bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiative and interfacial recombination in CdTe heterostructures
Authors: Swartz C. H. , Edirisooriya M. , LeBlanc E. G. , Noriega O. C. , Jayathilaka P. A. R. D. , Ogedengbe O. S. , Hancock B. L. , Holtz M. , Myers T. H. , Zaunbrecher K. N.
Published: December 2014

Double heterostructures (DH) were produced consisting of a CdTe film between two wide band gap barriers of CdMgTe alloy. A combined method was developed to quantify radiative and non-radiative recombination rates by examining the dependence of photoluminescence (PL) on both excitation intensity and time. The measured PL characteristics, and the interface state density extracted by modeling, indicate that the radiative efficiency of CdMgTe/CdTe DHs is comparable to that of AlGaAs/GaAs DHs, with interface state densities in the low 1010 cm−2 and carrier lifetimes as long as 240 ns. The radiative recombination coefficient of CdTe is found to be near 10−10 cm3s−1. CdTe film growth on bulk CdTe substrates resulted in a homoepitaxial interface layer with a high non-radiative recombination rate.
Mechanisms of thermally induced threshold voltage instability in GaN-based heterojunction transistors
Authors: Yang Shu , Liu Shenghou , Liu Cheng , Lu Yunyou , Chen Kevin J.
Published: December 2014

In this work, we attempt to reveal the underlying mechanisms of divergent VTH-thermal-stabilities in III-nitride metal-insulator-semiconductor high-electron-mobility transistor (MIS-HEMT) and MOS-Channel-HEMT (MOSC-HEMT). In marked contrast to MOSC-HEMT featuring temperature-independent VTH, MIS-HEMT with the same high-quality gate-dielectric/III-nitride interface and similar interface trap distribution exhibits manifest thermally induced VTH shift. The temperature-dependent VTH of MIS-HEMT is attributed to the polarized III-nitride barrier layer, which spatially separates the critical gate-dielectric/III-nitride interface from the channel and allows “deeper” interface trap levels emerging above the Fermi level at pinch-off. This model is further experimentally validated by distinct VG-driven Fermi level movements at the critical interfaces in MIS-HEMT and MOSC-HEMT. The mechanisms of polarized III-nitride barrier layer in influencing VTH-thermal-stability provide guidelines for the optimization of insulated-gate III-nitride power switching devices.
Terahertz induced transparency in single-layer graphene
Authors: Paul Michael J. , Lee Byounghwak , Wardini Jenna L. , Thompson Zachary J. , Stickel Andrew D. , Mousavian Ali , Choi Hyunyong , Minot Ethan D. , Lee Yun-Shik
Published: December 2014

We show that the transmission of a terahertz (THz) pulse through single-layer graphene is strongly nonlinear. As the peak electric field of the THz pulse exceeds 50 kV/cm, the graphene becomes increasingly transparent to the THz radiation. When field strength reaches 800 kV/cm, the increased transparency corresponds to a two-fold decrease in the time-average sheet conductivity of the graphene (time averaged over the duration of the pulse). Time-resolved measurements reveal that the leading portion of the pulse creates transparency for the trailing portion, with a 10-fold suppression in sheet conductivity at the tail of the strongest THz pulse. Comparing the THz-induced transparency phenomena in different sample geometries shows that substrate-free graphene is the best geometry for maximizing the nonlinear transparency effect.
Tb2O3 thin films: An alternative candidate for high-k dielectric applications
Authors: Gray Nathan W. , Prestgard Megan C. , Tiwari Ashutosh
Published: December 2014

We are reporting the growth and structural, optical, and dielectric properties of Tb2O3, a relatively unexplored high-k dielectric material. A pulsed-laser deposition technique was used to grow Tb2O3 thin-films on four different substrates: Si(100), SrTiO3(100), LaAlO3(100), and MgO(100). High-resolution X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy results confirmed that film growth in an oxygen-rich (10−1 Torr) environment yields nearly single-crystal C-phase films, while a low-oxygen (10−6 Torr) environment growth results in the formation of monoclinic polycrystalline B-phase films. Optical transmission measurements showed that the bandgap of Tb2O3 is direct in nature with a value of 2.8 eV and 3.4 eV for the cubic and monoclinic phases, respectively. By measuring the capacitance of test devices, quite high dielectric constants of 13.5 and 24.9 were obtained for the B- and C-phase Tb2O3 films, respectively.
Illusion thermodynamics: A camouflage technique changing an object into another one with arbitrary cross section
Authors: He Xiao , Wu Linzhi
Published: December 2014

The previously reported magical thermal devices, such as the thermal invisible cloak and the thermal concentrator, are generalized into one general case named here thermal illusion device. The thermal illusion device is displayed by the design of a thermal reshaper which can reshape an arbitrary thermal object into another one with arbitrary cross section. General expressions of the material parameters for the thermal reshaper are derived unambiguously to greatly facilitate the design of general thermal illusion device. We believe that this work will broaden the current research and pave a path to the thermal invisibility. Numerical simulations show good agreement with the analytical results of the thermal illusion device.
Evidence for anisotropic dielectric properties of monoclinic hafnia using valence electron energy-loss spectroscopy in high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and ab initio time-dependent density-functional theory
Authors: Guedj C. , Hung L. , Zobelli A. , Blaise P. , Sottile F. , Olevano V.
Published: December 2014

