bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different energy sources for three symbiont-dependent bivalve molluscs at the Logatchev hydrothermal site (Mid-Atlantic Ridge)
Authors: Southward Eve C. , Gebruk Andrey , Kennedy Hilary , Southward Alan J. , Chevaldonné Pierre
Published: April 2017

The vent mussel Bathymodiolus puteoserpentis, a large vesicomyid clam and a smaller thyasirid were collected from an area of sediment subject to diffuse hydrothermal flow. The mussels live on the surface, the vesicomyids are partly buried and the thyasirids burrow in the sediment. The fine structure of the gills differs in the three bivalves. Bathymodiolus puteoserpentis hosts two types of bacterial symbiont, one methanotrophic, and another probably thiotrophic. The other two bivalves have single types of symbiont of different shapes. Stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen indicate thiotrophy in the vesicomyid and thyasirid, but a predominance of methanotrophy in the mussel. This is the first time that such an assemblage has been found at a hydrothermal site on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR), with the different faunistic elements exploiting different energy resources.
Dive angles for a green turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Authors: Glen F. , Broderick A.C. , Godley B.J. , Metcalfe J.D. , Hays G.C.
Published: April 2017

The depth and swim speed of a green turtle (Chelonia mydas) were measured during the internesting period in Cyprus. For dives to the seabed (U-dives) we used these data to determine dive angles. Typically the turtle initially descended at a steep angle (∼60°) but as the dive continued this angle lessened until the turtle approached the seabed at an average angle of ∼15°. This systematic change in descent angle is consistent with the prediction that the energetic implications of dive angle are most important at the start of the dive when the turtle is fighting to overcome its positive buoyancy. On leaving the seabed, the turtle often seemed to rise passively.
Use of otolith microchemistry to estimate the migratory history of the Russian sturgeon, Acipenser guldenstadti
Authors: Arai Takaomi , Miyazaki Nobuyuki
Published: April 2017

Ontogenic change patterns in otolith Sr:Ca ratios were examined in the Russian sturgeon, Acipenser guldenstadti in the Caspian Sea. Otolith Sr:Ca ratios fluctuated widely during the life history in accordance with the migration pattern from freshwater to brackish water habitats, i.e. all specimens exhibited a typical anadromous pattern in the ratio. Several specimens had two transition points in otolith Sr:Ca ratios from the low ratios to the high indicating that those specimens had a flexible migration strategy in the ambient water and had the possibility of migrating downstream to the Caspian Sea multiple times after spawning in a freshwater habitat.
How Modernity Arrived to Godavari
Authors: WILSON JON
Published: April 2017

This article traces the way in which modern institutions emerged in one region of British-ruled India—the Godavari Delta of coastal Andhra—during the early nineteenth century. Rejecting recently popular cultural theories and the vague language of ‘multiple modernities’, it suggests that modernity can be defined as the practical effort to govern subjects perceived as strangers with abstract and general categories. But, arguing that our conception of modernity needs to be limited, the article suggests that modern institutions always rely on non-modern ways of life: the rule of law depends on ideas about individual honour; bureaucracy; on family connections and affective expressions of loyalty; and rational interests that are coordinated by archaic idioms of political leadership. The peculiarity of the history of modernity in imperial India was marked not by the limited or partial imposition of modern practices, but by the British regime's reluctance to accept the legitimacy of the very non-modern forms of power it relied on. Tracing this process in the Godavari Delta, the article shows how a regime with limited local resources asserted the monopolistic authority of its structures of government, but in doing so, corroded its own capacity to exercise power. Local institutions which had coordinated local productive resources were undermined, but alternative forms of local leadership were unable to emerge. The consequence was famine in the 1830s, and in the 1840s an effort to refound the imperial regime by imposing British power on the region's natural resources.
Introduction
Authors: CHATTERJI JOYA , PARTHASARATHI PRASANNAN
Published: April 2017

Most of the articles in this special issue were presented at a conference held at Trinity College, Cambridge, in May 2014 in honour of David Washbrook, to mark his 65th birthday. As a Festschrift, it is unusual: its authors are drawn not only from the ranks of Washbrook's students, but also include his collaborators and colleagues. But it is, we hope, more than a commemorative volume. Inspired by David Washbrook's work, the articles not only speak to the rich range of topics he has taken up in his distinguished career, they also reflect important new directions in the economic and social history of India, and Asia more broadly.
Adjunctive yoga v. health education for persistent major depression: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Uebelacker L. A. , Tremont G. , Gillette L. T. , Epstein-Lubow G. , Strong D. R. , Abrantes A. M. , Tyrka A. R. , Tran T. , Gaudiano B. A. , Miller I. W.
Published: April 2017

Background

The objective of this study was to determine whether hatha yoga is an efficacious adjunctive intervention for individuals with continued depressive symptoms despite antidepressant treatment.

