bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel esterase subfamily with α/β‐hydrolase fold suggested by structures of two bacterial enzymes homologous to l‐homoserine O‐acetyl transferases
Authors: Tölzer Christine , Pal Sonia , Watzlawick Hildegard , Altenbuchner Josef , Niefind Karsten
Published: December 2015

MekB from Pseudomonas veronii and CgHle from Corynebacteriumglutamicum belong to the superfamily of α/β‐hydrolase fold proteins. Based on sequence comparisons, they are annotated as homoserine transacetylases in popular databases like UNIPROT, PFAM or ESTHER. However, experimentally, MekB and CgHle were shown to be esterases that hydrolyse preferentially acetic acid esters. We describe the x‐ray structures of these enzymes solved to high resolution. The overall structures confirm the close relatedness to experimentally validated homoserine acetyl transferases, but simultaneously the structures exclude the ability of MekB and CgHle to bind homoserine and acetyl‐CoA. Insofar the MekB and CgHle structures suggest dividing the homoserine transacetylase family into subfamilies, namely genuine acetyl transferases and acetyl esterases with MekB and CgHle as constituting members of the latter.
Lack of Maf1 enhances pyruvate kinase activity and fermentative metabolism while influencing lipid homeostasis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Mierzejewska Jolanta , Chreptowicz Karolina
Published: December 2015

The Maf1 protein is a general negative repressor of RNA polymerase III, which is conserved in eukaryotes from yeast to humans. Herein, we show the yeast maf1Δ mutant increases pyruvate kinase activity, the key enzyme in glycolysis and an important player in switching between fermentative and oxidative metabolism. We observed enhanced ethanol production and elevated lipid content in the maf1Δ strain grown on glucose. However, after shifting to a non‐fermentable carbon source, the opposite effect was observed, and the mutant cells accumulated smaller lipid droplets. Thus, it has been concluded that the Maf1 protein is essential for regulation of glucose metabolism and lipid homeostasis.
Ordered self‐assembly of the collagenous domain of adiponectin with noncovalent interactions via glycosylated lysine residues
Authors: Takuwa Ayako , Yoshida Takuya , Maruno Takahiro , Kawahara Kazuki , Mochizuki Masayoshi , Nishiuchi Yuji , Kobayashi Yuji , Ohkubo Tadayasu
Published: December 2015

Adiponectin, an anti‐atherogenic and insulin‐sensitizing adipokine, forms multiple isoforms including a trimer, a hexamer and heavier oligomers (mainly octadecamer) that determine their biological activities. We designed 89‐residue peptides containing modifications found in the collagenous domain of native adiponectin. Circular dichroism and analytical ultracentrifugation measurements showed that the peptide bearing glucosyl‐galactosyl‐hydroxylysine residues forms a stable collagen‐like triple helical structure and spontaneously assembled into an octadecamer. An assembly model mediated by noncovalent interactions via glycosylated lysine residues for the octadecamer was constructed. Our findings clarified an essential role of glycosyl modifications to coordinate the ordered self‐assembly of adiponectin.
Proteomic peptide phage display uncovers novel interactions of the PDZ1‐2 supramodule of syntenin
Authors: Garrido‐Urbani Sarah , Garg Pankaj , Ghossoub Rania , Arnold Roland , Lembo Frédérique , Sundell Gustav N. , Kim Philip M. , Lopez Marc , Zimmermann Pascale , Sidhu Sachdev S. , Ivarsson Ylva
Published: December 2015

Syntenin has crucial roles in cell adhesion, cell migration and synaptic transmission. Its closely linked postsynaptic density‐95, discs large 1, zonula occludens‐1 (PDZ) domains typically interact with C‐terminal ligands. We profile syntenin PDZ1‐2 through proteomic peptide phage display (ProP‐PD) using a library that displays C‐terminal regions of the human proteome. The protein recognizes a broad range of peptides, with a preference for hydrophobic motifs and has a tendency to recognize cryptic internal ligands. We validate the interaction with nectin‐1 through orthogonal assays. The study demonstrates the power of ProP‐PD as a complementary approach to uncover interactions of potential biological relevance.
PDGF‐dependent β‐catenin activation is associated with abnormal pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Takahashi Jack , Orcholski Mark , Yuan Ke , de Jesus Perez Vinicio
Published: December 2015

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by excessive pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) growth, partially in response to PDGF‐BB but whether this is dependent on β‐catenin (βC) activation is unclear. Compared to healthy cells, PAH PASMCs demonstrate higher levels of proliferation both at baseline and with PDGF‐BB that correlate with GSK3β dependent βC activation. We show that βC knockdown but not Wnt5a stimulation reduces PDGF‐BB dependent growth and normalizes PAH PASMCs proliferation. These findings support that cross‐talk between PDGF and Wnt signaling modulates PASMC proliferation and suggest that βC targeted therapies could treat abnormal vascular remodeling in PAH.
Direct interaction of Ste11 and Mkk1/2 through Nst1 integrates high‐osmolarity glycerol and pheromone pathways to the cell wall integrity MAPK pathway
Authors: Leng Gang , Song Kiwon
Published: December 2015

