The Mechanism of Oxide Ion Conductivity in Bismuth Rhenium Oxide, Bi28Re2O49

We have carried out a combined experimental and computational study of oxide ion conductor Bi28Re2O49, with the aim of elucidating the conductivity mechanisms and pathways in this material. Single crystals of Bi28Re2O49 were grown from melt and the structure was investigated for the first time by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The structural model obtained is consistent with the Re atoms in Bi28Re2O49 being both four- and six-coordinate, in a 3:1 ratio, in agreement with previous EXAFS and IR spectroscopy studies. The thermal displacement parameters of the oxygen atoms bonded to Re suggest substantial disorder of the Re coordination polyhedra. Ab-initio molecular dynamics simulations were performed to probe the oxide ion migration pathways in Bi28Re2O49 and the roles of the Bisingle bondO and Resingle bondO sublattices. The key conclusion is that the ability of Re to support variable coordination environments is vitally important in Bi28Re2O49; it provides a mechanism for ‘self-doping’ of the structure, i.e. the creation of O2 − vacancies in the fluorite-like Bisingle bondO sublattice by exchange of O atoms with the Resingle bondO sublattice, and the subsequent increase of the average coordination number of Re. All three crystallographically unique oxygen sites in the Bisingle bondO sublattice play roles in the ionic migration processes, by facilitating the O2 − exchange between the ReOx groups and by contributing to the O2 − diffusion via the vacancy-hopping mechanisms

Suction feeding preceded filtering in baleen whale evolution

The origin of baleen, the key adaptation of modern whales (Mysticeti), marks a profound yet poorly understood transition in vertebrate evolution, triggering the rise of the largest animals on Earth. Baleen is thought to have appeared in archaic tooth-bearing mysticetes during a transitional phase that combined raptorial feeding with incipient bulk filtering. Here we show that tooth wear in a new Late Oligocene mysticete belonging to the putatively transitional family Aetiocetidae is inconsistent with the presence of baleen, and instead indicative of suction feeding. Our findings suggest that baleen arose much closer to the origin of toothless mysticete whales than previously thought. In addition, they suggest an entirely new evolutionary scenario in which the transition from raptorial to baleen-assisted filter feeding was mediated by suction, thereby avoiding the problem of functional interference between teeth and the baleen rack

Gigantic mysticete predators roamed the Eocene Southern Ocean

Modern baleen whales (Mysticeti), the largest animals on Earth, arose from small ancestors around 36.4 million years ago (Ma). True gigantism is thought to have arisen late in mysticete history, with species exceeding 10 m unknown prior to 8 Ma. This view is challenged by new fossils from Seymour Island (Isla Marambio), Antarctica, which suggest that enormous whales once roamed the Southern Ocean during the Late Eocene (c. 34 Ma). The new material hints at an unknown species of the archaic mysticete Llanocetus with a total body length of up to 12 m. The latter is comparable to that of extant Omura´s whales (Balaenoptera omurai Wada et al. 2003), and suggests that gigantism has been a re-occurring feature of mysticetes since their very origin. Functional analysis including sharpness and dental wear implies an at least partly raptorial feeding strategy, starkly contrasting with the filtering habit of living whales. The new material markedly expands the size range of archaic mysticetes, and demonstrates that whales achieved considerable disparity shortly after their origin.Fil: Marx, Felix G.. Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences. Directorate Earth and History of Life; Bélgica. Monash University; Australia. Museums Victoria. Geosciences; AustraliaFil: Buono, Mónica Romina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico de Geología y Paleontología; ArgentinaFil: Evans, Alistair R.. Monash University; Australia. Museums Victoria. Geosciences; AustraliaFil: Fordyce, Robert Ewan. University of Otago; Nueva Zelanda. National Museum of Natural History; Estados UnidosFil: Reguero, Marcelo Alfredo. Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Comercio Interno y Culto. Dirección Nacional del Antártico. Instituto Antártico Argentino; ArgentinaFil: Hocking, David P.. Monash University; Australia. Museums Victoria. Geosciences; Australi

