bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changing environments during the Middle-Upper Palaeolithic transition in the eastern Cantabrian Region (Spain): direct evidence from stable isotope studies on ungulate bones
Authors: Jones Jennifer R. , Richards Michael P. , Straus Lawrence G. , Reade Hazel , Altuna Jesús , Mariezkurrena Koro , Marín-Arroyo Ana B.
Published: September 2018

Environmental change has been proposed as a factor that contributed to the extinction of the Neanderthals in Europe during MIS3. Currently, the different local environmental conditions experienced at the time when Anatomically Modern Humans (AMH) met Neanderthals are not well known. In the Western Pyrenees, particularly, in the eastern end of the Cantabrian coast of the Iberian Peninsula, extensive evidence of Neanderthal and subsequent AMH activity exists, making it an ideal area in which to explore the palaeoenvironments experienced and resources exploited by both human species during the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition. Red deer and horse were analysed using bone collagen stable isotope analysis to reconstruct environmental conditions across the transition. A shift in the ecological niche of horses after the Mousterian demonstrates a change in environment, towards more open vegetation, linked to wider climatic change. In the Mousterian, Aurignacian and Gravettian, high inter-individual nitrogen ranges were observed in both herbivores. This could indicate that these individuals were procured from areas isotopically different in nitrogen. Differences in sulphur values between sites suggest some variability in the hunting locations exploited, reflecting the human use of different parts of the landscape. An alternative and complementary explanation proposed is that there were climatic fluctuations within the time of formation of these archaeological levels, as observed in pollen, marine and ice cores.
Metabarcoding of marine environmental DNA based on mitochondrial and nuclear genes
Authors: Günther Babett , Knebelsberger Thomas , Neumann Hermann , Laakmann Silke , Martínez Arbizu Pedro
Published: September 2018

We establish the new approach of environmental DNA (eDNA) analyses for the North Sea. Our study uses a multigene approach, including the mitochondrial cytochrome-c-oxidase subunit I (COI) gene for analyzing species composition and the nuclear hypervariable region V8 of 18S rDNA for analyzing supraspecific biodiversity. A new minibarcode primer (124 bp) was created on the basis of a metazoan COI barcode library with 506 species and testedin silico,in vitro, andin situ. We applied high throughput sequencing to filtrates of 23 near-bottom water samples taken at three seasons from 14 stations. The set of COI primers allowed amplification of mitochondrial minibarcodes for diverse metazoan phyla and the differentiation at the species level for more than 99% of the specimens in the dataset. Our results revealed that the number of sequences is not consistent with proportions in the given DNA mixture. Altogether, environmental sequences could be assigned to 114 species and to 12 metazoan phyla. A spatial distribution of taxa recovered by eDNA was congruent with known distributions. Finally, the successful detection of species and biodiversity depends on a comprehensive sequence reference database. Our study offers a powerful tool for future biodiversity research, including the detection of nonnative species.
Two Engineered OBPs with opposite temperature-dependent affinities towards 1-aminoanthracene
Authors: Gonçalves Filipa , Castro Tarsila G. , Azoia Nuno G. , Ribeiro Artur , Silva Carla , Cavaco-Paulo Artur
Published: September 2018

Engineered odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) display tunable binding affinities triggered by temperature alterations. We designed and produced two engineered proteins based on OBP-I sequence: truncated OBP (tOBP) and OBP::GQ20::SP-DS3. The binding affinity of 1-aminoanthracene (1-AMA) to these proteins revealed that tOBP presents higher affinity at 25 °C (kd = 0.45 μM) than at 37 °C (kd = 1.72 μM). OBP::GQ20::SP-DS3 showed an opposite behavior, revealing higher affinity at 37 °C (kd = 0.58 μM) than at 25 °C (kd = 1.17 μM). We set-up a system containing both proteins to evaluate their temperature-dependent binding. Our data proved the 1-AMA differential and reversible affinity towards OBPs, triggered by temperature changes. The variations of the binding pocket size with temperature, confirmed by molecular modelling studies, were determinant for the differential binding of the engineered OBPs. Herein we described for the first time a competitive temperature-dependent mechanism for this class of proteins.
Ultra-wide-band structural slow light
Authors: Lai Yiming , Mohamed Mohamed Sabry , Gao Boshen , Minkov Momchil , Boyd Robert W. , Savona Vincenzo , Houdré Romuald , Badolato Antonio
Published: September 2018