Coordination and cross talks of MAPK pathways are critical for signaling efficiency, but their mechanisms are not well understood. Slt2, the MAP kinase of cell wall integrity pathway (CWI), is activated by heat stress even in the absence of upstream components of this pathway, suggesting a supplementary input for Slt2 activation. Here, we identify a new interaction of Ste11 and Mkk1, mediated by Nst1 that connects the high‐osmolarity glycerol and pheromone pathways directly to CWI pathway in response to heat and pheromone. We suggest that Ser407 and Thr411 are novel residues of Mkk1 activated by these MAPK pathways.
Counter‐regulatory paracrine actions of FGF‐23 and 1,25(OH)2D in macrophages
Authors: Han Xiaobin , Li Linqiang , Yang Jiancheng , King Gwendalyn , Xiao Zhousheng , Quarles Leigh Darryl
Published: December 2015

Mechanisms underlying the association between fibroblastic growth factor 23 (FGF‐23) and inflammation are uncertain. We found that FGF‐23 was markedly up‐regulated in LPS/INF‐γ‐induced proinflammatory M1 macrophages and Hyp mouse‐derived peritoneal macrophages, but not in IL‐4‐induced M2 anti‐inflammatory macrophages. NF‐КB and JAK/STAT1 pathways mediated the increased transcription of FGF‐23 in response to M1 polarization. FGF‐23 stimulated TNF‐α, but not IL‐6, expression in M0 macrophages and suppressed Arginase‐1 expression in M2 macrophages through FGFR‐mediated mechanisms. 1,25(OH)2D stimulated Arginase‐1 expression and inhibited FGF‐23 stimulation of TNF‐α. FGF‐23 has proinflammatory paracrine functions and counter‐regulatory actions to 1,25(OH)2D on innate immune responses.
Toward more realistic projections of soil carbon dynamics by Earth system models
Authors: Luo Yiqi , Ahlström Anders , Allison Steven D. , Batjes Niels H. , Brovkin Victor , Carvalhais Nuno , Chappell Adrian , Ciais Philippe , Davidson Eric A. , Finzi Adien , Georgiou Katerina , Guenet Bertrand , Hararuk Oleksandra , Harden Jennifer W. , He Yujie , Hopkins Francesca , Jiang Lifen , Koven Charlie , Jackson Robert B. , Jones Chris D. , Lara Mark J. , Liang Junyi , McGuire A. David , Parton William , Peng Changhui , Randerson James T. , Salazar Alejandro , Sierra Carlos A. , Smith Matthew J. , Tian Hanqin , Todd‐Brown Katherine E. O. , Torn Margaret , van Groenigen Kees Jan , Wang Ying Ping , West Tristram O. , Wei Yaxing , Wieder William R. , Xia Jianyang , Xu Xia , Xu Xiaofeng , Zhou Tao
Published: December 2015

Soil carbon (C) is a critical component of Earth system models (ESMs), and its diverse representations are a major source of the large spread across models in the terrestrial C sink from the third to fifth assessment reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Improving soil C projections is of a high priority for Earth system modeling in the future IPCC and other assessments. To achieve this goal, we suggest that (1) model structures should reflect real‐world processes, (2) parameters should be calibrated to match model outputs with observations, and (3) external forcing variables should accurately prescribe the environmental conditions that soils experience. First, most soil C cycle models simulate C input from litter production and C release through decomposition. The latter process has traditionally been represented by first‐order decay functions, regulated primarily by temperature, moisture, litter quality, and soil texture. While this formulation well captures macroscopic soil organic C (SOC) dynamics, better understanding is needed of their underlying mechanisms as related to microbial processes, depth‐dependent environmental controls, and other processes that strongly affect soil C dynamics. Second, incomplete use of observations in model parameterization is a major cause of bias in soil C projections from ESMs. Optimal parameter calibration with both pool‐ and flux‐based data sets through data assimilation is among the highest priorities for near‐term research to reduce biases among ESMs. Third, external variables are represented inconsistently among ESMs, leading to differences in modeled soil C dynamics. We recommend the implementation of traceability analyses to identify how external variables and model parameterizations influence SOC dynamics in different ESMs. Overall, projections of the terrestrial C sink can be substantially improved when reliable data sets are available to select the most representative model structure, constrain parameters, and prescribe forcing fields.
The mantle wedge's transient 3‐D flow regime and thermal structure
Authors: Davies D. R. , Le Voci G. , Goes S. , Kramer S. C. , Wilson C. R.
Published: December 2015

Arc volcanism, volatile cycling, mineralization, and continental crust formation are likely regulated by the mantle wedge's flow regime and thermal structure. Wedge flow is often assumed to follow a regular corner‐flow pattern. However, studies that incorporate a hydrated rheology and thermal buoyancy predict internal small‐scale‐convection (SSC). Here, we systematically explore mantle‐wedge dynamics in 3‐D simulations. We find that longitudinal “Richter‐rolls” of SSC (with trench‐perpendicular axes) commonly occur if wedge hydration reduces viscosities to
Pa s, although transient transverse rolls (with trench‐parallel axes) can dominate at viscosities of
Pa s. Rolls below the arc and back arc differ. Subarc rolls have similar trench‐parallel and trench‐perpendicular dimensions of 100–150 km and evolve on a 1–5 Myr time‐scale. Subback‐arc instabilities, on the other hand, coalesce into elongated sheets, usually with a preferential trench‐perpendicular alignment, display a wavelength of 150–400 km and vary on a 5–10 Myr time scale. The modulating influence of subback‐arc ridges on the subarc system increases with stronger wedge hydration, higher subduction velocity, and thicker upper plates. We find that trench‐parallel averages of wedge velocities and temperature are consistent with those predicted in 2‐D models. However, lithospheric thinning through SSC is somewhat enhanced in 3‐D, thus expanding hydrous melting regions and shifting dehydration boundaries. Subarc Richter‐rolls generate time‐dependent trench‐parallel temperature variations of up to
K, which exceed the transient 50–100 K variations predicted in 2‐D and may contribute to arc‐volcano spacing and the variable seismic velocity structures imaged beneath some arcs.
Terrane‐controlled crustal shear wave splitting in Taiwan
Authors: Okaya David , Christensen Nikolas I. , Ross Zachary E. , Wu Francis T.
Published: December 2015

