bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Characterization of Ni Spines Grown on the Surface of Cubic Boron Nitride Grains by Electroplating Method
Authors: Gui Yanghai , Zhao Jianbo , Chen Jingbo , Jiang Yuanli
Published: March 2016

Cubic boron nitride (cBN) is widely applied in cutting and grinding tools. cBN grains plated by pure Ni and Ni/SiC composite were produced under the same conditions from an additive-free nickel Watts type bath. The processed electroplating products were characterized by the techniques of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermoanalysis (TG-DTA). Due to the presence of SiC particles, there are some additional nodules on the surface of Ni/SiC plated cBN compared with the pure Ni plated cBN. The unique morphology of Ni/SiC plated cBN should attain greater retention force in resin bond. Moreover, the coating weight of cBN grains could be controlled by regulating the plating time. cBN grains with 60% coating weight possess the optimum grinding performance due to their roughest and spiniest surface. In addition, Ni spines plated cBN grains show good thermal stability when temperature is lower than 464 °C. Therefore, the plated cBN grains are more stable and suitable for making resin bond abrasive tools below 225 °C. Finally, the formation mechanism of electroplating products is also discussed.
Polyelectrolyte Threading through a Nanopore
Authors: Hsiao Pai-Yi
Published: March 2016

Threading charged polymers through a nanopore, driven by electric fields E, is investigated by means of Langevin dynamics simulations. The mean translocation time 〈 τ 〉 is shown to follow a scaling law Nα, and the exponent α increases monotonically from 1.16 (4) to 1.40 (3) with E. The result is double-checked by the calculation of mean square displacement of translocation coordinate, which asserts a scaling behavior tβ (for t near τ) with β complying with the relation αβ = 2. At a fixed chain length N, 〈τ〉 displayed a reciprocal scaling behavior E−1 in the weak and also in the strong fields, connected by a transition E−1.64(5) in the intermediate fields. The variations of the radius of gyration of chain and the positions of chain end are monitored during a translocation process; far-from-equilibrium behaviors are observed when the driving field is strong. A strong field can strip off the condensed ions on the chain when it passes the pore. The total charges of condensed ions are hence decreased. The studies for the probability and density distributions reveal that the monomers in the trans-region are gathered near the wall and form a pancake-like density profile with a hump cloud over it in the strong fields, due to fast translocation.
Effect of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash as Filler in Hot Mix Asphalt
Authors: Zainudin M. Zulfikri M. , Khairuddin Faridah Hanim , Ng Choy Peng , Che Osmi Siti Khadijah , Misnon Noor Aina , Syaripuddin Murniati
Published: March 2016

Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) is a combination of asphalt and aggregates that will give durable road surface for pavement and is widely used in Malaysia. However, due to damages caused by excessive traffic loadings, the HMA pavement normally required frequently maintenance and rehabilitation works. Therefore in recent years, research on modification of HMA has tremendously increased in highway construction field using natural sources and recycling products such as rubber, plastic, anti-stripping agents, waste materials and etc. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) used as filler in HMA. Experimental laboratory were done to compare the properties of normal HMA sample with modified HMA sample using SCBA. Result obtained for both sample were compared to Malaysian Public Works Department (MPWD) specification. The laboratory result reveals that SCBA are effective in increasing the Marshall stability, flow and Resilient Modulus of normal HMA. The SCBA increases Marshall stability by 0.6%, flow 4.9% and Resilient Modulus 17.4% respectively of ordinary HMA and all test and analysis parameters for asphaltic concrete of SCBA sample comply with MPWD requirements. Therefore, SCBA has potential in modifying normal HMA.
On the characteristics of aerosol indirect effect based on dynamic regimes in global climate models
Authors: Zhang Shipeng , Wang Minghuai , Ghan Steven J. , Ding Aijun , Wang Hailong , Zhang Kai , Neubauer David , Lohmann Ulrike , Ferrachat Sylvaine , Takeamura Toshihiko , Gettelman Andrew , Morrison Hugh , Lee Yunha , Shindell Drew T. , Partridge Daniel G. , Stier Philip , Kipling Zak , Fu Congbin
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Aerosol–cloud interactions continue to constitute a major source of uncertainty for the estimate of climate radiative forcing. The variation of aerosol indirect effects (AIE) in climate models is investigated across different dynamical regimes, determined by monthly mean 500 hPa vertical pressure velocity (ω500), lower-tropospheric stability (LTS) and large-scale surface precipitation rate derived from several global climate models (GCMs), with a focus on liquid water path (LWP) response to cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations. The LWP sensitivity to aerosol perturbation within dynamic regimes is found to exhibit a large spread among these GCMs. It is in regimes of strong large-scale ascent (ω500  <  −25 hPa day−1) and low clouds (stratocumulus and trade wind cumulus) where the models differ most. Shortwave aerosol indirect forcing is also found to differ significantly among different regimes. Shortwave aerosol indirect forcing in ascending regimes is close to that in subsidence regimes, which indicates that regimes with strong large-scale ascent are as important as stratocumulus regimes in studying AIE. It is further shown that shortwave aerosol indirect forcing over regions with high monthly large-scale surface precipitation rate (> 0.1 mm day−1) contributes the most to the total aerosol indirect forcing (from 64 to nearly 100 %). Results show that the uncertainty in AIE is even larger within specific dynamical regimes compared to the uncertainty in its global mean values, pointing to the need to reduce the uncertainty in AIE in different dynamical regimes.
Shortwave direct radiative effects of above-cloud aerosols over global oceans derived from 8 years of CALIOP and MODIS observations
Authors: Zhang Zhibo , Meyer Kerry , Yu Hongbin , Platnick Steven , Colarco Peter , Liu Zhaoyan , Oreopoulos Lazaros
Published: March 2016

