bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dipolar extracellular potentials generated by axonal projections
Authors: McColgan Thomas , Liu Ji , Kuokkanen Paula Tuulia , Carr Catherine Emily , Wagner Hermann , Kempter Richard
Published: September 2017

Extracellular field potentials (EFPs) are an important source of information in neuroscience, but their physiological basis is in many cases still a matter of debate. Axonal sources are typically discounted in modeling and data analysis because their contributions are assumed to be negligible. Here, we established experimentally and theoretically that contributions of axons to EFPs can be significant. Modeling action potentials propagating along axons, we showed that EFPs were prominent in the presence of terminal zones where axons branch and terminate in close succession, as found in many brain regions. Our models predicted a dipolar far field and a polarity reversal at the center of the terminal zone. We confirmed these predictions using EFPs from the barn owl auditory brainstem where we recorded in nucleus laminaris using a multielectrode array. These results demonstrate that axonal terminal zones can produce EFPs with considerable amplitude and spatial reach.
Microsaccadic sampling of moving image information provides Drosophila hyperacute vision
Authors: Juusola Mikko , Dau An , Song Zhuoyi , Solanki Narendra , Rien Diana , Jaciuch David , Dongre Sidhartha Anil , Blanchard Florence , de Polavieja Gonzalo G , Hardie Roger C , Takalo Jouni
Published: September 2017

Small fly eyes should not see fine image details. Because flies exhibit saccadic visual behaviors and their compound eyes have relatively few ommatidia (sampling points), their photoreceptors would be expected to generate blurry and coarse retinal images of the world. Here we demonstrate that Drosophila see the world far better than predicted from the classic theories. By using electrophysiological, optical and behavioral assays, we found that R1-R6 photoreceptors’ encoding capacity in time is maximized to fast high-contrast bursts, which resemble their light input during saccadic behaviors. Whilst over space, R1-R6s resolve moving objects at saccadic speeds beyond the predicted motion-blur-limit. Our results show how refractory phototransduction and rapid photomechanical photoreceptor contractions jointly sharpen retinal images of moving objects in space-time, enabling hyperacute vision, and explain how such microsaccadic information sampling exceeds the compound eyes’ optical limits. These discoveries elucidate how acuity depends upon photoreceptor function and eye movements.
Striatal fast-spiking interneurons selectively modulate circuit output and are required for habitual behavior
Authors: O'Hare Justin K , Li Haofang , Kim Namsoo , Gaidis Erin , Ade Kristen , Beck Jeff , Yin Henry , Calakos Nicole
Published: September 2017

Habit formation is a behavioral adaptation that automates routine actions. Habitual behavior correlates with broad reconfigurations of dorsolateral striatal (DLS) circuit properties that increase gain and shift pathway timing. The mechanism(s) for these circuit adaptations are unknown and could be responsible for habitual behavior. Here we find that a single class of interneuron, fast-spiking interneurons (FSIs), modulates all of these habit-predictive properties. Consistent with a role in habits, FSIs are more excitable in habitual mice compared to goal-directed and acute chemogenetic inhibition of FSIs in DLS prevents the expression of habitual lever pressing. In vivo recordings further reveal a previously unappreciated selective modulation of SPNs based on their firing patterns; FSIs inhibit most SPNs but paradoxically promote the activity of a subset displaying high fractions of gamma-frequency spiking. These results establish a microcircuit mechanism for habits and provide a new example of how interneurons mediate experience-dependent behavior.
Attenuation of dopamine-modulated prefrontal value signals underlies probabilistic reward learning deficits in old age
Authors: de Boer Lieke , Axelsson Jan , Riklund Katrine , Nyberg Lars , Dayan Peter , Bäckman Lars , Guitart-Masip Marc
Published: September 2017

Probabilistic reward learning is characterised by individual differences that become acute in aging. This may be due to age-related dopamine (DA) decline affecting neural processing in striatum, prefrontal cortex, or both. We examined this by administering a probabilistic reward learning task to younger and older adults, and combining computational modelling of behaviour, fMRI and PET measurements of DA D1 availability. We found that anticipatory value signals in ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) were attenuated in older adults. The strength of this signal predicted performance beyond age and was modulated by D1 availability in nucleus accumbens. These results uncover that a value-anticipation mechanism in vmPFC declines in aging, and that this mechanism is associated with DA D1 receptor availability.
Species-specific modulation of food-search behavior by respiration and chemosensation in Drosophila larvae
Authors: Kim Daeyeon , Alvarez Mar , Lechuga Laura M , Louis Matthieu
Published: September 2017

Animals explore their environment to encounter suitable food resources. Despite its vital importance, this behavior puts individuals at risk by consuming limited internal energy during locomotion. We have developed a novel assay to investigate how food-search behavior is organized in Drosophila melanogaster larvae dwelling in hydrogels mimicking their natural habitat. We define three main behavioral modes: resting at the gel’s surface, digging while feeding near the surface, and apneic dives. In unstimulated conditions, larvae spend most of their time digging. By contrast, deep and long exploratory dives are promoted by olfactory stimulations. Hypoxia and chemical repellents impair diving. We report remarkable differences in the dig-and-dive behavior of D. melanogaster and the fruit-pest D. suzukii. The present paradigm offers an opportunity to study how sensory and physiological cues are integrated to balance the limitations of dwelling in imperfect environmental conditions and the risks associated with searching for potentially more favorable conditions.
The readability of scientific texts is decreasing over time
Authors: Plavén-Sigray Pontus , Matheson Granville James , Schiffler Björn Christian , Thompson William Hedley
Published: September 2017

