bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L’alimentation de la Belgique
Authors: Baudhuin Fernand
Published: August 2016

Ainsi que chacun le sait, la balance alimentaire de la Belgique est en permanence déficitaire. Nous importons en ordre principal des céréales, et nous exportons quelques spécialités. Normalement, le sol belge ne nous donne que le quart du blé dont nous avons besoin, et encore notre récolte ne sert qu’à concurrence de moitié à l’alimentation humaine. Le reste sert à nourrir la volaille. Sauf lorsque des mesures spéciales d’incorporation sont prises, il ne semble pas que les meuneries emploient plus de 15 % de blé belge.
L’Industrie
Authors: Strycker Robert De
Published: August 2016

Les répercussions de la guerre sur les divers secteurs de notre industrie sont très différentes. Au mois de septembre, et si l’on excepte les entreprises fournissant des produits directement consommables (alimentation, droguerie, vêtement), l’effet général a été un ralentissement très marqué qui s’explique à la fois par la désorganisation résultant des rappels de personnel, de la perturbation dans les transports et principalement dans les transports maritimes, de la fermeture temporaire de certaines frontières, et d’hésitations provoquées par l’incertitude quant à la tournure qu’allaient prendre les événements. Après une période de tâtonnements, nos industriels ne tardèrent pas à se ressaisir.

Certaines industries travaillant directement ou indirectement pour les armements prirent un bel essort: sidérurgie, construction mécanique, charbonnages, partie des industries chimiques et du vêtement. D’autres voyaient leur activité restreinte par le défaut de matières premières: métaux non-ferreux, acide sulfurique, certains produits textiles. Tout le groupe des entreprises dépendant du bâtiment est fortement déprimé par l’arrêt presque complet des constructions privées: carrières, cimenterie, industries céramiques. Les industries de luxe ou de demi-luxe sont réduites au chômage presque complet, la demande pour leurs produits ayant presque disparu. Enfin, certains secteurs sont aujourd’hui relativement peu affectés par les événements, ce sont principalement ceux des produits de consommation journalière: industries alimentaires et drogueries. Dans la courte revue qui va suivre, nous n’avons pas inclus le charbonnages et les industries alimentaires pour lesquels le lecteur est prié de se rapporter à d’autres articles de ce bulletin.

Les retards inévitables apportés pour le moment à la publication des statistiques officielles ont rendu notre tâche assez difficile. Nous nous excusons du caractère relativement incomplet des renseignements qui vont suivre. Notre rôle eut été bien plus malaisé encore si nous n’avions trouvé chez les fonctionnaires du Ministère des Affaires Économiques et dans les milieux industriels des concours trop nombreux pour être cités. Que tous nos informateurs veuillent trouver ici l’expression de nos remerciements réitérés’.
Les industries textiles en 1937
Authors: Criekinge Henry Van
Published: August 2016

Dans son ensemble, l’année 1937 fut satisfaisante; elle comptera parmi les années prospères, ainsi qu’il ressort de cette chronique.

Au début de l’année écoulée, la conjoncture des industries textiles fut remarquablement favorable; seules des influences politiques de l’étranger freinaient quelque peu son essor. Le pouvoir d’achat de la masse ouvrière se relevant, la demande de matières textiles finies, étant de par sa nature très élastique, s’accrût beaucoup à l’intérieur tout comme à l’étranger.
Le Commerce extérieur de la Belgique en 1938
Authors: Jussiant Jean
Published: August 2016

Dans l’ensemble, l’année 1938 a été, pour l’économie mondiale, une année de dépression, de troubles et de difficultés. Dès le printemps de l’année 1937, une demande spéculative exagérée et certaines frictions dans le processus de développement économique avaient amené une tension très nette de la conjoncture. Aussi les prix des grands produits internationaux baissèrent-ils, d’abord lentement, pour accentuer leur recul en fin d’année. La réduction de l’activité industrielle fut rapide et importante. Aux États-Unis, l’indice de la production industrielle tomba de 118 en août 1937, à 79 en décembre de la même année et à 73 en avril 1938. En Angleterre, le recul, un peu plus tardif, ne fut pas moins marqué. Parallèlement, les cotations des actions s’effondrèrent dans les principales bourses. Par suite de la prudence dont l’économie en général avait fait preuve durant le redressement précédent, les difficultés apparurent cependant infiniment moins graves qu’en 1929 et le renversement de la conjoncture ne fut guère marqué par des événements sensationnels. Au point de vue financier notamment, les tensions ne furent généralement que peu prononcées. En fait, le recul, s’il fut particulièrement rapide, fut relativement localisé à certaines industries de base. Dès le premier semestre de 1938, les niveaux minima d’activité étaient pratiquement atteints et, à l’automne, le redressement de la conjoncture apparaissait assez net. Aux États-Unis, notamment, l’indice de la production industrielle était remonté à 90 en décembre 1938. En Angleterre, la lourdeur fut plus persistante, mais elle faisait cependant place, en fin d’année, à une assez sensible amélioration.
La Conjoncture économique des Pays étrangers
Authors: Rousseaux Paul
Published: August 2016

Jusqu’à présent, le Bulletin reproduisait sous ce titre les communiqués qui lui étaient transmis par les Instituts de conjoncture étrangers. Ces communiqués donnent la description des principaux changements intervenus en matière économique durant les derniers mois, mais ils ne permettent guère de procéder à des comparaisons avec l’évolution de périodes antérieures, ni de situer avec facilité les mouvements les plus récents dans le courant général de la conjoncture. D’autre part, la chronique restait forcément limitée aux pays dont les Instituts de conjoncture entretiennent avec le nôtre une collaboration active.