Abstract. In this paper, we studied the frequency of occurrence and shortwave direct radiative effects (DREs) of above-cloud aerosols (ACAs) over global oceans using 8 years (2007–2014) of collocated CALIOP and MODIS observations. Similar to previous work, we found high ACA occurrence in four regions: southeastern (SE) Atlantic region, where ACAs are mostly light-absorbing aerosols, i.e., smoke and polluted dust according to CALIOP classification, originating from biomass burning over the African Savanna; tropical northeastern (TNE) Atlantic and the Arabian Sea, where ACAs are predominantly windblown dust from the Sahara and Arabian deserts, respectively; and the northwestern (NW) Pacific, where ACAs are mostly transported smoke and polluted dusts from Asian. From radiative transfer simulations based on CALIOP–MODIS observations and a set of the preselected aerosol optical models, we found the DREs of ACAs at the top of atmosphere (TOA) to be positive (i.e., warming) in the SE Atlantic and NW Pacific regions, but negative (i.e., cooling) in the TNE Atlantic Ocean and the Arabian Sea. The cancellation of positive and negative regional DREs results in a global ocean annual mean diurnally averaged cloudy-sky DRE of 0.015 W m−2 (range of −0.03 to 0.06 W m−2) at TOA. The DREs at surface and within the atmosphere are −0.15 W m−2 (range of −0.09 to −0.21 W m−2), and 0.17 W m−2 (range of 0.11 to 0.24 W m−2), respectively. The regional and seasonal mean DREs are much stronger. For example, in the SE Atlantic region, the JJA (July–August) seasonal mean cloudy-sky DRE is about 0.7 W m−2 (range of 0.2 to 1.2 W m−2) at TOA. All our DRE computations are publicly available1. The uncertainty in our DRE computations is mainly caused by the uncertainties in the aerosol optical properties, in particular aerosol absorption, the uncertainties in the CALIOP operational aerosol optical thickness retrieval, and the ignorance of cloud and potential aerosol diurnal cycle. In situ and remotely sensed measurements of ACA from future field campaigns and satellite missions and improved lidar retrieval algorithm, in particular vertical feature masking, would help reduce the uncertainty. 1 https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B6gKx4dgNY0GMVYzcEd0bkZmRmc&usp=sharing
Multi-instrument gravity-wave measurements over Tierra del Fuego and the Drake Passage – Part 1: Potential energies and vertical wavelengths from AIRS, COSMIC, HIRDLS, MLS-Aura, SAAMER, SABER and radiosondes
Authors: Wright Corwin J. , Hindley Neil P. , Moss Andrew C. , Mitchell Nicholas J.
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Gravity waves in the terrestrial atmosphere are a vital geophysical process, acting to transport energy and momentum on a wide range of scales and to couple the various atmospheric layers. Despite the importance of these waves, the many studies to date have often exhibited very dissimilar results, and it remains unclear whether these differences are primarily instrumental or methodological. Here, we address this problem by comparing observations made by a diverse range of the most widely used gravity-wave-resolving instruments in a common geographic region around the southern Andes and Drake Passage, an area known to exhibit strong wave activity. Specifically, we use data from three limb-sounding radiometers (Microwave Limb Sounder, MLS-Aura; HIgh Resolution Dynamics Limb Sounder, HIRDLS; Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry, SABER), the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC) GPS-RO constellation, a ground-based meteor radar, the Advanced Infrared Sounder (AIRS) infrared nadir sounder and radiosondes to examine the gravity wave potential energy (GWPE) and vertical wavelengths (λz) of individual gravity-wave packets from the lower troposphere to the edge of the lower thermosphere ( ∼  100 km). Our results show important similarities and differences. Limb sounder measurements show high intercorrelation, typically  > 0.80 between any instrument pair. Meteor radar observations agree in form with the limb sounders, despite vast technical differences. AIRS and radiosonde observations tend to be uncorrelated or anticorrelated with the other data sets, suggesting very different behaviour of the wave field in the different spectral regimes accessed by each instrument. Evidence of wave dissipation is seen, and varies strongly with season. Observed GWPE for individual wave packets exhibits a log-normal distribution, with short-timescale intermittency dominating over a well-repeated monthly-median seasonal cycle. GWPE and λz exhibit strong correlations with the stratospheric winds, but not with local surface winds. Our results provide guidance for interpretation and intercomparison of such data sets in their full context.
The important role of biochemical and functional studies in the diagnostics of peroxisomal disorders
Authors: Ferdinandusse Sacha , Ebberink Merel S. , Vaz Frédéric M. , Waterham Hans R. , Wanders Ronald J. A.
Published: March 2016

Peroxisomes are dynamic organelles that play an essential role in a variety of metabolic pathways. Peroxisomal dysfunction can lead to various biochemical abnormalities and result in abnormal metabolite levels, such as increased very long‐chain fatty acid or reduced plasmalogen levels. The metabolite abnormalities in peroxisomal disorders are used in the diagnostics of these disorders. In this paper we discuss in detail the different diagnostic tests available for peroxisomal disorders and focus specifically on the important role of biochemical and functional studies in cultured skin fibroblasts in reaching the right diagnosis. Several examples are shown to underline the power of such studies.
Depressive symptoms are associated with poor outcome for lumbar spine surgery
Authors: Järvimäki Voitto , Kautiainen Hannu , Haanpää Maija , Koponen Hannu , Spalding Michael , Alahuhta Seppo , Vakkala Merja
Published: March 2016

Background and aims

The symptoms of pain and depression often present concomitantly, but little is known as to how the different subtypes of depression affect surgical outcome. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in outcome after lumbar spine surgery between non-depressed patients and patients with different subtypes of depressive symptoms: non-melancholic (NmDS) and melancholic depression (MDS).