Method

We conducted a randomized controlled trial of weekly yoga classes (n = 63) v. health education classes (Healthy Living Workshop; HLW; n = 59) in individuals with elevated depression symptoms and antidepressant medication use. HLW served as an attention-control group. The intervention period was 10 weeks, with follow-up assessments 3 and 6 months afterwards. The primary outcome was depression symptom severity assessed by blind rater at 10 weeks. Secondary outcomes included depression symptoms over the entire intervention and follow-up periods, social and role functioning, general health perceptions, pain, and physical functioning.

Results

At 10 weeks, we did not find a statistically significant difference between groups in depression symptoms (b = −0.82, s.e. = 0.88, p = 0.36). However, over the entire intervention and follow-up period, when controlling for baseline, yoga participants showed lower levels of depression than HLW participants (b = −1.38, s.e. = 0.57, p = 0.02). At 6-month follow-up, 51% of yoga participants demonstrated a response (⩾50% reduction in depression symptoms) compared with 31% of HLW participants (odds ratio = 2.31; p = 0.04). Yoga participants showed significantly better social and role functioning and general health perceptions over time.

Conclusions

Although we did not see a difference in depression symptoms at the end of the intervention period, yoga participants showed fewer depression symptoms over the entire follow-up period. Benefits of yoga may accumulate over time.
Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) in North America with special reference to its role in British forestry
Authors: Roche L. , Haddock P. G.
Published: April 2017

Synopsis

The natural distribution of Sitka spruce is examined in relation to the species' role in British forestry. Particular attention is therefore given to a description of habitats on the Queen Charlotte Islands, and also on the adjacent mainland of British Columbia where Sitka spruce is sympatric with white spruce (Picea glauca) and hybridisation occurs. Examples of genetic variation are given and it is suggested that a knowledge of the genecologv of the species in its natural habitat would help to elucidate its full ecological and genetic potential in Britain.
Some ecological aspects of Sitka spruce
Authors: Malcolm D. C.
Published: April 2017

Synopsis

The general adaptations of the species are described in relation to the environment of its natural distribution and are shown to be well suited to its use as an exotic in forestry. What is known of natural stand dynamics has little relevance to the cultivation of the species in pure plantations but the interaction with climate and soils is important in determining the limits to its growth and in prediction of productivity. Atmospheric humidity, windiness and accumulated temperature appear to be the most influential climatic variables and, given adequate soil conditions, can be used to give good estimates of potential production. Sitka spruce flowers freely and regenerates readily, demonstrating its ability to survive unaided in British conditions.
A review of coning and seed production in Picea sitchensis
Authors: Philipson J. J.
Published: April 2017

Synopsis

Sitka spruce grown from seed has a juvenile phase of about twenty years before coning commences; mature trees and grafted scions cone intermittently and produce good cone crops every three–five years. These characteristics have lengthened the breeding programme and reduced seed production in orchards. Production of male and female cones can be enhanced by treatments such as heat and drought and by application of a mixture of gibberellins A4 and A7 (GA4/7) to mature grafts. To enhance flowering consistently in container grown grafts the GA4/7 must be applied together with a cultural treatment, but with larger grafts in the field GA4/7 alone is often effective. Attempts to induce cone production in juvenile trees, however, have been less successful. Female cones initiated on field grown trees in response to inductive treatments yield seed of a similar quantity and quality to that from cones on untreated trees. The physiological mechanisms of coning, and cone induction techniques, are discussed.
The physiology ofSalix
Authors: Raven J. A.
Published: April 2017

Synopsis

Salixhas many physiological features in common with other deciduous woody plants, e.g. C3photosynthesis, occurrence of latitudinal photoperiodic ecotypes, and organic N (no) flux to the shoot in the xylem. Special points about the physiology ofSalixspp. which may have impact on their ecology and economic uses include: (i) relatively high (for woody plants) light-saturated rate of photosynthesis on a leaf area or leaf dry weight basis, (ii) sex differences in water (transpiration) costs of growth, (iii) very limited seed longevity and a wide range of temperature and light conditions permitting germination, and (iv) ready rooting and establishment of naturally or artificially detached twigs and branches. Areas in which work onSalixhas been especially influential for the development of plant physiology include: (i) the analysis of phloem functioning using aphids, (ii) the role of photoinhibition under natural conditions, and (iii) the realisation that the woody habit need not constrain the achieved activity of enzymes and hence N-based metabolic rates.
A subject of interest: usurers on trial in early nineteenth-century
France
Authors: Vause Erika
Published: April 2017

