bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introduction
Authors: Courvoisier T.J.-L. , Trimble V.
Published: March 2016

Over the last few decades phenomena involving high energy particles (mostly electrons) and/or photons have become increasingly part of the astronomical work. Opening new spectral windows has revealed many phenomena that have deeply changed our perception of the Universe. High energy astrophysics, as this field of astronomy is known, is now very well integrated in the astronomical research. This is shown by the fact that the high energy astrophysics results are published in the leading astronomy and astrophysics journals of the world rather than anywhere else. Nonetheless, this still young field has not yet quite found its way in the structure and working of the IAU.
Non-Blazar Gamma-Ray Variables in the Galactic Plane: A New Class of Gamma-Ray Sources
Authors: Tavani Marco
Published: March 2016

We discuss recent detections of time-variable gamma-ray sources near the Galactic plane. A new bright gamma-ray transient was detected by EGRET in June 1995 near the Galactic center (GRO J1838-04). Also one of the most interesting unidentified gamma-ray sources in the plane, 2CG 135+1, was recently shown to be variable. Both GRO J1838-04 and 2CG 135+1 share many characteristics: variability of the gamma-ray flux within days/weeks, occasional peak gamma-ray emission of comparable flux (˜ 4 x 10-6ph cm-2s-1), absence of radio-loud spectrally-flat AGNs or prominent radio pulsars within their error boxes, lack of strong X-ray and/or hard X-ray counterparts. These characteristics do not match those of either gamma-ray blazars or isolated pulsars. Therefore, GRO J1838-04 and 2CG 135+1 provide strong evidence for the existence of a new class of variable gamma-ray sources.
Soft X-Ray Transients are Like ER UMA Cataclysmic Variables
Authors: Regső Enikő , Masetti Nicola
Published: March 2016

We discuss how soft X-ray transients exhibit light curves associated with two accretion-disc instabilities that are well known to operate in cataclysmic variables. A thermal instability that is due to hydrogen ionization leads to the transient nature but is modified by X-ray irradiation of the disc. Growth of the disc between the ensuing outbursts leads to a 3:1 commensurability instability at the outer edge of the disc that drives superoutbursts and produces superhumps in the lightcurve if the mass ratio is sufficiently small. Superhumps are observed only in the short period SU UMa CVs but black hole primaries allow SXTs to exhibit superoutbursts and superhumps at much larger periods. We point out similarities between SXT superhump shapes and those of the small class of ER UMa CVs, The similarity between these systems stems from the fact that the mass-transfer rates are almost large enough to stabilize the disc against the thermal instability in both cases.
ASCA Observations of Blazars
Authors: Takahashi T. , Kubo H. , Madejski G.
Published: March 2016

During the last years it has become evident that blazar class of AGN emit a lot of energy in the gamma-ray regime. It is generally thought that the non-thermal emission from blazars, observed from radio to GeV/TeV 7-rays, is radiation of very energetic particles via both synchrotron and Compton processes. This underlines the importance of high-energy emission for models of the blazar class of active galactic nuclei. Most of the gamma-bright AGN are variable, and flares with time scales as short as a day have been observed. This suggests that the site of gamma-ray emission is very compact and situated in a fluid which moves relativistically at a small angle towards the observer. It is generally assumed that the emission originates from the jet of these objects.
Rapid Variability of Gamma-Ray Blazars
Authors: Salvati M. , Spada M. , Pacini F.
Published: March 2016

This paper is devoted to a discussion of the rapid variability observed in γ-ray blazars. We do this in the framework of a widely accepted scenario, according to which the blazar emission arises from a jet, i.e. a continuous flow of relativistic fluid, with perturbations occasionally superimposed. The jet is assumed to have a bulk Lorentz factor Γ ≫ 1, and length z and radius r such that r ã z/Γ.
Latitude Manifestations of the Solar Wind
Authors: Von Steiger R.
Published: March 2016

Dependencies of solar wind parameters as a function of latitude are presented and discussed, based on measurements of the Ulysses mission during times of declining or minimum solar activity. The heliosphere is found to be structured into a band of slow solar wind at low latitudes and two large high-speed streams from the polar coronal holes. Only small trends of solar wind parameters with heliolatitude are found within these streams. A small but significant temperature difference is seen between the south and the north polar coronal hole.
Large-Scale Structure and Termination of the Heliosphere
Authors: Macek W. M.
Published: March 2016

The question of the boundaries of the heliosphere is considered. The termination heliospheric shock should exist because the solar wind plasma flowing supersonically away from the Sun must make a transition to a subsonic flow. The heliopause is at the outermost extend of the solar wind. Beyond the heliopause lies the (very local) interstellar wind. Intensity of radio emissions at 2 to 3 kHz detected by the Voyager plasma wave instrument in the outer heliosphere can be explained provided that the electron beams generating Langmuir waves exist in the post-shock plasma due to secondary shocks in the compressed solar wind beyond the termination shock. The field strengths of Langmuir waves required to generate the second harmonic emissions are 50 – 100 μ V m-1. Alternatively, the emissions are generated in the vicinity of the heliopause. The Voyager 1 and 2 are proceeding toward a likely source region for Langmuir wave and these waves may be observed in situ in the near future.
LASCO and EIT Observations of the Dynamic Corona
Authors: Dere K. P. , Brueckner G. E.
Published: March 2016

