bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Presence of global and local α-relaxations in an alkyl phosphate glass former
Authors: Wu Tao , Jin Xiao , Saini Manoj K. , Liu Ying Dan , Ngai K. L. , Wang Li-Min
Published: October 2017

The dynamics of a molecular glass former, tributyl phosphate (TBP), with an alkyl phosphate structure (three alkyl branches emanating from a polar core of PO4) is studied in the supercooled regime by dielectric and thermal (or enthalpic) relaxations. The dielectric fragility index md and the stretching exponent βd of the Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts correlation function are determined. Analyses of the enthalpic relaxation data by the Tool-Narayanaswamy-Moynihan-Hodge formalism yield the enthalpic fragility index mH and stretching exponent βH. The large difference between the dielectric md and the enthalpic mH, as well as between βd and βH, is a remarkable finding. The differences are interpreted by the formation of molecular self-assemblies. The interpretation is supported by the quite comparable fragility determined by viscosity and the enthalpic relaxation. The Kirkwood factor calculated at low temperatures is also consistent with the interpretation. The results suggest that the enthalpic relaxation involving the motions of all parts of TBP is global, while the dielectric relaxation detects the local rotation, which might originate from the rotation of the dipole moment of the core. The presence of two structural α-relaxations, one global and one local, with a large difference in dynamics is revealed for the first time in a molecular glass former.
Transport properties of electrically sintered bismuth antimony telluride with antimony nanoprecipitation
Authors: Chen Yao-Hsiang , Liao Chien-Neng
Published: October 2017

Enhanced carrier mobility and reduced lattice thermal conductivity are essential for high-performance thermoelectric materials. In this letter, the influences of current-induced grain-boundary modification and nanoprecipitation on electrical and thermal transport properties of bismuth antimony telluride (BST) are investigated. With the passage of a high-density pulsed current (∼103 A/cm2), the electrically sintered BST exhibits a two-time enhancement in carrier mobility while maintaining a low lattice thermal conductivity compared to the hot-pressed BST. The modified transport properties are attributed to the reduced carrier scattering at grain boundaries and the increased phonon scattering by Sb nanoprecipitates in the electrically sintered BST. A numerical estimation based on the modified Callaway's model is provided to reveal the impact of nonoprecipitates on phonon transport in BST.
Highly photostable NV centre ensembles in CVD diamond produced by using N2O as the doping gas
Authors: Tallaire A. , Mayer L. , Brinza O. , Pinault-Thaury M. A. , Debuisschert T. , Achard J.
Published: October 2017

High density Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centre ensembles incorporated in plasma assisted chemical vapour deposition (CVD) diamond are crucial to the development of more efficient sensing devices that use the properties of luminescent defects. Achieving high NV doping with N2 as the dopant gas source during diamond growth is, however, plagued by the formation of macroscopic and point defects that quench luminescence. Moreover, such NVs are found to exhibit poor photostability under high laser powers. Although this effect can be harnessed to locally and durably switch off NV luminescence for data storage, it is usually undesirable for most applications. In this work, the use of N2O as an alternative doping source is proposed. Much higher amounts of the doping gas can be added without significantly generating defects, which allows the incorporation of perfectly photostable and higher density NV ensembles. This effect is believed to be related to the lower dissociation energy of the N2O molecule together with the beneficial effect of the presence of a low and controlled amount of oxygen near the growing surface.
Low-noise, transformer-coupled resonant photodetector for squeezed state generation
Authors: Chen Chaoyong , Shi Shaoping , Zheng Yaohui
Published: October 2017

In an actual setup of squeezed state generation, the stability of a squeezing factor is mainly limited by the performance of the servo-control system, which is mainly influenced by the shot noise and gain of a photodetector. We present a unique transformer-coupled LC resonant amplifier as a photodetector circuit to reduce the electronic noise and increase the gain of the photodetector. As a result, we obtain a low-noise, high gain photodetector with the gain of more than 1.8×105 V/A, and the input current noise of less than 4.7 pA/Hz. By adjusting the parameters of the transformer, the quality factor Q of the resonant circuit is close to 100 in the frequency range of more than 100 MHz, which meets the requirement for weak power detection in the application of squeezed state generation.
Pressure effect on a tandem hollow cathode discharge in argon
Authors: Fu Yangyang , Verboncoeur John P. , Christlieb Andrew J.
Published: October 2017