The effect of nanocrystal orientation on the energy loss spectra of monoclinic hafnia (m-HfO2) is measured by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and valence energy loss spectroscopy (VEELS) on high quality samples. For the same momentum-transfer directions, the dielectric properties are also calculated ab initio by time-dependent density-functional theory (TDDFT). Experiments and simulations evidence anisotropy in the dielectric properties of m-HfO2, most notably with the direction-dependent oscillator strength of the main bulk plasmon. The anisotropic nature of m-HfO2 may contribute to the differences among VEELS spectra reported in literature. The good agreement between the complex dielectric permittivity extracted from VEELS with nanometer spatial resolution, TDDFT modeling, and past literature demonstrates that the present HRTEM-VEELS device-oriented methodology is a possible solution to the difficult nanocharacterization challenges given in the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors.
Sign reversal of anisotropic magnetoresistance in La0.7Ca0.3MnO3/SrTiO3 ultrathin films
Authors: Sharma Himanshu , Tulapurkar A. , Tomy C. V.
Published: December 2014

We present the observation of strain induced sign reversal of anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) in La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 (LCMO) ultrathin films (thickness ∼ 4 nm) deposited on SrTiO3 (001) substrate (STO). We have also observed unusually large AMR (∼24%) in LCMO/STO thin films with thickness of 6 nm below but close to its Curie temperature (TC) which decreases as the film thickness increases. The sign reversal of AMR (with a maximum value of −6%) with magnetic field or temperature for the 4 nm thin film may be attributed to the increase in tensile strain in the plane of the thin film which in turn facilitates the rotation of the magnetization easy axis.
Can lubricant enhance the torque of ultrasonic motors? An experimental investigation
Authors: Qiu Wei , Mizuno Yosuke , Tabaru Marie , Nakamura Kentaro
Published: December 2014

Lubrication has been proven to be an effective approach to drastically improve the efficiency of ultrasonic motors without losing the output torque. This phenomenon is attributed to the effective modulation of the friction force by lubricant, according to the theory described in the Stribeck curve. Previous findings even show a potential to increase the motor output torque with lubrication. Here, the torque enhancement of ultrasonic motors using lubricant is extensively studied in hybrid transducer-type ultrasonic motors (HTUSMs) with a size of 25 mm in diameter. The lubricated HTUSMs could withstand static preload as high as 267 N and maximum torque as large as 1.01 N m was obtained with lubrication, which were 3.5 times and 2.6 times higher than those in dry condition, respectively. This result clearly reveals that lubrication can enable ultrasonic motors to be operated under much higher static preload and hence significantly improve the motor output torque, instead of only reducing the friction force.
Experimental signature of bandgap opening in bilayer graphene at metal contacts
Authors: Nouchi Ryo
Published: December 2014

Bilayer graphene (BLG) possesses a finite bandgap when a potential difference is introduced between the two graphene layers. The potential difference is known to be introduced by surface charge transfer. Thus, it is expected that a finite bandgap exists at the metal contacts. The bandgap at the metal-BLG interface can be detected by the superlinear current-voltage characteristics in back-gate field-effect transistors, caused by carriers tunneling through the bandgap. The superlinearity was higher in the positively gated region, attributed to hole doping from the Cr/Au electrodes. The control experiments using single-layer graphene (SLG) did not have a superlinearity, which is consistent with the fact that a sizeable bandgap is not expected at the metal-SLG interface. The opening of a bandgap at the metal-BLG interface is an additional source of electrode-contact resistance.
Role of interfacial layer on complementary resistive switching in the TiN/HfOx/TiN resistive memory device
Authors: Zhang H. Z. , Ang D. S. , Gu C. J. , Yew K. S. , Wang X. P. , Lo G. Q.
Published: December 2014

The role of the bottom interfacial layer (IL) in enabling stable complementary resistive switching (CRS) in the TiN/HfOx/IL/TiN resistive memory device is revealed. Stable CRS is obtained for the TiN/HfOx/IL/TiN device, where a bottom IL comprising Hf and Ti sub-oxides resulted from the oxidation of TiN during the initial stages of atomic-layer deposition of HfOx layer. In the TiN/HfOx/Pt device, where formation of the bottom IL is suppressed by the inert Pt metal, no CRS is observed. Oxygen-ion exchange between IL and the conductive path in HfOx layer is proposed to have caused the complementary bipolar switching behavior observed in the TiN/HfOx/IL/TiN device.
Application of proton boron fusion reaction to radiation therapy: A Monte Carlo simulation study
Authors: Yoon Do-Kun , Jung Joo-Young , Suh Tae Suk
Published: December 2014

Three alpha particles are emitted from the point of reaction between a proton and boron. The alpha particles are effective in inducing the death of a tumor cell. After boron is accumulated in the tumor region, the emitted from outside the body proton can react with the boron in the tumor region. An increase of the proton's maximum dose level is caused by the boron and only the tumor cell is damaged more critically. In addition, a prompt gamma ray is emitted from the proton boron reaction point. Here, we show that the effectiveness of the proton boron fusion therapy was verified using Monte Carlo simulations. We found that a dramatic increase by more than half of the proton's maximum dose level was induced by the boron in the tumor region. This increase occurred only when the proton's maximum dose point was located within the boron uptake region. In addition, the 719 keV prompt gamma ray peak produced by the proton boron fusion reaction was positively detected. This therapy method features the advantages such as the application of Bragg-peak to the therapy, the accurate targeting of tumor, improved therapy effects, and the monitoring of the therapy region during treatment.
A combination of xylanase, amylase and protease influences growth performance, nutrient utilisation, starch and protein digestive dynamics in broiler chickens offered maize-, sorghum- and wheat-based diets
Authors: Liu S. Y. , Cadogan D. J. , Péron A. , Truong H. H. , Selle P. H.
Published: December 2014

