bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Hearing with Incongruent Visual or Auditory Room Cues
Authors: Gil-Carvajal Juan C. , Cubick Jens , Santurette Sébastien , Dau Torsten
Published: November 2016

In day-to-day life, humans usually perceive the location of sound sources as outside their heads. This externalized auditory spatial perception can be reproduced through headphones by recreating the sound pressure generated by the source at the listener’s eardrums. This requires the acoustical features of the recording environment and listener’s anatomy to be recorded at the listener’s ear canals. Although the resulting auditory images can be indistinguishable from real-world sources, their externalization may be less robust when the playback and recording environments differ. Here we tested whether a mismatch between playback and recording room reduces perceived distance, azimuthal direction, and compactness of the auditory image, and whether this is mostly due to incongruent auditory cues or to expectations generated from the visual impression of the room. Perceived distance ratings decreased significantly when collected in a more reverberant environment than the recording room, whereas azimuthal direction and compactness remained room independent. Moreover, modifying visual room-related cues had no effect on these three attributes, while incongruent auditory room-related cues between the recording and playback room did affect distance perception. Consequently, the external perception of virtual sounds depends on the degree of congruency between the acoustical features of the environment and the stimuli.
Integrative mutation, haplotype and G × G interaction evidence connects ABGL4, LRP8 and PCSK9 genes to cardiometabolic risk
Authors: Guo Tao , Yin Rui-Xing , Yao Li-Mei , Huang Feng , Pan Ling , Lin Wei-Xiong , Yang De-Zhai , Pan Shang-Ling
Published: November 2016

This study is expected to investigate the association of ATP/GTP binding protein-like 4 (AGBL4), LDL receptor related protein 8 (LRP8) and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) gene single nucleotide variants (SNVs) with lipid metabolism in 2,552 individuals (Jing, 1,272 and Han, 1,280). We identified 12 mutations in this motif. The genotype and allele frequencies of these variants were different between the two populations. Multiple-locus linkage disequilibrium (LD) elucidated the detected sites are not statistically independent. Possible integrative haplotypes and gene-by-gene (G × G) interactions, comprising mutations of the AGBL4, LRP8 and PCSK9 associated with total cholesterol (TC, AGBL4 G-G-A, PCSK9 C-G-A-A and G-G-A-A-C-A-T-T-T-G-G-A), triglyceride (TG, AGBL4 G-G-A, LRP8 G-A-G-C-C, PCSK9 C-A-A-G, A-A-G-G-A-G-C-C-C-A-A-G and A-A-G-G-A-G-C-C-C-G-A-A), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C, AGBL4 A-A-G and A-A-G-A-A-G-T-C-C-A-A-G) and the apolipoprotein(Apo)A1/ApoB ratio (A1/B, PCSK9 C-A-A-G) in Jing minority. However, in the Hans, with TG (AGBL4 G-G-A, LRP8 G-A-G-C-C, PCSK9 C-A-A-G, A-A-G-G-A-G-C-C-C-A-A-G and A-A-G-G-A-G-C-C-C-G-A-A), HDL-C (LRP8 A-A-G-T-C), LDL-C (LRP8 A-A-G-T-C and A-A-G-A-A-G-T-C-C-A-A-G) and A1/B (LRP8 A-C-A-T-T and PCSK9 C-A-A-G). Association analysis based on haplotype clusters and G × G interactions probably increased power over single-locus tests especially for TG.
Non-scaling behavior of electroosmotic flow in voltage-gated nanopores
Authors: Lian Cheng , Gallegos Alejandro , Liu Honglai , Wu Jianzhong
Published: November 2016

Ionic size effects and electrostatic correlations result in the non-monotonic dependence of the electrical conductivity on the pore size. For ion transport at a high gating voltage, the conductivity oscillates with the pore size due to a significant overlap of the electric double layers.
A novel antioxidant peptide derived from wheat germ prevents high glucose-induced oxidative stress in vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro
Authors: Chen Siyuan , Lin Dingbo , Gao Yulong , Cao Xiaozhou , Shen Xinchun
Published: November 2016

A possible molecular mechanism of AOP in the inhibition of high glucose-induced ROS generation in VSMCs.
Small molecules inhibiting Keap1–Nrf2 protein–protein interactions: a novel approach to activate Nrf2 function
Authors: Zhuang Chunlin , Wu Zhongli , Xing Chengguo , Miao Zhenyuan
Published: November 2016

Small-molecule inhibition of Keap1–Nrf2 protein–protein interactions as a novel approach to activate Nrf2.
A semi-interpenetrating network polyampholyte hydrogel simultaneously demonstrating remarkable toughness and antibacterial properties
Authors: Huang Wei , Duan Hongdong , Zhu Liping , Li Guoqiang , Ban Qing , Lucia Lucian A.
Published: November 2016

A hydrogel with toughness and antibacterial properties was prepared via interpenetrating CMCH with AM and MA while employing carboxylic–Fe3+.
Diastereoselective synthesis of 3-acetoxy-4-(3-aryloxiran-2-yl)azetidin-2-ones and their transformation into 3,4-oxolane-fused bicyclic β-lactams
Authors: Piens Nicola , De Craene Sven , Franceus Jorick , Mollet Karen , Van Hecke Kristof , Desmet Tom , D'hooghe Matthias
Published: November 2016

Synthesis of 3,4-oxolane-fused bicyclic β-lactams as anchor compounds for further β-lactamase inhibitor development.
A new POM–MOF hybrid microporous material with ultrahigh thermal stability and selective adsorption of organic dyes
Authors: Huo Miao , Yang Wenbin , Zhang Hailong , Zhang Lei , Liao Jianzhen , Lin Lang , Lu Canzhong
Published: November 2016

