bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population dynamics and reproduction ofHolothuria arenicola(Holothuroidea: Echinodermata) in coastal waters of Pakistan, North Arabian Sea
Authors: Siddique Saima , Ayub Zarrien
Published: March 2015

In Pakistan, although the sea cucumber fishery has not yet been developed,Holothuria arenicolais abundant on its coast. Nineteen months of sampling was carried out to study the population structure, allometric relationships and reproductive status ofH. arenicolastocks in Manora and Buleji rocky shores. All measured biometric characters showed significant temporal variations and width/length, weight/length, gutted weight/length and gutted weight/weight relationships followed negative allometry, indicating a change in body shape as the animal grows. Length-frequency distribution analysis was bimodal in both summer and autumn consisting of small-sized and medium-sized individuals while in winter and spring three modes were found at Manora. At Buleji, the population was unimodal in all seasons consisting of small-sized individuals. Sex inH. arenicolacannot be determined externally but can be identified on examination of gonad colour which is orange-like in females and creamy yellow in males. The sex was further confirmed on histological examination and maturation was divided into five stages, i.e. undetermined, early developing, late developing, mature and partially spawned. The sex ratio inH. arenicolawas approximately 1:1 and increase in gonad index was observed during spring and early summer, followed by a decrease in GI in autumn and winter, which showed the spawning followed by resting phase. The GI showed a significant negative correlation with salinity and non-significant correlation with temperature. There is a need to undertake more biological/ecological studies onH. arenicolain order to take effective measures for its management.
Redescription of Micrura dellechiajei (Hubrecht, 1879) (Nemertea, Pilidiophora, Lineidae), a rare Mediterranean species
Authors: Herrera-Bachiller Alfonso , Kvist Sebastian , Giribet Gonzalo , Junoy Juan
Published: March 2015

The heteronemertean species Micrura dellechiajei is thus far only known from its type locality in the Gulf of Naples (Italy) and has not been recorded in 120 years. During two oceanographic surveys conducted in Spanish Mediterranean waters, several nemertean specimens were collected, and thorough morphological examination indicated that some of these pertained to the species M. dellechiajei, suggesting that populations may be more widespread than previously thought. Because of the rarity of this species coupled with the fact that its last morphological narrative was given 120 years ago, we here provide a redescription of the species based on the new specimens, complete with illustrations and new data concerning its morphology, and we also place some of the collected specimens in a molecular phylogenetic framework.
Does the tunic nipple array serve to camouflage diurnal salps?
Authors: Hirose Euichi , Sakai Daisuke , Shibata Tomohiro , Nishii Junji , Mayama Hiroyuki , Miyauchi Akihiro , Nishikawa Jun
Published: March 2015

The salp Thalia rhomboides is distributed in the shallow depths during the day, and is thus at increased risk of predation by visual predators and from the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation compared with species distributed in deeper layers in the daytime. The integument (tunic) of T. rhomboides may have adaptive optical properties, but the absorption spectra of the unfixed tunic demonstrate that the tunic transmits UV as well as visible light, indicating that the tunic is not an effective barrier against UV radiation. Ultrastructural observation revealed that the surface of the tunic cuticle is covered in a nipple array consisting of hemispherical protuberances approximately 40 and 30 nm in diameter in solitary and aggregate zooids, respectively. Simulation of light reflection of a nipple array using rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) indicated that the reflection is slightly lower for the nipple array than for a flat surface at high angles of incidence (θ > 80°). This result supports the idea that the nipple array serves to make the salp less visible. The simulation also indicated that the height and distribution of the salp nipple array do not have an optimal structure for causing an antireflection effect. A mechanical restriction might exist on the structures, and the nipple array could also serve another function. The size and distribution of nipples may be controlled by the need to meet the complex requirements of multiple essential functions.
“Become you apes, repelled!” (Quran 7:166): The transformation of the Israelites into apes and its biblical and midrashic background
Authors: Rubin Uri
Published: March 2015

In Quran 7:163–6, God punishes the inhabitants of “a town by the sea” who have collected fish from the sea on a Sabbath by transforming them into apes (qirada). Almost none of the attempts to find a precedent for this punishment in pre-Islamic texts have been plausible. This article argues that this scene reflects post-biblical traditions referring to Numbers 11:19–20. This biblical passage deals with the Israelites who consumed quails that had come from the sea; they were doomed to partake of the meat until it came out of their nostrils and became loathsome to them. This was their punishment after having expressed their discontent with the manna, while craving for meat and fish and vegetables. The midrashic sources describe various obnoxious bodily effects which the meat of the quails had on their unrestrained eaters. It will be suggested that the punitive transformation into apes, suffered by the people of the town by the sea who ate fish, represents the Quranic reshaped version of the bodily infliction which the quail eaters suffered as a result of eating the quails that came from the sea. In support of this suggestion, several points common to the biblical quail eaters and the Quranic people of the “town by the sea” will be highlighted.
Holy places in Umayyad al-Andalus
Authors: Fierro Maribel
Published: March 2015

While for the sixth/twelfth century onwards there is no lack of data allowing the recovery of the sacred geography of al-Andalus, such data are scarce for the earlier period. This article surveys the available information for Umayyad al-Andalus and how it relates to the different strata of the population, analysing it within the context of the Islamicization.
Problems in sura 53
Authors: Crone Patricia
Published: March 2015

