bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective Conscientious Objection and International Human Rights
Authors: Hammer Leonard
Published: February 2016

The development of an international status for military conscientious objection received a strong backing by pronouncements from bodies like the Human Rights Committee that the capacity for objection can derive from the international human right to freedom of religion or belief of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Even with such pronouncements, questions remain in regard to the nature, boundaries and scope of this right. Most importantly, does this pronounced right allow for selective military conscientious objection within the international human rights system? This article will focus on the view that the capacity for military conscientious objection in the international human rights system derives from the right to freedom of religion and conscience. The implication of the international human right of freedom of religion or belief is important for its application to selective conscientious objection. However, even if the Human Rights Committee desires to limit the application of military conscientious objection, a selective objector can arguably still make the case for upholding a claim based on the human right and the manner in which it has been interpreted by the Committee and other international bodies. While on the one hand the focus on the human right to freedom of religion or belief can possibly provide the basis for a selective conscientious objector, it removes the possibility for claims that do not involve a religion or belief. The importance however of freedom of religion or behef should force a reviewing body to properly consider and measure the claim of a selective objector, with a view towards considering whether they are confronted with the manifestation of a belief and whether the state is violating such a seminal human right.
STATE BUILDING, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, AND THE MAKING OF A FRONTIER REGIME IN NORTHEASTERN ETHIOPIA,c.1944–75
Authors: PUDDU LUCA
Published: February 2016

Combining a set of grey literature and primary sources, this article analyses the rise and fall of the sultanate of Awsa, northeastern Ethiopia, between 1944 and 1975. Ali Mirah exploited the typical repertoires of a frontier regime to consolidate a semi-independent Muslim chiefdom at the fringes of the Christian empire of Ethiopia. Foreign investors in commercial agriculture provided the sultanate and its counterparts within the Ethiopian state with tangible and intangible resources that shaped the quest for statecraft in the Lower Awash Valley.
Effect of ruminally unprotected Echium oil on milk yield, composition and fatty acid profile in mid-lactation goats
Authors: Renna Manuela , Lussiana Carola , Cornale Paolo , Battaglini Luca Maria , Fortina Riccardo , Mimosi Antonio
Published: February 2016

This study investigated the effects on goat milk yield and composition of a diet supplemented with Echium plantagineum oil (EPO). Twenty-four mid-lactation multiparous Camosciata goats were divided into two balanced groups and fed for 44 d a diet based on hay and concentrate, supplemented (EPO group, Echium) or not (CON group, control) with 40 ml of ruminally unprotected EPO. Individual milk yield was recorded and individual milk samples were collected at 11, 22, 33, and 44 d after supplementation. Milk samples were analysed for milk components and fatty acids (FA). Data were statistically analysed by repeated-measures analysis of variance. Milk yield, protein and lactose contents were significantly higher in EPO than CON group. The inclusion of EPO significantly decreased total saturated FA and total branched-chain FA, and contemporarily sharply increased trans biohydrogenation intermediates (P ⩽ 0·001). Milk concentration of α-linolenic, stearidonic and γ-linolenic acids increased by 23, 1000 and 67%, respectively (P ⩽ 0·001). Due to extensive ruminal biohydrogenation, their apparent transfer rate was less than 3%. As a consequence, the milk concentrations of very long-chain (VLC) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), such as eicosapentaenoic (20:5 n-3) and dihomo-γ-linolenic (20:3 n-6) acids, significantly increased with EPO treatment, but values remained very low. Docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3) was undetectable in all analysed milk samples. Results show that ruminally unprotected EPO can enhance milk yield and protein and improve the overall goat milk FA profile. However, this kind of supplementation cannot be considered a valuable strategy to develop goat functional dairy products enriched with VLC n-3 PUFA for human consumption.
Modulating the textural characteristics of whey protein nanofibril gels with different concentrations of calcium chloride
Authors: Farjami Toktam , Madadlou Ashkan , Labbafi Mohsen
Published: February 2016

Protein nanofibrils with 10–20 nm diameters were formed by heating whey protein solution at pH 2·0. Nanofibrils solution was deacidified slowly through dialysis followed by adding different amounts of CaCl2 (0–80 mM) into the dialysis water resulting in formation of a soft viscoelastic gel over time. The gel fabricated from the nanofibrils solution dialyzed against distilled water with 0 mM CaCl2 had zero ash content. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy revealed a change in the pattern of hydrogen bond formation in gel network by calcium chloride. The higher the ash content of gels, the lower was the storage modulus and fracture stress of samples. Gels with higher ash contents had a more porous microstructure which was attributed to the diminished hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding among nanofibrils by the action of chloride. Higher ash contents also led to higher water holding capacity of gels which was attributed to the influence of the strongly hydrated calcium ions that interacted with the non-charged regions of proteins via site-specific interactions.
Minor milk constituents are affected by protein concentration and forage digestibility in the feed ration
Authors: Larsen Torben , Alstrup Lene , Weisbjerg Martin Riis
Published: February 2016

