bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation and Path Analysis of Yield and Seedling Vigour Related Traits in Wild Introgression Lines
Authors: D Sai Prasanna , Balakrishnan Divya , Kumar CV Sameer , Barabadikar Kalyani M
Published: August 2024

Early establishment of crop plants are highly influenced by resource availability in its environment. Seedling early vigour refers to the ability of seeds to germinate quickly and uniformly, resulting in the robust crop establishment especially under stress environments. Modern cultivars which are bred for transplanting under irrigated conditions with semi-dwarf architecture lacks early seedling vigour, required under stress situations. Vigorous seedlings have additional advantage of better nutrient uptake by smothering weed plants and inhibit their growth. Improving rice plant architecture with high seedling vigour is a major breeding objective in the context of climate change effect. Backcross Introgression Lines derived from interspecific crosses were screened for seedling vigour traits and yield related traits and correlation analysis was employed to assess the trait association. Among all the 31 traits studied for correlation concluded that positively significant correlation was observed for panicle length, panicle weight, filled grains, total number of grains. Genotypic and phenotypic correlation revealed that the traits panicle length, panicle weight, filled grains, total number of grains, days to 50% flowering have shown significant correlation with single plant yield. Path analysis concluded that days to 50% flowering, number of tillers, fresh weight, dry weight, germination percentage and total number of grains had shown a positive direct effect with single plant yield. Days to 50% flowering, panicle weight, total numbers of grains had a positive significant and direct contribution towards yield improvement. Therefore, these traits are given more weightage while selecting the genotypes, for further utilization in crop improvement programmes.
Preparation and Characterization of Two Modified Laterite Soils for Arsenic Removal in Aqueous Solutions: Efficiency and Kinetic Modelling
Authors: Tiendrébéogo Rasmané , Sanou Yacouba , Kaboré Raymond , Paré Samuel , Senou Aboubacar
Published: August 2024

Consumption of arsenic-contaminated water is the cause of major problems such as melanosis, hyperkeratosis and cancer. To mitigate this pollution, this study was carried out using analytical methods to prepare chemically treated laterite (TL) and chemically doped laterite with ferrihydrite (DL). The adsorbents were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and the Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) method. The specific surface area, bulk density and pH at zero charge point ( pHPZC) of TL and DL ranged from 81.306 to 40.099 m2/g, from 1.67 to 2.27 and from 5.41 to 8.02, respectively. The SiO2/(Fe2O3 + Al2O3) ratio was 0.31 for TL and 0.20 for LD, showing that the materials prepared were still classified as laterite adsorbents. Experimental results from batch experiments on the removal of arsenic species (As (III)) and arsenic (As (V)) using two adsorbents showed the strong influence of operating conditions such as pH, initial concentration, adsorbent dose and contact time. The isotherm modelling concluded that the removal of arsenic species was occurred by multilayer adsorption on the heterogenous surfaces of laterites. For the removal of As(V), the maximum adsorption capacity was 7.36 and 9.79 mg/g for TL and DL, respectively, while for the removal of As (III), the adsorption capacity for TL and DL was 5.17 and 7.89 mg/g, respectively. The kinetic study of the adsorption of As(V) or As(III) on modified laterites concluded that the process was described by the pseudo-second-order model, with a chemisorption process to be explored.
Roving Survey of Collar Rot Disease of Chickpea Caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. in Rajasthan, India
Authors: Meena Priyanka Kumari , Sharma R. S. , Dhayal Suman , Naveen  , Ghasolia R. P. , Nain Yogita
Published: August 2024

Chickpea is one of the most cultivated legume crops and a rich source of protein in many countries. It is an important pulse crop of the semi-arid tropics and the warm temperate zones, ranking first in India. The survey conducted in the major chickpea-growing regions of Rajasthan during the Rabi season of 2021-22 emphasized that collar rot is a significant issue caused by Sclerotium rolfsii. The study covered areas in Jaipur, Tonk, Kota, Bundi, Swaimadhopur and Alwar regions. To assess disease incidence, researchers randomly selected 25 square meter areas at four spots in each field, totaling 100 square meters per field. In each village, fields were chosen, and plants displaying typical collar rot symptoms were collected for further analysis. Upon examination, an average disease incidence of 23.69 per cent was recorded across the surveyed districts. The higher disease frequency of (33.08%) was assessed in Kota while least in Alwar location (15.04%). To further understand the pathogen responsible for collar rot, samples were collected and brought to the laboratory for isolation. This comprehensive survey provides valuable insights into the prevalence of collar rot in chickpea crops across different regions of Rajasthan, aiding in the development of effective management strategies.
Effect of Ethyl Methane Sulphonate on Growth and Development of Mulberry (Morus sp.)
Authors: Mangammal P. , Kiruba M. , Senthilkumar P. , Devanand P. S. , Govindan K. , Sasikumar K. , Deivamani M. , Sivakumar B. , Ayyadurai P.
Published: August 2024

Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) is a genotoxic agent, it has been widely used as a model compound in experimental work to establish the receptiveness of the test system under examination. EMS induces damage to DNA by a direct mechanism, acting as a monofunctional ethylating agent. In the present study, mulberry genotypes V1 and MR2 were treated with EMS concentrations of 0.1%, and 0.3% with a duration of 3 hours and 6 hours respectively, and untreated control. Growth parameters observed were longest root length, dry root weight, seedling height, and number of leaves per seedling. The results showed that the treatment of EMS concentration 0.3% for 6 hours can increase the percentage of germination of V1 varieties (89.58%), longest root length (14.17cm), dry root weight (0.78g), height of seedling (15.08cm) and number of leaves per seedling (6.00) compared to other treatments. In general, survival percent and growth parameters were increased with an increase in the EMS dose and duration of treatment in V1 and MR2 varieties. Thus, it infers that the genetic variability of survivability and growth traits among V1 and MR2 varieties show strong positive or negative dose dependent co-relationship with EMS concentrations.
Influence of Different Date of Sowing on Performance of Pigeonpea Genotypes during Rabi
Authors: Doddamani Nagalaxmi , Madhu M. , Ramanjaneyulu A.V. , Ramulu Ch.
Published: August 2024

Aim: To determine the optimum date of sowing to realize higher growth and seed yield in rabi Pigeonpea.
Study Design: Split plot.
Place and Duration of Study: Siddapur research farm of RARS, Warangal during rabi, 2023-24.
Methodology: The experiment consisted of totally sixteen treatments which was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Treatments included were four dates of sowing in the main plot M1-September 30th, M2-October 15th, M3-October 30thand M4- Novenber15th, 2023 and four treatments of varieties in sub plots S1-WRGE-93, S2-WRGE-121, S3-WRGE-97 and S4-WRGE-182 randomly placed in subplots of the main plot.
Results: Maximum plant height (149.1 cm), dry matter production (602 gm-2), number of fruiting branches plant-1 (13.9) number of pods plant-1 (162.7), number of seeds pod-1 (4.08), seed yield (42.3 g plant-1 and 1392 kg ha-1) and stalk yield(4151 kg ha-1) was noticed in crop Sownon September 30th, 2023. Significantly maximum plant height (137.7 cm), dry matter production (516 g m-2), number of fruiting branches plant-1 (11.7),number of pods plant-1 (144), number of seeds pod-1 (3.85),seed yield (37.9 g plant-1 and 1181 kg ha-1) and stalk yield (3801 kg ha-1) was observed inS4-WRGE-182, which was found on par with S2-WRGE-121 having plant height (134.6cm), dry matter production (512 g m-2),number of fruiting branches plant-1 (11.2),number of pods plant-1 (130.3),number of seeds pod-1 (3.74), seed yield (35.9 g plant-1 and 1166 kg ha-1) and stalk yield (3744 kg ha-1). Lowest growth and yieldparameters were recorded in the crop sown on 15th November and in variety S3-WRGE-97.
Conclusion: Among varieties, WRGE-182 (S4)and WRGE-121 (S2) performed better in terms of growth and yield. Crop sownon September 30th, 2023 revealed better performance in terms of growth and yield under the present study during rabi conditions.
Litchi Waste: An Important Sources of Health Benefit
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Maske Ganesh , Singh Uday Pratap , Srivatstava Yashvardhan , Shiurkar Govind Balasaheb , Lal Narayan
Published: August 2024

Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn) is a tropical fruit belongs to family sapindaceae. It is prized for their nutritional value and sweet flavour. However, litchi consumption generates significant waste, mostly peel, and seeds after consumption of sweet aril. The potential health advantages of these waste materials, which are abundant in bioactive chemicals including polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamins, have been brought to light by recent studies. This review investigates the nutritional makeup of litchi waste and its possible uses for improving human health. Litchi waste contains bioactive chemicals with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer effects that have been extracted using various techniques. Besides, using litchi waste in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and functional meals offers a sustainable way to lower food waste and improve nutritional value. Prospective study avenues encompass refining extraction methodologies, assessing bioavailability, and executing clinical trials to authenticate the ameliorative impacts of litchi waste-derived compounds. To sum up, litchi trash is a valuable and underutilized resource that has the potential to improve health and the environment while also enhancing human well-being.
Intellectual disability, muscle weakness and characteristic face in three siblings: A newly described recessive syndrome mapping to 3p24.3–p25.3
Authors: Kariminejad Ariana , Nafissi Shahriar , Nilipoor Yalda , Tavasoli Alireza , Van Veldhoven Paul P. , Bonnard Carine , Ng Yeng Ting , Majoie Charles B. , Reversade Bruno , Hennekam Raoul C.
Published: July 2015

We report on a sister and two brothers born to healthy Iranian parents with mild intellectual disability, progressive muscle weakness, and characteristic facies. including highly arched eyebrows, down‐slanting palpebral fissures, prominent nasal bridge, prominent nose, columella extending below alae nasi, narrow mouth, narrow palate, and dental caries, and in one of them an inability to abduct the left eye. Electrophysiological studies showed signs of myopathy, and muscle biopsies demonstrated only nonspecific signs. Brain MRIs in two of the sibs showed leukencephalopathy with delayed myelination, frontal and parietal hyperintensities, and hippocampal atrophy in one. We have been unable to find a description of this association of features in literature. Based on the occurrence in siblings, no significant difference in phenotype between the brothers and sister, absence of manifestations in parents, and a likely consanguinity between parents we performed a homozygosity mapping. A single identical‐by‐descent bloc encompassing 57 genes located at 3p24.3–p25.3 was found to segregate within the family with this phenotype. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developmental Toxicity and Fertility Assessment in Rabbits with Tabalumab: A Human IgG4 Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Breslin William J. , Hilbish Kim G. , Martin Jennifer A. , Halstead Carolyn A. , Edwards Tammy L.
Published: July 2015