Ces considérations ont amené la transformation actuelle de notre rubrique. D’une part le champs d’observation sera étendu par l’inclusion d’un nombre plus considérable de pays ainsi que de certains éléments en rapport direct avec la conjoncture mondiale, et d’autre part, la présentation sera désormais faite sous forme graphique. Les courbes seront choisies de façon à donner pour chaque pays une image de l’évolution de ses éléments les plus caractéristiques. Elles remonteront quelques années en arrière, soit pratiquement jusqu’en 1933, afin de permettre de dégager l’importance relative des mouvements des derniers mois écoulés.
Headwater Streams May Export More Carbon Than Previously Thought
Authors: Hall Shannon
Published: August 2016

New research sheds light on the streams that carry carbon away from peatlands with the hope that the data will better inform climate models.
Anti-apoptotic Bcl-XL but not Mcl-1 contributes to protection against virus-induced apoptosis
Authors: Ohmer Michaela , Weber Arnim , Sutter Gerd , Ehrhardt Katrin , Zimmermann Albert , Häcker Georg
Published: August 2016

Infection of mammalian cells with viruses often induces apoptosis. How the recognition of viruses leads to apoptosis of the infected cell and which host cell factors regulate this cell death is incompletely understood. In this study, we focussed on two major anti-apoptotic proteins of the host cell, whose abundance and activity are important for cell survival, the Bcl-2-like proteins Mcl-1 and Bcl-XL. During infection of epithelial cells and fibroblasts with modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA), Mcl-1 protein levels dropped but the MVA Bcl-2-like protein F1L could replace Mcl-1 functionally; a similar activity was found in vaccinia virus (VACV)-infected cells. During infection with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV), Mcl-1-levels were not reduced but a viral Mcl-1-like activity was also generated. Infection of mouse macrophages with any of these viruses, on the other hand, induced apoptosis. Virus-induced macrophage apoptosis was unaltered in the absence of Mcl-1. However, apoptosis was substantially increased in infected Bcl-XL-deficient macrophages or macrophages treated with the Bcl-2/Bcl-XL-inhibitor ABT-737. Genetic loss of Bcl-XL or treatment of macrophages with ABT-737 reduced the generation of infectious VACV. These data show that Mcl-1 is dispensable for the regulation of apoptosis during infection with different large DNA viruses, either because the viruses replace its function (in fibroblasts and epithelial cells) or because the pro-apoptotic activity generated by the infection appears not to be blocked by it (in macrophages). Bcl-XL, on the other hand, can be important to maintain survival of virus-infected cells, and its activity can determine outcome of the infection.
The hydrolethalus syndrome protein HYLS-1 regulates formation of the ciliary gate
Authors: Wei Qing , Zhang Yingyi , Schouteden Clementine , Zhang Yuxia , Zhang Qing , Dong Jinhong , Wonesch Veronika , Ling Kun , Dammermann Alexander , Hu Jinghua
Published: August 2016

Transition fibres (TFs), together with the transition zone (TZ), are basal ciliary structures thought to be crucial for cilium biogenesis and function by acting as a ciliary gate to regulate selective protein entry and exit. Here we demonstrate that the centriolar and basal body protein HYLS-1, the C. elegans orthologue of hydrolethalus syndrome protein 1, is required for TF formation, TZ organization and ciliary gating. Loss of HYLS-1 compromises the docking and entry of intraflagellar transport (IFT) particles, ciliary gating for both membrane and soluble proteins, and axoneme assembly. Additional depletion of the TF component DYF-19 in hyls-1 mutants further exacerbates TZ anomalies and completely abrogates ciliogenesis. Our data support an important role for HYLS-1 and TFs in establishment of the ciliary gate and underline the importance of selective protein entry for cilia assembly.
It takes two to tango: NAD+ and sirtuins in aging/longevity control
Authors: Imai Shin-ichiro , Guarente Leonard
Published: August 2016

The coupling of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) breakdown and protein deacylation is a unique feature of the family of proteins called ‘sirtuins.’ This intimate connection between NAD+ and sirtuins has an ancient origin and provides a mechanistic foundation that translates the regulation of energy metabolism into aging and longevity control in diverse organisms. Although the field of sirtuin research went through intensive controversies, an increasing number of recent studies have put those controversies to rest and fully established the significance of sirtuins as an evolutionarily conserved aging/longevity regulator. The tight connection between NAD+ and sirtuins is regulated at several different levels, adding further complexity to their coordination in metabolic and aging/longevity control. Interestingly, it has been demonstrated that NAD+ availability decreases over age, reducing sirtuin activities and affecting the communication between the nucleus and mitochondria at a cellular level and also between the hypothalamus and adipose tissue at a systemic level. These dynamic cellular and systemic processes likely contribute to the development of age-associated functional decline and the pathogenesis of diseases of aging. To mitigate these age-associated problems, supplementation of key NAD+ intermediates is currently drawing significant attention. In this review article, we will summarize these important aspects of the intimate connection between NAD+ and sirtuins in aging/longevity control.
Idiosyncratic responses of evergreen broad-leaved forest constituents in China to the late Quaternary climate changes
Authors: Fan Dengmei , Hu Wan , Li Bo , Morris Ashley B. , Zheng Min , Soltis Douglas E. , Soltis Pamela S. , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: August 2016

Subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest (EBLF) is one of the most important vegetation types in China. Inferences from palaeo-biome reconstruction (PBR) and phylogeography regarding range shift history of EBLF during the late Quaternary are controversial and should be reconciled. We compared phylogeographic patterns of three EBLF constituents in China, Castanopsis tibetana, Machilus thunbergii and Schima superba. Contrary to a chorus of previous phylogeographic studies and the results of species distribution modelling (SDM) of this study (in situ survival during the LGM), the three species displayed three different phylogeographic patterns that conform to either an in situ survival model or an expansion-contraction model. These results are partially congruent with the inference of PBR that EBLF was absent to the north of 24° N at the LGM. This study suggests that the constituents of EBLF could have responded idiosyncratically to climate changes during the Late Quaternary. The community assemblages of EBLF could have been changing over time, resulting in no palaeo-analogs to modern-day EBLF, which may be the main reason responsible for the failure of PBR to detect the occurrence of EBLF north of 24° N at the LGM.
Localization of Waves in Merged Lattices
Authors: Alagappan G. , Png C. E.
Published: August 2016

This article describes a new two–dimensional physical topology–merged lattice, that allows dense number of wave localization states. Merged lattices are obtained as a result of merging two lattices of scatters of the same space group, but with slightly different spatial resonances. Such merging creates two–dimensional scattering “beats” which are perfectly periodic on the longer spatial scale. On the shorter spatial scale, the systematic breakage of the translational symmetry leads to strong wave scattering and this causes the occurrences of wave localization states. Merged Lattices promises variety of localization states including tightly confined and ring type annular modes. The longer scale perfect periodicity of the merged lattice, enables complete prediction and full control over the density of the localization states and its’ quality factors. In addition, the longer scale periodicity, also allows design of integrated slow wave components. Merged lattices, thus, can be engineered easily to create technologically beneficial applications.
A Doping Lattice of Aluminum and Copper with Accelerated Electron Transfer Process and Enhanced Reductive Degradation Performance
Authors: Zhang Lin , Gao Xue , Zhang Zhixuan , Zhang Mingbo , Cheng Yiqian , Su Jixin
Published: August 2016

Treatment of azo dye effluents has received increasing concerns over the years due to their potential harms to natural environment and human health. The present study described the degrading ability of the as-synthesized crystalline Al-Cu alloys for removal of high-concentration Acid Scarlet 3R in alkaline aqueous solutions and its degradation mechanism. Al-Cu alloy particles with Al/Cu ratios 19:1 were successfully synthesized by high-energy mechanical milling. Characterization results showed that 10 h mechanical alloying process could lead to the formation of crystalline Al(Cu) solid solution. Batch experiment results confirmed the excellent ability of Al-Cu alloy particles for the degradation of 3R in aqueous solution. Under a certain condition ([Al-Cu]0 = 2 g/L, [3R]0 = 200 mg/L, [NaCl]0 = 25 g/L, initial pH = 10.9), the 3R could be completely degraded within only 3 min. It was also found that the degradation reaction followed zero-order kinetics model with respect to the initial dye concentration. The intermediate compounds were identified by UV-vis, FT-IR and HPLC-MS, and a pathway was proposed. Additionally, post-treatment Al-Cu alloy particles were characterized by SEM and TEM, and the results showed that the degradation might be attributed to the corrosion effect of Al-Cu alloys.
Expression-based GWAS identifies variants, gene interactions and key regulators affecting intramuscular fatty acid content and composition in porcine meat
Authors: Puig-Oliveras Anna , Revilla Manuel , Castelló Anna , Fernández Ana I. , Folch Josep M. , Ballester Maria
Published: August 2016

The aim of this work is to better understand the genetic mechanisms determining two complex traits affecting porcine meat quality: intramuscular fat (IMF) content and its fatty acid (FA) composition. With this purpose, expression Genome-Wide Association Study (eGWAS) of 45 lipid-related genes associated with meat quality traits in swine muscle (Longissimus dorsi) of 114 Iberian × Landrace backcross animals was performed. The eGWAS identified 241 SNPs associated with 11 genes:ACSM5, CROT, FABP3, FOS, HIF1AN, IGF2, MGLL, NCOA1, PIK3R1, PLA2G12AandPPARA.Three expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTLs) forIGF2, ACSM5andMGLLwere identified, showingcis-acting effects, whereas 16 eQTLs hadtransregulatory effects. A polymorphism in theACSM5promoter region associated with its expression was identified. In addition, strong candidate genes regulatingACSM5, FOS, PPARA, PIK3R1, PLA2G12AandHIF1ANgene expression were also seen. Notably, the analysis highlighted the NR3C1 transcription factor as a strong candidate gene involved in the regulation of the 45 genes analysed. Finally, theIGF2, MGLL, MC2R, ARHGAP6andNR3C1genes were identified as potential regulators co-localizing within QTLs for fatness and growth traits in the IBMAP population. The results obtained increase our knowledge in the functional regulatory mechanisms involved in these complex traits.
Cholesterol-dependent Conformational Plasticity in GPCR Dimers
Authors: Prasanna Xavier , Sengupta Durba , Chattopadhyay Amitabha
Published: August 2016