The present study was conducted in order to investigate if selected minor milk components would be indicative for the nutritional situation of the cow. Forty-eight dairy cows were offered a high digestible ration vs. a lower digestible ration combined with 2 protein levels in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Milk glucose, glucose-6-phosphate, cholesterol, triacylglycerides (TAG), uric acid and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) were measured and correlated mutually and towards other milking parameters (yield, h since last milking, days in milk (DIM), urea, etc). The variation range of the suggested variables were broad, a fact that may support their utilisation as predictive parameters. The content of milk metabolites was significantly affected by the change in rations as milk glucose, glucose-6-phosphate, uric acid, and the ratio cholesterol: triacylglycerides increased with higher energy intake while BHBA and TAG decreased. The content of some of the milk metabolites changed during 24 h day/night periods: BHBA, cholesterol, uric acid and TAG increased whereas free glucose decreased in the night period. Certain associations between milk metabolites and calculated energy parameters like ECM, body condition score (BCS), and body weight gain were found, however, these associations were to some extent explained by an interaction with DIM, just as changes in milk metabolites during a 24 h period seems to interfere. It is concluded that the practical use of the suggested milk variables should be based on more than one metabolite and that stage of lactation and possibly time of the day where the milk is collected should be incorporated in predictive models.
Comparative study of microbiological, chemical and sensory properties of kefirs produced in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
Authors: Anton Dea , Raudsepp Piret , Roasto Mati , Meremäe Kadrin , Kuusik Sirje , Toomik Peeter , Elias Priit , Laikoja Katrin , Kaart Tanel , Lepiku Martin , Püssa Tõnu
Published: February 2016

In the current study the microbiological, sensory and chemical properties of 24 kefirs (12 producers) from Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian retail market were determined using gas chromatography (GC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-MS/MS-Q-TOF and LC-ion trap MS/MS), spectrophotometry and other methods. Antihypertensive, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibiting, antioxidant and antibacterial peptides were found in the kefir samples. According to the results of principal component analysis of 200 most abundant compounds obtained with HPLC-MS/MS-Q-TOF analysis, Estonian kefirs differed from the rest. Kefirs of Latvian and Lithuanian origin showed similarities in several characteristics, probably related to the starter cultures and technological processes. The fatty acids composition of all Baltic kefirs was uniform. The antioxidant capacity of the kefirs varied slightly, whereas intermediate positive correlation (r= 0·32,P< 0·05) was found between antioxidativity and total bacterial count. The lipid oxidation level, estimated as the content of linoleic and oleic acid primary oxidation products, oxylipins, was very low in all studied kefirs. Only one third of analysed kefirs met the requirements of the minimum sum of viable microorganisms, indicated in the Codex Standard for Fermented Milks.
Comparative analysis of biofilm community on different coloured substrata in relation to mussel settlement
Authors: Li Yi-Feng , Guo Xing-Pan , Chen Yu-Ru , Ding De-Wen , Yang Jin-Long
Published: February 2016

Mussels are typical macrofouling organisms in the world. In this study, the interaction between the settlement ofMytilus coruscusplantigrades and bacterial community on coloured substrata was determined. Bacterial communities in biofilms developed on seven coloured substrata were analysed by Illumina Miseq sequencing. The mussel settlement response to coloured substrata with no biofilms was also examined.Flavobacteria, AlphaproteobacteriaandGammaproteobacteriawere the first, second and third most dominant groups in seven biofilm samples. The results suggest that the inducing activities of these biofilms on plantigrade settlement varied with coloured substrata and the lowest percentage of settlement was observed on biofilms on the green substratum. High-throughput sequencing showed that bacterial community in biofilms also changed with the substratum colour. No significant difference in the inducing activity on plantigrade settlement was observed between the coloured substrata with no biofilms. Thus, difference in plantigrade settlement response may be correlated to the changes in bacterial community on coloured substrata. This finding extends current knowledge of interaction among mussel settlement and bacterial community variability.
Organochlorine pesticides in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) with and without fibropapillomatosis caught at three feeding areas off Brazil
Authors: Sánchez-Sarmiento Angélica María , Rossi Silmara , Vilca Franz Zirena , Thijl Vanstreels Ralph Eric , Monteiro Sergio Henrique , Vale Luiz Américo S. , Dos Santos Robson Guimarães , Marigo Juliana , Bertozzi Carolina Pacheco , Grisi Filho José Henrique Hildebrand , Tornisielo Valdemar Luiz , Matushima Eliana Reiko
Published: February 2016

Many factors threaten the survival of marine turtles, such as incidental capture by fisheries, habitat degradation, pollution and diseases. One of the most important diseases is fibropapillomatosis (FP), characterized by the development of benign skin tumours. FP predominantly affects juvenile green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and involves a complex multifactorial aetiology. For several years, it has been noted that the prevalence of FP tends to be higher in marine environments under the influence of human activities, leading to the hypothesis that environmental pollutants play a role in the epidemiology of this disease. Organochlorine compounds (OCs) are persistent organic pollutants with immunosuppressive and carcinogenic effects in humans and wildlife. OC levels (α-BHC, β-BHC, α-endosulphan, β-endosulphan, endosulphan sulphate, pp′-DDD, op′-DDD, pp′-DDE, op′-DDE, heptachlor, dicofol and mirex) were quantified through gas chromatography with a micro-electron capture detector (GC-μECD) in liver and fat samples from 64 juvenile green sea turtles. Specimens with and without FP were analysed, after being caught at three feeding areas off the Brazilian coast: Ubatuba, Praia Grande and Vitória. OC levels were comparable to those observed in similar studies, and no consistent difference was observed between sea turtles with and without FP. This study helps to elucidate the contamination profile in sea turtles caught at feeding areas off Brazil and confirms that green sea turtles are exposed to OCs, which may play a negative role in the health of this species.
FACTORS INFLUENCING REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL DEVICES IN FRANCE
Authors: Loge Pierre , Delalande François , Reymond Marie-Christine , Germain Sylvia
Published: February 2016