The ability of using integrated photonics to scale multiple optical components on a single monolithic chip offers key advantages to create miniature light-controlling chips. Numerous scaled optical components have been already demonstrated. However, present integrated photonic circuits are still rudimentary compared to the complexity of today’s electronic circuits. Slow light propagation in nanostructured materials is a key component for realizing chip-integrated photonic devices controlling the relative phase of light and enhancing optical nonlinearities. We present an experimental record high group-index-bandwidth product (GBP) of 0.47 over a 17.7 nm bandwidth in genetically optimized coupled-cavity-waveguides (CCWs) formed by L3 photonic crystal cavities. Our structures were realized in silicon-on-insulator slabs integrating up to 800 coupled cavities, and characterized by transmission, Fourier-space imaging of mode dispersion, and Mach-Zehnder interferometry.
Influence of water quality on diversity and composition of fungal communities in a tropical river
Authors: Ortiz-Vera Mabel Patricia , Olchanheski Luiz Ricardo , da Silva Eliane Gonçalves , de Lima Felipe Rezende , Martinez Lina Rocío del Pilar Rada , Sato Maria Inês Zanoli , Jaffé Rodolfo , Alves Ronnie , Ichiwaki Simone , Padilla Gabriel , Araújo Welington Luiz
Published: September 2018

Freshwater fungi are key decomposers of organic material and play important roles in nutrient cycling, bio-remediation and ecosystem functioning. Although aquatic fungal communities respond to pollution, few studies have quantitatively assessed the effect of freshwater contamination on fungal diversity and composition; and knowledge is scarcer for tropical systems. Here we help fill this knowledge gap by studying a heavily-contaminated South American river spanning a biodiversity hotspot. We collected 30 water samples scattered across a quality gradient over two seasons and analyzed them using Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (T-RFLP) coupled with 454 Pyrosequencing. Using T-RFLP we identified 451 and 442 Operational Taxonomy Units (OTUs) in the dry and rainy seasons respectively, whereas Pyrosequencing revealed 48,553 OTUs from which 11% were shared between seasons. Although 68% of all identified OTUs and 51% of all identified phyla remained unidentified, dominant fungal phyla included the Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Chytridiomycota, Glomeromycota, Zygomycota and Neocallimastigomycota, whileCalcarisporiella,Didymosphaeria,Mycosphaerella(Ascomycota) andRhodotorula(Basidiomycota) were the most abundant genera. Fungal diversity was affected by pH and dissolved iron, while community composition was influenced by dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrate, biological oxygen demand, total aluminum, total organic carbon, total iron and seasonality. The presence of potentially pathogenic species was associated with high pH. Furthermore, geographic distance was positively associated with community dissimilarity, suggesting that local conditions allowed divergence among fungal communities. Overall, our findings raise potential concerns for human health and the functioning of tropical river ecosystems and they call for improved water sanitation systems.
FGF-7 Dictates Osteocyte Cell Processes Through Beta-Catenin Transduction
Authors: Liu Xiao-Yu , Li Xin , Bai Ming-Ru , Chen Xia , Wang Cheng-Lin , Xie Jing , Ye Ling
Published: September 2018

It is well recognized that osteocytes communicate with each other via gap junctions and that connxin43 (Cx43) shows its great potential in gap junction for the contribution enabling transmission of small molecules and operating in an autocrine/a paracrine manner. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) play significant roles in new bone formation and adult bone remodeling, and FGF signaling is regulated by the precise spatiotemporal approaches. However, the influence of FGF7 on osteocyte cell processes is not well elucidated. In this study, we aimed to examine the impact of FGF7 on osteocyte cell processes by characterizing the expression of Cx43 and to reveal the underlying mechanism regulating this cell process. We first found that the mRNA level of FGF7 was higher relative to other FGF family members both in osteocytes cell line (MLO-Y4) and bone tissue. We then demonstrated that FGF7 could increase the expression of Cx43 in osteocytes and promote the cell processes in the form of gap junctions between osteocytes. This modulation was due to the FGF7-induced cytoplasmic accumulation and resultant nuclear translocation of β-catenin. Our results could help us to further understand the importance of FGF7 on bone cell behavior and bone physiology and even pathology.
Ex vivo assessment and in vivo validation of non-invasive stent monitoring techniques based on microwave spectrometry
Authors: Gálvez-Montón Carolina , Arauz-Garofalo Gianluca , Rodriguez-Leor Oriol , Soler-Botija Carolina , Amorós García de Valdecasas Susana , Gerez-Britos Flavio David , Bayes-Genis Antoni , O’Callaghan Juan Manuel , Macià Ferran , Tejada Javier
Published: September 2018