The organization and function of the serotonin1A receptor, an important member of the GPCR family, have been shown to be cholesterol-dependent, although the molecular mechanism is not clear. We performed a comprehensive structural and dynamic analysis of dimerization of the serotonin1A receptor by coarse-grain molecular dynamics simulations totaling 3.6 ms to explore the molecular details of its cholesterol-dependent association. A major finding is that the plasticity and flexibility of the receptor dimers increase with increased cholesterol concentration. In particular, a dimer interface formed by transmembrane helices I-I was found to be sensitive to cholesterol. The modulation of dimer interface appears to arise from a combination of direct cholesterol occupancy and indirect membrane effects. Interestingly, the presence of cholesterol at the dimer interface is correlated with increased dimer plasticity and flexibility. These results represent an important step in characterizing the molecular interactions in GPCR organization with potential relevance to therapeutic interventions.
Improved variants of SrtA for site-specific conjugation on antibodies and proteins with high efficiency
Authors: Chen Long , Cohen Justin , Song Xiaoda , Zhao Aishan , Ye Zi , Feulner Christine J. , Doonan Patrick , Somers Will , Lin Laura , Chen Peng R.
Published: August 2016

Sortase mediated ligation is a highly specific platform for conjugation that relies on the specificity of the transpeptidase Sortase A (SrtA) for short peptide sequences (LPXTG and GGG). SrtA retains its specificity while accepting a wide range of potential substrates, but its broad use is limited by the wild-type enzyme’s poor kinetics, which require large amounts of SrtA and extended reaction times for efficient conjugation. Prior explorations have aimed to improve the kinetics of SrtA with limited success. Herein we describe the discovery of further improved SrtA variants with increased efficiency for the conjugation reaction, and demonstrate their robustness in labelling proteins and antibodies in a site-specific manner. Our variants require significantly lower amounts of enzyme than WT SrtA and can be used to attach small molecules to the N or C-terminus of the heavy or light chain in antibodies with excellent yields. These improved variants can also be used for highly efficient site-specific PEGylation.
Symplasmata are a clonal, conditional, and reversible type of bacterial multicellularity
Authors: Tecon Robin , Leveau Johan H. J.
Published: August 2016

Microorganisms are capable of remarkable social behaviours, such as forming transient multicellular assemblages with properties and adaptive abilities exceeding those of individual cells. Here, we report on the formation and structure of genets known as symplasmata produced by Pantoea eucalypti bacteria. Each symplasmatum develops clonally and stochastically from a single bacterium into a membrane-delimited, capsule-embedded cluster of progeny cells and with a frequency that depends on temperature, pH, and nutrient availability. Transposon mutagenesis identified several gene products required for symplasmata formation, including master regulator LrhA, replication inhibitor CspD, polysaccharide transporter RfbX3, and autoinducer synthase PhzI. We also show that bacteria inside symplasmata are shaped irregularly with punctuated cell-to-cell contacts, metabolically responsive to environmental stimuli, dispersal-ready, and transcriptionally reprogrammed to anticipate multiple alternative futures in terms of carbon source availability. The structured and conditionable nature of symplasmata offers exciting prospects towards a mechanistic understanding of multicellular behaviours and their ecological significance.
The role of doxycycline in the therapy of multidrug-resistant E. coli – an in vitro study
Authors: Lai Chih-Cheng , Chen Chi-Chung , Huang Hui-Ling , Chuang Yin-Ching , Tang Hung-Jen
Published: August 2016

This study assessed the in vitro antibacterial activity of combinations of amikacin and doxycycline or tigecycline against multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates. Twenty-four different pulsotypes, including 10 extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-, 10 carbapenem-resistant, 2 New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM)- and 2 Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-E. coli isolates were collected. All 24 isolates were susceptible to amikacin and tigecycline. Only 30% of ESBL and 50% of carbapenem-resistant E. coli were susceptible to doxycycline. Both of the NDM-E. coli had a MIC of 64 μg/ml. The checkerboard method showed that for the ESBL- and carbapenem-resistant E. coli, the synergistic effects of amikacin/doxycycline were 80% and 90%, respectively. For the two KPC- and two NDM-E. coli, the FIC index of amikacin/doxycycline were 0.5/0.375 and 0.5/0.281, respectively. For the ESBL- and carbapenem-resistant E. coli isolates, the combinations of amikacin and doxycycline exhibited synergistic activities against 80%, and 80% and 10% vs 60%, and 80% and 10% of the isolates at concentrations of 1x, 1/2x and 1/4xMIC, respectively. The synergistic effect seems to be similar for doxycycline and tigecycline based combinations with amikacin. In conclusion, the antibacterial activity of doxycycline can be enhanced by the addition of amikacin and is observed against most multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates.
Precise and selective sensing of DNA-DNA hybridization by graphene/Si-nanowires diode-type biosensors
Authors: Kim Jungkil , Park Shin-Young , Kim Sung , Lee Dae Hun , Kim Ju Hwan , Kim Jong Min , Kang Hee , Han Joong-Soo , Park Jun Woo , Lee Hosun , Choi Suk-Ho
Published: August 2016

Single-Si-nanowire (NW)-based DNA sensors have been recently developed, but their sensitivity is very limited because of high noise signals, originating from small source-drain current of the single Si NW. Here, we demonstrate that chemical-vapor-deposition-grown large-scale graphene/surface-modified vertical-Si-NW-arrays junctions can be utilized as diode-type biosensors for highly-sensitive and -selective detection of specific oligonucleotides. For this, a twenty-seven-base-long synthetic oligonucleotide, which is a fragment of human DENND2D promoter sequence, is first decorated as a probe on the surface of vertical Si-NW arrays, and then the complementary oligonucleotide is hybridized to the probe. This hybridization gives rise to a doping effect on the surface of Si NWs, resulting in the increase of the current in the biosensor. The current of the biosensor increases from 19 to 120% as the concentration of the target DNA varies from 0.1 to 500 nM. In contrast, such biosensing does not come into play by the use of the oligonucleotide with incompatible or mismatched sequences. Similar results are observed from photoluminescence microscopic images and spectra. The biosensors show very-uniform current changes with standard deviations ranging ~1 to ~10% by ten-times endurance tests. These results are very promising for their applications in accurate, selective, and stable biosensing.
Nanochips of Tantalum Oxide Nanodots as artificial-microenvironments for monitoring Ovarian cancer progressiveness
Authors: Dhawan Udesh , Wang Ssu-Meng , Chu Ying Hao , Huang Guewha S. , Lin Yan Ren , Hung Yao Ching , Chen Wen Liang
Published: August 2016