A new POM–MOF hybrid material was synthesized under solvothermal conditions. It features a 3D host–guest microporous structure with ultrahigh thermal stability, and selectively capture MB+ from binary mixtures of MB+/MO−, MB+/R6G+ or MB+/RhB+.
Promotional effects of rare earth elements (Sc, Y, Ce, and Pr) on NiMgAl catalysts for dry reforming of methane
Authors: Cao Yang , Li Hongrui , Zhang Jianping , Shi Liyi , Zhang Dengsong
Published: November 2016

The promoting effects of rare earth elements on NiMgAl catalysts for dry reforming of methane were clarified.
Optical absorption and electronic spectra of chlorophylls a and b
Authors: Hedayatifar Leila , Irani Elnaz , Mazarei Mahmood , Rasti Soroush , Azar Yavar T. , Rezakhani Ali T. , Mashaghi Alireza , Shayeganfar Farzaneh , Anvari Mehrnaz , Heydari Tiam , Tabar Ali Rahimi , Nafari Nasser , Vesaghi Mohammad Ali , Asgari Reza , Rahimi Tabar Mohammad Reza
Published: November 2016

We report optical and electronic properties of the two main chlorophylls in green plants, namely, chlorophylls a and b. We estimate the electric moments of these molecules and study absorption spectra of the chlorophylls.
Spectroscopic, single crystal XRD structure, DFT and molecular dynamics investigation of 1-(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]thiourea
Authors: Sheena Mary Y. , Aswathy V. V. , Panicker C. Yohannan , Bielenica Anna , Brzózka Paulina , Savczenko Oleksandra , Armaković Stevan , Armaković Sanja J. , Van Alsenoy Christian
Published: November 2016

The title compound 1-(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-3-[3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]thiourea (ANF-2) was synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal XRD.
Targeting G-quadruplex DNA and B-DNA with a natural alkaloid: a comparative spectroscopic study
Authors: Mandal Paulami , Bhattacharya Maitree , Chowdhury Joydeep
Published: November 2016

Different modes of binding of natural alkaloid harmine with G-quadruplex DNA and B-DNA: key roles in molecular recognition.
Graphitic carbon nitride nanoribbon for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic H2 production
Authors: Bu Xiuming , Bu Yu , Yang Siwei , Sun Feng , Tian Linfan , Peng Zheng , He Peng , Sun Jing , Huang Tao , Wang Xianying , Ding Guqiao , Yang Junhe , Xie Xiaoming
Published: November 2016

Chemical scissors provide a new vision to manufacture unique carbon nitride nanostructures with improved photocatalytic performance.
The influence of novel bromine sequestration agents on zinc/bromine flow battery performance
Authors: Schneider Martin , Rajarathnam Gobinath P. , Easton Max E. , Masters Anthony F. , Maschmeyer Thomas , Vassallo Anthony M.
Published: November 2016

This study benchmarks cycle performance of electrolyte solutions containing novel bromine sequestration agents (BSA) in a zinc bromine flow battery.
Dual release of angiostatin and curcumin from biodegradable PLGA microspheres inhibit Lewis lung cancer in a mice model
Authors: Cao Yue , Yang Xiaoguang , Wu Yannan , Yi Jingwen , Wu Yin , Yu Chunlei , Huang Yanxin , Bao Yongli , Sun Luguo , Li Yuxin
Published: November 2016

Schematic illustration of the proposed structure and mechanism of anti-cancer actions of As–Cur–PLGA-Ms.
Synthesis and solvent-free polymerisation of vinyl terephthalate for application as an anode material in organic batteries
Authors: Nauroozi Djawed , Pejic Marijana , Schwartz Pierre-Olivier , Wachtler Mario , Bäuerle Peter
Published: November 2016

Solvent-free polymerisation of vinyl terephthalate was used to obtain high molecular weight polymers, whose corresponding Li-salts underlined the superiority of polymers regarding long term stability in battery tests compared to their monomeric counterparts.
Development of a mitochondria-targeted fluorescent probe for hydrazine monitoring in living cells
Authors: Ran Yu-Zhao , Xu Hao-Ran , Li Kun , Yu Kang-Kang , Yang Jin , Yu Xiao-Qi
Published: November 2016

A novel mitochondria-targeted fluorescent probe was presented, which could image exogenous hydrazine in living cells.
PEGylated cationic hybrid bicellar nanodisc for efficient siRNA delivery
Authors: Li Yanyan , Wu Yidi , Zheng Shuquan , Liang Xiaolong , Han Xiaorui , Liu Renfa , Zhao Deyao , Zhao Yunhui , Jin Yushen , Chen Min , Wang Xiaoxia , Cao Huiqing , Yue Xiuli , Shi Tiejun Sten , Liang Zicai
Published: November 2016

Highly stable PEGylated cationic hybrid bicellar nanodisc for efficient siRNA delivery.
Nitrogen-doped 3D porous carbons with iron carbide nanoparticles encapsulated in graphitic layers derived from functionalized MOF as an efficient noble-metal-free oxygen reduction electrocatalysts in both acidic and alkaline media
Authors: Xue Juanhong , Zhao Ling , Dou Zhiyu , Yang Yan , Guan Yue , Zhu Zhen , Cui Lili
Published: November 2016