The tandem hollow cathode discharge, formulated by arranging two discharges in series, is an important method used to increase the irradiance of a hollow cathode discharge. In this paper, based on a two-dimensional fluid model we studied a five-layer tandem hollow cathode discharge, with three hollow electrodes stacked together and separated by the insulators to obtain the configuration of anode/insulator/cathode/insulator/anode from the top to the bottom. In the model, the thickness of both electrodes and insulators is set at 1 cm and the diameter of the hollow cavity is 2 cm. The pressure effect on the discharge properties is investigated with gas pressure ranges from 100 Pa to 5 kPa. The gap voltage first decreases, reaching a minimum sustaining voltage at 1 kPa, and then increases. Based on the two-dimensional electron density distributions, the discharges parameters (including the electron density, ion density, electric potential, and electric field) of one integrated hollow cathode discharge at 1 kPa and two relatively independent discharges at 100 Pa and 4 kPa are presented, respectively. The results indicate that the paralleled hollow cathode discharges can be manipulated into one integrated discharge with a higher plasma density by the monotonous control of gas pressure.
A comparative study of photoluminescence internal quantum efficiency determination method in InGaN/GaN multi-quantum-wells
Authors: Xing Yuchen , Wang Lai , Wang Zilan , Hao Zhibiao , Luo Yi , Sun Changzheng , Han Yanjun , Xiong Bing , Wang Jian , Li Hongtao
Published: October 2017

The photoluminescence (PL) measurement is considered to be a powerful and convenient method to determine the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of InGaN/GaN multi-quantum-wells. However, as different calculation models are developed for different PL experiments, the calculated IQE values can sometimes differ a lot, mainly due to different experimental conditions. In this paper, a comparative study is presented among the temperature-dependent PL (TDPL) measurement and power-dependent PL (PDPL) measurement and time-resolved PL (TRPL) measurement, and the relationship between different IQE calculation models is analyzed both theoretically and experimentally. It is revealed that despite distinct IQE values, different PL methods are actually compatible with each other. The discrepancy in TDPL and TRPL results comes from the temperature dependent relationship between the carrier concentration and carrier generation rate. Through a careful conversion of the excitation condition, both TDPL and TRPL results are correspondent to an IQE value under a specific excitation power in the PDPL measurement. Finally, through the combination of different PL measurements, an accurate measurement of IQE and carrier recombination coefficients can be achieved at different temperatures and excitation conditions.
Anisotropic large magnetoresistance in TaTe4 single crystals
Authors: Gao Yuxia , Xu Longmeng , Qiu Yang , Tian Zhaoming , Yuan Songliu , Wang Junfeng
Published: October 2017

Strong anisotropic magnetotransport is reported in high-quality TaTe4 single crystals synthesized by flux methods. Large positive magnetoresistance (MR) and field-induced metal-semiconductor-like transition are observed at low temperatures with B perpendicular to c axis. The MR value reaches 3200% in 9 T at 2 K with B parallel to a axis, contrast to 79% for B along c axis. Angle dependent magnetoresistance with B rotated within ab plane displays eightfold symmetry and pronounced Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) oscillations at low temperatures. The analysis of angle dependent resistivity, Hall effect and observed SdH oscillations suggest the high mobile electron and anisotropic Fermi surface responsible for the large anisotropic MR in TaTe4.
Markedness effects in applicative formation
Authors: Malchukov Andrej L.
Published: October 2017

The article discusses different types of applicative polysemy, focusing on cases of voice ambivalence, that is cases when the same valency marker performs different functions, depending on the semantic and syntactic properties of the verb stem to which it applies (in particular whether the verb is intransitive, transitive or ditransitive). The attested patterns of polysemy (applicative-causative, applicative-antipassive, as well as polysemies involving different kinds of applicatives) are explained in terms of the shared syntactic components. These selective similarities between individual voice markers can be captured by a semantic map, as manifestation of local markedness in the domain of voice categories.
Two types of locative alternation
Authors: Mateu Jaume
Published: October 2017

Talmy’s (1991, 2000) well-known typological distinction between satellite-framed languages and verb-framed languages can be shown to be relevant when arguing for two types of locative alternation. In particular, I deal with this typological variation in the light of a formal distinction between incorporation and conflation (see Haugen 2009; Mateu 2012 and Acedo-Matellán 2013, i.a.). According to the Talmian typology, verb-framed languages (i.e., those languages where Path/Result lack independent morphophonological status with respect to the verbal root) are predicted to lack the satellite-framed pattern of locative alternation variants that involve Manner conflation (e.g., Sue sewed up the entire dress with buttons; cf. Sue sewed buttons on the dress). In contrast, locative alternation variants that only involve Result incorporation (e.g., The children loaded the stones on the cart / The children loaded the cart with stones) are expected to be found in verb-framed languages. Special attention will also be paid to the ungrammaticality triggered by the elimination of the satellite in locative alternation variants like Sue sewed *(up) the dress with buttons or John poured the glass *(full) with water. Their ill-formedness will be shown to run parallel to that of satellite-framed constructions like John danced the night *(away) or John *(out)danced Sue, which, descriptively speaking, have been said to involve an increase of the verb valency thanks to the presence of a Path/Result satellite.
The Wheat Microbiome Under Four Management Strategies, and Potential for Endophytes in Disease Protection
Authors: Gdanetz Kristi , Trail Frances
Published: October 2017