This article examines perceptions and practices of habitual usury, a crime
consisting of lending above the legal rate of interest on multiple occasions, in
early nineteenth-century France using descriptions of usury trials found in the
popular legal periodical the Gazette des Tribunaux. Following
the French Revolution, French law legitimized lending at interest in principle,
but punished ‘habitual usurers’ who ‘made a
profession’ from lending above the legal limit. The decades that followed
witnessed striking growth in banking, joint-stock companies and other financial
institutions. Highlighting the connections between cultural constructions of the
usurer and the actual processes deemed usurious, this article seeks to
understand a paradox: that usury was deemed omnipresent in French society yet it
was rarely prosecuted. By examining how habitual usury was defined and
prosecuted in French courtrooms, this article shows how habitual usurers both
validated and undermined stereotypical notions of predatory lending behavior
found in popular culture of the time. Habitual usury trials also reveal the
actual practices that allowed those excluded from formal financial networks to
participate in the growth of capitalist relations. This article argues that the
nineteenth-century obsession with the usurer can be explained by the crucial
role played by usurious practices in the credit economy of the period. As such,
prosecution of usury tended to focus on the character of the usury rather than
the actual practice of illegal lending. This article suggests that by
occasionally prosecuting particularly egregious ‘immoral’
moneylenders, the legal system and journals like the Gazette des
Tribunaux worked to keep credit accessible to the
‘underbanked’.
Organizational Learning Strategies and Verbal Memory Deficits in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Nitzburg George C. , Cuesta-Diaz Armando , Ospina Luz H. , Russo Manuela , Shanahan Megan , Perez-Rodriguez Mercedes , Larsen Emmett , Mulaimovic Sandra , Burdick Katherine E.
Published: April 2017

Background: Verbal memory (VM) impairment is prominent in bipolar disorder (BD) and is linked to functional outcomes. However, the intricacies of VM impairment have not yet been studied in a large sample of BD patients. Moreover, some have proposed VM deficits that may be mediated by organizational strategies, such as semantic or serial clustering. Thus, the exact nature of VM break-down in BD patients is not well understood, limiting remediation efforts. We investigated the intricacies of VM deficits in BD patients versus healthy controls (HCs) and examined whether verbal learning differences were mediated by use of clustering strategies. Methods: The California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) was administered to 113 affectively stable BD patients and 106 HCs. We compared diagnostic groups on all CVLT indices and investigated whether group differences in verbal learning were mediated by clustering strategies. Results: Although BD patients showed significantly poorer attention, learning, and memory, these indices were only mildly impaired. However, BD patients evidenced poorer use of effective learning strategies and lower recall consistency, with these indices falling in the moderately impaired range. Moreover, relative reliance on semantic clustering fully mediated the relationship between diagnostic category and verbal learning, while reliance on serial clustering partially mediated this relationship. Conclusions: VM deficits in affectively stable bipolar patients were widespread but were generally mildly impaired. However, patients displayed inadequate use of organizational strategies with clear separation from HCs on semantic and serial clustering. Remediation efforts may benefit from education about mnemonic devices or “chunking” techniques to attenuate VM deficits in BD. (JINS, 2017, 23, 358–366)
Expression of GHR and PGC-lα in association with changes of MyHC isof orm types in longissimus muscle of Erhualian and Large White pigs (Sus scrofa) during postnatal growth
Authors: Zhao Ru-Qian , Yang Xiao-Jing , Xu Qin-Fu , Wei Xi-Hui , Xia Dong , Chen Jie
Published: April 2017

Myofibre composition in longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle of Erhualian (EHL) and Large White (LW) pigs was investigated by determining the ratios of mRNA abundances of four myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms (MyHC I, MyHC 2a, MyHC 2x and MyHC 2b) using multiplex RT-PCR. The relationship between expression of growth hormone receptor (GHR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α coactivator-lα (PGC-lα) mRNAs and changes ofmyofibre type composition during postnatal growth from 3 to 180 days of age were analysed. At 3 days of age, proportions of MyHC I, 2a and 2x fibres were high while only a few MyHC 2b fibres were differentiated. Dramatic changes were observed from day 3 to day 20 with significantly decreased MyHC I, 2a and 2x fibres but abrupt increases in MyHC 2b fibres in both breeds of pigs. Breed difference was exhibited only from day 90, with higher MyHC 2b but less MyHC I and 2a expression in LW pigs. Developmental pattern of GHR mRNA expression in LD muscle coincided with that of MyHC 2b, with LW pigs expressing higher abundance of GHR mRNA. PGC-lα mRNA expression followed distinct patterns in the two breeds of pigs, a higher level of PGC-lα mRNA being expressed in LD muscle of EHL pigs, the breed that possessed more oxidative fibres (MyHC I and MyHC 2a).
QUANTUM TEICHMÜLLER SPACES AND QUANTUM TRACE MAP
Authors: Lê Thang T. Q.
Published: April 2017

We show how the quantum trace map of Bonahon and Wong can be constructed in a natural way using the skein algebra of Muller, which is an extension of the Kauffman bracket skein algebra of surfaces. We also show that the quantum Teichmüller space of a marked surface, defined by Chekhov–Fock (and Kashaev) in an abstract way, can be realized as a concrete subalgebra of the skew field of the skein algebra.
LOCKE ON THE ORIGINS OF LANGUAGE
Authors: Moore Terence
Published: April 2017