Nanotopography modulates cell characteristics and cell behavior. Nanotopological cues can be exploited to investigate the in-vivo modulation of cell characteristics by the cellular microenvironment. However, the studies explaining the modulation of tumor cell characteristics and identifying the transition step in cancer progressiveness are scarce. Here, we engineered nanochips comprising of Tantalum oxide nanodot arrays of 10, 50, 100 and 200 nm as artificial microenvironments to study the modulation of cancer cell behavior. Clinical samples of different types of Ovarian cancer at different stages were obtained, primary cultures were established and then seeded on different nanochips. Immunofluorescence (IF) was performed to compare the morphologies and cell characteristics. Indices corresponding to cell characteristics were defined. A statistical comparison of the cell characteristics in response to the nanochips was performed. The cells displayed differential growth parameters. Morphology, Viability, focal adhesions, microfilament bundles and cell area were modulated by the nanochips which can be used as a measure to study the cancer progressiveness. The ease of fabrication of nanochips ensures mass-production. The ability of the nanochips to act as artificial microenvironments and modulate cell behavior may lead to further prospects in the markerless monitoring of the progressiveness and ultimately, improving the prognosis of Ovarian cancer.
Nonvolatile and tunable switching of lateral photo-voltage triggered by laser and electric pulse in metal dusted metal-oxide-semiconductor structures
Authors: Zhou Peiqi , Gan Zhikai , Huang Xu , Mei Chunlian , Huang Meizhen , Xia Yuxing , Wang Hui
Published: August 2016

Owing to the innate stabilization of built-in potential in p–n junction or metal-oxide-semiconductor structure, the sensitivity and linearity of most lateral photovoltaic effect (LPE) devices is always fixed after fabrication. Here we report a nonvolatile and tunable switching effect of lateral photo-voltage (LPV) in Cu dusted ultrathin metal-oxide-semiconductor structure. With the stimulation of electric pulse and local illumination, the sensitivity and linearity of LPV can be adjusted up and down in a nonvolatile manner. This phenomenon is attributed to a controllable change of the Schottky barrier formed between the metal layer and silicon substrate, including the consequent change of film resistivity. This work may widely improve the performance of existing LPE-based devices and suggest new applications for LPE in other areas.
Determinants of immigration strategies in male crested macaques (Macaca nigra)
Authors: Marty Pascal R. , Hodges Keith , Agil Muhammad , Engelhardt Antje
Published: August 2016

Immigration into a new group can produce substantial costs due to resistance from residents, but also reproductive benefits. Whether or not individuals base their immigration strategy on prospective cost-benefit ratios remains unknown. We investigated individual immigration decisions in crested macaques, a primate species with a high reproductive skew in favour of high-ranking males. We found two different strategies. Males who achieved low rank in the new group usually immigrated after another male had immigrated within the previous 25 days and achieved high rank. They never got injured but also had low prospective reproductive success. We assume that these males benefitted from immigrating into a destabilized male hierarchy. Males who achieved high rank in the new group usually immigrated independent of previous immigrations. They recieved injuries more frequently and therefore bore immigration costs. They, however, also had higher reproductive success prospects. We conclude that male crested macaques base their immigration strategy on relative fighting ability and thus potential rank in the new group i.e. potential reproductive benefits, as well as potential costs of injury.
Identification and characterization of chromosomal relBE toxin-antitoxin locus in Streptomyces cattleya DSM46488
Authors: Li Peng , Tai Cui , Deng Zixin , Gan Jianhua , Oggioni Marco R. , Ou Hong-Yu
Published: August 2016

The relBE family of Type II toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems have been widely reported in bacteria but none in Streptomyces. With the conserved domain searches for TA pairs in the sequenced Streptomyces genomes, we identified two putative relBE loci, relBE1sca and relBE2sca, on the chromosome of Streptomyces cattleya DSM 46488. Overexpression of the S. cattleya toxin RelE2sca caused severe growth inhibition of E. coli and S. lividans, but RelE1sca had no toxic effect. The toxicity of RelE2sca could be abolished by the co-expression of its cognate RelB2sca antitoxin. Moreover, the RelBE2sca complex, or the antitoxin RelB2sca alone, specifically interacted with the relBE2sca operon and repressed its transcription. The relBE2sca operon transcription was induced under osmotic stress, along with the ClpP proteinase genes. The subsequent in vivo analysis showed that the antitoxin was degraded by ClpP. Interestingly, the E. coli antitoxin RelBeco was able to alleviate the toxicity of S. cattleya RelE2sca while the mutant RelB2sca(N61V&M68L) but not the wild type could alleviate the toxicity of E. coli RelEeco as well. The experimental demonstration of the relBEsca locus might be helpful to investigate the key roles of type II TA systems in Streptomyces physiology and environmental stress responses.
How the brain prevents a second error in a perceptual decision-making task
Authors: Perri Rinaldo Livio , Berchicci Marika , Lucci Giuliana , Spinelli Donatella , Di Russo Francesco
Published: August 2016