In order to examine the influence of an enzyme combination of xylanase, amylase and protease on growth performance and energy utilisation in boiler chickens offered maize-, sorghum- and wheat-based diets and also determine the impact of exogenous enzymes on digestive dynamics of starch and protein in the small intestine and their relativity to broiler performance, a 3 × 2 factorial array of dietary treatments were offered to 288 male Ross 308 chicks from 7 to 27 days post-hatch. Apparent digestibility coefficients of starch, protein and fat in the proximal jejunum, distal jejunum, proximal ileum and distal ileum were determined at Day 27. The digestion rates of starch, protein and energy were predicted by using exponential mathematical models to fit apparent digestibility coefficients with mean retention times in each small intestinal segment. Sorghum-based diets supported the highest weight gain (P < 0.05) and feed intake (P < 0.05) but feed conversion ratios (FCR) were similar across all three grain-based diets (P > 0.10). There were significant interactions between grain type and enzyme supplementation in FCR and the enzyme combination significantly improved FCR in maize-based diets only (P < 0.01). The enzyme combination significantly increased apparent metabolisable energy (AME) in all three grain-based diets (P < 0.05) and increased nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolisable energy (AMEn) in maize- and wheat-based diets (P < 0.05). Wheat-based diets had the lowest N retention (P < 0.01), relative gizzard weight (P < 0.001) and highest gizzard pH (P < 0.05). There were significant grain × enzyme supplementation interactions for starch (P < 0.01) and N (P < 0.05) digestibility coefficients in the four small intestinal segments. Starch digestibility responses to the enzyme combination were most pronounced in wheat-based diets with significant improvement in all segments. The enzyme combination significantly retarded starch digestion rates (P < 0.05) but did not influence protein (N) digestion rates (P > 0.25). In conclusion, feed conversion of sorghum-based diet (1.475) was significantly more efficient than those based on maize (1.518) and wheat (1.532) in non-supplemented diets. The enzyme combination significantly improved energy utilisation (AME) in all three grain-based diets and improved feed conversion efficiency in maize-based diets.
Controlled hydrostatic pressure stress downregulates the expression of ribosomal genes in preimplantation embryos: a possible protection mechanism?
Authors: Bock I. , Raveh-Amit H. , Losonczi E. , Carstea A. C. , Feher A. , Mashayekhi K. , Matyas S. , Dinnyes A. , Pribenszky C.
Published: December 2014

The efficiency of various assisted reproductive techniques can be improved by preconditioning the gametes and embryos with sublethal hydrostatic pressure treatment. However, the underlying molecular mechanism responsible for this protective effect remains unknown and requires further investigation. Here, we studied the effect of optimised hydrostatic pressure treatment on the global gene expression of mouse oocytes after embryonic genome activation. Based on a gene expression microarray analysis, a significant effect of treatment was observed in 4-cell embryos derived from treated oocytes, revealing a transcriptional footprint of hydrostatic pressure-affected genes. Functional analysis identified numerous genes involved in protein synthesis that were downregulated in 4-cell embryos in response to hydrostatic pressure treatment, suggesting that regulation of translation has a major role in optimised hydrostatic pressure-induced stress tolerance. We present a comprehensive microarray analysis and further delineate a potential mechanism responsible for the protective effect of hydrostatic pressure treatment.
Detection of brown adipose tissue and thermogenic activity in mice by hyperpolarized xenon MRI
Authors: Branca Rosa Tamara , He Ting , Zhang Le , Floyd Carlos S. , Freeman Matthew , White Christian , Burant Alex
Published: December 2014

Significance

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in brown adipose tissue (BAT), a tissue specialized in nonshivering thermogenesis and considered to be the next therapeutic target against obesity and diabetes. However, the detection of this very sparse tissue still represents a major challenge. To our knowledge, we report the first in vivo detection of BAT and thermogenic activity by hyperpolarized xenon gas MRI. We show that during thermogenic activity a more than 15-fold enhancement in xenon uptake by BAT enables us to clearly differentiate this tissue from the surrounding tissue and to thereby overcome the major limitations of conventional imaging methods. We also use lipid-dissolved hyperpolarized xenon chemical shift to demonstrate direct in vivo MR thermometry of BAT.
Hominids adapted to metabolize ethanol long before human-directed fermentation
Authors: Carrigan Matthew A. , Uryasev Oleg , Frye Carole B. , Eckman Blair L. , Myers Candace R. , Hurley Thomas D. , Benner Steven A.
Published: December 2014

Significance

Many modern human diseases are attributed to incompatibility between our current environment and the environment for which our genome is adapted. It is unclear whether this model applies to alcoholism. We investigated this possibility by studying alcohol dehydrogenase class IV (ADH4), the first enzyme exposed to ethanol in the digestive tract that is capable of metabolizing ethanol. We resurrected ancestral ADH4 enzymes from various points in the ∼70 million y of primate evolution and identified a single mutation occurring ∼10 million y ago that endowed our ancestors with a markedly enhanced ability to metabolize ethanol. This change occurred approximately when our ancestors adopted a terrestrial lifestyle and may have been advantageous to primates living where highly fermented fruit is more likely.
Evolution-guided optimization of biosynthetic pathways
Authors: Raman Srivatsan , Rogers Jameson K. , Taylor Noah D. , Church George M.
Published: December 2014