Manipulating plant-associated microbes to reduce disease or improve crop yields requires a thorough understanding of interactions within the phytobiome. Plants were sampled from a wheat/maize/soybean crop rotation site that implements four different crop management strategies. We analyzed the fungal and bacterial communities of leaves, stems, and roots of wheat throughout the growing season using 16S and fungal internal transcribed spacer 2 rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The most prevalent operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were shared across all samples, although levels of the low-abundance OTUs varied. Endophytes were isolated from plants, and tested for antagonistic activity toward the wheat pathogen Fusarium graminearum. Antagonistic strains were assessed for plant protective activity in seedling assays. Our results suggest that microbial communities were strongly affected by plant organ and plant age, and may be influenced by management strategy.
First Report of Tomato Wilt Caused by Ralstonia solanacearum Biovar 1 in Puerto Rico
Authors: Romero Gabriela C. , de Jensen Consuelo Estévez , Palmateer Aaron J.
Published: October 2017

Bacterial wilt affected tomatoes in Coamo, Aguada and Lares, Puerto Rico. The characterization of the causal agent was conducted with serological and molecular tests. Kock's postulates confirmed that the disease was produced by Ralstonia solanaceraum biovar 1.

Accepted for publication 1 February 2013. Published 18 April 2013.
Surface Modifications of the PMMA Optic of a Keratoprosthesis to Improve Biointegration
Authors: Riau Andri K. , Venkatraman Subbu S. , Dohlman Claes H. , Mehta Jodhbir S.
Published: October 2017

Biointegration of a keratoprosthesis (KPro) is critical for the mitigation of various long-term postoperative complications. Biointegration of a KPro occurs between the haptic skirt (corneal graft) and the central optic [poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)]. Various studies have highlighted common problems associated with poor bonding and biointegration between these 2 incompatible biomaterials. Resolution of these issues could be achieved by surface modification of the inert material (PMMA). A calcium phosphate (CaP) coating deposited on dopamine-activated PMMA sheets by simulated body fluid incubation (d-CaP coating) was shown to improve adhesion to collagen type I (main component of corneal stroma) compared with untreated PMMA and PMMA with other surface modifications. However, the d-CaP coating could easily undergo delamination, thereby reducing its potential for modification of KPro optical cylinders. In addition, the coating did not resemble the Ca and P composition of hydroxyapatite (HAp). A novel dip-coating method that involves the creation of cavities to trap and immobilize HAp nanoparticles on the PMMA surface was introduced to address the problems associated with the d-CaP coating. The newly obtained coating offered high hydrophilicity, resistance to delamination, and preservation of the Ca and P composition of HAp. These advantages resulted in improved adhesion strength by more than 1 order of magnitude compared with untreated PMMA. With respect to biointegration, human corneal stromal fibroblasts were able to adhere strongly and proliferate on HAp-coated PMMA. Furthermore, the new coating technique could be extended to immobilization of HAp nanoparticles on 3-mm-diameter PMMA cylinders, bringing it closer to clinical application.
Activity interruptions by pain impair activity resumption, but not more than activity interruptions by other stimuli: an experimental investigation
Authors: Gatzounis Rena , Schrooten Martien G.S. , Crombez Geert , Vlaeyen Johan W.S.
Published: October 2017

Interrupting ongoing activities whilst intending to resume them later is a natural response to pain. Whereas this response facilitates pain management, at the same time it may also disrupt task performance. Previous research has shown that activity interruptions by pain impair subsequent resumption of the activity, but not more than pain-irrelevant interruptions. Ongoing task complexity and pain threat value might influence interruption effects. In this experiment, we adjusted a paradigm from outside the field of pain to investigate how activity interruptions by pain affect task performance. Healthy participants (n = 69) were required to answer a series of questions, in a specific sequence, about presented letter-digit combinations. This ongoing task was occasionally interrupted by painful electrocutaneous or nonpainful vibrotactile stimulation (between-subjects), followed by a typing task. On interruption completion, participants were required to resume the ongoing task at the next step of the question sequence. Results indicate impaired sequence accuracy (less frequent resumption at the correct step of the sequence) but preserved nonsequence accuracy (similarly frequent correct responses to question content) immediately after an interruption. Effects were not larger for interruptions by pain compared with nonpain. Furthermore, participants in the 2 conditions reported similar task experience, namely task motivation, perceived difficulty, and confidence to resume the interrupted task. Pain catastrophizing did not influence the results. As in previous studies, activity interruptions by pain were shown to impair the resumption of a task that requires keeping to a step sequence, but not more than interruptions by nonpainful stimuli. Potential explanations are discussed.
Child With Red Eye and Blurry Vision
Authors: Song Joo Lee , Elkhunovich Marsha , Rankin Jessica Hersman
Published: October 2017