Tabalumab is a human immunoglobulin G subclass 4 monoclonal antibody that has been under development for autoimmune disorders. Tabalumab has full neutralizing activity against both soluble and membrane B‐cell activating factor, a B‐cell survival factor. The objectives of these studies were to assess the effects of tabalumab on embryo–fetal development and on male (M) and female (F) fertility in rabbits, a pharmacologically relevant species. Doses were administered at 0 (vehicle control), 0.3 (embryo–fetal study only), 1.0, and 30 mg/kg. In the embryo–fetal study, pregnant rabbits does were given a single dose by intravenous injection on gestation day (GD) 7. In the fertility studies, tabalumab was administered by intravenous injection every 7 days starting 2 (F) or 4 (M) weeks before mating, during cohabitation, and until necropsy (M) or through GD 18 (F). Treated animals were mated with untreated partners. Parental clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, blood lymphocyte phenotyping, organ weights, morphologic pathology, ovarian and uterine observations, sperm parameters, and fertility indices were evaluated along with conceptus viability, weight, and morphology. Exposure assessments were made in all main study animals and satellite animals. No adverse parental, reproductive, or developmental effects were observed in any study at any dose. A pharmacodynamic response consisting of dose‐dependent decreases in the percent and number of total B lymphocytes and increases in the percent and/or number of total T lymphocytes was observed in parental rabbits at 1.0 and 30 mg/kg. In conclusion, no adverse reproductive or developmental effects were observed in rabbits following exposure to tabalumab at doses as high as 30 mg/kg and exposures at least 14‐fold greater than human exposure levels.
Nursing intervention to enhance outpatient chemotherapy symptom management: Patient‐reported outcomes of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Traeger Lara , McDonnell Theresa M. , McCarty Caitlin E. , Greer Joseph A. , El‐Jawahri Areej , Temel Jennifer S.
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

The authors conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate a nurse practitioner (NP)‐delivered symptom management intervention for patients initiating chemotherapy for nonmetastatic cancer. The aim was to reduce patient‐reported symptom burden by facilitating patient‐NP collaboration and the early management of symptoms.

METHODS

At the time of the first chemotherapy visit, adult participants with nonmetastatic breast, colorectal, or lung cancer (120 participants) completed self‐report measures and were then randomly assigned to standard care plus the intervention or standard care alone. Intervention participants received proactive telephone calls from their oncology team NP during the week after each of the first 2 chemotherapy administration visits. Measures were repeated at the second and third chemotherapy visits. Group differences were analyzed with regard to patient‐reported symptoms (Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale‐Short Form items), satisfaction with care (Family Caregiver Satisfaction‐patient scale), and the likelihood of depression or anxiety symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire‐4).

RESULTS

At the time of the first visit, 50.8% of participants reported ≥1 physical symptom, most commonly lack of energy (35.8%) and drowsiness (30.8%). The number of symptoms (gamma coefficient [γ] = 0.16; P<.001), symptom distress (γ = 0.45; P<.001), and satisfaction with care (γ = 0.24; P = .004) increased whereas the likelihood of anxiety symptoms decreased (γ = ‐0.19; P = .02) and the likelihood of depression symptoms did not change (γ = 0.01; P = .91). Outcomes did not differ by randomized group. Randomized group interacted with emetogenic potential in predicting symptom distress (γ = 0.43; P = .03) and satisfaction with care (γ = ‐0.45; P = .045).

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention did not appear to reduce symptom burden compared with standard care. Early symptoms highlight the importance of continuing to examine strategies to improve symptom management during chemotherapy for nonmetastatic disease. Cancer 2015;121:3905–3913. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
An evaluation study of different methods for the production ofβ‐D‐glucan from yeast biomass
Authors: Varelas Vassileios , Liouni Maria , Calokerinos Antony C. , Nerantzis Elias T.
Published: July 2015

β‐Glucan is a proven beneficial and valuable molecule for human and animal health systems. It can be incorporated as an ingredient in various functional foods and beverages.β‐Glucan has been isolated from various biological sources, fungi, mushrooms, algae, plants, and bacteria. The yeast cell wall comprises a suitable target for the extraction and purification ofβ‐glucan. Although there are various extraction techniques, significant differences are observed as the technique used affects the final yield and purity, molecular weight, biological activity, solubility, quality, and other biological and functional properties of the extractedβ‐glucan. The aim of this review is the evaluation of different extraction methods for the production ofβ‐glucan from yeast biomass. Furthermore, the use of industrial spent yeast waste from breweries and the wine industry for biotechnologicalβ‐glucan production and the concept of green wineries and breweries are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of species, pretreatments, and drying methods on the functional and pasting properties of high‐quality yam flour
Authors: Wahab Bashirat A. , Adebowale Abdul‐Rasaq A. , Sanni Silifat A. , Sobukola Olajide P. , Obadina Adewale O. , Kajihausa Olatundun E. , Adegunwa Mojisola O. , Sanni Lateef O. , Tomlins Keith
Published: July 2015

