bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-resolution compositional remote sensing of the Transantarctic Mountains: application to the WorldView-2 dataset
Authors: Salvatore M.R.
Published: May 2015

The WorldView-2 (WV2) instrument, operated by DigitalGlobe, is the only high-resolution multispectral sensor currently capable of imaging the entirety of the Transantarctic Mountains (TAM), making it a valuable resource for remote compositional investigations. Through the utility of both field- and laboratory-based verification techniques, this study shows that biotic and abiotic chemical variations can be readily observed and mapped remotely. Within the McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDV), primary compositional variability, intra-lithologic compositional heterogeneity and variations in surface weathering and oxidation can be successfully identified and mapped, providing confidence in both the spectral capabilities of the WV2 instrument and the methodologies associated with calibrating and correcting these data. These studies within the MDV provide confidence in extending these analyses to more remote regions of the TAM, including the vicinity of Shackleton Glacier. The identification of comparable geochemical variations in these remote locations provides valuable additions to the currently available geologic maps at much lower spatial resolutions. This work confirms the utility of the WV2 instrument to identifying, quantifying and mapping geochemical variations throughout the TAM, supporting future field work and providing geospatial context for localized field and laboratory analyses.
Comorbid mental illness and criminalness implications for housing and treatment
Authors: Bartholomew Nicole R. , Morgan Robert D.
Published: May 2015

The relationship between mental illness, violence, and criminal behavior is complex, and involves a multifaceted interaction of biological, psychological, and social processes. In this article, we review the emerging research that examines the neurobiological and psychological factors that distinguish between persons with mental illness who do and who do not engage in crime and violence. Additionally, a novel model for understanding the interaction between mental illness and criminalness is proposed. (As defined by Morgan and colleagues, criminalness is defined as behavior that breaks laws and social conventions and/or violates the rights and wellbeing of others.) Stemming from this model and outlined research, we argue that management and treatment approaches should target the co-occurring domains of mental illness and criminalness to improve criminal and psychiatric outcomes. Specifically, we discuss and propose effective housing (management) and biopsychosocial intervention strategies for improving outcomes.
Comparative Analysis of Root Dentin Morphology and Structure of Human Versus Bovine Primary Teeth
Authors: Costa Bruna M. , Iwamoto Alexsandra S. , Puppin-Rontani Regina M. , Pascon Fernanda M.
Published: May 2015

This study evaluated the structural and morphological differences between human and bovine primary root canals. Primary human maxillary central incisors (H) (n=9) and primary bovine incisors (B) (n=9) were selected. The roots were sectioned in the vestibular-lingual direction, planed and delimited in cervical, middle, and apical thirds. Tubule density (number of tubules per mm2) and diameter were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (1,000 and 5,000×) using Image J 1.47 software. Data were submitted to two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05). The highest tubule density was observed for B (28.527±1.717 mm2) compared with H (15.931±0.170 mm2) (p<0.01). Regarding root thirds, the cervical third presented a greater tubule density (26.417±11.654 mm2) than the apical third (17.999±5.873 mm2). The diameter of the dentin tubules was not different for cervical (3.50±0.08 µm), middle (3.45±0.30 µm) and apical thirds (3.42±0.33 µm) and substrate (H—3.29±0.14 µm; B—3.63±0.06 µm). It could be concluded that: (1) the radicular dentin structure of human and bovine primary teeth and root thirds differ in terms of the tubule density; (2) the radicular dentin morphology of human and bovine primary teeth and root thirds are similar in terms of the diameter of the dentin tubules.
Letting go of the gender binary: Charting new pathways for humanitarian interventions on gender-based violence
Authors: Dolan Chris
Published: May 2015

Increasing acknowledgement in some quarters that women and girls are not the only victims of sexual violence, and that sexual violence is not the only form of gender-based violence (GBV), has yet to be adequately reflected in policy and practice in the humanitarian world.
Embryos, DOHaD and David Barker
Authors: Fleming T. P. , Velazquez M. A. , Eckert J. J.
Published: May 2015

The early embryo and periconceptional period is a window during which environmental factors may cause permanent change in the pattern and characteristics of development leading to risk of adult onset disease. This has now been demonstrated across small and large animal models and also in the human. Most evidence of periconceptional ‘programming’ has emerged from maternal nutritional models but also otherin vivoandin vitroconditions including assisted reproductive treatments, show consistent outcomes. This short review first reports on the range of environmentalin vivoandin vitropericonceptional models and resulting long-term outcomes. Second, it uses the rodent maternal low protein diet model restricted to the preimplantation period and considers the stepwise maternal-embryonic dialogue that comprises the induction of programming. This dialogue leads to cellular and epigenetic responses by the embryo, mainly identified in the extra-embryonic cell lineages, and underpins an apparently permanent change in the growth trajectory during pregnancy and associates with increased cardiometabolic and behavioural disease in adulthood. We recognize the important advice of David Barker some years ago to investigate the sensitivity of the early embryo to developmental programming, an insight for which we are grateful.
Warmer Climate Could Aid Quebec's Wine Industry
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: May 2015

By 2050, climate change may make regions of northeastern Canada suitable for growing new varieties of wine grapes.
Reducing Earthquake Risk in Nepal
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: May 2015