Functionalized 3D porous carbons comprising encased iron carbide species, derived from a MOF, display outstanding ORR performance in both acidic and alkaline solutions.
Graphene quantum dots: recent progress in preparation and fluorescence sensing applications
Authors: Zhou Shenghai , Xu Hongbo , Gan Wei , Yuan Qunhui
Published: November 2016

This paper reviews recent activities in the preparation and fluorescence sensing applications of graphene quantum dots.
Preparation of a core–shell structured Y@ASA composite material and its catalytic performance for hydrocracking of n-decane
Authors: Yin Yanchao , Qin Lihong , Wang Xiaofeng , Wang Genggeng , Zhao Jun , Liu Baijun , Chen Yu
Published: November 2016

A series of core–shell structure Y@ASA composites with different content of Y-type zeolite was synthesized in the small-crystal Y zeolite suspensoid by adding CTAB surfactant in the synthesis process of amorphous silica alumina (ASA).
Sodium storage in fluorine-rich mesoporous carbon fabricated by low-temperature carbonization of polyvinylidene fluoride with a silica template
Authors: Zhang Yongzhi , Chen Li , Meng Yan , Li Xiaopeng , Guo Yong , Xiao Dan
Published: November 2016

A fluorine-rich mesoporous carbon is prepared by low-temperature carbonization of polyvinylidene fluoride with a silica template, exhibiting excellent sodium anodic performances.
Molecular engineering and sequential cosensitization for preventing the “trade-off” effect with photovoltaic enhancement
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Wu Yongzhen , Li Xin , Li Erpeng , Song Xiongrong , Jiang Huiyun , Shen Chao , Zhang Hao , Tian He , Zhu Wei-Hong
Published: November 2016

Cosensitization of two dyes with different molecular sizes and photovoltaic characteristics is demonstrated to successfully prevent the “trade-off” effect, leading to an excellent power-conversion efficiency of 10.09% under one-sun and 11.12% under 0.3 sun 4 irradiation.
Design of a synthetic luminescent probe from a biomolecule binding domain: selective detection of AU-rich mRNA sequences
Authors: Raibaut Laurent , Vasseur William , Shimberg Geoffrey D. , Saint-Pierre Christine , Ravanat Jean-Luc , Michel Sarah L. J. , Sénèque Olivier
Published: November 2016

We report the design of a luminescent sensor based upon the zinc finger protein TIS11d, that allows for the selective time-resolved detection of the UUAUUUAUU sequence of the 3′-untranslated region of messenger RNA.
A resorcinarene for inhibition of Aβ fibrillation
Authors: Han Xu , Park Jiyong , Wu Wei , Malagon Andres , Wang Lingyu , Vargas Edgar , Wikramanayake Athula , Houk K. N. , Leblanc Roger M.
Published: November 2016

Low toxic resorcinarene can effectively inhibit Aβ fibrillation and delay the formation of toxic Aβ 42 species.
Filling the holes in piezopolymers with a solid electrolyte: a new paradigm of poling-free dynamic electrets for energy harvesting
Authors: Xu Chenwen , Zhang Lei , Xu Yali , Yin Zhenzhong , Chen Qin , Ma Songyuan , Zhang Huanhuan , Huang Rui , Zhang Chaoliang , Jin Long , Yang Weiqing , Lu Jun
Published: November 2016

A poling-free dynamic polymeric piezoelectret generator, with a new working mechanism, was fabricated with outstanding properties in kinetic energy harvesting.
A ternary blend of a polymer, fullerene, and insulating self-assembling triptycene molecules for organic photovolatics
Authors: Kumano Masataka , Ide Marina , Seiki Noriya , Shoji Yoshiaki , Fukushima Takanori , Saeki Akinori
Published: November 2016

We show that incorporation of 5 wt% triptycene leads to an improvement in polymer crystallinity, power conversion efficiency (maximum: 9.4%), and long-term stability.
Facile synthesis of an accordion-like Ni-MOF superstructure for high-performance flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Yan Yan , Gu Peng , Zheng Shasha , Zheng Mingbo , Pang Huan , Xue Huaiguo
Published: November 2016

We have successfully synthesized an accordion-like Ni-MOF superstructure for high-performance flexible supercapacitors.
Inducing swift nucleation morphology control for efficient planar perovskite solar cells by hot-air quenching
Authors: Song Seulki , Hörantner Maximilian T. , Choi Kyoungwon , Snaith Henry J. , Park Taiho
Published: November 2016

We introduce a pin-hole free CH3NH3PbI3−xClx perovskite layer by using heated airflow during the nucleation stage. We control the nucleation stage which gives a pin-hole free planar perovskite with large grains, resulting in a maximum power point (MPP) efficiency of 14.3% and a high efficiency of 19.0% with reproducibility.
Additive-free synthesis of Li4Ti5O12nanowire arrays on freestanding ultrathin graphite as a hybrid anode for flexible lithium ion batteries
Authors: Kim Seong Dae , Rana Kuldeep , Ahn Jong-Hyun
Published: November 2016

Vertically aligned Li4Ti5O12(LTO) nanowire arrays on freestanding ultrathin graphite (FSG) film were developed for lightweight, and high-power flexible lithium ion batteries. The combination of LTO and FSG is fully capable of exhibiting mechanical flexibility and good electrochemical performance.
Metal-functionalized covalent organic frameworks as precursors of supercapacitive porous N-doped graphene
Authors: Romero Jorge , Rodriguez-San-Miguel David , Ribera Antonio , Mas-Ballesté Rubén , Otero Toribio F. , Manet Ilse , Licio Fabiola , Abellán Gonzalo , Zamora Felix , Coronado Eugenio
Published: November 2016