The combined operations of the Large Angle Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO) and the Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (EIT) on the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), launched in December 1995, have provided an unprecedented opportunity for observing essentially all coronal phenomena that are not hidden behind the disk of the Sun. Consequently, observations with these instrument are providing information on coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from their initiation through their development over 30 ⊙. They reveal a coronal that never reaches a steady state. The corona is the site of continuous, time-dependent outflows, both within the coronal holes and the high speed streams and in the streamer belts and their mid-latitude sources. The spatial scales of these outflows range from 10s of arc-seconds through about a solar radius in large CMEs.
Recent Developments in Astronomy in Vietnam
Authors: Rieu Nguyen Quang
Published: March 2016

Astronomy in Vietnam is still heavily underdeveloped. The few telescopes of the Observatory of Phu Lien (Hai Phong) were moved during the wars and become unusable. Most of the astronomers who graduated from the universities in the former Soviet Union are now working in other fields. Astronomy and astrophysics are among the basic sciences that Vietnam is willing to promote.
Services of the International Astronomical Union
Authors: McNally D.
Published: March 2016

The IAU has as its task (Statute 1):

(a)

to develop astronomy through international cooperation;

(b)

to promote the study and development of astronomy in all aspects;

(c)

to further and safeguard the interests of astronomy.

The Union to carry out its mandate is organized into 11 Divisions representing major branches of astronomical activity. The Divisions are composed of specialist Commissions -out of 39 Commissions, 31 operate within the divisional structure: of the 8 Commissions which do not, 6 may be regarded as representing “Services”. Additionally there are 4 Working Groups of the Executive Committee. Table 1 lists the Divisions and their constituent Commissions.
Current Developments in Astronomy Education: Applications to the Developing Countries
Authors: Percy John R.
Published: March 2016

Education is a necessary part of the development of astronomy, both to train astronomers and teachers, and to increase public understanding and appreciation of our science. In all countries (and particularly the developing ones), astronomy can attract young people to science and technology. Much is known about how to teach astronomy effectively, at all levels, both in and out of school. The problem is to publicize and implement this knowledge.
Growing Up Pains in a Developing Country
Authors: Torres-Peimbert S.
Published: March 2016

Similarly to other developing nations, Mexico is a country full of contrasts and contradictions; within the country there are many very backward conditions, and yet it strives to participate in advanced scientific activities.

The country has 95 million inhabitants, the median age of the population is 18 years, the fraction of teenagers that attend upper high school is 30% and the fraction of those in the 18-22 age bracket that attend college is 14%. Finally it should be pointed out that the expenditure in science amounts to 0.3% of the Gross National Product, GNP. These figures should be compared with developed countries, where 85 % of the youngsters attend high school, 45 % of those in the 18-22 age bracket attend college, and typically 1 % of the GNP is spent on science.
Shock Origin of High-Velocity Maser Emission from: Circumnuclear Disks
Authors: Maoz Eyal , McKee Christopher F.
Published: March 2016

We propose that the observed high-velocity maser emission from circumnuclear disks arises in spiral shocks, which can naturally account for several peculiar findings in the spectrum and spatial distribution of the maser emission.
Comet Tempel-Tuttle and the Leonid Meteors
Authors: Yeomans Donald K.
Published: March 2016

The annual November Leonid meteor showers and the occasional Leonid meteor storms (e.g. 1833, 1966) are far better known than is the Leonid parent body, comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. Since A.D. 902, enhanced Leonid meteor showers have been recorded around the time of the parent comet’s returns to perihelion (Yeomans 1981). To date, the parent comet itself, however, has not been seen for more than a few days at any apparition except in late 1865 and early 1866. The impending perihelion return of comet Tempel-Tuttle again raises the possibility of strong meteor displays in 1998-99 as well as a chance to observe the elusive parent comet.
Observations in Central and Southern Europe
Authors: Porubčan V.
Published: March 2016

Since September 1996 there has been in operation a new forward-scatter system for meteor observation transmitting signal simultaneously along two mutually almost rectangular baselines with the transmitter at Budrio (ϕB = 44.6° λB = 11.5° E) near Bologna, Italy and the receivers at Modra (ϕL = 48.3° N; λL = 17.3° E), Slovakia and Lecce (ϕL = 40.3° N; λL = 18.2° E) in Southern Italy. The equipment utilizes a continuous wave transmitting frequency at 42.7 MHz, with a mean power of 0.25 kW.
An Airborne Stereoscopic Mission to Explore the 1998 and 1999 Leonid Meteor Storms
Authors: Jenniskens P. , Butow S.
Published: March 2016

The possibility of a storm of Leonid meteors in November 1998 and 1999 offers exciting opportunities for using unusual meteor observing techniques, because of high flux and because the Leonids are unique probes for the study of the parent comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle and the Earth’s upper atmosphere.
Imaging from the Galileo Mission
Authors: Belton M.J.S.
Published: March 2016

Imaging of the Jupiter system with the Solid State Imaging (SSI) camera is discussed. The results of the experiment involve three main parts: imaging of phenomena in Jupiter’s atmosphere, imaging of the Galilean satellite surfaces, and imaging of the smaller satellites and ring system.
Surface Composition of the Galilean Satellites from Galileo Near-Infrared Mapping Spectroscopy
Authors: Carlson R.W. , Smythe W.D. , Matson D.L. , Lopes-Gautier R. , Hui J. , Segura M. , Ocampo A.C. , Soderblom L.A. , Kieffer H.H. , McCord T.B. , Fanale F.P. , Hansen G.E.
Published: March 2016