The study investigated the functional properties of HQYF (high‐quality yam flour) from tubers of four dioscorea species. The tubers were processed into HQYF using two pretreatments (potassium metabisulphite: 0.28%, 15 min; blanching: 70°C, 15 min) and drying methods (cabinet: 60°C, 48 h; sun drying: 3 days). Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in pasting characteristics of flours among the four species. The drying method significantly affected only the peak viscosity. The interactive effect of species, pretreatment, and drying methods on the functional properties was significant (P < 0.05) except for emulsification capacity, angle of repose, and least gelation concentration. The significant variation observed in most of the functional properties of the HQYF could contribute significantly to breeding programs of the yam species for diverse food applications. The pastes of flour from Dioscorea dumetorum pretreated with potassium metabisulphite and dried under a cabinet dryer were stable compared to other samples, hence will have better applications in products requiring lower retrogradation during freeze/thaw cycles.
Chromosomes at Work: Organization of Chromosome Territories in the Interphase Nucleus
Authors: Fritz Andrew J. , Barutcu A. Rasim , Martin‐Buley Lori , van Wijnen André J. , Zaidi Sayyed K. , Imbalzano Anthony N. , Lian Jane B. , Stein Janet L. , Stein Gary S.
Published: July 2015

The organization of interphase chromosomes in chromosome territories (CTs) was first proposed more than one hundred years ago. The introduction of increasingly sophisticated microscopic and molecular techniques, now provide complementary strategies for studying CTs in greater depth than ever before. Here we provide an overview of these strategies and how they are being used to elucidate CT interactions and the role of these dynamically regulated, nuclear‐structure building blocks in directly supporting nuclear function in a physiologically responsive manner. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 9–19, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Laser polishing of aluminum by remelting with high energy pulses
Authors: Schmidt J. , Scholz R. , Riegel H.
Published: July 2015

Laser polishing is a contact‐free, quick and automated method to smooth surfaces. The method has been applied to different forging and casting aluminum alloys. The surfaces of the samples were belt‐grinded with a grain size of mesh 240. The samples are protected from ambient air in a gas shield chamber. The used laser system is an Nd : YAG Laser with maximum pulse energy of 65 J. The initial and the laser polished surfaces have been analyzed by microscopy, roughness spectroscopy, white light interferometry and cross‐section polishes. The surfaces of the laser polished forging alloys are covered by multiple lateral and horizontal cracks. Unlike the forging alloys, the casting alloys could be processed well by laser polishing. The initial surface roughness of Ra240 = 1.37 µm was reduced up to RaLP ≈ 0.47 µm. This represents a roughness reduction of 66%. The roughness spectroscopy of the laser polished surface shows for structural wavelengths from 2.5 µm to 500 µm a Ra‐value close to 0.1 µm and from 500 µm to 800 µm higher values. The remelted area extends up to100 µm into the material.
Extract from Ceratonia siliqua Exhibits Depigmentation Properties
Authors: Lall Namrita , Kishore Navneet , Momtaz Saeideh , Hussein Ahmed , Naidoo Sanushka , Nqephe Mabatho , Crampton Bridget
Published: July 2015

Skin hyper‐pigmentation is a condition initiated by the overproduction of melanin existing in the melanocytes. Melanin pigment is responsible for the colour of skin in humans. It is formed through a series of oxidative reactions involving the amino acid tyrosine in the presence of the key enzyme tyrosinase. In continuation with our efforts to identify tyrosinase inhibitors from plants sources, the methanol extract from leaf, bark and fruit of Ceratonia siliqua were screened for tyrosinase inhibition and diphenolase activity. The bark extract exhibited significant inhibition on mushroom tyrosinase using L‐tyrosine as a substrate and showed diphenolase activity. The extract further significantly lowered tyrosinase mRNA levels in B16‐F10 mouse melanocytes. Bioassay‐guided fractionation led to the isolation of six compounds. Compounds (−)‐epicatechin‐3‐O‐gallate, 1,2,3,6‐tetra‐O‐galloyl‐ß‐D‐glucose and gallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate showed tyrosinase inhibitions with the IC50 values of 27.52, 83.30 and 28.30 µg/mL, respectively. These compounds also exhibited L‐DOPA activities with IC50 values of >200, 150 and 200 µg/mL, respectively. A clinical study was conducted using 20 volunteers in a patch testing trial for irritancy potential and skin depigmentation. The clinical results showed the sample to be non‐irritant with irritancy potential of −34.21 and depigmentation trial showed an improvement in the even skin tone of UV induced pigmentation at 3% after 28 days of application. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterizing the nature of interactions for cooperative creation in online social networks
Authors: Cazabet Remy , Takeda Hideaki , Hamasaki Masahiro
Published: July 2015