Clarity and accuracy of reporting are fundamental to the scientific process. Readability formulas can estimate how difficult a text is to read. Here, in a corpus consisting of 709,577 abstracts published between 1881 and 2015 from 123 scientific journals, we show that the readability of science is steadily decreasing. Our analyses show that this trend is indicative of a growing use of general scientific jargon. These results are concerning for scientists and for the wider public, as they impact both the reproducibility and accessibility of research findings.
Reconciling isothermal titration calorimetry analyses of interactions between complexin and truncated SNARE complexes
Authors: Prinslow Eric A , Brautigam Chad A , Rizo Josep
Published: September 2017

Neurotransmitter release depends on the SNARE complex formed by syntaxin-1, synaptobrevin and SNAP-25, as well as on complexins, which bind to the SNARE complex and play active and inhibitory roles. A crystal structure of a Complexin-I fragment bearing a so-called 'superclamp' mutation bound to a truncated SNARE complex lacking the C-terminus of the synaptobrevin SNARE motif (SNAREΔ60) suggested that an 'accessory' α-helix of Complexin-I inhibits release by inserting into the C-terminus of the SNARE complex. Previously, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments performed in different laboratories yielded apparently discrepant results in support or against the existence of such binding mode in solution (Trimbuch et al., 2014; Krishnakumar et al., 2015). Here, ITC experiments performed to solve these discrepancies now show that the region containing the Complexin-I accessory helix and preceding N-terminal sequences does interact with SNAREΔ60, but the interaction requires the polybasic juxtamembrane region of syntaxin-1 and is not affected by the superclamp mutation within the experimental error of these experiments.
Aversive stimuli drive hypothalamus-to-habenula excitation to promote escape behavior
Authors: Lecca Salvatore , Meye Frank Julius , Trusel Massimo , Tchenio Anna , Harris Julia , Schwarz Martin Karl , Burdakov Denis , Georges Francois , Mameli Manuel
Published: September 2017

A sudden aversive event produces escape behaviors, an innate response essential for survival in virtually all-animal species. Nuclei including the lateral habenula (LHb), the lateral hypothalamus (LH), and the midbrain are not only reciprocally connected, but also respond to negative events contributing to goal-directed behaviors. However, whether aversion encoding requires these neural circuits to ultimately prompt escape behaviors remains unclear. We observe that aversive stimuli, including foot-shocks, excite LHb neurons and promote escape behaviors in mice. The foot-shock-driven excitation within the LHb requires glutamatergic signaling from the LH, but not from the midbrain. This hypothalamic excitatory projection predominates over LHb neurons monosynaptically innervating aversion-encoding midbrain GABA cells. Finally, the selective chemogenetic silencing of the LH-to-LHb pathway impairs aversion-driven escape behaviors. These findings unveil a habenular neurocircuitry devoted to encode external threats and the consequent escape; a process that, if disrupted, may compromise the animal’s survival.
The semi-aquatic pondweed bugs of a Cretaceous swamp
Authors: Sánchez-García Alba , Nel André , Arillo Antonio , Solórzano Kraemer Mónica M.
Published: September 2017

Pondweed bugs (Hemiptera: Mesoveliidae), considered a sister group to all other Gerromorpha, are exceedingly rare as fossils. Therefore, each new discovery of a fossil mesoveliid is of high interest, giving new insight into their early evolutionary history and diversity and enabling the testing of their proposed relationships. Here, we report the discovery of new mesoveliid material from Spanish Lower Cretaceous (Albian) amber, which is the first such find in Spanish amber. To date, fossil records of this family only include one species from French Kimmeridgian as compression fossils, two species in French amber (Albian-Cenomanian boundary), and one in Dominican amber (Miocene). The discovery of two males and one female described and figured asGlaesivelia pulcherrimaSánchez-García & Solórzano Kraemer gen. et sp. n., and a single female described and figured asIberovelia quisquiliaSánchez-García & Nel, gen. et sp. n., reveals novel combinations of traits related to some genera currently in the subfamily Mesoveliinae. Brief comments about challenges facing the study of fossil mesoveliids are provided, showing the necessity for a revision of the existing phylogenetic hypotheses. Some of the specimens were studied using infrared microscopy, a promising alternative to the systematic study of organisms preserved in amber that cannot be clearly visualised. The new taxa significantly expand the fossil record of the family and shed new light on its palaeoecology. The fossils indicate that Mesoveliidae were certainly diverse by the Cretaceous and that numerous tiny cryptic species living in humid terrestrial to marginal aquatic habitats remain to be discovered. Furthermore, the finding of several specimens as syninclusions suggests aggregative behaviour, thereby representing the earliest documented evidence of such ethology.
How to Shape Climate Risk Policies After the Paris Agreement? The Importance of Perceptions as a Driver for Climate Risk Management
Authors: Máñez Costa María , Shreve Cheney , Carmona María
Published: September 2017

Risk perception research has played an influential role in supporting risk management and risk communication policy. Risk perception studies are popular across a range of disciplines in the social and natural sciences for a wide range of hazard types. Their results have helped to articulate the complex individual, relational, structural, and environmental factors influencing people's behavior. Connections between individual and collective behaviors and norms impacting global climate change, and consequently, local disaster risk, however, are infrequently included in disaster risk management. This paper presents results from two diverse and complementary European risk perception studies examining both natural and anthropogenic hazards. Research gaps and recommendations for developing more comprehensive risk management strategies are presented.
Lightning NOx Emissions: Reconciling Measured and Modeled Estimates With Updated NOx Chemistry
Authors: Nault B. A. , Laughner J. L. , Wooldridge P. J. , Crounse J. D. , Dibb J. , Diskin G. , Peischl J. , Podolske J. R. , Pollack I. B. , Ryerson T. B. , Scheuer E. , Wennberg P. O. , Cohen R. C.
Published: September 2017