Taiwan is the result of arc‐continent collision associated with the convergence of the Philippine Sea plate with the eastern Eurasian plate continental margin. The locus of deformation is found in eastern Taiwan in the form of mountain building (Central Range) with underlying thickened lithosphere. Rapid tectonic exhumation in the Central Range has uncovered low‐to‐high‐grade metamorphic rocks marked by steep cleavage. We carried out a crustal seismic anisotropy study across Taiwan, producing a database of over 27,000 local earthquake shear wave splitting measurements. Additionally, we carried out rock physics measurements of metamorphic outcrop samples to quantify shear wave rock anisotropy. We produced a map of station‐averaged splitting measurements across Taiwan. Patterns of fast shear wave directions correlate with tectonic terranes produced by plate convergence. Deformation‐related mineral‐preferred orientation in the metamorphic rocks produces a significant amount of the crustal anisotropy in the Taiwan collision zone.
Diamine‐sulfuric acid reactions are a potent source of new particle formation
Authors: Jen Coty N. , Bachman Ryan , Zhao Jun , McMurry Peter H. , Hanson David R.
Published: December 2015

Atmospheric nucleation from sulfuric acid depends on the concentrations and the stabilizing effect of other trace gases, such as ammonia and amines. Diamines are an understudied class of atmospherically relevant compounds, and we examine how they affect sulfuric acid nucleation in both flow reactor experiments and the atmosphere. The number of particles produced from sulfuric acid and diamines in the flow reactor was equal to or greater than the number formed from monoamines, implying that diamines are more effective nucleating agents. Upper limits of diamine abundance were also monitored during three field campaigns: Lamont, OK (2013); Lewes, DE (2012); and Atlanta, GA (2009). Mixing ratios were measured as high as tens of parts per trillion by volume (GA and OK). Laboratory results suggest that diamines at these levels are important for atmospheric nucleation. Diamines likely participate in atmospheric nucleation and should be considered in nucleation measurements and models.
A reduction in marine primary productivity driven by rapid warming over the tropical Indian Ocean
Authors: Roxy Mathew Koll , Modi Aditi , Murtugudde Raghu , Valsala Vinu , Panickal Swapna , Prasanna Kumar S. , Ravichandran M. , Vichi Marcello , Lévy Marina
Published: December 2015

Among the tropical oceans, the western Indian Ocean hosts one of the largest concentrations of marine phytoplankton blooms in summer. Interestingly, this is also the region with the largest warming trend in sea surface temperatures in the tropics during the past century—although the contribution of such a large warming to productivity changes has remained ambiguous. Earlier studies had described the western Indian Ocean as a region with the largest increase in phytoplankton during the recent decades. On the contrary, the current study points out an alarming decrease of up to 20% in phytoplankton in this region over the past six decades. We find that these trends in chlorophyll are driven by enhanced ocean stratification due to rapid warming in the Indian Ocean, which suppresses nutrient mixing from subsurface layers. Future climate projections suggest that the Indian Ocean will continue to warm, driving this productive region into an ecological desert.
Quantifying gyrotropy in magnetic reconnection
Authors: Swisdak M.
Published: December 2015

A new scalar measure of the gyrotropy of a pressure tensor is defined. Previously suggested measures are shown to be incomplete by means of examples for which they give unphysical results. To demonstrate its usefulness as an indicator of magnetic topology, the new measure is calculated for electron data taken from numerical simulations of magnetic reconnection, shown to peak at separatrices and X points, and compared to the other measures. The new diagnostic has potential uses in analyzing spacecraft observations, and so a method for calculating it from measurements performed in an arbitrary coordinate system is derived.
Real‐time capture of seismic waves using high‐rate multi‐GNSS observations: Application to the 2015 Mw 7.8 Nepal earthquake
Authors: Geng Tao , Xie Xin , Fang Rongxin , Su Xing , Zhao Qile , Liu Gang , Li Heng , Shi Chuang , Liu Jingnan
Published: December 2015