Many aspects of online social networks (OSN) have been studied in recent years. In this article, we focus on the question of interactions in large OSN. We propose methods to study these interactions, and apply them on a platform called Nico Nico Douga (NND), with the aim of understanding cooperative behaviors, taking the form of collective creation of music videos in NND. Our first contribution is a method that, starting from the network of interactions between users, evaluates three aspects: the impact of the social structure on these interactions, their concentration, and their reciprocity. We characterize the nature of interactions in NND, and compare it with four different datasets. We find that interactions in NND are more similar to a diffusion process, such as retweets in Tweeter, than to interpersonal communications, or even to cooperation in science. Our second contribution is a typology of roles for productions in a cooperative process. These roles are attributed based on the neighborhood of the nodes in the network of references between productions. We define direct roles, relative roles, and indirect roles. We subsequently study the frequency of these roles in NND. We show a correlation between the category of the contribution of a video (song, animation, etc.) and its probability of having a certain role. We also find a positive correlation between the most active users and the production of videos playing an important role in the cooperation process.
Effects of add-on tipepidine on treatment-resistant depression: an open-label pilot trial
Authors: Shirayama Yukihiko , Suzuki Masatoshi , Takahashi Michio , Sato Koichi , Hashimoto Kenji
Published: July 2015

Objective

Treatment-resistant depression is a challenging problem in the clinical setting. Tipepidine has been used as a non-narcotic antitussive in Japan since 1959.

Methods

We administered tipepidine to 11 patients with treatment-resistant depression. Tipepidine was given for 8 weeks as an augmentation.

Results

Tipepidine significantly improved depression scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale for depression. Add-on treatment with tipepidine significantly improved scores on the trail making test and Rey auditory verbal learning test. However, no changes were observed in blood concentrations of stress-related hormones (adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate) with tipepidine augmentation.

Conclusion

Tipepidine might be a potential therapeutic drug for treatment-resistant depression.
WOMEN'S VOICES IN THE LUCIANICONOS:THE TALE OF THE ‘EDIBLE MAN’
Authors: Dollins Elizabeth
Published: July 2015

This article argues that female characters are active participants in the text of theOnos. Among women who are in control of their experiences we encounter the slave girl Palaestra. She uses a forceful metaphor equating a man with the food being prepared in her kitchen, which prefigures much of the ensuing narrative and has the effect of transforming Lucius into food/text to be consumed by the reader. It becomes clear that she and various other female characters, whose abilities go further than the usual novelistic antagonistic skill of controlling their own experience and manipulating other characters, choose and choreograph Lucius' narrative.
A global trend toward law and order harshness?
Authors: Wenzelburger Georg
Published: July 2015

A popular claim made by criminologists argues that globalization has created a general punitive turn in Western industrialized countries and led to much harsher law and order policies. The present paper challenges this view and adds to the literature in two respects as follows: first, it presents empirical evidence that substantial differences in law and order policies remain between Western industrialized countries even when law and order policy is measured in a much more finely grained manner than previously. Second, the paper provides empirical evidence for a persisting influence of the partisan ideology of governments and the party system characteristics of a country on its law and order policies: whereas the general trend of increasing economic globalization may well set the overall tone, this impact is conditioned by national political and institutional settings – and the ideology of the government as well as the party system in particular.
Identification of phases, symmetries and defects through local crystallography
Authors: Belianinov Alex , He Qian , Kravchenko Mikhail , Jesse Stephen , Borisevich Albina , Kalinin Sergei V.
Published: July 2015

Advances in electron and probe microscopies allow 10 pm or higher precision in measurements of atomic positions. This level of fidelity is sufficient to correlate the length (and hence energy) of bonds, as well as bond angles to functional properties of materials. Traditionally, this relied on mapping locally measured parameters to macroscopic variables, for example, average unit cell. This description effectively ignores the information contained in the microscopic degrees of freedom available in a high-resolution image. Here we introduce an approach for local analysis of material structure based on statistical analysis of individual atomic neighbourhoods. Clustering and multivariate algorithms such as principal component analysis explore the connectivity of lattice and bond structure, as well as identify minute structural distortions, thus allowing for chemical description and identification of phases. This analysis lays the framework for building image genomes and structure–property libraries, based on conjoining structural and spectral realms through local atomic behaviour.
Generating optical superimposed vortex beam with tunable orbital angular momentum using integrated devices
Authors: Wang Yu , Feng Xue , Zhang Dengke , Zhao Peng , Li Xiangdong , Cui Kaiyu , Liu Fang , Huang Yidong
Published: July 2015

An integrated device, which consists of a variable amplitude splitter and an orbital angular momentum (OAM) emitter, is proposed for the superposition of optical vortex beams. With fixed wavelength and power of incident beam, the OAM of the radiated optical superimposed vortex beam can be dynamically tuned. To verify the operating principle, the proposed device has been fabricated on the SOI substrate and experimentally measured. The experimental results confirm the tunability of superimposed vortex beams. Moreover, the ability of independently varying the OAM flux and the geometric distribution of intensity is illustrated and discussed with numerical simulation. We believe that this work would be promising in various applications.
Surface Termination Conversion during SrTiO3 Thin Film Growth Revealed by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Authors: Baeumer Christoph , Xu Chencheng , Gunkel Felix , Raab Nicolas , Heinen Ronja Anika , Koehl Annemarie , Dittmann Regina
Published: July 2015