Some conditions are well known to be directly associated with stent failure, including in-stent re-occlusion and stent fracture. Currently, identification of these high-risk conditions requires invasive and complex procedures. This study aims to assess microwave spectrometry (MWS) for monitoring stents non-invasively. Preliminary ex vivo data are presented to move to in vivo validation. Fifteen mice were assigned to receive subcutaneous stent implantations (n = 10) or sham operations (n = 5). MWS measurements were carried out at 0, 2, 4, 7, 14, 22, and 29 days of follow-up. Additionally, 5 stented animals were summited to micro-CT analyses at the same time points. At 29 days, 3 animals were included into a stent fracture subgroup and underwent a last MWS and micro-CT analysis. MWS was able to identify stent position and in-stent stenosis over time, also discerning significant differences from baseline measures (P < 0.001). Moreover, MWS identified fractured vs. non-fractured stents in vivo. Taken together, MWS emerges as a non-invasive, non-ionizing alternative for stent monitoring. MWS analysis clearly distinguished between in-stent stenosis and stent fracture phenomena.
Mononuclear iron(ii) complexes containing a tripodal and macrocyclic nitrogen ligand: synthesis, reactivity and application in cyclohexane oxidation catalysis
Authors: Ayad Massinisa , Klein Gebbink Robertus J. M. , Le Mest Yves , Schollhammer Philippe , Le Poul Nicolas , Pétillon François Y. , Mandon Dominique
Published: September 2018

The macrocyclic design of a TPA-based ligand enhances the catalytic properties of the resulting Fe(ii) complexes for cyclohexane oxidation.
Hierarchical Cu2S nanorods with different crystal phases for asymmetrical supercapacitors and visible-light photocatalysis
Authors: Liu Qun , Hong Xiaodan , Zhang Xin , You Xingyan , Zhao Xin , Liu Xiangyang , Ye Meidan
Published: September 2018

Hierarchical structured Cu2S nanorods with monoclinic and hexagonal crystal phases are in situ grown on copper sheets, showing remarkable electrochemical activity in supercapacitors and excellent catalytic performance in photocatalysis.
Perovskite based optoelectronics: molecular design perspectives – a themed collection
Authors: Noel Nakita K. , Snaith Henry J.
Published: September 2018

Guest Editors Nakita K. Noel and Henry J. Snaith introduce this themed collection of papers.
The chemical functionalization of graphene nanoplatelets through solvent-free reaction
Authors: Cunha Eunice , Ren He , Lin Fei , Kinloch Ian A. , Sun Quanji , Fan Zhaodong , Young Robert J.
Published: September 2018

Carboxyl-terminated pyrrolidine functionalized graphene nanoplatelets through a solvent-free reaction.
A simple and highly selective 1,2,4,5-tetrazine-based colorimetric probe for HSO3− ion recognition in food
Authors: Lu Jing , Wu Pei , Geng Yanxue , Wang Jianchun
Published: September 2018

3,6-Bis-substituted-1,2,4,5-tetrazine-based colorimetric probes, which have good water solubility, could detect bisulfate with high sensitivity and selectivity in food samples.
Flexible Fe3Si/SiC ultrathin hybrid fiber mats with designable microwave absorption performance
Authors: Hou Yi , Zhang Yani , Du Xiaoqing , Yang Yong , Deng Chaoran , Yang Zhihong , Zheng Lianxi , Cheng Laifei
Published: September 2018

Flexible Fe3Si/SiC ultrathin fiber mats have been fabricated by electrospinning and high temperature treatment (1400 °C) using polycarbosilane (PCS) and ferric acetylacetonate (Fe(acac)3) as precursors.
Droplet impact dynamics on textiles
Authors: Zhang Gannian , Quetzeri-Santiago Miguel A. , Stone Corinne A. , Botto Lorenzo , Castrejón-Pita J. Rafael
Published: September 2018

Drop penetration in textiles is determined by the pore size and the liquid properties.
Model reference adaptive system based sensorless speed estimation of brushless doubly‐fed reluctance generator for wind power application
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Das Sukanta
Published: September 2018

Brushless doubly‐fed reluctance generator (BDFRG) is drawing a growing attention of research over the traditional doubly‐fed induction generator in variable speed application like wind power generation nowadays, due to its brushless structure. In this work, the applicability of different model reference adaptive system (MRAS) based sensorless speed estimation techniques for BDFRG in wind power application is explored. The MRAS estimators developed, in this context, are based on active power, reactive power and fictitious quantity. All these schemes are implemented under primary field orientation using machine secondary winding quantities as the functional variables. Matlab/Simulink study and hardware test results under variable wind speed (between cut‐in and rated speed) are presented for the aforementioned speed estimation techniques. Furthermore, to ensure the robustness of the drive system, stability study using Popov's criteria for hyperstability and sensitivity analyses is presented.
Calendar and thermal time-based growth models for common carp and pikeperch, and the influence of stocking strategy in Lake Balaton, Hungary
Authors: Specziár András , Turcsányi Béla
Published: September 2018