In cognitive tasks, error commission is usually followed by a performance characterized by post-error slowing (PES) and post-error improvement of accuracy (PIA). Three theoretical accounts were hypothesized to support these post-error adjustments: the cognitive, the inhibitory and the orienting account. The aim of the present ERP study was to investigate the neural processes associated with the second error prevention. To this aim, we focused on the preparatory brain activities in a large sample of subjects performing a Go/No-go task. The main results were the enhancement of the prefrontal negativity (pN) component -especially on the right hemisphere- and the reduction of the Bereitschaftspotential (BP) -especially on the left hemisphere- in the post-error trials. The ERP data suggested an increased top-down and inhibitory control, such as the reduced excitability of the premotor areas in the preparation of the trials following error commission. The results were discussed in light of the three theoretical accounts of the post-error adjustments. Additional control analyses supported the view that the adjustments-oriented components (the post-error pN and BP) are separated by the error-related potentials (Ne and Pe), even if all these activities represent a cascade of processes triggered by error-commission.
Synaptic plasticity and neuronal refractory time cause scaling behaviour of neuronal avalanches
Authors: Michiels van Kessenich L. , de Arcangelis L. , Herrmann H. J.
Published: August 2016

Neuronal avalanches measured in vitro and in vivo in different cortical networks consistently exhibit power law behaviour for the size and duration distributions with exponents typical for a mean field self-organized branching process. These exponents are also recovered in neuronal network simulations implementing various neuronal dynamics on different network topologies. They can therefore be considered a very robust feature of spontaneous neuronal activity. Interestingly, this scaling behaviour is also observed on regular lattices in finite dimensions, which raises the question about the origin of the mean field behavior observed experimentally. In this study we provide an answer to this open question by investigating the effect of activity dependent plasticity in combination with the neuronal refractory time in a neuronal network. Results show that the refractory time hinders backward avalanches forcing a directed propagation. Hebbian plastic adaptation plays the role of sculpting these directed avalanche patterns into the topology of the network slowly changing it into a branched structure where loops are marginal.
Temperature dependence of phonon-defect interactions: phonon scattering vs. phonon trapping
Authors: Bebek M. B. , Stanley C. M. , Gibbons T. M. , Estreicher S. K.
Published: August 2016

The interactions between thermal phonons and defects are conventionally described as scattering processes, an idea proposed almost a century ago. In this contribution, ab-initio molecular-dynamics simulations provide atomic-level insight into the nature of these interactions. The defect is the Si|X interface in a nanowire containing a δ-layer (X is C or Ge). The phonon-defect interactions are temperature dependent and involve the trapping of phonons for meaningful lengths of time in defect-related, localized, vibrational modes. No phonon scattering occurs and the momentum of the phonons released by the defect is unrelated to the momentum of the phonons that generated the excitation. The results are extended to the interactions involving only bulk phonons and to phonon-defect interactions at high temperatures. These do resemble scattering since phonon trapping occurs for a length of time short enough for the momentum of the incoming phonon to be conserved.
Development of a sensitive monoclonal antibody-based ELISA for the determination of a β-adrenergic agonist brombuterol in swine meat, liver and feed samples
Authors: Zhao Yingying , Jiang Danni , Wu Kang , Yang Hong , Du Haijing , Zhao Kang , Li Jianguo , Deng Anping
Published: August 2016

A sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on a newly prepared monoclonal antibody (mAb) for the determination of a β-adrenergic agonist brombuterol in swine meat, liver and feed samples was developed.
Fabrication of a novel disposable glucose biosensor using an electrochemically reduced graphene oxide–glucose oxidase biocomposite
Authors: Vijayaraj Kathiresan , Hong Suck Won , Jin Sung-Ho , Chang Seung-Cheol , Park Deog-Su
Published: August 2016

A disposable glucose biosensor has been fabricated on the surface of a cost-effective pencil graphite electrode (PGE) by an electrochemical method, using glucose oxidase (GOx) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO).
Immobilization of iron oxide nanoparticles within alginate nanogels for enhanced MR imaging applications
Authors: Sun Wenjie , Yang Jia , Zhu Jianzhi , Zhou Yiwei , Li Jingchao , Zhu Xiaoyue , Shen Mingwu , Zhang Guixiang , Shi Xiangyang
Published: August 2016

Iron oxide nanoparticle-immobilized alginate nanogels can be synthesizedviaa double emulsion approach for the enhanced MR imaging of tumors.
Discrete polygonal supramolecular architectures of isocytosine-based Pt(ii) complexes at the solution/graphite interface
Authors: El Garah Mohamed , Sinn Stephan , Dianat Arezoo , Santana-Bonilla Alejandro , Gutierrez Rafael , De Cola Luisa , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Ciesielski Artur , Samorì Paolo
Published: August 2016

Polygonal supramolecular architectures of a Pt(ii) complex including trimers, tetramers, pentamers and hexamers were self-assembled via hydrogen bonding between isocytosine moieties.
Phase transition in crown-jewel structured Au–Ir nanoalloys with different shapes: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Akbarzadeh Hamed , Abbaspour Mohsen , Mehrjouei Esmat
Published: August 2016

We have simulated the melting process for Au–Ir crown-jewel structured in the icosahedral, cuboctahedral, and decahedral morphologies.
Photochemical CO2 reduction using structurally controlled g-C3N4
Authors: Walsh James J. , Jiang Chaoran , Tang Junwang , Cowan Alexander J.
Published: August 2016