Point-of-care ocular ultrasound can provide the clinician with more information about potential intraorbital and extraocular pathology, especially in cases when direct visualization of the eye is limited. This case report describes the findings in a pediatric patient who presented with a 1-month history of eye injection and worsening blurry vision. After point-of-care ultrasound demonstrated abnormal debris in the posterior vitreous cavity, subsequent evaluation revealed a diagnosis of pars planitis.
Safety evaluation of soy leghemoglobin protein preparation derived from Pichia pastoris, intended for use as a flavor catalyst in plant-based meat
Authors: Fraser Rachel Z. , Shitut Mithila , Agrawal Puja , Mendes Odete , Klapholz Sue
Published: October 2017

The leghemoglobin protein (LegH) from soy (Glycine max) expressed in Pichia pastoris (LegH Prep) imparts a meat-like flavor profile onto plant-based food products. The safety of LegH Prep was evaluated through a series of in vitro and in vivo tests. The genotoxic potential of LegH Prep was assessed using the bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames test) and the in vitro chromosome aberration test. LegH Prep was non-mutagenic and non-clastogenic in each test, respectively. Systemic and female reproductive toxicity were assessed in two separate 28-day dietary studies in Sprague Dawley rats. There were no mortalities associated with the administration of LegH Prep. There were no clinical observations, body weight, ophthalmological, clinical pathology, or histopathological changes attributable to LegH Prep administration. Female reproductive parameters were comparable between rats treated with LegH Prep and concurrent control rats. These studies establish an NOAEL of 750 mg/kg/day LegH, which is over 100 times greater than the 90th percentile estimated daily intake (EDI). Collectively, this work demonstrates that LegH Prep is safe for its intended use in ground beef analogue products at concentrations up to 0.8% LegH.
Structure, activity and thermostability investigations of OXA-163, OXA-181 and OXA-245 using biochemical analysis, crystal structures and differential scanning calorimetry analysis
Authors: Lund Bjarte Aarmo , Thomassen Ane Molden , Carlsen Trine Josefine Olsen , Leiros Hanna-Kirsti S.
Published: October 2017

The first crystal structures of the class D β-lactamases OXA-181 and OXA-245 were determined to 2.05 and 2.20 Å resolution, respectively; in addition, the structure of a new crystal form of OXA-163 was resolved to 2.07 Å resolution. All of these enzymes are OXA-48-like and have been isolated from different clinicalKlebsiella pneumoniaestrains and also from other human pathogens such asPseudomonas aeruginosaandEscherichia coli. Here, enzyme kinetics and thermostability studies are presented, and the new crystal structures are used to explain the observed variations. OXA-245 had the highest melting point (Tm= 55.8°C), as determined by differential scanning calorimetry, compared with OXA-163 (Tm= 49.4°C) and OXA-181 (Tm= 52.6°C). The differences could be explained by the loss of two salt bridges in OXA-163, and an overall decrease in the polarity of the surface of OXA-181 compared with OXA-245.
Advancing the skill set of SCM graduates – an active learning approach
Authors: Scholten Kirstin , Dubois Anna
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Drawing on a novel approach to active learning in supply chain management, the purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze how the students’ learning process as well as their learning outcomes are influenced by the learning and teaching contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of a master’s level purchasing course carried out at two universities in which students work in projects resulting in jointly authored books.

Findings

The findings show how the teaching context influenced the learning process and the learning outcomes. Active involvement, self-directed learning, collaborative learning and learning from practice enabled by the set-up of the course are identified as key mechanisms for the learning outcomes in relation to skills and content.

Originality/value

Increasingly, supply chain management graduates have to develop professional, practical, research as well as metacognitive and life-long learning skills during their university education. This paper identifies mechanisms and illustrates how educators can use the set-up of a course to enable students to engage in a learning process resulting in a variety of skills as well as specific content-based aspects of knowledge.
Exploring servitization in China
Authors: Raja Jawwad Z. , Frandsen Thomas
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Previous research has predominately focused on the servitization strategies of western manufacturers in advanced economies, neglecting the potential for servitization in those which are emerging, such as China. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of the external service partner network of a European manufacturer providing services in China, in order to develop a better understanding of the resulting and associated challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

An in-depth case study approach was used to examine the parent company, its subsidiary in China and the related service partner network. Data collection involved all three actors and took place in Denmark and China.

Findings

The findings suggest that motivation, opportunity and ability (MOA) need not only be mutually reinforcing for the organization attempting to move toward services but also aligned between organizational units, as well as with the service partner network. Furthermore, the findings suggest that while service partners are typically closer to the market, they may not be able to deliver the higher value-added services requiring customization.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to a single manufacturer attempting servitization in China. Future studies may consider other case firms in other markets.

Practical implications

The MOA framework provides a basis for understanding the managerial challenges of aligning and coordinating the MOA elements amongst different actors.

