bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal processing in the auditory brainstem response by full-term 6-week- and 9-month-old infants
Authors: Mai Xiaoqin , Tardif Twila , Xu Lin , Li Mingyan , Kileny Paul R. , Shao Jie , Lozoff Betsy
Published: July 2015

Early auditory temporal processing abilities are important for language acquisition and for later reading abilities. In the present study, auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were recorded in a forward-masking paradigm in healthy, full-term infants aged 6 weeks (n = 111) and 9 months (n = 62). Our purpose was to establish normative values of forward-masking ABRs and investigate the development of auditory temporal processing in infants at these ages. Infants were presented with pairs of stimuli (an initial “masker” followed by a “probe”) separated by different time intervals (8, 16 and 64 ms). Results showed that as masker-probe intervals became longer and as infants got older, Wave V latency to the probe shortened. The greatest improvements in Wave V latencies from 6 weeks to 9 months of age were observed in the 64-ms masker-probe interval, suggesting that central auditory nervous system related to the temporal processing at this interval might undergo rapid development during the first year of life.
DNA-hybrid-gated functional mesoporous silica for sensitive DNA methyltransferase SERS detection
Authors: Wang Xiaomeng , Cui Meirong , Zhou Hong , Zhang Shusheng
Published: July 2015

By combining mesoporous silica nanoparticles and surface-enhanced Raman scattering assisted strand-scission cycles, we developed an ultrasensitive and specific DNA methyltransferase detection method.
A self-assembled octanuclear complex bearing the uncommon close-packed {Fe4Mn4(μ4-O)4(μ-O)4} molecular core
Authors: Nesterova Oksana V. , Chygorin Eduard N. , Kokozay Vladimir N. , Omelchenko Irina V. , Shishkin Oleg V. , Boča Roman , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: July 2015

An Fe/Mn Schiff base complex with an unprecedented metal core type for a heterometallic compound, has been prepared by the one-pot direct synthesis method and magnetostructurally characterized.
Highly luminescent charge-neutral europium(iii) and terbium(iii) complexes with tridentate nitrogen ligands
Authors: Senthil Kumar Kuppusamy , Schäfer Bernhard , Lebedkin Sergei , Karmazin Lydia , Kappes Manfred M. , Ruben Mario
Published: July 2015

We report the synthesis and efficient photoluminescence of charge-neutral lanthanide (Ln = Eu3+ and Tb3+) complexes based on pyrazole–pyridine–tetrazole and pyrazole–pyridine–triazole ligands.
Phosphane–ene chemistry: the reactivity of air-stable primary phosphines and their compatibility with the thiol–ene reaction
Authors: Guterman Ryan , Gillies Elizabeth R. , Ragogna Paul J.
Published: July 2015

Air-sensitive and air-stable primary phosphines (RPH2) were compared for their ability to undergo photoinitiated phosphane–ene chemistry with 1-hexene.
Gold dithiolene complexes: easy access to 2-alkylthio-thiazoledithiolate complexes
Authors: Filatre-Furcate Agathe , Auban-Senzier Pascale , Fourmigué Marc , Roisnel Thierry , Dorcet Vincent , Lorcy Dominique
Published: July 2015

Reaction of RI with N-tert-butyl-1,3-thiazoline-2-thione derivatives allows the formation of 2-alkylthio-thiazoledithiolate pro-ligands, precursors of AuIII dithiolene complexes, [Au(RS-tzdt)2]−1,0.
Paper diagnostic device for quantitative electrochemical detection of ricin at picomolar levels
Authors: Cunningham Josephine C. , Scida Karen , Kogan Molly R. , Wang Bo , Ellington Andrew D. , Crooks Richard M.
Published: July 2015

A paper analytical device for quantitative electrochemical detection of ricin a chain is reported. It relies on magnetic preconcentration and silver nanoparticle labels to yield a detection limit of 34 pM.
One-step electrodeposition of CuInxGa1−xSe2 thin films from a mixture system of ionic liquid and ethanol
Authors: Lian Ye , Ji Shanshan , Zhao Lei , Zhang Jie , Yang Peixia , Zhang Jinqiu , An Maozhong
Published: July 2015

Synthesizing high crystalline quality p-type semiconductor CIGS thin film with a band gap of 1.41 eV by galvanostatic electrodeposition.
Mechanistic studies on the pH-controllable interconversion between hydrogen and formic acid in water: DFT insights
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Chen Xiankai , Liu Huiling , Huang Xuri
Published: July 2015

Our theoretical results will facilitate the mechanistic understanding of sustainable H2 storage/delivery in homogeneous catalysis.
Asymmetrical vesicles: convenient in situ RAFT synthesis and controllable structure determination
Authors: Song Zefeng , He Xin , Gao Chengqiang , Khan Habib , Shi Pengfei , Zhang Wangqing
Published: July 2015

Asymmetrical vesicles of a block copolymer were prepared, and the vesicle structure was found to be dependent on the degree of polymerization of solvophilic blocks.
A biosensor based on a film bulk acoustic resonator and biotin–avidin system for the detection of the epithelial tumor marker mucin 1
Authors: Guo Peng , Xiong Juan , Zheng Dan , Zhang Weihai , Liu Lei , Wang Shengfu , Gu Haoshuang
Published: July 2015