This paper argues that sura 53 contains a number of problems, of which the most intractable is the question: who is speaking in the oracular, part I? The answer is not God, nor is it easy to see how it could be the Prophet. Since the Prophet is undoubtedly responsible for the sura as a whole, the solution tentatively proposed here is that he found part I in an earlier text current among his people, such as a collection of oracular verdicts.
Influence of target curvature on ion acceleration in radiation pressure acceleration regime
Authors: Dahiya Deepak , Kumar Ashok , Tripathi V. K.
Published: March 2015

Ion acceleration from submicron thick foil target irradiated by a circularly polarized laser is studied using multidimensional particle-in-cell simulations. Convex, flat, and concave target shapes are considered. Radius of curvature of curved target is of the order of laser width in transverse direction. Accelerated ion beam of highest peak energy and least energy spread is obtained from concave target, whereas total accelerated charge is highest in convex target. It is attributed to the change in the growth of transverse instabilities and geometrical effects due to target curvature in initial stages of acceleration process. The variation in the radius of curvature of the foil depends on the ratio of initial spot size to the radius of curvature. Faster reduction in curvature is achieved for tightly focused Gaussian pulses as conjectured by the model.
A history of bovine tuberculosis eradication policy in Northern Ireland
Authors: ROBINSON P. A.
Published: March 2015

Despite many years of state-sponsored efforts to eradicate the disease from cattle through testing and slaughter, bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is still regarded as the most important and complex of animal health challenges facing the British livestock agricultural industry. This paper provides a historical analysis of the ongoing bTB statutory eradication programme in one part of the UK – Northern Ireland (NI) – which began in 1949 as a voluntary scheme, but between 1959 and 1960 became compulsory for all cattle herd-owners. Tracing bTB back through time sets the eradication efforts of the present day within a deeper context, and provides signposts for what developed in subsequent decades. The findings are based primarily on empirical research using historical published reports of the Ministry of Agriculture and state documents held in the public archives in NI, and they emphasize the need to consider the economic, social and political contexts of disease eradication efforts and their influences on both the past and the present.
Bicoloromyces kyffinensis: a new genus and species of lichen-inhabiting conidial fungi from 83°46'S
Authors: Heuchert Bettina , Sancho Leopoldo G. , Braun Uwe , Hawksworth David L.
Published: March 2015

The new genus and speciesBicoloromyces kyffinensisis described as new to science from a sterile crustose lichen, perhapsLecanora fuscobrunneaorLecidellasp. from Ebony Ridge of Mount Kyffin, Antarctica. The fungus recalls superficially the lichenicolous species referred toTaeniolella, but differs in having semi-macronematous conidiophores, tissues encrusted with calcium oxalate, aeruginose to blue-black colouration under the microscope, and conidia which are distoseptate and formed in basipetal chains. Energy dispersive spectroscopy established that the encrustations were of calcium oxalate. Differences from genera of rock-inhabiting fungi described from the Antarctic are discussed. This appears to be the furthest south any lichen-inhabiting fungus has been reported.
CUFP'13 scribe's report
Authors: ERIKSEN MARIUS , SPERBER MICHAEL , MADHAVAPEDDY ANIL
Published: March 2015

The Commercial Users of Functional Programming workshop (CUFP) is an annual workshop held in association with the International Conference on Functional Programming (ICFP). The aim of the CUFP workshops is to publicize the use of functional programming in commercial ventures. Its motto is “functional programming as a means, not an end.
The association between serum lipids and colorectal neoplasm: a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tian Yun , Wang Keming , Li Juan , Wang Jirong , Wang Zhaoxia , Fan Yingrui , Ye Ying , Ji Guozhong , Li Yi
Published: March 2015

Objective

There have been inconsistent results published regarding the relationship between dyslipidaemia and an increased risk of colorectal neoplasia (CRN), including colorectal adenoma (CRA) and colorectal cancer (CRC). We conducted a meta-analysis to explore the relationship between dyslipidaemia and CRN.

Design

We identified studies by performing a literature search using PubMed, EMBASE and the Science Citation Index through October 2013.

Setting

We analysed thirty-three independent studies reporting the association between CRN and at least one of the selected lipid components, including total cholesterol (TC), TAG, HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C).

Subjects

CRN cases (n 21 809) were identified.

Results

Overall, people with high levels of serum TAG (risk ratio (RR)=1·08; 95 % CI 1·05, 1·12, P<0·00001) and LDL-C (RR=1·07; 95 % CI 1·00, 1·14, P=0·04) presented an increased prevalence of CRN. Subgroup analyses revealed that high levels of serum TC (RR=1·04; 95 % CI 1·01, 1·09, P=0·02), TAG (RR=1·06; 95 % CI 1·03, 1·10, P=0·0009) and LDL-C (RR=1·11; 95 % CI 1·04, 1·19, P=0·003) increased the risk of CRA but not of CRC. No association between serum HDL-C and risk for CRN (including CRA and CRC) was observed.