Highly porous corrugated N-doped graphene exhibiting excellent supercapacitive behavior can be synthesized using metal-functionalized COFs as precursors.
A multi-stimuli responsive nanoparticulate SN38 prodrug for cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Liu Xun , Huang Qian , Yang Caixia , Zhang Qianzhi , Chen Wan , Shen Youqing , Sui Meihua
Published: November 2016

Modification of drug delivery systems (DDSs) with stimuli-responsive elements could significantly increase the tumor-specific delivery of anticancer drugs.
Impact of crystalline packing on the mechanochromic luminescence properties of copper based compounds: towards functional coatings
Authors: Benito Quentin , Maurin Isabelle , Poggi Mélanie , Martineau-Corcos Charlotte , Gacoin Thierry , Boilot Jean-Pierre , Perruchas Sandrine
Published: November 2016

A comparison of two similar copper based compounds presenting strikingly different optical properties and preparation of luminescent mechanochromic coatings are reported.
Characterisation of integrated microstrip lines in aerospace composite structure
Authors: Nicholson K.J. , Dunbabin O. , Baum T. , Ghorbani K.
Published: November 2016

The electromagnetic and mechanical performance of microstrip lines integrated into aerospace composite structure is discussed. The microstrip lines were manufactured using either an embroidery (with a conductive thread) or stencil transfer (with a conductive veil) technique. Both manufacturing techniques are fully compatible with existing aerospace pre‐preg materials and autoclave processing. The embroidered microstrip line exhibited superior electromagnetic performance over the veil microstrip line. However, the electromagnetic performance of the embroidered microstrip line deteriorated rapidly when mechanically deformed unlike the veil microstrip line. Both manufacturing techniques resulted in a reduction of the maximum flexural stress at failure for the multifunctional composite. This suggests a trade between electromagnetic performance and mechanical durability governs which manufacturing approach is better suited to the integration of microwave componentry (such as antennas and feed networks) into aerospace composite structure.
Non‐unicity of the electric near‐field planar emission model with dipole array
Authors: Ravelo Blaise
Published: November 2016

This study deals with the behavioural modelling of the planar electric‐ (E‐) near‐field (NF) emission from electronic printed circuit boards. The methodology indicating how to synthesise the model from the given scanned E‐NF maps in the observation plane of interest is established. The modelled radiation source is built with exclusively E‐dipole array whose components are determined by the inverse method. After computational routine algorithm Matlab implementation, the proposed model was validated with various demonstrators. Relevant verifications were performed at different operating frequencies with the E‐NF emission from analytical radiation, measurement scanning with active complex RF PCB and full wave simulation with microwave passive microstrip structure. It was shown that the model enables to reproduce the equivalent source with relative error vector magnitude accuracy less than 3%. The error analyses in function of the distance between the observation plane and the radiating PCB were proposed. Moreover, the non‐unicity and limit of the model with the E‐field emission prediction from different E‐field radiated data defined in the scanning observation surface plane positions from the radiating circuit. The developed model can be potentially used to lower the cost of EM compatibility engineering during the electronic PCB design phase.
Aneurysmal Bone Cyst of the Skull Base—Case Report
Authors: Alves Filho Arnon , Porfírio Adans , Ribeiro Washington , Fonseca Daniel , Malta Moana , Camelo Rafael , Camelo Ricardo
Published: November 2016

Introduction Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are pseudotumoral bone lesions of unknown etiology that are also hypervascularized, benign, and locally destructive. They are rare in the base of the skull. The present case report describes a case of aneurysmal bone cyst in the sella turcica.

Case Report The present study was developed at the department of neurosurgery of the Hospital Universitário Professor Alberto Antunes of the Universidade Federal de Alagoas (HUPAA-AL, in the Portuguese acronym), Maceió, state of Alagoas, Brazil, and is accompanied by a review of the literature from the PubMed database. A 17-year-old female patient with bitemporal hemianopia and intense left hemicranial headache associated with symptoms from the cranial nerves contained in the cavernous sinus. Neuroimaging evidenced a large lesion in the suprasellar region with calcification foci, sellar erosion, and extension to the cavernous sinus. The patient was submitted to a partial lesion resection and the histopathological analysis showed an aneurysmal bone cyst.

Conclusion A rare case of intracranial aneurysmal bone cyst, with the important differential diagnosis from pituitary adenoma.
Magneto-optical properties of InSb for terahertz applications
Authors: Chochol Jan , Postava Kamil , Čada Michael , Vanwolleghem Mathias , Halagačka Lukáš , Lampin Jean-François , Pištora Jaromír
Published: November 2016

Magneto-optical permittivity tensor spectra of undoped InSb, n-doped and p-doped InSb crystals were determined using the terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) and the Fourier transform far-infrared spectroscopy (far-FTIR). A Huge polar magneto-optical (MO) Kerr-effect (up to 20 degrees in rotation) and a simultaneous plasmonic behavior observed at low magnetic field (0.4 T) and room temperature are promising for terahertz nonreciprocal applications. We demonstrate the possibility of adjusting the the spectral rage with huge MO by increase in n-doping of InSb. Spectral response is modeled using generalized magneto-optical Drude-Lorentz theory, giving us precise values of free carrier mobility, density and effective mass consistent with electric Hall effect measurement.
Benefits of being a generalist carnivore when threatened by climate change: the comparative dietary ecology of two sympatric semelparous marsupials, including a new endangered species (Antechinus arktos)
Authors: Gray Emma L. , Burwell Chris J. , Baker Andrew M.
Published: November 2016