What specific approaches work well to protect people from earthquake hazards in Nepal? Hazard mitigation expert Brian Tucker shares his insight.
A GMCSF and IL7 fusion cytokine leads to functional thymic‐dependent T‐cell regeneration in age‐associated immune deficiency
Authors: Hsieh Jeremy , Ng Spencer , Bosinger Steve , Wu Jian Hui , Tharp Gregory K , Garcia Anapatricia , Hossain Mohammad S , Yuan Shala , Waller Edmund K , Galipeau Jacques
Published: May 2015

The competence of cellular immunity depends on a diverse T‐cell receptor (TCR) repertoire arising from thymic output. Normal thymopoiesis arises from marrow‐derived CD3−CD4−CD8− triple‐negative T‐cell progenitors (TN), which develop into mature single‐positive (SP) CD4 or CD8 T cells after expressing both CD4 and CD8 (double‐positive, DP) transiently, leading to de novo T‐cell production. Interleukin‐7 (IL7) is a singularly important common γ‐chain IL involved in normal thymic development. Our previous work has demonstrated that γc cytokines fused with granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor (GMCSF) at the N‐terminus acquire unheralded biological properties. Therefore, to enhance thymopoiesis, we developed a novel biopharmaceutical based on the fusion of GMCSF and IL7, hereafter GIFT7. Systemic administration of GIFT7 leads to cortical thymic hyperplasia including the specific expansion of CD44intCD25− double‐negative 1 (DN1) thymic progenitors. During murine cytomegalovirus (mCMV) infection of aged animals, GIFT7‐mediated neo‐thymopoiesis led to increased absolute numbers of viral‐specific CD8+ T cell. Our work demonstrated that thymic precursors can be therapeutically repopulated and its reconstitution leads to meaningful central and peripheral T‐cell neogenesis, correcting immune dysfunction arising from age‐associated thymic atrophy.
Fabrication of ordered arrays of micro- and nanoscale features with control over their shape and size via templated solid-state dewetting
Authors: Ye Jongpil
Published: May 2015

Templated solid-state dewetting of single-crystal films has been shown to be used to produce regular patterns of various shapes. However, the materials for which this patterning method is applicable and the size range of the patterns produced are still limited. Here, it is shown that ordered arrays of micro- and nanoscale features can be produced with control over their shape and size via solid-state dewetting of patches patterned from single-crystal palladium and nickel films of different thicknesses and orientations. The shape and size characteristics of the patterns are found to be widely controllable with varying the shape, width, thickness and orientation of the initial patches. The morphological evolution of the patches is also dependent on the film material, with different dewetting behaviors observed in palladium and nickel films. The mechanisms underlying the pattern formation are explained in terms of the influence on Rayleigh-like instability of the patch geometry and the surface energy anisotropy of the film material. This mechanistic understanding of pattern formation can be used to design patches for the precise fabrication of micro- and nanoscale structures with the desired shapes and feature sizes.
Transparent conductive graphene textile fibers
Authors: Neves A. I. S. , Bointon T. H. , Melo L. V. , Russo S. , de Schrijver I. , Craciun M. F. , Alves H.
Published: May 2015

Transparent and flexible electrodes are widely used on a variety of substrates such as plastics and glass. Yet, to date, transparent electrodes on a textile substrate have not been explored. The exceptional electrical, mechanical and optical properties of monolayer graphene make it highly attractive as a transparent electrode for applications in wearable electronics. Here, we report the transfer of monolayer graphene, grown by chemical vapor deposition on copper foil, to fibers commonly used by the textile industry. The graphene-coated fibers have a sheet resistance as low as ~1 kΩ per square, an equivalent value to the one obtained by the same transfer process onto a Si substrate, with a reduction of only 2.3 per cent in optical transparency while keeping high stability under mechanical stress. With this approach, we successfully achieved the first example of a textile electrode, flexible and truly embedded in a yarn.
Has upwelling strengthened along worldwide coasts over 1982-2010?
Authors: Varela R. , Álvarez I. , Santos F. , deCastro M. , Gómez-Gesteira M.
Published: May 2015

Changes in coastal upwelling strength have been widely studied since 1990 when Bakunproposed that global warming can induce the intensification of upwelling in coastalareas. Whether present wind trends support this hypothesis remains controversial, asresults of previous studies seem to depend on the study area, the length of the timeseries, the season and even the database used. In this study, temporal and spatialtrends in the coastal upwelling regime worldwide were investigated during upwellingseasons from 1982 to 2010 using a single wind database (Climate Forecast SystemReanalysis) with high spatial resolution (0.3°). Of the major upwellingsystems, increasing trends were only observed in the coastal areas of Benguela,Peru, Canary and northern California. A tendency for an increase inupwelling-favourable winds was also identified along several less studied regions,such as the western Australian and southern Caribbean coasts.
Light up ClO− in live cells using an aza-coumarin based fluorescent probe with fast response and high sensitivity
Authors: Fan Jiangli , Mu Huiying , Zhu Hao , Wang Jingyun , Peng Xiaojun
Published: May 2015

An aza-coumarin based fluorescent and colorimetric AC-ClO for the ClO− determination with fast response and high sensitivity. AC-ClO was successfully applied for the live-cell imaging of exogenous and endogenous ClO−.
Radical polymerization of 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene in coordination nanochannels
Authors: Uemura Takashi , Nakanishi Ryo , Mochizuki Shuto , Murata Yasujiro , Kitagawa Susumu
Published: May 2015