Common carp Cyprinus carpio and pikeperch Sander lucioperca are widely distributed and economically important freshwater fishes. Because these species are extensively stocked both within and outside of their native ranges, it is important to assess the effect of these actions. We aimed to analyse growth rate and its variability related to stocking strategy (season × lake area × habitat × fish size) in common carp and pikeperch in Lake Balaton (Hungary), based on cooperative tagging experiments with anglers. In both species, length increment was more closely associated with thermal time (degree-day sum) over 8 °C threshold water temperature than calendar time. Except a marked decrease with increasing fish size, stocking parameters had little effect on length increment. Growth models based on the GROTAG method and the von Bertalanffy's asymptotic length (L∞) and growth rate (K) are provided. Compared to other habitats, estimated growth rate proved to be high in common carp (128 mm year−1 at 300 mm standard length) and modest in pikeperch (61 mm year−1 at 250 mm standard length). We concluded that stocking rate even might be increased in common carp, while management of the pikeperch population should rather be based on catch restriction measures than intensified stockings.
Combined Presigmoid and Retrosigmoid Approach to Petroclival Meningiomas
Authors: Rassi Marcio , Zamponi Johnni , Cândido Duarte , Oliveira Jean , Passos Gustavo , Borba Luis
Published: September 2018

Introduction The management of petroclival meningiomas is among the most intimidating in neurosurgery, due to its difficult accessibility and close relationship with vital structures; therefore, an appropriate exposure is mandatory. We present a surgical video demonstrating a presigmoid transtentorial approach, associated with the opening of the retrosigmoid dura to a petroclival meningioma, performed by the senior surgeon (L.A.B.B.), along with its indications and pitfalls.

Approach Decision The patient's clinical history is summed to the tumor's radiological features as its extension, vascularization, and venous drainage, when selecting the appropriate approach. The presigmoid transtentorial approach offers a wide exposure of the petroclival area along with the tumor's attachment. Its association with the retrosigmoid route allows the surgeon to freely work through multiple paths, and parallel to the skull base, reducing the traction in the temporal lobe.

Clinical Case This is a 39-year-old female presenting with trigeminal neuralgia. Imaging depicted a petroclival meningioma, extending from the posterior aspect of the cavernous sinus to the cerebellopontine angle, extending inferiorly to the jugular bulb. A Simpson II resection was achieved through a combined presigmoid and retrosigmoid approach, and the patient was discharged with no complications or new deficits.

Conclusion Petroclival meningiomas are a formidable and surgically treatable disease. The appropriate approach is design to each patient and should not be the limiting factor for total tumor removal, which is truly given by the absence of a dissection plane between the tumor and the brainstem, nerves and vascular structures of the skull base.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/MFjqZvElBSo.
Fabrication of dense diameter-tuned quantum dot micropillar arrays for applications in photonic information processing
Authors: Heuser Tobias , Große Jan , Kaganskiy Arsenty , Brunner Daniel , Reitzenstein Stephan
Published: September 2018

We report on the realization of a dense, large-scale array of 900 quantum dot micropillar cavities with high spectral homogeneity. We target applications in photonic information processing such as optical reservoir computing which can be implemented in large arrays of optically coupled microlasers. To achieve the required spectral homogeneity for the underlying optical injection locking, we calculate and set the diameter of each individual micropillar within the array during the fabrication process by taking the diameter-dependent emission wavelength of the microcavities into account. Using this kind of diameter adjustment, we improve the overall wavelength homogeneity in a 30 × 30 micropillar array by 64% and reduce the standard deviation of the resonance energy distribution by 26% from 352 μeV in the planar unprocessed sample to 262 μeV in the fabricated array. In addition, we present a detailed analysis of the device quality and the diameter control of the micropillar’s emission wavelength, which includes important information for the effective application of the developed fabrication method for the realization of highly homogeneous micropillar arrays in the future.
New architecture trains a nano-oscillator classifier with standard machine learning algorithms
Authors: Agner Mary Alexandra
Published: September 2018

New pattern-classifying architecture combines the best of nano-oscillator capabilities and existing machine learning training standards.
Inverted solvatochromic Stokes shift in GFP-like chromophores with extended conjugation
Authors: Hu Hang , Wolstenholme Charles H. , Zhang Xin , Li Xiaosong
Published: September 2018

Chromophore structures inspired by natural green fluorescent protein (GFP) play an important role in the field of bio-imaging. In this work, photochemical properties of a new class of GFP-like chromophores are investigated using computational approaches. Thermo-dynamically stable isomers are identified in vacuum and in solvent. Spectral Stokes shifts are computed and compared to experiments. An inverted solvatochromic shift between absorption and emission emerging in this new class of GFP-like chromophores is observed, and attributed to the stabilized charge transfer and inhibited rotational structural reorganization in solvent.
Mobile-phone-based colourimetric analysis for determining nitrite content in water
Authors: Puangpila Chanida , Jakmunee Jaroon , Pencharee Somkid , Pensrisirikul Wipada
Published: September 2018