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the key factors considered for the first application of the National Committee for the Evaluation of Medical Devices (CNEDiMTS) for achieving reimbursement through registration in the list of products and services qualifying for reimbursement (LPPR).

Methods: All the appraisals studied on medical devices (MD) for first inclusion in the LPPR during 2011 and 2012 were retrieved from the French National Authority for Health or Haute Autorité de santé (HAS) Web site. A list of relevant factors was analyzed for each included opinion, followed by univariate and multivariate analyses to highlight the key factors that impacted the expected benefit (EB) provided by HAS.

Results: A total of 151 appraisals were included in the study. Of them, 94 (62 percent) were granted with sufficient EB. The manufacturers were mostly from the United States (36 percent), while most of the applicants were from France (84 percent). After adjusting for other retrieved factors, it was observed that MDs complying with the technical standards, requests supported by opinion(s) from previous generation of MD, and the presence of recommendations or guidelines had more probability to obtain a sufficient EB. A lower probability was related to MDs supported by low-quality studies and with no specific health public benefit.

Conclusions: Our results confirmed that manufacturers seeking reimbursement should be aware of the expectations of the health authorities (level of evidence, technical standard, etc.) and foresee their plan of sending requests for funding so that they can provide evidence of good quality.
Overcoming incorrect knowledge in plan-based reward shaping
Authors: Efthymiadis Kyriakos , Devlin Sam , Kudenko Daniel
Published: February 2016

Reward shaping has been shown to significantly improve an agent’s performance in reinforcement learning. Plan-based reward shaping is a successful approach in which a STRIPS plan is used in order to guide the agent to the optimal behaviour. However, if the provided knowledge is wrong, it has been shown the agent will take longer to learn the optimal policy. Previously, in some cases, it was better to ignore all prior knowledge despite it only being partially incorrect.

This paper introduces a novel use of knowledge revision to overcome incorrect domain knowledge when provided to an agent receiving plan-based reward shaping. Empirical results show that an agent using this method can outperform the previous agent receiving plan-based reward shaping without knowledge revision.
Liquidity: essence, risk, institutions, markets and regulation: a report of the liquidity working party
Authors: Keating C. , Hatchett J. , Smith A. , Walton J. , Zhao T.
Published: February 2016

This study is a subjective synthesis of the work of many academics, supervisors and practitioners on the topic of liquidity and many of its multiple aspects. It borrows heavily and freely from those works in the pursuit of coherence, as this subject can be both confused and confusing. Although many hypotheses, both established and speculative, are referred to, none is proposed in this paper. In order to be of possible use to a range of readers, it roams from the most basic and elementary to some of the most recent and advanced. In pursuit of brevity and readability, in many instances it can do little more than introduce a particular feature and leave further investigation to the reader. Liquidity is clearly a topic with much unfinished business. Our ambition in writing this paper is threefold: first, to raise awareness amongst actuaries of the wide-ranging implications for actuarial work of liquidity; second, to bring some coherence to the manifold measures and uses of the concept of liquidity by attempting to synthesise some of the key elements of knowledge today; finally, to highlight some of the more high profile and open questions relevant for actuarial work. This paper makes many references to behaviour during the crisis and its aftermath; however, it is not intended to be a forensic analysis of the crisis attributing causality. The crisis has simply served as an experiment during which many things became observable.
Density Functional Theory Modeling of Low-Loss Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy in Wurtzite III-Nitride Ternary Alloys
Authors: Eljarrat Alberto , Sastre Xavier , Peiró Francesca , Estradé Sónia
Published: February 2016

In the present work, the dielectric response of III-nitride semiconductors is studied using density functional theory (DFT) band structure calculations. The aim of this study is to improve our understanding of the features in the low-loss electron energy-loss spectra of ternary alloys, but the results are also relevant to optical and UV spectroscopy results. In addition, the dependence of the most remarkable features with composition is tested, i.e. applying Vegard’s law to band gap and plasmon energy. For this purpose, three wurtzite ternary alloys, from the combination of binaries AlN, GaN, and InN, were simulated through a wide compositional range (i.e., AlxGa1−xN, InxAl1−xN, and InxGa1−xN, with x=[0,1]). For this DFT calculations, the standard tools found in Wien2k software were used. In order to improve the band structure description of these semiconductor compounds, the modified Becke–Johnson exchange–correlation potential was also used. Results from these calculations are presented, including band structure, density of states, and complex dielectric function for the whole compositional range. Larger, closer to experimental values, band gap energies are predicted using the novel potential, when compared with standard generalized gradient approximation. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the collective excitation features in the dielectric response reveals their compositional dependence, which sometimes departs from a linear behavior (bowing). Finally, an advantageous method for measuring the plasmon energy dependence from these calculations is explained.
In-chirp FSK communication between cooperative 77-GHz radar stations integrating variable power distribution between ranging and communication system
Authors: Scheiblhofer Werner , Feger Reinhard , Haderer Andreas , Scheiblhofer Stefan , Stelzer Andreas
Published: February 2016