Radical polymerization of unpolymerizable sterically hindered butadiene was successfully performed in the nanochannels of porous coordination polymers.
Unique Group 1 cations stabilised by homoleptic neutral phosphine coordination
Authors: Carravetta Marina , Concistre Maria , Levason William , Reid Gillian , Zhang Wenjian
Published: May 2015

A unique series of distorted octahedral Li+ and Na+ complexes with homoleptic coordination via three chelating neutral diphosphines is described, together with their crystallographic characterisation and solid state and solution multinuclear NMR properties.
Unusual high fluorescence of two nitro-distyrylbenzene-like compounds induced by CT processes affecting the fluorescence/intersystem-crossing competition
Authors: Carlotti B. , Elisei F. , Mazzucato U. , Spalletti A.
Published: May 2015

Fluorescence/intersystem crossing/photoisomerization competition in the relaxation of nitro-substituted distyrylbenzene-like compounds: charge transfer induced, unusually high, fluorescence yield in polar solvents.
Simultaneous enhancement in mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and electromagnetic shielding properties in PVDF–ABS blends containing PMMA wrapped multiwall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Kar Goutam Prasanna , Biswas Sourav , Bose Suryasarathi
Published: May 2015

A unique approach was adopted to drive the multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) to the interface of immiscible PVDF–ABS blends by wrapping the nanotubes with a mutually miscible homopolymer (PMMA).
Segregation in bimetallic nanoparticles
Authors: Peng Lingxuan , Ringe Emilie , Van Duyne Richard P. , Marks Laurence D.
Published: May 2015

Theoretical models and experimental results for segregation in bimetallic nanoparticles are discussed and compared in this perspective.
Early regimes of water capillary flow in slit silica nanochannels
Authors: Oyarzua Elton , Walther Jens H. , Mejía Andrés , Zambrano Harvey A.
Published: May 2015

Molecular simulation of the capillary filling of water in a silica nanoslit. An atomistic description of the capillary filling process allows us to conduct a detailed study of the validity of the Bosanquet equation at the nanoscale.
Reinforced photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO by a ternary metal oxide NiCo2O4
Authors: Wang Zhaoyu , Jiang Min , Qin Jiani , Zhou Han , Ding Zhengxin
Published: May 2015

NiCo2O4 was developed as an efficient, low-price, stable, and reusable cocatalyst for the deoxygenative reduction of CO2 to CO.
Multi-platinum anti-cancer agents. Substitution-inert compounds for tumor selectivity and new targets
Authors: Farrell N. P.
Published: May 2015

Substitution-inert polynuclear platinum complexes are inherently dual-function anti-cancer agents combining extra and intra-cellular effects in one structural chemotype.
Dinuclear versus mononuclear pathways in zinc mediated nucleophilic addition: a combined experimental and DFT study
Authors: Qi Xiaotian , Li Yingzi , Zhang Guanghui , Li Yang , Lei Aiwen , Liu Chao , Lan Yu
Published: May 2015

A combined experimental and DFT study was conducted to reveal the difference between dinuclear and mononuclear zinc mediated nucleophilic addition.
Understanding the processes governing performance and durability of solid oxide electrolysis cells
Authors: Ebbesen Sune Dalgaard , Sun Xiufu , Mogensen Mogens Bjerg
Published: May 2015

Operation of a Ni–YSZ electrode supported Solid Oxide Cell (SOC) was studied in both fuel cell mode (FC-mode) and electrolysis cell mode (EC-mode) in mixtures of H2O/H2, CO2/CO, H2O/H2O/CO2/CO at 750 °C, 800 °C and 850 °C. Although the SOCs are reversible, the polarisation characterisation shows that the kinetics for the reduction of H2O and CO2is slower compared to oxidation of H2and CO, and that oxidation/reduction in CO2/CO mixtures is slower than in H2O/H2mixtures. The kinetic differences are partly related to the polarisation heating and the entropy change. Also the diffusion resistance is larger in EC-mode as compared to FC-mode and the low frequency concentration resistance (which is affected by diffusion), is asymmetric around the open circuit voltage (OCV), and is significantly higher in the EC-mode. Both the increased diffusion resistance and the asymmetric low frequency concentration resistance result in a decreased activity in the EC-mode. Changing the porosity of the support structure shows a significant change in both the diffusion resistance and low frequency concentration resistance when applying current, showing that diffusion limitations cannot be neglected for SOCs operated in the EC-mode. Also the Ni–YSZ TPB resistance is affected by changing the support porosity, indicating that kinetic investigations under current and even at OCV, and the chase for a general expression for “all” Ni–YSZ electrodes may be pointless. The diffusion limitations through the support and active electrode structure create an increased reducing atmosphere at the interface which may be related to the degradation of the cells.
Copper-catalyzed highly efficient oxidative amidation of aldehydes with 2-aminopyridines in an aqueous micellar system
Authors: Patel Om P. S. , Anand Devireddy , Maurya Rahul K. , Yadav Prem P.
Published: May 2015

An environmentally benign protocol for the synthesis of N-(pyridine-2-yl)amides from aldehydes and 2-aminopyridines has been developed under mild conditions.
Bidirectional microfluidic pumping using an array of magnetic Janus microspheres rotating around magnetic disks
Authors: van den Beld Wesley T. E. , Cadena Natalia L. , Bomer Johan , de Weerd Eddy L. , Abelmann Leon , van den Berg Albert , Eijkel Jan C. T.
Published: May 2015