Environmental contextA widespread pollutant in groundwater, rivers and lakes is nitrite, which is commonly determined batchwise by using colourimetry. The batchwise method, however, requires relatively large and expensive instrumentation, and hence is unsuitable for in-field measurements. This work introduces a simple and portable colourimetric analyser based on a mobile-phone camera for monitoring nitrite concentrations in environmental water samples. AbstractA cost-effective and portable colourimetric analyser installed on a mobile phone was used to measure nitrite in water samples in Chiang Mai City, Thailand. The colourimetric detection was based on the Griess reaction, in which nitrite ion reacts with sulfanilic acid under acidic conditions to produce a diazonium salt that further reacts with N-(1-naphthyl)-ethylenediamine dihydrochloride to form a red–violet azo dye. Under controlled conditions using a light-tight box with LED flash lights, images of the red–violet solution were captured using a built-in camera and further analysed by a program, Panalysis, on the mobile phone. The calibration graph was created by measuring the red colour intensity of a series of standard nitrite solutions from 0.09–1.8 mg N L−1. The calibration equation was then automatically stored for nitrite analysis. The results demonstrated good performance of the mobile phone analyser as an analytical instrument. The accuracy (RE <4%) and precision (RSD ≤ 1%, intra- and inter-day) were also obtained with a detection limit of 0.03 mg N L−1 and a sample throughput of 40 samples per hour. Our results establish this simple, inexpensive and portable device as a reliable in-field monitor of nitrite in environmental waters.
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis on effects of thermal shock on the fatty acid composition of the gills of the Antarctic teleost, Trematomus bernacchii
Authors: Truzzi Cristina , Annibaldi Anna , Antonucci Matteo , Scarponi Giuseppe , Illuminati Silvia
Published: September 2018

Environmental contextGlobal warming is an important problem for life on Earth, and there is an increasing need to understand how organisms respond to rising temperatures. We show that an Antarctic fish, the emerald rockcod, can acclimate to thermal shock by modifying the fatty acid composition and total lipid content in its gills. This study contributes to our understanding of how the physiology of Antarctic life could be influenced by climate change. AbstractAs a result of rising temperatures in the Antarctic seawater, there is an increasing interest to investigate the capacities for inducing a temperature acclimation response in Antarctic organisms. We analysed the effect of a thermal shock on the fatty acid (FA) composition of gills of the Antarctic notothenioid Trematomus bernacchii. To perform the quantification of fatty acids in gills, we applied an analytical method based on a fast microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of lipids from a lyophilised sample, a base-catalysed trans-esterification of lipid extract to obtain fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), and their separation and identification by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The percentage of lipids extracted with MAE preceded by sample lyophilisation, 0.6 ± 0.3 % ww (wet weight), was consistent with the lipids obtained by the official Bligh and Dyer method, 0.8 ± 0.3 % ww. These data are among the first ever published for T. bernacchii. Specimens, caught in Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea), were held in different tanks at 0, +1 and +2 °C, for 1, 5 and 10 days. In general, thermal shock produced an alteration in total lipid content, an increase in the percentage of saturated FAs, a decrease in mono-unsaturated FAs, and a variable response of poly-unsaturated FAs (an increase in specimens exposed to 0 and +1 °C, a decrease in those exposed to +2 °C). A chemometric approach based on principal component analysis indicated that temperature and exposure time influenced the composition of FAs in the gills, probably through an alteration of the metabolic pathways of FAs. This is the first study ever published on the FA composition of total lipids in gills of T. bernacchii exposed to high temperatures. This study demonstrates that T. bernacchii is capable of rapidly acclimating to a thermal shock, and contributes to increasing the knowledge on the effect of temperature on Antarctic notothenioids.
Fetal bovine serum promotes the development of in vitro porcine blastocysts by activating the Rho-associated kinase signalling pathway
Authors: Guo Shimeng , Liu Shichao , Bou Gerelchimeg , Guo Jia , Jiang Liyuan , Chai Zhuang , Cai Mingming , Mu Yanshuang , Liu Zhonghua
Published: September 2018

Fetal bovine serum (FBS) supplementation has beneficial effects on invitro porcine embryonic development, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In the present study we found that the addition of FBS to PZM-3 increased the number of cells in porcine blastocysts and hatching rate invitro primarily by promoting proliferation of the inner cell mass and further differentiation. Moreover, based on the following results, we surmise that FBS benefits blastocyst development by activating Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) signalling: (1) the ROCK signalling inhibitor Y-27632 decreased the blastocyst rate and the number of cells in blastocysts, whereas FBS rescued the developmental failure induced by Y-27632; (2) the mRNA levels of two ROCK isoforms, ROCK1 and ROCK2, were significantly increased in blastocysts derived from medium containing FBS; and (3) FBS increased RhoA/Rho-kinase expression in the nucleus of embryonic cells. These results indicate that FBS promotes the invitro development of porcine embryos by activating ROCK signalling in a chemically defined medium.
Multiple molecular markers reinforce the systematic framework of unique Australian cave fishes (Milyeringa : Gobioidei)
Authors: Page Timothy J. , Stevens Mark I. , Adams Mark , Foster Ralph , Velasco-Castrillón Alejandro , Humphreys William F.
Published: September 2018