A streptavidin-immobilized FBAR biosensor in virtue of specific binding between biotin and avidin was successfully fabricated for mucin 1 detection.
Electrochemical detection of a pathogenic Escherichia coli specific DNA sequence based on a graphene oxide–chitosan composite decorated with nickel ferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Tiwari Ida , Singh Monali , Pandey Chandra Mouli , Sumana Gajjala
Published: July 2015

An electrochemical genosensor has been fabricated forEscherichia coliO157:H7 detection using a graphene oxide–nickel ferrite–chitosan nanocomposite electrophoretically deposited on an ITO coated glass substrate.
Controllable in situ synthesis of BiOBrxI1−x solid solution on reduced graphene oxide with enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance
Authors: Yang Zhichong , Cheng Fuxing , Dong Xiaoping , Cui Fangming
Published: July 2015

BiOBrxI1−x–rGO solid solution photocatalysts have been developed by an in situ controllable deposition method, which possessed exceptional photocatalytic activities due to their more effective charge separation and transportation.
Novel catalyst of zinc tetraamino-phthalocyanine supported by multi-walled carbon nanotubes with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Wan Yi , Liang Qian , Cong Tiantian , Wang Xinyu , Tao Yuyao , Sun Manyou , Li Zhongyu , Xu Song
Published: July 2015

Zinc tetraamino-phthalocyanine (ZnTAPc) supported by multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) hybrid materials were successfully fabricated by the method of chemical grafting and their photocatalysis behavior was reported.
Temperature effects on a motion transmission device made from carbon nanotubes: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Cai Kun , Zhang Xiaoni , Shi Jiao , Qin Qing-Hua
Published: July 2015

Temperature effects on a motion transmission system made from coaxial carbon nanotubes ((5, 5) motor and (5, 5)/(10, 10)/(1, 15) converter) is studied. Changing the environmental temperature can induce mode conversion of the rotation of (5, 5) rotor.
Ohmic heating assisted synthesis of coumarinyl porphyrin derivatives
Authors: Cardoso M. F. do C. , Gomes A. T. P. C. , Silva V. L. M. , Silva A. M. S. , Neves M. G. P. M. S. , da Silva F. de C. , Ferreira V. F. , Cavaleiro J. A. S.
Published: July 2015

Efficient access to coumarinyl porphyrin derivatives bearing pyrano[3,2-c]coumarin motifs is disclosed. Conditions used ohmic heating and water, in Knoevenagel and hetero-Diels–Alder reactions between a beta-vinylporphyrin and α-methylenechromanes.
A prelithiated lithium vanadate anode and the mass balancing of its hybrid capacitor
Authors: Wei Hao-Yu , Tsai Dah-Shyang , Hsieh Chung-Lung
Published: July 2015

A hybrid capacitor equipped with a Li3VO4 anode with high lithiation levels results in a lower electrode potential at 0% SOC and draws more capacity out of its matching activated carbon cathode.
Nitric oxide-releasing graft polymer micelles with distinct pendant amphiphiles
Authors: Gao Min , Liu Sihui , Fan Aiping , Wang Zheng , Zhao Yanjun
Published: July 2015

The architecture of nitric oxide-releasing graft polymer micelles affects the cargo release profile.
A 3D hierarchical magnetic Fe@Pt/Ti(OH)4 nanoarchitecture for sinter-resistant catalyst
Authors: Zhang Chao , Zhou Yuming , Zhang Yiwei , Zhang Zewu , Xu Yuanmei , Wang Qianli
Published: July 2015

The synthesized 3D hierarchical magnetic Fe@Pt/Ti(OH)4 nanoarchitecture shows an excellent anti-sintering property for the physical barrier effects of Ti(OH)4 nanorods and a well recyclability.
Fluctuations in flows near jamming
Authors: Woldhuis Erik , Chikkadi Vijayakumar , van Deen Merlijn S. , Schall Peter , van Hecke Martin
Published: July 2015

The spatial–temporal pattern of dissipation in flows of disordered media evidences two distinct flow regimes.
Fullerene-capped copolymers for bulk heterojunctions: device stability and efficiency improvements
Authors: Raïssi Mahfoudh , Erothu Harikrishna , Ibarboure Emmanuel , Cramail Henri , Vignau Laurence , Cloutet Eric , Hiorns Roger C.
Published: July 2015

Remarquable effect of a fullerene end-capped poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) on both the stability and the efficiency of devices made from exemplar P3HT and [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM).
Soft chemical in situ synthesis, formation mechanism and electrochemical performances of 1D bead-like AgVO3 nanoarchitectures
Authors: Kong Xingang , Guo Zhanglin , Zeng Chaobin , Huang Jianfeng , Cao Liyun , Li Li , Yin Lixiong , Wen Puhong , Feng Qi , Xu Zhanwei
Published: July 2015

The soft chemical process is a useful and unique method for the preparation and design of one-dimensional (1D) nanoarchitectures.
Dual functionalized amino poly(glycerol methacrylate) with guanidine and Schiff-base linked imidazole for enhanced gene transfection and minimized cytotoxicity
Authors: Guo Pan , Gu Wenxing , Chen Qixian , Lu Hongguang , Han Xiongqi , Li Wei , Gao Hui
Published: July 2015