Significance

Microbes can be made to produce industrially valuable chemicals in high quantities by engineering their central metabolic pathways. This process may require evaluating billions of cells, each containing a unique pathway design, to identify the rare cells with high production phenotypes. We mutated targeted locations across the genome to modify several genes identified as key players. We used sensory proteins responsive to a number of target chemicals to couple the concentration of the target chemical in each cell to individual cell fitness. This coupling of chemical production to fitness allows us to harness evolution to progressively enrich superior pathway designs. Through iterations of genetic diversification and selection, we increased the production of naringenin and glucaric acid 36- and 22-fold, respectively.
Crucial role of nonspecific interactions in amyloid nucleation
Authors: Šarić Anđela , Chebaro Yassmine C. , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Frenkel Daan
Published: December 2014

Significance

The assembly of normally soluble proteins into large fibrils, known as amyloid aggregation, is associated with a range of pathologies. Prefibrillar protein oligomers but not the grown fibers are believed to be the main toxic agents. It is unresolved if these oligomers are necessary for fibril assembly or just a dangerous byproduct. We show using computer simulations that, at physiological concentrations, amyloid formation must proceed through a two-step process including prefibrillar oligomers. We find that there is an optimal oligomeric size for amyloid nucleation and that classical nucleation theory cannot be applied to this process. Formation of oligomers and hence, fibrils, is controlled by the strength of nonspecific attractions, whose weakening may be crucial in preventing amyloid aggregation.
Self-assembled FUS binds active chromatin and regulates gene transcription
Authors: Yang Liuqing , Gal Jozsef , Chen Jing , Zhu Haining
Published: December 2014

Significance

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder and mutations in fused in sarcoma (FUS) cause a subset of familial ALS. Mutant FUS forms cytoplasmic inclusions, but it is unclear whether loss of FUS function in the nucleus or toxicity gained in the cytoplasm is more critical in the ALS etiology. The physiological function of FUS is also uncharacterized. We found that a significant portion of FUS was bound to active chromatin and that ALS mutations dramatically reduced FUS chromatin binding. A high order FUS assembly is mediated by the N-terminal QGSY (glutamine-glycine-serine-tyrosine)-rich region and is required for FUS chromatin binding and the transcription activation by FUS. ALS mutations in FUS can cause its loss of function in the nucleus by disrupting this assembly and chromatin binding.
Effects of biological explanations for mental disorders on clinicians’ empathy
Authors: Lebowitz Matthew S. , Ahn Woo-kyoung
Published: December 2014

Significance

Mental disorders are increasingly understood biologically. We tested the effects of biological explanations among mental health clinicians, specifically examining their empathy toward patients. Conventional wisdom suggests that biological explanations reduce perceived blameworthiness against those with mental disorders, which could increase empathy. Yet, conceptualizing mental disorders biologically can cast patients as physiologically different from “normal” people and as governed by genetic or neurochemical abnormalities instead of their own human agency, which can engender negative social attitudes and dehumanization. This suggests that biological explanations might actually decrease empathy. Indeed, we find that biological explanations significantly reduce clinicians’ empathy. This is alarming because clinicians’ empathy is important for the therapeutic alliance between mental health providers and patients and significantly predicts positive clinical outcomes.
In vivo selective cancer-tracking gadolinium eradicator as new-generation photodynamic therapy agent
Authors: Zhang Tao , Lan Rongfeng , Chan Chi-Fai , Law Ga-Lai , Wong Wai-Kwok , Wong Ka-Leung
Published: December 2014

Significance

Next-generation photodynamic therapy (NG-PDT) for the treatment of tumors preponderates over conventional practices in that it is a kind of effective precision medicine with minimal invasive procedures and side effects. Herein, a newly developed NG-PDT paradigm agent of gadolinium-porphyrin complex, Gd-N, is introduced, which can successfully trace and recognize tumor tissues via simple injection into the blood vessel of the mouse models, selectively accumulate within them, and superiorly exert the therapeutic effect via cytotoxic singlet oxygen generation (∼51% quantum yield) to eradicate the solid tumor by one-half within a short period of time only upon due two-photon excitation. Its characteristic two-photon–induced near-infrared emission is also always available for direct monitoring for transportation and effectiveness in vitro and in vivo.
Early inner solar system origin for anomalous sulfur isotopes in differentiated protoplanets
Authors: Antonelli Michael A. , Kim Sang-Tae , Peters Marc , Labidi Jabrane , Cartigny Pierre , Walker Richard J. , Lyons James R. , Hoek Joost , Farquhar James
Published: December 2014