Originality/value

This paper contributes by exploring servitization in an emerging market through the MOA framework in order to better understand the challenges and complexities. Servitization is found to be a dynamic phenomenon which should be understood as a movement that is also dependent on an external service partner possessing the necessary capabilities. In turn, this requires understanding the MOAs of all actors in a network and how they may be influenced in order for the MOA elements to be mutually reinforcing.
Board characteristics and real performance in Malaysian state-owned enterprises (SOEs)
Authors: Shawtari Fekri Ali , Har Sani Mohamad Muslim , Abdul Rashid Hafiz Majdi , Ayedh Abdullah Moh’d
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between board characteristics and real performance among state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in Malaysia in a longitudinal period following the introduction of transformation policy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study deviates from prior research in utilising a real performance measure rather than traditional measures of performance. The authors adopt the quantile regression approach to examine the impact of board characteristics on real performance in a comparison using ordinary least squares.

Findings

The results of quantile regression reveal that the impact of board mechanisms on real performance was not as expected. Specifically, board size and duality had a bearing on real performance. Board independence also is considered as influential factor through the time. However, such effects were not homogenous across different quantiles. The dummy year variable to compare the period pre- and post-transformation policy reveals that the dummy year is not significant, indicating that performance post-transformation is indifferent compared to the pre-transformation policy period.

Practical implications

It is important for government to reconsider the policies embedded in the transformation policy. This study provides insights on the enhancement of board effectiveness and new developments regarding GLCs.

Originality/value

This is an early to attempt to measure real performance and its link to board characteristics in SOEs post-transformation policy.
The impact of dietary feta cheese and butter on serum lipid profile and fatty acid composition in rat
Authors: Khodadadi Iraj , Heshmati Ali , Karami Manoochehr
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most common causes of death worldwide. Diets rich in saturated and trans-fatty acids are nutritional risk factors that foster the development of CVDs. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the effects of dietary feta cheese and butter on serum lipid profile and fatty acid composition.

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 24 Wistar rats (eight weeks old) were fed with balanced high fat diets (24 per cent fat) including canola (control group) and either cheese or butter (experimental groups) for eight weeks. At the end of the experiment, body weights were determined, and the amount of food intake was calculated. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and at the end of the experiment, and lipid profile including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride as well as serum fatty acid composition were determined.

Findings

Consumption of the butter-based diet resulted in a significant increase in serum triglycerides (p< 0.05), whereas no substantial changes were observed in rats that received a cheese-based diet. The butter-based diet significantly increased serum total cholesterol and LDL-C (p< 0.05), whereas remarkably reduced HDL-C level. In contrast, cheese-based diet resulted in a magnificent increase in HDL-C and a significant decrease in LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (p< 0.05). Serum saturated fatty acids increased and polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased by the consumption of butter, whereas the intake of cheese caused relatively minor alterations in serum fatty acid composition.

Originality/value

Butter lowered HDL-C and increased LDL-C, whereas cheese strongly enhanced HDL-C. Therefore, it can be concluded that cheese is a beneficially healthier dairy product than butter.
Five Ws and one H in knowledge management education
Authors: Handzic Meliha , Edwards John S. , Moffett Sandra , Garcia-Perez Alexeis , Kianto Aino , Bolisani Ettore
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss key aspects of knowledge management (KM) education in response to challenges posed by the necessity to improve KM as a discipline and an established professional field.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a systematic review of the current literature. This review was used as input in a recent panel held at the 2016 International Conference on Knowledge Management (ICKM). The paper brings together current literature with thought-provoking panelists’ presentations and subsequent debates with the audience.

Findings

KM education from the “why, what, who, where and when” perspectives were first addressed and analyzed, and the end result was a reflection on “how” to approach KM education in the future.

Research limitations/implications

This paper effectively underlines that, KM being a relatively new phenomenon, there is no clear consensus about roles that KM employees should play in an organization, what KM competencies and skills are needed, and where and when these should be obtained. Broad guidelines on how to approach KM education in the future may serve as a basis for further research.

Practical implications

The study provides suggestions on how to place KM in adult education.

Originality/value

The paper tackles the research questions through an innovative combination of a systematic literature review and a panel discussion on the topic of KM and education. Overall, the paper provides a fresh view of the state of the art of knowledge and research on the topic and also shows the common vision of a group of KM researchers and educators.
Metagenomic insights into zooplankton‐associated bacterial communities
Authors: De Corte Daniele , Srivastava Abhishek , Koski Marja , Garcia Juan Antonio L. , Takaki Yoshihiro , Yokokawa Taichi , Nunoura Takuro , Elisabeth Nathalie H. , Sintes Eva , Herndl Gerhard J.
Published: October 2017