Methods

This was a cross-sectional postal survey. A self-made questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Oswestery Low Back Disability Questionnaire (ODI) were sent to patients who had undergone lumbar spine surgery in the Oulu University Hospital between June, 2005 and May, 2008. BDI ≤ 10 were further classified into NmDS or MDS.

Results

A total of 537 patients (66%) completed the survey. Of these, 361 (67%) underwent disc surgery, 85 (16%) stabilizing surgery and 91 (17%) decompression. Participants were divided into three groups: BDI< 10 N=324 (60%), NmDS N=153 (29%) and MDS N=60 (11%). The mean ODI (SD) in the BDI<1 0 group was 16 (15), in the NmDS group 36 (15), and in the MDS group 41 (18) (p<0.001). The ODI profiles were different between the groups (p<0.001). Pain was more frequent in depressive patients (88% of MDS, 81% in NmDS and 40% in BDI < 10 patients experienced pain, p<0.001). The intensity of pain and pain-related disability was lowest among the patients in the BDI <10 group and highest among the MDS patients. Regular pain medication was used by 87% of patients in the MDS group, 93% of patients in the NmDS group, and 71% of patients in the BDI< 10 group (p<0.001). Response to pain medication with NRS (0–10) was 5.6 among MDS, 5.8 among NmDS and 6.5 among BDI< 10 patients (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Different types of depressive symptoms are associated with poor outcome after lumbar spine surgery. The outcome was worst in patients suffering from the MDS subtype. This was observed in pain intensity, functional disability and response to pain medication.

Implication

It would be important to evaluate depression pre- and postoperatively. Offering a tailored rehabilitation programme to MDS patients should be considered.

© 2016 Scandinavian Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Neuroimaging Findings and Repeat Neuroimaging Value in Pediatric Chronic Ataxia
Authors: Salman Michael S , Chodirker Bernard N , Bunge Martin
Published: March 2016

Background: Chronic ataxia, greater than two months in duration, is encountered relatively commonly in clinical pediatric neurology practise and presents with diagnostic challenges. It is caused by multiple and diverse disorders. Our aims were to describe the neuroimaging features and the value of repeat neuroimaging in pediatric chronic ataxia to ascertain their contribution to the diagnosis and management. Materials and Methods: A retrospective charts and neuroimaging reports review was undertaken in 177 children with chronic ataxia. Neuroimaging in 130 of 177 patients was also reviewed. Results: Nineteen patients had head computed tomography only, 103 brain magnetic resonance imaging only, and 55 had both. Abnormalities in the cerebellum or other brain regions were associated with ataxia. Neuroimaging was helpful in 73 patients with 30 disorders: It was diagnostic in 9 disorders, narrowed down the diagnostic possibilities in 14 disorders, and revealed important but non-diagnostic abnormalities, e.g. cerebellar atrophy in 7 disorders. Having a normal magnetic resonance imaging scan was mostly seen in genetic diseases or in the early course of ataxia telangiectasia. Repeat neuroimaging, performed in 108 patients, was generally helpful in monitoring disease evolution and in making a diagnosis. Neuroimaging was not directly helpful in 36 patients with 10 disorders or by definition the 55 patients with unknown disease etiology. Conclusions: Normal or abnormal neuroimaging findings and repeat neuroimaging are very valuable in the diagnosis and management of disorders associated with pediatric chronic ataxia.
ORDERING CESSATION OF COURT PROCEEDINGS TO PROTECT THE INTEGRITY OF ARBITRATION AGREEMENTS UNDER THE BRUSSELS I REGIME
Authors: Demirkol Berk
Published: March 2016

The CJEU judgment in West Tankers created much controversy on the question of whether issuing an anti-suit injunction in order to protect the integrity of arbitration agreements should fall within the scope of the arbitration exclusion in Article 1 of the Brussels I Regulation (2001). The negative answer of the Court has been since challenged many times by academics and practitioners and new approaches were proposed during the drafting of the Brussels I Recast. Although the Court had not since considered whether the Recast modified the legal regime, in Gazprom the Advocate General gave his opinion on the basis that it had. The Court in Gazprom, however, saw the enforcement of an arbitral award ordering cessation of court proceedings to be a distinct issue which is not covered by the Brussels I Regulation. This article discusses first the applicability of the Brussels I Regulation to the enforcement of arbitral awards ordering anti-suit injunction as a final relief. Secondly, it examines anti-suit injunctions issued by Member State courts in the post-Recast era. It aims to reveal the extent to which an order for cessation of court proceedings (or an anti-suit injunction) to protect the integrity of arbitration agreements is permissible under existing law.
Is urban bushmeat trade in Colombia really insignificant?
Authors: van Vliet Nathalie , Quiceno Maria , Moreno Jessica , Cruz Daniel , Fa Julia E. , Nasi Robert
Published: March 2016

