bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical simulation of particle focusing in a symmetrical serpentine microchannel
Authors: Jiang Di , Tang Wenlai , Xiang Nan , Ni Zhonghua
Published: June 2016

This paper elucidates the particle rotation, focusing and separation in a symmetrical serpentine microchannel by numerical simulation and experimental validation.
Transfer hydrogenation of biomass-derived levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone over supported Ni catalysts
Authors: Hengne A. M. , Kadu B. S. , Biradar N. S. , Chikate R. C. , Rode C. V.
Published: June 2016

A bifunctional Ni/MMT catalyst for catalytic transfer hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone with complete conversion and selectivity.
A phosphotungstic acid-supported multifunctional organocatalyst containing 9-amino(9-deoxy)epi-cinchonidine and Brønsted acid and its application in asymmetric aldol reaction
Authors: Lan Ling , Xie Guangxin , Wu Tao , Feng Dandan , Ma Xuebing
Published: June 2016

Phosphotungstic acid-supported multifunctional 9-amino(9-deoxy)epi-cinchonidine containing Brønsted acid was developed through facile precipitation for the first time and afforded aldol adducts in excellent catalytic performance with good reusability.
A DFT study of the adsorption of O2and H2O on Al(111) surfaces
Authors: Wei Xin , Dong Chaofang , Chen Zhanghua , Xiao Kui , Li Xiaogang
Published: June 2016

Using first-principles calculations that are based on density functional theory, the molecular and dissociative adsorptions of O2and H2O on a clean and O pre-adsorbed Al(111) surface were systematically investigated.
Camphor-based CCR5 blocker lead compounds – a computational and experimental approach
Authors: Justino Gonçalo C. , Pinheiro Pedro F. , Roseiro Alexandra P. S. , Knittel Ana S. O. , Gonçalves João , Justino Marta C. , Carvalho M. Fernanda N. N.
Published: June 2016

This study identifies novel camphor-derived compounds that bind the CCR5 receptor and can be used as lead compounds for drug discovery.
Evaluation of the catalytic effect of non-noble bismuth on the lead half-cell reaction for lead-based redox flow batteries
Authors: Na Zhaolin , Liang Fei , Yin Dongming , Wang Limin
Published: June 2016

Bi3+ ions can serve as high-performance additives for lead-based redox flow batteries.
Nanomechanical properties of protein–DNA layers with different oligonucleotide tethers
Authors: Sánchez Cristina Gutiérrez , Su Qiang , Wenderhold-Reeb Sabine , Nöll Gilbert
Published: June 2016

The length and flexibility of the oligonucleotide tethers strongly affect the viscoelastic properties of the resulting protein–DNA layers.
Comparative study between microwave and ultrasonication aided in situ transesterification of microbial lipids
Authors: Sara Magdouli , Brar Satinder Kaur , Blais Jean François
Published: June 2016

Recent trends have focused on the development of a rapid method to convert microbial lipids to biodiesel.
An unusual (4,4)-connected 3D porous cadmium metal–organic framework as a luminescent sensor for detection of nitrobenzene
Authors: Zhao Shan , Lv Xiu-Xiu , Shi Lu-Lu , Li Bao-Long , Wu Bing
Published: June 2016

The MOF 1 shows an unusual (4,4)-connected 3D porous network. The high quenching efficiency of 1 is up to 98.2% at 160 ppm NBZ. 1 displays highly selectivity, sensitivity and recyclability in the detection of nitrobenzene.
High surface area hierarchical porous Al2O3 prepared by the integration of sol–gel transition and phase separation
Authors: Passos A. R. , Pulcinelli S. H. , Briois V. , Santilli C. V.
Published: June 2016

Mechanism of gelation process and phase separation for production of hierarchical porous alumina with high surface area.
A facile synthesis of a solvent-dispersible magnetically recoverable Pd0 catalyst for the C–C coupling reaction
Authors: Wu Li , Yuan Bin , Liu Mengmeng , Huo Hongfei , Long Yu , Ma Jiantai , Lu Gongxuan
Published: June 2016

A Pd0/Fe3O4-DA/DMG catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic activity toward the Suzuki, Heck and Kumada cross coupling reaction with a high yield. It is an especially efficient catalyst for Suzuki and Heck coupling in water.
Exclusive excited state intramolecular proton transfer from a 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole derivative
Authors: Behera Santosh Kumar , Sadhuragiri Gopal , Elumalai Palani , Sathiyendiran M. , Krishnamoorthy G.
Published: June 2016

The existence of trans-enol was made unviable by crafting a steric hindrance that stops the normal emission of bis-HPBI.
Template-directed growth and mechanical properties of carbon nanotube–graphene junctions with nano-fillets: molecular dynamic simulation
Authors: Niu Jianbing , Xia Zhenhai
Published: June 2016

Nano-fillet enhances both the stability and mechanical properties of carbon nanotube–graphene junctions synthesized by a templating method.
A reaction of 1,2-diamines and aldehydes with silyl cyanide as cyanide pronucleophile to access 2-aminopyrazines and 2-aminoquinoxalines
Authors: Guchhait Sankar K. , Priyadarshani Garima , Gulghane Nikhil M.
Published: June 2016