Lightning is one of the most important sources of upper tropospheric NOx; however, there is a large spread in estimates of the global emission rates (2–8 Tg N yr−1). We combine upper tropospheric in situ observations from the Deep Convective Clouds and Chemistry (DC3) experiment and global satellite‐retrieved NO2 tropospheric column densities to constrain mean lightning NOx (LNOx) emissions per flash. Insights from DC3 indicate that the NOx lifetime is ~3 h in the region of outflow of thunderstorms, mainly due to production of methyl peroxy nitrate and alkyl and multifunctional nitrates. The lifetime then increases farther downwind from the region of outflow. Reinterpreting previous analyses using the 3 h lifetime reduces the spread among various methods that have been used to calculate mean LNOx emissions per flash and indicates a global LNOx emission rate of ~9 Tg N yr−1, a flux larger than the high end of recent estimates.
How Sharp Is the Cratonic Lithosphere‐Asthenosphere Transition?
Authors: Mancinelli Nicholas J. , Fischer Karen M. , Dalton Colleen A.
Published: September 2017

Earth's cratonic mantle lithosphere is distinguished by high seismic wave velocities that extend to depths greater than 200 km, but recent studies disagree on the magnitude and depth extent of the velocity gradient at their lower boundary. Here we analyze and model the frequency dependence of Sp waves to constrain the lithosphere‐asthenosphere velocity gradient at long‐lived stations on cratons in North America, Africa, Australia, and Eurasia. Beneath 33 of 44 stations, negative velocity gradients at depths greater than 150 km are less than a 2–3% velocity drop distributed over more than 80 km. In these regions the base of the typical cratonic lithosphere is gradual enough to be explained by a thermal transition. Vertically sharper lithosphere‐asthenosphere transitions are permitted beneath 11 stations, but these zones are spatially intermittent. These results demonstrate that lithosphere‐asthenosphere viscosity contrasts and coupling fundamentally differ between cratons and younger continents.
Responses of Quasi 2 Day Waves in the MLT Region to the 2013 SSW Revealed by a Meteor Radar Chain
Authors: Ma Zheng , Gong Yun , Zhang Shaodong , Zhou Qihou , Huang Chunming , Huang Kaiming , Yu You , Li Guozhu , Ning Baiqi , Li Chun
Published: September 2017

We present an analysis of the responses of quasi 2 day waves (QTDWs) to the 2013 sudden stratosphere warming (SSW) in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) region. The study is based on data collected by a meteor radar chain along the 120°E meridian in the Northern Hemisphere which consists of four stations at Mohe (52.5°N, 122.3°E), Beijing (40.3°N, 116.2°E), Wuhan (30.5°N, 114.6°E), and Sanya (18.3°N, 109.6°E). It is the first time that an enhancement of the QTDW in the neutral wind during the 2013 SSW is observed in the midlatitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. During the SSW, the amplification of the QTDW in the low latitudes is the most prominent and the direction of the mean zonal wind shows clear reversion from eastward to westward. The consistent variations of the QTDWs and the mean neutral wind at the four stations are very likely associated with the SSW.
Generic Algorithms for Estimating Foliar Pigment Content
Authors: Gitelson Anatoly , Solovchenko Alexei
Published: September 2017

Foliar pigment contents and composition are main factors governing absorbed photosynthetically active radiation, photosynthetic activity, and physiological status of vegetation. In this study the performance of nondestructive techniques based on leaf reflectance were tested for estimating chlorophyll (Chl) and anthocyanin (AnC) contents in species with widely variable leaf structure, pigment content, and composition. Only three spectral bands (green, red edge, and near‐infrared) are required for nondestructive Chl and AnC estimation with normalized root‐mean‐square error (NRMSE) below 4.5% and 6.1%, respectively. The algorithms developed are generic, not requiring reparameterization for each species allowing for accurate nondestructive Chl and AnC estimation using simple handheld field/lab instrumentation. They also have potential in interpretation of airborne and satellite data.
Work Optimization Predicts Accretionary Faulting: An Integration of Physical and Numerical Experiments
Authors: McBeck Jessica A. , Cooke Michele L. , Herbert Justin W. , Maillot Bertrand , Souloumiac Pauline
Published: September 2017

We employ work optimization to predict the geometry of frontal thrusts at two stages of an evolving physical accretion experiment. Faults that produce the largest gains in efficiency, or change in external work per new fault area, ΔWext/ΔA, are considered most likely to develop. The predicted thrust geometry matches within 1 mm of the observed position and within a few degrees of the observed fault dip, for both the first forethrust and backthrust when the observed forethrust is active. The positions of the second backthrust and forethrust that produce >90% of the maximum ΔWext/ΔA also overlap the observed thrusts. The work optimal fault dips are within a few degrees of the fault dips that maximize the average Coulomb stress. Slip gradients along the detachment produce local elevated shear stresses and high strain energy density regions that promote thrust initiation near the detachment. The mechanical efficiency (Wext) of the system decreases at each of the two simulated stages of faulting and resembles the evolution of experimental force. The higher ΔWext/ΔA due to the development of the first pair relative to the second pair indicates that the development of new thrusts may lead to diminishing efficiency gains as the wedge evolves. The numerical estimates of work consumed by fault propagation overlap the range calculated from experimental force data and crustal faults. The integration of numerical and physical experiments provides a powerful approach that demonstrates the utility of work optimization to predict the development of faults.
Stress Orientations in a Locked Subduction Zone at the Southern Hikurangi Margin, New Zealand
Authors: Evanzia Dominic , Wilson Thomas , Savage Martha K. , Lamb Simon , Hirschberg Hamish
Published: September 2017