We present the realization of a cooperative radar system for ranging applications with integrated data-transmission capability. The simultaneous transmission is performed by the radar-hardware without the necessity of additional components or an auxiliary data-link. Therefore, the data are directly embedded in the transmitted chirp of a frequency-modulated continuous-wave radar sensor. A second station, acting as receiver, uses an identical, but unmodulated chirp for down-conversion. The resulting signal then is processed by a non-coherent demodulator setup, extracting the communication data. Measurement results from transmission of messages with different bit-rates are shown. By utilizing existing radar-hardware a transmission rate of up to 256 kbps is possible, without the need of a dedicated transceiver. Additionally, a method to optimize the ranging results by variable distribution of the available signal power between distance-measurement and communication system is presented.
Illuminating the Controls of Convection
Authors: Wheeling Kate
Published: February 2016

Researchers compare observations and models of air circulation over the tropics to determine if simulations capture how the environment shapes convection.
Development of a Barriers Scale to Predict Early Treatment Success for Young Children in Poverty With Behavior Problems
Authors: Gresl Brittany L. , Fox Robert A. , Besasie Lauryn A.
Published: February 2016

Research has demonstrated that participation in parent and child therapy (PCT) programs significantly reduces problematic behaviors while increasing positive behaviors in the child. However, PCT programs report rates of early termination as high as 60% among families in poverty. Research to reduce these early termination rates has historically focused on barriers to treatment including logistical conflicts, socioeconomic status, child age, and symptom severity. Despite attempts to address these variables and reduce early termination rates, progress has been slow in advancing the research in this area. In addition, few measures have been designed to accurately assess how barriers to treatment impact treatment attendance and participation, particularly for families of young children living in poverty. The purpose of this study was to develop and pilot a clinician-report screening tool, the Treatment Barriers Scale (TBS), to assess barriers to treatment participation in primarily low-income, urban minority families receiving home-based therapy for their young child’s challenging behaviors. Data from 330 families consecutively referred to a mental health clinic for behavior problems were analyzed to identify the initial psychometric and predictive properties of this new tool in screening treatment barriers in this population. The resulting 17-item scale consisted of two factors, labeled Treatment Process Barriers and Operational Barriers. Each factor demonstrated acceptable levels of internal consistency (.82 and .80, respectively). Children with more-severe challenging behavior at pretest were more likely to be successful by the third session in treatment. Families with higher TBS scores were more likely to be less successful early in treatment. Limitations of the study and implications for future research and practice were discussed.
Siltuximab (CNTO 328) with lenalidomide, bortezomib and dexamethasone in newly-diagnosed, previously untreated multiple myeloma: an open-label phase I trial
Authors: Shah J J , Feng L , Thomas S K , Berkova Z , Weber D M , Wang M , Qazilbash M H , Champlin R E , Mendoza T R , Cleeland C , Orlowski R Z
Published: February 2016

The safety and efficacy of siltuximab (CNTO 328) was tested in combination with lenalidomide, bortezomib and dexamethasone (RVD) in patients with newly-diagnosed, previously untreated symptomatic multiple myeloma. Fourteen patients were enrolled in the study, eleven of whom qualified to receive therapy. A majority of patients (81.8%) completed the minimal number or more of the four required cycles, while two patients completed only three cycles. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of siltuximab with RVD was dose level −1 (siltuximab: 8.3 mg/kg; bortezomib: 1.3 mg/m2; lenalidomide: 25 mg; dexamethasone: 20 mg). Serious adverse events were grade 3 pneumonia and grade 4 thrombocytopenia, and no deaths occurred during the study or with follow-up (median follow-up 28.1 months). An overall response rate, after 3–4 cycles of therapy, of 90.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 58.7%, 99.8%) (9.1% complete response (95% CI: 0.2%, 41.3%), 45.5% very good partial response (95% CI: 16.7%, 76.6%) and 36.4% partial response (95% CI: 10.9%, 69.2%)) was seen. Two patients withdrew consent, and nine patients (81.8%) opted for autologous stem cell transplantation.
Intraperitoneal adipose tissue is strongly related to survival rate in a mouse cecal ligation and puncture model
Authors: Niiyama Shuhei , Takasu Osamu , Sakamoto Teruo , Ushijima Kazuo
Published: February 2016

Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) models exhibiting polymicrobial sepsis are considered as the gold standard in sepsis research. However, despite meticulous research being conducted in this field, only few treatment drugs are available, indicating that CLP sepsis models do not completely mimic human sepsis models. The greatest flaw in CLP models is abscess formation because the localization of inflammation caused by abscess formation increases the survival rate. Therefore, by resecting intraperitoneal adipose tissue, we developed a mouse CLP model wherein abscess formation was unlikely. Survival rates at 7 days postoperatively were compared using the Kaplan–Meier method for an intraperitoneal adipose tissue resection group (resection group, n=34), an intraperitoneal adipose tissue non‐resection group (non‐resection group, n=35) and a sham group (n=10). Results indicated that the survival rate was significantly higher in the non‐resection group compared with the resection group. Intraperitoneal macroscopic findings in the non‐resection group revealed the localization of inflammation caused by abscesses formation covered in adipose tissue. The survival rate for the sham group was 100%. Measurement of interleukin 6 (IL‐6) indicated that during the 12 h after the creation of the CLP model, the median level of IL‐6 was 1300 (552–3000) pg ml−1 in the non‐resection group (n=19) and 3000 (1224–8595) pg ml−1 in the resection group (n=19). Meanwhile, for the sham group, IL‐6 values were below measurement sensitivity in most cases (9/10 mice). Thus our results suggest that, in CLP models, intraperitoneal adipose tissue has an important role in abscess formation and is strongly related to the survival rate.
Integrated multi-omics analyses reveal the biochemical mechanisms and phylogenetic relevance of anaerobic androgen biodegradation in the environment
Authors: Yang Fu-Chun , Chen Yi-Lung , Tang Sen-Lin , Yu Chang-Ping , Wang Po-Hsiang , Ismail Wael , Wang Chia-Hsiang , Ding Jiun-Yan , Yang Cheng-Yu , Yang Chia-Ying , Chiang Yin-Ru
Published: February 2016

Steroid hormones, such as androgens, are common surface-water contaminants. However, literature on the ecophysiological relevance of steroid-degrading organisms in the environment, particularly in anoxic ecosystems, is extremely limited. We previously reported that Steroidobacter denitrificans anaerobically degrades androgens through the 2,3-seco pathway. In this study, the genome of Sdo. denitrificans was completely sequenced. Transcriptomic data revealed gene clusters that were distinctly expressed during anaerobic growth on testosterone. We isolated and characterized the bifunctional 1-testosterone hydratase/dehydrogenase, which is essential for anaerobic degradation of steroid A-ring. Because of apparent substrate preference of this molybdoenzyme, corresponding genes, along with the signature metabolites of the 2,3-seco pathway, were used as biomarkers to investigate androgen biodegradation in the largest sewage treatment plant in Taipei, Taiwan. Androgen metabolite analysis indicated that denitrifying bacteria in anoxic sewage use the 2,3-seco pathway to degrade androgens. Metagenomic analysis and PCR-based functional assays showed androgen degradation in anoxic sewage by Thauera spp. through the action of 1-testosterone hydratase/dehydrogenase. Our integrative ‘omics’ approach can be used for culture-independent investigations of the microbial degradation of structurally complex compounds where isotope-labeled substrates are not easily available.
Ubiquitous Gammaproteobacteria dominate dark carbon fixation in coastal sediments
Authors: Dyksma Stefan , Bischof Kerstin , Fuchs Bernhard M , Hoffmann Katy , Meier Dimitri , Meyerdierks Anke , Pjevac Petra , Probandt David , Richter Michael , Stepanauskas Ramunas , Mußmann Marc
Published: February 2016

Marine sediments are the largest carbon sink on earth. Nearly half of dark carbon fixation in the oceans occurs in coastal sediments, but the microorganisms responsible are largely unknown. By integrating the 16S rRNA approach, single-cell genomics, metagenomics and transcriptomics with 14C-carbon assimilation experiments, we show that uncultured Gammaproteobacteria account for 70–86% of dark carbon fixation in coastal sediments. First, we surveyed the bacterial 16S rRNA gene diversity of 13 tidal and sublittoral sediments across Europe and Australia to identify ubiquitous core groups of Gammaproteobacteria mainly affiliating with sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. These also accounted for a substantial fraction of the microbial community in anoxic, 490-cm-deep subsurface sediments. We then quantified dark carbon fixation by scintillography of specific microbial populations extracted and flow-sorted from sediments that were short-term incubated with 14C-bicarbonate. We identified three distinct gammaproteobacterial clades covering diversity ranges on family to order level (the Acidiferrobacter, JTB255 and SSr clades) that made up >50% of dark carbon fixation in a tidal sediment. Consistent with these activity measurements, environmental transcripts of sulfur oxidation and carbon fixation genes mainly affiliated with those of sulfur-oxidizing Gammaproteobacteria. The co-localization of key genes of sulfur and hydrogen oxidation pathways and their expression in genomes of uncultured Gammaproteobacteria illustrates an unknown metabolic plasticity for sulfur oxidizers in marine sediments. Given their global distribution and high abundance, we propose that a stable assemblage of metabolically flexible Gammaproteobacteria drives important parts of marine carbon and sulfur cycles.
Interferon-inducible protein SCOTIN interferes with HCV replication through the autolysosomal degradation of NS5A
Authors: Kim Nari , Kim Min-Jung , Sung Pil Soo , Bae Yong Chul , Shin Eui-Cheol , Yoo Joo-Yeon
Published: February 2016