The bushmeat trade in ecosystems in South America other than those within the Amazon basin is presumed to be insignificant, as alternative sources of protein (e.g. beef, chicken, fish) are considered to be more readily available in non-moist forests. However, studies and confiscation reports from countries such as Colombia suggest that bushmeat is consumed in a variety of ecosystems, although the nature of market chains, particularly in urban areas, is still unknown. We studied the urban bushmeat trade in markets in the five main ecoregions in Colombia. We recorded a total of 85 species, the most frequently traded being the pacaCuniculus paca, red brocket deerMazama americana, grey brocket deerMazama gouazoubira, capybaraHydrochoerus hydrochaeris, armadilloDasypusspp. and black agoutiDasyprocta fuliginosa. Most sales of wild meat occur through clandestine channels and involve a limited number of stakeholders. Bushmeat is a luxury product in urban areas of the Caribbean, the Pacific and the Andean regions. Further work is needed to quantify and monitor the volumes of bushmeat traded, comprehend motivations, explore ways of reducing threats, and engage with stakeholders to organize legal and sustainable use of bushmeat.
Evolution of affective and linguistic disambiguation under social eavesdropping pressures
Authors: Clark Kevin B.
Published: March 2016

Contradicting new dual-pathway models of language evolution, cortico-striatal-thalamic circuitry disambiguate uncertainties in affective prosody and propositional linguistic content of language production and comprehension, predictably setting limits on useful complexity of articulate phonic and/or signed speech. Such limits likely evolved to ensure public information is discriminated by intended communicants and safeguarded against the ecological pressures of social eavesdropping within and across phylogenetic boundaries.
Differences in auditory timing between human and nonhuman primates
Authors: Honing Henkjan , Merchant Hugo
Published: March 2016

The gradual audiomotor evolution hypothesis is proposed as an alternative interpretation to the auditory timing mechanisms discussed in Ackermann et al.'s article. This hypothesis accommodates the fact that the performance of nonhuman primates is comparable to humans in single-interval tasks (such as interval reproduction, categorization, and interception), but shows differences in multiple-interval tasks (such as entrainment, synchronization, and continuation).
Modification of spectral features by nonhuman primates
Authors: Weiss Daniel J. , Hotchkin Cara F. , Parks Susan E.
Published: March 2016

Ackermann et al. discuss the lack of evidence for vocal control in nonhuman primates. We suggest that nonhuman primates may be capable of achieving greater vocal control than previously supposed. In support of this assertion, we discuss new evidence that nonhuman primates are capable of modifying spectral features in their vocalizations.
Documents divers ayant trait à l’Afrique
Authors: Wallerstein Immanuel
Published: March 2016

Lorsque nous allons en Afrique nous obtenons, quelquefois de façon systématique, plus souvent de façon fortuite, des documents ronéotypés ou imprimés que nous gardons, souvent sans les utiliser, pour I’avenir. Des numéros épars de journaux ou périodiques, quand on les rassemble, peuvent constituer des collections presque complètes.
Social media in Ebola outbreak
Authors: HOSSAIN L. , KAM D. , KONG F. , WIGAND R. T. , BOSSOMAIER T.
Published: March 2016

The West African 2014 Ebola outbreak has highlighted the need for a better information network. Hybrid information networks, an integration of both hierarchical and formalized command control-driven and community-based, orad hocemerging networks, could assist in improving public health responses. By filling the missing gaps with social media use, the public health response could be more proactive rather than reactive in responding to such an outbreak of global concern. This article provides a review of the current social media use specifically in this outbreak by systematically collecting data from ProQuest Newsstand, Dow Jones Factiva, Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases (ProMED) as well as Google Trends. The period studied is from 19 March 2014 (first request for information on ProMED) to 15 October 2014, a total of 31 weeks. The term ‘Ebola’ was used in the search for media reports. The outcome of the review shows positive results for social media use in effective surveillance response mechanisms – for improving the detection, preparedness and response of the outbreak – as a complement to traditional, filed, work-based surveillance approach.
Case-fatality risk of pregnant women with acute viral hepatitis type E: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: JIN H. , ZHAO Y. , ZHANG X. , WANG B. , LIU P.
Published: March 2016

It is of great concern that pregnant women with acute viral hepatitis (AVH) type E have serious consequences. This study aimed to estimate the case-fatality risk (CFR) and potential risk factors of pregnant women with AVH type E. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases for studies containing data on CFR in pregnancy with AVH type E. A pooled estimate of CFR was calculated using a random-effects model. Potential sources of heterogeneity were explored using subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and meta-regression. We identified 47 eligible studies with a total African and Asian population of 3968 individuals. The pooled CFRs of maternal and fetal outcomes were 20·8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 16·6–25·3] and 34·2% (95% CI 26·0–43·0), respectively. Compared with these, the pooled CFR was highest (61·2%) in women with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). Community-based surveys had lower pooled CFR (12·2%, 95% CI 9·2–15·6) and heterogeneity (25·8%, 95% CI 20·1–32·0) than hospital-based surveys. Univariate analysis showed that hospital-based surveying (P = 0·007), and patients in the third trimester of pregnancy or with FHF (P < 0·05), were significantly associated with CFR. Intrauterine fetal mortality (27·0%) was statistically higher than neonatal mortality (3·9%). Control measures for HEV infection would reduce feto-maternal mortality in Asia and Africa.
Seasonal determinations of algal virus decay rates reveal overwintering in a temperate freshwater pond
Authors: Long Andrew M , Short Steven M
Published: March 2016

