bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electric circuit modelling for lithium‐ion batteries by intermittent discharging
Authors: Hsieh Yao‐Ching , Lin Tin‐Da , Chen Ruei‐Ji , Lin Hong‐Yu
Published: July 2014

This study introduces a battery modelling technique for lithium‐ion batteries. Repeated intermittent discharging experiments are performed on batteries for a lot of times, and followed by analyses on the battery terminal voltage curves to find an appropriate battery model based on circuit elements and the equations of the battery model parameters. The proposed model is verified by simulating the battery voltages under discharging with different currents. Dynamic behaviours of the battery can be predicted by this model. It can be expected furthermore, real‐time state‐of‐charge estimation algorithm maybe developed by using this model.
A new clocking method for a charge coupled device
Authors: Umezu Rika , Kitamoto Shunji , Murakami Hiroshi
Published: July 2014

We propose and demonstrate a new clocking method for a charge-coupled device (CCD). When a CCD is used for a photon counting detector of X-rays, its weak point is a limitation of its counting rate, because high counting rate makes non-negligible pile-up of photons. In astronomical usage, this pile-up is especially severe for an observation of a bright point-like object. One typical idea to reduce the pile-up is a parallel sum (P-sum) mode. This mode completely loses one-dimensional information. Our new clocking method, panning mode, provides complementary properties between the normal mode and the P-sum mode. We performed a simple simulation in order to investigate a pile-up probability and compared the simulated result and actual obtained event rates. Using this simulation and the experimental results, we compared the pile-up tolerance of various clocking modes including our new method and also compared their other characteristics.
Operation and beam profiling of an up to 200 kHz pulse-burst laser for Thomson scattering
Authors: Young W. C. , Den Hartog D. J.
Published: July 2014

A new, high-repetition rate laser is in development for use on the Thomson scattering diagnostic on the Madison Symmetric Torus. The laser has been tested at a rate of 200 kHz in a pulse-burst operation, producing bursts of 5 pulses above 1.5 J each, while capable of bursts of 17 pulses at 100 kHz. A master oscillator-power amplifier architecture is used with a Nd:YVO4 oscillator, four Nd:YAG amplifiers, and a Nd:glass amplifier. A radial profile over the pulse sequence is measured by using a set of graphite apertures and an energy meter, showing a change in beam quality over a pulsing sequence.
Effects of knot type in the folding of topologically complex lattice proteins
Authors: Soler Miguel A. , Nunes Ana , Faísca Patrícia F. N.
Published: July 2014

The folding properties of a protein whose native structure contains a 52 knot are investigated by means of extensive Monte Carlo simulations of a simple lattice model and compared with those of a 31 knot. A 52 knot embedded in the native structure enhances the kinetic stability of the carrier lattice protein in a way that is clearly more pronounced than in the case of the 31 knot. However, this happens at the expense of a severe loss in folding efficiency, an observation that is consistent with the relative abundance of 31 and 52 knots in the Protein Data Bank. The folding mechanism of the 52 knot shares with that of the 31 knot the occurrence of a threading movement of the chain terminus that lays closer to the knotted core. However, co-concomitant knotting and folding in the 52 knot occurs with negligible probability, in sharp contrast to what is observed for the 31 knot. The study of several single point mutations highlights the importance in the folding of knotted proteins of the so-called structural mutations (i.e., energetic perturbations of native interactions between residues that are critical for knotting but not for folding). On the other hand, the present study predicts that mutations that perturb the folding transition state may significantly enhance the kinetic stability of knotted proteins provided they involve residues located within the knotted core.
Spectra of discrete Schrödinger operators with primitive invertible substitution potentials
Authors: Mei May
Published: July 2014

We study the spectral properties of discrete Schrödinger operators with potentials given by primitive invertible substitution sequences (or by Sturmian sequences whose rotation angle has an eventually periodic continued fraction expansion, a strictly larger class than primitive invertible substitution sequences). It is known that operators from this family have spectra which are Cantor sets of zero Lebesgue measure. We show that the Hausdorff dimension of this set tends to 1 as coupling constant λ tends to 0. Moreover, we also show that at small coupling constant, all gaps allowed by the gap labeling theorem are open and furthermore open linearly with respect to λ. Additionally, we show that, in the small coupling regime, the density of states measure for an operator in this family is exact dimensional. The dimension of the density of states measure is strictly smaller than the Hausdorff dimension of the spectrum and tends to 1 as λ tends to 0.
Fast variance reduction for steady-state simulation and sensitivity analysis of stochastic chemical systems using shadow function estimators
Authors: Milias-Argeitis Andreas , Lygeros John , Khammash Mustafa
Published: July 2014

We address the problem of estimating steady-state quantities associated to systems of stochastic chemical kinetics. In most cases of interest, these systems are analytically intractable, and one has to resort to computational methods to estimate stationary values of cost functions. In this work, we introduce a novel variance reduction algorithm for stochastic chemical kinetics, inspired by related methods in queueing theory, in particular the use of shadow functions. Using two numerical examples, we demonstrate the efficiency of the method for the calculation of steady-state parametric sensitivities and evaluate its performance in comparison to other estimation methods.
Controllability of asynchronous Boolean multiplex control networks
Authors: Luo Chao , Wang Xingyuan , Liu Hong
Published: July 2014