Significance

This investigation focuses on the sulfur isotopic compositions of magmatically differentiated meteorites, the oldest igneous rocks in our solar system. We present evidence of anomalous
33
S depletions in a group of differentiated iron meteorites, along with
33
S enrichments in several other groups. The complementary positive and negative compositions, along with observed covariations in
36
S and
33
S, are explained by Lyman-α photolysis of gaseous H
2
S in the solar nebula. Confirmation of photochemically predicted
33
S depletions implies that the starting composition of inner solar system sulfur was chondritic, consistent with the Earth, Moon, Mars, and nonmagmatic iron meteorites. Differentiated protoplanets, however, appear to have accreted from materials processed under conditions where sulfur was volatile and UV radiation was present (<∼2 AU).
Histone H3.3 and cancer: A potential reader connection
Authors: Lan Fei , Shi Yang
Published: December 2014

The building block of chromatin is nucleosome, which consists of 146 base pairs of DNA wrapped around a histone octamer composed of two copies of histone H2A, H2B, H3, and H4. Significantly, the somatic missense mutations of the histone H3 variant, H3.3, are associated with childhood and young-adult tumors, such as pediatric high-grade astrocytomas, as well as chondroblastoma and giant-cell tumors of the bone. The mechanisms by which these histone mutations cause cancer are by and large unclear. Interestingly, two recent studies identified BS69/ZMYND11, which was proposed to be a candidate tumor suppressor, as a specific reader for a modified form of H3.3 (H3.3K36me3). Importantly, some H3.3 cancer mutations are predicted to abrogate the H3.3K36me3/BS69 interaction, suggesting that this interaction may play an important role in tumor suppression. These new findings also raise the question of whether H3.3 cancer mutations may lead to the disruption and/or gain of interactions of additional cellular factors that contribute to tumorigenesis.
Practice and play in the development of German top‐level professional football players
Authors: Hornig Manuel , Aust Friedhelm , Güllich Arne
Published: December 2014

This study examined the developmental sporting activities of 52 German football first Bundesliga professionals (including 18 senior national team members) and 50 fourth to sixth league amateur players. They reported their volumes of organised football practice/training, including its “microstructure” (proportions of physical conditioning, skill exercises and playing forms), non‐organised leisure football play and engagement in other sports through their career, respectively. Analyses revealed that the Bundesliga professionals performed moderate amounts of organised football practice/training throughout their career. They accumulated 4264 (mean value) hours over ~16 years before debuting in 1st Bundesliga; senior National Team debut was preceded by 4532 hours (mean) over ~17 years. Within the “microstructure” of organised practice/training, the proportion of playing forms developed from ~52% (childhood) to ~45% (adolescence) and ~40% (adulthood) and physical conditioning from ~13% to ~14% and ~23%. Outside organised involvement, these players engaged in extensive non‐organised leisure football play making ~68%, ~54% and ~9% of all football involvement. Subsuming organised and non‐organised football, ~86% (childhood), ~73% (adolescence) and ~43% (adulthood) of all activity was game play (exclusive matchplay). National Team differed from amateurs in more non‐organised leisure football in childhood, more engagement in other sports in adolescence, later specialisation, and in more organised football only at age 22+ years. Relative to numerous other studies, these players performed less organised practice, particularly less physical conditioning, but greater proportions of playing activities. The findings are discussed relative to the significance of playing forms and variable involvements and are reflected against the deliberate practice and Developmental Model of Sport Participation (DMSP) frameworks.
Whole-Genome Sequencing and Epidemiological Analysis Do Not Provide Evidence for Cross-transmission of Mycobacterium abscessus in a Cohort of Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Harris Kathryn A. , Underwood Anthony , Kenna Dervla T. D. , Brooks Anthony , Kavaliunaite Ema , Kapatai Georgia , Tewolde Rediat , Aurora Paul , Dixon Garth
Published: December 2014

Background.  Mycobacterium abscessus has emerged as a major pathogen in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and has been associated with poor clinical outcomes, particularly following lung transplant. We investigated the acquisition of this bacterium in a cohort of pediatric CF patients.

Methods.  Demographic and patient location data were used to uncover epidemiological links between patients with genetically related strains of M. abscessus that had been previously typed by variable-number tandem repeat profiling. Whole-genome sequencing was applied to 27 M. abscessus isolates from the 20 patients in this cohort to provide definitive data on the genetic relatedness of strains.

Results.  Whole-genome sequencing data demonstrated that M. abscessus isolates from 16 patients were unrelated, differing by at least 34 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from any other isolate, suggesting that independent acquisition events have occurred. Only 2 clusters of very closely related (<25 SNPs) isolates from different patients were seen. The first cluster contained 8 isolates, differing by a maximum of 17 SNPs, from a sibling pair who had intense exposure to each other both inside and outside the hospital. The second cluster contained 3 isolates, differing by a maximum of 24 SNPs, from 2 individuals with no apparent epidemiological links.

Conclusions.  We have not demonstrated cross-transmission of M. abscessus within our hospital, except between 1 sibling pair. Alternative routes of acquisition of M. abscessus infection, in particular the environment, require further investigation.
Competition for marine space: modelling the Baltic Sea fisheries and effort displacement under spatial restrictions
Authors: Bastardie Francois , Nielsen J. Rasmus , Eigaard O. R. , Fock H. O. , Jonsson P. , Bartolino V.
Published: December 2014