We analyze the orientation of the stress field in the southern Hikurangi subduction zone, New Zealand, using focal mechanism inversions, S wave splitting fast directions, and gravitational stresses. Here the oceanic Pacific plate is being obliquely subducted beneath the continental Australian plate in the New Zealand plate boundary zone. The study makes use of 399 earthquakes for focal mechanism inversion and 425 earthquakes for shear wave splitting analysis, located with a network of seismic stations spanning southern North Island. We distinguish between stresses in the Pacific plate (from focal mechanism inversion) and Australian plate (from S wave fast directions) and gravitational stresses, in three regions: Western, Central Basin, and Eastern. In the Western region, the principal axis of horizontal compression (SHmax) is oriented NE‐SW, parallel to the margin, in the upper Australian and lower Pacific plate. In the Central Basin, SHmax in the Australian plate is oriented NW‐SE, perpendicular to the margin; in the lower subducting Pacific plate SHmax is oriented NE‐SW. In the Eastern region, SHmax is oriented NE‐SW in the upper plate, while in the lower plate there is a change in orientation to NNW‐SSE. We interpret the stress orientations of the lower plate in the Western and Central Basin regions as a consequence of bending of the subducting plate. Sources of upper Australian plate stresses are likely to be bending stresses, gravitational stresses, and tectonic loading, with differing relative magnitudes across the study area.
Crustal‐Scale Seismic Structure From Trench to Forearc in the Cascadia Subduction Zone
Authors: Rathnayaka Sampath , Gao Haiying
Published: September 2017

The (de)hydration process and the amount of hydrated sediment carried by the downgoing oceanic plate play a key role in the subduction dynamics. A high‐resolution shear velocity model from the crust down to the uppermost mantle, extending from trench to forearc, is constructed in the northern Cascadia subduction zone to investigate seismic characteristics related to slab deformation and (de)hydration at the plate boundary. A total of 220 seismic stations are used, including the Cascadia Initiative Amphibious Array and inland broadband and short‐period stations. The empirical Green's functions extracted from continuous ambient noise data from 2006 to 2014 provide high‐quality Rayleigh wave signals at periods of 4–50 s. We simulate wave propagation using finite difference method to generate station Strain Green's Tensors and synthetic waveforms. The phase delays of Rayleigh waves between the observed and synthetic data are measured at multiple period ranges. We then invert for the velocity perturbations from the reference model and progressively improve the model resolution. Our tomographic imaging shows many regional‐ and local‐scale low‐velocity features, which are possibly related to slab (de)hydration from the oceanic plate to the overriding plate. Specifically, we observe (1) NW‐SE oriented linear low‐velocity features across the trench, indicating hydration of the oceanic plate induced by bending‐related faultings; (2) W‐E oriented fingerlike low‐velocity structures off the continental margins due to dehydration of the Juan de Fuca plate; and (3) seismic lows atop the plate interface beneath the Washington forearc, indicating fluid‐rich sediments subducted and overthrusted at the accretionary wedge.
H
alobacteriaceae
Authors: Oren Aharon , Ventosa Antonio , Kamekura Masahiro
Published: September 2017

Ha.lo.bac.te.ri.a.ce'ae. N.L. neut. n.
Halobacterium
type genus of the family; ‐
aceae
ending to denote a family; N.L. fem. pl. n.
Halobacteriaceae
the family whose nomenclatural type is the genus
Halobacterium
.

Euryarchaeota / Halobacteria / Halobacteriales / Halobacteriaceae

The family
Halobacteriaceae
consists of 11 genera:
Halobacterium
(the type genus),
Haladaptatus
,
Halalkalicoccus
,
Halarchaeum
,
Haloarchaeobius
,
Halomarina
,
Halorubellus
,
Halorussus
,
Halovenus
,
Natronoarchaeum
, and
Salarchaeum
. All members of the family are neutrophilic or alkaliphilic extremely halophilic Archaea, mostly red‐pink pigmented and generally leading an aerobic life style. Before 2015, the
Halobacteriaceae
was the only family in the class
Halobacteria
. In 2015, the family was split into three orders and six families based on phylogenomic analyses.
H
aloarculaceae
Authors: Oren Aharon , Ventosa Antonio
Published: September 2017

Ha.lo.ar.cu.la.ce'ae. N.L. fem. n.
Haloarcula
type genus of the family; ‐
aceae
ending to denote a family; N.L. fem. pl. n.
Haloarculaceae
the family of
Haloarcula
.

Euryarchaeota / Halobacteria / Halobacteriales / Haloarculaceae

The family
Haloarculaceae
consists of eight genera:
Haloarcula
(the type genus),
Halapricum
,
Halomicroarcula
,
Halomicrobium
,
Halorhabdus
,
Halorientalis
,
Halosimplex
, and
Natronomonas
. All members of the family are neutrophilic or alkaliphilic extremely halophilic Archaea, mostly red‐pink pigmented and generally leading an aerobic life style. The family was split off from the
Halobacteriaceae
in 2016 based on phylogenomic analysis.
H
alococcus
Authors: Oren Aharon
Published: September 2017

Ha.lo.coc'cus. Gr. n.
hals, halos
, the sea, salt; N.L. masc. n.
coccus
(from Gr. masc. n.
kokkos
a berry), coccus; N.L. masc. n.
Halococcus
salt (‐requiring) coccus.