Conclusions

Both TAG and LDL-C were significantly associated with an increasing prevalence of CRN. High levels of serum TC, TAG and LDL-C were positively associated with CRA but not with CRC. No significant association was observed between levels of serum HDL-C and CRN.
Design and Application of a Novel In Situ Nano-Manipulation Stage for Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Koo Bon-Woong , Hong Seung-Pyo , Kim Seong-Il , Kang Chan S. , Han Sang-Sub , Oh Kyu H. , Kim Young-Woon
Published: March 2015

A novel nano-scale manipulator capable of handling low-dimensional materials with three-dimensional linear motion, gripping action, and push–pull action of the gripper was developed for an in situ experiment in transmission electron microscopy. X-Y-Z positioning and push–pull action were accomplished by a piezotubing system, combined with a specially designed assembly stage that consisted of a lever-action gripping tip backed by a push–pull piezostack. The gripper tip consisted of tungsten wire fabricated by electrochemical etching followed by a focused ion beam process. Performance of the nano-scale manipulator was demonstrated in a grab-and-pick test of a single silver nanowire and in an in situ tensile test of a pearlitic steel sample with a specific orientation.
Patient’s experience with comorbidity management in primary care: a qualitative study of comorbid pain and obesity
Authors: Janke E. Amy , Ramirez Michelle L. , Haltzman Brittany , Fritz Megan , Kozak Andrea T.
Published: March 2015

Aim

The aim of this research is to examine perceptions of those with comorbid chronic pain and obesity regarding their experience of comorbidity management in primary care settings.

Background

Chronic pain and obesity are common comorbidities frequently managed in primary care settings. Evidence suggests individuals with this comorbidity may be at risk for suboptimal clinical interactions; however, treatment experiences and preferences of those with comorbid chronic pain and obesity have received little attention.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews conducted with 30 primary care patients with mean body mass index=36.8 and comorbid persistent pain. The constant comparative method was used to analyze data.

Findings

Participants discussed frustration with a perceived lack of information tailored to their needs and a desire for a personalized treatment experience. Participants found available medical approaches unsatisfying and sought a more holistic approach to management. Discussions also focused around the need for providers to initiate efforts at education and motivation enhancement and to show concern for and understanding of the unique difficulties associated with comorbidity. Findings suggest providers should engage in integrated communication regarding weight and pain, targeting this multimorbidity using methods aligned with priorities discussed by patients.
The Dilma Effect? Women's Representation under Dilma Rousseff's Presidency
Authors: Jalalzai Farida , dos Santos Pedro G.
Published: March 2015

Women are making important strides as presidents in Latin America as of late. This trend became evident in 2006 when Michelle Bachelet gained the Chilean presidency. Cristina Fernández followed shortly thereafter in Argentina. In 2010, Dilma Rousseff (popularly referred to as “Dilma”) joined this small yet growing group of women when she was elected the first female president of Brazil. Dilma's victory was no surprise since she had the support of the very popular outgoing president Luiz Inácio “Lula” da Silva. Nevertheless, the fact that Dilma is a woman is noteworthy given that Brazil's political system is overwhelmingly male dominated at all levels of government (Araújo 2010; Bohns 2007; Miguel 2008). Dilma's significance also stems from the fact that, unlike most women national leaders around the world, she occupies a relatively strong presidency, gained office through popular election, and lacked family ties to power (Jalalzai 2013).
Familial Origins of Gender Role Attitudes
Authors: Filler Nicole , Jennings M. Kent
Published: March 2015

Extensive public opinion research on gender-related attitudes has focused on identifying and understanding the dynamics of individual gender role attitudes, as well as attitudes toward more explicitly policy-related and political issues broadly related to gender. One stream of research considers egalitarianism in a generic sense as in inquiries about whether men and women should have equal roles in public affairs (e.g., Jennings 2006; Sanbonmatsu 2002, chapter 3) and evaluations of the women's movement (e.g., Huddy, Neely, and Lafay 2000). Another line of research has solicited opinions about specific gender-related policies and issues, including support for the ERA (Mansbridge 1986; Plutzer 1991), abortion (e.g., Bolzendahl and Myers 2004; Wilcox and Carr 2010), gender-based affirmative action (Kane and Whipkey 2009), the suitability of women for political life (Sanbonmatsu 2002, chapter 3), and a variety of other issues and policies often noted as being especially relevant for women (Sapiro and Shames 2010).
Introduction: Quotas and Non-Quota Strategies in East Asia
Authors: Tan Netina
Published: March 2015

In convergence with the global norm toward more proportional representative electoral systems, many countries in East Asia have adopted quota strategies to address women's political underrepresentation (Franceschet, Krook, and Piscopo 2012; Krook 2009). Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, and Japan provide ideal case studies to investigate the impact of these efforts. While these countries share similar economic development, educational levels, and Confucian communitarian ethos, their experiences and progress on empowering women vary. For example, the level of women's legislative representation in the region ranges from a low of 8.1% in Japan to a high of 33.6% in Taiwan. And while Taiwan and South Korea embarked on constitutional reforms in the 1990s and introduced candidate quotas or reserved seats to guarantee women's legislative representation at all levels, Singapore and Japan have resisted legislating quotas but instead set 30% women parliamentarians as targets of party strategies. This collection of papers explores this intraregional variation with a comparative view on the origins and impact of quotas on women's political life. Specifically, we trace the origins of quota adoption and how they interact with the existing electoral and party institutions to improve women's legislative numbers.
The Effect of Discretizing Survival Times in Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Moerbeek Mirjam , Schormans Joost
Published: March 2015