The variometric approach is investigated to measure real‐time seismic waves induced by the 2015 Mw 7.8 Nepal earthquake with high‐rate multi‐GNSS observations, especially with the contribution of newly available BDS. The velocity estimation using GPS + BDS shows an additional improvement of around 20% with respect to GPS‐only solutions. We also reconstruct displacements by integrating GNSS‐derived velocities after a linear trend removal (IGV). The displacement waveforms with accuracy of better than 5 cm are derived when postprocessed GPS precise point positioning results are used as ground truth, even if those stations have strong ground motions and static offsets of up to 1–2 m. GNSS‐derived velocity and displacement waveforms with the variometric approach are in good agreement with results from strong motion data. We therefore conclude that it is feasible to capture real‐time seismic waves with multi‐GNSS observations using the IGV‐enhanced variometric approach, which has critical implications for earthquake early warning, tsunami forecasting, and rapid hazard assessment.
Consequences of future increased Arctic runoff on Arctic Ocean stratification, circulation, and sea ice cover
Authors: Nummelin Aleksi , Ilicak Mehmet , Li Camille , Smedsrud Lars H.
Published: December 2015

The Arctic Ocean has important freshwater sources including river runoff, low evaporation, and exchange with the Pacific Ocean. In the future, we expect even larger freshwater input as the global hydrological cycle accelerates, increasing high‐latitude precipitation, and river runoff. Previous modeling studies show some robust responses to high‐latitude freshwater perturbations, including a strengthening of Arctic stratification and a weakening of the large‐scale ocean circulation; some idealized modeling studies also document a stronger cyclonic circulation within the Arctic Ocean itself. With the broad range of scales and processes involved, the overall effect of increasing runoff requires an understanding of both the local processes and the broader linkages between the Arctic and surrounding oceans. Here we adopt a more comprehensive modeling approach by increasing river runoff to the Arctic Ocean in a coupled ice‐ocean general circulation model, and show contrasting responses in the polar and subpolar regions. Within the Arctic, the stratification strengthens, the halocline and Atlantic Water layer warm, and the cyclonic circulation spins up, in agreement with previous work. In the subpolar North Atlantic, the model simulates a colder and fresher water column with weaker barotropic circulation. In contrast to the estuarine circulation theory, the volume exchange between the Arctic Ocean and the surrounding oceans does not increase with increasing runoff. While these results are robust in our model, we require experiments with other model systems and more complete observational syntheses to better constrain the sensitivity of the climate system to high‐latitude freshwater perturbations.
Wet channel network extraction by integrating LiDAR intensity and elevation data
Authors: Hooshyar Milad , Kim Seoyoung , Wang Dingbao , Medeiros Stephen C.
Published: December 2015

The temporal dynamics of stream networks are vitally important for understanding hydrologic processes including surface water and groundwater interaction and hydrograph recession. However, observations of wet channel networks are limited, especially in headwater catchments. Near‐infrared LiDAR data provide an opportunity to map wet channel networks owing to the fine spatial resolution and strong absorption of light energy by water surfaces. A systematic method is developed to map wet channel networks by integrating elevation and signal intensity of ground returns. The signal intensity thresholds for identifying wet pixels are extracted from frequency distributions of intensity return within the convergent topography extent using a Gaussian mixture model. Moreover, the concept of edge in digital image processing, defined based on the intensity gradient, is utilized to enhance detection of small wet channels. The developed method is applied to the Lake Tahoe area based on eight LiDAR snapshots during recession periods in five watersheds. A power law relationship between streamflow and wetted channel length during recession periods is derived, and the scaling exponent (
) is within the range of reported values from fieldwork in other regions.
Double‐strand break repair based on short‐homology regions is suppressed under terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase expression, as revealed by a novel vector system for analysing DNA repair by nonhomologous end joining
Authors: Maezawa So , Nakano Saori , Kuniya Takaaki , Koiwai Osamu , Koiwai Kotaro
Published: December 2015

We have constructed a novel, nonhomologous end‐joining (NHEJ) assay vector (NAV), containing mKate2, Venus and ccdB genes. Cotransfection of NAV with a construct expressing the restriction enzyme I‐SceI generated a double‐strand break (DSB) in NAV that excised mKate2 and ccdB. Repair of this DSB produced an intact vector that expressed Venus, a green fluorescent protein. Because cells bearing the repaired NAV lacked the ccdB gene which slows cell proliferation, the cultures were enriched in cells containing repaired DSBs. DNA sequence analysis of the DSB junctions indicated that the repair was carried out mainly by using the closest homology sequence. Use of the NAV yielded rapid results within 3 days after transfection. We then used the NAV to analyse NHEJ in cells overexpressing terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase (TdT). The results indicated that TdT suppresses DNA repair that is based on short (one‐ or two‐base) homology regions, to efficiently add deoxynucleotides during VDJ recombination in lymphoid cells.
A specific role for PRND in goat foetal Leydig cells is suggested by prion family gene expression during gonad development in goats and mice
Authors: Allais‐Bonnet Aurélie , Castille Johan , Pannetier Maëlle , Passet Bruno , Elzaïat Maëva , André Marjolaine , Montazer‐Torbati Fatemeh , Moazami‐Goudarzi Katayoun , Vilotte Jean‐Luc , Pailhoux Eric
Published: December 2015

Three genes of the prion protein gene family are expressed in gonads. Comparative analyses of their expression patterns in mice and goats revealed constant expression of PRNP and SPRN in both species and in both male and female gonads, but with a weaker expression of SPRN. By contrast, expression of PRND was found to be sex‐dimorphic, in agreement with its role in spermatogenesis. More importantly, our study revealed that PRND seems to be a key marker of foetal Leydig cells specifically in goats, suggesting a yet unknown role for its encoded protein Doppel during gonadal differentiation in nonrodent mammals.
Proton Transport in Electrospun Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Membranes: An Illuminating Paradox
Authors: Santos Leslie Dos , Maréchal Manuel , Guillermo Armel , Lyonnard Sandrine , Moldovan Simona , Ersen Ovidiu , Sel Ozlem , Perrot Hubert , Laberty‐Robert Christel
Published: December 2015