Terence Moore explores ideas from John Locke on language.
Outsourcing day surgery to private for-profit hospitals: the price effects of competitive tendering
Authors: Hagen Terje P. , Holom Geir Hiller , Amayu Kebebew N.
Published: April 2017

Setting prices for elective patient treatments in private for-profit (PFP) hospitals in traditional tax-funded health systems is challenging since both the organisation of these hospitals and the tasks they perform differ considerably from what we find in public hospitals. From the year 2000, Norway became one of a few countries to gradually implement a procurement system based on competitive tendering when outsourcing elective surgery. In this study we analyse the effect of introducing competitive tendering on the prices paid to PFP hospitals. Pricing data were collected from the formal contracts awarded to PFP hospitals and defined in terms of both absolute and relative prices. We found that PFP hospitals performed day surgeries at markedly lower prices than public hospitals and that competitive tendering triggered the price reduction. We speculate that the PFP hospitals’ lack of acute services, less severe patient population, reduced teaching responsibilities and ability to streamline production, as well as other factors, explain the lower prices at PFP hospitals.
Leistungsangst im Sportunterricht und Wege zu deren Reduktion
Authors: Ahrens-Eipper Sabine , Pötschke Martin
Published: April 2017

Zusammenfassung. Das Hauptziel der vorliegenden explorativen und deskriptiven Studie ist die Erfassung und Analyse der fachspezifischen Leistungsangst von Schülern und Schülerinnen im Sportunterricht sowie möglicher Strategien zu deren Reduktion. Zum Vergleich wurde die fachspezifische Leitungsangst im Fach Mathematik erhoben. Untersucht wurde eine Stichprobe von 63 Schülern und Schülerinnen der 6. und 8. Klasse eines Spezialgymnasiums. Zusätzlich zum Ausmaß der Angst wurde die Lehrer-Schüler-Übereinstimmung erfasst. Die Ergebnisse zeigen eine Besorgnis erregend hohe Anzahl von Kindern mit klinisch relevanten Leistungsängsten (PHOKI, 26 von 63 Befragten). Besonders eindrücklich sind die Befürchtungen der Kinder, bei Leistungskontrollen im Sportunterricht ausgelacht, abgewertet oder mit dem Handy aufgenommen zu werden. Bzgl. der Leistungsstärke zeigte sich eine hohe Übereinstimmung zwischen Selbst- und Fremdurteil (Mathematik: r: .52, Sport: r: .63), während die Übereinstimmung bei der Einschätzung der Aufgeregtheit zwischen Selbst- und Fremdurteil deutlich niedriger ausfiel (Mathematik: r: .26, Sport: r: .29). Es wurden positive Korrelationskoeffizienten zwischen der Variablen „Leistungsangst“ und verschiedenen Dimensionen der „Leistungsmotivation“ gefunden. Zur anwendungsbezogenen und schlussfolgernden Einordnung und Diskussion der Ergebnisse wird das Modell von Clark und Wells (2005) herangezogen und Implikationen für die Praxis aufgezeigt.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Deregulated AJAP1/β-catenin/ZEB1 signaling promotes hepatocellular carcinoma carcinogenesis and metastasis
Authors: Han Jihua , Xie Changming , Pei Tiemin , Wang Jiabei , Lan Yaliang , Huang Kaihua , Cui Yifeng , Wang Fengyue , Zhang Jiewu , Pan Shangha , Liang Yingjian , Zhen Tongsen , Song Ruipeng , Sun Boshi , Li Yuejin , Shi Huawen , Yang Guangchao , Liu Xirui , Zhu Mingxi , Wang Yan , Li Keyu , Liu Yao , Meng Fanzheng , Liao Fei , Meng Xianzhi , Hong Xuehui , Liu Lianxin
Published: April 2017

Adherens junctions-associated protein 1 (AJAP1) is an integral membrane protein that is thought to function as a tumor suppressor in various malignancies. Downregulation of AJAP1 mRNA levels may predict recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, but the underlying molecular mechanism is unknown. This was addressed in the present study by examining the role of AJAP1 in HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro as well as in human specimens and mouse xenograft model. We found that AJAP1 expression was reduced in HCC cells and human HCC tissue, which was associated with metastasis. AJAP1 overexpression inhibited HCC progression and metastasis, while its silencing had the opposite effect both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, AJAP1 blocked epithelial–to–mesenchymal transition by interacting with β-catenin and inhibiting its nuclear translocation, which suppressed zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) transcription. These results indicate that AJAP1 inhibits HCC metastasis, and is thus a potential therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
cPLA2α mediates TGF-β-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in breast cancer through PI3k/Akt signaling
Authors: Chen Lu , Fu Hui , Luo Yi , Chen Liwei , Cheng Runfen , Zhang Ning , Guo Hua
Published: April 2017