The aim of survival analysis is to study if and when some event occurs. With continuous-time analysis subjects are followed until the time they experience the event or drop out. In practice, subjects cannot always be followed continuously and event occurrence is measured in time periods. This type of survival analysis is known as discrete-time survival analysis and measuring subjects discretely rather than continuously results in a loss of information. The aim of this paper is to study the effects of discretizing survival times for randomized controlled trials by means of a simulation study. It is shown that parameter and standard error biases of both approaches are small and those of the discrete-time approach are only slightly larger than those of the continuous-time approach. The number of time periods has a negligible effect on bias. Power levels hardly differ across the two approaches, so following subjects continuously is not necessary, except when a detailed estimate of the underlying baseline hazard function is needed.
Interannual variation of stable isotopes in Antarctic precipitation in response to El Niño‐Southern Oscillation
Authors: Ichiyanagi Kimpei , Numaguti Atusi , Kato Kikuo
Published: March 2015

Evidence for a close relationship between the interannual variation of stable isotopes in Antarctic precipitation and the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) was found. Anomalies of sea surface temperature in the Equatorial Pacific and δ18O in precipitation in the Antarctic Peninsula are negatively correlated, both having a strong spectral power at about 3 years. The low (high) anomaly of δ18O is associated with southerly (northerly) and cold (warm) anomalies, which are considered appear as a response to the ENSO teleconnection. It was suggested that the flux and transport passway of southward moisture are the main factors determining the observed variation of stable isotopes in Antarctic precipitation.
Mechanical properties of quartz at the α‐β phase transition: Implications for tectonic and seismic anomalies
Authors: Peng Zhenwei , Redfern Simon A. T.
Published: March 2015

The anelastic response of single‐crystal and polycrystalline quartz and quartz‐rich sandstones to applied stress at low frequencies has been investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis and force torsion pendulum measurements. The dynamic modulus was measured on heating and cooling through the α‐β phase transition under shear and bending stress applied at low frequency (~1 Hz). Single crystal quartz shows highly anisotropic properties in both the real and imaginary part of the modulus. Polycrystalline novaculite quartz displays the α‐β phase transition temperatures (Tc) around 8°C higher than seen in single crystal quartz, due to the pinning stress effect of grain boundaries. The properties of the sandstone vary with heating and cooling cycles as the cementation and microfracturing of the grain structure changes at high temperature. The phase transition in quartz is ferrobielastic, and as such energy differences between domains in the transformation microstructure arise under conditions of applied shear stress. Pre‐transition softening and an increase in anelastic loss above Tc are attributed to ferrobielastic switching of incipient domain microstructures that arise in the silica microstructure. The influence of temperature on this microstructure is to induce increased switching of domains as a response to thermal stress inherent in the anisotropic thermal expansion of the polycrystalline structure. These results indicate that ferrobielastic switching in quartz is an important mechanism in controlling changes in mechanical properties. As such, we anticipate that it will induce measurable anomalies in seismic signatures of quartz‐rich portions of the Earth's crust in regions of high thermal flux. The transition may also be responsible for observed seismic velocity reductions and tectonic weakening in western North America and in certain parts of Tibetan plateau.
Global ocean biogeochemistry model HAMOCC: Model architecture and performance as component of the MPI‐Earth system model in different CMIP5 experimental realizations
Authors: Ilyina Tatiana , Six Katharina D. , Segschneider Joachim , Maier‐Reimer Ernst , Li Hongmei , Núñez‐Riboni Ismael
Published: March 2015

Ocean biogeochemistry is a novel standard component of fifth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) experiments which project future climate change caused by anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases. Of particular interest here is the evolution of the oceanic sink of carbon and the oceanic contribution to the climate‐carbon cycle feedback loop. The Hamburg ocean carbon cycle model (HAMOCC), a component of the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology Earth system model (MPI‐ESM), is employed to address these challenges. In this paper we describe the version of HAMOCC used in the CMIP5 experiments (HAMOCC 5.2) and its implementation in the MPI‐ESM to provide a documentation and basis for future CMIP5‐related studies. Modeled present day distributions of biogeochemical variables calculated in two different horizontal resolutions compare fairly well with observations. Statistical metrics indicate that the model performs better at the ocean surface and worse in the ocean interior. There is a tendency for improvements in the higher resolution model configuration in representing deeper ocean variables; however, there is little to no improvement at the ocean surface. An experiment with interactive carbon cycle driven by emissions of CO2 produces a 25% higher variability in the oceanic carbon uptake over the historical period than the same model forced by prescribed atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Furthermore, a climate warming of 3.5 K projected at atmospheric CO2 concentration of four times the preindustrial value, reduced the atmosphere‐ocean CO2 flux by 1 GtC yr−1. Overall, the model shows consistent results in different configurations, being suitable for the type of simulations required within the CMIP5 experimental design.
Heterozygosity for the common perforin mutation, p.A91V, impairs the cytotoxicity of primary natural killer cells from healthy individuals
Authors: House Imran G , Thia Kevin , Brennan Amelia J , Tothill Richard , Dobrovic Alexander , Yeh Wei Z , Saffery Richard , Chatterton Zac , Trapani Joseph A , Voskoboinik Ilia
Published: March 2015