Australia was once thought to be a biodiversity desert when considering the subterranean world; however, recent work has revealed a fascinating collection of cave creatures, many with surprising biogeographic histories. This has especially been so in the karstic regions of north-western Australia (Cape Range peninsula, Barrow Island, Pilbara), which is home not only to a diverse collection of subterranean invertebrates, but also to the continent’s only known underworld-adapted vertebrates, which includes the cave fish in the genus Milyeringa. These cave gudgeons have recently been in a state of taxonomic flux, with species being both split and lumped, but this was done with limited data (incomplete geographic sampling and no nuclear DNA sequence data). Therefore, we have revisited the systematic status of Milyeringa in a total-evidence molecular approach by integrating all existing data (mitochondrial, allozymes) with new DNA sequences from nuclear and mitochondrial loci and new multilocus allozyme data. Our conclusion, that there are two species, matches the most recent taxonomic treatment, with Milyeringa veritas present on both the eastern and western sides of the Cape Range peninsula, and Milyeringa justitia on Barrow Island. This has implications for future research in the linked fields of biogeography and conservation.
Designing effective public participation
Authors: Bobbio Luigi
Published: September 2018

This paper reviews the various connections that can exist between the design of participatory processes and the different kind of results that they can entail. It details how effective participatory processes can be designed, whatever are the results that participation is deemed to elicit. It shows the main trends pertaining to design choicesand considers how to classify different arrangements in order to choose from among them. Then the paper deals with the main dilemmas that tend to arise when designing participatory processes. Thanks to this review, the paper argues that participatory processes tend to display a certain degree of ambivalence that cannot be completely overcome through the design choices.
TOPII and chromosome movement help remove interlocks between entangled chromosomes during meiosis
Authors: Martinez-Garcia Marina , Schubert Veit , Osman Kim , Darbyshire Alice , Sanchez-Moran Eugenio , Franklin F. Chris H.
Published: September 2018

During the zygotene stage of meiosis, normal progression of chromosome synapsis and homologous recombination frequently lead to the formation of structural interlocks between entangled chromosomes. The persistence of interlocks through to the first meiotic division can jeopardize normal synapsis and occasionally chromosome segregation. However, they are generally removed by pachytene. It has been postulated that interlock removal requires one or more active processes, possibly involving topoisomerase II (TOPII) and/or chromosome movement. However, experimental evidence has been lacking. Analysis of a hypomorphic topII mutant and a meiosis-specific topII RNAi knockdown of Arabidopsis thaliana using immunocytochemistry and structured illumination microscopy (SIM) has now enabled us to demonstrate a role for TOPII in interlock resolution. Furthermore, analysis using a nucleoporin nup136 mutant, which affects chromosome movement, reveals that although TOPII activity is required for the removal of some interlock structures, for others, chromosome movement is also necessary. Thus, our study demonstrates that at least two mechanisms are required to ensure interlock removal.
Learning and Imputation for Mass-spec Bias Reduction (LIMBR)
Authors: Crowell Alexander M , Greene Casey S , Loros Jennifer J , Dunlap Jay C
Published: September 2018

Motivation

Decreasing costs are making it feasible to perform time series proteomics and genomics experiments with more replicates and higher resolution than ever before. With more replicates and time points, proteome and genome-wide patterns of expression are more readily discernible. These larger experiments require more batches exacerbating batch effects and increasing the number of bias trends. In the case of proteomics, where methods frequently result in missing data this increasing scale is also decreasing the number of peptides observed in all samples. The sources of batch effects and missing data are incompletely understood necessitating novel techniques.

Results

Here we show that by exploiting the structure of time series experiments, it is possible to accurately and reproducibly model and remove batch effects. We implement Learning and Imputation for Mass-spec Bias Reduction (LIMBR) software, which builds on previous block-based models of batch effects and includes features specific to time series and circadian studies. To aid in the analysis of time series proteomics experiments, which are often plagued with missing data points, we also integrate an imputation system. By building LIMBR for imputation and time series tailored bias modeling into one straightforward software package, we expect that the quality and ease of large-scale proteomics and genomics time series experiments will be significantly increased.

Availability and implementation

Python code and documentation is available for download at https://github.com/aleccrowell/LIMBR and LIMBR can be downloaded and installed with dependencies using ‘pip install limbr’.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Can MoCA and MMSE Be Interchangeable Cognitive Screening Tools? A Systematic Review
Authors: Siqueira Glória S A , Hagemann Paula de M S , Coelho Daniela de S , Santos Flávia Heloísa Dos , Bertolucci Paulo H F
Published: September 2018

Background and Objectives

Cognitive disorders may be an early sign of neuropsychiatric disorders; however, it remains unclear whether the screening measures are interchangeable. The aim of this study was to contrast the most commonly used screening tools—Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)—for early detection of neurocognitive disorder (NCD).