The Galileo Near Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (NIMS) is currently obtaining spectral maps of Jupiter’s moons to determine the composition and spatial distribution of minerals on the satellite surfaces. Sulfur dioxide, as a frost or ice, covers much of Io’s surface, except in hot volcanic areas. A weak spectral feature at 3.15 μm suggests the presence of an OH containing surface compound (hydroxide, hydrate, or water) and a broad absorption above 1 μm is reasonably attributed to iron-containing minerals, such as feldspars and pyrite. Water is the dominant molecule covering Europa’s surface, occurring as ice but also as a hydrate. The trailing side shows high concentrations of these hydrous minerals, whose identifications are not yet established. Ganymede’s surface exhibits water absorption bands, largely due to ice but hydrates are also present. A dark component is present, but with a smaller proportion compared to Callisto. Some of the non-ice features seen on Ganymede are similar to those found in Callisto’s spectra (see below). Among the icy Galilean satellites, Callisto shows the least amount of water ice, covering about 10% of the surface in patchy concentrations. Most of the surface is covered with unidentified (as yet) dark minerals. The exposed ice is often associated with impact craters, implying that the darker material exists as a blanket over more pure ice. Non-ice spectral features at 3.88, 4.03, 4.25, and 4.57 μm are present in Callisto’s spectra (and some of these appear in Ganymede’s spectra), each with different spatial distributions. Laboratory spectra suggest that the 4.25-μm feature is due to carbon dioxide which is trapped in the surface grains. The band at 4.03 μm may be due to sulfur dioxide, which probably originated from Io. Molecules containing CN, SH, SiH, and perhaps deuterated constituents are candidates for the other features, some of which could be derived from shock-heated and modified material from impacts, perhaps of carbonaceous composition. There is evidence for the presence of hydrated minerals on Callisto, based on water band shifts and shapes.
Galileo Spacecraft Views of Europa
Authors: Greeley R.
Published: March 2016

The Galileo orbiter and its Solid State Imaging system have increased the photographic coverage and resolution of Europa, revealing a complex surface that has been modified by tectonic deformation, impact craters on a wide range of scales, and possible cryovolcanic activity. The morphology of many of the features suggests that the depth to either liquid water or mobile-ductile ice was relatively shallow (< few kilometers) at the time of their formation. Characteristics of the mottled terrain and impact ejecta deposits suggest the presence of a shallow (˜km) subsurface zone beneath the bright icy crust. The Galileo Europa Mission, approved to continue orbital operations through 1999, will include at least nine close flybys of Europa, enabling global and regional mapping, along with high-resolution imaging of selected areas.
The role of emotion regulation in body-focused repetitive behaviours
Authors: Roberts Sarah , O'Connor Kieron , Aardema Frederick , Bélanger Claude , Courchesne Catherine
Published: March 2016

Body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs) including trichotillomania, skin picking, and nail biting, are non-functional self-destructive habits, which have a severe negative impact on everyday functioning. Although BFRBs cause distress, they are maintained by both negative (relief) and positive (stimulation) reinforcement. The emotional regulation (ER) model proposes that people with BFRBs have a general deficit in ER and, as a consequence, engage in BFRBs to alleviate affect and reinforce the behaviour. The current study was designed to explore differences in ER between people with BFRBs and controls to identify specific emotions triggering BFRBs. Forty-eight participants (24 BFRB, 24 controls) completed questionnaires measuring Difficulties in Emotional Regulation (DERS), a Triggers Scale and an Affective Regulation Scale (ARS). Significant differences in people with BFRBs and controls were reported principally on the DERS subscales of lack of emotional clarity, difficulties in impulse control, and access to ER strategies. On the ARS, the BFRB group reported overall difficulty ‘snapping out’ of emotions. The majority of BFRBs were reported to be triggered by anxiety (78%), tension (70%), or boredom (52%). The clinical implication is that ER could be beneficially targeted in therapy for BFRBs.
Pastoral Visitations: Spaces of Negotiation in Andean Indigenous Parishes
Authors: Ramos Gabriela
Published: March 2016

In the Andes, the pastoral visitation of Indian parishes usually evokes the idea of a strongly oppositional relationship between the Church and local society. This vision, lacking in nuance, has been widely disseminated both within the academy and outside it. Although it derives from a serious academic interest in discovering and analyzing the common thread of the Church's evangelization policy in Peru, this stance, centered on the problem of the “extirpation of idolatry,” has been progressively emptied of content and today tends to serve as the standard means of filling gaps in the understanding of the history of Andean peoples during the colonial period.
Promises and Deceits” Marriage among Indians in New Spain in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries
Authors: Beascoechea Ana de Zaballa
Published: March 2016

Even a brief look into the historiography on Indian marriage in New Spain will reveal how infrequently scholars have devoted themselves to this topic. On the one hand, there are texts written from the perspective of canon law, such as those by Federico Aznar Gil, Paulino Castañeda, Daisy Rípodas Ardanaz, and Guillermo Floris Margadant, but these authors address canonical development in Spain as well as Spanish America and use mainly references from councils and synods, especially pastoral sources. On the other hand, there are anthropological studies, such as those of David Robichaux, Danièle Dehouve, Pierre Ragon, and Serge Gruzinski that compare pre-Hispanic marriage to Christian marriage.
Soziale Unterstützung als Baustein eines betrieblichen Programms zur Sport- und Bewegungsförderung
Authors: Krebs Simone , Baaken Anke , Hofmeier Amelie , Göhner Wiebke , Fuchs Reinhard
Published: March 2016