In this article, the controllability of asynchronous Boolean multiplex control networks (ABMCNs) is studied. First, the model of Boolean multiplex control networks under Harvey’ asynchronous update is presented. By means of semi-tensor product approach, the logical dynamics is converted into linear representation, and a generalized formula of control-depending network transition matrices is achieved. Second, a necessary and sufficient condition is proposed to verify that only control-depending fixed points of ABMCNs can be controlled with probability one. Third, using two types of controls, the controllability of system is studied and formulae are given to show: (a) when an initial state is given, the reachable set at time s under a group of specified controls; (b) the reachable set at time s under arbitrary controls; (c) the specific probability values from a given initial state to destination states. Based on the above formulae, an algorithm to calculate overall reachable states from a specified initial state is presented. Moreover, we also discuss an approach to find the particular control sequence which steers the system between two states with maximum probability. Examples are shown to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed scheme.
Electromechanical response of amorphous LaAlO3 thin film probed by scanning probe microscopies
Authors: Borowiak Alexis S. , Baboux Nicolas , Albertini David , Vilquin Bertrand , Saint Girons Guillaume , Pelloquin Sylvain , Gautier Brice
Published: July 2014

The electromechanical response of a 3 nm thick amorphous LaAlO3 layer obtained by molecular beam epitaxy has been studied using scanning probe microscopies. Although this kind of sample is not ferroelectric due to its amorphous nature, the resulting images are identical to what is generally obtained on truly ferroelectric samples probed by piezoresponse force microscopy: domains of apparently opposite polarisation are detected, and perfect, square shaped hysteresis loops are recorded. Moreover, written patterns are stable within 72 h. We discuss in the general case the possible origins of this behaviour in terms of charge injection, ionic conduction and motion of oxygen vacancies. In the case presented in this paper, since the writing process has been conducted with applied voltages lower than the injection threshold measured by conductive atomic force Microscopy, allowing to withdraw the hypothesis of charge injection in the sample, we propose that a bistable distribution of oxygen vacancies is responsible for this contrast.
Enhanced performance of semiconductor optical amplifier at high direct modulation speed with birefringent fiber loop
Authors: Zoiros K. E. , Morel P.
Published: July 2014

We employ a birefringent fiber loop (BFL) for enhancing the performance of a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) which is directly modulated. By properly exploiting the BFL comb-like spectral response, we show that the SOA can be directly modulated at a data rate which is more than five times faster than that enabled by the SOA electrical bandwidth. The experimental results, which include chirp measurements, demonstrate the significant improvements achieved in the performance of the directly modulated SOA with the help of the BFL.
Methods of reducing power fluctuations in wave energy parks
Authors: Göteman Malin , Engström Jens , Eriksson Mikael , Isberg Jan , Leijon Mats
Published: July 2014

One of the major challenges in constructing effective and economically viable wave energy parks is to reduce the large fluctuations in power output. In this paper, we study different methods of reducing the fluctuations and improve the output power quality. The parameters studied include the number of devices, the separating distance between units, the global and local geometries of the array, sea state and incoming wave direction, and the impact of including buoys of different radii in an array. Our results show that, e.g., the fluctuations as well as power per device decrease strictly with the number of interacting units, when the separating distance is kept constant. However, including more devices in a park with fixed area will not necessarily result in lowered power fluctuations. We also show that varying the distance between units affects the power fluctuations to a much larger extent than it affects the magnitude of the absorbed power. The fluctuations are slightly lower in more realistic, randomized geometries where the buoys tend to drift slightly off their mean positions, and significantly lower in semi-circular geometries as opposed to rectangular geometries.
Tunnel field-effect transistor with two gated intrinsic regions
Authors: Zhang Y. , Tabib-Azar M.
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we propose and validate (using simulations) a novel design of silicon tunnel field-effect transistor (TFET), based on a reverse-biased p+-p-n-n+ structure. 2D device simulation results show that our devices have significant improvements of switching performance compared with more conventional devices based on p-i-n structure. With independent gate voltages applied to two gated intrinsic regions, band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) could take place at the p-n junction, and no abrupt degenerate doping profile is required. We developed single-side-gate (SSG) structure and double-side-gate (DSG) structure. SSG devices with HfO2 gate dielectric have a point subthreshold swing of 9.58 mV/decade, while DSG devices with polysilicon gate electrode material and HfO2 gate dielectric have a point subthreshold swing of 16.39 mV/decade. These DSG devices have ON-current of 0.255 μA/μm, while that is lower for SSG devices. Having two nano-scale independent gates will be quite challenging to realize with good uniformity across the wafer and the improved behavior of our TFET makes it a promising steep-slope switch candidate for further investigations.
Field emission behavior of carbon nanotube field emitters after high temperature thermal annealing
Authors: Sun Yuning , Shin Dong Hoon , Yun Ki Nam , Hwang Yeon Mo , Song Yenan , Leti Guillaume , Jeon Seok-Gy , Kim Jung-Il , Saito Yahachi , Lee Cheol Jin
Published: July 2014