A high incidence of tumor recurrence and metastasis has been reported in breast cancer patients; nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is induced by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), has been implicated in tumorigenesis and breast cancer metastasis. EMT events are now directly associated with tumor metastasis, and this progress is dependent on the inflammatory microenvironment. Cytosolic phospholipase A2α (cPLA2α) has been shown to participate in a series of biological processes including inflammation and cancer development. However, the role and molecular mechanism of cPLA2α in breast cancer EMT and metastasis remain enigmatic. In this study, we found that cPLA2α was commonly overexpressed in most human breast cancer tissues and significantly correlated with a poor prognosis for human breast cancer. Functional studies demonstrated that cPLA2α overexpression was significantly associated with elevated migration and invasion in MDA-MB-231 and T47D cells. Conversely, reduced cPLA2α expression strongly attenuated metastasis and the EMT program of MDA-MB-231 cells. Further study found that knockdown of cPLA2α in MDA-MB-231 cells inhibited TGF-β-induced EMT through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Animal experiments revealed that cPLA2α downregulation in MDA-MB-231 cells markedly restrained tumorigenesis and metastasis in vivo. This study indicates the potential role of cPLA2α in breast cancer metastasis and indicates that this molecule is a promising therapeutic target for breast cancer.
Extracellular cystatin SN and cathepsin B prevent cellular senescence by inhibiting abnormal glycogen accumulation
Authors: Oh Sang-Seok , Park Soojong , Lee Ki-Won , Madhi Hamadi , Park Sae Gwang , Lee Hee Gu , Cho Yong-Yeon , Yoo Jiyun , Dong Kim Kwang
Published: April 2017

Cystatin SN (CST1), a known inhibitor of cathepsin B (CatB), has important roles in tumor development. Paradoxically, CatB is a member of the cysteine cathepsin family that acts in cellular processes, such as tumor development and invasion. However, the relationship between CST1 and CatB, and their roles in tumor development are poorly understood. In this study, we observed that the knockdown of CST1 induced the activity of senescence-associated β-galactosidase, a marker of cellular senescence, and expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype genes, including interleukin-6 and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20, in MDA-MB-231 and SW480 cancer cells. Furthermore, CST1 knockdown decreased extracellular CatB activity, and direct CatB inhibition, using specific inhibitors or shCatB, induced cellular senescence. Reconstitution of CST1 restored CatB activity and inhibited cellular senescence in CST1 knockdown cells. CST1 knockdown or CatB inhibition increased glycogen synthase (GS) kinase 3β phosphorylation at serine 9, resulting in the activation of GS and the induction of glycogen accumulation associated with cellular senescence. Importantly, CST1 knockdown suppressed cancer cell proliferation, soft agar colony growth and tumor growth in a xenograft model. These results indicate that CST1-mediated extracellular CatB activity enhances tumor development by preventing cellular senescence. Our findings suggest that antagonists of CST1 or inhibitors of CatB are potential anticancer agents.
Highly selective inhibition of histone demethylases by de novo macrocyclic peptides
Authors: Kawamura Akane , Münzel Martin , Kojima Tatsuya , Yapp Clarence , Bhushan Bhaskar , Goto Yuki , Tumber Anthony , Katoh Takayuki , King Oliver N. F. , Passioura Toby , Walport Louise J. , Hatch Stephanie B. , Madden Sarah , Müller Susanne , Brennan Paul E. , Chowdhury Rasheduzzaman , Hopkinson Richard J. , Suga Hiroaki , Schofield Christopher J.
Published: April 2017

The JmjC histone demethylases (KDMs) are linked to tumour cell proliferation and are current cancer targets; however, very few highly selective inhibitors for these are available. Here we report cyclic peptide inhibitors of the KDM4A-C with selectivity over other KDMs/2OG oxygenases, including closely related KDM4D/E isoforms. Crystal structures and biochemical analyses of one of the inhibitors (CP2) with KDM4A reveals that CP2 binds differently to, but competes with, histone substrates in the active site. Substitution of the active site binding arginine of CP2 to N-ɛ-trimethyl-lysine or methylated arginine results in cyclic peptide substrates, indicating that KDM4s may act on non-histone substrates. Targeted modifications to CP2 based on crystallographic and mass spectrometry analyses results in variants with greater proteolytic robustness. Peptide dosing in cells manifests KDM4A target stabilization. Although further development is required to optimize cellular activity, the results reveal the feasibility of highly selective non-metal chelating, substrate-competitive inhibitors of the JmjC KDMs.
Parvalbumin-expressing interneurons coordinate hippocampal network dynamics required for memory consolidation
Authors: Ognjanovski Nicolette , Schaeffer Samantha , Wu Jiaxing , Mofakham Sima , Maruyama Daniel , Zochowski Michal , Aton Sara J.
Published: April 2017