Chemistry and processing have to be judiciously combined to structure the membranes at various length scales to achieve efficient properties for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell to make it competitive for transport. Characterizing the proton transport at various length and space scales and understanding the interplays between the nanostructuration, the confinement effect, the interactions, and connectivity are consequently needed. The goal here is to study the proton transport in multiscale, electrospun hybrid membranes (EHMs) at length scales ranging from molecular to macroscopic by using complementary techniques, i.e., electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, pulsed field gradient‐NMR spectroscopy, and quasielastic neutron scattering. Highly conductive hybrid membranes (EHMs) are produced and their performances are rationalized taken into account the balances existing between local interaction driven mobility and large‐scale connectivity effects. It is found that the water diffusion coefficient can be locally decreased (2 × 10−6 cm2 s−1) due to weak interactions with the silica network, but the macroscopic diffusion coefficient is still high (9.6 × 10−6 cm2 s−1). These results highlight that EHMs have slow dynamics at the local scale without being detrimental for long‐range proton transport. This is possible through the nanostructuration of the membranes, controlled via processing and chemistry.
Silk Fibroin for Flexible Electronic Devices
Authors: Zhu Bowen , Wang Hong , Leow Wan Ru , Cai Yurong , Loh Xian Jun , Han Ming‐Yong , Chen Xiaodong
Published: December 2015

Flexible electronic devices are necessary for applications involving unconventional interfaces, such as soft and curved biological systems, in which traditional silicon‐based electronics would confront a mechanical mismatch. Biological polymers offer new opportunities for flexible electronic devices by virtue of their biocompatibility, environmental benignity, and sustainability, as well as low cost. As an intriguing and abundant biomaterial, silk offers exquisite mechanical, optical, and electrical properties that are advantageous toward the development of next‐generation biocompatible electronic devices. The utilization of silk fibroin is emphasized as both passive and active components in flexible electronic devices. The employment of biocompatible and biosustainable silk materials revolutionizes state‐of‐the‐art electronic devices and systems that currently rely on conventional semiconductor technologies. Advances in silk‐based electronic devices would open new avenues for employing biomaterials in the design and integration of high‐performance biointegrated electronics for future applications in consumer electronics, computing technologies, and biomedical diagnosis, as well as human–machine interfaces.
Tuning Transition Metal Oxide–Sulfur Interactions for Long Life Lithium Sulfur Batteries: The “Goldilocks” Principle
Authors: Liang Xiao , Kwok Chun Yuen , Lodi‐Marzano Fernanda , Pang Quan , Cuisinier Marine , Huang He , Hart Connor J. , Houtarde Diane , Kaup Kavish , Sommer Heino , Brezesinski Torsten , Janek Jürgen , Nazar Linda F.
Published: December 2015

The lithium‐sulfur battery is a compelling energy storage system because its high theoretical energy density exceeds Li‐ion batteries at much lower cost, but applications are thwarted by capacity decay caused by the polysulfide shuttle. Here, proof of concept and the critical metrics of a strategy to entrap polysulfides within the sulfur cathode by their reaction to form a surface‐bound active redox mediator are demonstrated. It is shown through a combination of surface spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry studies that only materials with redox potentials in a targeted window react with polysulfides to form active surface‐bound polythionate species. These species are directly correlated to superior Li‐S cell performance by electrochemical studies of high surface area oxide cathodes with redox potentials below, above, and within this window. Optimized Li‐S cells yield a very low fade rate of 0.048% per cycle. The insight gained into the fundamental surface mechanism and its correlation to the stability of the electrochemical cell provides a bridge between mechanistic understanding and battery performance essential for the design of high performance Li‐S cells.
MoS2 Nanosheets Vertically Aligned on Carbon Paper: A Freestanding Electrode for Highly Reversible Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xie Xiuqiang , Makaryan Taron , Zhao Mengqiang , Van Aken Katherine L. , Gogotsi Yury , Wang Guoxiu
Published: December 2015

The development of sodium‐ion batteries for large‐scale applications requires the synthesis of electrode materials with high capacity, high initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE), high rate performance, long cycle life, and low cost. A rational design of freestanding anode materials is reported for sodium‐ion batteries, consisting of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets aligned vertically on carbon paper derived from paper towel. The hierarchical structure enables sufficient electrode/electrolyte interaction and fast electron transportation. Meanwhile, the unique architecture can minimize the excessive interface between carbon and electrolyte, enabling high ICE. The as‐prepared MoS2@carbon paper composites as freestanding electrodes for sodium‐ion batteries can liberate the traditional electrode manufacturing procedure, thereby reducing the cost of sodium‐ion batteries. The freestanding MoS2@carbon paper electrode exhibits a high reversible capacity, high ICE, good cycling performance, and excellent rate capability. By exploiting in situ Raman spectroscopy, the reversibility of the phase transition from 2H‐MoS2 to 1T‐MoS2 is observed during the sodium‐ion intercalation/deintercalation process. This work is expected to inspire the development of advanced electrode materials for high‐performance sodium‐ion batteries.
Preclinical laboratory assessments of predictors of social rank in female cynomolgus monkeys
Authors: Kromrey Sarah A. , Czoty Paul W. , Nader Susan H. , Register Thomas C. , Nader Michael A.
Published: December 2015