The presented magnetically actuated pump allows for highly localized flow control in a closed microfluidic channel.
Whole blood human neutrophil trafficking in a microfluidic model of infection and inflammation
Authors: Hamza Bashar , Irimia Daniel
Published: May 2015

Inflammation on a chip.
One-step purification and concentration of DNA in porous membranes for point-of-care applications
Authors: Byrnes S. A. , Bishop J. D. , Lafleur L. , Buser J. R. , Lutz B. , Yager P.
Published: May 2015

Nucleic acid purification in porous membranes at the point-of-care from complex samples including nasal matrix and blood using a single-user step.
Interfacial carbonation for efficient flame retardance of glass fiber-reinforced polyamide 6
Authors: Chen Wenhua , Liu Pengju , Liu Yuan , Wang Qi
Published: May 2015

The interfacial carbonation mode is introduced to solve the high flammability of GF-reinforced polymer composites through interfacial char produced.
Fabrication and properties of superparamagnetic UV-curable nanocomposites based on covalently linked waterborne polyurethane/functionalized hollow Ni0.3Zn0.5Fe2O4 microspheres
Authors: Chen Suli , Wu Wenling , Zhao Guanghui , Jin Tao , Zhao Tianqi
Published: May 2015

A superparamagnetic and well-dispersed nanocomposite has been successfully synthesized via an in situ polymerization method using hollow Ni0.3Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles (h-NZFO) as a filler and waterborne polyurethane (WPU) as a matrix.
Efficient organo-photocatalysis system of an n-type perylene derivative/p-type cobalt phthalocyanine bilayer for the production of molecular hydrogen from hydrazine
Authors: Abe Toshiyuki , Tanno Yoshinori , Taira Naohiro , Nagai Keiji
Published: May 2015

The stoichiometric decomposition of hydrazine (N2H4) into N2 and H2 was observed to occur efficiently in a photocatalysis system of an organic p–n bilayer.
Adhesion and bending rigidity-mediated wrapping of carbon nanotubes by a substrate-supported cell membrane
Authors: Zheng Yonggang , Tang Huayuan , Ye Hongfei , Zhang Hongwu
Published: May 2015

The adhesion and bending rigidity-mediated wrapping of carbon nanotubes by a substrate-supported cell membrane has been explored and phase diagrams that characterize the effect of the energy competition on the equilibrium configuration have been presented.
Reverse iodine transfer polymerization (RITP) of chloroprene
Authors: Hui Jia , Shi Yan , Li Tao , Wu Jie , Fu Zhifeng
Published: May 2015

It is clear that the polymerization of CP was well-controlled at a low temperature (50 °C) in benzene in the presence of ABVN as initiator.
Doped graphene: synthesis, properties and bioanalysis
Authors: Zhang Wenyan , Wu Longfei , Li Zhaolong , Liu Yang
Published: May 2015

We discuss early advances in the preparation of doped graphene and its unique properties as well as its applications in bioanalysis.
Parts per Million Level, Green, and Magnetically-recoverable Triazole Ligand-stabilized Au and Pd Nanoparticle Catalysts
Authors: Su Song , Yue Guozong , Huang Deshun , Yang Guiying , Lai Xinchun , Zhao Pengxiang
Published: May 2015

A nano gold or palladium catalyst is encapsulated into a nano reactor via triazole and recovered by an external magnetic field.
Yb(OTf)3 catalysed regioselective synthesis of unusual di- and tri- substituted 3,4-dihydrothiochromeno[3,2-e][1,3]thiazin-5(2H)-one derivatives through a pseudo four-component hetero-Diels–Alder reaction
Authors: Mahato Karuna , Bagdi Prasanta Ray , Khan Abu T.
Published: May 2015

An efficient and facile regioselective synthesis of di- and tri-substituted 3,4-dihydrothiochromeno[3,2-e][1,3]thiazin-5(2H)-one derivatives was achieved through an ytterbium triflate catalysed pseudo four component hetero-Diels–Alder reaction.
Synthesis of diverse α,ω-telechelic polystyrenes with di- and tri-functionality via tandem or one-pot strategies combining aminolysis of RAFT-polystyrene and a thiol–ene “click” reaction
Authors: Zhang Shuang-Shuang , Cui Kun , Huang Jin , Zhao Qiao-Ling , Cao Shao-Kui , Ma Zhi
Published: May 2015

Diverse new α,ω-telechelic polystyrenes with di-/tri-functionality were synthesized via tandem/one-pot strategies combining aminolysis of RAFT-polystyrene and a thiol–ene “click” reaction.
One-step synthesis of cobalt and nitrogen co-doped carbon nanotubes and their catalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Fu Shaofang , Zhu Chengzhou , Li He , Du Dan , Lin Yuehe
Published: May 2015

One-step synthesis of cobalt and nitrogen co-doped carbon nanotubes and their catalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction.
Electrical and fluid transport in consolidated sphere packs
Authors: Zhan Xin , Schwartz Lawrence M. , Toksöz M. Nafi
Published: May 2015