The carbon nanotube (CNT) field emitters have been fabricated by attaching a CNT film on a graphite rod using graphite adhesive material. The CNT field emitters showed much improved field emission properties due to increasing crystallinity and decreasing defects in CNTs after the high temperature thermal annealing at 900 °C in vacuum ambient. The CNT field emitters showed the low turn-on electric field of 1.15 V/μm, the low threshold electric field of 1.62 V/μm, and the high emission current of 5.9 mA which corresponds to a current density of 8.5 A/cm2. In addition, the CNT field emitters indicated the enhanced field emission properties due to the multi-stage effect when the length of the graphite rod increases. The CNT field emitter showed good field emission stability after the high temperature thermal annealing. The CNT field emitter revealed a focused electron beam spot without any focusing electrodes and also showed good field emission repeatability.
Impact of severity of ruminal acidosis on feed-sorting behaviour of beef cattle
Authors: DeVries T. J. , Schwaiger T. , Beauchemin K. A. , Penner G. B.
Published: July 2014

The objective of this study was to determine how feed sorting changes in response to the severity of an induced episode of acute ruminal acidosis. Sixteen Angus heifers (261 ± 6.1 kg; bodyweight (BW) ± s.e.m.) were adapted to a high-grain diet (9% forage) before a ruminal acidosis challenge. Ruminal acidosis was induced by restricting feed to 50% of dry matter intake (DMI) as a proportion of BW for 24 h, followed by an intra-ruminal infusion of ground barley at 10% of DMI as a proportion of BW. Ruminal pH and feed sorting were monitored for 8 days (Base) before the challenge and on the challenge (CH) day. Ruminal pH data (duration (min) and area above the curve (min × pH) of pH <5.5) were recorded using an indwelling measurement system. To assess feed sorting, feed and orts were sampled daily and subjected to particle-size analysis. The particle separator had three screens (19, 8, 1.18 mm) and a bottom pan, resulting in four fractions (long, medium, short, fine). Sorting (%) was calculated as the actual intake/predicted intake of each particle fraction. During the Base period and the CH day, heifers sorted for long, medium and short particles, and sorted against fine particles. During the Base period, heifers experienced ruminal pH <5.5 for 489 ± 73 min/day with an area of 154 ± 29 (pH × min)/day; on the CH day, the duration increased to 1020 ± 75 min/day with an area of 631 ± 102 (pH × min)/day. A greater change in duration of pH <5.5 was associated with a greater increase in sorting for long and medium particles. A greater change in the area of pH <5.5 was associated with a greater increase in sorting for long particles and against fine particles. Overall, results show that cattle that experienced a greater degree of acidosis partially coped by sorting their ration more to consume a greater proportion of long, fibrous particles.
Can a single rumen sample really diagnose SARA in commercial farms?
Authors: Trevisi E. , Minuti A. , Cogrossi S. , Grossi P. , Ahmed S. , Bani P.
Published: July 2014

The accuracy of diagnosis of subacute rumen acidosis (SARA) with a single measurement of the ruminal pH remains contradictory. To clarify this aspect, a large assessment of rumen, faecal and blood parameters was performed in several herds characterised by diets rich in non-structural carbohydrates. Rumen fluid was collected by rumenocentesis 6 h after feeding from 114 dairy cows (half 30–90 and half 150–250 days in milk) from 10 herds. In the same day, blood and faecal samples were collected and milk yield was recorded. The herds were ex-post classified as healthy (CTR n = 6) or as at risk for SARA (n = 4), based on ruminal pH. SARA versus CTR herds had lower rumen pH (5.67 vs 5.97 P < 0.01) and higher concentration of VFA, with lower acetate (P < 0.01) and higher propionate and valerate (P < 0.05) proportions. Moreover, the faecal DM was lower (P < 0.05), whereas the milk yield was higher with a lower concentration of fat (P < 0.05). At blood level, no significant differences were observed between the groups on positive acute-phase proteins, whereas SARA herds showed higher concentrations of paraoxonase and Ca and lower of cholesterol, total proteins, nitrates, Na and Zn (P < 0.01). Therefore, SARA herds did not show any evident symptom of ruminal disorder or systemic inflammation. On the contrary, these herds had a higher milk yield and a better inflammometabolic profile. These data confirm the difficulties to diagnose the SARA by a single measurement of ruminal pH in commercial herds and suggest the need of more specific indices to identify herds at risk.
How feasible is it to replace urea with nitrates to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from extensively managed beef cattle?
Authors: Callaghan M. J. , Tomkins N. W. , Benu I. , Parker A. J.
Published: July 2014