Research Design and Methods

This study presents a descriptive systematic review and informative literature according to the Cochrane Foundation’s guidelines. The keywords “Mini-Mental State Examination” and “Montreal Cognitive Assessment” were searched in the Web of Science, SciELO, and LILACS databases.

Results

Fifty-one studies were selected including a total sample of 11,870 participants (8,360 clinical patients and 3,510 healthy controls). Most studies were published in the past 5 years using a cross-sectional design, carried out across the world. They were organized by age ranges (18–69 years and 20–89 years), years of schooling, and mental status (with and without mental and behavior disorders). Sixteen of 18 studies had participants aged 18–69 years, and 21 out of 33 studies within the older set suggested that the MoCA is a more sensitive tool for detecting NCD.

Discussion and Implications

Thirty-seven studies suggested that the MoCA is a more sensitive tool for NCD detection because it assesses executive function and visuospatial abilities. Some individuals who demonstrated normal cognitive function on the MMSE had lower performance on the MoCA. However, it seems necessary to establish different cutoffs based on years of schooling to avoid false positives. Future studies should contrast MoCA with other screening tools designed for NCD assessment.
6. Right to family and private life
Authors: Rainey Bernadette
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter focuses on the right to family and private life, which is considered a qualified right. It discusses Article 8, which has been developed to expand protection of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) through wide definitions and use of positive obligations. It also considers the European Court of Human Rights’ (ECtHR) definition of private life and application of the living instrument principle to include areas such as sexuality and the environment. In addition, the chapter explains the use of the proportionality and margin of appreciation doctrines when examining the justification of an interference with the right to family and private life, and finally, looks at the development of the right to privacy in the UK via the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA).
10. Terrorism
Authors: Rainey Bernadette
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter focuses on terrorism as a contested concept and the controversy surrounding its definition, along with the debate about the relationship between anti-terror law and human rights. It looks at the issue of compatibility between anti-terror law and human rights in the context of the rule of law and proportionality. The chapter also examines the European Court of Human Rights’ (ECtHR) interpretation of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) as well as the conditions under which states can derogate from the ECHR. Finally, it considers anti-terror law in the UK and the challenges it has faced in the courts.
2. Incorporation
Authors: Roach Lee
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter discusses the process of incorporation and the advantages and disadvantages of conducting business through a company. The three principal methods by which a company can be incorporated are: incorporation by Act of Parliament, incorporation by Royal Charter, and incorporation by registration. The advantages of incorporation include perpetual succession, asset ownership, and the ability to commence legal proceedings. The disadvantages of incorporation include increased formality, regulation, publicity, and civil liability.
9. Corporate rescue and liquidation
Authors: Roach Lee
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter discusses the various procedures available to companies experiencing financial difficulties that are so severe that the company’s survival is in jeopardy. It focuses on procedures that aim to help struggling companies (such as administration); help creditors recover monies owed (such as receivership); and commence the process of ending the company existence and provide for the distribution of its remaining assets (namely winding up).
6. Sexual offences
Authors: Herring Jonathan
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter discusses sexual offences, including rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault, and causing sexual activity. Sexual offences are all governed by the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The meaning of consent is key because lack of consent is an element of the actus reus, and the belief about consent is an element of the mens rea. Where the victim is aged 13 or younger, consent is irrelevant and liability as to age is strict.
Employment Law Concentrate
Authors: Jefferson Michael
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. Employment Law Concentrate helps to consolidate knowledge in this area of law. This sixth edition includes updates on employment law including coverage of the employment status, and gender pay reporting. There are new sections on restraint of trade. Chapters examine contractual implied terms and pay. The volume also looks at discrimination, parental rights, working time, and types of breach of employment contracts and termination of employment contracts. Finally, the text looks at dismissal issues (including both wrongful and unfair dismissal), redundancy, and trade unions.
9. Unfair dismissal
Authors: Jefferson Michael
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter discusses the law on unfair dismissal. The employer must demonstrate that the reason for the dismissal relates to capability or qualifications, conduct, a statutory ban, or some other substantial reason of a kind to justify the dismissal. An employer must act reasonably in treating a reason as sufficient for dismissal. It should be guided by the ACAS Code of Practice 2015 and must follow contractual procedures. The remedies for unfair dismissal include re-employment or compensation.
Equity & Trusts Concentrate
Authors: McDonald Iain , Street Anne
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. Equity & Trusts Concentrate covers all aspects of equity and trusts. Chapters look at the history and development of equity. The second chapter looks at the concept of a trust. The book also examines charitable, non-charitable purpose, secret, and implied trusts. Finally, issues relating to breach of trust and liabilities are covered. This edition has been updated to include: recent developments in the law and new case coverage.
1. Origins, institutions, and sources of law
Authors: Homewood Matthew J.
Published: September 2018