Kontrol Diri Dan Kecemasan Komunikasi Interpersonal Pada Pramuwisata

This study aim to analysis relationship of self-control and anxiety of interpersonal communicationin a tourist guide. Product moment corelation analysis (rxy) yields for 0905, to provethe relationship between self-control and interpersonal communication anxiety in a tourist guide.These results indicate a negative relationship between the variables X (Self Control) and variableY (Interpersonal Communication Anxiety in the guides). Social Learning Theory became atheories used in this study, where most of the individual behavior acquired partly the result oflearning through observation of behavior displayed other individuals whose became the model.Elaboration Likelihood Theory which states that each individual will interpret the message orinformation they receive, in accordance with the information they have and their beliefs aboutsomething related to the message. Self-control on the tour guides in Yogyakarta based on thefive major aspects of self-control, that has a very high level of measurement. Includes the abilityto anticipate events, the ability to interpret events and the ability to take decisions. Meanwhile,two other aspects of self control shows the results of measurements at very low category, whichconsists of aspects of behavior and stimulus control. While anxiety based on the three aspects ofinterpersonal communication, which consists of inhibition of the ability to express themselves,lack of interest in communicating and social interaction is interrupted, it indicates the levelmeasurement at very low category. Thus, interpersonal communication anxiety on tour guidesin Yogyakarta can be said to be very low

Automated 3D phenotype analysis using data mining

Peer reviewe

First non-destructive internal imaging of Rangea, an icon of complex Ediacaran life

The origins of multicellular life have remained enigmatic due to the paucity of high-quality, three-dimensionally preserved fossils. Rangea was a centimetre- to decimetre-scale frond characterised by a repetitive pattern of self-similar branches and a sessile benthic lifestyle. Fossils are typically preserved as moulds and casts exposing only a leafy petalodium, and the rarity and incompleteness of specimens has made it difficult to reconstruct the three-dimensional (3D) morphology of the entire organism. This, in turn, has led to many differing interpretations of its morphology and phylogenetic affinities. Here we use high resolution X-ray micro-computed tomography (microCT) to investigate the 3D internal morphology of rare, exceptionally preserved ironstone fossils of Rangea from the Nama Group in southern Namibia. Our investigation reveals a series of structures that represent boundaries between individual fronds or structural elements that divide into smaller secondary and tertiary elements, leading to a repetitive pattern of branches. These elements surround an internal core of a distinctly different texture and internal appearance. There is no distortion of the walls of the primary elements, thus we conclude that Rangea likely had a rigid or semi-rigid skeleton-like structure that prevented buckling or compression and maintained integrity during life. We compare these findings with previous interpretations of Rangea morphology and present new insights on the architecture of internal structures, such as the central core, and the overall appearance of this complex Ediacaran life form. Our insights based on microCT scans of these rare, uniquely-preserved specimens provide a more accurate interpretation of the 3D morphology essential for determining the true affinities and modes of life of the Ediacaran biota during this early stage in the evolution of complex macroscopic life

Multi-proxy dentition analyses reveal niche partitioning between sympatric herbivorous dinosaurs

Dentitions of the sympatric herbivorous dinosaurs Hungarosaurus (Ankylosauria, Nodosauridae) and Mochlodon (Ornithopoda, Rhabdodontidae) (Santonian, Hungary) were analysed to investigate their dietary ecology, using several complementary methods—orientation patch count, tooth replacement rate, macrowear, tooth wear rate, traditional microwear, and dental microwear texture analysis (DMTA). Tooth formation time is similar in Hungarosaurus and Mochlodon , and traditional and DMTA microwear features suggest low-browsing habits for both taxa, consistent with their inferred stances and body sizes. However, Mochlodon possesses a novel adaptation for increasing dental durability: the dentine on the working side of the crown is double the thickness of that on the balancing side. Moreover, crown morphology, enamel thickness, macrowear orientation, and wear rate differ greatly between the two taxa. Consequently, these sympatric herbivores probably exploited plants of different toughness, implying dietary selectivity and niche partitioning. Hungarosaurus is inferred to have eaten softer vegetation, whereas Mochlodon likely fed on tougher material. Compared to the much heavier, quadrupedal Hungarosaurus , the bipedal Mochlodon wore down more than twice as much of its crown volume during the functional life of the tooth. This heavy tooth wear might correlate with more intensive food processing and, in turn, could reflect differences in the metabolic requirements of these animals

A highly conserved complete accessory Escherichia coli type III secretion system 2 is widespread in bloodstream isolates of the ST69 lineage