Emerging electrical and magnetic properties of oxide interfaces are often dominated by the termination and stoichiometry of substrates and thin films, which depend critically on the growth conditions. Currently, these quantities have to be measured separately with different sophisticated techniques. This report will demonstrate that the analysis of angle dependent X-ray photoelectron intensity ratios provides a unique tool to determine both termination and stoichiometry simultaneously in a straightforward experiment. Fitting the experimental angle dependence with a simple analytical model directly yields both values. The model is calibrated through the determination of the termination of SrTiO3 single crystals after systematic pulsed laser deposition of sub-monolayer thin films of SrO. We then use the model to demonstrate that during homoepitaxial SrTiO3 growth, excess Sr cations are consumed in a self-organized surface termination conversion before cation defects are incorporated into the film. We show that this termination conversion results in insulating properties of interfaces between polar perovskites and SrTiO3 thin films. These insights about oxide thin film growth can be utilized for interface engineering of oxide heterostructures. In particular, they suggest a recipe for obtaining two-dimensional electron gases at thin film interfaces: SrTiO3 should be deposited slightly Ti-rich to conserve the TiO2-termination.
Atlantic Deep-water Response to the Early Pliocene Shoaling of the Central American Seaway
Authors: Bell David B. , Jung Simon J. A. , Kroon Dick , Hodell David A. , Lourens Lucas J. , Raymo Maureen E.
Published: July 2015

The early Pliocene shoaling of the Central American Seaway (CAS), ~4.7–4.2 million years ago (mega annum-Ma), is thought to have strengthened Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). The associated increase in northward flux of heat and moisture may have significantly influenced the evolution of Pliocene climate. While some evidence for the predicted increase in North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) formation exists in the Caribbean and Western Atlantic, similar evidence is missing in the wider Atlantic. Here, we present stable carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotope records from the Southeast Atlantic-a key region for monitoring the southern extent of NADW. Using these data, together with other δ13C and δ18O records from the Atlantic, we assess the impact of the early Pliocene CAS shoaling phase on deep-water circulation. We find that NADW formation was vigorous prior to 4.7 Ma and showed limited subsequent change. Hence, the overall structure of the deep Atlantic was largely unaffected by the early Pliocene CAS shoaling, corroborating other evidence that indicates larger changes in NADW resulted from earlier and deeper shoaling phases. This finding implies that the early Pliocene shoaling of the CAS had no profound impact on the evolution of climate.
Opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans elicits a temporal response in primary human mast cells
Authors: Lopes José Pedro , Stylianou Marios , Nilsson Gunnar , Urban Constantin F.
Published: July 2015

Immunosuppressed patients are frequently afflicted with severe mycoses caused by opportunistic fungal pathogens. Besides being a commensal, colonizing predominantly skin and mucosal surfaces, Candida albicans is the most common human fungal pathogen. Mast cells are present in tissues prone to fungal colonization being expectedly among the first immune cells to get into contact with C. albicans. However, mast cell-fungus interaction remains a neglected area of study. Here we show that human mast cells mounted specific responses towards C. albicans. Collectively, mast cell responses included the launch of initial, intermediate and late phase components determined by the secretion of granular proteins and cytokines. Initially mast cells reduced fungal viability and occasionally internalized yeasts. C. albicans could evade ingestion by intracellular growth leading to cellular death. Furthermore, secreted factors in the supernatants of infected cells recruited neutrophils, but not monocytes. Late stages were marked by the release of cytokines that are known to be anti-inflammatory suggesting a modulation of initial responses. C. albicans-infected mast cells formed extracellular DNA traps, which ensnared but did not kill the fungus. Our results suggest that mast cells serve as tissue sentinels modulating antifungal immune responses during C. albicans infection. Consequently, these findings open new doors for understanding fungal pathogenicity.
Cellular discrimination using in vitro Raman micro spectroscopy: the role of the nucleolus
Authors: Farhane Z. , Bonnier F. , Casey A. , Maguire A. , O'Neill L. , Byrne H. J.
Published: July 2015

Raman micro spectroscopy is employed to discriminate between cell lines. Results show the importance of the nuclear sub-cellular organelle, the nucleoli, to differentiate between cancer cell lines with high specificity and sensitivity.
Determination of free amino acids in plants by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Authors: Dziągwa-Becker Magdalena M. , Marin Ramos Jose M. , Topolski Jakub K. , Oleszek Wiesław A.
Published: July 2015

Free amino acid determination in plants by LC-MS/MS.
Does Hooke's law work in helical nanosprings?
Authors: Ben Sudong , Zhao Junhua , Rabczuk Timon
Published: July 2015

Hooke's law is a principle of physics that states that the force needed to extend a spring by some distance is proportional to that distance.
Inorganic nanoparticles engineered to attack bacteria
Authors: Miller Kristen P. , Wang Lei , Benicewicz Brian C. , Decho Alan W.
Published: July 2015

Antibiotics delivered to bacteria using engineered nanoparticles (NP), offer a powerful and efficient means to kill or control bacteria, especially those already resistant to antibiotics.
The ferrocene effect: enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen production using meso-tetraferrocenyl porphyrin palladium(ii) and copper(ii) complexes
Authors: Sirbu D. , Turta C. , Gibson E. A. , Benniston A. C.
Published: July 2015

Copper(ii) and palladium(ii) meso-tetraferrocenylporphyrins (CuTFcP and PdTFcP) were employed as catalysts for electrochemical proton reduction in DMF using trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) or triethylamine hydrochloride (TEAHCl) as acids.
Dynamic phase diagram of soft nanocolloids
Authors: Gupta Sudipta , Camargo Manuel , Stellbrink Jörg , Allgaier Jürgen , Radulescu Aurel , Lindner Peter , Zaccarelli Emanuela , Likos Christos N. , Richter Dieter
Published: July 2015