Physiological and behavioral differences between dominant and subordinate monkeys have been useful in preclinical models investigating numerous disease states. In captivity, it has been inferred that subordinate monkeys live in a context of chronic social stress and may be at risk for a variety of dysfunctions; however, the factors that influence eventual rank are not entirely known. The goal of the present study was to first evaluate several phenotypic characteristics as potential trait markers for eventual social rank and then to determine the consequences of social hierarchy on these measures (i.e., state markers). Baseline estradiol, progesterone, cortisol and testosterone concentrations were obtained from 16 pair‐housed female cynomolgus monkeys before and after introduction into new social groups (n = 4/group). Furthermore, effects of the initial week of social rank establishment on outcome measures of cognitive performance and homecage activity were examined. Baseline body weight and mean serum estradiol concentrations were the only statistically significant predictors of eventual rank, with future subordinate monkeys weighing less and having higher estradiol concentrations. During initial hierarchy establishment, future subordinate monkeys had increased morning and afternoon cortisol concentrations, increased locomotor activity and impaired cognitive performance on a working memory task. After 3 months of social housing, subordinate monkeys had blunted circulating estradiol and progesterone concentrations. These findings demonstrate differential effects on gonadal hormones and cortisol as a function of social context in normally cycling female monkeys. Furthermore, disruptions in cognitive performance were associated with subordinate status, suggesting strong face validity of this model to the study of factors related to the etiology and treatment of human diseases associated with chronic stress. Am. J. Primatol. 78:402–417, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diagnostic overview of the illegal trade in primates and law enforcement in Peru
Authors: Shanee Noga , Mendoza A. Patricia , Shanee Sam
Published: December 2015

Peru has one of the richest primate faunas of any country. The illegal trade in wild primates is one of the largest threats to this fauna in Peru. We characterize the illegal trade in primates through empirical and ethnographic data. We collected data from traffic routes and centers throughout Peru and evaluate current efforts to combat this traffic. Based on our findings from 2,070 instances of wildlife crime involving 6,872 primates, we estimate the domestic trade in primates for pets and bushmeat in Peru in the hundreds of thousands per year, with the larger bodied Atelidae facing the highest direct consequences. We found that government authorities lack sufficient staff, capacity, resources, infrastructure, and protocols to efficiently combat illegal trade in primates. Also, the complicated legal framework and lack of cooperation and antagonism with the public further limit these efforts. Wildlife authorities in Peru are able to confiscate only a fraction of primates traded and mostly intervene in cases of private pet owners rather than traffickers. We estimate that the current rate of illegal trade in primates is comparable to levels of trade prior to the 1973 ban on primates’ exportation. The combination of direct observations on primate trade and ethnographic data allows a comprehensive look at primate trade in Peru. We call upon decision makers and international funders to channel their efforts toward “on the ground” actions such as increasing the ability of the authorities to act, giving them “in action” training in law enforcement and establishing strict control measures against corruption. Am. J. Primatol. 79:e22516, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neotropical primate communities: Effects of disturbance, resource production and forest type heterogeneity
Authors: Stevenson Pablo R.
Published: December 2015

Undisturbed primate communities in the Neotropics are bottom‐up structured as their biomass and species richness can be predicted from fruit production. However, the effects of fruit scarcity and the availability of forest types have not been fully analyzed, and seasonality is expected to differently affect small and large monkeys. The first aim of this study was to examine the effect of contrasting forest types within a location on the temporal variation in fruit production. The second was to assess the relative roles of disturbance, climate, patterns of fruit and leaf production, and plant composition on determining Neotropical primate communities. I compiled population density data for diurnal primate species from 154 sites to calculate species richness and assemblage biomass. Fruit abundance in the study sites was estimated from fruit trap data and phenology transects, and fruit variability was calculated as the monthly coefficient of variation (CV) and the length of the fruit scarcity period (LFSP). The results indicate that fruit production in floodplain forests is generally more variable than in terra firme forests, and this variation decreases in habitats with mixed forest types. Endozoochorous fruit production (based on fruit traps) and litter productivity were good predictors of the biomass of Neotropical primates (R2 = 0.83 and R2 = 0.59, respectively), but neither CV nor LFSP were good predictors. The biomass of large primates was independent of rainfall variation, but the biomass of small and medium sized monkeys was negatively correlated with temporal rainfall variability. Varzea forests tended to show higher biomass than those from terra firme and igapó. These results suggest that the production of fleshy fruits is the best predictor of the structure of primate assemblages in the Neotropics, but the effect of leaf quality and productivity remains to be investigated. Am. J. Primatol. 78:391–401, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A pilot study of symptom profiles from a polyp vs an eosinophilic‐based classification of chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Thompson Christopher F. , Price Caroline P.E. , Huang Julia He , Min Jin‐Young , Suh Lydia A. , Shintani‐Smith Stephanie , Conley David B. , Schleimer Robert P. , Kern Robert C. , Tan Bruce K.
Published: December 2015

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is likely a biologically heterogeneous disease process. Current guidelines propose subclassification using polyp status while others propose using mucosal eosinophilia. We hypothesized that appropriate CRS subclassification would increase homogeneity of baseline symptoms, and identify characteristic symptoms of each subtype.