Guanidine and Schiff-base linked imidazole dual functionalized poly(glycerol methacrylate) (IGEP) leads to minimized cytotoxicity and better transfection efficacy than PEI25K.
FSD-C10: A more promising novel ROCK inhibitor than Fasudil for treatment of CNS autoimmunity
Authors: Xin Yan-Le , Yu Jie-Zhong , Yang Xin-Wang , Liu Chun-Yun , Li Yan-Hua , Feng Ling , Chai Zhi , Yang Wan-Fang , Wang Qing , Jiang Wei-Jia , Zhang Guang-Xian , Xiao Bao-Guo , Ma Cun-Gen
Published: July 2015

Rho-Rho kinase (Rho-ROCK) triggers an intracellular signalling cascade that regulates cell survival, death, adhesion, migration, neurite outgrowth and retraction and influences the generation and development of several neurological disorders. Although Fasudil, a ROCK inhibitor, effectively suppressed encephalomyelitis (EAE), certain side effects may limit its clinical use. A novel and efficient ROCK inhibitor, FSD-C10, has been explored. In the present study, we present chemical synthesis and structure of FSD-C10, as well as the relationship between compound concentration and ROCK inhibition. We compared the inhibitory efficiency of ROCKI and ROCK II, the cell cytotoxicity, neurite outgrowth and dendritic formation, neurotrophic factors and vasodilation between Fasudil and FSD-C10. The results demonstrated that FSD-C10, like Fasudil, induced neurite outgrowth of neurons and dendritic formation of BV-2 microglia and enhanced the production of neurotrophic factor brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3). However, the cell cytotoxicity and vasodilation of FSD-C10 were relatively small compared with Fasudil. Although Fasudil inhibited both ROCK I and ROCK II, FSD-C10 more selectively suppressed ROCK II, but not ROCK I, which may be related to vasodilation insensitivity and animal mortality. Thus, FSD-C10 may be a safer and more promising novel ROCK inhibitor than Fasudil for the treatment of several neurological disorders.
Diversity achieving schemes for two‐way multi‐antenna relay networks in Nakagami‐m fading
Authors: Sheikh Alireza , Olfat Ali
Published: July 2015

In this study, two diversity achieving schemes in two‐way relay channel (TWRC) under Nakagami‐m fading are proposed. A general network of Nr relays is considered where each relay is equipped with Na antennas. It is also assumed that the relays operate in decode‐and‐forward (DF) mode. The data transmission is divided into two phases, multiple access (MAC) phase and broadcast (BC) phase. In the MAC phase, the sources send their data to the relays simultaneously and after decoding, one relay is selected with MAX–MIN relay selection criterion and then in the BC phase retransmit the decoded symbols using the proposed transmission schemes at the selected relay. With evaluating the asymptotic behaviour of the bit error rate (BER) of the proposed schemes, it is proved that the diversity order of them is NrNam. As a result, the proposed schemes achieve full diversity order.
On the stochastic behaviors of locally confined particle systems
Authors: Li Yao
Published: July 2015

We investigate a class of Hamiltonian particle systems and their stochastic behaviors. Using both rigorous proof and numerical simulations, we show that the geometric configuration can qualitatively change key statistical characteristics of the particle system, which are expected to be retained by stochastic modifications. In particular, whether a particle system has an exponential mixing rate or a polynomial mixing rate depends on whether the geometric setting allows a slow particle being reached by adjacent fast particles.
Effect of CH stretching excitation on the reaction dynamics of F + CHD3 → DF + CHD2
Authors: Yang Jiayue , Zhang Dong , Chen Zhen , Blauert Florian , Jiang Bo , Dai Dongxu , Wu Guorong , Zhang Donghui , Yang Xueming
Published: July 2015

The vibrationally excited reaction of F + CHD3(ν1 = 1) → DF + CHD2 at a collision energy of 9.0 kcal/mol is investigated using the crossed-beams and time-sliced velocity map imaging techniques. Detailed and quantitative information of the CH stretching excitation effects on the reactivity and dynamics of the title reaction is extracted with the help of an accurate determination of the fraction of the excited CHD3 reagent in the crossed-beam region. It is found that all vibrational states of the CHD2 products observed in the ground-state reaction, which mainly involve the excitation of the umbrella mode of the CHD2 products, are severely suppressed by the CH stretching excitation. However, there are four additional vibrational states of the CHD2 products appearing in the excited-state reaction which are not presented in the ground-state reaction. These vibrational states either have the CH stretching excitation retained or involve one quantum excitation in the CH stretching and the excitation of the umbrella mode. Including all observed vibrational states, the overall cross section of the excited-state reaction is estimated to be 66.6% of that of the ground-state one. Experimental results also show that when the energy of CH stretching excitation is released during the reaction, it is deposited almost exclusively as the rovibrational energy of the DF products, with little portion in the translational degree of freedom. For vibrational states of the CHD2 products observed in both ground- and excited-state reactions, the CH stretching excitation greatly suppresses the forward scattered products, causing a noticeable change in the product angular distributions.
Flexural vibration band gaps in a double-side phononic crystal plate
Authors: Zhao Hao-Jiang , Guo Hong-Wei , Li Bing-Yan , Deng Zong-Quan , Liu Rong-Qiang
Published: July 2015