Zusammenfassung. Untersucht wurde die spezifische Wirkung der Interventionstechnik „Planung sportbezogener sozialer Unterstützung“ (PssU) im Rahmen eines betrieblichen Programms zur Sportförderung („MoVo-work“). Die Mitarbeitenden (N = 69) wurden cluster-randomisiert 2 Gruppen zugeordnet: die Interventionsgruppe (IG) erhielt MoVo-work mit dem Modul PssU, die Kontrollgruppe (KG) MoVo-work ohne dieses Modul. Sportaktivität und soziale Unterstützung wurden vor (T1) und nach der Intervention (T2) erhoben, sowie nach 6 Wochen (T3) und 6 Monaten (T4). In der IG nahm der Anteil der sportlich aktiven Personen beim Vergleich T1 – T3 um 24 % zu (p < .05); in der KG dagegen nur um 9 %. Auch beim Vergleich T1 – T4 war in der IG noch ein Zuwachs an sportlich aktiven Personen von 8 % festzustellen, wohingegen in der KG deren Anteil sogar um 3 % abnahm. Es fanden sich keine Gruppenunterschiede hinsichtlich der wahrgenommenen sozialen Unterstützung. Die Resultate zeigen, dass betriebliche Bewegungsförderungsprogramme substanziell davon profitieren können, wenn sie auch die Ebene der sozialen Unterstützung berücksichtigen.
Entwicklung der Kurzskala zur Erfassung von Erholung und Beanspruchung im Sport (KEB)
Authors: Hitzschke Brit , Kölling Sarah , Ferrauti Alexander , Meyer Tim , Pfeiffer Mark , Kellmann Michael
Published: March 2016

Zusammenfassung. Mit der Entwicklung einer Kurzform (Kurzskala zur Erfassung von Erholung und Beanspruchung im Sport; KEB) des Akutmaßes zur Erfassung von Erholung und Beanspruchung im Sport (AEB) wird dem Bedarf der Sportpraxis nach einem ökonomischen, validen und veränderungssensitiven Messinstrument zur Erfassung von Erholung und Beanspruchung nachgegangen. Nach einem vierstufigen Entwicklungs- und Validierungsprozess des AEB wurde aus den exploratorisch errechneten und konfirmatorisch geprüften Faktoren des AEB die KEB mit acht Items abgeleitet. Es konnten sehr gute Bereichshomogenitäten, moderate Interkorrelationen und hypothesenkonforme Korrelationen mit dem AEB berechnet werden. Der KEB zeigte ein dem AEB inhaltlich übereinstimmendes Korrelationsmuster mit den konvergenten Verfahren Erholungs-Belastungs-Fragebogen für Sportler (EBF-Sport) und visuelle Analogskala zum Muskelschmerzempfinden (Delayed-onset muscle soreness; DOMS). In einem Trainingsmonitoring mit der deutschen Hockey-Juniorinnen-Nationalmannschaft wurde die Veränderungssensitivität der KEB belegt und ein übereinstimmendes Ergebnismuster mit dem AEB, dem EBF-Sport und der DOMS gefunden.
Single- and Dual-Process Models of Biased Contingency Detection
Authors: Vadillo Miguel A. , Blanco Fernando , Yarritu Ion , Matute Helena
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Decades of research in causal and contingency learning show that people’s estimations of the degree of contingency between two events are easily biased by the relative probabilities of those two events. If two events co-occur frequently, then people tend to overestimate the strength of the contingency between them. Traditionally, these biases have been explained in terms of relatively simple single-process models of learning and reasoning. However, more recently some authors have found that these biases do not appear in all dependent variables and have proposed dual-process models to explain these dissociations between variables. In the present paper we review the evidence for dissociations supporting dual-process models and we point out important shortcomings of this literature. Some dissociations seem to be difficult to replicate or poorly generalizable and others can be attributed to methodological artifacts. Overall, we conclude that support for dual-process models of biased contingency detection is scarce and inconclusive.
Anticipating Cascading Effects from Climate Extremes
Authors: LeRoy Sarah , Garfin Gregg , Black Mary
Published: March 2016

Preparing for High Consequence, Low Probability Events: Heat, Water & Energy in the Southwest; Tucson, Arizona, 28–29 September 2015
Eos Wins Gold Medal for Most Improved Publication
Authors: Richman Barbara
Published: March 2016

The revitalized magazine and website have been honored three times in 14 months.
Factoring attitudes towards armed conflict risk into selection of protected areas for conservation
Authors: Hammill E. , Tulloch A. I. T. , Possingham H. P. , Strange N. , Wilson K. A.
Published: March 2016

The high incidence of armed conflicts in biodiverse regions poses significant challenges in achieving international conservation targets. Because attitudes towards risk vary, we assessed different strategies for protected area planning that reflected alternative attitudes towards the risk of armed conflicts. We find that ignoring conflict risk will deliver the lowest return on investment. Opting to completely avoid conflict-prone areas offers limited improvements and could lead to species receiving no protection. Accounting for conflict by protecting additional areas to offset the impacts of armed conflicts would not only increase the return on investment (an effect that is enhanced when high-risk areas are excluded) but also increase upfront conservation costs. Our results also demonstrate that fine-scale estimations of conflict risk could enhance the cost-effectiveness of investments. We conclude that achieving biodiversity targets in volatile regions will require greater initial investment and benefit from fine-resolution estimates of conflict risk.
Decadal predictions of the North Atlantic CO2 uptake
Authors: Li Hongmei , Ilyina Tatiana , Müller Wolfgang A. , Sienz Frank
Published: March 2016

As a major CO2 sink, the North Atlantic, especially its subpolar gyre region, is essential for the global carbon cycle. Decadal fluctuations of CO2 uptake in the North Atlantic subpolar gyre region are associated with the evolution of the North Atlantic Oscillation, the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, ocean mixing and sea surface temperature anomalies. While variations in the physical state of the ocean can be predicted several years in advance by initialization of Earth system models, predictability of CO2 uptake has remained unexplored. Here we investigate the predictability of CO2 uptake variations by initialization of the MPI-ESM decadal prediction system. We find large multi-year variability in oceanic CO2 uptake and demonstrate that its potential predictive skill in the western subpolar gyre region is up to 4–7 years. The predictive skill is mainly maintained in winter and is attributed to the improved physical state of the ocean.
Essential role of the Cdk2 activator RingoA in meiotic telomere tethering to the nuclear envelope
Authors: Mikolcevic Petra , Isoda Michitaka , Shibuya Hiroki , del Barco Barrantes Ivan , Igea Ana , Suja José A. , Shackleton Sue , Watanabe Yoshinori , Nebreda Angel R.
Published: March 2016