The work was funded by the Scottish Executive via the Chief Scientists Office through the provision of a grant to establish the Scottish Healthcare Associated Infection Prevention Institute (SHAIPI). The funders had no role in the study design, data collection and interpretation, or the decision to submit the work for publication.Bacterial type III secretion systems (T3SSs) play an important role in pathogenesis of Gram-negative infections. Enteropathogenic and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli contain a well-defined T3SS but in addition a second T3SS termed E. coli T3SS 2 (ETT2) has been described in a number of strains of E. coli. The majority of pathogenic E. coli contain elements of a genetic locus encoding ETT2, but which has undergone significant mutational attrition rendering it without predicted function. Only a very few strains have been reported to contain an intact ETT2 locus. To investigate the occurrence of the ETT2 locus in strains of human pathogenic E. coli, we carried out genomic sequencing of 162 isolates obtained from patient blood cultures in Scotland. We found that 22 of 26 sequence type (ST) 69 isolates from this collection contained an intact ETT2 together with an associated eip locus which encodes putative secreted ETT2 effectors as well as eilA, a gene encoding a putative transcriptional regulator of ETT2 associated genes. Using a reporter gene for eilA activation, we defined conditions under which this gene was differentially activated. Analysis of published E. coli genomes with worldwide representation showed that ST69 contained an intact ETT2 in these strains as well. The conservation of the genes encoding ETT2 in human pathogenic ST69 strains strongly suggests it has importance in infection, although its exact functional role remains obscure.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Breast cancer risk reduction:is it feasible to initiate a randomised controlled trial of a lifestyle intervention programme (ActWell) within a national breast screening programme?

BackgroundBreast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second cause of cancer deaths amongst women in the UK. The incidence of the disease is increasing and is highest in women from least deprived areas. It is estimated that around 42% of the disease in post-menopausal women could be prevented by increased physical activity and reductions in alcohol intake and body fatness. Breast cancer control endeavours focus on national screening programmes but these do not include communications or interventions for risk reductionThis study aimed to assess the feasibility of delivery, indicative effects and acceptability of a lifestyle intervention programme initiated within the NHS Scottish Breast Screening Programme (NHSSBSP).MethodsA 1:1 randomised controlled trial (RCT) of the 3 month ActWell programme (focussing on body weight, physical activity and alcohol) versus usual care conducted in two NHSSBSP sites between June 2013 and January 2014. Feasibility assessments included recruitment, retention, and fidelity to protocol. Indicative outcomes were measured at baseline and 3 month follow-up (body weight, waist circumference, eating and alcohol habits and physical activity. At study end, a questionnaire assessed participant satisfaction and qualitative interviews elicited women¿s, coaches and radiographers¿ experiences. Statistical analysis used Chi squared tests for comparisons in proportions and paired t tests for comparisons of means. Linear regression analyses were performed, adjusted for baseline values, with group allocation as a fixed effectResultsA pre-set recruitment target of 80 women was achieved within 12 weeks and 65 (81%) participants (29 intervention, 36 control) completed 3 month assessments. Mean age was 58¿±¿5.6 years, mean BMI was 29.2¿±¿7.0 kg/m2 and many (44%) reported a family history of breast cancer.The primary analysis (baseline body weight adjusted) showed a significant between group difference favouring the intervention group of 2.04 kg (95%CI ¿3.24 kg to ¿0.85 kg). Significant, favourable between group differences were also detected for BMI, waist circumference, physical activity and sitting time. Women rated the programme highly and 70% said they would recommend it to others.ConclusionsRecruitment, retention, indicative results and participant acceptability support the development of a definitive RCT to measure long term effects.Trial registrationThe trial was registered with Current Controlled Trials (ISRCTN56223933)

Infektionsabwehr und lymphatischer Rachenring

Foraging behaviours used by two female Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) were documented during controlled feeding trials. During these trials the seals were presented with prey either free-floating in open water or concealed within a mobile ball or a static box feeding device. When targeting free-floating prey both subjects primarily used raptorial biting in combination with suction, which was used to draw prey to within range of the teeth. When targeting prey concealed within either the mobile or static feeding device, the seals were able to use suction to draw out prey items that could not be reached by biting. Suction was followed by lateral water expulsion, where water drawn into the mouth along with the prey item was purged via the sides of the mouth. Vibrissae were used to explore the surface of the feeding devices, especially when locating the openings in which the prey items had been hidden. The mobile ball device was also manipulated by pushing it with the muzzle to knock out concealed prey, which was not possible when using the static feeding device. To knock prey out of this static device one seal used targeted bubble blowing, where a focused stream of bubbles was blown out of the nose into the openings in the device. Once captured in the jaws, prey items were manipulated and re-oriented using further mouth movements or chews so that they could be swallowed head first. While most items were swallowed whole underwater, some were instead taken to the surface and held in the teeth, while being vigorously shaken to break them into smaller pieces before swallowing. The behavioural flexibility displayed by Australian fur seals likely assists in capturing and consuming the extremely wide range of prey types that are targeted in the wild, during both benthic and epipelagic foraging