The endangered black-tailed dusky antechinus (Antechinus arktos) was described in 2014, so most aspects of its ecology are unknown. We examined diet composition and prey selection of A. arktos and a sympatric congener, the northern form of A. stuartii, at two sites in Springbrook National Park. Overall, taxa from 25 invertebrate orders were identified in the diets from 252 scat samples. Dietary components were similar for each species, but A. arktos consumed a higher frequency and volume of dipteran larvae and Diplopoda, while A. stuartii consumed more Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Orthoptera and Isopoda. Both species of Antechinus had a higher percentage of ‘empty’ scats (devoid of any identifiable invertebrate material) in 2014 compared with 2015. The former was a drier year overall. Lower rainfall may have reduced abundance and diversity of arthropod prey, causing both species to supplement their diet with soft-bodied prey items such as earthworms, which are rarely detected in scats. Comparison of prey in scats with invertebrate captures from pitfall traps showed both species to be dietary generalists, despite exhibiting distinct preference and avoidance of certain prey categories. The ability of an endangered generalist marsupial to switch prey may be particularly advantageous considering the anticipated effects of climate change on Gondwanan rainforests during the mid-late 21st century.
Electrochemical stability properties of titanium-doped WO3 electrochromic thin films
Authors: Peng M.-D. , Zhang Y.-Z. , Song L.-X. , Wu L.-N. , Zhang Y.-L. , Hu X.-F.
Published: November 2016

Pure, 5% Ti-doped and 10% Ti-doped WO3 thin films were prepared by the radio frequency magnetron sputtering and characterised by a SEM, an electrochemical workstation and an UV–VIS–NIR spectrophotometer. Research results showed that Ti doping had no apparent influence on the surface morphology and optical band gap. It could also be found that the addition of Ti has little interference with the electrochromic property of WO3 in both bleached and coloured states at initial cycles from electrochemical and optical test results, while there were apparent differences in the optical transmittance and inserted and extracted charge with increasing cycles. This is attributed that Ti-doped WO3 thin films allow facile ion interaction/extraction and have less ion residues, which can stabilise the electrochemical cycling performance. Furthermore, the data we have obtained indicate that 5% Ti-doped WO3 film has the best electrochromic property.
Modified WIC test: an efficient and effective tool for evaluating pipeline girth weldability
Authors: Kurji R. , Coniglio N. , Griggs J. , Ghomashchi R.
Published: November 2016

The Welding Institute of Canada (WIC) test is a simple and standardised weldability test for hydrogen assisted cold cracking that was developed in the 80s. It has been extensively utilised by the industry to qualify safe welding envelopes but the difficult access to the weldment by instrumentation hinders its use for scientific research. Moreover the lack of repeatability arising from the traditional manual deposit and the short weld length causes industrial trials to have a low success rate. The present work proposes a modified geometry, referred to as the modified WIC (MWIC) test that shows: (1) an improved success rate of weld deposition, (2) an enhancement to instrument the weldment and (3) welding conditions in better accordance with the field pipeline girth welding conditions. The design is validated under a mechanised, shielded metal arc welding process with the cellulosic electrodes used for in-field pipeline construction.
Regime shifts and hysteresis in the pitcher-plant microecosystem
Authors: Lau Matthew K. , Baiser Benjamin , Northrop Amanda , Gotelli Nicholas J. , Ellison Aaron M.
Published: November 2016

Changes in environmental conditions can lead to rapid shifts in the state of an ecosystem (“regime shifts”), which, even after the environment has returned to previous conditions, subsequently recovers slowly to the previous state (“hysteresis”). Large spatial and temporal scales of dynamics, and the lack of frameworks linking observations to models, are challenges to understanding and predicting ecosystem responses to perturbations. The naturally-occurring microecosystem inside leaves of the northern pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea) exhibits oligotrophic and eutrophic states that can be induced by adding insect prey. Here, we further develop a model for simulating these dynamics, parameterize it using data from a prey addition experiment and conduct a sensitivity analysis to identify critical zones within the parameter space. Simulations illustrate that the microecosystem model displays regime shifts and hysteresis. Parallel results were observed in the plant itself after experimental enrichment with prey. Decomposition rate of prey was the main driver of system dynamics, including the time the system remains in an anoxic state and the rate of return to an oxygenated state. Biological oxygen demand in fluenced the shape of the system’s return trajectory. The combination of simulated results, sensitivity analysis and use of empirical results to parameterize the model more precisely demonstrates that theSarraceniamicroecosystem model displays behaviors qualitatively similar to models of larger ecological systems.
A first-principle for the nervous system
Authors: Vadakkan Kunjumon I.
Published: November 2016

Higher brain functions such as perception and memory are first-person internal sensations whose mechanisms can have options to concurrently activate motor neurons for behavioral action. By setting up all the required constraints using available information from different levels, a theoretical examination from a first-person frame of reference led to the derivation of a first-principle of the structure-function units. These units operate in synchrony with the synaptically-connected neural circuitry. These units are capable of explaining and interconnecting findings from various levels and enable triangulation of a large number of observations from both the normal and “loss of function” states of the system. Indirect evidence for the presence of a comparable circuitry in a remote species −Drosophila− suggests the universal presence of these units across the animal kingdom. The key features of the basic unit meet the expectations of the K-lines proposed for the development of artificial intelligence.
Genomic Rearrangements Considered as Quantitative Traits
Authors: Imprialou Martha , Kahles André , Steffen Joshua G. , Osborne Edward J. , Gan Xiangchao , Lempe Janne , Bhomra Amarjit , Belfield Eric , Visscher Anne , Greenhalgh Robert , Harberd Nicholas P , Goram Richard , Hein Jotun , Robert-Seilaniantz Alexandre , Jones Jonathan , Stegle Oliver , Kover Paula , Tsiantis Miltos , Nordborg Magnus , Rätsch Gunnar , Clark Richard M. , Mott Richard
Published: November 2016