Using the finite element method, we theoretically study the vibration properties of a phononic crystal plate composed of a square array of composite cylindrical pillars on both sides of a thin homogeneous plate. The dispersion relations, the displacement fields of the eigenmodes, and the power transmission spectra are given to estimate the starting and cutoff frequency of the flexural vibration band gaps. We investigate the evolution of the flexural vibration band gaps in the double-side phononic crystal plate, with the height and diameter of the pillars on both sides arranged from a symmetrical distribution to an asymmetrical distribution. Numerical results show that the enlargement of the bandwidth of flexural vibration band gaps in both symmetrical and asymmetrical double-side phononic crystal plates depends strongly on the rise of the cutoff frequency of the gaps. The two pillars with an asymmetrical heights or diameters divide the first flexural vibration band gap into two gaps. These propagation properties of flexural vibration in the double-side plate can be utilized to design low-frequency vibration insulation and band-pass filters.
Heat transfer at nanoscale contacts investigated with scanning thermal microscopy
Authors: Assy Ali , Gomès Séverine
Published: July 2015

This article investigates heat transfer at nanoscale contacts through scanning thermal microscopy (SThM) under vacuum conditions. Measurements were performed using two types of resistive SThM probes operating in active mode on germanium and silicon samples. The experiments measure the heat transfer through the nanoscale point contacts formed between the probe apex, platinum-rhodium alloy, or silicon nitride depending on the probe used, and the samples. The thermal resistance at the probe apex-sample interface becomes extremely important as the contact size becomes smaller or comparable to the phonon mean free path within the materials in contact. This resistance is derived from the measurements using a nanoconstriction model. Consistent to what is expected, the interfacial thermal resistance is found to be dependent on the tip and sample. Assuming perfect interfaces, the thermal boundary resistance Rb is determined for the different contacts. Results obtained for Rb range from 10−9 m2 K W−1 up to 14 × 10−9 m2 K W−1 and have the same order of magnitude of values previously published for other materials. The determination of the averaged phonon transmission coefficient t from the data is discussed, and coefficients t for the Si3N4/Ge and Si3N4/Si contacts are estimated based on the diffuse mismatch model (tSi3N4/Ge = 0.5 and tSi3N4/Si = 0.9).
Intrinsic defect formation in peptide self-assembly
Authors: Deng Li , Zhao Yurong , Xu Hai , Wang Yanting
Published: July 2015

In contrast to extensively studied defects in traditional materials, we report here a systematic investigation of the formation mechanism of intrinsic defects in self-assembled peptide nanostructures. The Monte Carlo simulations with our simplified dynamic hierarchical model revealed that the symmetry breaking of layer bending mode at the two ends during morphological transformation is responsible for intrinsic defect formation, whose microscopic origin is the mismatch between layer stacking along the side-chain direction and layer growth along the hydrogen bond direction. Moreover, defect formation does not affect the chirality of the self-assembled structure, which is determined by the initial steps of the peptide self-assembly process.
Host resistance to Sclerotinia stem rot in historic and current Brassica napus and B. juncea varieties: critical management implications
Authors: Uloth Margaret B. , You Ming Pei , Barbetti Martin J.
Published: July 2015

Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR), caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is an important disease of oilseed brassicas, yet the susceptibility of Australian varieties is unknown. Fifty-five historic, current and potential new Australian canola and mustard varieties were field-screened to determine their relative levels of resistance to SSR. Mean lesion length following stem inoculation with a highly virulent isolate (MBRS1) of the prevailing S. sclerotiorum pathotype (76) ranged from 3.0 mm in the B. napus cultivar Mystic to 202.6 mm (P < 0.001). Three recently developed B. juncea varieties or breeding lines, Sahara, JB0T-908982 and Xceed X121 CL, were extremely susceptible to S. sclerotiorum (mean lesion lengths 90.6, 132.3 and 202.6 mm, respectively). Histological study showed that the high level of resistance in Mystic was associated with strong deposition of lignin in stem cortical cell walls to form a barrier between the invading pathogen and the vascular tissues. Lack of association between mean lesion length and the year of varietal release (R2 = 0.005) shows that there has been no improvement in level of resistance to SSR in Australian canola and mustard varieties over the last two decades. Although the very high susceptibility of a few B. juncea varieties demonstrated the value of SSR resistance present in B. napus varieties, this level of resistance is inadequate to prevent ongoing, severe yield losses from SSR under conditions conducive for disease development. Breeding programs can immediately utilise the SSR resistance in Mystic, and other recently identified resistances. This will enable a shift from the current dependence on fungicidal control to reliance on cost-effective, sustainable host resistance as the basis for better management of SSR.
Computational study of critical moisture and depth of burn in peat fires
Authors: Huang Xinyan , Rein Guillermo
Published: July 2015

Smouldering combustion is the slow, low-temperature, flameless burning of porous fuels and the most important phenomenon of wildfires in peatlands. Smouldering fires propagate both horizontally and vertically through organic layers of the ground and can reach deep into the soil. In this work, we develop a one-dimensional computational model of reactive porous media in the open-source code Gpyro. We investigate the vertical in-depth spread of smouldering fires into peat columns 20 cm deep with heterogeneous profiles of moisture content (MC), inert content (IC) and density. The model solves the species, momentum and energy conservation equations with five-step heterogeneous chemistry, to predict the transient profiles of temperature, species concentration, reaction rates and depth of burn from ignition to spread and to extinction. Modelling results reveal that smouldering combustion can spread over peat layers with very high MC (>250%) if the layer is thin and located below a thick, drier layer. It is shown that the critical moisture for extinction can be much higher than the previously reported critical MC for ignition (e.g. extinction MC up to 256% for low-IC peat, with critical ignition MC of 117%). The predicted critical MC values and depths of burn are compared with experimental measurements for field samples in the literature, showing good agreement. This study provides the physical understanding of the role of moisture in the ignition and extinction of smouldering peat fires, and explains for the first time the phenomenon of smouldering in very wet peat layers.
Studying early stages of fibronectin fibrillogenesis in living cells by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Gudzenko Tetyana , Franz Clemens M.
Published: July 2015