To address questions about algal virus persistence (i.e., continued existence) in the environment, rates of decay of infectivity for two viruses that infect Chlorella-like algae, ATCV-1 and CVM-1, and a virus that infects the prymnesiophyte Chrysochromulina parva, CpV-BQ1, were estimated from in situ incubations in a temperate, seasonally frozen pond. A series of experiments were conducted to estimate rates of decay of infectivity in all four seasons with incubations lasting 21 days in spring, summer and autumn, and 126 days in winter. Decay rates observed across this study were relatively low compared with previous estimates obtained for other algal viruses, and ranged from 0.012 to 11% h−1. Overall, the virus CpV-BQ1 decayed most rapidly whereas ATCV-1 decayed most slowly, but for all viruses the highest decay rates were observed during the summer and the lowest were observed during the winter. Furthermore, the winter incubations revealed the ability of each virus to overwinter under ice as ATCV-1, CVM-1 and CpV-BQ1 retained up to 48%, 19% and 9% of their infectivity after 126 days, respectively. The observed resilience of algal viruses in a seasonally frozen freshwater pond provides a mechanism that can support the maintenance of viral seed banks in nature. However, the high rates of decay observed in the summer demonstrate that virus survival and therefore environmental persistence can be subject to seasonal bottlenecks.
Multi-year assessment of coastal planktonic fungi reveals environmental drivers of diversity and abundance
Authors: Taylor Joe D , Cunliffe Michael
Published: March 2016

Mycoplankton have so far been a neglected component of pelagic marine ecosystems, having been poorly studied relative to other plankton groups. Currently, there is a lack of understanding of how mycoplankton diversity changes through time, and the identity of controlling environmental drivers. Using Fungi-specific high-throughput sequencing and quantitative PCR analysis of plankton DNA samples collected over 6 years from the coastal biodiversity time series site Station L4 situated off Plymouth (UK), we have assessed changes in the temporal variability of mycoplankton diversity and abundance in relation to co-occurring environmental variables. Mycoplankton diversity at Station L4 was dominated by Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Chytridiomycota, with several orders within these phyla frequently abundant and dominant in multiple years. Repeating interannual mycoplankton blooms were linked to potential controlling environmental drivers, including nitrogen availability and temperature. Specific relationships between mycoplankton and other plankton groups were also identified, with seasonal chytrid blooms matching diatom blooms in consecutive years. Mycoplankton α-diversity was greatest during periods of reduced salinity at Station L4, indicative of riverine input to the ecosystem. Mycoplankton abundance also increased during periods of reduced salinity, and when potential substrate availability was increased, including particulate organic matter. This study has identified possible controlling environmental drivers of mycoplankton diversity and abundance in a coastal sea ecosystem, and therefore sheds new light on the biology and ecology of an enigmatic marine plankton group. Mycoplankton have several potential functional roles, including saprotrophs and parasites, that should now be considered within the consensus view of pelagic ecosystem functioning and services.
Phylogenetic organization of bacterial activity
Authors: Morrissey Ember M , Mau Rebecca L , Schwartz Egbert , Caporaso J Gregory , Dijkstra Paul , van Gestel Natasja , Koch Benjamin J , Liu Cindy M , Hayer Michaela , McHugh Theresa A , Marks Jane C , Price Lance B , Hungate Bruce A
Published: March 2016

Phylogeny is an ecologically meaningful way to classify plants and animals, as closely related taxa frequently have similar ecological characteristics, functional traits and effects on ecosystem processes. For bacteria, however, phylogeny has been argued to be an unreliable indicator of an organism’s ecology owing to evolutionary processes more common to microbes such as gene loss and lateral gene transfer, as well as convergent evolution. Here we use advanced stable isotope probing with 13C and 18O to show that evolutionary history has ecological significance for in situ bacterial activity. Phylogenetic organization in the activity of bacteria sets the stage for characterizing the functional attributes of bacterial taxonomic groups. Connecting identity with function in this way will allow scientists to begin building a mechanistic understanding of how bacterial community composition regulates critical ecosystem functions.
Nuclear PTEN functions as an essential regulator of SRF-dependent transcription to control smooth muscle differentiation
Authors: Horita Henrick , Wysoczynski Christina L. , Walker Lori A. , Moulton Karen S. , Li Marcella , Ostriker Allison , Tucker Rebecca , McKinsey Timothy A. , Churchill Mair E. A. , Nemenoff Raphael A. , Weiser-Evans Mary C. M.
Published: March 2016

Vascular disease progression is associated with marked changes in vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype and function. SMC contractile gene expression and, thus differentiation, is under direct transcriptional control by the transcription factor, serum response factor (SRF); however, the mechanisms dynamically regulating SMC phenotype are not fully defined. Here we report that the lipid and protein phosphatase, PTEN, has a novel role in the nucleus by functioning as an indispensible regulator with SRF to maintain the differentiated SM phenotype. PTEN interacts with the N-terminal domain of SRF and PTEN–SRF interaction promotes SRF binding to essential promoter elements in SM-specific genes. Factors inducing phenotypic switching promote loss of nuclear PTEN through nucleo-cytoplasmic translocation resulting in reduced myogenically active SRF, but enhanced SRF activity on target genes involved in proliferation. Overall decreased expression of PTEN was observed in intimal SMCs of human atherosclerotic lesions underlying the potential clinical importance of these findings.
Elemental superdoping of graphene and carbon nanotubes
Authors: Liu Yuan , Shen Yuting , Sun Litao , Li Jincheng , Liu Chang , Ren Wencai , Li Feng , Gao Libo , Chen Jie , Liu Fuchi , Sun Yuanyuan , Tang Nujiang , Cheng Hui-Ming , Du Youwei
Published: March 2016