Zooplankton and microbes play a key role in the ocean's biological cycles by releasing and consuming copious amounts of particulate and dissolved organic matter. Additionally, zooplankton provide a complex microhabitat rich in organic and inorganic nutrients in which bacteria thrive. In this study, we assessed the phylogenetic composition and metabolic potential of microbial communities associated with crustacean zooplankton species collected in the North Atlantic. Using Illumina sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, we found significant differences between the microbial communities associated with zooplankton and those inhabiting the surrounding seawater. Metagenomic analysis of the zooplankton‐associated microbial community revealed a highly specialized bacterial community able to exploit zooplankton as microhabitat and thus, mediating biogeochemical processes generally underrepresented in the open ocean. The zooplankton‐associated bacterial community is able to colonize the zooplankton's internal and external surfaces using a large set of adhesion mechanisms and to metabolize complex organic compounds released or exuded by the zooplankton such as chitin, taurine and other complex molecules. Moreover, the high number of genes involved in iron and phosphorus metabolisms in the zooplankton‐associated microbiome suggests that this zooplankton‐associated bacterial community mediates specific biogeochemical processes (through the proliferation of specific taxa) that are generally underrepresented in the ambient waters.
Spaces of the Expelled as Spaces of the Urban Commons? Analysing the Re‐emergence of Squatting Initiatives in Rome
Authors: Di Feliciantonio Cesare
Published: October 2017

Asserting the need to acknowledge the role of the current crisis and austerity politics in fostering the re‐emergence of squatting initiatives in Rome, this article brings together the literature on squatting as an urban social movement, notably Martínez López's holistic approach, with a political economy perspective analysing the current stage of ‘late neoliberalism’. In so doing, I use the conceptualization of ‘expulsions’ developed by Sassen to show how emerging squatting initiatives in Rome represent the ‘spaces of the expelled’. Focusing on the case of Communia in San Lorenzo neighbourhood, the article shows how Martínez López's approach is able to account for the rapid success and support enjoyed by Communia, going as it does beyond the ‘single‐issue’ perspective that has dominated much of the squatting literature. Indeed, the main claims addressed by Communia activists concern a plurality of issues grouped around the concept of urban commons, as both a practice and a goal. Methodologically, the article is the result of 18 months of fieldwork based on an activist/participatory action research (PAR) approach, comprising participant observation/observant participation, in‐depth interviews and questionnaires.
Microtubule array observed in the posterior‐vegetal cortex during cytoplasmic and cortical reorganization of the ascidian egg
Authors: Ishii Hirokazu , Goto Toshiyuki , Nishikata Takahito
Published: October 2017

Body axis formation during embryogenesis results from asymmetric localization of maternal factors in the egg. Shortly before the first cleavage in ascidian eggs, cell polarity along the anteroposterior (A–P) axis is established and the cytoplasmic domain (myoplasm) relocates from the vegetal to the posterior region in a microtubule‐dependent manner. Through immunostaining, tubulin accumulation during this reorganization is observable on the myoplasm cortex. However, more detailed morphological features of microtubules remain relatively unknown. In this study, we invented a new reagent that improves the immunostaining of cortical microtubules and successfully visualized a parallel array of thick microtubules. During reorganization, they covered nearly the entire myoplasm cortical region, beneath the posterior‐vegetal cortex. We designated this microtubule array as CAMP (cortical array of microtubules in posterior vegetal region). During the late phase of reorganization, CAMP shrank and the myoplasm formed a crescent‐like cytoplasmic domain. When the CAMP formation was inhibited by sodium azide, myoplasmic reorganization and A–P axis formation were both abolished, suggesting that CAMP is important for these two processes.
The catecholaminergic innervation of the claustrum of the pig
Authors: Pirone Andrea , Miragliotta Vincenzo , Ciregia Federica , Giannessi Elisabetta , Cozzi Bruno
Published: October 2017

Over the past decades, the number of studies employing the pig brain as a model for neurochemical studies has dramatically increased. The key translational features of the pig brain are the similarities with the cortical and subcortical structures of the human brain. In addition, the caudalmost part of the pig claustrum (CL) is characterized by a wide enlargement called posterior puddle, an ideal structure for physiological recordings. Several hypotheses have been proposed for CL function, the key factor being its reciprocal connectivity with most areas of the cerebral cortex and selected subcortical structures. However, afferents from the brainstem could also be involved. The brainstem is the main source of catecholaminergic axons that play an important neuromodulatory action in different brain functions. To study a possible role of the CL in catecholaminergic pathways, we analyzed the presence and the distribution of afferents immunostained with antibodies against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine betahydroxylase (DBH) in the pig CL. Here we show that the CL contains significant TH immunoreactive axons contacting perikarya, whereas projections staining for DBH are very scarce. Our findings hint at the possibility that brainstem catecholaminergic afferents project to the CL, suggesting (i) a possible role of this nucleus in functions controlled by brainstem structures; and, consequently, (ii) its potential involvement in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative pathologies, including Parkinson's disease (PD).
Leaf day respiration: low CO2 flux but high significance for metabolism and carbon balance
Authors: Tcherkez Guillaume , Gauthier Paul , Buckley Thomas N. , Busch Florian A. , Barbour Margaret M. , Bruhn Dan , Heskel Mary A. , Gong Xiao Ying , Crous Kristine Y. , Griffin Kevin , Way Danielle , Turnbull Matthew , Adams Mark A. , Atkin Owen K. , Farquhar Graham D. , Cornic Gabriel
Published: October 2017