Fibronectin (FN) is an extracellular matrix protein that can be assembled by cells into large fibrillar networks, but the dynamics of FN remodeling and the transition through intermediate fibrillar stages are incompletely understood. Here we used a combination of fluorescence microscopy and time-lapse atomic force microscopy (AFM) to visualize initial stages of FN fibrillogenesis in living fibroblasts at high resolution. Initial FN nanofibrils form within <5 min of cell–matrix contact and subsequently extend at a rate of 0.25 μm/min at sites of cell membrane retraction. FN nanofibrils display a complex linear array of globular features spaced at varying distances, indicating the coexistence of different conformational states within the fibril. In some cases, initial fibrils extended in discrete increments of ∼800 nm during a series of cyclical membrane retractions, indicating a stepwise fibrillar extension mechanism. In presence of Mn2+, a known activator of integrin adhesion to FN, fibrillogenesis was accelerated almost threefold to 0.68 μm/min and fibrillar dimensions were increased, underlining the importance of integrin activation for early FN fibrillogenesis. FN fibrillogenesis visualized by time-lapse AFM thus provides new structural and mechanistic insight into initial steps of cell-driven FN fibrillogenesis.
Baia soyae gen. nov., sp. nov., a mesophilic representative of the family Thermoactinomycetaceae, isolated from soybean root [Glycine max (L.) Merr]
Authors: Guan Xuejiao , Liu Chongxi , Fang Baozhu , Zhao Junwei , Jin Pinjiao , Li Jinmeng , Jia Feiyu , Wang Xiangjing , Xiang Wensheng
Published: July 2015

A mesophilic, endophytic, filamentous bacterium, designated strain NEAU-gxj18T, was isolated from soybean root [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] collected from Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China and characterized using a polyphasic approach. Growth was observed at 20–40 °C (optimum 37 °C). Aerial mycelium was absent on all the media tested. Substrate mycelia were well-developed and formed abundant single endospores with smooth surfaces. The only menaquinone was MK-7.The diagnostic diamino acid was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The whole-cell sugars were ribose, glucose and galactose. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, C13 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified aminophospholipid and one undientified phospholipid. The DNA G+C content was 49.9 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain NEAU-gxj18T was phylogenetically related to members of the family Thermoactinomycetaceae, with the highest sequence similarity to Geothermomicrobium terrae YIM 77562T (93.35 %). On the basis of morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, phylogenetic analysis and characteristic patterns of 16S rRNA gene signature nucleotides, strain NEAU-gxj18T represents a novel species of a new genus within the family Thermoactinomycetaceae, for which the name Baia soyae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is NEAU-gxj18T ( = CGMCC 4.7223T = DSM 46831T).
Hybrid-Lambda: simulation of multiple merger and Kingman gene genealogies in species networks and species trees
Authors: Zhu Sha , Degnan James H. , Goldstien Sharyn J. , Eldon Bjarki
Published: July 2015

Background

There has been increasing interest in coalescent models which admit multiple mergers of ancestral lineages; and to model hybridization and coalescence simultaneously.

Results

Hybrid-Lambdais a software package that simulates gene genealogies under multiple merger and Kingman’s coalescent processes within species networks or species trees.Hybrid-Lambdaallows different coalescent processes to be specified for different populations, and allows for time to be converted between generations and coalescent units, by specifying a population size for each population. In addition,Hybrid-Lambdacan generate simulated datasets, assuming the infinitely many sites mutation model, and compute theFSTstatistic. As an illustration, we applyHybrid-Lambdato infer the time of subdivision of certain marine invertebrates under different coalescent processes.

Conclusions

Hybrid-Lambdamakes it possible to investigate biogeographic concordance among high fecundity species exhibiting skewed offspring distribution.
The use of I3F in assessing facilities management industry maturity
Authors: Banyani Maulidi A. , Then Danny S. S.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to present and discuss the results of the assessment of maturity of facilities management (FM) industries (FMi) in five countries, namely, Denmark, Hong Kong, Norway, Tanzania and the UK. The analysis is based on the “Integrated Feeder Factors Framework (I3F)”. I3F analyses maturity by assessing the progression and integration of the key factors essential for the maturity of the FMi, which are organisations practice, supply market, education, professional bodies, research and business environment.

Design/methodology/approach

– FM experts in respective countries were interviewed. Data were also gathered from official documents and websites. The collected evidences were analysed using pattern matching.

Findings

– The FM industry in the five case study countries are found at various levels of maturity. The UK exhibited high levels of maturity compared to other countries. Norway, Hong Kong and Denmark were at the same level with some notable differences, while Tanzania was at the lowest level.

Practical implications

– The research successfully tested the I3F. This sets foundation for assessing maturity of the FM industry at a country level. The assessment of maturity at a country level is important to FM stakeholders in charting out plans for its development and longevity.

Originality/value

– This is the first research which has assessed the maturity of FMi in five countries using an I3F. The results show the strength and weaknesses of the FMi in the five countries and point out areas which require stakeholders’ efforts to be improved or maintained.
Analysis of elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication of journal bearing based on different numerical methods
Authors: Meng Fanming , Chen Yuanpei
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to analyze and compare the tribological performances of journal bearings at different conditions through four numerical methods, which are based on the Boussinesq elastic half-space hypothesis or finite element theory.