The production and delivery of functional perforin (PRF; PRF1 gene) by cytotoxic lymphocytes maintains immune homeostasis and tumour immune surveillance. In humans, inheritance of the common PRF1 polymorphism, p.A91V, (c.272C>T) found in 8–9% of the Caucasian population, with another mutated allele resulting in reduced PRF function or trafficking, has been shown to result in hyperinflammatory diseases and/or haematological cancers. In this study, we sought to investigate the function of p.A91V on a wild‐type (WT) perforin background. We first developed an assay that distinguishes the relative levels of transcription of individual PRF1 alleles, including p.A91V. The p.A91V allele was seen to be expressed at similar levels as the WT allele in primary human natural killer (NK) cells, ruling out that allelic expression imbalance influenced their function. We then demonstrated that the p.A91V mutation results in protein misfolding and an appreciable reduction in NK‐cell cytotoxicity in healthy carriers of p.A91V. We propose that this level of cytotoxic dysfunction may readily account for the predisposition to immune‐mediated disease in individuals homozygous for p.A91V. Also, the fact that monoallelic mutations of PRF1 decrease NK‐cell cytotoxicity should be considered in individuals presenting with the manifestations of immune deficiency states that impinge on NK‐cell cytotoxicity.
The role of chemokines in cutaneous immunosurveillance
Authors: Tan Sioh‐Yang , Roediger Ben , Weninger Wolfgang
Published: March 2015

The skin serves as a critical barrier against pathogen entry. This protection is afforded by an array of skin‐resident immune cells, which act as first‐line responders against barrier breach and infection. The recruitment and positioning of these cells is controlled at multiple levels by endothelial cells, pericytes, perivascular macrophages and mast cells, and by the fibroblasts in the dermis and keratinocytes in the epidermis. Chemokine signalling through chemokine receptors expressed by the various leukocyte subsets is critical for their trafficking into and within the skin. The role of chemokines in the skin is complex, and remains incompletely understood despite three decades of investigation. Here, we review the roles that different chemokine pathways play in the skin, and highlight the recent developments in the field.
Oscillation of the velvet worm slime jet by passive hydrodynamic instability
Authors: Concha Andrés , Mellado Paula , Morera-Brenes Bernal , Sampaio Costa Cristiano , Mahadevan L , Monge-Nájera Julián
Published: March 2015

The rapid squirt of a proteinaceous slime jet endows velvet worms (Onychophora) with a unique mechanism for defence from predators and for capturing prey by entangling them in a disordered web that immobilizes their target. However, to date, neither qualitative nor quantitative descriptions have been provided for this unique adaptation. Here we investigate the fast oscillatory motion of the oral papillae and the exiting liquid jet that oscillates with frequencies f~30–60 Hz. Using anatomical images, high-speed videography, theoretical analysis and a physical simulacrum, we show that this fast oscillatory motion is the result of an elastohydrodynamic instability driven by the interplay between the elasticity of oral papillae and the fast unsteady flow during squirting. Our results demonstrate how passive strategies can be cleverly harnessed by organisms, while suggesting future oscillating microfluidic devices, as well as novel ways for micro and nanofibre production using bioinspired strategies.
Aqueous proton transfer across single-layer graphene
Authors: Achtyl Jennifer L. , Unocic Raymond R. , Xu Lijun , Cai Yu , Raju Muralikrishna , Zhang Weiwei , Sacci Robert L. , Vlassiouk Ivan V. , Fulvio Pasquale F. , Ganesh Panchapakesan , Wesolowski David J. , Dai Sheng , van Duin Adri C. T. , Neurock Matthew , Geiger Franz M.
Published: March 2015

Proton transfer across single-layer graphene proceeds with large computed energy barriers and is therefore thought to be unfavourable at room temperature unless nanoscale holes or dopants are introduced, or a potential bias is applied. Here we subject single-layer graphene supported on fused silica to cycles of high and low pH, and show that protons transfer reversibly from the aqueous phase through the graphene to the other side where they undergo acid–base chemistry with the silica hydroxyl groups. After ruling out diffusion through macroscopic pinholes, the protons are found to transfer through rare, naturally occurring atomic defects. Computer simulations reveal low energy barriers of 0.61–0.75 eV for aqueous proton transfer across hydroxyl-terminated atomic defects that participate in a Grotthuss-type relay, while pyrylium-like ether terminations shut down proton exchange. Unfavourable energy barriers to helium and hydrogen transfer indicate the process is selective for aqueous protons.
Ferroelectric domain wall motion induced by polarized light
Authors: Rubio-Marcos Fernando , Del Campo Adolfo , Marchet Pascal , Fernández Jose F.
Published: March 2015

Ferroelectric materials exhibit spontaneous and stable polarization, which can usually be reoriented by an applied external electric field. The electrically switchable nature of this polarization is at the core of various ferroelectric devices. The motion of the associated domain walls provides the basis for ferroelectric memory, in which the storage of data bits is achieved by driving domain walls that separate regions with different polarization directions. Here we show the surprising ability to move ferroelectric domain walls of a BaTiO3 single crystal by varying the polarization angle of a coherent light source. This unexpected coupling between polarized light and ferroelectric polarization modifies the stress induced in the BaTiO3 at the domain wall, which is observed using in situ confocal Raman spectroscopy. This effect potentially leads to the non-contact remote control of ferroelectric domain walls by light.
Electrodeposition of hierarchically structured three-dimensional nickel–iron electrodes for efficient oxygen evolution at high current densities
Authors: Lu Xunyu , Zhao Chuan
Published: March 2015

Large-scale industrial application of electrolytic splitting of water has called for the development of oxygen evolution electrodes that are inexpensive, robust and can deliver large current density (>500 mA cm−2) at low applied potentials. Here we show that an efficient oxygen electrode can be developed by electrodepositing amorphous mesoporous nickel–iron composite nanosheets directly onto macroporous nickel foam substrates. The as-prepared oxygen electrode exhibits high catalytic activity towards water oxidation in alkaline solutions, which only requires an overpotential of 200 mV to initiate the reaction, and is capable of delivering current densities of 500 and 1,000 mA cm−2 at overpotentials of 240 and 270 mV, respectively. The electrode also shows prolonged stability against bulk water electrolysis at large current. Collectively, the as-prepared three-dimensional structured electrode is the most efficient oxygen evolution electrode in alkaline electrolytes reported to the best of our knowledge, and can potentially be applied for industrial scale water electrolysis.
A global database of lake surface temperatures collected by in situ and satellite methods from 1985–2009
Authors: Sharma Sapna , Gray Derek K , Read Jordan S , O’Reilly Catherine M , Schneider Philipp , Qudrat Anam , Gries Corinna , Stefanoff Samantha , Hampton Stephanie E , Hook Simon , Lenters John D , Livingstone David M , McIntyre Peter B , Adrian Rita , Allan Mathew G , Anneville Orlane , Arvola Lauri , Austin Jay , Bailey John , Baron Jill S , Brookes Justin , Chen Yuwei , Daly Robert , Dokulil Martin , Dong Bo , Ewing Kye , de Eyto Elvira , Hamilton David , Havens Karl , Haydon Shane , Hetzenauer Harald , Heneberry Jocelyne , Hetherington Amy L , Higgins Scott N , Hixson Eric , Izmest’eva Lyubov R , Jones Benjamin M , Kangur Külli , Kasprzak Peter , Köster Olivier , Kraemer Benjamin M , Kumagai Michio , Kuusisto Esko , Leshkevich George , May Linda , MacIntyre Sally , Müller-Navarra Dörthe , Naumenko Mikhail , Noges Peeter , Noges Tiina , Niederhauser Pius , North Ryan P , Paterson Andrew M , Plisnier Pierre-Denis , Rigosi Anna , Rimmer Alon , Rogora Michela , Rudstam Lars , Rusak James A , Salmaso Nico , Samal Nihar R , Schindler Daniel E , Schladow Geoffrey , Schmidt Silke R , Schultz Tracey , Silow Eugene A , Straile Dietmar , Teubner Katrin , Verburg Piet , Voutilainen Ari , Watkinson Andrew , Weyhenmeyer Gesa A , Williamson Craig E , Woo Kara H
Published: March 2015

Global environmental change has influenced lake surface temperatures, a key driver of ecosystem structure and function. Recent studies have suggested significant warming of water temperatures in individual lakes across many different regions around the world. However, the spatial and temporal coherence associated with the magnitude of these trends remains unclear. Thus, a global data set of water temperature is required to understand and synthesize global, long-term trends in surface water temperatures of inland bodies of water. We assembled a database of summer lake surface temperatures for 291 lakes collected in situ and/or by satellites for the period 1985–2009. In addition, corresponding climatic drivers (air temperatures, solar radiation, and cloud cover) and geomorphometric characteristics (latitude, longitude, elevation, lake surface area, maximum depth, mean depth, and volume) that influence lake surface temperatures were compiled for each lake. This unique dataset offers an invaluable baseline perspective on global-scale lake thermal conditions as environmental change continues.
Sink property of metallic glass free surfaces
Authors: Shao Lin , Fu Engang , Price Lloyd , Chen Di , Chen Tianyi , Wang Yongqiang , Xie Guoqiang , Lucca Don A.
Published: March 2015

When heated to a temperature close to glass transition temperature, metallic glasses (MGs) begin to crystallize. Under deformation or particle irradiation, crystallization occurs at even lower temperatures. Hence, phase instability represents an application limit for MGs. Here, we report that MG membranes of a few nanometers thickness exhibit properties different from their bulk MG counterparts. The study uses in situ transmission electron microscopy with concurrent heavy ion irradiation and annealing to observe crystallization behaviors of MGs. For relatively thick membranes, ion irradiations introduce excessive free volumes and thus induce nanocrystal formation at a temperature linearly decreasing with increasing ion fluences. For ultra-thin membranes, however, the critical temperature to initiate crystallization is about 100 K higher than the bulk glass transition temperature. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that this effect is due to the sink property of the surfaces which can effectively remove excessive free volumes. These findings suggest that nanostructured MGs having a higher surface to volume ratio are expected to have higher crystallization resistance, which could pave new paths for materials applications in harsh environments requiring higher stabilities.
ITCH modulates SIRT6 and SREBP2 to influence lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis in ApoE null mice
Authors: Stöhr R. , Mavilio M. , Marino A. , Casagrande V. , Kappel B. , Möllmann J. , Menghini R. , Melino G. , Federici M.
Published: March 2015

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the infiltration of pro-inflammatory macrophages into a lipid-laden plaque. ITCH is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that has been shown to polarize macrophages to an anti-inflammatory phenotype. We therefore investigated the effect of ITCH deficiency on the development of atherosclerosis. ApoE−/−ITCH−/− mice fed a western diet for 12 weeks showed increased circulating M2 macrophages together with a reduction in plaque formation. Bone marrow transplantation recreated the haemopoietic phenotype of increased circulating M2 macrophages but failed to affect plaque development. Intriguingly, the loss of ITCH lead to a reduction in circulating cholesterol levels through interference with nuclear SREBP2 clearance. This resulted in increased LDL reuptake through upregulation of LDL receptor expression. Furthermore, ApoE−/−ITCH−/− mice exhibit reduced hepatic steatosis, increased mitochondrial oxidative capacity and an increased reliance on fatty acids as energy source. We found that ITCH ubiquitinates SIRT6, leading to its breakdown and thus promoting hepatic lipid infiltration through reduced fatty acid oxidation. The E3 Ubiquitin Ligase ITCH modulates lipid metabolism impacting on atherosclerosis progression independently from effects on myeloid cells polarization through control of SIRT6 and SREBP2 ubiquitination. Thus, modulation of ITCH may provide a target for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia.
Exome sequencing of case-unaffected-parents trios reveals recessive and de novo genetic variants in sporadic ALS
Authors: Steinberg Karyn Meltz , Yu Bing , Koboldt Daniel C. , Mardis Elaine R. , Pamphlett Roger
Published: March 2015

The contribution of genetic variants to sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains largely unknown. Either recessive or de novo variants could result in an apparently sporadic occurrence of ALS. In an attempt to find such variants we sequenced the exomes of 44 ALS-unaffected-parents trios. Rare and potentially damaging compound heterozygous variants were found in 27% of ALS patients, homozygous recessive variants in 14% and coding de novo variants in 27%. In 20% of patients more than one of the above variants was present. Genes with recessive variants were enriched in nucleotide binding capacity, ATPase activity and the dynein heavy chain. Genes with de novo variants were enriched in transcription regulation and cell cycle processes. This trio study indicates that rare private recessive variants could be a mechanism underlying some case of sporadic ALS and that de novo mutations are also likely to play a part in the disease.
New Insights into the Mechanisms of Gene Electrotransfer – Experimental and Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Pavlin Mojca , Kandušer Maša
Published: March 2015

Gene electrotransfer is a promising non-viral method of gene delivery. In our in vitro study we addressed open questions about this multistep process: how electropermeabilization is related to electrotransfer efficiency; the role of DNA electrophoresis for contact and transfer across the membrane; visualization and theoretical analysis of DNA-membrane interaction and its relation to final transfection efficiency; and the differences between plated and suspended cells. Combinations of high-voltage and low-voltage pulses were used. We obtained that electrophoresis is required for the insertion of DNA into the permeabilized membrane. The inserted DNA is slowly transferred into the cytosol and nuclear entry is a limiting factor for optimal transfection. The quantification and theoretical analysis of the crucial parameters reveals that DNA-membrane interaction (NDNA) increases with higher DNA concentration or with the addition of electrophoretic LV pulses while transfection efficiency reaches saturation. We explain the differences between the transfection of cell suspensions and plated cells due to the more homogeneous size, shape and movement of suspended cells. Our results suggest that DNA is either translocated through the stable electropores or enters by electo-stimulated endocytosis, possibly dependent on pulse parameters. Understanding of the mechanisms enables the selection of optimal electric protocols for specific applications.
Combination of Electroacupuncture and Grafted Mesenchymal Stem Cells Overexpressing TrkC Improves Remyelination and Function in Demyelinated Spinal Cord of Rats
Authors: Ding Ying , Zhang Rong-Yi , He Bing , Liu Zhou , Zhang Ke , Ruan Jing-Wen , Ling Eng-Ang , Wu Jin-Lang , Zeng Yuan-Shan
Published: March 2015

This study attempted to graft neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) receptor (TrkC) gene modified mesenchymal stem cells (TrkC-MSCs) into the demyelinated spinal cord and to investigate whether electroacupuncture (EA) treatment could promote NT-3 secretion in the demyelinated spinal cord as well as further enhance grafted TrkC-MSCs to differentiate into oligodendrocytes, remyelination and functional recovery. Ethidium bromide (EB) was microinjected into the spinal cord of rats at T10 to establish a demyelinated model. Six groups of animals were prepared for the experiment: the sham, PBS, MSCs, MSCs+EA, TrkC-MSCs and TrkC-MSCs+EA groups. The results showed that TrkC-MSCs graft combined with EA treatment (TrkC-MSCs+EA group) significantly increased the number of OPCs and oligodendrocyte-like cells differentiated from MSCs. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that the oligodendrocyte-like cells differentiated from TrkC-MSCs formed myelin sheaths. Immunofluorescence histochemistry and Western blot analysis indicated that TrkC-MSCs+EA treatment could promote the myelin basic protein (MBP) expression and Kv1.2 arrangement trending towards the normal level. Furthermore, behavioural test and cortical motor evoked potentials detection demonstrated a significant functional recovery in the TrkC-MSCs+EA group. In conclusion, our results suggest that EA treatment can increase NT-3 expression, promote oligodendrocyte-like cell differentiation from TrkC-MSCs, remyelination and functional improvement of demyelinated spinal cord.
Explaining the power-law distribution of human mobility through transportationmodality decomposition
Authors: Zhao Kai , Musolesi Mirco , Hui Pan , Rao Weixiong , Tarkoma Sasu
Published: March 2015

Human mobility has been empirically observed to exhibit Lévy flightcharacteristics and behaviour with power-law distributed jump size. The fundamentalmechanisms behind this behaviour has not yet been fully explained. In thispaper, we propose to explain the Lévy walk behaviour observed in humanmobility patterns by decomposing them into different classes according tothe different transportation modes, such as Walk/Run, Bike, Train/Subway orCar/Taxi/Bus. Our analysis is based on two real-life GPS datasets containingapproximately 10 and 20 million GPS samples with transportation mode information.We show that human mobility can be modelled as a mixture of different transportationmodes and that these single movement patterns can be approximated by a lognormaldistribution rather than a power-law distribution. Then, we demonstrate thatthe mixture of the decomposed lognormal flight distributions associated witheach modality is a power-law distribution, providing an explanation to theemergence of Lévy Walk patterns that characterize human mobility patterns.
Emission behaviors of unsymmetrical 1,3-diaryl-β-diketones: A model perfectly disclosing the effect of molecular conformation on luminescence of organic solids
Authors: Cheng Xiao , Li Feng , Han Shenghua , Zhang Yufei , Jiao Chuanjun , Wei Jinbei , Ye Kaiqi , Wang Yue , Zhang Hongyu
Published: March 2015

A series of unsymmetrical 1,3-diaryl-β-diketones 1–6 displaying molecular conformation-dependent fluorescence quantum yields have been synthesized. Crystals with planar molecular conformation such as 1, 2, 3 and 4 are highly fluorescent (φf: 39–53%) and the one holding slightly twisted conformation (5) is moderately luminescent (φf = 17%), while crystal 6 possessing heavily bent structure is completely nonluminous (φf ~ 0). The distinct fluorescence efficiencies are ascribed to their different molecular conformations, since all the crystals hold the same crystal system, space group and crystal packing structures. Additionally, the fluorescent crystals 1–5 display low threshold amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) with small full widths at half-maximum (FWHM: 3–7 nm), indicating their potential as candidates for organic crystal lasing devices.
Intergenerational continuity of cell shape dynamics in Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Wright Charles S. , Banerjee Shiladitya , Iyer-Biswas Srividya , Crosson Sean , Dinner Aaron R. , Scherer Norbert F.
Published: March 2015

We investigate the intergenerational shape dynamics of single Caulobacter crescentus cells using a novel combination of imaging techniques and theoretical modeling. We determine the dynamics of cell pole-to-pole lengths, cross-sectional widths and medial curvatures from high accuracy measurements of cell contours. Moreover, these shape parameters are determined for over 250 cells across approximately 10000 total generations, which affords high statistical precision. Our data and model show that constriction is initiated early in the cell cycle and that its dynamics are controlled by the time scale of exponential longitudinal growth. Based on our extensive and detailed growth and contour data, we develop a minimal mechanical model that quantitatively accounts for the cell shape dynamics and suggests that the asymmetric location of the division plane reflects the distinct mechanical properties of the stalked and swarmer poles. Furthermore, we find that the asymmetry in the division plane location is inherited from the previous generation. We interpret these results in terms of the current molecular understanding of shape, growth and division of C. crescentus.
Quo vadis? Microbial profiling revealed strong effects of cleanroom maintenance and routes of contamination in indoor environments
Authors: Moissl-Eichinger Christine , Auerbach Anna K. , Probst Alexander J. , Mahnert Alexander , Tom Lauren , Piceno Yvette , Andersen Gary L. , Venkateswaran Kasthuri , Rettberg Petra , Barczyk Simon , Pukall Rüdiger , Berg Gabriele
Published: March 2015

Space agencies maintain highly controlled cleanrooms to ensure the demands of planetary protection. To study potential effects of microbiome control, we analyzed microbial communities in two particulate-controlled cleanrooms (ISO 5 and ISO 8) and two vicinal uncontrolled areas (office, changing room) by cultivation and 16S rRNA gene amplicon analysis (cloning, pyrotagsequencing and PhyloChip G3 analysis). Maintenance procedures affected the microbiome on total abundance and microbial community structure concerning richness, diversity and relative abundance of certain taxa. Cleanroom areas were found to be mainly predominated by potentially human-associated bacteria; archaeal signatures were detected in every area. Results indicate that microorganisms were mainly spread from the changing room (68%) into the cleanrooms, potentially carried along with human activity. The numbers of colony forming units were reduced by up to ~400 fold from the uncontrolled areas towards the ISO 5 cleanroom, accompanied with a reduction of the living portion of microorganisms from 45% (changing area) to 1% of total 16S rRNA gene signatures as revealed via propidium monoazide treatment of the samples. Our results demonstrate the strong effects of cleanroom maintenance on microbial communities in indoor environments and can be used to improve the design and operation of biologically controlled cleanrooms.