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) utilizes autophagy to promote its propagation. Here we show the autophagy-mediated suppression of HCV replication via the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein SCOTIN. SCOTIN overexpression inhibits HCV replication and infectious virion production in cells infected with cell culture-derived HCV. HCV nonstructural 5A (NS5A) protein, which is a critical factor for HCV RNA replication, interacts with the IFN-β-inducible protein SCOTIN, which transports NS5A to autophagosomes for degradation. Furthermore, the suppressive effect of SCOTIN on HCV replication is impaired in both ATG7-silenced cells and cells treated with autophagy or lysosomal inhibitors. SCOTIN does not affect the overall flow of autophagy; however, it is a substrate for autophagic degradation. The physical association between the transmembrane/proline-rich domain (TMPRD) of SCOTIN and Domain-II of NS5A is essential for autophagosomal trafficking and NS5A degradation. Altogether, our findings suggest that IFN-β-induced SCOTIN recruits the HCV NS5A protein to autophagosomes for degradation, thereby restricting HCV replication.
Lysosomal recruitment of TSC2 is a universal response to cellular stress
Authors: Demetriades Constantinos , Plescher Monika , Teleman Aurelio A.
Published: February 2016

mTORC1 promotes cell growth and is therefore inactivated upon unfavourable growth conditions. Signalling pathways downstream of most cellular stresses converge on TSC1/2, which serves as an integration point that inhibits mTORC1. The TSC1/2 complex was shown to translocate to lysosomes to inactivate mTORC1 in response to two stresses: amino-acid starvation and growth factor removal. Whether other stresses also regulate TSC2 localization is not known. How TSC2 localization responds to combinations of stresses and other stimuli is also unknown. We show that both amino acids and growth factors are required simultaneously to maintain TSC2 cytoplasmic; when one of the two is missing, TSC2 relocalizes to lysosomes. Furthermore, multiple different stresses that inhibit mTORC1 also drive TSC2 lysosomal accumulation. Our findings indicate that lysosomal recruitment of TSC2 is a universal response to stimuli that inactivate mTORC1, and that the presence of any single stress is sufficient to cause TSC2 lysosomal localization.
Tripartite assembly of RND multidrug efflux pumps
Authors: Daury Laetitia , Orange François , Taveau Jean-Christophe , Verchère Alice , Monlezun Laura , Gounou Céline , Marreddy Ravi K. R. , Picard Martin , Broutin Isabelle , Pos Klaas M. , Lambert Olivier
Published: February 2016

Tripartite multidrug efflux systems of Gram-negative bacteria are composed of an inner membrane transporter, an outer membrane channel and a periplasmic adaptor protein. They are assumed to form ducts inside the periplasm facilitating drug exit across the outer membrane. Here we present the reconstitution of native Pseudomonas aeruginosa MexAB–OprM and Escherichia coli AcrAB–TolC tripartite Resistance Nodulation and cell Division (RND) efflux systems in a lipid nanodisc system. Single-particle analysis by electron microscopy reveals the inner and outer membrane protein components linked together via the periplasmic adaptor protein. This intrinsic ability of the native components to self-assemble also leads to the formation of a stable interspecies AcrA–MexB–TolC complex suggesting a common mechanism of tripartite assembly. Projection structures of all three complexes emphasize the role of the periplasmic adaptor protein as part of the exit duct with no physical interaction between the inner and outer membrane components.
Anthropogenic effects are associated with a lower persistence of marine food webs
Authors: Gilarranz Luis J. , Mora Camilo , Bascompte Jordi
Published: February 2016

Marine coastal ecosystems are among the most exposed to global environmental change, with reported effects on species biomass, species richness and length of trophic chains. By combining a biologically informed food-web model with information on anthropogenic influences in 701 sites across the Caribbean region, we show that fishing effort, human density and thermal stress anomaly are associated with a decrease in local food-web persistence. The conservation status of the site, in turn, is associated with an increase in food-web persistence. Some of these associations are explained through effects on food-web structure and total community biomass. Our results unveil a hidden footprint of human activities. Even when food webs may seem healthy in terms of the presence and abundance of their constituent species, they may be losing the capacity to withstand further environmental degradation.
Fenestrated and Chimney Technique for Juxtarenal Aortic Aneurysm: A Systematic Review and Pooled Data Analysis
Authors: Li Yue , Hu Zhongzhou , Bai Chujie , Liu Jie , Zhang Tao , Ge Yangyang , Luan Shaoliang , Guo Wei
Published: February 2016

Juxtarenal aortic aneurysms (JAA) account for approximately 15% of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) and chimney endovascular aneurysm repair (CH-EVAR) are both effective methods to treat JAAs, but the comparative effectiveness of these treatment modalities is unclear. We searched the PubMed, Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases to identify English language articles published between January 2005 and September 2013 on management of JAA with fenestrated and chimney techniques to conduct a systematic review to compare outcomes of patients with juxtarenal aortic aneurysm (JAA) treated with the two techniques. We compared nine F-EVAR cohort studies including 542 JAA patients and 8 CH-EVAR cohorts with 158 JAA patients regarding techniques success rates, 30-day mortality, late mortality, endoleak events and secondary intervention rates. The results of this systematic review indicate that both fenestrated and chimney techniques are attractive options for JAAs treatment with encouraging early and mid-term outcomes.
On spatial pattern of concentration distribution for Taylor dispersion process
Authors: Wu Zi , Fu Xudong , Wang Guangqian
Published: February 2016