Euryarchaeota / Halobacteria / Halobacteriales / Halococcaceae / Halococcus

The genus
Halococcus
, classified with the family
Halococcaceae
, order
Halobacteriales
in the class
Halobacteria
, currently consists of nine species. Cells are nonmotile cocci, often occurring in pairs, tetrads, or irregular clusters, and stain Gram‐negative. In contrast to most other members of the class
Halobacteria
, they do not lyse in distilled water. Colonies on agar plates are small and colored red or pink due to the presence of bacterioruberin carotenoids. They are extremely halophilic, requiring at least 1.7–2.5 M NaCl for growth. Most strains grow best at 3–4.5 M NaCl at near‐neutral pH. All species are strictly aerobic. Some species reduce nitrate to nitrite. Many species require amino acids for growth, and some grow on sugars with or without production of acids. The major polar lipids are C
20
C
20
and C
20
C
25
glycerol diether derivatives of PG, Me‐PGP, and S‐DGD‐1. Representatives have been isolated from salt lakes, crude sea salt, seawater, rock salt, and fermented fish sauce.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 59.5–66.1.

Type species
:
Halococcus morrhuae
.
L
ysinimonas
Authors: Hamada Moriyuki
Published: September 2017

Ly.si.ni.mo'nas. N.L. n.
lysinum
lysine; L. fem. n.
monas
a unit, monad; N.L. fem. n.
Lysinimonas
lysine monad, referring to the presence of lysine in the cell wall.

Actinobacteria / Actinobacteria / Micrococcales / Microbacteriaceae / Lysinimonas

Cells are rod‐shaped. Gram‐stain‐positive, not acid‐fast. Endospores are not formed. Motile or nonmotile. Aerobic. Oxidase‐positive or ‐negative; catalase‐negative. Optimum growth occurs at 28°C and pH 7.0–8.0. Cell‐wall peptidoglycan contains
l
‐lysine or diaminobutyric acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. The predominant respiratory quinone is MK‐12(H
2
); MK‐11(H
2
) or MK‐13(H
2
) may be present as a major component. The cellular fatty acid profile is dominated by the occurrence of iso‐ and anteiso‐branched‐chain acids. The major polar lipids are diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and unknown glycolipids. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses, the genus is a member of the family
Microbacteriaceae
within the order
Micrococcales
.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 67.3–73.4.

Type species
:
Lysinimonas soli
Jang, Kim, Tamura, Hamada, Weon, Suzuki, Kwon and Kim 2013, 1407
VP
.
H
alovenus
Authors: Ventosa Antonio , Amoozegar Mohammad A.
Published: September 2017

Ha.lo.ve'nus. Gr. n.
hals, halos
salt; L. fem. n.
venus
beauty, grace, elegance; N.L. fem. n.
Halovenus
a salt loving beauty, reflecting the attractive appearance of colonies.

Euryarchaeota / Halobacteria / Halobacteriales / Halobacteriaceae / Halovenus

The genus
Halovenus
is classified within the family
Halobacteriaceae
, order
Halobacteriales
, in the class
Halobacteria
. The cells are pleomorphic, from rods to triangles, squares or disk‐shaped, and stain Gram‐negative. Colonies are red pigmented. Strictly aerobic. They are extreme halophiles, growing in media containing 2.5–5.1 M NaCl. Chemoorganotrophic, growing on a wide range of substrates, including single and complex carbon sources. Polar lipids include phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, unidentified glycolipids, and minor phospholipids. The respiratory lipoquinones present are MK‐8 and MK‐8 (II‐H
2
). Currently, the genus includes three species:
Halovenus aranensis
(type species of the genus),
Halovenus rubra
, and
Halovenus salina
. The strains of these species were isolated from Aran‐Bidgol salt lake, the brine of salted brown alga
Laminaria
, and a saltern in Huelva, Spain, respectively.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 56.3–63.1 (HPLC and
T
m
).

Type species
:
Halovenus aranensis
Makhdoumi‐Kakhki, Amoozegar and Ventosa 2012, 1334
VP
.
H
alovivax
Authors: Ventosa Antonio , de la Haba Rafael R.
Published: September 2017

Ha.lo.vi'vax. Gr. n.
hals, halos
salt; L. adj.
vivax
long‐lived, tenacious of life; N.L. masc. n.
Halovivax
long‐living halophile.

Euryarchaeota / Halobacteria / Natrialbales / Natrialbaceae / Halovivax

The genus
Halovivax
is classified within the family
Natrialbaceae
and the order
Natrialbales
in the class
Halobacteria
. The cells are pleomorphic and rods and stain Gram‐negative. Colonies are pale pink‐, red‐, or cream‐pigmented. They are strictly aerobic neutrophilic (optimal growth at pH 7.0–7.5) extreme halophiles, growing in media containing 2.5–5.1 M NaCl. Mg
2+
is not required for growth. Polar lipids include phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, and several unidentified glycolipids. Currently, the genus includes four species:
Halovivax asiaticus
(type species of the genus),
Halovivax ruber
,
Halovivax limisalsi
, and
Halovivax cerinus
. The strains of these species were isolated from saline lakes.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 60.3–65.0 (
T
m
or HPLC); 64.3–65.5 (genome).

Type species
:
Halovivax asiaticus
Castillo, Gutiérrez, Kamekura, Ma, Cowan, Jones, Grant and Ventosa 2006, 767
VP
.
S
accharofermentans
Authors: Chen Shuangya
Published: September 2017

Sac.cha.ro.fer.men'tans. Gr. n.
sakchâr
sugar; L. part. adj.
fermentans
fermenting; N. L. neut. n.
Saccharofermentans
sugar‐fermenting.