Maritime spatial planning (MSP) and fishery management may generate extra costs for fisheries by constraining fishers activity with conservation areas and new utilizations of the sea. More energy-efficient fisheries are also likely to alter existing fishing patterns, which already vary from fishery to fishery and from vessel to vessel. The impact assessment of new spatial plans involving fisheries should be based on quantitative bioeconomic analyses that take into account individual vessel decisions, and trade-offs in cross-sector conflicting interests. We use a vessel-oriented decision-support tool (the DISPLACE model) to combine stochastic variations in spatial fishing activities with harvested resource dynamics in scenario projections. The assessment computes economic and stock status indicators by modelling the activity of Danish, Swedish, and German vessels (>12 m) in the international western Baltic Sea commercial fishery, together with the underlying size-based distribution dynamics of the main fishery resources of sprat, herring, and cod. The outcomes of alternative scenarios for spatial effort displacement are exemplified by evaluating the fishers's abilities to adapt to spatial plans under various constraints. Interlinked spatial, technical, and biological dynamics of vessels and stocks in the scenarios result in stable profits, which compensate for the additional costs from effort displacement and release pressure on the fish stocks. The effort is further redirected away from sensitive benthic habitats, enhancing the ecological positive effects. The energy efficiency of some of the vessels, however, is strongly reduced with the new zonation, and some of the vessels suffer decreased profits. The DISPLACE model serves as a spatially explicit bioeconomic benchmark tool for management strategy evaluations for capturing tactical decision-making in reaction to MSP.
OGLE-BLG182.1.162852: an eclipsing binary with a circumstellar disc
Authors: Rattenbury N. J. , Wyrzykowski Ł. , Kostrzewa-Rutkowska Z. , Udalski A. , Kozłowski S. , Szymański M. K. , Pietrzyński G. , Soszyński I. , Poleski R. , Ulaczyk K. , Skowron J. , Pietrukowicz P. , Mróz P. , Skowron D.
Published: December 2014

We present the discovery of a plausible disc-eclipse system OGLE-BLG182.1.162852. The OGLE light curve for OGLE-BLG182.1.162852 shows three episodes of dimming by I ≃ 2–3 mag, separated by 1277 d. The shape of the light curve during dimming events is very similar to that of known disc-eclipse system OGLE-LMC-ECL-11893. The event is presently undergoing a dimming event, predicted to end on 2014 December 30. The next dimming episode for OGLE-BLG182.1.162852 is expected to occur in 2018 March.
Clinical Tube Weaning Supported by Hunger Provocation in Fully‐Tube‐Fed Children
Authors: Hartdorff Caroline M. , Kneepkens C.M. Frank , Stok‐Akerboom Anita M. , van Dijk‐Lokkart Elisabeth M. , Engels Michelle A.H. , Kindermann Angelika
Published: December 2014

Background:

Children with congenital malformations, mental retardation, and complex early medical history frequently have feeding problems. Although tube feeding is effective in providing the necessary energy and nutrients, it decreases the child's motivation to eat and may lead to oral aversion. In this study, we sought to confirm our previous results, showing that a multidisciplinary clinical hunger provocation program may lead to quick resumption of oral feeding.

Methods:

In a crossover study, 22 children of 9 to 24 months of age who were fully dependent on tube feeding were randomly assigned to one of two groups: group A, intervention group (2‐week multidisciplinary clinical hunger provocation program); and group B, control group (4‐week outpatient treatment by the same multidisciplinary team). Patients failing one treatment were reassigned to the other treatment group. Primary outcome measures were at least 75% orally fed at the conclusion of the intervention and fully orally fed and gaining weight 6 months after the intervention.

Results:

In group A, 9/11 patients were successfully weaned from tube feeding (2 failures: 1 developed ulcerative colitis, 1 drop‐out). In group B, only 1 patient was weaned successfully; 10/11 were reassigned to the clinical hunger provocation program, all being weaned successfully. Six months after the intervention, 1 patient had to resume tube feeding. In total, in the control group, 1/11 (9%) was weaned successfully as compared with 18/21 (86%) in the hunger provocation group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Multidisciplinary clinical hunger provocation is an effective short‐term intervention for weaning young children from tube feeding.
Activation of dorsal raphe serotonergic neurons promotes persistent waiting independently of reinforcing effects
Authors: Fonseca Madalena S. , Murakami Masayoshi , Mainen Zachary F.
Published: December 2014

The central neuromodulator serotonin (5-HT) has been implicated in a wide range of behaviors and affective disorders, but the principles underlying its function remain elusive. One influential line of research has implicated 5-HT in response inhibition and impulse control. Another has suggested a role in affective processing. However, whether and how these effects relate to each other is still unclear. Here, we report that optogenetic activation of 5-HT neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) produces a dose-dependent increase in mice’s ability to withhold premature responding in a task that requires them to wait several seconds for a randomly delayed tone. The 5-HT effect had a rapid onset and was maintained throughout the stimulation period. In addition, movement speed was slowed but stimulation did not affect reaction time or time spent at the reward port. Using similar stimulation protocols in place preference and value-based choice tests, we found no evidence of either appetitive or aversive effects of DRN 5-HT neuron activation. These results provide strong evidence that the efficacy of DRN 5-HT neurons in promoting waiting for delayed rewards is independent of appetitive or aversive effects and support the importance of 5-HT in behavioral persistence and impulse control.
Crystal structure of 2-methoxy-2-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfanyl]-1-phenylethan-1-one
Authors: Zukerman-Schpector Julio , Olivato Paulo R. , Traesel Henrique J. , Valença Jéssica , Rodrigues Daniel N. S. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: December 2014