To understand the population genetics of structural variants (SVs), and their effects on phenotypes, we developed an approach to mapping SVs, particularly transpositions, segregating in a sequenced population, and which avoids calling SVs directly. The evidence for a potential SV at a locus is indicated by variation in the counts of short-reads that map anomalously to the locus. These SV traits are treated as quantitative traits and mapped genetically, analogously to a gene expression study. Association between an SV trait at one locus and genotypes at a distant locus indicate the origin and target of a transposition. Using ultra-low-coverage (0.3x) population sequence data from 488 recombinant inbredArabidopsisgenomes, we identified 6,502 segregating SVs. Remarkably, 25% of these were transpositions. Whilst many SVs cannot be delineated precisely, PCR validated 83% of 44 predicted transposition breakpoints. We show that specific SVs may be causative for quantitative trait loci for germination, fungal disease resistance and other phenotypes. Further we show that the phenotypic heritability attributable to sequence anomalies differs from, and in the case of time to germination and bolting, exceeds that due to standard genetic variation. Gene expression within SVs is also more likely to be silenced or dysregulated. This approach is generally applicable to large populations sequenced at low-coverage, and complements the prevalent strategy of SV discovery in fewer individuals sequenced at high coverage.
Interneuronal mechanisms of hippocampal theta oscillation in full-scale model of the CA1 circuit
Authors: Bezaire Marianne J. , Raikov Ivan , Burk Kelly , Vyas Dhrumil , Soltesz Ivan
Published: November 2016

The hippocampal theta rhythm plays important roles in information processing; however, the mechanisms of its generation are not well understood. We developed a data-driven, supercomputer-based, full-scale (1:1) model of the CA1 area and studied its interneurons during theta oscillations. Theta rhythm with phase-locked gamma oscillations and phase-preferential discharges of distinct in terneuronal types spontaneously emerged from the isolated CA1 circuit without rhythmic inputs. Perturbation experiments identified parvalbumin-expressing interneurons and neurogliaform cells, as well as interneuronal diversity itself, as important factors in theta generation. These simulations reveal new insights into the spatiotemporal organization of the CA1 circuit during theta oscillations.
Association of five SNPs with human hair colour in the Polish population
Authors: Siewierska-Górska A. , Sitek A. , Żądzińska E. , Bartosz G. , Strapagiel D.
Published: November 2016

Twenty-two variants of the genes involved in hair pigmentation (OCA2, HERC2, MC1R, SLC24A5, SLC45A2, TPCN2, TYR, TYRP1) were genotyped in a group of 186 Polish subjects, representing a range of hair colours (45 red, 64 blond, 77 dark). A genotype-phenotype association analysis was performed.

Using z-statistics and the associated p-value, we identified three variants highly associated with different hair colour categories (rs12913832:A>G in HERC2, rs1805007:T>C and rs1805008:C>T in MC1R). Two variants: rs1800401:C>T in OCA2 and rs16891982:C>G in SLC45A2 showed a high probability of a relation with hair colour, although that probability did not exceed the threshold of statistical significance after applying the Bonferroni correction. We created and validated mathematical logistic regression models in order to test the usefulness of the sets of polymorphisms for hair colour prediction in the Polish population. We subjected four models to stratified cross-validation. The first model consisted of three polymorphisms that proved to be important in the associative analysis. The second model included, apart from the mentioned polymorphisms, additionally rs16891982:C>G in SLC45A. The third model included, apart from the variants relevant in the associative analysis, rs1800401:C>T in OCA. The fourth model consisted of the set of polymorphisms from the first model supplemented with rs16891982:C>G in SLC45A and rs1800401:C>T in OCA. The validation of our models showed that the inclusion of rs16891982:C>G in SLC45A and rs1800401:C>T in OCA increases the prediction of red hair in comparison with the algorithm only including rs12913832:A>G in HERC2, rs1805007:T>C and rs1805008:C>T in MC1R. The model consisting of all the five above-mentioned genetic variants showed good prediction accuracies, expressed by the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristics: 0.84 for the red-haired, 0.82 for the dark-haired and 0.71 for the blond-haired. A genotype-phenotype association analysis brought results similar to those in other studies and confirmed the role of rs16891982:C>G, rs12913832:A>G, rs1805007:T>C and rs1805008:C>T in hair colour determination in the Polish population. Our study demonstrated for the first time the possibility of a share of the rs1800401:C>T SNP in the OCA2 gene in hair colour determination. Including this SNP in the actual hair colour predicting models would improve their predictive accuracy.
A computational method for the investigation of multistable systems and its application to genetic switches
Authors: Leon M. , Woods M. L. , Fedorec A.J.H. , Barnes C.P.
Published: November 2016