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) play key roles in cell cycle regulation. Genetic analysis in mice has revealed an essential role for Cdk2 in meiosis, which renders Cdk2 knockout (KO) mice sterile. Here we show that mice deficient in RingoA, an atypical activator of Cdk1 and Cdk2 that has no amino acid sequence homology to cyclins, are sterile and display meiotic defects virtually identical to those observed in Cdk2 KO mice including non-homologous chromosome pairing, unrepaired double-strand breaks, undetectable sex-body and pachytene arrest. Interestingly, RingoA is required for Cdk2 targeting to telomeres and RingoA KO spermatocytes display severely affected telomere tethering as well as impaired distribution of Sun1, a protein essential for the attachment of telomeres to the nuclear envelope. Our results identify RingoA as an important activator of Cdk2 at meiotic telomeres, and provide genetic evidence for a physiological function of mammalian Cdk2 that is not dependent on cyclins.
Accessing the exceptional points of parity-time symmetric acoustics
Authors: Shi Chengzhi , Dubois Marc , Chen Yun , Cheng Lei , Ramezani Hamidreza , Wang Yuan , Zhang Xiang
Published: March 2016

Parity-time (PT) symmetric systems experience phase transition between PT exact and broken phases at exceptional point. These PT phase transitions contribute significantly to the design of single mode lasers, coherent perfect absorbers, isolators, and diodes. However, such exceptional points are extremely difficult to access in practice because of the dispersive behaviour of most loss and gain materials required in PT symmetric systems. Here we introduce a method to systematically tame these exceptional points and control PT phases. Our experimental demonstration hinges on an active acoustic element that realizes a complex-valued potential and simultaneously controls the multiple interference in the structure. The manipulation of exceptional points offers new routes to broaden applications for PT symmetric physics in acoustics, optics, microwaves and electronics, which are essential for sensing, communication and imaging.
Direct hydrodeoxygenation of raw woody biomass into liquid alkanes
Authors: Xia Qineng , Chen Zongjia , Shao Yi , Gong Xueqing , Wang Haifeng , Liu Xiaohui , Parker Stewart F. , Han Xue , Yang Sihai , Wang Yanqin
Published: March 2016

Being the only sustainable source of organic carbon, biomass is playing an ever-increasingly important role in our energy landscape. The conversion of renewable lignocellulosic biomass into liquid fuels is particularly attractive but extremely challenging due to the inertness and complexity of lignocellulose. Here we describe the direct hydrodeoxygenation of raw woods into liquid alkanes with mass yields up to 28.1 wt% over a multifunctional Pt/NbOPO4 catalyst in cyclohexane. The superior performance of this catalyst allows simultaneous conversion of cellulose, hemicellulose and, more significantly, lignin fractions in the wood sawdust into hexane, pentane and alkylcyclohexanes, respectively. Investigation on the molecular mechanism reveals that a synergistic effect between Pt, NbOx species and acidic sites promotes this highly efficient hydrodeoxygenation of bulk lignocellulose. No chemical pretreatment of the raw woody biomass or separation is required for this one-pot process, which opens a general and energy-efficient route for converting raw lignocellulose into valuable alkanes.
Dorso-Lateral Frontal Cortex of the Ferret Encodes Perceptual Difficulty during Visual Discrimination
Authors: Zhou Zhe Charles , Yu Chunxiu , Sellers Kristin K. , Fröhlich Flavio
Published: March 2016

Visual discrimination requires sensory processing followed by a perceptual decision. Despite a growing understanding of visual areas in this behavior, it is unclear what role top-down signals from prefrontal cortex play, in particular as a function of perceptual difficulty. To address this gap, we investigated how neurons in dorso-lateral frontal cortex (dl-FC) of freely-moving ferrets encode task variables in a two-alternative forced choice visual discrimination task with high- and low-contrast visual input. About two-thirds of all recorded neurons in dl-FC were modulated by at least one of the two task variables, task difficulty and target location. More neurons in dl-FC preferred the hard trials; no such preference bias was found for target location. In individual neurons, this preference for specific task types was limited to brief epochs. Finally, optogenetic stimulation confirmed the functional role of the activity in dl-FC before target touch; suppression of activity in pyramidal neurons with the ArchT silencing opsin resulted in a decrease in reaction time to touch the target but not to retrieve reward. In conclusion, dl-FC activity is differentially recruited for high perceptual difficulty in the freely-moving ferret and the resulting signal may provide top-down behavioral inhibition.
Optical and magneto-optical behavior of Cerium Yttrium Iron Garnet thin films at wavelengths of 200–1770 nm
Authors: Onbasli Mehmet C. , Beran Lukáš , Zahradník Martin , Kučera Miroslav , Antoš Roman , Mistrík Jan , Dionne Gerald F. , Veis Martin , Ross Caroline A.
Published: March 2016