A new reaction of 1,2-diamines and aldehydes with TMSCN affords an efficient and diversity-feasible entry to 2-aminopyrazines and 2-aminoquinoxalines.
Tetranuclear zinc cluster: a dual purpose catalyst for per-O-acetylation and de-O-acetylation of carbohydrates
Authors: Lin Ting-Wei , Adak Avijit K. , Lin Hong-Jyune , Das Anindya , Hsiao Wei-Chen , Kuan Ting-Chun , Lin Chun-Cheng
Published: June 2016

A tetranuclear Zn cluster-catalyzed per-O-acetylation and de-O-acetylation of carbohydrates has been reported.
Synthesis of microencapsulated benzyl benzoate with a CaCO3 shell and its application to the durable anti-mite finishing of nylon 6 fabric
Authors: Wei Wenjun , He Jingwei , Yu Biao , Zou Yongkun , Liu Fang , Chen Xin , Chen Jizong
Published: June 2016

Microcapsules based on the benzyl benzoate core and CaCO3 shell were synthesized via an interfacial co-precipitation method and used to treat nylon 6 fabric to impart anti-mite activity.
Recent progress in taming FOX-7 (1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethene)
Authors: Gao Haixiang , Shreeve Jean'ne M.
Published: June 2016

The main advances in the reactions of FOX-7 over recent years, including condensation, halogenation, nitration, acid–base reactions and coordination reactions, are covered in this Review.
MOF-253-Pd(OAc)2: a recyclable MOF for transition-metal catalysis in water
Authors: Van Zeeland Ryan , Li Xinle , Huang Wenyu , Stanley Levi M.
Published: June 2016

We report palladium(ii)-functionalized MOF-253 (MOF-253-Pd(OAc)2) as a recyclable catalyst to form all-carbon quaternary centers via conjugate additions of arylboronic acids to β,β-disubstituted enones in aqueous media.
Solvent-free one step aminolysis and alcoholysis of low-quality triglycerides using sodium modified CaO nanoparticles as a solid catalyst
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Kim Soo Min , Ali Amjad
Published: June 2016

Aminolysis of used cotton seed oil derived fatty acid methyl ester (FAMEs).
Development of high performance dental resin composites with outstanding antibacterial activity, high mechanical properties and low polymerization shrinkage based on a SiO2 hybridized tetrapod-like zinc oxide whisker with CC bonds
Authors: Shen Meng , Liang Guozheng , Gu Aijuan , Yuan Li
Published: June 2016

Novel dental resin composites with outstanding antibacterial activity, high mechanical properties and low polymerization shrinkage were fabricated with SiO2 hybridized tetrapod-like zinc oxide whiskers, and the origin behind was revealed.
High-defect hydrophilic carbon cuboids anchored with Co/CoO nanoparticles as highly efficient and ultra-stable lithium-ion battery anodes
Authors: Sun Xiaolei , Hao Guang-Ping , Lu Xueyi , Xi Lixia , Liu Bo , Si Wenping , Ma Chuansheng , Liu Qiming , Zhang Qiang , Kaskel Stefan , Schmidt Oliver G.
Published: June 2016

High-defect hydrophilic porous carbon cuboids with tightly anchored Co/CoO nanoparticles are rationally fabricated as ultra-stable anodes for lithium-ion batteries over 10 000 cycles.
High performance planar-heterojunction perovskite solar cells using amino-based fulleropyrrolidine as the electron transporting material
Authors: Li Yong , Lu Kunyuan , Ling Xufeng , Yuan Jianyu , Shi Guozhen , Ding Guanqun , Sun Jianxia , Shi Shaohua , Gong Xiu , Ma Wanli
Published: June 2016

Schematic illustration of the dual function of C60–N on the perovskite layer: first, to reduce the work function of the Al electrode and second, to passivate the perovskite surface.
Wetting properties and SERS applications of ZnO/Ag nanowire arrays patterned by a screen printing method
Authors: Cui Shuyuan , Dai Zhigao , Tian Qingyong , Liu Jun , Xiao Xiangheng , Jiang Changzhong , Wu Wei , Roy Vellaisamy A. L.
Published: June 2016

Patterned ZnO/Ag nanowire arrays are fabricated by a screen printing-assisted growth method and used as sensitive 3D SERS substrates.
Silver nanoclusters functionalized by chromotropic acid and layered double hydroxides for the turn-on detection of melamine
Authors: Ren He , Li Mingzhe , Fu Yanyan , Jin Lan
Published: June 2016

A fluorescent ultrathin film (CTA-AgNCs/LDH) is developed for the determination of melamine with high selectivity, low detection and practical utility.
„Man muss das Rad nicht neu erfinden, sondern damit fahren.“ – Voraussetzungen für einen erfolgreichen Projekttransfer
Authors: Alfes J. , Schaefer I. , Kolip P.
Published: June 2016

Obgleich die Weitergabe eines bereits bestehenden Projekts eine ressourcensparende Form der Implementation bewährter Interventionen darstellen kann, finden in der Alltagspraxis bislang nur wenige Projekte Nachahmer und Anwender. Ziel des vorliegenden Artikels ist die Bündelung der Erfahrungen dreier Modellvorhaben mit der Übertragung ihrer Präventionsansätze in andere Kommunen und Regionen sowie die Ableitung von Empfehlungen für die Gestaltung zukünftiger überregionaler Transferprozesse im Bereich der Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung. Dazu wurden qualitative Interviews mit Verantwortlichen der Modellvorhaben sowie der Transferregionen geführt und Dokumentationsbögen eingesetzt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Möglichkeit, die Intervention an die spezifischen Gegebenheiten der Transferregion anzupassen, eine bedeutsame Gelingensbedingung für einen Projekttransfer darstellt. Daneben tragen ein bestehender Bedarf für die Intervention in der Transferregion, ein erkennbarer Nutzen für die projektnehmende Organisation, eine konstruktive und persönliche Kommunikation sowie eine partizipative Zusammenarbeit zwischen den projektgebenden und projektnehmenden Organisationen wesentlich zu einem erfolgreichen Projekttransfer bei.
Laterally vibrating resonator based elasto-optic modulation in aluminum nitride
Authors: Ghosh Siddhartha , Piazza Gianluca
Published: June 2016