Reducing methane emissions from cattle in Australia will be dependent upon finding a strategy that can be readily adopted by its northern beef industry. The majority of the herd are located in this region and they graze low-quality tropical (C4) pastures, resulting in high methane output. There are few mitigation options that can be readily applied to extensively grazed cattle. The addition of nitrate to the diet of cattle has been shown to reduce methane production and may be an applicable strategy in northern Australia. Nitrogen is often the primary limiting nutrient in low-quality tropical pastures and it is common practice by industry to supplement with urea. Supplying an equivalent dose of nitrogen using nitrate as an alternative to urea has been demonstrated in cattle without adverse impacts upon animal productivity or health. These findings may not be directly applicable to grazing cattle in northern Australian because the diets and feeding management are not representative of the region. Nitrite toxicity can result from feeding nitrates to livestock and there is evidence that the composition of the total diet and feeding pattern influences the risk of toxicity. If nitrate supplementation in grazing beef cattle in northern Australia can be demonstrated to reduce methane and be applied safely, adoption rates will still depend on carbon market pricing. Current modelling suggests that the cost of supplementing beef cows with nitrate in northern Australia would be at least double the cost of urea supplementation.
Tissue mobilisation in Holstein-Friesian cattle selected for divergence in efficiency, defined as residual feed intake
Authors: Waghorn G. C. , Macdonald K. A. , Verwoerd M. M.
Published: July 2014

Residual feed intake (RFI) is a measure of feed (energy) requirements of individuals, relative to the population mean. Two groups, of ~120 Holstein-Friesian heifer calves (aged 6–9 months), which differed in efficiency by ~20%, were reared and mated. Liveweight and body condition score (BCS) were measured from 1 week pre-calving, for 16 weeks. Measurements were undertaken in 221, 59 and 104 of these animals as they entered their first (aged 2 years), second or third calving, respectively. The cattle were managed under conditions typical of commercial pastoral farming, and the objective was to measure effects of divergence for RFI on post-calving liveweight and BCS change, to indicate tissue mobilisation. The measurements made showed no difference between RFI selections for liveweight before the first (466 kg), second (535 kg) or third (569 kg) calving. Selection for divergent RFI did not affect liveweight at nadir (2–6 weeks post-calving), weight loss to nadir, or BCS at any time. Tissue mobilisation and re-synthesis is energetically inefficient, and although a greater post-calving loss from inefficient cf. efficient cows may have been anticipated, this was not supported by the similarity in liveweights, liveweight and BCS change in the selection lines for RFI.
Increasing ewe genetic fecundity improves whole-farm production and reduces greenhouse gas emissions intensities: 2. Economic performance
Authors: Ho C. K. M. , Jackson T. , Harrison M. T. , Eckard R. J.
Published: July 2014

Ewes with the fecundity Booroola (FecB) gene produce more lambs per ewe on average than ewes without the gene and offers a potential way to decrease greenhouse gas emissions (net and per unit animal product) without reducing lamb production if the lambs can be reared to market weights. Using a case study farm in south-west Victoria, a biophysical modelling study has previously showed that increased ewe fecundity from 1 to 1.5 lambs per ewe increased production by 27% and reduced net farm emissions by 21% for the same long-term stocking rate. In this study, a whole-farm economic analysis was used to investigate the relative merit of the same case study farm, with high-fecundity ewes, compared with a baseline system that represented a typical prime lamb enterprise in the region. An additional system comprising ewes with high fecundity at a lower stocking rate than the case study farm was also examined. The analysis was undertaken to establish which farm systems represented the most economically efficient use of all the resources that are employed over a run of years, and involved estimating the net present value of annual profits earned by the farm in each scenario, taking into account the total value of capital used. The potential revenue from the sale of carbon credits through the Carbon Farming Initiative was also investigated. After accounting for the additional costs involved, increasing ewe fecundity resulted in an increase in annual whole-farm profit compared with the baseline system, but risk, considered as the variability in farm profit, also increased. Decreasing stocking rate for the high-fecundity system reduced annual operating profit and net present value at a 5% discount rate, but had less risk compared with the higher stocking rate system. While both systems that incorporated high-fecundity ewes reduced greenhouse gas emissions, revenue from the sale of carbon credits was small compared with revenue from the sale of lambs, wool and culled ewes. Despite this, and assuming the required increases in fertility and weaning rates could be achieved consistently on-farm, ewes with high fecundity may offer producers the opportunity to increase production and profit as well as decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
Survey of Bali bull fattening practices in central Lombok, eastern Indonesia, based on feeding of Sesbania grandiflora
Authors: Dahlanuddin  , Yuliana Baiq T. , Panjaitan Tanda , Halliday Michael J. , van de Fliert Elske , Shelton H. Max
Published: July 2014

A longitudinal survey was conducted in 2013 to document the productivity of the Sesbania grandiflora feeding system for cattle fattening in central Lombok. Sesbania is integrated into the intensive rice-growing region by planting it along the rice bunds surrounding the rice fields. The hamlet of Nyerot in the subdistrict of Jonggat was chosen for the study as it had a long history of successful use of sesbania for fattening Bali bulls. Parameters measured included: area of rice paddy where sesbania could be planted; forage establishment, harvesting and feeding practices; cattle purchases and sales; and monthly liveweight gain. Farmers planted an average of 406 sesbania trees on bunds surrounding 0.6 ha of rice paddy. The median values for the main forages fed (dry matter offered) were harvested elephant grass (78% of diet), sesbania (12% of diet) and other feeds (mainly rice bran) (5% of diet). Sesbania was harvested by lopping the lower side branches of ~6 trees per bull per day and never completely defoliating single trees. The farmers fattened an average of 1.6 bulls at a time achieving a yearly mean liveweight gain of 0.41 kg/bull.day. New bulls were purchased with an average liveweight of 203 kg while the average sale weight was 260 kg. Purchase and sale prices were high at A$3.27 and A$3.29, respectively, while the average fattening period was 5 months. Bull liveweight gains were related to total amount of forage fed. No direct statistically significant link between liveweight gains and amount of sesbania fed was obtained due to the multiple factors that influenced forage and bull management. This survey has provided new insights into the practice of bull fattening in central Lombok. The survey has confirmed the high productivity of the feeding system and has highlighted the opportunity to scale out the use of system to other regions.
The magnetoelectrochemical switch
Authors: Lunca Popa Petru , Kemp Neil T. , Majjad Hicham , Dalmas Guillaume , Faramarzi Vina , Andreas Christian , Hertel Riccardo , Doudin Bernard
Published: July 2014