This chapter traces the origins and development of the European Union (EU) and EU law. The European Economic Community (EEC) was created by the European Community Treaty (the EEC Treaty or Treaty of Rome), signed by the six original Member States in 1957. The Treaty on European Union 1992 created the EU, incorporating the EEC, together with two new policy areas, Co-operation on Justice and Home Affairs and Common Foreign and Security Policy. The Treaty of Lisbon amended the two founding Treaties and replaced all references to the ‘European Community’ with ‘European Union’. Together, the two amended Treaties (the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and the Treaty on European Union) constitute the Treaties on which the EU is founded. This chapter also looks at the UK’s withdrawal from the EU under Article 50 (Brexit).
4. Direct actions in the Court of Justice of the European Union: Articles 258–260, 263, 265, 277, and 340 TFEU
Authors: Homewood Matthew J.
Published: September 2018

This chapter discusses articles in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) that provide for actions that are brought directly before the Court. Under Articles 258 and 259 TFEU (ex Articles 226 and 227 EC), respectively, the European Commission and Member States may bring enforcement proceedings against a Member State in breach of Treaty obligations. Article 260 TFEU (ex Article 228 EC) requires compliance with the Court’s judgment. Article 263 TFEU (ex Article 230 EC) concerns judicial review of EU acts. The outcome of a successful action is annulment. Article 265 TFEU (ex Article 232 EC) provides for actions against the EU institutions for failure to act.
8. EU competition law: Article 102 TFEU
Authors: Homewood Matthew J.
Published: September 2018

This chapter focuses on Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). Article 102 prohibits, as incompatible with the internal market, any abuse by undertakings in a dominant position within the internal market in so far as it may affect trade between Member States. It should be noted at the outset that ‘dominance’ itself is not prohibited, but only when such dominance is accompanied with abusive behaviour that may affect trade. Like Article 101, Article 102 is enforced by the European Commission, national competition authorities, and national courts under powers conferred by Regulation 1/2003.
2. The distinction between legal and equitable interests
Authors: Sayles Victoria
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter distinguishes between legal and equitable interests in land. The intervention of equity in land law can be seen in two key areas: the development of new equitable interests in land, and the availability of equitable remedies to enforce interests in land. To be legal, the interest must be listed under s 1(2) Law of Property Act 1925 (LPA 1925) and certain formalities must be met in its creation, notably being granted by deed (s 52 LPA 1925). Where these formalities are not met, the interest may have equitable status instead, but only where equity can find a specifically enforceable valid contract to create the interest. All other interests in land can only ever be equitable (s 1(3) LPA 1925). The status of an interest in land as either legal or equitable traditionally determined the rules of enforcement of that interest against third parties: legal interests bound all third parties, whereas equitable interests would only bind third parties who were not bona fide purchasers for value of a legal estate without notice.
3. Registered land
Authors: Sayles Victoria
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter discusses registered land. Registered land is land where title has been registered at the Land Registry. The objective behind registered land is to create a register which accurately reflects the state of registered property, both in terms of its current owner and any third party proprietary interests affecting it. Once registered, subsequent disposals of the freehold, or leasehold of more than seven years in duration, must be completed by registration to confer legal title (s 27 Land Registration Act 2002 (LRA 2002)). When registering title to land, the specific class of title registered will reflect the strength of that title; with the strongest and most common class registered being absolute title. In principle, third party proprietary interests will only affect a purchaser of registered land where they have been entered on the register, typically as a notice but sometimes (where a beneficial interest under a trust) as a restriction.
1. The contemporary healthcare environment
Authors: Samanta Jo , Samanta Ash
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter provides an overview of the contemporary healthcare environment, with particular reference to the National Health Service (NHS) and its core principles, as well as its constitution. Access to health services as set out in section 3(1) of the National Health Service Act 2006 is also discussed, together with the quality of care provided for individuals. In addition, the chapter looks at the findings of the Francis Report, which conducted a public inquiry into acknowledged failings in the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, the government response to the report, and the future of the NHS.
6. Assisted reproduction
Authors: Samanta Jo , Samanta Ash
Published: September 2018

Each Concentrate revision guide is packed with essential information, key cases, revision tips, exam Q&As, and more. Concentrates show you what to expect in a law exam, what examiners are looking for, and how to achieve extra marks. This chapter deals with the statutory provisions governing assisted reproduction, with particular reference to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 (as amended) and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. It also explores the issue of access to services and whether these are available on the National Health Service, together with the ethical and legal issues surrounding the use and storage of gametes and embryos, surrogacy arrangements, and screening of embryos. Relevant court cases are cited where appropriate.