Genetic switches exhibit multistability, form the basis of epigenetic memory, and are found in natural decision making systems, such as cell fate determination in developmental pathways. Synthetic genetic switches can be used for recording the presence of different environmental signals, for changing phenotype using synthetic inputs and as building blocks for higher-level sequential logic circuits. Understanding how multistable switches can be constructed and how they function within larger biological systems is therefore key to synthetic biology. Here we present a new computational tool, called StabilityFinder, that takes advantage of sequential Monte Carlo methods to identify regions of parameter space capable of producing multistable behaviour, while handling uncertainty in biochemical rate constants and initial conditions. The algorithm works by clustering trajectories in phase space, and iteratively minimizing a distance metric. Here we examine a collection of models of genetic switches, ranging from the deterministic Gardner toggle switch to stochastic models containing different positive feedback connections. We uncover the design principles behind making bistable, tristable and quadristable switches, and find that rate of gene expression is a key parameter. We demonstrate the ability of the framework to examine more complex systems and examine the design principles of a three gene switch. Our framework allows us to relax the assumptions that are often used in genetic switch models and we show that more complex abstractions are still capable of multistable behaviour. Our results suggest many ways in which genetic switches can be enhanced and offer designs for the construction of novel switches. Our analysis also highlights subtle changes in correlation of experimentally tunable parameters that can lead to bifurcations in deterministic and stochastic systems. Overall we demonstrate that StabilityFinder will be a valuable tool in the future design and construction of novel gene networks.
Adaptive anonymity: Crypsis as an evolutionary trait of floral yeasts?
Authors: Mittelbach Moritz , Yurkov Andrey M. , Begerow Dominik
Published: November 2016

Nectar-dwelling yeast and bacteria are common inhabitants of flowers and evidently involved in pollination. The limited number of floral plant-pollinator models studied to date reveal inconsistent conclusions on microbial effects, but coincide with respect to high microbial specificity: while bacteria reduce visitation frequencies of pollinators, nectar-borne specialist yeasts (in contrast to allochthonous or transient species) impose none or even a beneficial effect on flower visitation. However, these findings are in conflict with the strong impact of these predominantly fermenting organisms on the nectar environment. In order to cope with the ultimate dependency of nectar-dwellers on repeated transportation by foragers as a result of early floral senescence, the modifications of nectar associated with specialist growth have been interpreted as adaptations that suit forager’s preferences. But, the development of foraging preferences to either axenic flowers or flowers colonized by specialist microorganisms would lead to a dead-end for nectar-dwellers, as the probability of inoculation into new suitable habitats would be reduced.

Based on a critical survey of the available literature and an additional pollinator experiment where we find that the allochthonous speciesCryptococcus victoriaenegatively affects attraction and rewarding of floral visitors, while the specialist yeastMetschnikowia reukaufiidoes not, we propose the hypothesis that nectar-borne yeasts may have evolved to blend into their environment avoiding detection by pollinators, following the ecological concept of crypsis. Although, neither chemical nor olfactory crypsis has been reported for nectar-borne microorganisms, the attention to this mechanism in yeast dispersal needs to be directed in future studies.
Mutation of Tyr137 of the universalEscherichia colifimbrial adhesin FimH relaxes the tyrosine gate prior to mannose binding
Authors: Rabbani Said , Krammer Eva-Maria , Roos Goedele , Zalewski Adam , Preston Roland , Eid Sameh , Zihlmann Pascal , Prévost Martine , Lensink Marc F. , Thompson Andrew , Ernst Beat , Bouckaert Julie
Published: November 2016

The most prevalent diseases manifested byEscherichia coliare acute and recurrent bladder infections and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease.E. coliclinical isolates express the FimH adhesin, which consists of a mannose-specific lectin domain connectedviaa pilin domain to the tip of type 1 pili. Although the isolated FimH lectin domain has affinities in the nanomolar range for all high-mannosidic glycans, differentiation between these glycans is based on their capacity to form predominantly hydrophobic interactions within the tyrosine gate at the entrance to the binding pocket. In this study, novel crystal structures of tyrosine-gate mutants of FimH, ligand-free or in complex with heptyl α-D-O-mannopyranoside or 4-biphenyl α-D-O-mannopyranoside, are combined with quantum-mechanical calculations and molecular-dynamics simulations. In the Y48A FimH crystal structure, a large increase in the dynamics of the alkyl chain of heptyl α-D-O-mannopyranoside attempts to compensate for the absence of the aromatic ring; however, the highly energetic and stringent mannose-binding pocket of wild-type FimH is largely maintained. The Y137A mutation, on the other hand, is the most detrimental to FimH affinity and specificity: (i) in the absence of ligand the FimH C-terminal residue Thr158 intrudes into the mannose-binding pocket and (ii) ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid interacts strongly with Glu50, Thr53 and Asn136, in spite of multiple dialysis and purification steps. Upon mutation, pre-ligand-binding relaxation of the backbone dihedral angles at position 137 in the tyrosine gate and their coupling to Tyr48viathe interiorly located Ile52 form the basis of the loss of affinity of the FimH adhesin in the Y137A mutant.
Forensic Analysis of Digital Dynamic Signatures: New Methods for Data Treatment and Feature Evaluation
Authors: Linden Jacques , Marquis Raymond , Mazzella Williams
Published: November 2016

This study explored digital dynamic signatures containing quantifiable dynamic data. The change in data content and nature necessitates the development of new data treatment approaches. A SignPad Omega digitizing tablet was used to assess measurement reproducibility, as well as within‐writer variation and the occurrence of correctly simulated features. Measurement reproducibility was found to be high except for pressure information. Within‐writer variation was found to be higher between days than on a same day. Occurrence of correct simulation was low for features such as signature size, trajectory length, and total signature time. Feature discrimination factors combining within‐writer variability and the occurrence of correctly simulated features were computed and show that signature size, trajectory length, and signature time are the features that perform the best for discriminating genuine from simulated signatures. A final experiment indicates that dynamic information can be used to create connections between simulation cases.
New Data of Macrofossils in the Ediacaran Wenghui Biota from Guizhou, South China
Authors: WANG Ye , WANG Yue , DU Wei , WANG Xunlian
Published: November 2016