Firmicutes / Clostridia / Clostridiales / Ruminococcaceae / Saccharofermentans

Cells are Gram‐positive, nonmotile, and oval. Obligately anaerobic. No microaerophilic or aerobic growth occurs. The predominant cellular fatty acids are iso‐C15:0 and anteiso‐C15:0. Mesophilic (20–42°C) and grow at neutral pH. Chemoorganotrophic. Oxidase and catalase are not produced. Inorganic nitrogen compounds such as NH
4
Cl, (NH
4
)
2
SO
4
, (NH
4
)
2
HPO
4
, and KNO
3
do not serve as sole nitrogen sources. Several hexoses, polysaccharides, and alcohols are fermented. Cellulose is not degraded. Esculin is hydrolyzed while gelatin is not. The major fermentation products from glucose include acetate, succinate, and lactate. Sulfate is not reduced. Taxonomically accommodated in the class
Clostridia
, family
Clostridiaceae
(Bacteria, Firmicutes,
Clostridia,
and
Clostridiales
). Known habitat is sludge treating brewery wastewater.

DNA G
+
C content (mol %)
: 55.6 (
T
m
).

Type species
:
Saccharofermentans acetigenes
Chen, Liu and Zhang 2010, 2738
VP
.
Catalytic Effects in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries: Promoted Sulfur Transformation and Reduced Shuttle Effect
Authors: Liu Donghai , Zhang Chen , Zhou Guangmin , Lv Wei , Ling Guowei , Zhi Linjie , Yang Quan‐Hong
Published: September 2017

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery has emerged as one of the most promising next‐generation energy‐storage systems. However, the shuttle effect greatly reduces the battery cycle life and sulfur utilization, which is great deterrent to its practical use. This paper reviews the tremendous efforts that are made to find a remedy for this problem, mostly through physical or chemical confinement of the lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). Intrinsically, this “confinement” has a relatively limited effect on improving the battery performance because in most cases, the LiPSs are “passively” blocked and cannot be reused. Thus, this strategy becomes less effective with a high sulfur loading and ultralong cycling. A more “positive” method that not only traps but also increases the subsequent conversion of LiPSs back to lithium sulfides is urgently needed to fundamentally solve the shuttle effect. Here, recent advances on catalytic effects in increasing the rate of conversion of soluble long‐chain LiPSs to insoluble short‐chain Li2S2/Li2S, and vice versa, are reviewed, and the roles of noble metals, metal oxides, metal sulfides, metal nitrides, and some metal‐free materials in this process are highlighted. Challenges and potential solutions for the design of catalytic cathodes and interlayers in Li–S battery are discussed in detail.
Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Mg(OH)2 and CeCO3OH Composite with Improved Activity Towards Henry Reaction
Authors: Tomar Ravi , Singh Nidhi , Rathee Garima , Kumar Neeraj , Tomar Vartika , Chandra Ramesh
Published: September 2017

A new approach was developed for carbon–carbon bond formation via Henry reaction using a mixture of Mg(OH)2 and CeCO3OH (MgCe‐HDC). The MgCe‐HDC was synthesized using a co‐precipitation method and was characterized by SEM, XRD, FTIR, TGA‐DTA, and AFM. The effects of temperature, solvent, and the amount of catalyst were investigated to find the optimum reaction conditions. The highest yield of nitroaldol product, 92 %, was achieved over the reusable solid base catalyst in solvent‐free conditions at 20 °C.
Thermal oxidation stability of poly‐α‐olefin lubricating oil
Authors: Wu Nan , Zong Zhi‐Min , Fei Yi‐Wei , Ma Jun , Guo Feng
Published: September 2017

By simulating high‐temperature and high‐pressure operating conditions of an aviation engine using an autoclave, we studied the physicochemical properties and tribological behaviors of poly‐α‐olefin base oil samples during thermal oxidation at different temperatures. According to Fourier transform infrared spectrometric and gas chromatography/mass spectrometric analyses, at high temperatures the oil was oxidatively degraded to a large number of low‐molecular‐mass compounds, which influenced the viscosity, acidity, and antiwear property of the oil. © 2017 Curtin University and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Awareness about Minimum Support Price and Its Impact on Diversification Decision of Farmers in India
Authors: Aditya K.S. , Subash S.P. , Praveen K.V. , Nithyashree M.L. , Bhuvana N. , Sharma Akriti
Published: September 2017

In this article, we have analysed farmers' awareness about Minimum Support Price (MSP) and its impact on diversification of crops grown in India. We used nationally representative data collected by National Sample Survey Office, 70th round data. The data revealed that only 23.72 and 20.04 per cent of farmers in the rural agricultural households in India are aware of MSP of crops grown by them in kharif and rabi season, respectively. From the results of probit model, it is inferred that MSP needs to be backed up by effective procurement coupled with awareness creation by extension system to enable more number of farmers to take benefit of this safety net. We have also explored the relationship between farmers' awareness about MSP and decision to go for crop specialization using Heckman selection model. The study shows that farmers' knowledge of MSP had not lead to specialization.
Optimal Estimation of Rational Feedforward Control via Instrumental Variables: With Application to a Wafer Stage
Authors: Boeren Frank , Blanken Lennart , Bruijnen Dennis , Oomen Tom
Published: September 2017

Iterative control enables a significant control performance enhancement by learning feedforward command signals from previous tasks in a batch‐to‐batch fashion. The aim of this paper is to develop an approach to estimate the parameters of rational feedforward controllers that provide high performance and extrapolation capabilities towards varying tasks. An instrumental variable‐based algorithm is developed that leads to unbiased parameter estimates and optimal accuracy in terms of variance. Furthermore, a noncausal implementation of rational feedforward controllers is proposed, aiming to improve performance by means of pre‐actuation. Simulation and experimental results are presented to confirm that optimal accuracy is obtained with the proposed approach, and show the advantages of pre‐actuation in terms of performance.
Discrete‐Valued Model Predictive Control Using Sum‐of‐Absolute‐Values Optimization
Authors: Ikeda Takuya , Nagahara Masaaki
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we propose a new design method of discrete‐valued model predictive control for continuous‐time linear time‐invariant systems based on sum‐of‐absolute‐values (SOAV) optimization. The finite‐horizon discrete‐valued control design is formulated as an SOAV optimal control, which is an expansion of L1 optimal control. It is known that under the normality assumption, the SOAV optimal control exists and takes values in a fixed finite alphabet set if the initial state lies in a subset of the reachable set. In this paper, we analyze the existence and discreteness property for systems that do not necessarily satisfy the normality assumption. Then, we extend the finite‐horizon SOAV optimal control to infinite‐horizon model predictive control (MPC). We give sufficient conditions for the recursive feasibility and the stability of the MPC‐based feedback system in the presence of bounded noise. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
In Vivo‐Like Culture Conditions in a Bioreactor Facilitate Improved Tissue Quality in Corneal Storage
Authors: Schmid Richard , Tarau Ioana‐Sandra , Rossi Angela , Leonhardt Stefan , Schwarz Thomas , Schuerlein Sebastian , Lotz Christian , Hansmann Jan
Published: September 2017

The cornea is the most‐transplanted tissue worldwide. However, the availability and quality of grafts are limited due to the current methods of corneal storage. In this study, a dynamic bioreactor system is employed to enable the control of intraocular pressure and the culture at the air‐liquid interface. Thereby, in vivo‐like storage conditions are achieved. Different media combinations for endothelium and epithelium are tested in standard and dynamic conditions to enhance the viability of the tissue. In contrast to culture conditions used in eye banks, the combination of the bioreactor and biochrom medium 1 allows to preserve the corneal endothelium and the epithelium. Assessment of transparency, swelling, and the trans‐epithelial‐electrical‐resistance (TEER) strengthens the impact of the in vivo‐like tissue culture. For example, compared to corneas stored under static conditions, significantly lower optical densities and significantly higher TEER values were measured (p‐value <0.05). Furthermore, healing of epithelial defects is enabled in the bioreactor, characterized by re‐epithelialization and initiated stromal regeneration. Based on the obtained results, an easy‐to‐use 3D‐printed bioreactor composed of only two parts was derived to translate the technology from the laboratory to the eye banks. This optimized bioreactor facilitates noninvasive microscopic monitoring. The improved storage conditions ameliorate the quality of corneal grafts and the storage time in the eye banks to increase availability and reduce re‐grafting.
A High‐Energy Aqueous Sodium‐Ion Capacitor with Nickel Hexacyanoferrate and Graphene Electrodes
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Karthikeyan , Pazhamalai Parthiban , Sahoo Surjit , Lim Jong Hwan , Choi Kyung Hyun , Kim Sang Jae
Published: September 2017

Sodium‐ion capacitors have received much attention compared to lithium‐based systems, owing to the improved safety and earth abundancy. Here, we assembled an aqueous sodium‐ion capacitor by using nickel hexacyanoferrate and graphene as positive and negative electrodes, respectively, in 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte. The fabricated capacitor can work in a wide potential window from 0 to 2 V, giving an energy density of 39.35 Wh kg−1 with better capacitance retention of about 91 %, even after 2000 cycles. Besides, the cost‐effective precursors as well as environmentally friendly and earth‐abundant electrolytes with high safety will ensure that the fabricated sodium‐ion capacitor system is suitable for next‐generation energy storage applications.
Temporal Analysis of Products Experiments at Atmospheric Pressure: The Epoxidation of Ethylene on Silver
Authors: Scharfenberg Ludwig , Horn Raimund
Published: September 2017

A high‐speed pulse reactor setup for the study of chemical reactions which are catalyzed by a fixed bed is described. The benefits of this method compared to stationary‐state measurements are demonstrated using the example of ethylene epoxidation on elemental silver. It is shown that the intrinsic catalyst reactivity depends strongly on oxygen loading and has a pronounced maximum for a loading of about 50 %. In contrast, the selectivity is independent thereof. The relevance of the method for research in catalysis and its relation to the well‐established temporal analysis of products approach are illustrated and discussed.
CHEM2DO®‐Schulversuchskoffer – ein Kooperationsprojekt von Wirtschaft, Fachdidaktik und Lehrerfortbildungszentren
Authors: Kröger Simone , Hock Kristina , Tausch Michael , Anton Michael , Bader Angelika , Zdzieblo Joachim
Published: September 2017

Die Stoffklassen der Silicone und Cyclodextrine mit ihren vielseitigen Anwendungsbereichen stellen innovative Inhalte für den Chemieunterricht dar. Diese Themen werden vor allem dann Eingang in den Chemieunterricht finden, wenn die Lehrenden mit den Experimenten vertraut sind und ihnen die Vielfalt der Anwendungen und die Bezüge zu obligatorischen Inhalten der Lehrpläne bewusst gemacht werden. Eine Implementation in den Chemieunterricht wird auch durch sinnvolle Unterrichtsmaterialien, funktionierende und getestete Experimentieranleitungen sowie bereitgestellte Chemikalien erleichtert. Genau dies und noch vieles mehr bietet das Kooperationsprojekt CHEM2DO® der Chemiedidaktiken in Wuppertal, München und Münster mit dem weltweit agierenden Konzern Wacker Chemie AG.
Auf der Spur der roten Farbe: Ein historischer Lactose‐Nachweis wiederentdeckt
Authors: Ruppersberg Klaus , Hain Julia , Mischnick Petra
Published: September 2017

