving strategy results in smoother vehicle behaviour compared to the driving strategies that only consider travel efficiency (Efficient‐driving strategy). At the macroscopic level, the Eco‐driving strategy results in a lower speed and lower flow at free traffic conditions, but a higher speed and higher flow at moderate congested conditions compared to the Efficient‐driving strategy. From an environment perspective, the Eco‐driving strategy results in a lower spatial CO2 emission rate. However, in the ring‐road scenario where the demand is not fixed, the impact of the EcoACC system on total CO2 emissions is negative at moderate congested conditions, due to the high flow it supports.
Bilateral Alloplastic Prostheses for Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction in a Patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: de Oliveira-Neto Patrício Jose , Marchiori Erica Cristina , de Almeida Lopes Maria Candida , Moreira Roger William Fernandes
Published: March 2014

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) or Bechterew disease is a chronic, usually progressive, systemic inflammatory joint disease, which predominantly affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. In these joints, early inflammatory changes are followed by lumbosacral pain and progressive restriction of spinal movement associated with radiologically visible intervertebral ossification. Peripheral joint involvement occurs in 10 to 30% of patients and shows a predilection for the shoulders, knees, ankles, feet, and wrists. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement has been described, and its reported frequency varies from 11 to 35%. However, ankylosis is uncommon with a single documented case utilizing an alloplastic prosthesis for total joint replacement. A case report of bilateral ankylosis of the jaw treated with alloplastic prostheses for total TMJ replacement using a Brazilian system in a patient with AS is presented.
High quality single atomic layer deposition of hexagonal boron nitride on single crystalline Rh(111) four-inch wafers
Authors: Hemmi A. , Bernard C. , Cun H. , Roth S. , Klöckner M. , Kälin T. , Weinl M. , Gsell S. , Schreck M. , Osterwalder J. , Greber T.
Published: March 2014

The setup of an apparatus for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and its characterization on four-inch wafers in ultra high vacuum (UHV) environment is reported. It provides well-controlled preparation conditions, such as oxygen and argon plasma assisted cleaning and high temperature annealing. In situ characterization of a wafer is accomplished with target current spectroscopy. A piezo motor driven x-y stage allows measurements with a step size of 1 nm on the complete wafer. To benchmark the system performance, we investigated the growth of single layer h-BN on epitaxial Rh(111) thin films. A thorough analysis of the wafer was performed after cutting in atmosphere by low energy electron diffraction, scanning tunneling microscopy, and ultraviolet and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. The apparatus is located in a clean room environment and delivers high quality single layers of h-BN and thus grants access to large area UHV processed surfaces, which had been hitherto restricted to expensive, small area single crystal substrates. The facility is versatile enough for customization to other UHV-CVD processes, e.g., graphene on four-inch wafers.
Composite arrays of superconducting microstrip line resonators
Authors: Mohebbi H. R. , Benningshof O. W. B. , Taminiau I. A. J. , Miao G. X. , Cory D. G.
Published: March 2014

A novel design of an array of half-wave superconductive microstrip resonators is described. The resonator is intended to be useful for electron spin resonance studies of thin film samples at cryogenic temperatures. It achieves a high quality factor, has a small mode-volume, and creates a uniform magnetic field in a plane above the resonator. The device is made of thin film Niobium on sapphire wafer and is tested with a static magnetic field. Variation of Q-factor versus the magnetic field's strength at different temperatures is reported and is in a good agreement with simulation when the loss due to the vortices is included. Also, the power-dependence response of the resonator is shown in experiments and is verified by capturing the nonlinearity associated with the surface impedance of the superconducting film into the circuit model of the device.
Induced magnetic ordering in alloyed compounds based on Pauli paramagnet YCo2
Authors: Śniadecki Z. , Werwiński M. , Szajek A. , Rößler U. K. , Idzikowski B.
Published: March 2014

Intermetallic YCo2 compound is a Pauli exchange-enhanced paramagnet. Structural and magnetic properties melt-spun YCo2 pure and alloyed with Nb or Ti are presented. The samples crystallize in MgCu2-type phase with lattice constant a changing from 7.223 Å for YCo2, through 7.213 Å for Y0.9Nb0.1Co2 to 7.192 Å for Y0.9Ti0.1Co2, where Y atoms are replaced by Nb or Ti atoms. Nanocrystalline phases can be produced by appropriate cooling rates for the solidification process. By the synthesis process free volumes, vacancies, and alloyed atoms are introduced into the YCo2 intermetallic. Ab-initio calculations have been performed to investigate the effects of substitution on the spin-split electronic band structure in the ordered YCo2. A ferrimagnetic ground state is found in the alloyed systems with substitution on the Y-site which is energetically favorable compared to point defects on Co-sites. However, the experimentally found increased magnetic ordering in alloyed YCo2 appears to be based on microstructure effects.
Towards high efficiency thin-film crystalline silicon solar cells: The roles of light trapping and non-radiative recombinations
Authors: Bozzola A. , Kowalczewski P. , Andreani L. C.
Published: March 2014

Thin-film solar cells based on silicon have emerged as an alternative to standard thick wafers technology, but they are less efficient, because of incomplete absorption of sunlight, and non-radiative recombinations. In this paper, we focus on the case of crystalline silicon (c-Si) devices, and we present a full analytic electro-optical model for p-n junction solar cells with Lambertian light trapping. This model is validated against numerical solutions of the drift-diffusion equations. We use this model to investigate the interplay between light trapping, and bulk and surface recombination. Special attention is paid to surface recombination processes, which become more important in thinner devices. These effects are further amplified due to the textures required for light trapping, which lead to increased surface area. We show that c-Si solar cells with thickness of a few microns can overcome 20% efficiency and outperform bulk ones when light trapping is implemented. The optimal device thickness in presence of light trapping, bulk and surface recombination, is quantified to be in the range of 10–80 μm, depending on the bulk quality. These results hold, provided the effective surface recombination is kept below a critical level of the order of 100 cm/s. We discuss the possibility of meeting this requirement, in the context of state-of-the-art techniques for light trapping and surface passivation. We show that our predictions are within the capability of present day silicon technologies.
Liquid structure and temperature invariance of sound velocity in supercooled Bi melt
Authors: Emuna M. , Mayo M. , Greenberg Y. , Caspi E. N. , Beuneu B. , Yahel E. , Makov G.
Published: March 2014

Structural rearrangement of liquid Bi in the vicinity of the melting point has been proposed due to the unique temperature invariant sound velocity observed above the melting temperature, the low symmetry of Bi in the solid phase and the necessity of overheating to achieve supercooling. The existence of this structural rearrangement is examined by measurements on supercooled Bi. The sound velocity of liquid Bi was measured into the supercooled region to high accuracy and it was found to be invariant over a temperature range of ∼60°, from 35° above the melting point to ∼25° into the supercooled region. The structural origin of this phenomenon was explored by neutron diffraction structural measurements in the supercooled temperature range. These measurements indicate a continuous modification of the short range order in the melt. The structure of the liquid is analyzed within a quasi-crystalline model and is found to evolve continuously, similar to other known liquid pnictide systems. The results are discussed in the context of two competing hypotheses proposed to explain properties of liquid Bi near the melting: (i) liquid bismuth undergoes a structural rearrangement slightly above melting and (ii) liquid Bi exhibits a broad maximum in the sound velocity located incidentally at the melting temperature.
Field-effect modulated Seebeck coefficient measurements in an organic polymer using a microfabricated on-chip architecture
Authors: Venkateshvaran D. , Kronemeijer A. J. , Moriarty J. , Emin D. , Sirringhaus H.
Published: March 2014

We developed an on-chip microfabricated architecture for high-accuracy gate voltage modulated Seebeck coefficient measurements on an organic field-effect transistor (FET). The microfabricated device comprises integrated heaters and temperature sensors that enable simultaneous Seebeck and FET measurements on devices with practical channel lengths on the order of 50 μm. We exemplify the capabilities of this architecture by investigating the transition from conduction in the semiconductor bulk to conduction in the accumulation layer of a conjugated polymer FET.
Influence of stoichiometry and growth temperature on the crystal structure and magnetic properties of epitaxial L1 Fe-Pd (001) films
Authors: Chang Y. C. , Hsiao S. N. , Liu S. H. , Chen S. K. , Liu Y. T. , Lee H. Y. , Sun A. C. , Dhu J. G.
Published: March 2014

To investigate the crystallographic structure and the magnetic properties as a function of chemical composition (40–62 at. %) and substrate temperature (Ts = 300–550 °C), we fabricated epitaxial FePd films of thickness 20 ± 2 nm by sputtering on MgO (100) single-crystal substrates. The ordering parameter, measured by x-ray diffraction with synchrotron radiation, and the perpendicular anisotropy of the Fe54Pt46 films increased with increasing substrate temperature. For FePd films (Ts = 550 °C) with varied Fe content, a direct correlation between the ordering parameter and the magnetocrystalline anisotropy field is found. The greatest ordering parameter, 0.84, and magnetocrystalline anisotropy field, ∼20 kOe, were obtained for FePd films of Fe concentration 54 at. %, indicating that an off-stoichiometric L10 FePd might be preferable for engineering and applications.
Effect of different thickness crystalline SiC buffer layers on the ordering of MgB2 films probed by extended x-ray absorption fine structure
Authors: Putri W. B. K. , Tran D. H. , Lee O. Y. , Kang W. N. , Miyanaga T. , Yang D. S. , Kang B.
Published: March 2014

Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy is a powerful method to investigate the local structure of thin films. Here, we have studied EXAFS of MgB2 films grown on SiC buffer layers. Crystalline SiC buffer layers with different thickness of 70, 100, and 130 nm were deposited on the Al2O3 (0001) substrates by using a pulsed laser deposition method, and then MgB2 films were grown on the SiC buffer layer by using a hybrid physical-chemical vapor deposition technique. Transition temperature of MgB2 film decreased with increasing thickness of SiC buffer layer. However, the Tc dropping went no farther than 100 nm-thick-SiC. This uncommon behavior of transition temperature is likely to be created from electron-phonon interaction in MgB2 films, which is believed to be related to the ordering of MgB2 atomic bonds, especially in the ordering of Mg–Mg bonds. Analysis from Mg K-edge EXAFS measurements showed interesting ordering behavior of MgB2 films. It is noticeable that the ordering of Mg–B bonds is found to decrease monotonically with the increase in SiC thickness of the MgB2 films, while the opposite happens with the ordering in Mg–Mg bonds. Based on these results, crystalline SiC buffer layers in MgB2 films seemingly have evident effects on the alteration of the local structure of the MgB2 film.
Europe launches newest R&D framework program
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: March 2014

Innovation and excellence are the buzzwords.
Finally, some solid numbers for federal science budgets
Authors: Kramer David
Published: March 2014

A bicameral spending agreement should also smooth the upcoming fiscal year 2015 appropriations process.
Time, laws, and the future of cosmology
Authors: Smolin Lee
Published: March 2014

To be worthy of the title “scientific,” a law of nature must be testable. But nothing requires a scientific law to be unchanging.
Dying in two acute hospitals: would usual care meet Australian national clinical standards?
Authors: Clark Katherine , Byfieldt Naomi , Green Malcolm , Saul Peter , Lack Jill , Philips Jane L.
Published: March 2014