An integrated strain-based optical modulator driven by a piezoelectric laterally vibrating resonator is demonstrated. The composite structure consists of an acoustic Lamb wave resonator, in which a photonic racetrack resonator is internally embedded to enable overlap of the guided optical mode with the induced strain field. Both types of resonators are defined in an aluminum nitride (AlN) thin film, which rests upon a layer of silicon dioxide in order to simultaneously define optical waveguides, and the structure is released from a silicon substrate. Lateral vibrations produced by the acoustic resonator are transferred through a partially etched layer of AlN, producing a change in the effective index of the guided wave through the interaction of the strain components with the AlN elasto-optic (p) coefficients. Optical modulation through the elasto-optic effect is demonstrated at electromechanically actuated frequencies of 173 MHz and 843 MHz. This device geometry further enables the development of MEMS-based optical modulators in addition to studying elasto-optic interactions in suspended piezoelectric thin films.
Optical spectroscopy of site-controlled quantum dots in a Schottky diode
Authors: Yang Lily , Carter Samuel G. , Bracker Allan S. , Yakes Michael K. , Kim Mijin , Kim Chul Soo , Vora Patrick M. , Gammon Daniel
Published: June 2016

The optical quality of site-controlled quantum dots is typically assessed by off-resonant photoluminescence spectroscopy, and emission linewidth is the most common figure of merit. Here, we combine photoluminescence and resonance fluorescence spectroscopy to obtain a more complete picture of site-controlled quantum dots embedded in a charge injection device. Although resonant and non-resonant linewidths are nearly as small as those of randomly nucleated dots, other optical properties show clear evidence of influence from defects introduced by the nanofabrication process. We demonstrate optical spin pumping and spin-flip Raman processes, which are important functions for use in quantum information applications.
Alternating current calorimeter for specific heat capacity measurements at temperatures below 10 K and pressures up to 10 GPa
Authors: Umeo Kazunori
Published: June 2016

A developed alternating current calorimeter for measuring the absolute value of specific heat C of a very small sample under a pressure up to 10 GPa and low temperature below 10 K is described. A Bridgman anvil cell made of tungsten carbide with a top diameter of 3 mm is used. A hollow at the top prevents expansion of the sample space over the anvil top. Two chip resistors, which act as a thermometer and a heater, are mounted on the outer part of a copper–beryllium gasket with a frying pan-like shape. Thus, the thermometer is not pressurized. In order to isolate the gasket from the anvil thermally, diamond powder with a grain size of 0.25 μm is placed on the anvil top. Two jumps of C at the superconducting transitions of Pb (3.3 mg) and In (5.0 mg) are observed under various pressures up to 9 GPa, as clearly as those at the ambient pressure.
Spin-electron acoustic waves: The Landau damping and ion contribution in the spectrum
Authors: Andreev Pavel A.
Published: June 2016

Separated spin-up and spin-down quantum kinetics is derived for more detailed research of the spin-electron acoustic waves (SEAWs). This kinetic theory allows us to obtain the spectrum of the SEAWs including the effects of occupation of quantum states more accurately than the quantum hydrodynamic theory. We derive and apply the quantum kinetic theory to calculate the Landau damping of the SEAWs. We consider the contribution of ions dynamics into the SEAW spectrum. We obtain the contribution of ions in the Landau damping in the temperature regime of classic ions. Kinetic analysis for the ion-acoustic, zero sound, and Langmuir waves at the separated spin-up and spin-down electron dynamics is presented as well.
Generation of topologically diverse acoustic vortex beams using a compact metamaterial aperture
Authors: Naify Christina J. , Rohde Charles A. , Martin Theodore P. , Nicholas Michael , Guild Matthew D. , Orris Gregory J.
Published: June 2016

Here, we present a class of metamaterial-based acoustic vortex generators which are both geometrically simple and broadly tunable. The aperture overcomes the significant limitations of both active phasing systems and existing passive coded apertures. The metamaterial approach generates topologically diverse acoustic vortex waves motivated by recent advances in leaky wave antennas by wrapping the antenna back upon itself to produce an acoustic vortex wave antenna. We demonstrate both experimentally and analytically that this single analog structure is capable of creating multiple orthogonal orbital angular momentum modes using only a single transducer. The metamaterial design makes the aperture compact, with a diameter nearly equal to the excitation wavelength and can thus be easily integrated into high-density systems. Applications range from acoustic communications for high bit-rate multiplexing to biomedical devices such as microfluidic mixers.
Control of the floating potential using dual-frequency
Authors: Park Il-Seo , Kim Dong-Hwan , Chung Chin-Wook
Published: June 2016