In the title β-thiocarbonyl compound, C16H16O2S, the carbonyl and methoxy O atoms are approximately coplanar [O—C—C—O torsion angle = −18.2 (5)°] andsynto each other, and the tolyl ring is orientated to lie over them. The dihedral angle between the planes of the two rings is 44.03 (16)°. In the crystal, supramolecular chains are formed along thecaxis mediated by C—H...O interactions involving methine and methyl H atoms as donors, with the carbonyl O atom accepting both bonds; these pack with no specific intermolecular interactions between them.
Structure cristalline de type alluaudite K0.4Na3.6Co(MoO4)3
Authors: Nasri Rawia , Fakhar Bourguiba Noura , Zid Mohamed Faouzi
Published: December 2014

A new triple molybdate, potassium sodium cobalt tris(molybdate), K0.4Na3.6Co(MoO4)3, was synthesized using solid-state reactions. The Co2+and one Na+cation are located at the same general site, each with occupancy 0.5. Another site (site symmetry 2) is occupied by Na+and K+cations, with occupancies of 0.597 (7) and 0.402 (6), respectively. The other two Na+cations and one of the two Mo atoms lie on special positions (site symmetries -1, 2 and 2, respectively). The structure is characterized byM2O10(M= Co/Na) dimers, which are linked by MoO4tetrahedra, forming infinite layers. The latter are connected firstly by insertion of one type of MoO4tetrahedra and secondly by sharing corners with the other type of MoO4tetrahedra. This results in an open three-dimensional framework with the cavities occupied by the Na+and K+cations. The structure is isotypic with Na3In2As3O12and Na3In2P3O12. A comparison is made with structures such as K2Co2(MoO4)3andβ-NaFe2(MoO4)3and their differences are discussed.
Crystal structure of 2-azaniumyl-3-bromo-6-oxo-5,6-dihydropyrido[1,2-a]quinoxalin-11-ium dibromide
Authors: Faizi Md. Serajul Haque , Sharkina Natalia O. , Iskenderov Turganbay S.
Published: December 2014

The title salt, C12H10BrN3O2+·2Br−, was synthesized from the reaction ofN1,N4-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethylidene)benzene-1,4-diamine and bromine in a methanol solution. All non-H atoms of the 2-azaniumyl-3-bromo-6-oxo-5,6-dihydropyrido[1,2-a]quinoxalin-11-ium cation are nearly coplanar, the maximum deviation being 0.114 (4) Å. In the crystal, the cations and anions are linked through N—H...Br hydrogen bonds and weak C—H...Br interactions, forming a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture. A short Br...Br contact [3.3088 (9) Å] is observed in the crystal.
Crystal structure of 2,2-dichloro-1-(piperidin-1-yl)butane-1,3-dione
Authors: Schwierz Markus , Görls Helmar , Imhof Wolfgang
Published: December 2014

In the title compound, C9H13Cl2NO2, the piperidine ring shows a chair conformation and the O—C—C—O torsion angle between the carbonyl groups is 183.6 (4)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked into an infinite layer along theabplane by a bifurcated C—H...O hydrogen bond between the carbonyl O atom adjacent to the methyl group and one of the methylene groups next to nitrogen and an additional hydrogen bond of the C—H...Cl type. These layers are connected into a three-dimensional supramolecular arrangement by O...Cl contacts [2.8979 (12) and 3.1300 (12) Å].
Why do frog and toad forelimbs suddenly (but asynchronously) appear, every time metamorphosis is near?
Authors: Zechini Luigi , Lilley Alison , Downie J. Roger , Walsh Patrick T.
Published: December 2014

The internal development and the emergence of the forelimbs at metamorphosis is a defining feature of anuran amphibians (frogs and toads). However, although forelimb emergence is considered sudden, it is rarely synchronous. Any asynchrony may or may not exacerbate the increased drag that is predicted to occur with the emergence of the forelimbs at metamorphic climax.

Despite the impact forelimb emergence is hypothesized to have on individual survival and life‐history evolution, the degree of asynchrony between forelimb emergence, and any consequences of such asymmetry, has not been investigated. The asynchrony in forelimb emergence also provides an opportunity to test the currently held evolutionary basis for the internal development and sudden emergence of the forelimbs in anurans.

Using a diverse range of anuran taxonomic groups, we measured the time between, and pattern of, the emergence of the forelimbs across a range of species. To examine the evolutionary impacts of forelimb emergence, we assessed locomotory performance when individuals had zero, one or two forelimbs emerged.

The duration of time between the emergence of the two forelimbs was longer and more variable than predicted. Furthermore, no species suffered impaired burst speeds nor was their angle of escape affected as the forelimbs emerged asynchronously. In fact, burst swimming speed was faster after the emergence of one and two forelimbs than prior to their emergence.