Urea derived g-C3N4 is a highly active CO2 reduction photocatalyst due to the location and driving force of photogenerated charges.
The study of electron transfer reactions in a dendrimeric assembly: proper utilization of dendrimer fluorescence
Authors: Koley Somnath , Ghosh Subhadip
Published: August 2016

Sensing applications of dendrimers: trapping of explosive nitroaromatic compounds within the dendrimer-cage followed by efficient quenching of its fluorescence.
Tuning of quantum entanglement in molecular quantum cellular automata based on mixed-valence tetrameric units
Authors: Palii Andrew , Tsukerblat Boris
Published: August 2016

In this article we show that the quantum entanglement in square planar mixed valence cell can be controlled through the interaction with the neighboring cell in molecular quantum cellular automata.
Designed intramolecular blocking of the spin crossover of an Fe(ii) complex
Authors: Bartual-Murgui C. , Vela S. , Roubeau O. , Aromí G.
Published: August 2016

Ligand intramolecular interactions trap an Fe(ii) complex in the high spin state, in a case of thermodynamic trapping rather than kinetic.
Systemic analysis of stress transcriptomics of Synechocystis reveals common stress genes and their universal triggers
Authors: Sinetova M. A. , Los D. A.
Published: August 2016

Systemic analysis of stress transcriptomics reveals that ROS and redox changes may universally trigger stress responses in Synechocystis (cyanobacteria).
Potential of a novel peptide P16-D from the membrane-proximal external region of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 to enhance retrovirus infection
Authors: Zhang Huayan , He Xiaoqiu , Shi Yuhua , Yu Yongjiao , Guan Shanshan , Gong Xin , Yin He , Kuai Ziyu , Shan Yaming
Published: August 2016

A modified peptide nanofibril “networks” could capture and concentrate enveloped virus easily. Stronger immune response could be elicited by the captured virus implying a potential for P16-D to improve gene transfer rates and vaccine applications.
Metal-based quantum dots: synthesis, surface modification, transport and fate in aquatic environments and toxicity to microorganisms
Authors: Hu Liang , Zhang Chang , Zeng Guangming , Chen Guiqiu , Wan Jia , Guo Zhi , Wu Haipeng , Yu Zhigang , Zhou Yaoyu , Liu Junfeng
Published: August 2016

The intense interest in metal-based QDs is diluted by the fact that they cause risks to aquatic environments.
Investigation of anti-corrosive properties of o-anisidine-N-salicylidene and its nanocomposite o-anisidine-N-salicylidene/NiONPs on mild steel in 2 N HCl
Authors: Wadhwani P. M. , Panchal V. K. , Shah N. K.
Published: August 2016

This paper describes the inhibition of mild steel corrosion in 2 N HCl aqueous solution by o-anisidine-N-salicylidene (o-AnNS) and o-AnNS assembled on nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiONPs), which was investigated using various techniques.
Efficient Nd3+ sensitized Yb3+ emission and infrared-to-visible energy conversion in gallium nano-garnets
Authors: Rathaiah Mamilla , Lozano-Gorrín Antonio Diego , Babu Palamandala , Jayasankar Chalicheemalapalli Kulala , Lavín Víctor , Venkatramu Vemula
Published: August 2016

We studied the structural and luminescence properties of nanocrystalline RE3Ga5O12 (RE = Gd, Y and Lu) garnets co-doped with 1 mol% of Nd3+ and 10 mol% of Yb3+ ions. The Nd3+ sensitized Yb3+ emission at 1025 nm is observed due to efficient Nd3+ to Yb3+ energy transfer.
Aggregation of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium octylsulphate ionic liquids and their interaction with Triton X-100 micelles
Authors: Thakkar Khushbu , Bharatiya Bhavesh , Aswal Vinod K. , Bahadur Pratap
Published: August 2016

Halogen-free surface active and biamphiphilic ionic liquids 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium octylsulphates (Cnmim C8SO4, n = 4, 6, 8, 10) were synthesized and their aqueous solution behaviour was studied using NMR and scattering techniques.
PDMS mixed matrix membranes filled with novel PSS-2 nanoparticles for ethanol/water separation by pervaporation
Authors: Naik Parimal V. , Verlooy Pieter L. H. , Smet Sam , Martens Johan A. , Vankelecom Ivo F. J.
Published: August 2016

The design of functional micro- and mesostructured composite materials is significantly important for separation processes.
Thermal-tolerant polymers with antireflective and hydrophobic grooved subwavelength grating surfaces for high-performance optics
Authors: Leem Jung Woo , Dudem Bhaskar , Yu Jae Su
Published: August 2016

Polymers with grooved subwavelength gratings enhance the optical performance in broad wavelengths and angles, having good thermal durability and hydrophobicity.
Poly(dopamine) assisted in situ fabrication of silver nanoparticles/metal–organic framework hybrids as SERS substrates for folic acid detection
Authors: Sun Zheng Juan , Jiang Zhong Wei , Li Yuan Fang
Published: August 2016

A novel and simple in situ strategy for the preparation of AgNPs/MIL-101(Cr) hybrids as SERS substrates for folic acid detection was developed.
Study on the oxidation process of cobalt hydroxide to cobalt oxides at low temperatures
Authors: Huang Zhifang , Zhao Yan , Song Yuehong , Li Yawen , Wu Gongjuan , Tang Hongjiao , Zhao Jingzhe
Published: August 2016

The transformation process of cobalt hydroxide (Co(OH)2) to cobalt oxides (Co3O4/CoOOH) in aqueous solution was studied in the temperature range of 50–90 °C.
Controllable crumpling of N-doped graphene induced by capillary force resistance
Authors: Tang Zhihong , Li Xiaodong , Han Zhuo , Yao Long , Shen Shuling , Yang Junhe
Published: August 2016