Variation of the floating potential in a Langmuir probe was investigated. When the dual frequencies (ω1, ω2) were applied to the probe, the intermodulation frequencies, which are the linear combinations of two frequencies (aω1±bω2), as well as the harmonic frequencies (aω1,bω2), were induced by sheath nonlinearity. However, when two frequencies had a consecutive relationship (ω2=2ω1), the DC components of the intermodulation frequencies (aω1±bω2=0) were generated. This is known as the sheath rectification effect, which causes additional voltage to the floating potential at the probe. In our work, the induced voltage can be controlled by the phase difference between the two consecutive frequencies, and it was found to be in good agreement with the theoretical result, which is governed by the temperature of the high energy electrons.
A complementary switching mechanism for organic memory devices to regulate the conductance of binary states
Authors: Vyas Giriraj , Dagar Parveen , Sahu Satyajit
Published: June 2016

We have fabricated an organic non-volatile memory device wherein the ON/OFF current ratio has been controlled by varying the concentration of a small organic molecule, 2,3-Dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzoquinone (DDQ), in an insulating matrix of a polymer Poly(4-vinylphenol) (PVP). A maximum ON-OFF ratio of 106 is obtained when the concentration of DDQ is half or 10 wt. % of PVP. In this process, the switching direction for the devices has also been altered, indicating the disparity in conduction mechanism. Conduction due to metal filament formation through the active material and the voltage dependent conformational change of the organic molecule seem to be the motivation behind the gradual change in the switching direction.
Tunable split-ring resonators using germanium telluride
Authors: Kodama C. H. , Coutu R. A.
Published: June 2016

We demonstrate terahertz (THz) split-ring resonator (SRR) designs with incorporated germanium telluride (GeTe) thin films. GeTe is a chalcogenide that undergoes a nonvolatile phase change from the amorphous to crystalline state at approximately 200 °C, depending on the film thickness and stoichiometry. The phase change also causes a drop in the material's resistivity by six orders of magnitude. In this study, two GeTe-incorporated SRR designs were investigated. The first was an SRR made entirely out of GeTe and the second was a gold SRR structure with a GeTe film incorporated into the gap region of the split ring. These devices were characterized using THz time-domain spectroscopy and were heated in-situ to determine the change in the design operation with varying temperatures.
Thickness dependent wetting properties and surface free energy of HfO2 thin films
Authors: Zenkin Sergei , Belosludtsev Alexandr , Kos Šimon , Čerstvý Radomír , Haviar Stanislav , Netrvalová Marie
Published: June 2016

We show here that intrinsic hydrophobicity of HfO2 thin films can be easily tuned by the variation of film thickness. We used the reactive high-power impulse magnetron sputtering for preparation of high-quality HfO2 films with smooth topography and well-controlled thickness. Results show a strong dependence of wetting properties on the thickness of the film in the range of 50–250 nm due to the dominance of the electrostatic Lifshitz-van der Waals component of the surface free energy. We have found the water droplet contact angle ranging from ≈120° for the thickness of 50 nm to ≈100° for the thickness of 2300 nm. At the same time the surface free energy grows from ≈25 mJ/m2 for the thickness of 50 nm to ≈33 mJ/m2 for the thickness of 2300 nm. We propose two explanations for the observed thickness dependence of the wetting properties: influence of the non-dominant texture and/or non-monotonic size dependence of the particle surface energy.
Tracking control of piezoelectric actuators using a polynomial-based hysteresis model
Authors: Gan Jinqiang , Zhang Xianmin , Wu Heng
Published: June 2016

A polynomial-based hysteresis model that describes hysteresis behavior in piezoelectric actuators is presented. The polynomial-based model is validated by comparing with the classic Prandtl-Ishlinskii model. Taking the advantages of the proposed model into consideration, inverse control using the polynomial-based model is proposed. To achieve better tracking performance, a hybrid control combining the developed inverse control and a proportional-integral-differential feedback loop is then proposed. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed tracking controls, several comparative experiments of the polynomial-based model and Prandtl-Ishlinskii model are conducted. The experimental results show that inverse control and hybrid control using the polynomial-based model in trajectory-tracking applications are effective and meaningful.
Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacities and fatty acids profile of 18 alpine plants available as forage for yaks on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Cui Guangxin , Degen A. Allan , Wei Xiaoxing , Zhou Jianwei , Ding Luming , Shang Zhanhuan , Wei Xiaohong , Long Ruijun
Published: June 2016

Traditionally, yaks (Poephagus grunniens) raised on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau graze only natural pasture and much of their diet consists of sedges, in particular Kobresia spp. These ruminants are subjected to an extremely harsh environment of strong UV radiation, hypoxia and severe cold, which can lead to high oxidative stress. Consequently, it was predicted that sedges would contain high concentrations of functional antioxidants when compared with other alpine plants, and that this would help them survive the harsh conditions. To test the prediction, 18 alpine plants on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau, which are available to yaks as forage, were examined. These plants, including four sedges, five grasses, five forbs and four shrubs, were analysed for gross constituents, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, phenol content, and fatty acids composition. Based on their Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, the 18 plants were divided into three groups: low, medium and high. Three of the four sedges were ranked in the medium group and one in the low group, whereas three of four shrubs were ranked in the high group. The total phenol content of the plants ranged between 1.1 and 12.4 g gallic acid equivalents per 100 g DM, with the shrubs containing the highest concentrations. The prediction that sedges would contain higher antioxidant capacity than other alpine plants was not supported. It was concluded that other factors such as anti-nutritional contents and biomass availability are also important in determining dietary selection in yaks.
High soil sodicity and alkalinity cause transient salinity in south-western Australia
Authors: Barrett-Lennard Edward G. , Anderson Geoffrey C. , Holmes Karen W. , Sinnott Aidan
Published: June 2016

Transient salinity associated with increased dispersion of clays is arguably one of the most economically important soil constraints in Australia because it occurs on land that is regularly cropped. However, this issue is rarely studied. This paper examines the occurrence of transient salinity on agricultural land in the south-west of Western Australia and the factors causing it. We analysed four soil datasets from the region, collected at scales varying from the entire south-west to a single paddock. A variety of soil parameters were correlated with increased electrical conductivity (EC1:5). The most significant relationships were invariably with measures of exchangeable sodium (Na+; 53–85% of variance accounted for), and this factor appears to be most responsible for transient salinity. Another parameter correlated with increased EC1:5 was alkalinity. This has been associated with the increased dispersion of kaolinite and consequent decreases in soil hydraulic conductivity; kaolinite is the most common clay mineral in the south-west of Western Australia. Other factors correlated with increased EC1:5 were increasing clay, increasing depth in the soil profile and decreasing rainfall. These factors are environmental indicators of transient salinity. Affected soils might be ameliorated by application of agents to increase soil hydraulic conductivity, such as gypsum and/or elemental sulfur.
Recuperative memory in Romanian post-Communist society
Authors: Mitroiu Simona
Published: June 2016

This paper explores the idea of “recuperative memory” with respect to the process of coming to terms with the past after the fall of the Romanian Communist regime in 1989. Its method is to examine the mechanisms used by recuperative memory in order to re-appropriate the past and emphasize the inherently mediated and multifaceted nature of this process. Using various examples from oral testimonies, autobiographical writings, literary works, and cinema, the paper argues that the role of recuperative memory is not only to facilitate the process of coming to terms with the past, but also to offer the material necessary to sustain a viable politics of memory. This entails providing a platform for the intergenerational transmission of memory and knowledge for those who did not live under the Communist regime, filling in this way the intergenerational gap, despite the lack of political class engagement.
Manufacturing of functionally graded Ni–ZrO2 composite coating controlled by stirring rate of the electroplating bath
Authors: Bostani B. , Parvini Ahmadi N. , Yazdani S.
Published: June 2016

For the first time, functionally ZrO2 content graded Ni–ZrO2 composite coating has been successfully co-electrodeposited from a bath with gradually increasing stirring rate. For this, different composite coatings were electroplated in the same bath with different stirring rates to find the optimum stirring rate in which the maximum content with uniform distribution of ZrO2 particles in the coating can be achieved. To produce ZrO2 content graded Ni–ZrO2 composite coating, the stirring rate was continuously increased from 0 to optimum value. The results showed that functionally graded Ni–ZrO2 composite coating has been successfully electroplated with continuous gradient distribution of Zirconia content in the coating using controlling of bath stirring rate. With increasing of ZrO2 particles content, the microhardness increases from the interface towards the surface of the coating. This could provide a high wear resistance with high adhesion of the coating to the substrate.
Effect of interlayer on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al–Ti ultrasonic welds
Authors: Zhang H. M. , Chao Y. J. , Luo Z.
Published: June 2016

Joints of Al6061 and Ti6Al4 V alloys with pure Al-particle interlayers were conducted using ultrasonic spot welding. The microstructure, hardness, lap shear strength and fracture energy were measured for different welding energies. With increasing welding energy delivered through the sonotrode, the lap shear strength of the joints increased, reaching about 106 MPa at a welding energy of 1100 J, at which failure occurred in the pull-out mode. In the weld region, the hardness of Al6061 alloy increased with increasing weld energy, whereas the hardness of Ti6Al4 V did not change discernibly. No brittle intermetallic compounds were observed in the joints. Moreover, two simple mechanisms were described for the formation of ultrasonic spot-welded Al–Ti joints with and without the pure Al interlayer.
Roles of paxillin family members in adhesion and ECM degradation coupling at invadosomes
Authors: Petropoulos Christos , Oddou Christiane , Emadali Anouk , Hiriart-Bryant Edwige , Boyault Cyril , Faurobert Eva , Vande Pol Scott , Kim-Kaneyama Joo-ri , Kraut Alexandra , Coute Yohann , Block Marc , Albiges-Rizo Corinne , Destaing Olivier
Published: June 2016

Invadosomes are acto-adhesive structures able to both bind the extracellular matrix (ECM) and digest it. Paxillin family members—paxillin, Hic-5, and leupaxin—are implicated in mechanosensing and turnover of adhesion sites, but the contribution of each paxillin family protein to invadosome activities is unclear. We use genetic approaches to show that paxillin and Hic-5 have both redundant and distinctive functions in invadosome formation. The essential function of paxillin-like activity is based on the coordinated activity of LD motifs and LIM domains, which support invadosome assembly and morphology, respectively. However, paxillin preferentially regulates invadosome assembly, whereas Hic-5 regulates the coupling between ECM degradation and acto-adhesive functions. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed new partners that are important for paxillin and Hic-5 specificities: paxillin regulates the acto-adhesive machinery through janus kinase 1 (JAK1), whereas Hic-5 controls ECM degradation via IQGAP1. Integrating the redundancy and specificities of paxillin and Hic-5 in a functional complex provides insights into the coupling between the acto-adhesive and ECM-degradative machineries in invadosomes.
Radical cure of experimental babesiosis in immunodeficient mice using a combination of an endochin-like quinolone and atovaquone
Authors: Lawres Lauren A. , Garg Aprajita , Kumar Vidya , Bruzual Igor , Forquer Isaac P. , Renard Isaline , Virji Azan Z. , Boulard Pierre , Rodriguez Eduardo X. , Allen Alexander J. , Pou Sovitj , Wegmann Keith W. , Winter Rolf W. , Nilsen Aaron , Mao Jialing , Preston Douglas A. , Belperron Alexia A. , Bockenstedt Linda K. , Hinrichs David J. , Riscoe Michael K. , Doggett J. Stone , Ben Mamoun Choukri
Published: June 2016

Human babesiosis is a tick-borne multisystem disease caused by Babesia species of the apicomplexan phylum. Most clinical cases and fatalities of babesiosis are caused by Babesia microti. Current treatment for human babesiosis consists of two drug combinations, atovaquone + azithromycin or quinine + clindamycin. These treatments are associated with adverse side effects and a significant rate of drug failure. Here, we provide evidence for radical cure of experimental babesiosis in immunodeficient mice using a combination of an endochin-like quinolone (ELQ) prodrug and atovaquone. In vivo efficacy studies in mice using ELQ-271, ELQ-316, and the ELQ-316 prodrug, ELQ-334, demonstrated excellent growth inhibitory activity against the parasite, with potency equal to that of orally administered atovaquone at 10 mg/kg. Analysis of recrudescent parasites after ELQ or atovaquone monotherapy identified genetic substitutions in the Qi or Qo sites, respectively, of the cytochrome bc1 complex. Impressively, a combination of ELQ-334 and atovaquone, at doses as low as 5.0 mg/kg each, resulted in complete clearance of the parasite with no recrudescence up to 122 d after discontinuation of therapy. These results will set the stage for future clinical evaluation of ELQ and atovaquone combination therapy for treatment of human babesiosis.
Live cell imaging to understand monocyte, macrophage, and dendritic cell function in atherosclerosis
Authors: McArdle Sara , Mikulski Zbigniew , Ley Klaus
Published: June 2016

Intravital imaging is an invaluable tool for understanding the function of cells in healthy and diseased tissues. It provides a window into dynamic processes that cannot be studied by other techniques. This review will cover the benefits and limitations of various techniques for labeling and imaging myeloid cells, with a special focus on imaging cells in atherosclerotic arteries. Although intravital imaging is a powerful tool for understanding cell function, it alone does not provide a complete picture of the cell. Other techniques, such as flow cytometry and transcriptomics, must be combined with intravital imaging to fully understand a cell's phenotype, lineage, and function.
Resistant Starch Content Is Related to Granule Size in Barley
Authors: Ahmed Zaheer , Tetlow Ian J. , Falk Duane E. , Liu Qiang , Emes Michael J.
Published: June 2016

Physical properties of resistant starch (RS) were examined in a range of barley genotypes to determine the contribution of starch and seed physical characteristics to the RS component. Thirty‐three barley genotypes were studied, which varied significantly in their RS, amylose, and starch contents and grain yield. From 33 genotypes, 13 exhibiting high RS were selected for detailed physicochemical analysis of starch. In high‐RS varieties, granule size and number were unimodal, compared with normal starches from a reference genotype, which showed a bimodal distribution. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that a higher content of granules <15 µm was positively correlated with RS and amylose content, whereas the proportion of granules 15–45 µm was negatively correlated with the RS and amylose contents. Physical fractionation of starches by centrifugation into different population sizes demonstrated that size alone is not an accurate indicator of the population of A‐type and B‐type granules within a given genotype. PCA also showed that large 15–45 µm granules were positively correlated with seed thickness and that thousand grain weight was positively correlated with seed width. High‐RS and high‐amylose genotypes showed variation in overall yield and starch content, with some genotypes showing yield comparable to the reference genotype. Analysis of amylopectin chain length distribution showed that high amylose or RS content was not associated with a higher proportion of amylopectin long chains when compared with either waxy or reference (normal) barley genotypes. This study highlights useful markers for screening barley genotypes with favorable starch characteristics.
Reduction in Microbial Load of Wheat by Tempering with Organic Acid and Saline Solutions
Authors: Sabillón Luis , Stratton Jayne , Rose Devin J. , Flores Rolando A. , Bianchini Andréia
Published: June 2016

Reducing microbial contamination in wheat is desirable to ensure consumer safety. In this study, the efficacy of adding organic acids and NaCl to tempering water to reduce microbial contamination in hard wheat was evaluated. Hard red winter wheat was tempered to 15.5% moisture by adding sterile distilled water (control) or tempering solutions containing organic acids (acetic, citric, lactic, or propionic; 1.0, 2.5, or 5.0 v/v), NaCl (26 or 52% w/v), or a combination of organic acid (acetic or lactic; 2.5 and 5.0% v/v) and NaCl (26 or 52% w/v). After tempering, the microbial load was significantly reduced by all the acid and NaCl treatments when compared with the control. Wheat tempered with 5% acetic, propionic, and lactic acids resulted in reductions of 1.7, 2.3, and 3.8 log colony forming units (CFU) per gram in aerobic plate count (APC), Enterobacteriaceae (Eb), and mold counts, respectively. The combination lactic acid (5.0%) and NaCl (52%) was the most effective against APC and Eb, with an average reduction of 4.3 and 4.7 log CFU/g, respectively. Tempering wheat with organic acids and saline solutions may provide milled products with improved microbiological quality when compared with the traditional tempering process using water.
Symbiotic Burkholderia Species Show Diverse Arrangements of nif/fix and nod Genes and Lack Typical High-Affinity Cytochrome cbb3 Oxidase Genes
Authors: De Meyer Sofie E. , Briscoe Leah , Martínez-Hidalgo Pilar , Agapakis Christina M. , de-los Santos Paulina Estrada , Seshadri Rekha , Reeve Wayne , Weinstock George , O’Hara Graham , Howieson John G. , Hirsch Ann M.
Published: June 2016

Genome analysis of fourteen mimosoid and four papilionoid beta-rhizobia together with fourteen reference alpha-rhizobia for both nodulation (nod) and nitrogen-fixing (nif/fix) genes has shown phylogenetic congruence between 16S rRNA/MLSA (combined 16S rRNA gene sequencing and multilocus sequence analysis) and nif/fix genes, indicating a free-living diazotrophic ancestry of the beta-rhizobia. However, deeper genomic analysis revealed a complex symbiosis acquisition history in the beta-rhizobia that clearly separates the mimosoid and papilionoid nodulating groups. Mimosoid-nodulating beta-rhizobia have nod genes tightly clustered in the nodBCIJHASU operon, whereas papilionoid-nodulating Burkholderia have nodUSDABC and nodIJ genes, although their arrangement is not canonical because the nod genes are subdivided by the insertion of nif and other genes. Furthermore, the papilionoid Burkholderia spp. contain duplications of several nod and nif genes. The Burkholderia nifHDKEN and fixABC genes are very closely related to those found in free-living diazotrophs. In contrast, nifA is highly divergent between both groups, but the papilionoid species nifA is more similar to alpha-rhizobia nifA than to other groups. Surprisingly, for all Burkholderia, the fixNOQP and fixGHIS genes required for cbb3 cytochrome oxidase production and assembly are missing. In contrast, symbiotic Cupriavidus strains have fixNOQPGHIS genes, revealing a divergence in the evolution of two distinct electron transport chains required for nitrogen fixation within the beta-rhizobia.
Transmission of Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) by Bemisia tabaci Biotype Q and Evaluation of Four Weed Species as Viral Sources
Authors: Orfanidou C. G. , Pappi P. G. , Efthimiou K. E. , Katis N. I. , Maliogka V. I.
Published: June 2016

Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) is implicated in tomato yellows disease in many countries worldwide. It has a wide host range, including cultivated species as well as arable weeds, and it is transmitted in a semipersistent manner by at least five whitefly species or biotypes of the genera Trialeurodes and Bemisia. ToCV is not seed transmitted and more than 36 weed species have been recorded as natural reservoirs, acting as unique sources both for the virus and its vectors when susceptible crops are harvested. In this study, experiments were conducted to determine the transmission parameters of ToCV by biotype Q, the most abundant biotype of Bemisia tabaci in Greece. Results showed that biotype Q is an efficient vector of ToCV and it is able to retain the virus for at least 6 days. This vector was then used for the evaluation of four widespread weed species (Solanum nigrum, Sonchus oleraceus, Amaranthus retroflexus, and Chenopodium album) as ToCV sources through transmission experiments. Solanum nigrum was shown to be the most significant viral source among the tested weeds, followed by Sonchus oleraceus, A. retroflexus, and, lastly, C. album. Nevertheless, none of them was as efficient a ToCV source as tomato. This variation could be attributed to differences in virus concentration in each plant species or possible host preference by the whitefly vector.
The electrically conductive pili of Geobacter species are a recently evolved feature for extracellular electron transfer
Authors: Holmes Dawn E. , Dang Yan , Walker David J. F. , Lovley Derek R.
Published: June 2016

The electrically conductive pili (e-pili) of Geobactersulfurreducens have environmental and practical significance because they can facilitate electron transfer to insoluble Fe(III) oxides; to other microbial species; and through electrically conductive biofilms. E-pili conductivity has been attributed to the truncated PilA monomer, which permits tight packing of aromatic amino acids to form a conductive path along the length of e-pili. In order to better understand the evolution and distribution of e-pili in the microbial world, type IVa PilA proteins from various Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria were examined with a particular emphasis on Fe(III)-respiring bacteria. E-pilin genes are primarily restricted to a tight phylogenetic group in the order Desulfuromonadales. The downstream gene in all but one of the Desulfuromonadales that possess an e-pilin gene is a gene previously annotated as ‘pilA–C’ that has characteristics suggesting that it may encode an outer-membrane protein. Other genes associated with pilin function are clustered with e-pilin and ‘pilA–C’ genes in the Desulfuromonadales. In contrast, in the few bacteria outside the Desulfuromonadales that contain e-pilin genes, the other genes required for pilin function may have been acquired through horizontal gene transfer. Of the 95 known Fe(III)-reducing micro-organisms for which genomes are available, 80 % lack e-pilin genes, suggesting that e-pili are just one of several mechanisms involved in extracellular electron transport. These studies provide insight into where and when e-pili are likely to contribute to extracellular electron transport processes that are biogeochemically important and involved in bioenergy conversions.
On the shoulders of giants: undertaking a structured literature review in accounting
Authors: Massaro Maurizio , Dumay John , Guthrie James
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a method for a structured literature review (SLR). An SLR is a method for examining a corpus of scholarly literature, to develop insights, critical reflections, future research paths and research questions. SLRs are common in scientific disciplines dominated by quantitative approaches, but they can be adapted in accounting studies since quantitative and qualitative approaches are commonly accepted.