Methods

A total of 57 CRS patients undergoing surgery prospectively completed a preoperative battery of 73 questions relating to symptoms including the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) and 29‐item Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS‐29) general quality of life (QOL) measures. Eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) levels were determined from ethmoid, uncinate, and polyp tissue homogenates using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and normalized to total protein. Patients were classified as eosinophilic (eCRS) or non‐eosinophilic (neCRS) using a 95th percentile threshold established from control tissue from 82 patients without CRS. Separate pairwise comparisons were performed on patient‐reported symptoms using polyp and eosinophilic status.

Results

Of the 57 patients, 28 had CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP); 27 of 57 patients had eCRS (CRSwNP, n = 21; CRS without nasal polyps [CRSsNP], n = 6). CRSwNP patients had increased need to blow nose, frequency of nasal congestion, more severe difficulty breathing through nose, more severe nasal discharge, but less cough (p < 0.05). eCRS patients had more bothersome loss of taste/smell, ear pain, sneezing, severe difficulty breathing through nose, and severe nasal congestion compared to neCRS patients (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Subclassifying CRS with symptoms alone is difficult with neither polyp status nor eosinophilia giving a distinctive clinical symptom profile. However, certain symptoms may help otolaryngologists identify CRS subtypes, which may help guide future treatments. Further validation and evaluation of prognosis following treatment is required to evaluate appropriate means of subclassifying CRS.
Qualitative development of the sinus control test: a survey evaluating sinus symptom control
Authors: Banglawala Sarfaraz M. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Morella Kristen , Chandra Rakesh , Khetani Justin , Poetker David M. , Rayar Meera , Rudmik Luke , Sautter Nathan B. , Sommer Doron D. , Smith Timothy L. , Soler Zachary M.
Published: December 2015

Background

Ideal management of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) requires ongoing monitoring of disease and its control. Existing control instruments are limited in their correlation to patient reported outcomes, the need for endoscopy, or lack of validation from a multidisciplinary group. The goal of this study was to develop a patient‐based Sinus Control Test (SCT) for determining CRS control.

Methods

A systematic literature review and focus groups consisting of 20 patients and 11 medical experts in CRS from various medical specialties were used to generate items. A draft 13‐item questionnaire was administered to 50 patients with CRS in a prospective fashion. Patients were evaluated using the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) instrument, Lund‐Mackay computed tomography (CT) score, and Lund‐Kennedy endoscopy score. A rhinologist blinded to the questionnaire results also provided an overall control of the disease for each patient. A regression model was generated to identify which subset of items showed the greatest discriminate ability in relation to specialist's and patient's global rating of disease control.

Results

Four questions were included in the final questionnaire (p < 0.05), each with a scale of 0 to 4, with an overall total score ranging from 0 to 16. Optimal classification resulted in patients with a score from 1 to 3 (well controlled), 4 to 11 (partially controlled), and 12 to 16 (uncontrolled). SCT scores correctly classified control levels 72% of the time when compared to physician's assessment.

Conclusion

The SCT is a simple, patient generated questionnaire that can measure the control of CRS without requirement of endoscopy or CT evaluation.
Imidazolatsysteme zur CO2‐Abscheidung und photochemischen Reduktion
Authors: Wang Sibo , Wang Xinchen
Published: December 2015

Ionische Flüssigkeiten (ILs, ionic liquids) auf Imidazoliumbasis, N‐heterocyclische Imidazolylidencarbene (NHCs) und zeolithische Imidazolatgerüste (ZIFs, zeolitic imidazolate frameworks) sind Imidazolat‐Strukturmotive, die für Anwendungen in der Abscheidung und Umwandlung von CO2 umfassend untersucht wurden. In diesem Kurzaufsatz werden die jüngsten Fortschritte bei der Abscheidung, Aktivierung und photochemischen Reduktion von CO2 mit diesen drei Imidazolat‐Bausteinen – von homogenen molekularen Einheiten (ILs und NHCs) bis zu heterogenen kristallinen Gerüsten (ZIFs) – zusammengefasst. Die erreichten Entwicklungen und verbleibenden Hindernisse bei der Anwendung von Imidazolat‐Strukturmotiven in der CO2‐Nutzung werden beurteilt, wobei der Schwerpunkt auf der CO2‐Photoredoxkatalyse liegt.
A Facile Solid‐Phase Route to Renewable Aromatic Chemicals from Biobased Furanics
Authors: Thiyagarajan Shanmugam , Genuino Homer C. , van der Waal Jan C. , de Jong Ed , Weckhuysen Bert M. , van Haveren Jacco , Bruijnincx Pieter C. A. , van Es Daan S.
Published: December 2015