Significance

The magnetic gradient force field offers numerous possibilities to position and manipulate magnetic nanoparticles, but has limited influence on paramagnetic molecules in solutions. We argue here that proper design and miniaturization of ferromagnetic electrodes create huge force fields in their vicinity, tunable by an external magnetic field. We illustrate this concept by presenting how the conduction of a Ni metallic nanobridge is drastically modified by the Ni redox reactions equilibrium shifted under magnetic control, creating the chemical equivalent of the solid-state spin valve device. While the importance of the magnetic field amplitude on chemical reactions is well documented, our findings suggest that the magnetic field gradient can become a dominant influencing factor on chemical reactions at the nanoscale.
Intracellular Ca-carbonate biomineralization is widespread in cyanobacteria
Authors: Benzerara Karim , Skouri-Panet Feriel , Li Jinhua , Férard Céline , Gugger Muriel , Laurent Thierry , Couradeau Estelle , Ragon Marie , Cosmidis Julie , Menguy Nicolas , Margaret-Oliver Isabel , Tavera Rosaluz , López-García Purificación , Moreira David
Published: July 2014

Significance

Cyanobacteria are known to promote the precipitation of Ca-carbonate minerals by the photosynthetic uptake of inorganic carbon. This process has resulted in the formation of carbonate deposits and a fossil record of importance for deciphering the evolution of cyanobacteria and their impact on the global carbon cycle. Though the mechanisms of cyanobacterial calcification remain poorly understood, this process is invariably thought of as extracellular and the indirect by-product of metabolic activity. Here, we show that contrary to common belief, several cyanobacterial species perform Ca-carbonate biomineralization intracellularly. We observed at least two phenotypes for intracellular biomineralization, one of which shows an original connection with cell division. These findings open new perspectives on the evolution of cyanobacterial calcification.
Syntheses and biological activities of the proposed structure of apteniol A and its derivatives
Authors: Nishikawa Hikaru , Noshita Toshiro , Tai Akihiro , Ouchi Hidekazu , Okamoto Taisuke , Saito Akiko , Yamada Teiko , Iomori Atsuko , Ishimata Nao
Published: July 2014

We describe the syntheses of the proposed structure of diphenyl ether oxyneolignan, apteniol A and its derivatives. The diphenyl ether moiety of proposed apteniol A was formed via Ullmann ether synthesis, but the spectral data of the synthesized apteniol A did not agree with that in previous studies. The dimethyl ester derivative of the proposed apteniol A was found to enhance neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells and inhibit antigen-induced degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells.
Identification and characterization of Aeromonas hydrophila genes encoding the outer membrane receptor of ferrioxamine B and an AraC-type transcriptional regulator
Authors: Funahashi Tatsuya , Tanabe Tomotaka , Maki Jun , Miyamoto Katsushiro , Tsujibo Hiroshi , Yamamoto Shigeo
Published: July 2014

We found that, under iron-limiting conditions, Aeromonas hydrophila ATCC 7966T could utilize the xenosiderophore desferrioxamine B (DFOB) for growth by inducing the expression of its own outer membrane receptor. Two consecutive genes, desR and desA, were selected as candidates involved in DFOB utilization. The presence of the ferric-uptake regulator boxes in their promoters suggested that these genes are under iron-dependent regulation. Mutation of desA, a gene that encodes the outer membrane receptor of ferrioxamine B, disrupted the growth of the amonabactin-deficient mutant in the presence of DFOB. β-Galactosidase reporter assays and reverse transcriptase-quantitative PCR demonstrated that desR, a gene that encodes an AraC-like regulator homolog is required for the induction of desA transcription in the presence of DFOB and under iron-limiting conditions. The functions of desA and desR were analyzed using complementation experiments. Our data provided evidence that DesA is powered primarily by the TonB2 system.
Inter-state tensions and regional integration: could the Arab Spring initiate a virtuous circle?
Authors: Sekkat Khalid
Published: July 2014

This paper draws on the economic and political sciences literature to examine the possibility that the Arab Spring could bring the region out of the past vicious circle by which regional integration is stalled by political tensions and the latter are exacerbated by the lack of integration. This analysis suggests that the outcome depends on a number of factors, among which democracy plays a major role. Arguments based on the relationship between human capital and the development of democracy are put forward to support the likelihood of a virtuous circle developing.
MRM2 and MRM3 are involved in biogenesis of the large subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome
Authors: Rorbach Joanna , Boesch Pierre , Gammage Payam A. , Nicholls Thomas J. J. , Pearce Sarah F. , Patel Dipali , Hauser Andreas , Perocchi Fabiana , Minczuk Michal
Published: July 2014