Magneto-optical cerium-substituted yttrium iron garnet (Ce:YIG) thin films display Faraday and Kerr rotation (rotation of light polarisation upon transmission and reflection, respectively) as well as a nonreciprocal phase shift due to their non-zero off-diagonal permittivity tensor elements and also possess low optical absorption in the near-infrared. These properties make Ce:YIG useful in providing nonreciprocal light propagation in integrated photonic circuits, which is essential for accomplishing energy-efficient photonic computation and data transport architectures. In this study, 80 nm-thick Ce:YIG films were grown on Gadolinium Gallium Garnet substrates with (100), (110) and (111) orientations using pulsed laser deposition. The films had bulk-like structural and magnetic quality. Faraday and Kerr spectroscopies along with spectroscopic ellipsometry were used to deduce the complete permittivity tensor of the films in the ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared spectral region and the magneto-optical figure of merit as a function of wavelength was determined. The samples showed the highest IR Faraday rotation reported for thin films of Ce:YIG, which indicates the importance of this material in development of nonreciprocal photonic devices.
Trimethylamine-N-oxide switches from stabilizing nature: A mechanistic outlook through experimental techniques and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Rani Anjeeta , Jayaraj Abhilash , Jayaram B. , Pannuru Venkatesu
Published: March 2016

In adaptation biology of the discovery of the intracellular osmolytes, the osmolytes are found to play a central role in cellular homeostasis and stress response. A number of models using these molecules are now poised to address a wide range of problems in biology. Here, a combination of biophysical measurements and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method is used to examine the effect of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) on stem bromelain (BM) structure, stability and function. From the analysis of our results, we found that TMAO destabilizes BM hydrophobic pockets and active site as a result of concerted polar and non-polar interactions which is strongly evidenced by MD simulation carried out for 250 ns. This destabilization is enthalpically favourable at higher concentrations of TMAO while entropically unfavourable. However, to the best of our knowledge, the results constitute first detailed unambiguous proof of destabilizing effect of most commonly addressed TMAO on the interactions governing stability of BM and present plausible mechanism of protein unfolding by TMAO.
Satellite-derived mineral mapping and monitoring of weathering, deposition and erosion
Authors: Cudahy Thomas , Caccetta Mike , Thomas Matilda , Hewson Robert , Abrams Michael , Kato Masatane , Kashimura Osamu , Ninomiya Yoshiki , Yamaguchi Yasushi , Collings Simon , Laukamp Carsten , Ong Cindy , Lau Ian , Rodger Andrew , Chia Joanne , Warren Peter , Woodcock Robert , Fraser Ryan , Rankine Terry , Vote Josh , de Caritat Patrice , English Pauline , Meyer Dave , Doescher Chris , Fu Bihong , Shi Pilong , Mitchell Ross
Published: March 2016

The Earth’s surface comprises minerals diagnostic of weathering, deposition and erosion. The first continental-scale mineral maps generated from an imaging satellite with spectral bands designed to measure clays, quartz and other minerals were released in 2012 for Australia. Here we show how these satellite mineral maps improve our understanding of weathering, erosional and depositional processes in the context of changing weather, climate and tectonics. The clay composition map shows how kaolinite has developed over tectonically stable continental crust in response to deep weathering during northwardly migrating tropical conditions from 45 to 10 Ma. The same clay composition map, in combination with one sensitive to water content, enables the discrimination of illite from montmorillonite clays that typically develop in large depositional environments over thin (sinking) continental crust such as the Lake Eyre Basin. Cutting across these clay patterns are sandy deserts that developed <10 Ma and are well mapped using another satellite product sensitive to the particle size of silicate minerals. This product can also be used to measure temporal gains/losses of surface clay caused by periodic wind erosion (dust) and rainfall inundation (flood) events. The accuracy and information content of these satellite mineral maps are validated using published data.
Triangular Black Phosphorus Atomic Layers by Liquid Exfoliation
Authors: Seo Soonjoo , Lee Hyun Uk , Lee Soon Chang , Kim Yooseok , Kim Hyeran , Bang Junhyeok , Won Jonghan , Kim Youngjun , Park Byoungnam , Lee Jouhahn
Published: March 2016

Few-layer black phosphorus (BP) is the most promising material among the two-dimensional materials due to its layered structure and the excellent semiconductor properties. Currently, thin BP atomic layers are obtained mostly by mechanical exfoliation of bulk BP, which limits applications in thin-film based electronics due to a scaling process. Here we report highly crystalline few-layer black phosphorus thin films produced by liquid exfoliation. We demonstrate that the liquid-exfoliated BP forms a triangular crystalline structure on SiO2/Si (001) and amorphous carbon. The highly crystalline BP layers are faceted with a preferred orientation of the (010) plane on the sharp edge, which is an energetically most favorable facet according to the density functional theory calculations. Our results can be useful in understanding the triangular BP structure for large-area applications in electronic devices using two-dimensional materials. The sensitivity and selectivity of liquid-exfoliated BP to gas vapor demonstrate great potential for practical applications as sensors.
Intracellular osteopontin stabilizes TRAF3 to positively regulate innate antiviral response
Authors: Zhao Kai , Zhang Meng , Zhang Lei , Wang Peng , Song Guanhua , Liu Bingyu , Wu Haifeng , Yin Zhinan , Gao Chengjiang
Published: March 2016

Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional protein involved in both innate immunity and adaptive immunity. However, the function of OPN, especially the intracellular form OPN (iOPN) on innate antiviral immune response remains elusive. Here, we demonstrated that iOPN is an essential positive regulator to protect the host from virus infection. OPN deficiency or knockdown significantly attenuated virus-induced IRF3 activation, IFN-β production and antiviral response. Consistently, OPN-deficient mice were more susceptible to VSV infection than WT mice. Mechanistically, iOPN was found to interact with tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-associated factor 3 (TRAF3) and inhibit Triad3A-mediated K48-linked polyubiquitination and degradation of TRAF3 through the C-terminal fragment of iOPN. Therefore, our findings delineated a new function for iOPN to act as a positive regulator in innate antiviral immunity through stabilization of TRAF3.
Photo-activation of Single Molecule Magnet Behavior in a Manganese-based Complex
Authors: Fetoh Ahmed , Cosquer Goulven , Morimoto Masakazu , Irie Masahiro , El-Gammal Ola , El-Reash Gaber Abu , Breedlove Brian K. , Yamashita Masahiro
Published: March 2016