It has been 75 yr since leaf respiratory metabolism in the light (day respiration) was identified as a low‐flux metabolic pathway that accompanies photosynthesis. In principle, it provides carbon backbones for nitrogen assimilation and evolves CO2 and thus impacts on plant carbon and nitrogen balances. However, for a long time, uncertainties have remained as to whether techniques used to measure day respiratory efflux were valid and whether day respiration responded to environmental gaseous conditions. In the past few years, significant advances have been made using carbon isotopes, ‘omics’ analyses and surveys of respiration rates in mesocosms or ecosystems. There is substantial evidence that day respiration should be viewed as a highly dynamic metabolic pathway that interacts with photosynthesis and photorespiration and responds to atmospheric CO2 mole fraction. The view of leaf day respiration as a constant and/or negligible parameter of net carbon exchange is now outdated and it should now be regarded as a central actor of plant carbon‐use efficiency.

Contents

Summary
986

I.
Introduction
987

II.
Pioneering metabolic studies of day respiration with 14C
987

III.
Metabolic flux pattern of day respiration
988

IV.
Significance of day respiration for leaf N assimilation
991

V.
Significance of day respiration for leaf gas exchange
992

VI.
Is day respiration influenced by CO2 mole fraction?
995

VII.
Significance of day respiration at the plant and ecosystem levels
997

VIII.
Conclusions and perspectives
998

References
998
Prevalence of Malaria in blood donor population from a tertiary care centre and effective donor notification and counselling policy
Authors: Makroo R. N. , Agrawal S. , Chowdhry M. , NL R.
Published: October 2017

Background and Objective

Transfusion‐transmitted malaria is of great concern in endemic countries. From 1940, the Drugs and Cosmetic Act in India mandates the testing of all blood donations for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg), hepatitis C virus (HCV), malaria and syphilis. The present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of malaria among blood donors and to summarize our experience with the notification algorithm that was developed for infected donors.

Materials and Methods

Records of all eligible donors, which were collected between 2011 and 2015, were analysed for the prevalence of malaria. Malaria screening was performed using by WHO‐approved immunochromatographic rapid diagnostic test (RDT) (Malascan®; Zephyr Biomedicals, India) for malarial antigen and confirmed by thick and thin blood smear. Those testing positive for malaria were called for post‐test counselling.

Results

A total of 108184 blood donors donated during the analysed period. Twenty‐six donors (0·024%) tested positive for malarial antigen by RDT. One (3·8%) of the 18 donors with double band on RDT showed the presence of mixed infection (Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum). Fifteen (83·3%) donors were infected with P. falciparum. In the remaining two (11·1%) positive samples, further analysis by microscopy failed to find any evidence of malaria. There were eight non‐falciparum cases of P. vivax. Twenty‐one (80·8%) infected donations were avoided by post‐test counselling strategy as these donors underwent treatment prior to scheduling their next blood donation.

Conclusion

Blood donors in our region have a 0·024% prevalence of malaria. With proper donor testing, notification and post‐test counselling the rate of TTM can be further minimized.
Characteristic study of image-based alignment for increasing accuracy in lithography application
Authors: Zhang Libin , Dong Lisong , Su Xiaojing , Wei Yayi
Published: October 2017

Image-based overlay and alignment is an effective technology for finding wafer positions precisely. Methods to increase the alignment accuracy and decrease the alignment tolerance for the lithography application are important and challenging, which need more study to consider the problems in a broader context. In view of this, the inner characteristics of image-based alignment are investigated in this paper by studying the case with phase difference only as well as the case with both power and phase differences. Based on the study, the authors propose some recommendable conclusions. For the case with phase difference only, the mark period should be about four times of optical spot size, the light spot size needs to be minimized for higher resolution, and the subwavelength alignment mark is not recommended to use due to its larger cross-correlation curve width. By contrast, for the case that both power and phase differences exist in application, subwavelength property has great advantages in choosing the best alignment reference waveform and higher robustness to handle the edge profile and mark thickness variation. In reality, the measured waveforms can be changed easily due to the thickness variation of the films above the alignment mark, which may cause center position finding error. The authors suggest that it is necessary to establish a reference waveform library with all kinds of shapes, through comparing all maximal cross-correlation values with the real waveform to find the best reference one and the center position. The authors believe image-based alignment method will play an important role in advanced lithography node for its robustness for most kinds of film stacks.
A novel reconfigurable electromagnetically induced transparency based on S-PINs
Authors: Xue Feng , Liu Shao-Bin , Zhang Hai-Feng , Wen Yong-Diao , Kong Xiang-Kun , Li Hai-Ming
Published: October 2017