Doping of low-dimensional graphitic materials, including graphene, graphene quantum dots and single-wall carbon nanotubes with nitrogen, sulfur or boron can significantly change their properties. We report that simple fluorination followed by annealing in a dopant source can superdope low-dimensional graphitic materials with a high level of N, S or B. The superdoping results in the following doping levels: (i) for graphene, 29.82, 17.55 and 10.79 at% for N-, S- and B-doping, respectively; (ii) for graphene quantum dots, 36.38 at% for N-doping; and (iii) for single-wall carbon nanotubes, 7.79 and 10.66 at% for N- and S-doping, respectively. As an example, the N-superdoping of graphene can greatly increase the capacitive energy storage, increase the efficiency of the oxygen reduction reaction and induce ferromagnetism. Furthermore, by changing the degree of fluorination, the doping level can be tuned over a wide range, which is important for optimizing the performance of doped low-dimensional graphitic materials.
Correction: Corrigendum: Cultural traditions across a migratory network shape the genetic structure of southern right whales around Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Carroll E. L. , Baker C. S. , Watson M. , Alderman R. , Bannister J. , Gaggiotti O. E. , Gröcke D. R. , Patenaude N. , Harcourt R.
Published: March 2016

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 16182; published online: 09 November 2015; updated: 04 March 2016 This Article contains errors. In the Methods section, “Small samples of skin were collected from southern right whales across New Zealand and Australia using a stainless-steel biopsy dart fired from a modified veterinary capture rifle31 or deployed from a crossbow32.
Correction: Corrigendum: Functional identification of SLC43A3 as an equilibrative nucleobase transporter involved in purine salvage in mammals
Authors: Furukawa Junji , Inoue Katsuhisa , Maeda Junya , Yasujima Tomoya , Ohta Kinya , Kanai Yoshikatsu , Takada Tappei , Matsuo Hirotaka , Yuasa Hiroaki
Published: March 2016

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 15057; published online: 12 October 2015; updated: 04 March 2016 In this Article, we failed to indicate that the term ENBT1 was previously used as the name of a putative transporter involved in the dipyridamole-insensitive, purine-selective nucleobase transport system in primary human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (ref.
Metagenomic evidence for taxonomic dysbiosis and functional imbalance in the gastrointestinal tracts of children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Manor Ohad , Levy Roie , Pope Christopher E. , Hayden Hillary S. , Brittnacher Mitchell J. , Carr Rogan , Radey Matthew C. , Hager Kyle R. , Heltshe Sonya L. , Ramsey Bonnie W. , Miller Samuel I. , Hoffman Lucas R. , Borenstein Elhanan
Published: March 2016

Cystic fibrosis (CF) results in inflammation, malabsorption of fats and other nutrients, and obstruction in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, yet the mechanisms linking these disease manifestations to microbiome composition remain largely unexplored. Here we used metagenomic analysis to systematically characterize fecal microbiomes of children with and without CF, demonstrating marked CF-associated taxonomic dysbiosis and functional imbalance. We further showed that these taxonomic and functional shifts were especially pronounced in young children with CF and diminished with age. Importantly, the resulting dysbiotic microbiomes had significantly altered capacities for lipid metabolism, including decreased capacity for overall fatty acid biosynthesis and increased capacity for degrading anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids. Notably, these functional differences correlated with fecal measures of fat malabsorption and inflammation. Combined, these results suggest that enteric fat abundance selects for pro-inflammatory GI microbiota in young children with CF, offering novel strategies for improving the health of children with CF-associated fat malabsorption.
Erratum: The Biosynthesis of Infrared-Emitting Quantum Dots in Allium Fistulosum
Authors: Green M. , Haigh S. J. , Lewis E. A. , Sandiford L. , Burkitt-Gray M. , Fleck R. , Vizcay-Barrena G. , Jensen L. , Mirzai H. , Curry R. J. , Dailey L.-A.
Published: March 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 20480; published online: 09 February 2016; updated: 04 March 2016. The Acknowledgements section in this Article is incomplete. “S.J.H. and E.A.L. acknowledge funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) UK Grants EP/G035954/1 and EP/J021172/1 and from the Defence Threat Reduction Agency Grant HDTRA1-12-1-0013.
Oral Immunization of Rabbits with S. enterica Typhimurium Expressing Neisseria gonorrhoeae Filamentous Phage Φ6 Induces Bactericidal Antibodies Against N. gonorrhoeae
Authors: Piekarowicz Andrzej , Kłyż Aneta , Majchrzak Michał , Stein Daniel C.
Published: March 2016