Chemiegeschichte(n), Medizin und Grundlagenforschung – diese drei Zugänge für ganz unterschiedliche Interessen‐ und Motivationslagen bei Schülerinnen und Schülern lassen sich über einen gemeinsamen Kontext zusammenführen, in dessen Mittelpunkt ein roter Farbstoff steht. Schwangerschaftsdiabetes und Lactoseunverträglichkeit erfordern geeignete Nachweise, deren Entdeckung, Nutzung und Aufklärung der zugrundeliegenden Mechanismen spannende Fragen für den Chemieunterricht im Themenfeld Kohlenhydrate bereithalten, verbunden mit einem Blick zurück in europäische Forschungsgeschichte(n) und mit einem Blick nach vorn auf heute noch offene Forschungsfragen.
Graphen – Das Elektrodenmaterial der Zukunft – Die elektrochemische Synthese von Graphenoxid und seine chemische Reduktion
Authors: Schedy A. , Quarthal D. , Oetken M.
Published: September 2017

Graphen, die zweidimensionale Modifikation des Kohlenstoffs, besitzt besondere Eigenschaften. Dazu zählen z.B. die extrem gute elektrische Leitfähigkeit, seine große aktive Oberfläche und extreme Robustheit. Dadurch eignet sich Graphen besonders gut als Elektrodenmaterial in elektrischen Speichersystemen und könnte eine entscheidende Rolle in der Zukunft der Elektromobilität spielen. In diesem Beitrag wird neben einem elektrochemischen Syntheseweg für Graphen auch das Phänomen des „Restackings“ vorgestellt, welches hauptverantwortlich dafür ist, dass Graphen‐basierte Speichersysteme bisher noch nicht kommerziell eingesetzt werden.
Impacts of different land management histories on forest change
Authors: Collins Brandon M. , Fry Danny L. , Lydersen Jamie M. , Everett Richard , Stephens Scott L.
Published: September 2017

Many western North American forest types have experienced considerable changes in ecosystem structure, composition, and function as a result of both fire exclusion and timber harvesting. These two influences co‐occurred over a large portion of dry forests, making it difficult to know the strength of either one on its own or the potential for an interaction between the two. In this study, we used contemporary remeasurements of a systematic historical forest inventory to investigate forest change in the Sierra Nevada. The historical data opportunistically spanned a significant land management agency boundary, which protected part of the inventory area from timber harvesting. This allowed for a robust comparison of forest change between logged and unlogged areas. In addition, we assessed the effects of recent management activities aimed at forest restoration relative to the same areas historically, and to other areas without recent management. Based on analyses of 22,007 trees (historical, 9,573; contemporary, 12,434), live basal area and tree density significantly increased from 1911 to the early 2000s in both logged and unlogged areas. Both shrub cover and the proportion of live basal area occupied by pine species declined from 1911 to the early 2000s in both areas, but statistical significance was inconsistent. The most notable difference between logged and unlogged areas was in the density of large trees, which declined significantly in logged areas, but was unchanged in unlogged areas. Recent management activities had a varied impact on the forest structure and composition variables analyzed. In general, areas with no recent management activities experienced the greatest change from 1911 to the early 2000s. If approximating historical forest conditions is a land management goal the documented changes in forest structure and composition from 1911 to the early 2000s indicate that active restoration, including fire use and mechanical thinning, is needed in many areas.
Long‐term trajectories of patients with neck pain and low back pain presenting to chiropractic care: A latent class growth analysis
Authors: Ailliet L. , Rubinstein S.M. , Hoekstra T. , van Tulder M.W. , de Vet H.C.W.
Published: September 2017

Background

Information on the course of neck pain (NP) and low back pain (LBP) typically relies on data collected at few time intervals during a period of up to 1 year.

Methods

In this prospective, multicentre practice‐based cohort study, patients consulting a chiropractor responded weekly for 52 weeks to text messages on their cell phones. Data from 448 patients (153 NP, 295 LBP) who had returned at least one set of answers in the first 26 weeks were used. Outcome measures were pain intensity (VAS) and functional outcome, assessed using four different questions: pain intensity, limitation in activities of daily living (ADL), number of days with pain in the previous week and number of days limited in ADL. Distinct patterns of pain were analysed with quadratic latent class growth analysis.

Results

The final model was a 4‐class model for NP and LBP. The ‘recovering from mild baseline pain’ is most common (76.3% of NP patients/58.3% of LBP patients) followed by the ‘recovering from severe baseline pain’ class (16.3% NP/29.8% LBP). They follow similar trajectories when considered over a period of 6 months. Pain at baseline, duration of complaints, functional status, limitations in ADL and the score on psychosocial scales were the variables that most contributed to distinguish between groups.

Conclusions

Most patients with NP or LBP presenting in chiropractic care show a trajectory of symptoms characterized by persistent or fluctuating pain of low or medium intensity. Only a minority either experience a rapid complete recovery or develop chronic severe pain.

Significance

Ninety percentage of patients with neck pain or low back pain presenting to chiropractors have a 30% improvement within 6 weeks and then show a trajectory of symptoms characterized by persistent or fluctuating pain of low or medium intensity. Only a minority either experience a rapid complete recovery or develop chronic severe pain.