Design/methodology/approach

– An elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) model of journal bearings is established, with the oil film pressure obtained by the finite difference method, and the deformation of bearing calculated by four different numerical methods, i.e. the direct finite element method (DFEM), influence coefficient method (ICM), fast-Fourier transform method (FFTM) and direct Boussinesq method (DBM). The tribological performances of the journal bearings obtained with the four methods along with the computation efficiency of the methods are discussed.

Findings

– Under different operation conditions, the tribological performances with the finite element method-based methods (DFEM and ICM) agree with each other, and so do those with the Boussinesq-based methods (FFTM and DBM). Compared with the former two methods, the latter two overestimate the friction coefficient, film thickness and bearing deformation, but underestimate the film pressure, load-carrying capacity and friction force. The above discrepancies depend on the lubricant viscosity, the eccentricity ratio and rotational speed of the shaft and the length–diameter ratio of the bearing. Among the four methods, the FFTM has the best computation efficiency, followed by the DBM and the FEM-based methods.

Originality/value

– This study conducts detailed discussions of the numerical methods used in the EHL calculation of journal bearings and gives a helpful reference to analyses and designs of journal bearings.
Study on aeronautical steel under minimal quantity lubrication
Authors: Wen Guan , Ge Youhua , Zhendong Dai , Gao Zheng
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate that if the lubrication system of a helicopter reducer is compromised, its gears and bearings will be at non-lubricating oil work state, which causes the reducer to be damaged in a very short time.

Design/methodology/approach

– Various 2 per cent additives were injected and mixed with aeronautical oil to produce 45-min oil/mist lubrication and oil/air lubrication experiments performed upon aeronautical steel tribo-pairs.

Findings

– The results show that the best anti-wear effect is produced by oil/air lubrication that contains 2 per cent T391. It consumes the least quantity of oil and produces the least wear width, the least rise in temperature and the best surface wear quality.

Originality/value

– The technology of oil/air lubrication that contains an extreme-pressure and anti-wear additive is a feasible way to improve the operational ability of a helicopter transmission system that is out of oil.
Flammability of emulsions on hot surfaces
Authors: Deleanu Lorena , Georgescu Constantin , Ciortan Sorin , Solea Liviu Catalin
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to establish the influence of oil concentration in oil-in-water emulsions on their flammability on hot surfaces and on their viscosity. The interest in fire test systematization is obviously developing due to many grades and applications of fluids and new design solutions asking for higher parameters in exploitation, including pressure and temperature. Higher temperature and pressure have a synergic effect on fire risk; thus, a special attention has to be given to selecting fluids based on fire tests.

Design/methodology/approach

– This test simulates a hazardous event when a fluid drops on a hot surface: 10 ml of fluid is dropped during 40-60 seconds on a manifold kept at a constant temperature, from a distance of 300 ± 5 mm above the surface. Tests were done under the procedure of SR EN ISO 20823:2004, with an original equipment. The apparent viscosity of the tested fluids was determined using a rheometer Rheotest 2. The tests were done for the fully mineral oil (Prista MHE-40) and for emulsions with different oil volume in water: 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 per cent, respectively.

Findings

– The mineral oil MHE 40 Prista does not burn repeatedly for manifold temperature lower than 440°C, but it burns at 450°C on the clean surface and at 425°C on dirty surface, as obtained after testing the same oil, but at a temperature for which the oil burns. The emulsions do not burn even at 90 per cent oil in water, but the apparent viscosity of the emulsion is too high and unstable, above 20-30 per cent (volume) oil in water. No evident relationship was found between the apparent viscosity of the emulsions and their behavior on hot surface.

Research limitations/implications

– The hydraulic fluids were ranked, taking into account the flammability characteristics determined with the help of this test.

Practical implications

– This paper aims to reduce the risk of fire in hazardous environments using fire-resistant fluids.

Social implications

– Testing hydraulic fluids under the procedure of SR EN ISO 20823:2004 is required by European and national regulations to avoid large-scale accidents produced by the ignition of hydraulic fluids.

Originality/value

– As far as the authors have known, the test procedure was only used for establishing whether a certain fluid passes or does not pass this test. The authors did not find any references for establishing the influence of oil concentration on the flammability characteristics. Also, the equipment has an original design, allowing for a good repeatability and a high protection of the operator.
A candidate packaging signal of human rotavirus differentiating Wa‐like and DS‐1‐like genomic constellations
Authors: Suzuki Yoshiyuki
Published: July 2015

Rotavirus A (RVA) possesses a genome of 11 segmented RNAs. In human RVA, two major genomic constellations are represented by prototype strains Wa and DS‐1. Here packaging signals differentiating Wa‐like and DS‐1‐like genomic constellations were searched for by analyzing genomic sequences of Wa‐like and DS‐1‐like strains. One pair of 11 nucleotide sites in the coding regions of viral structural protein (VP) 2 and VP6 was found to be complementary specifically among Wa‐like strains. These sites tended to be free from base‐pairing in secondary structures of genomic segments, suggesting that they may serve as a packaging signal in Wa‐like strains.
Influence of UDP‐Glucuronosyltransferase Polymorphisms on Stable Warfarin Doses in Patients with Mechanical Cardiac Valves
Authors: An Sook Hee , Chang Byung Chul , Lee Kyung Eun , Gwak Hye Sun
Published: July 2015

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of uridine diphosphate (UDP)‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) polymorphisms on warfarin dosing requirements in patients with mechanical cardiac valves.