A major roadblock to fully realizing molecular electronic devices is the ability to control the properties of each molecule in the device. Herein we report the control of the magnetic properties of single-molecule magnets (SMMs), which can be used in memory devices, by using a photo-isomerizable diarthylenthene ligand. Photo-isomerization of the diarylethene ligand bridging two manganese salen complexes with visible light caused a significant change in the SMM behavior due to opening of the six-membered ring of diarylethene ligand, accompanied by reorganization of the entire molecule. The ring-opening activated the frequency-dependent magnetization of the complex. Our results are a major step towards the realization of molecular memory devices composed of SMMs because the SMM behaviour can be turned on and off simply by irradiating the molecule.
Deglycosylation of Tropheryma whipplei biofilm and discrepancies between diagnostic results during Whipple’s disease progression
Authors: Audoly Gilles , Fenollar Florence , Lagier Jean-Christophe , Lepidi Hubert , Raoult Didier
Published: March 2016

Whipple’s disease is a systemic infectious disease associated with the bacterium Tropheryma whipplei. Numerous reports have presented puzzling discrepancies between diagnosis methods. We addressed this confusion using fluorescent in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence assays to evaluate 34 duodenal biopsies and 1 lymph node biopsy from Whipple’s patients. We showed the presence of bacteria in both CK20+ epithelial cells and CD68+ macrophages. Bacteria are found embedded in a biofilm hindering the detection of T. whipplei. Only after treatment of biopsies by glycosidases, co-localization of T. whipplei RNA/DNA with bacterial proteins was restored. Moreover, using 13 bronchoalveolar lavages and 7 duodenal biopsies, we found that hydrolysis of the biofilm weakened the bacteria, facilitated bacterial DNA extraction and improved the sensitivity of qPCR detection by up to 1000x opening new perspectives for diagnostic and scientific approaches.
Controlled antibody release from gelatin for on-chip sample preparation
Authors: Zhang Xichen , Wasserberg Dorothee , Breukers Christian , Terstappen Leon W. M. M. , Beck Markus
Published: March 2016

Gelatin layers tailored for controlled release of antibody allow for optimized on-chip immunostaining of leukocytes in whole blood.
Direct calculation of the X-ray structure factor of ionic liquids
Authors: Liu Hongjun , Paddison Stephen J.
Published: March 2016

A conceptually simple and computationally efficient direct method to calculate the total X-ray structure factor of ionic liquids from molecular simulations is advocated to be complementary to the popular Fourier transform (FT) method.
A combination risk assessment of paracetamol: electrochemical oxidation behavior and cytotoxic effect evaluation of paracetamol in the presence of N1,N2-dibenzylethane-1,2-diamine
Authors: Dowlati Bahram , Othman Mohamed Rozali , Ahmad Azizan , Safaei Elham
Published: March 2016

Simulation of the reaction of paracetamol in the presence of a diamine in the liver using an electrochemical cell.
Fe3O4@SiO2/EDAC–Pd(0) as a novel and efficient inorganic/organic magnetic composite: sustainable catalyst for the benzylic C–H bond oxidation and reductive amination under mild conditions
Authors: Bhardwaj Madhvi , Sharma Harsha , Paul Satya , Clark James H.
Published: March 2016

Magnetically recyclable ethylene diamine functionalized inorganic/organic composite, Fe3O4@SiO2/EDAC–Pd(0) for selective C–H bond oxidation and reductive amination under sustainable reaction media.
Preparation of nanostructured pyrite with N2glow discharge plasma and the study of its catalytic performance in the heterogeneous Fenton process
Authors: Khataee Alireza , Gholami Peyman , Sheydaei Mohsen , Khorram Sirous , Joo Sang Woo
Published: March 2016

Pyrite ores were converted to pyrite nanostructures using N2plasma for use as effective reusable catalysts in the heterogeneous Fenton process.
Hybrid SnO2–Co3O4nanocubes prepared via a CoSn(OH)6intermediate through a sonochemical route for energy storage applications
Authors: Sundara Raj Balasubramaniam Gnana , Wu Jerry J. , Asiri Abdullah M. , Anandan Sambandam
Published: March 2016

A cubic-like nanostructured SnO2–Co3O4hybrid was sonochemically synthesizedviaCoSn(OH)6nanocubes as an intermediate for supercapacitor application.
Hyperbranched polyester and its sodium titanate nanocomposites as proton exchange membranes for fuel cells
Authors: Ghanem A. F. , El-Gendi A. , Rehim M. H. Abdel , El-Khatib K. M.
Published: March 2016

Sulfonated hyperbranched polyesters and their hybrids with sodium titanate nanowire were used to prepare novel proton exchange membranes for fuel cells.
Carbon-embedded mesoporous Nb-doped TiO2 nanofibers as catalyst support for the oxygen reduction reaction in PEM fuel cells
Authors: Alvar Esmaeil Navaei , Zhou Biao , Eichhorn S. Holger
Published: March 2016