We calculate geometrical and transport properties (electrical conductivity, permeability, specific surface area, and surface conductivity) of a family of model granular porous media from an image based representation of its microstructure. The models are based on the packing described by Finney and cover a wide range of porosities. Finite difference methods are applied to solve for electrical conductivity and hydraulic permeability. Two image processing methods are used to identify the pore-grain interface and to test correlations linking permeability to electrical conductivity. A three phase conductivity model is developed to compute surface conductivity associated with the grain-pore interface. Our results compare well against empirical models over the entire porosity range studied. We conclude by examining the influence of image resolution on our calculations.
Dynamically consistent method for mixed quantum-classical simulations: A semiclassical approach
Authors: Antipov Sergey V. , Ye Ziyu , Ananth Nandini
Published: May 2015

We introduce a new semiclassical (SC) framework, the Mixed Quantum-Classical Initial Value Representation (MQC-IVR), that can be tuned to reproduce existing quantum-limit and classical-limit SC approximations to quantum real-time correlation functions. Applying a modified Filinov transformation to a quantum-limit SC formulation leads to the association of a Filinov parameter with each degree of freedom in the system; varying this parameter from zero to infinity controls the extent of quantization of the corresponding mode. The resulting MQC-IVR expression provides a consistent dynamic framework for mixed quantum-classical simulations and we demonstrate its numerical accuracy in the calculation of real-time correlation functions for a model 1D system and a model 2D system over the full range of quantum- to classical-limit behaviors.
Hydration and vibrational dynamics of betaine (N,N,N-trimethylglycine)
Authors: Li Tanping , Cui Yaowen , Mathaga John , Kumar Revati , Kuroda Daniel G.
Published: May 2015

Zwitterions are naturally occurring molecules that have a positive and a negative charge group in its structure and are of great importance in many areas of science. Here, the vibrational and hydration dynamics of the zwitterionic system betaine (N,N,N-trimethylglycine) is reported. The linear infrared spectrum of aqueous betaine exhibits an asymmetric band in the 1550-1700 cm−1 region of the spectrum. This band is attributed to the carboxylate asymmetric stretch of betaine. The potential of mean force computed from ab initio molecular dynamic simulations confirms that the two observed transitions of the linear spectrum are related to two different betaine conformers present in solution. A model of the experimental data using non-linear response theory agrees very well with a vibrational model comprising of two vibrational transitions. In addition, our modeling shows that spectral parameters such as the slope of the zeroth contour plot and central line slope are both sensitive to the presence of overlapping transitions. The vibrational dynamics of the system reveals an ultrafast decay of the vibrational population relaxation as well as the correlation of frequency-frequency correlation function (FFCF). A decay of ∼0.5 ps is observed for the FFCF correlation time and is attributed to the frequency fluctuations caused by the motions of water molecules in the solvation shell. The comparison of the experimental observations with simulations of the FFCF from ab initio molecular dynamics and a density functional theory frequency map shows a very good agreement corroborating the correct characterization and assignment of the derived parameters.
Capacitance behavior of InAlN Schottky diodes in presence of large concentrations of shallow and deep states related to oxygen
Authors: Py M. A. , Lugani L. , Taniyasu Y. , Carlin J.-F. , Grandjean N.
Published: May 2015

The capacitance-voltage-temperature characteristics of nonintentionally doped In0.16Al0.84 N/n+-GaN Schottky diodes were measured at 1 MHz and in the 90–400 K range. They are discussed in the framework of existing theories, which properly treat the Poisson's equation, especially near the edge of the space-charge region, the so-called transition region. The concentration of a shallow donor and of a deep DX-like center, previously reported, is properly determined. The key parameter to discuss the temperature dependence of the capacitance is the ratio between the frequency of the small ac modulating signal and the temperature-dependent emission rate associated to each level. The capacitance-voltage C-Va curves were successfully fitted using a three parameters expression over the full range of temperatures. The concentration of both shallow and deep levels exceeds a few 1018 cm−3. Based on secondary ion mass spectrometry profiling, we assign both levels to the dominant oxygen impurity. This result supports our previous assignment of the shallow donor to a substitutional oxygen atom on a nitrogen site and the deep state to an O-related DX center, naturally explaining its high concentration. The sluggish kinetics at low temperatures, associated to the large concentration of deep levels located near the transition region, is illustrated by hysteresis loops in the C-Va curves below 270 K. Furthermore, the contribution of free carriers to the capacitance is revealed below 150 K, when both shallow and deep donors cannot respond anymore due to an emission rate lower than the 1 MHz modulating frequency. Finally, the presence of a highly doped thin surface barrier, as already reported in other III-nitrides, finds further support.
Structure and spectroscopic properties of neutral and cationic tetratomic [C,H,N,Zn] isomers: A theoretical study
Authors: Redondo Pilar , Largo Antonio , Vega-Vega Álvaro , Barrientos Carmen
Published: May 2015