Taylor dispersion is a key concept in many fields. In the present paper, we characterize the pattern of the complete spatial concentration distribution for laminar tube flow; the obtained simple description is shown to represent the nature of Taylor dispersion. Importantly, we find that during the approach to the longitudinal normality of the transverse mean concentration at the time scale of R2/D (R is the tube radius and D is the molecular diffusivity), the solute concentration becomes uniformly distributed across a family of invariant curved transverse surfaces instead of the flat cross-sections in the traditional view. The family of curved surfaces is analytically determined, and a transformation is devised for the previously obtained analytical solution to discuss the decay of the concentration difference across the curved surfaces. The approach to a uniform concentration across the flat cross-sections to the same degree (~3% by concentration difference percentage), achieved at a time-scale of 100 R2/D, is shown to be the natural consequence of the longitudinal separation of the concentration contours on the curved surfaces.
Sub-nanometre resolution of atomic motion during electronic excitation in phase-change materials
Authors: Mitrofanov Kirill V. , Fons Paul , Makino Kotaro , Terashima Ryo , Shimada Toru , Kolobov Alexander V. , Tominaga Junji , Bragaglia Valeria , Giussani Alessandro , Calarco Raffaella , Riechert Henning , Sato Takahiro , Katayama Tetsuo , Ogawa Kanade , Togashi Tadashi , Yabashi Makina , Wall Simon , Brewe Dale , Hase Muneaki
Published: February 2016

Phase-change materials based on Ge-Sb-Te alloys are widely used in industrial applications such as nonvolatile memories, but reaction pathways for crystalline-to-amorphous phase-change on picosecond timescales remain unknown. Femtosecond laser excitation and an ultrashort x-ray probe is used to show the temporal separation of electronic and thermal effects in a long-lived (>100 ps) transient metastable state of Ge2Sb2Te5 with muted interatomic interaction induced by a weakening of resonant bonding. Due to a specific electronic state, the lattice undergoes a reversible nondestructive modification over a nanoscale region, remaining cold for 4 ps. An independent time-resolved x-ray absorption fine structure experiment confirms the existence of an intermediate state with disordered bonds. This newly unveiled effect allows the utilization of non-thermal ultra-fast pathways enabling artificial manipulation of the switching process, ultimately leading to a redefined speed limit and improved energy efficiency and reliability of phase-change memory technologies.
Electron work functions of ferrite and austenite phases in a duplex stainless steel and their adhesive forces with AFM silicon probe
Authors: Guo Liqiu , Hua Guomin , Yang Binjie , Lu Hao , Qiao Lijie , Yan Xianguo , Li Dongyang
Published: February 2016

Local electron work function, adhesive force, modulus and deformation of ferrite and austenite phases in a duplex stainless steel were analyzed by scanning force microscopy. It is demonstrated that the austenite has a higher electron work function than the ferrite, corresponding to higher modulus, smaller deformation and larger adhesive force. Relevant first-principles calculations were conducted to elucidate the mechanism behind. It is demonstrated that the difference in the properties between austenite and ferrite is intrinsically related to their electron work functions.
Correction: Corrigendum: Pharmacologically targeted NMDA receptor antagonism by NitroMemantine for cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Takahashi Hiroto , Xia Peng , Cui Jiankun , Talantova Maria , Bodhinathan Karthik , Li Wenjun , Saleem Sofiyan , Holland Emily A. , Tong Gary , Piña-Crespo Juan , Zhang Dongxian , Nakanishi Nobuki , Larrick James W. , McKercher Scott R. , Nakamura Tomohiro , Wang Yuqiang , Lipton Stuart A.
Published: February 2016

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 14781; published online: 19 October 2015; updated: 12 February 2016. Sofiyan Saleem was omitted from the author list in the original version of this Article. This has been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the Article. The Author Contributions section now reads:
Clinicopathological correlation of psychosis and brain vascular changes in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ting Simon Kang Seng , Hao Ying , Chia Pei Shi , Tan Eng-King , Hameed Shahul
Published: February 2016

Psychosis is common in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, studies on neuropathology in vascular etiology contributing to psychosis in AD is lacking to date. The aim of this study was to investigate neuropathological vascular related changes in Alzheimer’s disease with psychosis. Data of patients with AD from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center between 2005 to September 2013 was accessed and reviewed. Presence of psychosis was determined based on Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire taken from the last visit within one year prior to death and patients were divided into psychosis positive and negative group. Comparison of clinical details and neuropathological vascular changes between the groups was performed using Wilcoxon rank sum test and Chi-square/ Fisher’s exact test. Significant variables were further included in a multivariate logistic model. Overall, 145 patients was included. Of these, 50 patients were psychosis positive. Presence of one or more cortical microinfarcts and moderate to severe arteriosclerosis was found to be positively associated with psychosis. Our results suggest vascular changes correlate with psychosis in Alzheimer’s disease.
Selective inhibition of EZH2 by ZLD1039 blocks H3K27methylation and leads to potent anti-tumor activity in breast cancer
Authors: Song Xuejiao , Gao Tiantao , Wang Ningyu , Feng Qiang , You Xinyu , Ye Tinghong , Lei Qian , Zhu Yongxia , Xiong Menghua , Xia Yong , Yang Fangfang , Shi Yaojie , Wei Yuquan , Zhang Lidan , Yu Luoting
Published: February 2016