Defects of the translation apparatus in human mitochondria are known to cause disease, yet details of how protein synthesis is regulated in this organelle remain to be unveiled. Ribosome production in all organisms studied thus far entails a complex, multistep pathway involving a number of auxiliary factors. This includes several RNA processing and modification steps required for correct rRNA maturation. Little is known about the maturation of human mitochondrial 16S rRNA and its role in biogenesis of the mitoribosome. Here we investigate two methyltransferases, MRM2 (also known as RRMJ2, encoded by FTSJ2) and MRM3 (also known as RMTL1, encoded by RNMTL1), that are responsible for modification of nucleotides of the 16S rRNA A-loop, an essential component of the peptidyl transferase center. Our studies show that inactivation of MRM2 or MRM3 in human cells by RNA interference results in respiratory incompetence as a consequence of diminished mitochondrial translation. Ineffective translation in MRM2- and MRM3-depleted cells results from aberrant assembly of the large subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome (mt-LSU). Our findings show that MRM2 and MRM3 are human mitochondrial methyltransferases involved in the modification of 16S rRNA and are important factors for the biogenesis and function of the large subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome.
FUS is sequestered in nuclear aggregates in ALS patient fibroblasts
Authors: Schwartz Jacob C. , Podell Elaine R. , Han Steve S. W. , Berry James D. , Eggan Kevin C. , Cech Thomas R.
Published: July 2014

Mutations in the RNA-binding protein FUS have been shown to cause the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We investigate whether mutant FUS protein in ALS patient–derived fibroblasts affects normal FUS functions in the nucleus. We investigated fibroblasts from two ALS patients possessing different FUS mutations and a normal control. Fibroblasts from these patients have their nuclear FUS protein trapped in SDS-resistant aggregates. Genome-wide analysis reveals an inappropriate accumulation of Ser-2 phosphorylation on RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) near the transcription start sites of 625 genes for ALS patient cells and after small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of FUS in normal fibroblasts. Furthermore, both the presence of mutant FUS protein and siRNA knockdown of wild-type FUS correlate with altered distribution of RNA Pol II within fibroblast nuclei. A loss of FUS function in orchestrating Ser-2 phosphorylation of the CTD of RNA Pol II is detectable in ALS patient–derived fibroblasts expressing mutant FUS protein, even when the FUS protein remains largely nuclear. A likely explanation for this loss of function is the aggregation of FUS protein in nuclei. Thus our results suggest a specific mechanism by which mutant FUS can have biological consequences other than by the formation of cytoplasmic aggregates.
Detection of molecular gas in an ALMA [C ii]-identified submillimetre galaxy at z = 4.44
Authors: Huynh M. T. , Kimball A. E. , Norris R. P. , Smail Ian , Chow K. E. , Coppin K. E. K. , Emonts B. H. C. , Ivison R. J. , Smolčić V. , Swinbank A. M.
Published: July 2014

We present the detection of 12CO(2–1) in the z = 4.44 submillimetre galaxy ALESS65.1 using the Australia Telescope Compact Array. A previous Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array study of submillimetre galaxies (SMGs) in the Extended Chandra Deep Field South determined the redshift of this optically and near-infrared undetected source through the measurement of [C ii] 157.74 μm emission. Using the luminosity of the 12CO(2–1) emission, we estimate the gas mass to be Mgas ∼ 1.7 × 1010 M⊙. The gas depletion time-scale of ALESS65.1 is ∼ 25 Myr, similar to other high-redshift SMGs and consistent with z > 4 SMGs being the progenitors of massive ‘red-and-dead’ galaxies at z > 2. The ratio of the [C ii], 12CO and far-infrared luminosities implies a strong far-ultraviolet field of G0 ∼ 103.25, which is at the high end of the far-ultraviolet fields seen in local starbursts, but weaker than the far-ultraviolet fields of most nearby ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs). The high ratio of $L_{\rm [{\rm C\,\small {II}}]}/L_{\rm FIR} = 1.0 \times 10^{-3}$ observed in ALESS65.1, combined with $L_{\rm [{\rm C\,\small {II}}]}/L_{\rm CO} \sim 2300$, is consistent with ALESS65.1 having more extended regions of intense star formation than local ULIRGs.
African elephants (Loxodonta africana) recognize visual attention from face and body orientation
Authors: Smet Anna F. , Byrne Richard W.
Published: July 2014

How do animals determine when others are able and disposed to receive their communicative signals? In particular, it is futile to make a silent gesture when the intended audience cannot see it. Some non-human primates use the head and body orientation of their audience to infer visual attentiveness when signalling, but whether species relying less on visual information use such cues when producing visual signals is unknown. Here, we test whether African elephants (Loxodonta africana) are sensitive to the visual perspective of a human experimenter. We examined whether the frequency of gestures of head and trunk, produced to request food, was influenced by indications of an experimenter's visual attention. Elephants signalled significantly more towards the experimenter when her face was oriented towards them, except when her body faced away from them. These results suggest that elephants understand the importance of visual attention for effective communication.
Enterobacteriaceae isolates carrying the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase gene in Yemen
Authors: Gharout-Sait Alima , Alsharapy Samer-Ahmed , Brasme Lucien , Touati Abdelaziz , Kermas Rachida , Bakour Sofiane , Guillard Thomas , de Champs Christophe
Published: July 2014

Ten carbapenem-resistantEnterobacteriaceae(eightKlebsiella pneumoniaeisolates and twoEnterobacter cloacae) isolates from Yemen were investigated usingin vitroantimicrobial susceptibility testing, phenotypic carbapenemase detection, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and replicon typing. Carbapenemase, extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinant genes were identified using PCR and sequencing. All of the 10 carbapenem-resistantEnterobacteriaceaewere resistant to β-lactams, tobramycin, ciprofloxacin and cotrimoxazole. Imipenem, doripenem and meropenem MICs ranged from 2 to >32 mg l−1and ertapenem MICs ranged from 6 to >32 mg l−1. All of theK. pneumoniaeisolates showed ESBL activity in phenotypic tests. Genes encodingblaNDMwere detected in all strains. AllK. pneumoniaestrains produced CTX-M-15 ESBL and SHV β-lactamases. TEM-1 β-lactamase was detected in seven isolates. Nine isolates wereqnrpositive including QnrB1, QnrA1 and QnrS1, and six isolates produced AAC-6′-Ib-cr. MLST identified five different sequence types (STs): ST1399, ST147, ST29, ST405 and ST340. Replicon typing showed the presence of IncFII1K plasmids in four transformants. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of NDM-1-producingEnterobacteriaceaeisolates in Yemen.
Characterization of a novel two-partner secretion system implicated in the virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Faure Laura M. , Garvis Steve , de Bentzmann Sophie , Bigot Sarah
Published: July 2014

Pseudomonas aeruginosais an opportunistic human pathogen implicated in nosocomial infection and infecting people with compromised immune systems such as cystic fibrosis patients. Although multiple genes involved inP. aeruginosapathogenesis have been characterized, the overall mechanism of virulence is not fully understood. In this study, we identified a functional two-partner secretion (TPS) system, composed of the PdtA exoprotein and its cognate pore-forming β-barrel PdtB transporter, which is implicated in the virulence ofP. aeruginosa. We found that the predicted PdtA exoprotein is related to the HMW-like adhesins subfamily TPS systems. We demonstrate here that limitation of inorganic phosphate (Pi) allows the production of PdtA protein. We show that PdtA is processed during its outer-membrane translocation, with an N-terminal domain released into the extracellular environment and a C-terminal domain associated with the outer membrane of the cell. We also obtained evidence that the transport of PdtA is strictly dependent on the production of PdtB, a result confirming that these proteins constitute a functional TPS system. Furthermore, using theCaenorhabditis elegansmodel of infection, we show that apdtAmutant is less virulent than the wild-type strain.
Quality characteristics and antioxidant activity of black Doraji-apple juice mixed with jujube extracts
Authors: Kim Ja-Min , Moon Yong-Sun , Yoon Kyung-Young
Published: July 2014

This study was conducted to investigate the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of black Doragi-apple juice to increase the utilization of Doragi , which is known as a high-functional horticultural crop. To prepare the black Doragi , it was steamed for 15 days at 60°C and was then dried at 30°C for 3 h. The five types of black Doragi-apple juice were prepared based on different mixing ratios of black Doraji extract, apple extract, and jujube extract. The mixing ratios of black Doraji extract, apple extract, and jujube extract were 3:3:1, 4:2:1, 2:4:1, 2:2:1, and 2:6:1 for samples A, B, C, D, and E, respectively. The pH and acidity of black Doragi-apple juice were within the ranges of 3.9-4.15 and 1.26-1.51%, respectively. Black Doraji-apple juice E showed the highest sugar content (9.33 °Brix), reducing sugar content (85.05 mg/mL), and sugar content/acid ratio (6.98). Based on the sensory evaluation, sample C was most preferable in terms of color, taste, sugar-acid ratio, and overall preference, except for the flavor. Black Doragi-apple juice D showed a higher total polyphenol content (706 μg/mL) than sample C (586.22 μg/mL), but there was no statistically significant difference between samples C and D in terms of antioxidant activities. Therefore, it is suggested that the best mixing ratio of black Doraji extract, apple extract, and jujube extract for the production of the best black Doragi-apple juice with excellent taste and antioxidant activities is 2:4:1 (sample C).
Diaqua[5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl)porphyrinato-κ4N]iron(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate–4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde–water (1/1/2)
Authors: Ben Haj Hassen Leila , Ezzayani Khaireddine , Rousselin Yoann , Nasri Habib
Published: July 2014

In the title compound, [Fe(C44H24Cl4N4)(H2O)2](SO3CF3)·C8H8O3·2H2O, the FeIIIcation is chelated by the four N atoms of the deprotonated tetrakis(4-chlorotetraphenyl)porphyrin (TClPP) and further coordinated by two water molecules in a distorted octahedral geometry. In the crystal, the cations, anions, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde and water molecules of crystallization are linked by classical O—H...O hydrogen bonds and weak C—H...O and C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture. The crystal packing is further stabilized by weak C—H...π interactions involving pyrrole and benzene rings. π–π stacking between parallel benzene rings of adjacent 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde molecules is also observed, the centroid–centroid distance being 3.8003 (13) Å. The three F atoms of the anion are disordered over two sets of sites, with a refined occupancy ratio 0.527 (12):0.473 (12). The O atom of one water molecule of crystallization is also disordered over two positions in an occupancy ratio of 0.68 (5):0.32 (5).
(Benzyldiphenylphosphane-1κP)[μ-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)methane-2:3κ2P:P′]nonacarbonyl-1κ3C,2κ3C,3κ3C-triangulo-triruthenium(0)
Authors: Shawkataly Omar bin , Khan Imthyaz Ahmed , Sirat Siti Syaida , Rosli Mohd Mustaqim
Published: July 2014

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Ru3(C19H17P)(C25H22P2)(CO)9], consists of two independent molecules. The bis(diphenylphosphanyl)methane ligand bridges an Ru—Ru bond and the benzyldiphenylphosphane ligand binds to the third Ru atom. The Ru—Ru bondcisto the benzyldiphenylphosphane ligand is the longest of the three Ru—Ru bonds in both molecules. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming layers parallel to theacplane. C—H...π contacts further stabilize the crystal packing.
4-(2-Nitrobenzyl)-3-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-2-ol
Authors: Chouguiat Louisa , Boulcina Raouf , Bouacida Sofiane , Merazig Hocine , Debache Abdelmadjid
Published: July 2014

The title compound, C21H18N2O4, crystallizes with two independent molecules (AandB) in the asymmetric unit. In both molecules the oxazine ring has an envelope conformation with the hydroxyl-substituted C atom as the flap. The nitrobenzyl ring and the phenyl ring are almost normal to the mean plane of the benzooxazine ring system with dihdral angles of 85.72 (15) and 82.69 (15)°, respectively, in molecule A, and 85.79 (15) and 87.72 (15)°, respectively, in molecule B. The main difference in the conformation of the two molecules concerns the dihedral angle between the nitrobenzyl ring and the phenyl ring,viz.79.67 (18) in moleculeAand 71.13 (18)° in moleculeB. In the crystal, theAandBmolecules are linked by an O—H...O hydrogen bond. These units are then linkedviaC—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming sheets lying parallel to (010). Further C—H...O hydrogen bonds link the sheets to form a three-dimensional network. There are also O—H...π and C—H...π interactions present, reinforcing the three-dimensional structure.
Financial engineering for the farm problem
Authors: G. Turvey Calum , Woodard Joshua , Liu Edith
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a general discussion of how techniques from financial engineering can be used to investigate the economic costs of farm programs and to aid in the design of new financial products to implement margin protection for dairy farmers. Specifically the paper investigates the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) and the Dairy Margin Protection (DMP) program. In addition the paper introduces the concept of the Milk to Corn Price ratio to protect margins.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper introduces and reviews the tools of financial engineering. These include the stochastic calculus and Itô's Lemma. The empirical tool is Monte Carlo simulations. The approach is part pedagogy and part practice.

Findings

– In this paper the authors illustrate how financial engineering can be used to price complex price stabilization formula in the USA and to illustrate its use in the design of new products.

Practical implications

– In this paper the authors illustrate how financial engineering can be used to price complex price stabilization formula in the USA and to illustrate its use in the design of new products.

Social implications

– Farm programs designed to protect dairy farmers margins are designed in a seemingly ad hoc fashion. Assessments of programs such as MILC or DMP are conducted on an ex-post basis using historical data. The financial engineering approach presented in this paper provides the means to add significant depth to the assessment of such programs which can be used in conjunction with Monte Carlo simulation to identify alternative model structures before they are written into law.

Originality/value

– This paper builds upon an existing literature. Its originality is in the application of financial engineering techniques to farm dairy policy.
Using consumer surveys to determine food sustainability
Authors: Martindale Wayne
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to define the sustainability attributes of frozen and fresh food consumption in a typical household. The reason for writing this paper is that food preservation is often overlooked when developing sustainability strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study uses established carbon footprint data for specific food types and consumer survey data to determine how consumers use fresh and frozen products in the home. Consumption and waste data for 83 households was obtained using a combination of narrative and graphical association questions.

Findings

– The results show greenhouse gas emissions associated with a diets containing frozen food are reduced because 47 per cent less frozen foods is wasted as compared to fresh foods with a typical household wasting 10.4 per cent of fresh food and 5.9 per cent frozen food.

Research limitations/implications

– This research has highlighted the importance of understanding the waste impacts of catering and food service consumption outside the home.

Practical implications

– This research will guide future product development for frozen foods with regard to dietary planning and portion control.

Social implications

– The cost and sustainability benefits of meal planning are identified and these will inform policy making and education to improve dietary choices.

Originality/value

– This work extends the scope of current consumer surveys that assess quality, value and taste attributes to sustainability criteria and it will enable collaboration between fresh and frozen product categories to deliver sustainable dietary options.