AllNeisseria gonorrhoeaestrains whose DNA sequences have been determined possess filamentous phage DNA sequences. To ascertain if phage encoded proteins could form the basis of a gonococcal vaccine, rabbits were orally infected withS. entericaTyphimuriumstrain χ3987 harboring phagemid NgoΦ6 fm. The elicited sera contained large quantities of anti-phage IgG and IgA antibodies that bound to the surface ofN. gonorrhoeaecells, as shown by indirect fluorescent analysis and flow cytometry. The elicited sera was able to bind to several phage proteins. The sera also had bactericidal activity. These data demonstrate thatN. gonorrhoeaefilamentous phage can induce antibodies with anti-gonococcal activity and that phage proteins may be a candidate for vaccine development.
Dietary components and risk of total, cancer and cardiovascular disease mortality in the Linxian Nutrition Intervention Trials cohort in China
Authors: Wang Jian-Bing , Fan Jin-Hu , Dawsey Sanford M. , Sinha Rashmi , Freedman Neal D. , Taylor Philip R. , Qiao You-Lin , Abnet Christian C.
Published: March 2016

Although previous studies have shown that dietary consumption of certain food groups is associated with a lower risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke mortality in western populations, limited prospective data are available from China. We prospectively examined the association between dietary intake of different food groups at baseline and risk of total, cancer, heart disease and stroke mortality outcomes in the Linxian Nutrition Intervention Trials(NIT) cohort. In 1984–1991, 2445 subjects aged 40–69 years from the Linxian NIT cohort completed a food frequency questionnaire. Deaths from esophageal and gastric cancer, heart disease and stroke were identified through up to 26 years of follow-up. We used Cox proportional hazard models to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for associations between intake of groups of food items and these mortality endpoints. We concluded that higher intake of certain food groups was associated with lower risk of gastric cancer, heart disease and stroke mortality in a prospective cohort in rural China. Our findings provide additional evidence that increasing intake of grains, vegetables, beans, fruits and nuts may help reduce mortality from these diseases.
Mevalonate-derived quinonemethide triterpenoid from in vitro roots of Peritassa laevigata and their localization in root tissue by MALDI imaging
Authors: Pina Edieidia S. , Silva Denise B. , Teixeira Simone P. , Coppede Juliana S. , Furlan Maysa , França Suzelei C. , Lopes Norberto P. , Pereira Ana Maria S. , Lopes Adriana A.
Published: March 2016

Biosynthetic investigation of quinonemethide triterpenoid 22β-hydroxy-maytenin (2) from in vitro root cultures of Peritassa laevigata (Celastraceae) was conducted using 13C-precursor. The mevalonate pathway in P. laevigata is responsible for the synthesis of the quinonemethide triterpenoid scaffold. Moreover, anatomical analysis of P. laevigata roots cultured in vitro and in situ showed the presence of 22β-hydroxy-maytenin (2) and maytenin (1) in the tissues from transverse or longitudinal sections with an intense orange color. MALDI-MS imaging confirmed the distribution of (2) and (1) in the more distal portions of the root cap, the outer cell layers and near the vascular cylinder of P. laevigata in vitro roots suggesting a role in plant defense against infection by microorganisms as well as in the root exudation processes.
Dragon kings of the deep sea: marine particles deviate markedly from the common number-size spectrum
Authors: Bochdansky Alexander B. , Clouse Melissa A. , Herndl Gerhard J.
Published: March 2016

Particles are the major vector for the transfer of carbon from the upper ocean to the deep sea. However, little is known about their abundance, composition and role at depths greater than 2000 m. We present the first number-size spectrum of bathy- and abyssopelagic particles to a depth of 5500 m based on surveys performed with a custom-made holographic microscope. The particle spectrum was unusual in that particles of several millimetres in length were almost 100 times more abundant than expected from the number spectrum of smaller particles, thereby meeting the definition of “dragon kings.” Marine snow particles overwhelmingly contributed to the total particle volume (95–98%). Approximately 1/3 of the particles in the dragon-king size domain contained large amounts of transparent exopolymers with little ballast, which likely either make them neutrally buoyant or cause them to sink slowly. Dragon-king particles thus provide large volumes of unique microenvironments that may help to explain discrepancies in deep-sea biogeochemical budgets.
Age-associated metabolic dysregulation in bone marrow-derived macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Fei Fan , Lee Keith M. , McCarry Brian E. , Bowdish Dawn M. E.
Published: March 2016

Macrophages are major contributors to age-associated inflammation. Metabolic processes such as oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis and the urea cycle regulate inflammatory responses by macrophages. Metabolic profiles changes with age; therefore, we hypothesized that dysregulation of metabolic processes could contribute to macrophage hyporesponsiveness to LPS. We examined the intracellular metabolome of bone marrow-derived macrophages from young (6–8 wk) and old (18–22 mo) mice following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation and tolerance. We discovered known and novel metabolites that were associated with the LPS response of macrophages from young mice, which were not inducible in macrophages from old mice. Macrophages from old mice were largely non-responsive towards LPS stimulation and we did not observe a shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. The critical regulatory metabolites succinate, γ-aminobutyric acid, arginine, ornithine and adenosine were increased in LPS-stimulated macrophages from young mice, but not macrophages from old mice. A shift between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation was not observed during LPS tolerance in macrophages from either young or old mice. Metabolic bottlenecks may be one of the mechanisms that contribute to the dysregulation of LPS responses with age.
Action-space coding in social contexts
Authors: Ciardo Francesca , Lugli Luisa , Nicoletti Roberto , Rubichi Sandro , Iani Cristina
Published: March 2016