Renewable aromatics can be conveniently synthesized from furanics by introducing an intermediate hydrogenation step in the Diels–Alder (DA) aromatization route, to effectively block retro‐DA activity. Aromatization of the hydrogenated DA adducts requires tandem catalysis, using a metal‐based dehydrogenation catalyst and solid acid dehydration catalyst in toluene. Herein it is demonstrated that the hydrogenated DA adducts can instead be conveniently converted into renewable aromatics with up to 80 % selectivity in a solid‐phase reaction with shorter reaction times using only an acidic zeolite, that is, without solvent or dehydrogenation catalyst. Hydrogenated adducts from diene/dienophile combinations of (methylated) furans with maleic anhydride are efficiently converted into renewable aromatics with this new route. The zeolite H‐Y was found to perform the best and can be easily reused after calcination.
Imidazolium Ionic Liquids, Imidazolylidene Heterocyclic Carbenes, and Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks for CO2 Capture and Photochemical Reduction
Authors: Wang Sibo , Wang Xinchen
Published: December 2015

Imidazolium ionic liquids (ILs), imidazolylidene N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), and zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are imidazolate motifs which have been extensively investigated for CO2 adsorption and conversion applications. Summarized in this minireview is the recent progress in the capture, activation, and photochemical reduction of CO2 with these three imidazolate building blocks, from homogeneous molecular entities (ILs and NHCs) to heterogeneous crystalline scaffolds (ZIFs). The developments and existing shortcomings of the imidazolate motifs for their use in CO2 utilizations is assessed, with more of focus on CO2 photoredox catalysis. The opportunities and challenges of imidazolate scaffolds for future advancement of CO2 photochemical conversion for artificial photosynthesis are discussed.
Contemporary and Emerging Ethical Issues in Family Therapy
Authors: Hecker Lorna L. , Murphy Megan J.
Published: December 2015

Ethical dilemmas in the field of family therapy continue to evolve; this article addresses ethical issues family therapists are currently confronting or may confront in the future. We begin by examining a movement in the field towards relational ethics, which is inclusive of context, values, and power that permeate all relationships. Using this framework in relation to both our clients and our practice, we discuss defensive and risk‐aversive practice of family therapy within our current socio‐political context, family therapists working with child alienation in cases of non‐normative divorce, the impact of digital technology on families and family therapy, and the polarisation of sexual value issues.
The Importance of Training Marital, Couple, and Family Therapists in Sexual Health
Authors: Dermer Shannon , Bachenberg Molli
Published: December 2015

Sexual health has been declared a sexual right and part of human rights on health and freedom from discrimination. Over 40 years ago the World Health Organization, and other international organisations since, have called for marital, couple, and family therapists to be trained in working with sexuality in a respectful, positive manner that affirms sexual health and sexual expression. Despite this, there have not been significant strides in helping therapists understand a view of sexual health focused on freedom of expression and pleasure, nor significant advances in requirements for professional training in a broad conceptualisation of sexuality. There is also evidence that practitioner comfort with the topic has not significantly changed over time. In this paper, ethical issues impeding the advancement of sexual health services within mental health professions are explored and recommendations for training curriculums are provided.
Ethical and Legal Considerations When Counselling Children and Families
Authors: Sori Catherine Ford , Hecker Lorna L.
Published: December 2015

There are numerous unique legal and ethical concerns that clinicians should consider when counselling children, adolescents, and their families. These, however, are not generally emphasised in most ethics courses in graduate training programs. While ethical codes vary among professional organisations (e.g., marriage and family therapy, counselling, social work, psychology), this article addresses many subjects that are common across disciplines, such as (1) informed consent, (2) types of confidentiality, exceptions, and reporting issues, (3) sharing information revealed to the practitioner to parents, and (4) subpoenas. Other important topics are the importance of counsellor competencies, multicultural considerations, and special topics including the use of touch and the role of the professional in divorce situations. Additionally, the role of computing and social media can enhance relationships for children, or be sources of stress or trauma. Lastly, laws, which typically supersede ethical codes often vary from state to state and nation to nation, and it is imperative that clinicians are cognisant of those in their jurisdiction.
Technology and Client Care: Therapy Considerations in a Digital Society
Authors: Wilcoxon S. Allen
Published: December 2015

This article discusses technology and social networking issues for couple and family therapists in their professional relationships with couples and families. Despite the prevalence of technology in many spheres of contemporary clients’ lives, the potential for intrusion, unrealistic expectations of accessibility, and boundary violations can adversely affect therapy relationships. The article specifically addresses: (a) technology and the ecology of therapy, (b) the therapy relationship and boundary management, (c) social media within and outside the therapy relationship, and (d) ancillary uses of technology in therapy. It concludes with recommendations for addressing and managing technology in the therapy relationship.
Ethical Family Therapy: Speaking the Language of the Other
Authors: Larner Glenn
Published: December 2015

Derrida tells us languages are bearers of culture that are never neutral but always political; they impose a kind of cultural violence on the persons who speak them. If to speak a language is to participate in a form of political violence, then one challenge for family therapy becomes ethical: how to avoid forms of linguistic oppression that impose a language on others. Such ethics take precedence over questions of epistemology or approach: theory, knowledge, and language are in the service of others. As narrative, systemic, or dialogical family therapists, we speak the language of therapy so others can speak their own discourse and form their own language community. However, to be called a ‘therapist’ there is also a responsibility to help others in the best way possible, which may require speaking non‐relational, evidence‐informed professional discourses. The paper discusses an ethical family therapy as one that engages a range of therapeutic discourses while speaking the language of the client. This is illustrated by a practice example of integrative family therapy with a depressed, self‐harming, and suicidal teenager.