Methods

A total of 191 patients with stable warfarin doses from the EAST Group of Warfarin were included in this study. The influence of genetic polymorphisms on stable warfarin doses was investigated by genotyping 6 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1 (VKORC1) rs9934438, cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9 rs1057910, CYP4F2 rs2108622, and UGT1A1 (rs887829, rs4148323, and rs4124874). An additional subgroup analysis was carried out using patients with wild‐type homozygote carriers of CYP2C9.

Results

One UGT1A1 SNP of rs887829 (C>T) exhibited significant association with stable warfarin doses in the study population and subgroup. Patients with the T allele in UGT1A1 rs887829 (CT or TT) required higher doses than those with the CC genotype in the study population (6.3 ± 2.4 mg vs. 5.2 ± 1.6 mg, P = 0.003). Similarly, in the subpopulation of AA carriers in the CYP2C9 gene, patients with the T allele required significantly higher doses of warfarin than those with other genotypes of rs887829 (6.5 ± 2.4 vs. 5.3 ± 1.5 mg, P = 0.002). Approximately 45.1% of overall interindividual variability in warfarin dose requirement was explained by the multivariate regression model. VKORC1, CYP2C9, UGT1A1 rs887829, age, and CYP4F2 accounted for 28.2%, 6.6%, 5.5%, 3.0%, and 1.8% of the variability, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that UGT1A1 could be a determinant of stable warfarin doses.
The Role of Similar Accounting Standards in Cross‐Border Mergers and Acquisitions
Authors: Francis Jere R. , Huang Shawn X. , Khurana Inder K.
Published: July 2015

This study investigates whether differences in accounting standards across countries create information costs that inhibit firms from investing in foreign markets. Using the frequency and dollar magnitude of cross‐border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) from 32 countries over the period 1998–2004, we find that the aggregate volume of M&A activity across country pairs is larger for pairs of countries with similar Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and that this increased volume of M&A activity is driven by target countries that also have strong enforcement. We also find that the 2005 mandatory adoption of International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) attracted more cross‐border M&As among IFRS‐adopting countries, and that this increase in M&A activity within the IFRS countries is more pronounced for country pairs with low similarity in GAAP in the pre‐IFRS adoption period. Overall, our results highlight the role of accounting standards and enforcement in shaping cross‐border M&A activity.
The Earnings Quality Information Content of Dividend Policies and Audit Pricing
Authors: Lawson Bradley P. , Wang Dechun
Published: July 2015

Recent studies indicate dividends are associated with higher‐quality earnings. Our study extends the literature by examining whether dividends' information is associated with auditors' assessment of their clients' earnings quality. Our results show that auditors charge lower fees to dividend‐paying clients than to nondividend‐paying clients and the average fee discount ranges from 6.0 to 10.6 percent. More importantly, we find dividends have an interactive effect with respect to earnings persistence and earnings manipulation: the negative association between audit fees and earnings persistence is more pronounced for dividend firms; and dividend payouts mitigate the positive relation between earnings manipulation risk and audit fees. Our results imply dividends reduce audit risk by enhancing clients' earnings quality information. We contribute to the literature by showing that auditors reflect the earnings quality information content of firms' dividend policies in their pricing decisions.
Personality and smoking: individual‐participant meta‐analysis of nine cohort studies
Authors: Hakulinen Christian , Hintsanen Mirka , Munafò Marcus R. , Virtanen Marianna , Kivimäki Mika , Batty George David , Jokela Markus
Published: July 2015

Aims

To investigate cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations between personality and smoking, and test whether socio‐demographic factors modify these associations.

Design

Cross‐sectional and longitudinal individual‐participant meta‐analysis.

Setting

Nine cohort studies from Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Participants

A total of 79 757 men and women (mean age = 50.8 years).

Measurements

Personality traits of the five‐factor model (extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness to experience) were used as exposures. Outcomes were current smoking status (current smoker, ex‐smoker and never smoker), smoking initiation, smoking relapse and smoking cessation. Associations between personality and smoking were modelled using logistic and multinomial logistic regression, and study‐specific findings were combined using random‐effect meta‐analysis.

Findings

Current smoking was associated with higher extraversion [odds ratio per 1 standard deviation increase in the score: 1.16; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08–1.24], higher neuroticism (1.19; 95% CI = 1.13–1.26) and lower conscientiousness (95% CI = 0.88; 0.83–0.94). Among non‐smokers, smoking initiation during the follow‐up period was predicted prospectively by higher extraversion (1.22; 95% CI = 1.04–1.43) and lower conscientiousness (0.80; 95% CI = 0.68–0.93), whereas higher neuroticism (1.16; 95% CI = 1.04–1.30) predicted smoking relapse among ex‐smokers. Among smokers, smoking cessation was negatively associated with neuroticism (0.91; 95% CI = 0.87–0.96). Socio‐demographic variables did not appear to modify the associations between personality and smoking.