The abundance and diversity of macrofossils in the Ediacaran have attracted much attention. The upper Doushantuo macrobiotas in South China, including the Miaohe biota from Hubei and the Wenghui biota from Guizhou, are mainly preserved as the carbonaceous compressions and dominated by macroscopic algae and metazoans. Here, we describe 10 genera and 10 species (including 6 new genera and species) of macrofossils from the Wenghui biota. At present, the Wenghui biota yields macrofossils in more than 31 genera and 33 species, excluding those given no image and established on a few unascertained specimens. Based on the occurrence and distribution of macrofossils in both Miaohe and Wenghui areas, the middle‐late Ediacaran (back shales of the upper Doushantuo Formation) in South China can be subdivided into two assemblage biozones in biostratigraphy: (i) the Protoconites–Linbotulitaenia–Eoandromeda–Anomalophton assemblage biozone characterized by abundant and diverse macrofossils and by the ranges of Protoconites, Linbotulitaenia and Anomalophton; and (ii) the Baculiphyca–Gesinella–Cucullus–Beltanelliformis assemblage biozone characterized by the acme of the longer macrofossils Baculiphyca and Gesinella, and by few shorter and discoidal macrofossils.
New Maikhanellid Shells and Siphogonuchitid Spicule Bundles from the Cambrian Fortunian Stage of South China
Authors: LIU Yunhuan , ZHANG Yanan , SHAO Tiequan , TANG Hanhua , JIANG Kaituo , WANG Qi , CHEN Cheng , DONG Junyan , LIANG Yongchun , DAI Jun , XUE Jiaqi
Published: November 2016

Maikhanellids are a distinct group of Cambrian Fortunian small shelly fossils by the cap‐shaped profiles and scaly shell ornamentation. According to the individual shell shape and ornamentation feature types of SO maikhanellids fossils which were collected from Xixiang botia, we confirmed the family Maikhanellidae content of six genera, which are Maikhanella, Ramenta, Purella, Ramentoides, Yunnannopleura and Mediata. Unlike the halkieriid animals whose shells and spicules are articulated on different body parts, maikhanellids were presumably yielded by siphogonuchitid spicules penetrating the intermediate matrix (the “spicule shell” hypothesis), and this is the reason that some researchers treated maikhanellids and co‐occurring siphogonuchitids as synonyms. The affinities of Maikhanellids and siphogonuchitids remain debatable. Here, we report three dimensionally phosphatized maikhanellid shells and siphogonuchitid spicule bundles from the Cambrian Fortunian small shell faunas of South China. They differ from all the previously reported maikhanellids and siphogonuchitids, and may represent new types. The intact and smooth surface underneath the partially preserved scales of the shells challenges the “spicule‐shell” hypothesis. The present siphogonuchitid spicules differ from the maikhanellid scales in size, morphology, and arrangement pattern, thus the spicules might not be derived from the shells. Whether the shells and spicule bundles were articulated on different body parts of the same animals remains unknown.
Very Low‐Grade Metamorphism of Clastic Rocks from the Meso‐Neoproterozoic and the Paleozoic along the Profile Yueyang‐Linxiang in Northeastern Hunan Province and Its Geological Implications
Authors: WANG Hejing , YUAN Lei , WANG Ling , ZHOU Zhao , AN Jiali
Published: November 2016

This study uses illite crystallinity, chlorite crystallinity, illite polytypes, the b0 cell‐dimension of K‐white mica, clay mineral assemblages and mineral geothermo‐geobarometers to investigate the overprint of diagenesis and metamorphism on the Meso‐Neoproterozoic and the Lower Paleozoic along the profile Yueyang‐Linxiang in northeastern Hunan Province, China. Illite crystallinity Kübler index (KI) of the <2µm fractions ranges from 0.225 to 0.485°Δ2θ while chlorite crystallinity Árkai index (AI) ranges from 0.244 to 1.500°Δ2θ. This indicates that the Meso‐Neoproterozoic and the Lower Paleozoic along the profile Yueyang‐Linxiang were overprinted with diagenesis and anchi‐ to epimetamorphism. Peak metamorphic temperature is estimated with the IV site chlorite geothermometer roughly at 360°C. The b0 cell dimension values of illites (K‐mica) range from 0.9002 to 0.9054 nm and, on average, at 0.9030 nm for the Meso‐Neoproterozoic. Based on cumulative frequency curves of illite (K‐mica) b0 cell dimension, the peak metamorphic pressure of the Meso‐Neoproterozoic along the profile Yueyang‐Linxiang is derived of an intermediate pressure type. Most illites occur in the 2M1 polytype and some of them in a mixture of 2M1+1M types especially those in the Paleozoic. This result partly agrees with the conclusion of the lower greenschist and greenschist facies of the Lengjiaxi and Banxi Groups. However, it is not agreed with the sedimentary cover from the Sinian to the Lower Paleozoic or from the Banxi Group to the Lower Paleozoic. Crustal thickening due to “collision” between the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks led to an increase in the thickness of the Meso‐Neoproterozoic to ca. 14 km and resulted in a temperature increase in those rocks due to burial. The very low grade to low grade metamorphism overprinting the Meso‐Neoproterozoic implies that the so called “Chiangnania or Jiangnan orogen” was no relative with the “Grenvillian orogeney; instead, it might be a continuous amalgamation product between the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks.