bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐performance materials in façade design
Authors: Göppert Knut , Paech Christoph
Published: November 2015

Modern materials are used throughout large building envelopes of today’s and tomorrow’s architecture. Freedom in form combined with the growing selection of materials make this application very popular. Material properties are presented and discussed to allow the specialist engineer to make the right decision when consulting owners and architects. Basic considerations and requirements can take the form of a checklist to make sure that all involved in the design process have the full background and understanding of this process. The presented case studies show a variety of solutions, including some typical material combinations. Clients will be convinced by what they see, and the examples provide an opportunity to further develop the subject, starting from a good base and understanding. The examples cover all common materials and methods, including ETFE, glass‐PTFE, PVC polyester, glass‐PTFE mesh as well as multi‐layer insulated systems.
The design of tensile surface structures
Authors: Mollaert Marijke , De Laet Lars , Pyl Lincy , Devos Rika
Published: November 2015

This paper summarizes the differences in the design approaches for tensile surface structures between the earliest structures in the 1950s and today’s practice. Current software tools allow more refined and advanced calculations. Nevertheless, a basic hand calculation can clarify the process in a few pages and provide the appropriate key data. A transparent setup allows the form‐finding and structural analysis to be redone. The calculation of the cable net for the bandstand by André Paduart (1958) is analysed in this paper as a case study. Both the hand calculation (19 pages) and the numerical simulation are summarized and the design context of the initial and current calculations are described. The approximations made by Paduart resulted in a remarkably intelligible and coherent evaluation of the cable net structure. The historical approach can still be applied for a first verification of a pretensioned cable net or for a membrane structure as the simplified calculation method is similar.
A new generation of temporary pavilions based on Tensairity girders
Authors: Beccarelli Paolo , Maffei Roberto , Galliot Cédric , Luchsinger Rolf H.
Published: November 2015

This paper provides a detailed overview of the design and construction of a series of temporary pavilions based on the Tensairity® principle. The pavilions are currently used in the Superbike racing category (Ducati Superbike Team), for the Audi tron Sailing Series, the ISAF Sailing World Cup and for other temporary events (3KIT pavilion). The paper describes the Tensairity® principle, the architectural and structural design of the pavilions, the manufacturing of the components and the assembly of the Tensairity® roofs.
Inventing and Resisting Britain
Authors: Pittock Murray G. H.
Published: November 2015

This book examines the difficulties and challenges which faced attempts to create a British identity. Taking its perspective from the cultural, social and political margins of the British Isles, it demonstrates how fragile the supposed political consensus of the eighteenth century was. To read it is to revaluate our understanding of the culture of England in relation to other societies of these islands.
Cultural Theory and the Problem of Modernity
Authors: Swingewood Alan
Published: November 2015

Psychotherapy with Women provides a clear account of current feminist practice in working with women within the helping professions bringing together contributions from eminent women psychotherapists. A wide range of issues are explored including sexuality, ageing, family dynamics, disability and ethnicity. It will appeal to students studying social work, nursing, psychology and counselling as well as to a wide range of practitioners working in the caring professions.
Gaps and gains from engaging districts stakeholders for community-based health professions education in Uganda: a qualitative study
Authors: Okello Elialilia S. , Nankumbi Joyce , Ruzaaza Gad Ndaruhutse , Bakengesa Evelyn , Gumikiriza Joy , Arubaku Wilfred , Acio Christine , Samantha Mary , Matte Michael
Published: November 2015

Community-based education research and service (COBERS) is a brand of community-based education that has been adopted by the Medical Education and Service for All Ugandans consortium. The COBERS programme is aimed at equipping students in health professional education with the knowledge, attitudes and skills required to provide appropriate health care services. For sustainability purposes, the health professional training institutions have made efforts to involve various stakeholders in the implementation of the programme. However, the actual engagement process and outcome of such efforts have not been documented. This paper documents gaps and gains made in engaging district stakeholders for community-based education. Key informant interviews, focus group discussions and document review were used to collect data. Atlas.ti, computer software for qualitative data was used to aid analysis. The analysis revealed that the adopted engagement model has registered some gains including increased awareness among district leaders about potential opportunities offered by COBERS such as boosting of human resources at health facilities, opportunities for professional development for health care workers at health facilities, and establishment of linkages between prospective employees and employers. However, the engagement model left some gaps in terms of knowledge, awareness and ownership of the programme among some sections of stakeholders. The apparent information gap about the programme among district stakeholders, especially the political leadership, may hinder concerted partnership. The findings highlight the need for health professional education institutions to broaden the scope of actively engaged stakeholders with the district level.
GroEL to DnaK chaperone network behind the stability modulation of σ32 at physiological temperature in Escherichia coli
Authors: Patra Monobesh , Roy Sourav Singha , Dasgupta Rakhi , Basu Tarakdas
Published: November 2015

The stability of heat‐shock transcription factor σ32 in Escherichia coli has long been known to be modulated only by its own transcribed chaperone DnaK. Very few reports suggest a role for another heat‐shock chaperone, GroEL, for maintenance of cellular σ32 level. The present study demonstrates in vivo physical association between GroEL and σ32 in E. coli at physiological temperature. This study further reveals that neither DnaK nor GroEL singly can modulate σ32 stability in vivo; there is an ordered network between them, where GroEL acts upstream of DnaK.
Quantifying NAD(P)H production in the upper Entner–Doudoroff pathway from Pseudomonas putida KT2440
Authors: Olavarria Karel , Marone Marina Pupke , da Costa Oliveira Henrique , Roncallo Juan Camilo , da Costa Vasconcelos Fernanda Nogales , da Silva Luiziana Ferreira , Gomez José Gregório Cabrera
Published: November 2015

Despite the lack of biochemical information, all available in silico metabolic models of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 consider NADP as the only cofactor accepted by the glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenases. Because the Entner–Doudoroff pathway is the main glycolytic route in this bacterium, determining how much NADH and NADPH are produced in the reaction catalyzed by these enzymes is very important for the correct interpretation of metabolic flux distributions. To determine the actual cofactor preference of the glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase encoded by the zwf‐1 gene (PputG6PDH‐1), the major isoform during growth on glucose, we purified this protein and studied its kinetic properties. Based on simple kinetic principles, we estimated the in vivo relative production of NADH and NADPH during the oxidation of glucose‐6‐phosphate (G6P). Contrary to the general assumption, our calculations showed that the reaction catalyzed by PputG6PDH‐1 yields around 1/3 mol of NADPH and 2/3 mol of NADH per mol of oxidized G6P. Additionally, we obtained data suggesting that the reaction catalyzed by the 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase is active during growth on glucose, and it also produces NADH. These results indicate that the stoichiometric matrix of in silico models of P. putida KT2440 must be corrected and highlight the importance of considering the physiological concentrations of the involved metabolites to estimate the actual proportion of NADH and NADPH produced by a dehydrogenase.
Inhibition of BCL‐2 leads to increased apoptosis and delayed neuronal differentiation in human ReNcell VM cells in vitro
Authors: Fröhlich Michael , Jaeger Alexandra , Weiss Dieter G. , Kriehuber Ralf
Published: November 2015

BCL‐2 is a multifunctional protein involved in the regulation of apoptosis, cell cycle progression and neural developmental processes. Its function in the latter process is not well understood and needs further elucidation. Therefore, we characterized the protein expression kinetics of BCL‐2 and associated regulatory proteins of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway during the process of neuronal differentiation in ReNcell VM cells with and without functional inhibition of BCL‐2 by its competitive ligand HA14‐1.

Inhibition of BCL‐2 caused a diminished BCL‐2 expression and higher levels of cleaved BAX, activated Caspase‐3 and cleaved PARP, all pro‐apoptotic markers, when compared with untreated differentiating cells. In parallel, flow cytometric analysis of HA14‐1‐treated cells revealed a delayed differentiation into HuC/D+ neuronal cells when compared to untreated differentiating cells.

In conclusion, BCL‐2 possess a protective function in fully differentiated ReNcell VM cells. We propose that the pro‐survival signaling of BCL‐2 is closely connected with its stimulatory effects on neurogenesis of human neural progenitor cells.
Level Up! The Role of Progress Feedback Type for Encouraging Intrinsic Motivation and Positive Brand Attitudes in Public versus Private Gaming Contexts
Authors: Siemens Jennifer Christie , Smith Scott , Fisher Dan , Thyroff Anastasia , Killian Ginger
Published: November 2015

With the popularity of video games and the resulting gamification of everyday activities comes an increase in in-game advertising (IGA). As a result, video game players’ engagement and motivation to level-up or master a video game are becoming increasingly important for marketers hoping to increase exposure to their brands. Across two experimental studies, we provide evidence that games played publically (versus privately) are more motivating to players, and also demonstrate the important influence of feedback via building a character or completing a status bar. In study 1, we find that, for public gaming contexts, players experience more enjoyment, effort, and flow when progress is shown via building a character. Furthermore, in study 2 we extend study 1's findings and discover a moderated mediation model for brand attitudes. Specifically, the relationship between public gaming context and brand attitude is mediated by enjoyment and flow. Further, the mediation of enjoyment and flow is moderated by feedback type, where progress affects brand attitude when a character is used for game feedback, but not for status bar feedback. We examine our research questions within the context of intrinsic motivation, specifically self-determination theory.
Connecting with and Converting Shoppers into Customers: Investigating the Role of Regulatory Fit in the Online Customer's Decision-making Process
Authors: Ashraf Abdul R. , Thongpapanl Narongsak (Tek)
Published: November 2015

Drawing on regulatory focus and regulatory fit theories, this study illustrates that, through the mechanism of engagement, promotion-focused (prevention-focused) shoppers who are faced with a website offering a more hedonic (utilitarian) shopping experience are more likely to both have a favorable attitude towards it and a higher intention to make a purchase. Moreover, by extending the goal compatibility principle to the online shopping context, this study shows that shoppers experiencing fit are able to sustain their regulatory orientation in subsequent decisions, resulting in a preference for products that emphasize the same regulatory goal. This study will help e-retailers increase sales by clarifying why, when, and to what extent they should offer hedonic versus utilitarian shopping experiences. In doing so, this study documents a new source of regulatory fit: a match between the hedonic or utilitarian online shopping experience and a shopper's promotion versus prevention regulatory orientation.
Promotional Tactics for Online Viral Marketing Campaigns: How Scarcity and Personalization Affect Seed Stage Referrals
Authors: Koch Oliver Francis , Benlian Alexander
Published: November 2015

Against the backdrop of consumers being deluged with traditional online advertising, which is increasingly manifesting in inefficient conversion outcomes, viral marketing has become a pivotal component of marketing strategy. However, despite a robust understanding about the impact of viral marketing as well as of factors that drive consumer referral engagement, we know very little about the effect of traditional promotional tactics on consumer referral decisions. Drawing on a randomized field experiment in the context of an online fashion service named StyleCrowd, we investigate the effects of scarcity and personalization, two classical promotional cues that have become ubiquitous on the web and have received only minimal attention hitherto, on actual referral behavior. Our analysis reveals that using these cues in promotional campaigns is a balancing act: While scarcity cues affect referral propensity regardless of whether a campaign is personalized or not, personalization cues are particularly effective when scarcity is absent, yet are cancelled out when scarcity is prevalent. We demonstrate that consumers’ perceptions of offer value drive the impact of scarcity on referral likelihood, while consumer gratitude vis-à-vis the marketer is the underlying mechanism for personalization's influence on referral decisions.
Technical performance of a novel, fully automated electrochemiluminescence immunoassay for the quantitation of β‐amyloid (1–42) in human cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Bittner Tobias , Zetterberg Henrik , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Ostlund Richard E. , Militello Michael , Andreasson Ulf , Hubeek Isabelle , Gibson David , Chu David C. , Eichenlaub Udo , Heiss Peter , Kobold Uwe , Leinenbach Andreas , Madin Kairat , Manuilova Ekaterina , Rabe Christina , Blennow Kaj
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Available assays for quantitation of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarker amyloid‐beta 1–42 (Aβ [1–42]) in cerebrospinal fluid demonstrate significant variability and lack of standardization to reference measurement procedures (RMPs). We report analytical performance data for the novel Elecsys β‐amyloid (1–42) assay (Roche Diagnostics).

Methods

Lot‐to‐lot comparability was tested using method comparison. Performance parameters were measured according to Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The assay was standardized to a Joint Committee for Traceability in Laboratory Medicine (JCTLM) approved RMP.

Results

Limit of quantitation was <11.28 pg/mL, and the assay was linear throughout the measuring range (200–1700 pg/mL). Excellent lot‐to‐lot comparability was observed (correlation coefficients [Pearson's r] >0.995; bias in medical decision area <2%). Repeatability coefficients of variation (CVs) were 1.0%–1.6%, intermediate CVs were 1.9%–4.0%, and intermodule CVs were 1.1%–3.9%. Estimated total reproducibility was 2.0%–5.1%. Correlation with the RMP was good (Pearson's r, 0.93).

Discussion

The Elecsys β‐amyloid (1–42) assay has high analytical performance that may improve biomarker‐based AD diagnosis.
Dynamic Ultrasonography of the Deep External Rotator Musculature of the Hip: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Battaglia Patrick J. , Mattox Ross , Haun Daniel W. , Welk Aaron B. , Kettner Norman W.
Published: November 2015

Background

No detailed reports exist describing the methodology of ultrasound image acquisition of the deep external rotator muscles of the hip. Because gluteal pain and sciatica are common, ultrasound may be a useful dynamic imaging adjunct in the evaluation of these patients.

Objective

To describe dynamic ultrasonography of the deep external rotator muscles of the hip for diagnostic purposes.

Design

Descriptive.

Setting

University radiology department.

Participants

Participants (n = 25; 14 male) without gluteal pain or sciatica were enrolled (mean age 27.6 ± 4.7 years; mean body mass index 26.0 ± 4.1 kg/m2).

Methods

Ultrasonographic cine clips oriented to the long axis of each deep external rotator muscle were captured. In addition, cine clips of the piriformis tendon and obturator internus tendon were obtained. Cine clips were analyzed approximately 1 week after completion of image acquisition independently by 2 blinded raters.

Main Outcome Measures

A 5‐point Likert scale to evaluate the diagnostic utility of the ultrasound image.

Results

The modal Likert scores for rater 1 were as follows: piriformis muscle = 4; piriformis tendon = 4; superior gemellus muscle = 3; obturator internus muscle = 4; obturator internus tendon = 4; inferior gemellus muscle = 4; quadratus femoris muscle = 4. The modal scores for rater 2 were: piriformis muscle = 4; piriformis tendon = 3; superior gemellus muscle = 4; obturator internus muscle = 3; obturator internus tendon = 4; inferior gemellus muscle = 3; quadratus femoris muscle = 4.

Conclusion

Dynamic ultrasonography may be useful to image the hip deep external rotator musculature for diagnostic purposes and therefore aid in the evaluation of gluteal pain and sciatica. Future work should investigate the reliability and validity of ultrasonography in the evaluation of pathology of these muscles.
Effects of the early Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event on ichthyosaur body size and faunal composition in the Southwest German Basin
Authors: Maxwell Erin E. , Vincent Peggy
Published: November 2015

The Early Jurassic Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event is considered one of the most dramatic environmental perturbations of the Mesozoic. An elevated extinction rate among marine invertebrates accompanied rapid environmental changes, but effects on large vertebrates are less understood. We examined changes in ichthyosaur body size in the Posidonia Shale of the Southwest German Basin spanning the extinction interval to assess how environmental changes and biotic crisis among prey species affected large reptiles. We report no species-level extinction among the ichthyosaurs coinciding with peak invertebrate extinction. Large ichthyosaurs were absent from the fauna during the extinction interval, but became more abundant in the immediate aftermath.Stenopterygius quadriscissus, the most abundant species during the extinction interval, increased in body size after the biotic event. Rapid invasion by large taxa occurred immediately following the extinction event at the end of the first ammonite zone of the early Toarcian. Greater mobility permitting exploitation of ephemeral resources and opportunistic feeding behavior may minimize the impacts of environmental change on large vertebrates.
Under the Dome: Air Pollution, Wellbeing, and Pro-Environmental Behaviour Among Beijing Residents
Authors: Gu Dian , Huang Niwen , Zhang Maoxin , Wang Fang
Published: November 2015

The conflict between economic development and environmental protection has been made salient by increasingly severe air pollution in China, a visible consequence of the costs of rapid economic progress. How does air pollution affect people's psychological experiences? How are newly rich Chinese beginning to think about this social dilemma and are they willing to take any action to deal with the problem? Are there individual differences that contribute to the effect of air pollution on mental experience and concern for environmental protection? The present work explores answers to these questions through two studies among convenience samples of participants residing in Beijing, which is the capital of China and plagued by toxic haze. Study 1 recruited 50 undergraduates and applied a 10-day experience sampling method. Results revealed that the real-time objective air pollution index was negatively associated with immediate subjective wellbeing (SWB) but positively associated with eudaimonic wellbeing (EWB). Study 2 investigated a sample of 288 working adults living in Beijing for their perceptions of air quality, wellbeing, pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) intentions, future orientation, and place attachment. Results revealed that perceived air pollution could not predict general SWB but improved the sense of purpose and meaning in life (i.e., EWB). Furthermore, this association was heightened in individuals who were future-orientated. In addition, perceived air pollution increased PEB intentions, partially through the promotion of EWB, and this effect was stronger in those who were more emotionally attached to Beijing.
THE UNITED NATIONS AT 70 YEARS: THE IMPACT UPON INTERNATIONAL LAW
Authors: Higgins Rosalyn
Published: November 2015

This article is about the United Nations (UN) and International Law. It is not about internal developments at the UN. It is not about new Committees or other UN structures, relations with Specialized Agencies or indeed other major international organizations. I have not taken a snapshot today, but rather seek to show how the UN has, through the 70 years of its existence, had an impact on international law.
The transition from No Net Loss to a Net Gain of biodiversity is far from trivial
Authors: Bull J.W. , Brownlie S.
Published: November 2015

The objectives of No Net Loss and Net Gain have emerged as key principles in conservation policy. Both give rise to mechanisms by which certain unavoidable biodiversity losses associated with development are quantified, and compensated with comparable gains (e.g. habitat restoration). The former seeks a neutral outcome for biodiversity after losses and gains are accounted for, and the latter seeks an improved outcome. Policy-makers often assume that the transition from one to the other is straightforward and essentially a question of the amount of compensation provided. Consequently, companies increasingly favour Net Gain type commitments, and financial institutions make lending conditional on either objective, depending on the habitat involved. We contend, however, that achieving Net Gain is fundamentally different to achieving No Net Loss, and moving from one to the other is less trivial than is widely realized. Our contention is based on four arguments: (1) the two principles represent different underlying conservation philosophies; (2) ecological uncertainties make it difficult to know where the threshold between No Net Loss and Net Gain lies; (3) different frames of reference are more or less appropriate in evaluating the ecological outcomes, depending on the principle chosen; and (4) stakeholder expectations differ considerably under the two principles. In exploring these arguments we hope to support policy-makers in choosing the more appropriate of the two objectives. We suggest that financial institutions should provide greater clarity regarding the explicit requirements for each principle. We conclude by highlighting questions of relevance to this topic that would benefit from focused research.
Human impacts on two endemic cassowary species in Indonesian New Guinea
Authors: Brodie Jedediah F. , Pangau-Adam Margaretha
Published: November 2015

Cassowaries are important seed dispersers in tropical rainforests of New Guinea, but little is known about their population ecology or their responses to human disturbance. We used camera traps to measure the occurrence, local abundance, and activity patterns of northern cassowaries Casuarius unappendiculatus in lowland forests near Nimbokrang, Papua, and dwarf cassowaries Casuarius bennetti in the Arfak Mountains, West Papua. Our goals were to assess human impacts on cassowaries at multiple spatial scales and to measure their activity patterns over an elevational divide. At fine spatial scales local abundance of cassowaries was strongly reduced in areas frequented by humans. At larger spatial scales the distance to the nearest village or drivable road did not affect local abundance but altered the stage structure of the individuals detected, with a higher proportion of juveniles relative to adults. Local abundance of cassowaries was unrelated to site usage by introduced pigs. Both populations studied were strongly diurnal and their activity patterns were not significantly different. Efforts to control hunting remain critical to sustaining cassowaries and the seed dispersal services they provide.
A NOTE ON BANKING AND HOUSING CRISES AND THE STRENGTH OF RECOVERIES
Authors: Boysen-Hogrefe Jens , Jannsen Nils , Meier Carsten-Patrick
Published: November 2015

We investigate whether recoveries following normal recessions differ from recoveries following recessions that are associated with either banking crises or housing crises. Using a parametric panel framework that allows for a bounce-back in the level of output during the recovery, we find that normal recessions are followed by strong recoveries in advanced economies. This bounce-back is absent following recessions associated with banking crises and housing crises. Consequently, the permanent output losses of recessions associated with banking crises and housing crises are considerably larger than those of normal recessions.
Screening for Eruca genotypes tolerant to polyethylene glycol-simulated drought stress based on the principal component and cluster analyses of seed germination and early seedling growth
Authors: Huang Banglian , Su Jianjie , Zhang Guangyu , Luo Xiaoqing , Wang Huan , Gao Yue , Ma Guilin , Wang Jingyu , Cai Detian , Zhang Xuekun , Huang Bangquan
Published: November 2015

Water deficit is an environmental factor that constrains crops to express their ecophysiological potential and causes crop yield reduction. Eruca vesicaria has been reported to be one of the most drought-tolerant species in Cruciferae. In this study, polyethylene glycol-simulated drought tolerance was evaluated in one line of Brassica carinata, one line of Brassica napus and 249 Eruca lines based on the principal component analysis (PCA) and unweighted pair-group arithmetic average (UPGMA) cluster analysis. The PCA based on eight drought tolerance indices indicated that the first three components accounted for 85.46% of the total variation, with principal component (PC) 1 accounting for 43.89%, PC2 for 27.85% and PC3 for 13.73% of the total variation. The UPGMA cluster analysis indicated that B. napus cultivar Zhongshuang 9 and Eruca lines could be clustered into five major groups, with group 1 being, in general, drought sensitive, group 2 being slightly–medium drought tolerant, group 3 being drought tolerant, group 4 being highly drought sensitive and group 5 being highly drought tolerant. B. carinata cultivar XB1, as an outstander, showed high drought sensitivity. The UPGMA cluster dendrogram provides a good representation of the similarity matrix (r= 0.68). The drought-tolerant Eruca materials obtained in this study will be valuable for genetic improvement not only in Eruca itself, but also in Brassica crops since they are drought-tolerant lines from a drought-tolerant species.
Extracting New Meaning from Seismological Data
Authors: Minnehan Catherine
Published: November 2015

Scientists use noise data collected at the Long Beach dense array to measure elusive high-frequency surface waves.
The corrinoid cofactor of reductive dehalogenases affects dechlorination rates and extents in organohalide-respiring Dehalococcoides mccartyi
Authors: Yan Jun , Şimşir Burcu , Farmer Abigail T , Bi Meng , Yang Yi , Campagna Shawn R , Löffler Frank E
Published: November 2015

Corrinoid auxotrophic organohalide-respiring Dehalococcoides mccartyi (Dhc) strains are keystone bacteria for reductive dechlorination of toxic and carcinogenic chloroorganic contaminants. We demonstrate that the lower base attached to the essential corrinoid cofactor of reductive dehalogenase (RDase) enzyme systems modulates dechlorination activity and affects the vinyl chloride (VC) RDases BvcA and VcrA differently. Amendment of 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazolyl-cobamide (DMB-Cba) to Dhc strain BAV1 and strain GT cultures supported cis-1,2-dichloroethene-to-ethene reductive dechlorination at rates of 107.0 (±12.0) μm and 67.4 (±1.4) μm Cl− released per day, respectively. Strain BAV1, expressing the BvcA RDase, reductively dechlorinated VC to ethene, although at up to fivefold lower rates in cultures amended with cobamides carrying 5-methylbenzimidazole (5-MeBza), 5-methoxybenzimidazole (5-OMeBza) or benzimidazole (Bza) as the lower base. In contrast, strain GT harboring the VcrA RDase failed to grow and dechlorinate VC to ethene in medium amended with 5-OMeBza-Cba or Bza-Cba. The amendment with DMB to inactive strain GT cultures restored the VC-to-ethene-dechlorinating phenotype and intracellular DMB-Cba was produced, demonstrating cobamide uptake and remodeling. The distinct responses of Dhc strains with BvcA versus VcrA RDases to different cobamides implicate that the lower base exerts control over Dhc reductive dechlorination rates and extents (that is, detoxification), and therefore the dynamics of Dhc strains with discrete reductive dechlorination capabilities. These findings emphasize that the role of the corrinoid/lower base synthesizing community must be understood to predict strain-specific Dhc activity and achieve efficacious contaminated site cleanup.
Respiratory microbiota resistance and resilience to pulmonary exacerbation and subsequent antimicrobial intervention
Authors: Cuthbertson Leah , Rogers Geraint B , Walker Alan W , Oliver Anna , Green Laura E , Daniels Thomas W V , Carroll Mary P , Parkhill Julian , Bruce Kenneth D , van der Gast Christopher J
Published: November 2015

Pulmonary symptoms in cystic fibrosis (CF) begin in early life with chronic lung infections and concomitant airway inflammation leading to progressive loss of lung function. Gradual pulmonary function decline is interspersed with periods of acute worsening of respiratory symptoms known as CF pulmonary exacerbations (CFPEs). Cumulatively, CFPEs are associated with more rapid disease progression. In this study multiple sputum samples were collected from adult CF patients over the course of CFPEs to better understand how changes in microbiota are associated with CFPE onset and management. Data were divided into five clinical periods: pre-CFPE baseline, CFPE, antibiotic treatment, recovery, and post-CFPE baseline. Samples were treated with propidium monoazide prior to DNA extraction, to remove the impact of bacterial cell death artefacts following antibiotic treatment, and then characterised by 16S rRNA gene-targeted high-throughput sequencing. Partitioning CF microbiota into core and rare groups revealed compositional resistance to CFPE and resilience to antibiotics interventions. Mixed effects modelling of core microbiota members revealed no significant negative impact on the relative abundance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa across the exacerbation cycle. Our findings have implications for current CFPE management strategies, supporting reassessment of existing antimicrobial treatment regimens, as antimicrobial resistance by pathogens and other members of the microbiota may be significant contributing factors.
Two-dimensional slither swimming of sperm within a micrometre of a surface
Authors: Nosrati Reza , Driouchi Amine , Yip Christopher M. , Sinton David
Published: November 2015

Sperm motion near surfaces plays a crucial role in fertilization, but the nature of this motion has not been resolved. Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, we selectively imaged motile human and bull sperm located within one micron of a surface, revealing a distinct two-dimensional (2D) ‘slither’ swimming mode whereby the full cell length (50–80 μm) is confined within 1 μm of a surface. This behaviour is distinct from bulk and near-wall swimming modes where the flagellar wave is helical and the head continuously rotates. The slither mode is intermittent (∼1 s, ∼70 μm), and in human sperm, is observed only for viscosities over 20 mPa·s. Bull sperm are slower in this surface-confined swimming mode, owing to a decrease in their flagellar wave amplitude. In contrast, human sperm are ∼50% faster—suggesting a strategy that is well suited to the highly viscous and confined lumen within the human fallopian tube.
miR-17-92 fine-tunes MYC expression and function to ensure optimal B cell lymphoma growth
Authors: Mihailovich Marija , Bremang Michael , Spadotto Valeria , Musiani Daniele , Vitale Elena , Varano Gabriele , Zambelli Federico , Mancuso Francesco M. , Cairns David A. , Pavesi Giulio , Casola Stefano , Bonaldi Tiziana
Published: November 2015

The synergism between c-MYC and miR-17-19b, a truncated version of the miR-17-92 cluster, is well-documented during tumor initiation. However, little is known about miR-17-19b function in established cancers. Here we investigate the role of miR-17-19b in c-MYC-driven lymphomas by integrating SILAC-based quantitative proteomics, transcriptomics and 3′ untranslated region (UTR) analysis upon miR-17-19b overexpression. We identify over one hundred miR-17-19b targets, of which 40% are co-regulated by c-MYC. Downregulation of a new miR-17/20 target, checkpoint kinase 2 (Chek2), increases the recruitment of HuR to c-MYC transcripts, resulting in the inhibition of c-MYC translation and thus interfering with in vivo tumor growth. Hence, in established lymphomas, miR-17-19b fine-tunes c-MYC activity through a tight control of its function and expression, ultimately ensuring cancer cell homeostasis. Our data highlight the plasticity of miRNA function, reflecting changes in the mRNA landscape and 3′ UTR shortening at different stages of tumorigenesis.
The genomics of ecological vicariance in threespine stickleback fish
Authors: Roesti Marius , Kueng Benjamin , Moser Dario , Berner Daniel
Published: November 2015

Populations occurring in similar habitats and displaying similar phenotypes are increasingly used to explore parallel evolution at the molecular level. This generally ignores the possibility that parallel evolution can be mimicked by the fragmentation of an ancestral population followed by genetic exchange with ecologically different populations. Here we demonstrate such an ecological vicariance scenario in multiple stream populations of threespine stickleback fish divergent from a single adjacent lake population. On the basis of demographic and population genomic analyses, we infer the initial spread of a stream-adapted ancestor followed by the emergence of a lake-adapted population, that selective sweeps have occurred mainly in the lake population, that adaptive lake–stream divergence is maintained in the face of gene flow from the lake into the streams, and that this divergence involves major inversion polymorphisms also important to marine-freshwater stickleback divergence. Overall, our study highlights the need for a robust understanding of the demographic and selective history in evolutionary investigations.
Sea-level feedback lowers projections of future Antarctic Ice-Sheet mass loss
Authors: Gomez Natalya , Pollard David , Holland David
Published: November 2015

The stability of marine sectors of the Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) in a warming climate has been identified as the largest source of uncertainty in projections of future sea-level rise. Sea-level fall near the grounding line of a retreating marine ice sheet has a stabilizing influence on the ice sheets, and previous studies have established the importance of this feedback on ice age AIS evolution. Here we use a coupled ice sheet–sea-level model to investigate the impact of the feedback mechanism on future AIS retreat over centennial and millennial timescales for a range of emission scenarios. We show that the combination of bedrock uplift and sea-surface drop associated with ice-sheet retreat significantly reduces AIS mass loss relative to a simulation without these effects included. Sensitivity analyses show that the stabilization tends to be greatest for lower emission scenarios and Earth models characterized by a thin elastic lithosphere and low-viscosity upper mantle, as is the case for West Antarctica.
Cerebrospinal fluid-derived circulating tumour DNA better represents the genomic alterations of brain tumours than plasma
Authors: De Mattos-Arruda Leticia , Mayor Regina , Ng Charlotte K. Y. , Weigelt Britta , Martínez-Ricarte Francisco , Torrejon Davis , Oliveira Mafalda , Arias Alexandra , Raventos Carolina , Tang Jiabin , Guerini-Rocco Elena , Martínez-Sáez Elena , Lois Sergio , Marín Oscar , de la Cruz Xavier , Piscuoglio Salvatore , Towers Russel , Vivancos Ana , Peg Vicente , Ramon y Cajal Santiago , Carles Joan , Rodon Jordi , González-Cao María , Tabernero Josep , Felip Enriqueta , Sahuquillo Joan , Berger Michael F. , Cortes Javier , Reis-Filho Jorge S. , Seoane Joan
Published: November 2015

Cell-free circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in plasma has been shown to be informative of the genomic alterations present in tumours and has been used to monitor tumour progression and response to treatments. However, patients with brain tumours do not present with or present with low amounts of ctDNA in plasma precluding the genomic characterization of brain cancer through plasma ctDNA. Here we show that ctDNA derived from central nervous system tumours is more abundantly present in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) than in plasma. Massively parallel sequencing of CSF ctDNA more comprehensively characterizes the genomic alterations of brain tumours than plasma, allowing the identification of actionable brain tumour somatic mutations. We show that CSF ctDNA levels longitudinally fluctuate in time and follow the changes in brain tumour burden providing biomarkers to monitor brain malignancies. Moreover, CSF ctDNA is shown to facilitate and complement the diagnosis of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis.
The effect of folate supplementation and genotype on cardiovascular and epigenetic measures in schizophrenia subjects
Authors: Ellingrod Vicki L , Grove Tyler B , Burghardt Kyle J , Taylor Stephan F , Dalack Gregory
Published: November 2015

Background:

Metabolic syndrome may be related to folate’s pharmacogenetically regulated metabolism and atypical antipsychotic (AAP) exposure.

Aims:

We examined folate supplementation on metabolic measures, endothelial functioning (Reactive Hyperemia Index (RHI)), and global methylation in AAP-treated schizophrenia subjects meeting NCEP-ATP-III-a metabolic syndrome criteria.

Methods:

Subjects were given 5 mg/day open label folate for 3 months. Baseline and end point measurements included RHI, body mass index, fasting metabolic laboratory measures, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, IL-6, and leptin. Subjects were genotyped for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C/T and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) 158 Val/Met, as well as global DNA methylation using the LUminometric Methylation Assay (LUMA).

Results:

Thirty-five subjects (mean age 50±9 years and 70% Caucasian) were included. At end point, RHI improved by 20% (P=0.02), homocysteine decreased 14% (P=0.006), and IL-6 decreased 13% (P=0.09). At baseline, 61% met endothelial dysfunction criteria (RHI<1.67), which decreased to 27% (P=0.0006) at end point. The MTHFR 677C/C+COMT 158Met/Met group also showed significant reduction in those meeting endothelial dysfunction (83% baseline and 16% end point (P=0.001)). Global methylation levels increased after supplementation (4.3%, P<0.0001), with subjects receiving olanzapine or clozapine experiencing greater methylation changes after folate supplementation. Folate may reduce AAP-associated metabolic risks.

Conclusions:

We report significant reductions in the number of subjects meeting endothelial dysfunction. Given that all subjects met metabolic syndrome criteria, this may prove as a useful avenue to reducing cardiovascular disease risk. MTHFR and COMT genotypes may affect response and underlying changes in DNA methylation may help to explain the mechanistic underpinnings of these findings.
Psychological job strain, social support at work and daytime secretion of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in healthy female employees: cross-sectional analyses
Authors: Ota Atsuhiko , Yatsuya Hiroshi , Mase Junji , Ono Yuichiro
Published: November 2015

Evidence is limited concerning the influences of high psychological job strain and low social support at work on daytime secretion of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which demonstrates anti-cortisol effects. We carried out a cross-sectional study to examine the associations of job strain and social support with daytime secretion amounts of DHEA and cortisol and daytime variation of the cortisol-to-DHEA ratio (C/D ratio) in healthy female workers. Study subjects comprised 115 healthy female nursery school teachers. Area under the curve with respect to ground (AUCG) of salivary DHEA, cortisol and C/D ratio was calculated for estimation of daytime secretion and variation. Social support scores were negatively associated with daytime DHEA secretion (standardized partial regression coefficient = −0.343, P < 0.001 by multiple linear regression analysis). This association remained significant when daytime cortisol secretion was additionally adjusted. Social support was not associated with daytime variation of the C/D ratio. Significant association between social support and daytime cortisol secretion was not confirmed. Job strain was not associated with DHEA, cortisol or the C/D ratio. In summary, we found that daytime DHEA secretion was increased in healthy workers with low social support, perhaps independent of daytime cortisol secretion.
High Fidelity Tape Transfer Printing Based On Chemically Induced Adhesive Strength Modulation
Authors: Sim Kyoseung , Chen Song , Li Yuhang , Kammoun Mejdi , Peng Yun , Xu Minwei , Gao Yang , Song Jizhou , Zhang Yingchun , Ardebili Haleh , Yu Cunjiang
Published: November 2015

Transfer printing, a two-step process (i.e. picking up and printing) for heterogeneous integration, has been widely exploited for the fabrication of functional electronics system. To ensure a reliable process, strong adhesion for picking up and weak or no adhesion for printing are required. However, it is challenging to meet the requirements of switchable stamp adhesion. Here we introduce a simple, high fidelity process, namely tape transfer printing(TTP), enabled by chemically induced dramatic modulation in tape adhesive strength. We describe the working mechanism of the adhesion modulation that governs this process and demonstrate the method by high fidelity tape transfer printing several types of materials and devices, including Si pellets arrays, photodetector arrays and electromyography (EMG) sensors, from their preparation substrates to various alien substrates. High fidelity tape transfer printing of components onto curvilinear surfaces is also illustrated.
The breakdown of superlubricity by driving-induced commensurate dislocations
Authors: Benassi A. , Ma Ming , Urbakh M. , Vanossi A.
Published: November 2015

In the framework of a Frenkel-Kontorova-like model, we address the robustness of the superlubricity phenomenon in an edge-driven system at large scales, highlighting the dynamical mechanisms leading to its failure due to the slider elasticity. The results of the numerical simulations perfectly match the length critical size derived from a parameter-free analytical model. By considering different driving and commensurability interface configurations, we explore the distinctive nature of the transition from superlubric to high-friction sliding states which occurs above the critical size, discovering the occurrence of previously undetected multiple dissipative jumps in the friction force as a function of the slider length. These driving-induced commensurate dislocations in the slider are then characterized in relation to their spatial localization and width, depending on the system parameters. Setting the ground to scale superlubricity up, this investigation provides a novel perspective on friction and nanomanipulation experiments and can serve as a theoretical basis for designing high-tech devices with specific superlow frictional features.
Methane excess in Arctic surface water- triggered by sea ice formation and melting
Authors: Damm E. , Rudels B. , Schauer U. , Mau S. , Dieckmann G.
Published: November 2015

Arctic amplification of global warming has led to increased summer sea ice retreat, which influences gas exchange between the Arctic Ocean and the atmosphere where sea ice previously acted as a physical barrier. Indeed, recently observed enhanced atmospheric methane concentrations in Arctic regions with fractional sea-ice cover point to unexpected feedbacks in cycling of methane. We report on methane excess in sea ice-influenced water masses in the interior Arctic Ocean and provide evidence that sea ice is a potential source. We show that methane release from sea ice into the ocean occurs via brine drainage during freezing and melting i.e. in winter and spring. In summer under a fractional sea ice cover, reduced turbulence restricts gas transfer, then seawater acts as buffer in which methane remains entrained. However, in autumn and winter surface convection initiates pronounced efflux of methane from the ice covered ocean to the atmosphere. Our results demonstrate that sea ice-sourced methane cycles seasonally between sea ice, sea-ice-influenced seawater and the atmosphere, while the deeper ocean remains decoupled. Freshening due to summer sea ice retreat will enhance this decoupling, which restricts the capacity of the deeper Arctic Ocean to act as a sink for this greenhouse gas.
Ranking nodes in growing networks: When PageRank fails
Authors: Mariani Manuel Sebastian , Medo Matúš , Zhang Yi-Cheng
Published: November 2015

PageRank is arguably the most popular ranking algorithm which is being applied in real systems ranging from information to biological and infrastructure networks. Despite its outstanding popularity and broad use in different areas of science, the relation between the algorithm’s efficacy and properties of the network on which it acts has not yet been fully understood. We study here PageRank’s performance on a network model supported by real data and show that realistic temporal effects make PageRank fail in individuating the most valuable nodes for a broad range of model parameters. Results on real data are in qualitative agreement with our model-based findings. This failure of PageRank reveals that the static approach to information filtering is inappropriate for a broad class of growing systems and suggest that time-dependent algorithms that are based on the temporal linking patterns of these systems are needed to better rank the nodes.
Randomness determines practical security of BB84 quantum key distribution
Authors: Li Hong-Wei , Yin Zhen-Qiang , Wang Shuang , Qian Yong-Jun , Chen Wei , Guo Guang-Can , Han Zheng-Fu
Published: November 2015

Unconditional security of the BB84 quantum key distribution protocol has been proved by exploiting the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics, but the practical quantum key distribution system maybe hacked by considering the imperfect state preparation and measurement respectively. Until now, different attacking schemes have been proposed by utilizing imperfect devices, but the general security analysis model against all of the practical attacking schemes has not been proposed. Here, we demonstrate that the general practical attacking schemes can be divided into the Trojan horse attack, strong randomness attack and weak randomness attack respectively. We prove security of BB84 protocol under randomness attacking models and these results can be applied to guarantee the security of the practical quantum key distribution system.