Activity in hippocampal area CA1 is essential for consolidating episodic memories, but it is unclear how CA1 activity patterns drive memory formation. We find that in the hours following single-trial contextual fear conditioning (CFC), fast-spiking interneurons (which typically express parvalbumin (PV)) show greater firing coherence with CA1 network oscillations. Post-CFC inhibition of PV+ interneurons blocks fear memory consolidation. This effect is associated with loss of two network changes associated with normal consolidation: (1) augmented sleep-associated delta (0.5–4 Hz), theta (4–12 Hz) and ripple (150–250 Hz) oscillations; and (2) stabilization of CA1 neurons’ functional connectivity patterns. Rhythmic activation of PV+ interneurons increases CA1 network coherence and leads to a sustained increase in the strength and stability of functional connections between neurons. Our results suggest that immediately following learning, PV+ interneurons drive CA1 oscillations and reactivation of CA1 ensembles, which directly promotes network plasticity and long-term memory formation.
Impacts of alpine wetland degradation on the composition, diversity and trophic structure of soil nematodes on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wu Pengfei , Zhang Hongzhi , Cui Liwei , Wickings Kyle , Fu Shenglei , Wang Changting
Published: April 2017

Alpine wetlands on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau are undergoing degradation. However, little is known regarding the response of soil nematodes to this degradation. We conducted investigations in a wet meadow (WM), a grassland meadow (GM), a moderately degraded meadow (MDM) and a severely degraded meadow (SDM) from April to October 2011. The nematode community taxonomic composition was similar in the WM, GM and MDM and differed from that in the SDM. The abundance declined significantly from the WM to the SDM. The taxonomic richness and Shannon index were comparable between the WM and MDM but were significantly lower in the SDM, and the Pielou evenness showed the opposite pattern. The composition, abundance and diversity in the WM and SDM were relatively stable over time compared with other habitats. The abundances of all trophic groups, aside from predators, decreased with degradation. The relative abundances of herbivores, bacterivores, predators and fungivores were stable, while those of omnivores and algivores responded negatively to degradation. Changes in the nematode community were mainly driven by plant species richness and soil available N. Our results demonstrate that alpine wetland degradation significantly affects the soil nematode communities, suppressing but not shifting the main energy pathways through the soil nematode communities.
Plasticity within excitatory and inhibitory pathways of the vestibulo-spinal circuitry guides changes in motor performance
Authors: Mitchell Diana E. , Della Santina Charles C. , Cullen Kathleen E.
Published: April 2017

Investigations of behaviors with well-characterized circuitry are required to understand how the brain learns new motor skills and ensures existing behaviors remain appropriately calibrated over time. Accordingly, here we recorded from neurons within different sites of the vestibulo-spinal circuitry of behaving macaque monkeys during temporally precise activation of vestibular afferents. Behaviorally relevant patterns of vestibular nerve activation generated a rapid and substantial decrease in the monosynaptic responses recorded at the first central stage of processing from neurons receiving direct input from vestibular afferents within minutes, as well as a decrease in the compensatory reflex response that lasted up to 8 hours. In contrast, afferent responses to this same stimulation remained constant, indicating that plasticity was not induced at the level of the periphery but rather at the afferent-central neuron synapse. Strikingly, the responses of neurons within indirect brainstem pathways also remained constant, even though the efficacy of their central input was significantly reduced. Taken together, our results show that rapid plasticity at the first central stage of vestibulo-spinal pathways can guide changes in motor performance, and that complementary plasticity on the same millisecond time scale within inhibitory vestibular nuclei networks contributes to ensuring a relatively robust behavioral output.
Rapid and accurate peripheral nerve imaging by multipoint Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Kumamoto Yasuaki , Harada Yoshinori , Tanaka Hideo , Takamatsu Tetsuro
Published: April 2017

Raman spectroscopy allows label-free, minimally invasive, and accurate detection of peripheral nerves. However, the conventional Raman imaging technique is time-consuming when measuring a large area of a sample. Establishing a method for rapidly acquiring spatial distribution of a bundle of peripheral nerve fibers is an essential step for Raman spectroscopy towards application in clinical surgery. Here we present a multipoint Raman spectroscopic technique for rapid peripheral nerve imaging. In only 5 seconds, spectra at 32 points situated on ex vivo rat peripheral nerve bundles and adjoining connective tissues were acquired. Principal component regression and discriminant analysis of spectra revealed that the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for nerve detection were 85.8%, 96.0%, and 90.8%, respectively. Of 158 peripheral nerves, 152 (96.2%) showed ratio of the number of nerve-positive prediction points to the total measurement points being 0.4 or larger, whereas 119 (99.2%) connective tissues among 120 showed ratio smaller than 0.4. Based on the ratio and a bright-field image of the sample, accurate visualization of peripheral nerves was implemented. The results indicated that the multipoint Raman spectroscopic technique is capable of rapid and accurate peripheral nerve imaging.
Himalayan black bulbuls (Hypsipetes leucocephalus niggerimus) exhibit sexual dichromatism under ultraviolet light that is invisible to the human eye
Authors: Hung Hsin-Yi , Yeung Carol K. L. , Omland Kevin E. , Yao Cheng-Te , Yao Chiou-Ju , Li Shou-Hsien
Published: April 2017

Sexual dichromatism is a key proxy for the intensity of sexual selection. Studies of dichromatism in birds may, however, have underestimated the intensity and complexity of sexual selection because they used museum specimens alone without taking colour-fading into account or only measured conspicuous visual traits in live animals. We investigated whether the Himalayan black bulbul (Hypsipetes leucocephalus nigerrimus), which is sexually monomorphic to the human eye, exhibits sexual dichromatism distinguishable by a spectrometer. We measured the reflectance (within both the human visual perceptive and the ultraviolet ranges) of two carotenoid-based parts and eight dull and melanin-based parts for each individual live bird or museum skin sampled. According to an avian model of colour discrimination thresholds, we found that males exhibited perceptibly redder beaks, brighter tarsi and darker plumage than did females. This suggests the existence of multiple cryptic sexually dichromatic traits within this species. Moreover, we also observed detectable colour fading in the museum skin specimens compared with the live birds, indicating that sexual dichromatism could be underestimated if analysed using skin specimens alone.
Connecting myelin-related and synaptic dysfunction in schizophrenia with SNP-rich gene expression hubs
Authors: Hegyi Hedi
Published: April 2017

Combining genome-wide mapping of SNP-rich regions in schizophrenics and gene expression data in all brain compartments across the human life span revealed that genes with promoters most frequently mutated in schizophrenia are expression hubs interacting with far more genes than the rest of the genome. We summed up the differentially methylated “expression neighbors” of genes that fall into one of 108 distinct schizophrenia-associated loci with high number of SNPs. Surprisingly, the number of expression neighbors of the genes in these loci were 35 times higher for the positively correlating genes (32 times higher for the negatively correlating ones) than for the rest of the ~16000 genes. While the genes in the 108 loci have little known impact in schizophrenia, we identified many more known schizophrenia-related important genes with a high degree of connectedness (e.g. MOBP, SYNGR1 and DGCR6), validating our approach. Both the most connected positive and negative hubs affected synapse-related genes the most, supporting the synaptic origin of schizophrenia. At least half of the top genes in both the correlating and anti-correlating categories are cancer-related, including oncogenes (RRAS and ALDOA), providing further insight into the observed inverse relationship between the two diseases.
Clay illuviation provides a long-term sink for C sequestration in subsoils
Authors: Torres-Sallan Gemma , Schulte Rogier P. O. , Lanigan Gary J. , Byrne Kenneth A. , Reidy Brian , Simó Iolanda , Six Johan , Creamer Rachel E.
Published: April 2017

Soil plays a key role in the global carbon (C) cycle. Most current assessments of SOC stocks and the guidelines given by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) focus on the top 30 cm of soil. Our research shows that, when considering only total quantities, most of the SOC stocks are found in this top layer. However, not all forms of SOC are equally valuable as long-term stable stores of carbon: the majority of SOC is available for mineralisation and can potentially be re-emitted to the atmosphere. SOC associated with micro-aggregates and silt plus clay fractions is more stable and therefore represents a long-term carbon store. Our research shows that most of this stable carbon is located at depths below 30 cm (42% of subsoil SOC is located in microaggregates and silt and clay, compared to 16% in the topsoil), specifically in soils that are subject to clay illuviation. This has implications for land management decisions in temperate grassland regions, defining the trade-offs between primary productivity and C emissions in clay-illuviated soils, as a result of drainage. Therefore, climate smart land management should consider the balance between SOC stabilisation in topsoils for productivity versus sequestration in subsoils for climate mitigation.
Cassava foliage affects the microbial diversity of Chinese indigenous geese caecum using 16S rRNA sequencing
Authors: Li Mao , Zhou Hanlin , Pan Xiangyu , Xu Tieshan , Zhang Zhenwen , Zi Xuejuan , Jiang Yu
Published: April 2017

Geese are extremely adept in utilizing plant-derived roughage within their diet. However, the intestinal microbiome of geese remains limited, especially the dietary effect on microbial diversity. Cassava foliage was widely used in animal feed, but little information is available for geese. In this study, the geese were fed with control diet (CK), experimental diet supplemented with 5% cassava foliage (CF5) or 10% (CF10) for 42 days, respectively. The cecal samples were collected after animals were killed. High-throughput sequencing technology was used to investigate the microbial diversity in the caecum of geese with different dietary supplements. Taxonomic analysis indicated that the predominant phyla were distinct with different dietary treatments. The phyla Firmicutes (51.4%), Bacteroidetes (29.55%) and Proteobacteria (7.90%) were dominant in the CK group, but Bacteroidetes (65.19% and 67.29%,) Firmicutes (18.01% and 17.39%), Proteobacteria (8.72% and 10.18%), Synergistete (2.51% and 1.76%) and Spirochaetes (2.60% and 1.46%) were dominant in CF5 and CF10 groups. The abundance of Firmicutes was negatively correlated with the supplementation of cassava foliage. However, the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were positively correlated with the supplementation of cassava foliage. Our study also revealed that the microbial communities were significantly different at genus levels. Genes related to nutrient and energy metabolism, immunity and signal transduction pathways were primarily enriched by the microbiome.
Mushroom biomass and diversity are driven by different spatio-temporal scales along Mediterranean elevation gradients
Authors: Alday Josu G. , Martínez de Aragón Juan , de-Miguel Sergio , Bonet José Antonio
Published: April 2017