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a candidate oncogenic driver due to its prevalent overexpression and aberrant repression of tumor suppressor genes in diverse cancers. Therefore, blocking EZH2 enzyme activity may present a valid therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancers with EZH2 overexpression including breast cancers. Here, we described ZLD1039 a potent, highly selective, and orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of EZH2, which inhibited breast tumor growth and metastasis. ZLD1039 considerably inhibited EZH2 methyltransferase activity with nanomolar potency, decreased global histone-3 lysine-27 (H3K27) methylation, and reactivated silenced tumor suppressors connected to increased survival of patients with breast cancer. Comparable to conditional silencing of EZH2, its inhibition by ZLD1039 decreased cell proliferation, cell cycle arrest, and induced apoptosis. Comparably, treatment of xenograft-bearing mice with ZLD1039 led to tumor growth regression and metastasis inhibition. These data confirmed the dependency of breast cancer progression on EZH2 activity and the usefulness of ZLD1039 as a promising treatment for breast cancer.
Quantitative profiling of sphingolipids in wild Cordyceps and its mycelia by using UHPLC-MS
Authors: Mi Jia-Ning , Wang Jing-Rong , Jiang Zhi-Hong
Published: February 2016

In the present study, 101 sphingolipids in wild Cordyceps and its five mycelia were quantitatively profiled by using a fully validated UHPLC-MS method. The results revealed that a general rank order for the abundance of different classes of sphingolipids in wild Cordyceps and its mycelia is sphingoid bases/ceramides > phosphosphingolipids > glycosphingolipids. However, remarkable sphingolipid differences between wild Cordyceps and its mycelia were observed. One is that sphingoid base is the dominant sphingolipid in wild Cordyceps, whereas ceramide is the major sphingolipid in mycelia. Another difference is that the abundance of sphingomyelins in wild Cordyceps is almost 10-folds higher than those in most mycelia. The third one is that mycelia contain more inositol phosphorylceramides and glycosphingolipids than wild Cordyceps. Multivariate analysis was further employed to visualize the difference among wild Cordyceps and different mycelia, leading to the identification of respective sphingolipids as potential chemical markers for the differentiation of wild Cordyceps and its related mycelia. This study represents the first report on the quantitative profiling of sphingolipids in wild Cordyceps and its related mycelia, which provided comprehensive chemical evidence for the quality control and rational utilization of wild Cordyceps and its mycelia.
Protecting the properties of monolayer MoS2 on silicon based substrates with an atomically thin buffer
Authors: Man Michael K. L. , Deckoff-Jones Skylar , Winchester Andrew , Shi Guangsha , Gupta Gautam , Mohite Aditya D. , Kar Swastik , Kioupakis Emmanouil , Talapatra Saikat , Dani Keshav M.
Published: February 2016

Semiconducting 2D materials, like transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), have gained much attention for their potential in opto-electronic devices, valleytronic schemes and semi-conducting to metallic phase engineering. However, like graphene and other atomically thin materials, they lose key properties when placed on a substrate like silicon, including quenching of photoluminescence, distorted crystalline structure and rough surface morphology. The ability to protect these properties of monolayer TMDs, such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), on standard Si-based substrates, will enable their use in opto-electronic devices and scientific investigations. Here we show that an atomically thin buffer layer of hexagonal-boron nitride (hBN) protects the range of key opto-electronic, structural and morphological properties of monolayer MoS2 on Si-based substrates. The hBN buffer restores sharp diffraction patterns, improves monolayer flatness by nearly two-orders of magnitude and causes over an order of magnitude enhancement in photoluminescence, compared to bare Si and SiO2 substrates. Our demonstration provides a way of integrating MoS2 and other 2D monolayers onto standard Si-substrates, thus furthering their technological applications and scientific investigations.
Risk and contributing factors of ecosystem shifts over naturally vegetated land under climate change in China
Authors: Yin Yuanyuan , Tang Qiuhong , Wang Lixin , Liu Xingcai
Published: February 2016

Identifying the areas at risk of ecosystem transformation and the main contributing factors to the risk is essential to assist ecological adaptation to climate change. We assessed the risk of ecosystem shifts in China using the projections of four global gridded vegetation models (GGVMs) and an aggregate metric. The results show that half of naturally vegetated land surface could be under moderate or severe risk at the end of the 21st century under the middle and high emission scenarios. The areas with high risk are the Tibetan Plateau region and an area extended northeastward from the Tibetan Plateau to northeast China. With the three major factors considered, the change in carbon stocks is the main contributing factor to the high risk of ecosystem shifts. The change in carbon fluxes is another important contributing factor under the high emission scenario. The change in water fluxes is a less dominant factor except for the Tibetan Plateau region under the high emission scenario. Although there is considerable uncertainty in the risk assessment, the geographic patterns of the risk are generally consistent across different scenarios. The results could help develop regional strategies for ecosystem conservation to cope with climate change.