Fundamentally, our results call into question the proposition, long accepted, that internal forelimb development is associated with locomotion and reducing drag during metamorphosis. This does not appear to be the case, and we suggest that anatomical or developmental constraints or advantages may be responsible.
Identifying gravity anomalies caused by granitic intrusions in Nanling mineral district, China: a multifractal perspective
Authors: Chen Guoxiong , Cheng Qiuming , Zuo Renguang , Liu Tianyou , Xi Yufei
Published: December 2014

Several power‐law relationships of geophysical potential fields have been discussed recently with renewed interests, including field value–distance () and power spectrum–wavenumber () models. The singularity mapping technique based on the density/concentration–area (C–A) power‐law model is applied to act as a high‐pass filter for extracting gravity and magnetic anomalies regardless of the background value and to detect the edges of gravity or magnetic sources with the advantage of scale invariance. This is demonstrated on a synthetic example and a case study from the Nanling mineral district, Southern China. Compared with the analytic signal amplitude and total horizontal gradient methods, the singularity mapping technique provides more distinct and less noisy boundaries of granites than traditional methods. Additionally, it is efficient for enhancing and outlining weak anomalies caused by concealed granitic intrusions, indicating that the singularity method based on multifractal analysis is a potential tool to process gravity and magnetic data.
Does functional trait diversity predict above‐ground biomass and productivity of tropical forests? Testing three alternative hypotheses
Authors: Finegan Bryan , Peña‐Claros Marielos , de Oliveira Alexandre , Ascarrunz Nataly , Bret‐Harte M. Syndonia , Carreño‐Rocabado Geovana , Casanoves Fernando , Díaz Sandra , Eguiguren Velepucha Paul , Fernandez Fernando , Licona Juan Carlos , Lorenzo Leda , Salgado Negret Beatriz , Vaz Marcel , Poorter Lourens
Published: December 2014

Tropical forests are globally important, but it is not clear whether biodiversity enhances carbon storage and sequestration in them. We tested this relationship focusing on components of functional trait biodiversity as predictors.

Data are presented for three rain forests in Bolivia, Brazil and Costa Rica. Initial above‐ground biomass and biomass increments of survivors, recruits and survivors + recruits (total) were estimated for trees ≥10 cm d.b.h. in 62 and 21 1.0‐ha plots, respectively. We determined relationships of biomass increments to initial standing biomass (AGBi), biomass‐weighted community mean values (CWM) of eight functional traits and four functional trait variety indices (functional richness, functional evenness, functional diversity and functional dispersion).

The forest continuum sampled ranged from ‘slow’ stands dominated by trees with tough tissues and highAGBi, to ‘fast’ stands dominated by trees with soft, nutrient‐rich leaves, lighter woods and lowerAGBi.

We tested whetherAGBiand biomass increments were related to theCWMtrait values of the dominant species in the system (the biomass ratio hypothesis), to the variety of functional trait values (the niche complementarity hypothesis), or in the case of biomass increments, simply to initial standing biomass (the green soup hypothesis).

CWMs were reasonable bivariate predictors ofAGBiand biomass increments, withCWMspecific leaf areaSLA,CWMleaf nitrogen content,CWMforce to tear the leaf,CWMmaximum adult heightHmaxandCWMwood specific gravity the most important.AGBiwas also a reasonable predictor of the three measures of biomass increment. In best‐fit multiple regression models,CWMHmaxwas the most important predictor of initial standing biomassAGBi. Only leaf traits were selected in the best models for biomass increment;CWM SLAwas the most important predictor, with the expected positive relationship. There were no relationships of functional variety indices to biomass increments, andAGBiwas the only predictor for biomass increments from recruits.

Synthesis. We found no support for the niche complementarity hypothesis and support for the green soup hypothesis only for biomass increments of recruits. We have strong support for the biomass ratio hypothesis.CWMHmaxis a strong driver of ecosystem biomass and carbon storage andCWM SLA, and otherCWMleaf traits are especially important for biomass increments and carbon sequestration.
Economics of Animal Welfare Standards: Transatlantic Perspectives
Authors: Blandford David , Harvey David
Published: December 2014

Some economists suggest that the provision of a sufficiently high level of farm animal welfare is a public good that will not be forthcoming because of market failure. Others argue that it is a merit good whose provision is desirable on the basis of some concept of need or justice. These concepts lead towards assigning government the primary role in ensuring welfare standards. We argue that animal welfare should be treated as a moral good – one for which a state imposed minimum standard is necessary to meet society's demand for humane treatment, but where there is also a role for markets in satisfying the preferences of some consumers for higher welfare standards. Historically, Europe has tended to rely largely on legislation to raise welfare standards. The United States has tended to rely largely on private initiatives. On both sides of the Atlantic, there is strong evidence of movement to a mixed approach involving minimum legislated standards and products differentiated on the basis of higher welfare standards. This change in emphasis is to be welcomed as a means of providing an effective way of ensuring humane treatment of farm animals, while simultaneously satisfying diverse consumer preferences for animal products.
Recent updates on incubation of drug craving: a mini‐review
Authors: Li Xuan , Caprioli Daniele , Marchant Nathan J.
Published: December 2014

Cue‐induced drug craving progressively increases after prolonged withdrawal from drug self‐administration in laboratory animals, a behavioral phenomenon termed ‘incubation of drug craving.’ Studies over the years have revealed several important neural mechanisms contributing to incubation of drug craving. In this mini‐review, we first discuss three excellent Addiction Biology publications on incubation of drug craving in both human and laboratory animals. We then review several key publications from the past year on behavioral and mechanistic findings related to incubation of drug craving.
Passages: Airborne in an African Diaspora
Authors: Bhimull Chandra D.
Published: December 2014

This article relays a story about race and empire in the air. It uses the openness of creative nonfiction to mix and link ostensibly disconnected ethnographic and archival moments. Focused on diaspora and flight, it ties the onset of airline travel to the recent rise of aerial deportations and deaths. It shows why the differentiation, discrimination, and domination of racial others took to the sky, leaving us to wonder what befalls humanity aloft.