Embedding carbon via polymer coating and reductive calcination to increase the conductivity and external surface area of mesoporous Nb-doped titanium dioxide nanofibers.
Stabilization of 11/9-helical α/β-peptide foldamers in protic solvents
Authors: Lee Mihye , Shim Jihyun , Kang Philjae , Choi Moon-Gun , Choi Soo Hyuk
Published: March 2016

A new cis-ACHC analogue, cis-2-amino-cis-4-methylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid, significantly stabilizes the 11/9-helix propensity in protic solvents.
Synthesis of double-wall nanoscrolls intercalated with polyfluorinated cationic surfactant into layered niobate and their magnetic alignment
Authors: Nabetani Yu , Uchikoshi Akino , Miyajima Souki , Hassan Syed Zahid , Ramakrishnan Vivek , Tachibana Hiroshi , Yamato Masafumi , Inoue Haruo
Published: March 2016

Layered nanostructure of a C3F-S/niobate nanoscroll: (a) side- and (b) cross sectional view of a nanoscroll by TEM and (c) schematic illustration of the nanostructure of nanoscroll.
Two dodecanuclear heterometallic [Zn6Ln6] clusters constructed by a multidentate salicylamide salen-like ligand: synthesis, structure, luminescence and magnetic properties
Authors: Song Xue-Qin , Liu Pan-Pan , Liu Yuan-Ang , Zhou Jing-Jing , Wang Xiao-Long
Published: March 2016

We present herein two dodecanuclear heterometallic [Zn6Ln6] clusters with interesting structures, luminescence and magnetic properties.
Microwave synthesis of molybdenum doped LiFePO4/C and its electrochemical studies
Authors: Naik Amol , P. Sajan C.
Published: March 2016

A Mo-doped LiFePO4composite was prepared successfully from an iron carbonyl complex by adopting a facile and rapid microwave assisted solid state method.
Rationalization of chirality induction and inversion in a zinc trisporphyrinate by a chiral monoalcohol
Authors: Li Li , Hu Chuanjiang , Shi Bo , Wang Yong
Published: March 2016

The host–guest system formed between a zinc trisporphyrinate and a chiral monoalcohol (1-phenylethylalcohol) shows the chirality induction and inversion processes. These processes are controlled by the corresponding 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 complexes.
Chemical state determination of molecular gallium compounds using XPS
Authors: Bourque Jeremy L. , Biesinger Mark C. , Baines Kim M.
Published: March 2016

The chemical state of novel gallium complexes are readily determined using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy providing unprecedented insight into reactivity.
Nitrogen-doped graphenes as efficient electrocatalysts for the selective reduction of carbon dioxide to formate in aqueous solution
Authors: Wang Hongxia , Chen Yabin , Hou Xiaoli , Ma Chunying , Tan Tianwei
Published: March 2016

We report the first example of metal-free nitrogen-doped graphene-based materials for the electrochemical reduction of CO2to formate. The synthesized catalysts are highly active and stable in the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2to formate in an aqueous electrolyte.
Central composite design optimization of Ce(iii) ion removal from aqueous solution using modified SBA-15 mesoporous silica
Authors: Zare-Dorabei Rouholah , Jalalat Vahideh , Tadjarodi Azadeh
Published: March 2016

HESI-SBA-15 was used as an effective adsorbent for cerium ion removal in real samples.
Systematic studies on structure–properties relationship of main chain discotic liquid crystalline polyethers: effects of the spacer lengths and substitution positions
Authors: Zhang Shuaifeng , Zhang Chunxiu , Wang Jianchuang , Hong Feng , Hao Xingtian , Zhang Ao , Wang Yifei , Wu Hao , Zhang Wanying , Pu Jialing
Published: March 2016

The perfect spacer length and substitution positions were foundviasystematical study on triphenylene-based discotic liquid crystalline polyethers.
Well-defined polyethylene-based graft terpolymers by combining nitroxide-mediated radical polymerization, polyhomologation and azide/alkyne “click” chemistry
Authors: Alkayal Nazeeha , Durmaz Hakan , Tunca Umit , Hadjichristidis Nikos
Published: March 2016

Novel well-defined polyethylene-based graft terpolymers were synthesized via the “grafting onto” strategy by combining NMP, polyhomologation and CuAAC “click” chemistry.
A facile and green route to terpene derived acrylate and methacrylate monomers and simple free radical polymerisation to yield new renewable polymers and coatings
Authors: Sainz M. F. , Souto J. A. , Regentova D. , Johansson M. K. G. , Timhagen S. T. , Irvine D. J. , Buijsen P. , Koning C. E. , Stockman R. A. , Howdle S. M.
Published: March 2016

We present new acrylic monomers, polymers and coatings derived directly from abundant naturally available terpenes via facile, green and catalytic approaches.
Multi-stimuli responsive supramolecular polymers and their electrospun nanofibers
Authors: Chen Jianzhuang , Zhang Shuangshuang , Sun Fugen , Li Nan , Cui Kun , He Jianping , Niu Dechao , Li Yongsheng
Published: March 2016

A novel type of multi-stimuli responsive supramolecular polymer was successfully constructed and its electrospun nanofibers exhibited cation-, pH-, anion-, and thermo-responsiveness.
Correction: Alkoxide-intercalated NiFe-layered double hydroxides magnetic nanosheets as efficient water oxidation electrocatalysts
Authors: Carrasco Jose A. , Romero Jorge , Varela María , Hauke Frank , Abellán Gonzalo , Hirsch Andreas , Coronado Eugenio
Published: March 2016

Correction for ‘Alkoxide-intercalated NiFe-layered double hydroxides magnetic nanosheets as efficient water oxidation electrocatalysts’ by Jose A. Carrasco, et al., Inorg. Chem. Front., 2016, DOI: 10.1039/c6qi00009f.