The structure and spectroscopic parameters of the most relevant [C,H,N,Zn] isomers have been studied employing high-level quantum chemical methods. For each isomer, we provide predictions for their molecular structure, thermodynamic stabilities as well as vibrational and rotational spectroscopic parameters which could eventually help in their experimental detection. In addition, we have carried out a detailed study of the bonding situations by means of a topological analysis of the electron density in the framework of the Bader’s quantum theory of atoms in molecules. The analysis of the relative stabilities and spectroscopic parameters suggests two linear isomers of the neutral [C,H,N,Zn] composition, namely, cyanidehydridezinc HZnCN (1Σ) and hydrideisocyanidezinc HZnNC (1Σ), as possible candidates for experimental detections. For the cationic [C,H,N,Zn]+ composition, the most stable isomers are the ion-molecule complexes arising from the direct interaction of the zinc cation with either the nitrogen or carbon atom of either hydrogen cyanide or hydrogen isocyanide, namely, HCNZn+ (2Σ) and HCNZn+ (2Σ).
Fermi energy tuning with light to control doping profiles during epitaxy
Authors: Sanders C. E. , Beaton D. A. , Reedy R. C. , Alberi K.
Published: May 2015

The influence of light stimulation and photogenerated carriers on the process of dopant surface segregation during growth is studied in molecular beam epitaxially grown Si-doped GaAs structures. The magnitude of surface segregation decreases under illumination by above-bandgap photons, wherein splitting of the quasi Fermi levels reduces the band bending at the growth surface and raises the formation energy of compensating defects that can enhance atomic diffusion. We further show that light-stimulated epitaxy can be used as a practical approach to diminish dopant carry-forward in device structures and improve the performance of inverted modulation-doped quantum wells.
Application of payment for ecosystem services in China’s rangeland conservation initiatives: a social-ecological system perspective
Authors: Li Yanbo , Fan Mingming , Li Wenjun
Published: May 2015

The Chinese government has adopted Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) as a main approach for preventing or restoring rangelands perceived as undergoing degradation on a massive scale. Using the PES project, known as the ‘retire livestock, restore rangeland’ project in Alxa of Inner Mongolia as an example, the long-term ecological consequences of such projects is assessed, and the causes of the associated problems from the perspective of social-ecological system explored. Study findings demonstrate that PES, as used in the case study area, is unlikely to achieve the expected outcome of rangeland restoration in the long term. The root cause of such failure is that the PES approach focuses on end-point ecosystem services (outputs), while at the same time decoupling the feedbacks among social and ecological systems that are the key to generating such services. This drives the overall social-ecological system into an undesirable basin of attraction. It is concluded that a PES program for pastoral systems should aim to improve resilience of such a coupled social-ecological system to external shocks and changes, instead of simply maintaining ecological services without considering the origins of such services in the inter-relationship of humans and environment. It is argued that ‘Payment for Ecosystem Services’ should be displaced by ‘Payment for Social-ecological System Resilience’ in future policy discussions.
Nest location influences hatching success in the Socotra Cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis) on Siniya Island, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Muzaffar S. B. , Gubiani R. , Benjamin S.
Published: May 2015

Context Nest location is an important determinant of reproductive success in many seabirds. Better understanding of breeding ecology of threatened seabirds could help in their conservation. Aims We evaluated nest location and reproductive success in the globally Vulnerable, regionally endemic, Socotra cormorants on Siniya Island, United Arab Emirates, in relation to multiple habitat factors to assess the relative influence of each. Methods We measured hatching success, as an indication of reproductive success, on 14 study plots during the 2011–12 breeding season. We measured distances from each study plot to the nearest tree, road, predation area, sandy beach and lagoon. We used multiple logistic regression to determine the extent to which these explanatory factors influenced hatching success. We used an information theoretic approach to select the best model. Key results Hatching success was significantly related to tree cover, distance from beach and distance from heavily depredated areas (AICc weight = 0.613). Nests were significantly deeper (13.14 ± 0.35 cm) in unshaded areas compared with areas shaded by trees (10.8 ± 0.31 cm) (ANOVA: F2,12 = 24.93, P < 0.001). Conclusions Thus, we conclude that shade provided by planted non-native trees is an important factor affecting nest location and hatching success. Deeper nests could aid incubation by lowering nest temperatures during peak incubation periods (August) when temperatures may exceed 48°C. Heavy predation pressure is affecting hatching success. Wind action could be preventing nesting near the sandy beach. Implications Planted non-native trees are advantageous to breeding Socotra cormorants, although planting trees is not advocated. High predation pressure from feral cats and red foxes is reducing hatching success of Socotra cormorants on the largest known colony in the United Arab Emirates. Feral cats should be eradicated whereas the red foxes could be managed as a precautionary measure to ensure the continued survival of this threatened seabird.
Neuronal control of locomotor handedness in
Drosophila
Authors: Buchanan Sean M. , Kain Jamey S. , de Bivort Benjamin L.
Published: May 2015

Significance

Genetically identical individuals display variability in their behaviors even when reared in essentially identical environments. This variation underlies both personality and individuality, but there is little mechanistic understanding of how such differences arise. Here, we investigated individual-to-individual variation in locomotor behaviors of fruit flies. Surprisingly, individual flies exhibit significant bias in their left vs. right locomotor choices during exploratory locomotion, with some flies being strongly left biased or right biased. Using the
Drosophila
genetic toolkit, we find that the magnitude of locomotor handedness is under the control of neurons within a brain region implicated in motor planning and execution. This observation intriguingly implies that the brain may be able to dynamically regulate behavioral individuality.
Testosterone concentrations in female athletes and ballet dancers with menstrual disorders
Authors: Łagowska Karolina , Kapczuk Karina
Published: May 2015