N doped crumpled graphene (NCG) with controllable morphology and opened structure is achieved by using urea as both soft template and nitrogen supplier.
Characterization of hydrogenated graphite powder by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry
Authors: Xie Wenjing , Ng Kai Mo , Weng Lu-Tao , Chan Chi-Ming
Published: August 2016

Hydrogenated graphite powder was obtained through Birch reduction of graphite powder and characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) at 500 °C.
Correction: Solid phase synthesis and RNA-binding activity of an arginine-containing nucleopeptide
Authors: Roviello G. N. , Vicidomini C. , Di Gaetano S. , Capasso D. , Musumeci D. , Roviello V.
Published: August 2016

Correction for ‘Solid phase synthesis and RNA-binding activity of an arginine-containing nucleopeptide’ by G. N. Roviello et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 14140–14148.
Highly oriented MOF thin film-based electrocatalytic device for the reduction of CO2 to CO exhibiting high faradaic efficiency
Authors: Ye Lu , Liu Jinxuan , Gao Yan , Gong Chenghuan , Addicoat Matthew , Heine Thomas , Wöll Christof , Sun Licheng
Published: August 2016

A monolithic, highly electrochemically efficient Re-based metal–organic framework (MOF) thin film has been deposited onto a conductive FTO electrode by liquid-phase epitaxy.
Bismuth nanodendrites as a high performance electrocatalyst for selective conversion of CO2to formate
Authors: Zhong Hexiang , Qiu Yanling , Zhang Taotao , Li Xianfeng , Zhang Huamin , Chen Xiaobo
Published: August 2016

Bismuth nanodendrites with a high performance are designed and synthesized for ERC. The catalyst exhibits high selectivity and activity as well as excellent stability for ERC.
Recruiting physisorbed water in surface polymerization for bio-inspired materials of tunable hydrophobicity
Authors: Oyola-Reynoso S. , Tevis I. D. , Chen J. , Chang B. S. , Çinar S. , Bloch J.-F. , Thuo M. M.
Published: August 2016

Chemical grafting has been widely used to modify the surface properties of materials, especially surface energy for controlled wetting, because of the resilience of such coatings/modifications.
Effective PDT/PTT dual-modal phototherapeutic killing of pathogenic bacteria by using ruthenium nanoparticles
Authors: Huang Xiaoquan , Chen Gengjia , Pan Jiali , Chen Xu , Huang Na , Wang Xin , Liu Jie
Published: August 2016

A subcutaneous abscess is a local infection caused by pathogenic bacteria.
An Acoustic Study of Vowels Produced by Alaryngeal Speakers in Taiwan
Authors: Liao Jia-Shiou
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This study investigated the acoustic properties of 6 Taiwan Southern Min vowels produced by 10 laryngeal speakers (LA), 10 speakers with a pneumatic artificial larynx (PA), and 8 esophageal speakers (ES).

Method

Each of the 6 monophthongs of Taiwan Southern Min (/i, e, a, ɔ, u, ə/) was represented by a Taiwan Southern Min character and appeared randomly on a list 3 times (6 Taiwan Southern Min characters × 3 repetitions = 18 tokens). Each Taiwan Southern Min character in this study has the same syllable structure, /V/, and all were read with tone 1 (high and level). Acoustic measurements of the 1st formant, 2nd formant, and 3rd formant were taken for each vowel. Then, vowel space areas (VSAs) enclosed by /i, a, u/ were calculated for each group of speakers. The Euclidean distance between vowels in the pairs /i, a/, /i, u/, and /a, u/ was also calculated and compared across the groups.

Results

PA and ES have higher 1st or 2nd formant values than LA for each vowel. The distance is significantly shorter between vowels in the corner vowel pairs /i, a/ and /i, u/. PA and ES have a significantly smaller VSA compared with LA.

Conclusions

In accordance with previous studies, alaryngeal speakers have higher formant frequency values than LA because they have a shortened vocal tract as a result of their total laryngectomy. Furthermore, the resonance frequencies are inversely related to the length of the vocal tract (on the basis of the assumption of the source filter theory). PA and ES have a smaller VSA and shorter distances between corner vowels compared with LA, which may be related to speech intelligibility. This hypothesis needs further support from future study.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Vocal Folds in Women With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and Virilized Voices
Authors: Nygren Ulrika , Isberg Bengt , Arver Stefan , Hertegård Stellan , Södersten Maria , Nordenskjöld Agneta
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) may develop a virilized voice due to late diagnosis or suboptimal suppression of adrenal androgens. Changes in the vocal folds due to virilization have not been studied in vivo. The purpose was to investigate if the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle is affected by virilization and correlate findings to fundamental frequency (F0).

Method

A case-control study using magnetic resonance imaging and voice recordings. Four women with CAH with virilized voices (26–40 years), and 5 female and 4 male controls participated. Measurements of cross-sectional TA muscle area, vocal fold length, vocal tract length, and acoustic analyses of F0 were performed.

Results

Women with CAH had larger cross-sectional TA muscle area than female control subjects and smaller than male controls. A significant negative correlation was found between TA muscle area and mean F0. The patients had a smaller physiological voice range than both female and male controls.

Conclusion

Data from our small study suggest that a larger TA muscle area is strongly associated with a lower F0 and thus the anatomical explanation for a female virilized voice, suggesting an androgen effect on the vocal folds. The findings from the present study need to be confirmed in a larger study.