Conclusions

Adult smokers have higher extraversion, higher neuroticism and lower conscientiousness personality scores than non‐smokers. Initiation into smoking is associated positively with higher extraversion and lower conscientiousness, while relapse to smoking among ex‐smokers is associated with higher neuroticism.
Effect of re‐transfusion systems on physiotherapy participation and transfusion in total knee joint arthroplasty
Authors: Anderson Nathan J. , Dowsey Michelle M. , Choong Peter F. M.
Published: July 2015

Background

Total knee joint arthroplasty is associated with significant blood loss. We hypothesized that re‐transfusion drains would be associated with a lesser requirement for allogeneic blood transfusion and result in earlier physiotherapy participation and decreased length of hospital stay.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 303 patients with a mean age of 68.3 years (44–91) who underwent unilateral primary total knee joint arthroplasty within a single orthopaedic unit. A re‐transfusion drain, deep drain, superficial drain or no drain was placed at the time of surgery. Blood tests were taken pre‐ and post‐operatively, and blood transfusions were given based on the haemoglobin and clinical symptoms. Medical records data were used to determine the day patients sat out of bed, mobilized more than 10 m and were discharged from hospital.

Results

Patients with a re‐transfusion drain were able to sit out of bed (P = 0.006), mobilize more than 10 m (P = 0.006) and were ready for discharge earlier (P = 0.013) than those without a re‐transfusion drain. The use of a re‐transfusion drain showed no effect on allogenic blood transfusion requirement; however, it was associated with decreased haemoglobin drop when compared with other drain types (P = 0.003).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the use of a re‐transfusion system following total knee arthroplasty has beneficial physiotherapy outcomes and a decreased length of stay.
Dose Response Signal Detection under Model Uncertainty
Authors: Dette Holger , Titoff Stefanie , Volgushev Stanislav , Bretz Frank
Published: July 2015

We investigate likelihood ratio contrast tests for dose response signal detection under model uncertainty, when several competing regression models are available to describe the dose response relationship. The proposed approach uses the complete structure of the regression models, but does not require knowledge of the parameters of the competing models. Standard likelihood ratio test theory is applicable in linear models as well as in nonlinear regression models with identifiable parameters. However, for many commonly used nonlinear dose response models the regression parameters are not identifiable under the null hypothesis of no dose response and standard arguments cannot be used to obtain critical values. We thus derive the asymptotic distribution of likelihood ratio contrast tests in regression models with a lack of identifiability and use this result to simulate the quantiles based on Gaussian processes. The new method is illustrated with a real data example and compared to existing procedures using theoretical investigations as well as simulations.
Test for Rare Variants by Environment Interactions in Sequencing Association Studies
Authors: Lin Xinyi , Lee Seunggeun , Wu Michael C. , Wang Chaolong , Chen Han , Li Zilin , Lin Xihong
Published: July 2015

We consider in this article testing rare variants by environment interactions in sequencing association studies. Current methods for studying the association of rare variants with traits cannot be readily applied for testing for rare variants by environment interactions, as these methods do not effectively control for the main effects of rare variants, leading to unstable results and/or inflated Type 1 error rates. We will first analytically study the bias of the use of conventional burden-based tests for rare variants by environment interactions, and show the tests can often be invalid and result in inflated Type 1 error rates. To overcome these difficulties, we develop the interaction sequence kernel association test (iSKAT) for assessing rare variants by environment interactions. The proposed test iSKAT is optimal in a class of variance component tests and is powerful and robust to the proportion of variants in a gene that interact with environment and the signs of the effects. This test properly controls for the main effects of the rare variants using weighted ridge regression while adjusting for covariates. We demonstrate the performance of iSKAT using simulation studies and illustrate its application by analysis of a candidate gene sequencing study of plasma adiponectin levels.
Role of microRNAs Located on Chromosome Arm 10q in Malignant Gliomas
Authors: Wolter Marietta , Werner Thomas , Malzkorn Bastian , Reifenberger Guido
Published: July 2015

Deletions of chromosome arm 10q are found in most glioblastomas and subsets of lower grade gliomas. Mutations in the PTEN gene at 10q23.3 are restricted to less than half of the 10q‐deleted gliomas, suggesting additional glioma‐associated tumor suppressors on 10q. We investigated 64 astrocytic gliomas of different malignancy grades for aberrant expression of 16 microRNAs (miRNAs) on 10q. Thereby, we identified four miRNAs (miR‐107, miR‐146b‐5p, miR‐346, miR‐1287‐5p) whose expression was frequently down‐regulated in anaplastic astrocytomas and/or glioblastomas. DNA methylation analyses revealed 5′‐CpG site hypermethylation of miR‐346 in more than two‐thirds of primary glioblastomas, while aberrant 5′‐CpG site methylation of miR‐146b‐5p was frequent in IDH1‐mutant astrocytomas and secondary glioblastomas. Overexpression of either of the four miRNAs in glioma cell lines reduced cell proliferation and/or increased caspase‐3/7 activity. Expression analyses of miRNA overexpressing glioma cells and 3′‐untranslated region luciferase reporter gene assays revealed evidence that these miRNAs post‐transcriptionally regulate expression of glioma‐relevant genes, including CDK6 (miR‐107), EGFR (miR‐146b‐5p, miR‐1287‐5p), TERT and SEMA6A (miR‐346), all of which are overexpressed in malignant gliomas in situ. In summary, we show that the 10q‐located miRNAs miR‐107, miR‐146b‐5p, miR‐346 and miR‐1287‐5p are frequently down‐regulated in malignant gliomas and thereby may support overexpression of important glioma growth‐promoting genes.