We present a comprehensive experimental and theoretical study covering micro-, meso- and macroscopic length and time scales, which enables us to establish a generalized view in terms of structure–property relationship and equilibrium dynamics of soft colloids.
Tuning the optoelectronic properties of dual-acceptor based low-bandgap ambipolar polymers by changing the thiophene-bridge length
Authors: An Cunbin , Marszalek Tomasz , Guo Xin , Puniredd Sreenivasa Reddy , Wagner Manfred , Pisula Wojciech , Baumgarten Martin
Published: July 2015

Dual-acceptor polymers based onDPPandTQare prepared with very low bandgaps (0.6–0.9 eV) and ambipolar charge carrier transports.
Solvent-controlled nucleophilic trifluoromethylthiolation of Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates: dual roles of DABCO in activating the Zard's trifluoromethylthiolation reagent and the MBH carbonates
Authors: Yang Hai-Bin , Fan Xing , Wei Yin , Shi Min
Published: July 2015

A novel amine-catalyzed nucleophilic trifluoromethylthiolation between Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates and O-octadecyl-S-trifluorothiolcarbonate has been developed.
Valorization of lignin waste from hydrothermal treatment of biomass: towards porous carbonaceous composites for continuous hydrogenation
Authors: Chieffi Gianpaolo , Fechler Nina , Esposito Davide
Published: July 2015

Mineralized lignin obtained as the by-product of the hydrothermal digestion of rye straw with Ba(OH)2 is used as precursor for the preparation of porous carbonaceous composites for catalytic hydrogenation applications.
Vertically oriented Ni3S2/RGO/Ni3S2 nanosheets on Ni foam for superior supercapacitors
Authors: Zhao Chongjun , Zhang Zhuomin , Wang Qian , Min Shudi , Qian Xiuzhen
Published: July 2015

A unique sandwich structure of Ni3S2/RGO/Ni3S2 was designed on nickel foam by a one-step hydrothermal process.
Developing acetylcholinesterase-based inhibition assay by modulated synthesis of silver nanoparticles: applications for sensing of organophosphorus pesticides
Authors: Kumar D. Nanda , Rajeshwari A. , Alex S. A. , Sahu M. , Raichur A. M. , Chandrasekaran N. , Mukherjee A.
Published: July 2015

A novel and highly sensitive probe for the detection of organophosphorus compounds (OPs) using acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and acetylthiocholine (ATCh) during the modulated synthesis of silver nanoparticles.
Conjugated polymer dots/oxalate anodic electrochemiluminescence system and its application for detecting melamine
Authors: Lu Qiyi , Zhang Juanjuan , Wu Yuanya , Chen Shihong
Published: July 2015

The anodic electrochemiluminescence behavior of an ammonolysis product of PFO in aqueous solution.
Gold-catalyzed formal [4π + 2π]-cycloadditions of propiolate derivatives with unactivated nitriles
Authors: Karad Somnath Narayan , Chung Wei-Kang , Liu Rai-Shung
Published: July 2015

Gold-catalyzed hetero-[4π + 2π]-cycloadditions of tert-butyl propiolates with unactivated nitriles are described. This new finding enables a one-pot gold-catalyzed synthesis of highly substituted pyridines.
A ratiometric NMR pH sensing strategy based on a slow-proton-exchange (SPE) mechanism
Authors: Perruchoud L. H. , Jones M. D. , Sutrisno A. , Zamble D. B. , Simpson A. J. , Zhang X.-a.
Published: July 2015

The first ratiometric1H NMR pH sensorSPE1displays unusually slow proton exchange between its different protonation forms and determines pH accurately.
Rational enhancement of the energy barrier of bis(tetrapyrrole) dysprosium SMMs via replacing atom of porphyrin core
Authors: Cao Wei , Gao Chen , Zhang Yi-Quan , Qi Dongdong , Liu Tao , Wang Kang , Duan Chunying , Gao Song , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: July 2015

Replacing a porphyrin N atom induces higher electrostatic environment anisotropy around the Dy center, giving the highest energy barrier among bis(tetrapyrrole) Dy SMMs.
Electronic structure, optical and dielectric properties of BaTiO3/CaTiO3/SrTiO3 ferroelectric superlattices from first-principles calculations
Authors: Luo Bingcheng , Wang Xiaohui , Tian Enke , Li Guowu , Li Longtu
Published: July 2015

The electronic structure, lattice vibrations, and optical, dielectric and thermodynamic properties of BaTiO3/CaTiO3/SrTiO3 (BT/CT/ST) ferroelectric superlattices are calculated by using first-principles calculations.
High pressure Laue diffraction and its application to study microstructural changes during the α → β phase transition in Si
Authors: Popov D. , Park C. , Kenney-Benson C. , Shen G.
Published: July 2015