Design/methodology/approach

– A literature review, as a piece of academic writing, must have a logical, planned structure. The authors also argue it requires tests based on qualitative and quantitative methods. Therefore, the authors describe ten steps for developing an SLR.

Findings

– The SLR method is a way that scholars can stand “on the shoulders of giants” and provide insightful and impactful research that is different to the traditional authorship approaches to literature reviews.

Research limitations/implications

– Traditional literature reviews can have varied results because of a lack of rigour. SLRs use a process that, through a set of rules, potentially offers less bias and more transparency of the execution and measures and techniques of validation and reliability.

Practical implications

– SLRs provide an approach that can help academics to discover under-investigated topics and methods, nurturing, therefore, the development of new knowledge areas and research approaches.

Originality/value

– The paper presents accounting researchers with an opportunity to develop insightful and publishable studies, and also serves as a basis for developing future research agendas in the accounting field. The authors advocate the SLR method especially to higher degree research students and emerging scholars as a way of potentially developing robust and defensible research agendas and questions.
The liberal contest for double-entry bookkeeping in British Government
Authors: Mann Ian , Funnell Warwick , Jupe Robert
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to contest Edwardset al.’s (2002) findings that resistance to the introduction of double-entry bookkeeping and the form that it took when implemented by the British Government in the mid-nineteenth century was the result of ideological conflict between the privileged landed aristocracy and the rising merchant middle class.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study draws upon a collection of documents preserved as part of the Grigg Family Papers located in London and the Thomson Papers held in the Mitchell Library in Sydney. It also draws on evidence contained within the British National Archive, the National Maritime Museum and British Parliamentary Papers which has been overlooked by previous studies of the introduction of DEB.

Findings

– Conflict and delays in the adoption of double-entry bookkeeping were not primarily the product of “ideological” differences between the influential classes. Instead, this study finds that conflict was the result of a complex amalgam of class interests, ideology, personal antipathy, professional intolerance and ambition. Newly discovered evidence recognises the critical, largely forgotten, work of John Deas Thomson in developing a double-entry bookkeeping system for the Royal Navy and the importance of Sir James Graham’s determination that matters of economy would be emphasised in the Navy’s accounting.

Originality/value

– This study establishes that crucial to the ultimate implementation of double-entry bookkeeping was the passionate, determined support of influential champions with strong liberal beliefs, most especially John Deas Thomson and Sir James Graham. Prominence was given to economy in government.
Adoption of sustainable development reporting by universities
Authors: Chatelain-Ponroy Stéphanie , Morin-Delerm Sophie
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the issuance of sustainable development reports by French universities, based on two dimensions proposed by Ansariet al.(2010): extensiveness and fidelity.

Design/methodology/approach

– Three complementary data sources were used: an extensive literature review, exploratory interviews with sustainable development (SD) officers from French universities, and the four editions of the Responsible Campus Guide (Guide des Campus Responsables). The empirical data collected were then subjected to a dynamic multi-level analysis drawing on three theoretical frameworks.

Findings

– Four different profiles of universities appear, suggesting that the many isomorphic pressures exerted on universities influence the characteristics (extensiveness and fidelity) of their SD reports.

Research limitations/implications

– Further research is required to explore whether these findings are generalisable to business schools and universities in different contexts.

Practical implications

– This study will be of interest to other higher education institutions seeking to embark on a similar sustainability reporting track. It is also a way to observe the characteristics of SD reports, to analyse what and how first-time reporters communicate.

Originality/value

– This paper adds to existing research by focusing on a managerial innovation that is still relatively new in French universities. Its second contribution lies in its comparative approach introducing a distinction between early and later adopters of SD reporting. It also contributes to extending the existing theorisation of SD reporting.
Internal audit quality: a polysemous notion?
Authors: Roussy Melanie , Brivot Marion
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to characterize how those who perform (internal auditors), mandate (audit committee (AC) members), use (AC members and external auditors) and normalize (the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)) internal audit work, respectively make sense of the notion of “internal audit quality” (IAQ).

Design/methodology/approach

– This study is predicated on the meta-analysis of extant literature on IAQ, 56 interviews with internal auditors and AC members of public or para-public sector organizations in Canada, and archival documents published by the IIA, analyzed in the light of framing theory.

Findings

– Four interpretative schemes (or frames) emerge from the analysis, called “manager,” “éminence grise,” “professional” and “watchdog.” They respectively correspond to internal auditors’, AC members’, the IIA’s and external auditors’ viewpoints and suggest radically different perspectives on how IAQ should be defined and controlled (via input, throughput, output or professional controls).

Research limitations/implications

– Empirically, the authors focus on rare research data. Theoretically, the authors delineate four previously undocumented competing frames of IAQ.

Practical implications

– Practically, the various governance actors involved in assessing IAQ can learn from the study that they should confront their views to better coordinate their quality control efforts.

Originality/value

– Highlighting the contrast between these frames is important because, so far, extant literature has predominantly focussed on only one perspective on IAQ, that of external auditors. The authors suggest that IAQ is more polysemous and complex than previously acknowledged, which justifies the qualitative and interpretive approach.