Menstrual disorders are common among female athletes and ballet dancers. Endocrine changes, such as high testosterone (HT) levels and high luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) ratios, may suggest functional ovarian hyperandrogenism which may induce such dysfunction. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate endocrine status in female athletes and ballet dancers with menstrual disorders. Their nutritional status and dietary habits were analysed in relation to the testosterone levels. In a cross‐sectional approach, 31 female athletes (18.1 ± 2.6 years) and 21 ballerinas (17.1 ± 0.9) with menstrual disorders participated in the study. The levels of serum LH, FSH, progesterone (P), estradiol (E2), prolactin (PRL), thyroid‐stimulating hormone, testosterone (T) and sex hormone‐binding globulinwere measured to assess hormonal status. In addition, the free androgen index (FAI) was calculated. Nutritional status, total daily energy expenditure and nutritional habits were evaluated. Girls were assigned to one of the following groups: low testosterone (LT) level, normal testosterone level or HT level. There were significant differences between ballerinas and other female athletes in terms of testosterone levels, FAI, age at the beginning of training, length of training period and age at menarche. The PRL level was lowest in the LT group while the FAI index was highest in the HT group. Daily energy and carbohydrate intakes were significantly lower in the HT group. T levels in the study subjects were found to be associated with nutritional factors, energy availability, age at the beginning of training and frequency of training. This is the first report of HT levels being associated with the status of a female ballet dancer, the age of menarche and the length of the training history. Further research is necessary to confirm the results in a larger study group.
Homotopy units in 𝐴-infinity algebras
Authors: Muro Fernando
Published: May 2015

We show that the canonical map from the associative operad to the unital associative operad is a homotopy epimorphism for a wide class of symmetric monoidal model categories. As a consequence, the space of unital associative algebra structures on a given object is up to homotopy a subset of connected components of the space of non-unital associative algebra structures.
Hedging Supply Risks: An Optimal Water Portfolio
Authors: Leroux Anke D. , Martin Vance L.
Published: May 2015

Although water supply diversification has been proposed as a solution to dwindling water reserves, the optimal mix of natural and manufactured sources of water remains largely unexplored. We develop a dynamic portfolio model of water supply that hedges against the supply risks from all potential water sources, by taking into account the size of water reserves, uncertainties of water flows as well as differences in supply costs. The optimal portfolio shares for an existing water supply system are derived and compared with the observed contributions to total water stock, revealing unexploited hedging opportunities between various naturally occurring water sources as well as a general over‐reliance on manufactured water. The optimal solution implies that future supply augmentations should target natural sources of water ahead of manufactured water. It is estimated that the optimization of the water supply portfolio for a medium‐sized city results in annual cost‐savings of up to $463 million.
Impacts of ocean acidification on survival, growth, and swimming behaviours differ between larval urchins and brittlestars
Authors: Chan Kit Yu Karen , Grünbaum Daniel , Arnberg Maj , Dupont Sam
Published: May 2015

Ocean acidification (OA) is widely recognized as an increasing threat to marine ecosystems. Many marine invertebrates have dual-phase life cycles in which planktonic larvae connect and sustain otherwise disconnected benthic adult populations. Many planktonic larvae are particularly sensitive to environmental stresses including OA. Here, we compared the developmental dynamics, survivorship, and swimming behaviours of plutei of two ecologically important echinoderm species that naturally experience variability in ambient pH: the purple urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus and the infaunal brittlestar Amphiura filiformis. Sensitivity to decreased pH differed between these two species and between maternal lineages. Larvae of both species experienced increased mortality and reduced growth rate under low pH conditions. However, larval brittlestars appeared more sensitive and experienced over 80% mortality after 7-d exposure to pH 7.7. Larval urchins from one maternal lineage underwent highly synchronized budding (release of blastula-like particles) at low pH. Observed budding temporarily increased numerical density and reduced individual size, leading to differences in growth and mortality rates between the two half-sibling groups and another population. Swimming speeds of larval brittlestars were reduced in decreased pH. In contrast, acidification had either no effect or positive effect on swimming speeds of larval urchins. The observed differences between species may be a reflection of pre-exposure in their natural habitats: larval brittlestars experience a relatively stable in situ pH environment, whereas larval urchins are occasionally exposed to low pH in upwelling regions. Urchins may therefore exhibit short-term compensatory responses such as budding and increased swimming speed. Natural selection could act upon the significant variations we observed between maternal lineages, resulting in more resilient populations confronting chronic exposure to OA.
Foraging behaviour of the epaulette shark Hemiscyllium ocellatum is not affected by elevated CO2
Authors: Heinrich Dennis D. U. , Watson Sue-Ann , Rummer Jodie L. , Brandl Simon J. , Simpfendorfer Colin A. , Heupel Michelle R. , Munday Philip L.
Published: May 2015