In this paper, a tunable electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) based on S-PINs is theoretically analyzed. Unit cell of the structure consists of a cutwire (CW), split ring resonator (SRR), and solid state plasma (SS plasma) patches which are composed of S-PIN array. The destructive interference between the CW and SRR results in a narrowband transparency window accompanied with strong phase dispersion. The proposed design can obtain a tunable EIT with different frequencies range from 12.8 GHz to 16.5 GHz in a simple method by switching these S-PINs on or off selectively. The related parameters of the S-PIN such as the size, carrier concentration, and volt-ampere characteristics have been studied theoretically. The interaction and coupling between two resonators are investigated in detail by the analysis of the current distribution and E-field strength as well. The research results provide an effective way to realize reconfigurable compact slow-light devices.
Stream-Based Reasoning for IoT Applications — Proposal of Architecture and Analysis of Challenges
Authors: Endler Markus , Briot Jean-Pierre , de Almeida Vitor P. , dos Reis Ruhan , Silva e Silva Francisco
Published: October 2017

As distributed IoT applications become larger and more complex, the pure processing of raw sensor and actuation data streams becomes impractical. Instead, data streams must be fused into tangible facts and these pieces of information must be combined with a background knowledge to infer new pieces of knowledge. And since many IoT applications require almost real-time reactivity to stimulus of the environment, such information inference process has to be performed in a continuous, on-line manner. This paper proposes a new semantic model for data stream processing and real-time reasoning based on the concepts of Semantic Stream and Fact Stream, as a natural extension of Complex Event Processing (CEP) and RDF (graph-based knowledge model). The main advantages of our approach are that: (a) it considers time as a key relation between pieces of information; (b) the processing of streams can be implemented using CEP; (c) it is general enough to be applied to any Data Stream Management System (DSMS). We describe a scenario about patients flux monitoring in a hospital as an example of prospective application. Last, we present challenges and prospects on using machine learning and induction algorithms to learn abstractions and reasoning rules from a continuous data stream.
Mechanism of Neonicotinoid Toxicity: Impact on Oxidative Stress and Metabolism
Authors: Wang Xu , Anadón Arturo , Wu Qinghua , Qiao Fang , Ares Irma , Martínez-Larrañaga María-Rosa , Yuan Zonghui , Martínez María-Aránzazu
Published: October 2017

Thousands of tons of neonicotinoids are widely used around the world as broad-spectrum systemic insecticides and veterinary drugs. Researchers originally thought that neonicotinoids exhibited low mammalian toxicity. However, following their widespread use, it became increasingly evident that neonicotinoids could have various toxic effects on vertebrates and invertebrates. The primary focus of this review is to summarize the research progress associated with oxidative stress as a plausible mechanism for neonicotinoid-induced toxicity as well as neonicotinoid metabolism. This review summarizes the research conducted over the past decade into the production of reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and oxidative stress as aresult of neonicotinoid treatments, along with their correlation with the toxicity and metabolism of neonicotinoids. The metabolism of neonicotinoids and protection of various compounds against neonicotinoid-induced toxicity based on their antioxidative effects is also discussed. This review sheds new light on the critical roles of oxidative stress in neonicotinoid-induced toxicity to nontarget species.
Selective inhibition of physiological late Na+ current stabilizes ventricular repolarization
Authors: El-Bizri Nesrine , Li Cindy Hong , Liu Gong-Xin , Rajamani Sridharan , Belardinelli Luiz
Published: October 2017

The physiological role of cardiac late Na+ current ( INa) has not been well described. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that selective inhibition of physiological late INa abbreviates the normal action potential (AP) duration (APD) and counteracts the prolongation of APD and arrhythmic activities caused by inhibition of the delayed rectifier K+ current ( IKr). The effects of GS-458967 (GS967) on the physiological late INa and APs in rabbit isolated ventricular myocytes and on the monophasic APs and arrhythmias in rabbit isolated perfused hearts were determined. In ventricular myocytes, GS967 and, for comparison, tetrodotoxin concentration dependently decreased the physiological late INa with IC50 values of 0.5 and 1.9 µM, respectively, and significantly shortened the APD measured at 90% repolarization (APD90). A strong correlation between inhibition of the physiological late INa and shortening of APD by GS967 or tetrodotoxin ( R2 of 0.96 and 0.97, respectively) was observed. Pretreatment of isolated myocytes or hearts with GS967 (1 µM) significantly shortened APD90 and monophasic APD90 and prevented the prolongation and associated arrhythmias caused by the IKr inhibitor E4031 (1 µM). In conclusion, selective inhibition of physiological late INa shortens the APD, stabilizes ventricular repolarization, and decreases the proarrhythmic potential of pharmacological agents that slow ventricular repolarization. Thus, selective inhibition of late INa may constitute a generalizable approach to stabilize ventricular repolarization and suppress arrhythmogenicity associated with conditions whereby AP or QT intervals are prolonged.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The contribution of physiological late Na+ current in action potential duration (APD) of rabbit cardiac myocytes was estimated. The inhibition of this current prevented the prolongation of APD in rabbit cardiac myocytes, the prolongation of monophasic APD, and generation of arrhythmias in rabbit isolated hearts caused by delayed rectifier K+ current inhibition.