An approach using polychromatic x-ray Laue diffraction is described for studying pressure induced microstructural changes of materials under pressure. The advantages of this approach with respect to application of monochromatic x-ray diffraction and other techniques are discussed. Experiments to demonstrate the applications of the method have been performed on the α → β phase transition in Si at high pressures using a diamond anvil cell. We present the characterization of microstructures across the α–β phase transition, such as morphology of both the parent and product phases, relative orientation of single-crystals, and deviatoric strains. Subtle inhomogeneous strain of the single-crystal sample caused by lattice rotations becomes detectable with the approach.
How to decide between competing efficiency droop models for GaN-based light-emitting diodes
Authors: Piprek Joachim
Published: July 2015

GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) exhibit a strong efficiency droop with higher current injection, which has been mainly attributed to Auger recombination and electron leakage, respectively. Thus far, the few reports on direct measurements of these two processes do not confirm their dominating influence on the droop unambiguously. Advanced numerical simulations of experimental characteristics are shown to validate one or the other explanation by variation of uncertain material parameters. We finally demonstrate how the comparative simulation of temperature effects enables a clear distinction between both models. Contrary to common assumptions, the consistently measured efficiency reduction of blue LEDs with higher ambient temperature eliminates electron leakage as primary cause of the efficiency droop in these devices.
The impact of culture on the construal of organizational crisis: perceptions of crisis in Dubai
Authors: Goby Valerie  Priscilla , Nickerson Catherine
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– Despite the rising significance of the Arabian Gulf on the global corporate landscape, research is lacking in the area of organizational crisis communication. The purpose of this paper is to present a preliminary contribution to this gap in the form of an initial investigation of the conceptualization of crisis among female Emirati nationals in Dubai.

Design/methodology/approach

– With reference to Pearson and Clair’s (1998) list of organizational crises, the authors designed a survey to elicit perceptions of crises, their severity, and their likelihood of occurring in the United Arab Emirates; the authors administered this survey to 105 female Emirati respondents. Given the heavy delineation of gender roles that exists in the region, the authors limited this initial study to a single gender, women. The authors discuss the crises respondents identified as most severe and most likely to occur in the country in terms of culture, Islamic values, and business in Dubai.

Findings

– Responses indicate that perceptions of crisis differ vastly from those that typically obtain in western countries and that particular religious and cultural factors influence these perceptions.

Research limitations/implications

– Given the divergence between the construal of crisis in the Gulf and in western contexts, further investigation of how organizational crisis is perceived and responded to in Gulf contexts is warranted to inform corporate communication management in a region whose economic influence is increasingly important. Future research also needs to investigate a broader sample, including male respondents, in order to construct a framework of culture and crisis in the region.

Practical implications

– As more MNCs are attracted to Dubai, and other Gulf cities, it is imperative that they are well informed of the differing perceptions of, and reactions to, potential crises that may affect them directly or indirectly.

Originality/value

– The present study is the first the authors know of that assesses how organizational crises are perceived in a Gulf context. It brings to the fore certain particularities that could serve as hypotheses for an innovative research stream. While it is an exploratory study, it highlights salient issues that can be formulated into hypotheses in further research.
Market orientation, entrepreneurial orientation and performance in emerging markets
Authors: Gruber-Muecke Tina , Hofer Katharina Maria
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how market-oriented and entrepreneurial-oriented behaviour drives firm performance in an emerging markets context.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using data from 170 Austrian exporters to Central and Eastern Europe, the authors test a conceptual model including market-oriented and entrepreneurial-oriented practices as predictors of performance.

Findings

– Results indicate that both market-orientated and entrepreneurial-oriented strategies have positive performance effects in emerging markets.

Research limitations/implications

– A limitation is that firms were not examined longitudinally, as this is a cross-sectional study. Future research may include longitudinal studies or focus on other markets/regions.

Practical implications

– Firms are encouraged to adopt a market-oriented and entrepreneurial-oriented strategy to achieve better results in international, emerging market operations.

Originality/value

– The authors add to the emerging economy research literature by studying the relevance of market orientation and entrepreneurial orientation in determining firm performance in emerging markets. Furthermore, this study supports the generalizability of findings from an advanced to an emerging economies research setting.
Clinical pharmacist review: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Briggs Sheridan , Pearce Robert , Dilworth Sophie , Higgins Isabel , Hullick Carolyn , Attia John
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To determine if medication review by a clinical pharmacist of older patients in the ED impacted on admission to hospital and other outcomes.

Methods

A stratified, randomised controlled study comparing the intervention to current practice. A tertiary referral ED in New South Wales, Australia. Older people (>70 years) living at home who initially reported taking greater than five medications. Medication review by an experienced hospital pharmacist within the ED. Rate of admission, rate of readmission, length of stay and admission to an aged care facility at 4 months post presentation, and rate of general practitioner acceptance of pharmacist recommendations.

Results

The odds of admission decreased for those receiving the intervention (odds ratio [OR] = 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53, 0.87; P = 0.002). There was no evidence that the intervention affected hospital length of stay for admitted patients (0.09 days change, 95% CI −0.08, 0.25; P = 0.31), the rate of re‐presentation (0.08% change, 95% CI −0.12, 0.28; P = 0.44) or admission to an aged care facility. The odds of admission to an aged care facility increased with the Identification of Seniors at Risk score. General practitioners adopted 49% of pharmacists' recommendations.

Conclusions

The presence of an experienced pharmacist in the ED reduced hospital admissions. Further study is required to determine longer term impacts of General Medical Practitioner acceptance of pharmacists' recommendations.