Increased oceanic uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) is a threat to marine organisms and ecosystems. Among the most dramatic consequences predicted to date are behavioural impairments in marine fish which appear to be caused by the interference of elevated CO2 with a key neurotransmitter receptor in the brain. In this study, we tested the effects of elevated CO2 on the foraging and shelter-seeking behaviours of the reef-dwelling epaulette shark, Hemiscyllium ocellatum. Juvenile sharks were exposed for 30 d to control CO2 (400 µatm) and two elevated CO2 treatments (615 and 910 µatm), consistent with medium- and high-end projections for ocean pCO2 by 2100. Contrary to the effects observed in teleosts and in some other sharks, behaviour of the epaulette shark was unaffected by elevated CO2. A potential explanation is the remarkable adaptation of H. ocellatum to low environmental oxygen conditions (hypoxia) and diel fluctuations in CO2 encountered in their shallow reef habitat. This ability translates into behavioural tolerance of near-future ocean acidification, suggesting that behavioural tolerance and subsequent adaptation to projected future CO2 levels might be possible in some other fish, if adaptation can keep pace with the rate of rising CO2 levels.
The indirect microscopic observation drug susceptibility assay demonstrated high concordance with the indirect MGIT method for pyrazinamide susceptibility testing
Authors: Wu Xiaoyuan , Lu Wei , Shao Yan , Liu Qiao , Shi Xudong , Wang Xiangdong , Li Chunmei , Zhu Limei , Chen Cheng
Published: May 2015

Objectives

The microscopic observation drug susceptibility (MODS) assay has been used for Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection and anti-TB drug susceptibility tests for several years, and our study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of MODS in detecting pyrazinamide resistance in MDR TB suspects.

Methods

One hundred and forty-eight clinical isolates were collected from 148 MDR TB suspects in the Nanjing Chest Hospital, and the MODS and the mycobacteria growth indicator tube (MGIT) 960 methods for pyrazinamide susceptibility testing were conducted for each isolate independently. pncA gene sequencing was applied to confirm results showing discrepancy between the MODS and MGIT 960 methods. The McNemar χ2 test was employed to evaluate the paired 2 × 2 table.

Results

Compared with the MGIT 960 method, the sensitivity and specificity of the MODS assay were 95.5% and 93.3%, respectively, with a high accuracy of 94.5%. The κ value of 0.89 showed near-perfect agreement for the two methods in determining pyrazinamide susceptibility. Eight clinical isolates showed inconsistent results by MODS and MGIT 960. After sequencing the pncA gene of the eight isolates, MODS and MGIT 960 showed no significant difference in detecting pyrazinamide resistance when compared with pncA gene sequencing (P = 0.655 for MODS and P = 0.564 for MGIT 960).

Conclusions

The high accuracy of MODS in detecting pyrazinamide resistance showed that the MODS method would be an alternative for pyrazinamide susceptibility testing; other mutations affecting resistance to pyrazinamide need to be identified in order to elucidate the discrepant results between phenotype- and genotype-based methods.
The discovery of new AGN candidates within the field of Fermi unassociated γ-ray sources
Authors: Fujinaga Yoshitaka , Niinuma Kotaro , Kimura Atsushi , Fujisawa Kenta , Oyama Tomoaki , Mizuno Syota , Kono Yusuke , Takemura Shinji , Sawada-Satoh Satoko , Akutagawa Kengo , Sugiyama Koichiro , Motogi Kazuhito , Fukuzaki Yoshihiro
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we report on the discovery of 26 new radio sources located within positional error range of unassociated γ-ray sources listed in the Fermi Large Area Telescope Second Source Catalog (2FGL catalog) by very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations. To search for new γ-ray AGN candidates, we conducted e-VLBI observations for 845 radio sources located in the field of 149 Fermi unassociated γ-ray sources at high galactic latitude, using the Japanese VLBI Network (JVN) at 8.4 GHz with a noise level of approximately 2 mJy. As a result of our JVN observations, we detected 29 VLBI sources having a brightness temperature of TB > 106 K within positional error of 28 γ-ray sources in the 2FGL catalog. These high brightness temperatures imply that the newly detected sources are possibly GeV γ-ray AGNs, such as most of 2FGL sources, which have already been classified as AGNs. Also, precise radio coordinates make it possible to identify the multiwavelength counterparts to the newly detected VLBI sources. Their color–color diagrams derived from Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer photometric data of these sources imply that eight out of all sources we detected would be classified as γ-ray blazars.
Nocardioides antarcticus sp. nov., isolated from marine sediment
Authors: Deng Sangsang , Chang Xulu , Zhang Yumin , Ren Lvzhi , Jiang Fan , Qu Zhihao , Peng Fang
Published: May 2015

Strain M-SA3-94T, an aerobic, Gram-stain-positive, ovoid- to rod-shaped, non-motile bacterium, was isolated from the marine sediment of Ardley cove, King George Island, Antarctica. Strain M-SA3-94T grew optimally at pH 5.0–6.0, 20 °C and in the presence of 1.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, indicated that strain M-SA3-94T belonged to the genus Nocardioides in the family Nocardioidaceae, clustering with Nocardioides plantarum NCIMB 12834T, Nocardioides ginsengagri BX5-10T, Nocardioides marinquilinus CL-GY44T and Nocardioides lianchengensis D94-1T (with 96.1 %, 95.9 %, 94.5 % and 94.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively). The chemotaxonomic properties of strain M-SA3-94T were similar to those of members of the genus Nocardioides with validly published names. The major fatty acid was iso-C16 : 0. The polar lipid pattern contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and three unknown phospholipids. The diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was ll-2, 6-diaminopimelic acid. MK-8(H4) was the predominant menaquinone and the DNA G+C content of this strain was 66.7 mol%. On the basis of these phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic data, strain M-SA3-94T represents a novel species of the genus Nocardioides, for which the name Nocardioides antarcticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M-SA3-94T ( = CCTCC AB2014053T = LMG 28254T).