In two behavioural experiments we tested whether performing a spatial task along with another agent changes space representation by rendering some reference frames more/less salient than others. To this end, we used a Simon task in which stimuli were presented in four horizontal locations thus allowing for spatial coding according to multiple frames of reference. In Experiment 1 participants performed a go/no-go Simon task along another agent, each being in charge of one response. In Experiment 2 they performed a two-choice Simon task along another agent, each being in charge of two responses. Results showed that when participants were in charge of only one response, stimulus position was coded only with reference to the centre of the screen hence suggesting that the co-actor’s response, or the position of the co-actor, was represented and used as a reference for spatial coding. Differently, when participants were in charge of two responses, no effect of the social context emerged and spatial coding relied on multiple frames of reference, similarly to when the Simon task is performed individually. These findings provide insights on the influence played by the interaction between the social context (i.e. the presence of others) and task features on individual performance.
Giant Controllable Magnetization Changes Induced by Structural Phase Transitions in a Metamagnetic Artificial Multiferroic
Authors: Bennett S. P. , Wong A. T. , Glavic A. , Herklotz A. , Urban C. , Valmianski I. , Biegalski M. D. , Christen H. M. , Ward T. Z. , Lauter V.
Published: March 2016

The realization of a controllable metamagnetic transition from AFM to FM ordering would open the door to a plethora of new spintronics based devices that, rather than reorienting spins in a ferromagnet, harness direct control of a materials intrinsic magnetic ordering. In this study FeRh films with drastically reduced transition temperatures and a large magneto-thermal hysteresis were produced for magnetocaloric and spintronics applications. Remarkably, giant controllable magnetization changes (measured to be as high has ~25%) are realized by manipulating the strain transfer from the external lattice when subjected to two structural phase transitions of BaTiO3 (001) single crystal substrate. These magnetization changes are the largest seen to date to be controllably induced in the FeRh system. Using polarized neutron reflectometry we reveal how just a slight in plane surface strain change at ~290C results in a massive magnetic transformation in the bottom half of the film clearly demonstrating a strong lattice-spin coupling in FeRh. By means of these substrate induced strain changes we show a way to reproducibly explore the effects of temperature and strain on the relative stabilities of the FM and AFM phases in multi-domain metamagnetic systems. This study also demonstrates for the first time the depth dependent nature of a controllable magnetic order using strain in an artificial multiferroic heterostructure.
Light-evoked hyperpolarization and silencing of neurons by conjugated polymers
Authors: Feyen Paul , Colombo Elisabetta , Endeman Duco , Nova Mattia , Laudato Lucia , Martino Nicola , Antognazza Maria Rosa , Lanzani Guglielmo , Benfenati Fabio , Ghezzi Diego
Published: March 2016

The ability to control and modulate the action potential firing in neurons represents a powerful tool for neuroscience research and clinical applications. While neuronal excitation has been achieved with many tools, including electrical and optical stimulation, hyperpolarization and neuronal inhibition are typically obtained through patch-clamp or optogenetic manipulations. Here we report the use of conjugated polymer films interfaced with neurons for inducing a light-mediated inhibition of their electrical activity. We show that prolonged illumination of the interface triggers a sustained hyperpolarization of the neuronal membrane that significantly reduces both spontaneous and evoked action potential firing. We demonstrate that the polymeric interface can be activated by either visible or infrared light and is capable of modulating neuronal activity in brain slices and explanted retinas. These findings prove the ability of conjugated polymers to tune neuronal firing and suggest their potential application for the in-vivo modulation of neuronal activity.
Bidimensional ZSM-5 zeolites probed as catalysts for polyethylene cracking
Authors: Peral A. , Escola J. M. , Serrano D. P. , Přech J. , Ochoa-Hernández C. , Čejka J.
Published: March 2016

Lamellar and pillared ZSM-5 zeolites (L-ZSM-5 and PI-ZSM-5, respectively) were synthesized and tested in the catalytic cracking of low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
Leak-tight vertical membrane microvalves
Authors: Hansson Jonas , Hillmering Mikael , Haraldsson Tommy , van der Wijngaart Wouter
Published: March 2016

A novel, dual-sided PDMS molding technique enables the first leak-tight vertical membrane microvalves and allows high integration density of microfluidic components.
Columnar propeller-like 1,3,5-triphenylbenzenes: the missing link of shape-persistent hekates
Authors: Wöhrle Tobias , Beardsworth Stuart James , Schilling Christopher , Baro Angelika , Giesselmann Frank , Laschat Sabine
Published: March 2016

Triphenylbenzenes with nine peripheraln-alkoxy side chains form enantiotropic, highly ordered columnar hexagonal mesophases near room temperature. Wide-angle X-ray data indicate a helical stacking in columns.
Modulation of thulium upconversion in potassium tetraphosphate (KLaP4O12) nanocrystals by co-doping with Yb3+ ions
Authors: Marciniak L. , Bednarkiewicz A. , Stefanski M. , Tomala R. , Hreniak D. , Strek W.
Published: March 2016

The influence of sensitizer concentration on the up-conversion properties of KLa0.99−xTm0.01YbxP4O12 nanocrystals was investigated in a wide range of Yb3+ concentrations (x = 0.05–0.5).
Method development and validation for the determination of selected endocrine disrupting compounds by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and isotope pattern deconvolution in water samples. Comparison of two extraction techniques
Authors: Fabregat-Cabello Neus , Pitarch-Motellón Jorge , Sancho Juan V. , Ibáñez María , Roig-Navarro Antoni Francesc
Published: March 2016

Reliable determination of endocrine disrupting compounds in water.