The Australian Commission for Quality and Safety in Health Care (ACQSHC) has articulated 10 clinical standards with the aim of improving the consistency of quality healthcare delivery. Currently, the majority of Australians die in acute hospitals. But despite this, no agreed standard of care exists to define the minimum standard of care that people should accept in the final hours to days of life. As a result, there is limited capacity to conduct audits that focus on the gap between current care and recommended care. There is, however, accumulating evidence in the end of life literature to define which aspects of care are likely to be considered most important to those people facing imminent death. These themes offer standards against which to conduct audits. This is very apt given the national recommendation that healthcare should be delivered in the context of considering people’s wishes while always treating people with dignity and respect.
This work describes a gap analysis undertaken to explore if issues defined as important by people facing imminent death would have been addressed by usual care of the dying in general hospital wards. The specific issues examined included the documentation that was available to define that this person was likely to die soon and how engaged the person dying seemed to be in discussions, how the person was monitored to ensure distressing symptoms were addressed when necessary and what investigations were considered necessary after the time the person was identified as dying.
Although retrospective, the review highlights that usual care would not meet people’s wishes, suggesting that care of the dying would not meet the ACQSHC standard entitled ‘Partnering with consumers’. An alternative model is needed.

What is known about the topic?
The majority of Australians die in acute hospitals. Despite this, there is no agreed Australian evidence-based, clinical standard to define best practice as to what constitutes quality care for these people.

What does this paper add?
This paper explores whether particular specific patient-centred needs defined in the end of life literature would have been meet by usual care delivered to people dying in general medical and surgical wards.

What are the implications for practitioners?
Although many Australians would prefer a home death, the majority of deaths still occur in hospital. In this context, this work articulates that there is a need to consider the wishes and needs of patients when considering care at the end of life in line with Australian standards. However, this is only one aspect of care and further work is needed to consider other aspects of care including the quality of prescribing for dying people.
Seasonal truffle consumption by long-nosed bandicoots (Perameles nasuta) in a mixed rainforest–open forest community in north-eastern New South Wales
Authors: Vernes Karl
Published: March 2014

Scats of long-nosed bandicoots (Perameles nasuta) from north-eastern New South Wales were examined for seasonal occurrence of fungi. Fungus was detected in bandicoot diets in all seasons, but samples from autumn and winter were more likely to contain fungi, and more taxa were consumed in these seasons, compared with spring and summer. Individual scat samples also contained more spore types in autumn and winter than in spring and summer. My results support other work in temperate south-eastern Australia that indicate an autumn and winter peak in fungal availability, and a stronger focus on fungal consumption by mammals at this time of year.
Being drunk and high during sex is not associated with condom use behaviours: a study of high-risk young Black males
Authors: Crosby Richard A. , Milhausen Robin R. , Sanders Stephanie , Graham Cynthia A. , Yarber William L.
Published: March 2014

Objective
To assess the relationship between the frequency of being drunk and high during sex, and condom use errors and problems (CUEP) among a sample of high-risk young Black males recruited from the United States. Methods: Data were collected in clinics treating sexually transmissible infections in three cities in the southern United States. Males 15–23 years of age (n = 697) who identified as African-American and reported recent (past 2 months) condom use were eligible. Measures of alcohol and drug use, as well as condom use behaviours were assessed by audio-computer assisted self-interview. Eighteen CUEP were included in this assessment. Results: Sixteen bivariate correlations were obtained. The magnitude of the coefficients was small, ranging from 0.01 to 0.13. Only three were significant. These were positive associations between the frequency of being drunk and the frequency of unprotected vaginal sex, as well as the frequency of the 18-item measure of CUEP. A significant correlation was also found between the frequency of being high during sex and the frequency of unprotected vaginal sex. Adjustments for age did not change the findings. Conclusions: Interventions designed to promote safer sex behaviours among young Black males attending sexually transmissible infection clinics are no more likely to benefit patients through the inclusion of messages and training attempting to dissuade the use of alcohol and drugs before or during sex.