Mushrooms are important non-wood-forest-products in many Mediterranean ecosystems, being highly vulnerable to climate change. However, the ecological scales of variation of mushroom productivity and diversity, and climate dependence has been usually overlooked due to a lack of available data. We determined the spatio-temporal variability of epigeous sporocarps and the climatic factors driving their fruiting to plan future sustainable management of wild mushrooms production. We collected fruiting bodies in Pinus sylvestris stands along an elevation gradient for 8 consecutive years. Overall, sporocarp biomass was mainly dependent on inter-annual variations, whereas richness was more spatial-scale dependent. Elevation was not significant, but there were clear elevational differences in biomass and richness patterns between ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic guilds. The main driver of variation was late-summer-early-autumn precipitation. Thus, different scale processes (inter-annual vs. spatial-scale) drive sporocarp biomass and diversity patterns; temporal effects for biomass and ectomycorrhizal fungi vs. spatial scale for diversity and saprotrophic fungi. The significant role of precipitation across fungal guilds and spatio-temporal scales indicates that it is a limiting resource controlling sporocarp production and diversity in Mediterranean regions. The high spatial and temporal variability of mushrooms emphasize the need for long-term datasets of multiple spatial points to effectively characterize fungal fruiting patterns.
High-precision 14C and 40Ar/39Ar dating of the Campanian Ignimbrite (Y-5) reconciles the time-scales of climatic-cultural processes at 40 ka
Authors: Giaccio Biagio , Hajdas Irka , Isaia Roberto , Deino Alan , Nomade Sebastien
Published: April 2017

The Late Pleistocene Campanian Ignimbrite (CI) super-eruption (Southern Italy) is the largest known volcanic event in the Mediterranean area. The CI tephra is widely dispersed through western Eurasia and occurs in close stratigraphic association with significant palaeoclimatic and Palaeolithic cultural events. Here we present new high-precision 14C (34.29 ± 0.09 14C kyr BP, 1σ) and 40Ar/39Ar (39.85 ± 0.14 ka, 95% confidence level) dating results for the age of the CI eruption, which substantially improve upon or augment previous age determinations and permit fuller exploitation of the chronological potential of the CI tephra marker. These results provide a robust pair of 14C and 40Ar/39Ar ages for refining both the radiocarbon calibration curve and the Late Pleistocene time-scale at ca. 40 ka. In addition, these new age constraints provide compelling chronological evidence for the significance of the combined influence of the CI eruption and Heinrich Event 4 on European climate and potentially evolutionary processes of the Early Upper Palaeolithic.
Anti-tumour activity of tivozanib, a pan-inhibitor of VEGF receptors, in therapy-resistant ovarian carcinoma cells
Authors: Momeny Majid , Sabourinejad Zahra , Zarrinrad Ghazaleh , Moghaddaskho Farima , Eyvani Haniyeh , Yousefi Hassan , Mirshahvaladi Shahab , Poursani Ensieh M. , Barghi Farinaz , Poursheikhani Arash , Dardaei Leila , Bashash Davood , Ghazi-Khansari Mahmoud , Tavangar Seyyed M. , Dehpour Ahmad R. , Yaghmaie Marjan , Alimoghaddam Kamran , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir , Ghaffari Seyed H.
Published: April 2017

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most fatal gynaecological malignancy. Despite initial therapeutic response, the majority of advanced-stage patients relapse and succumb to chemoresistant disease. Overcoming drug resistance is the key to successful treatment of EOC. Members of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family are overexpressed in EOC and play key roles in its malignant progression though their contribution in development of the chemoresistant disease remains elusive. Here we show that expression of the VEGF family is higher in therapy-resistant EOC cells compared to sensitive ones. Overexpression of VEGFR2 correlated with resistance to cisplatin and combination with VEGFR2-inhibitor apatinib synergistically increased cisplatin sensitivity. Tivozanib, a pan-inhibitor of VEGF receptors, reduced proliferation of the chemoresistant EOC cells through induction of G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptotic cell death. Tivozanib decreased invasive potential of these cells, concomitant with reduction of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and diminishing the enzymatic activity of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). Moreover, tivozanib synergistically enhanced anti-tumour effects of EGFR-directed therapies including erlotinib. These findings suggest that the VEGF pathway has potential as a therapeutic target in therapy-resistant EOC and VEGFR blockade by tivozanib may yield stronger anti-tumour efficacy and circumvent resistance to EGFR-directed therapies.
Neuroanatomical correlates of forgiving unintentional harms
Authors: Patil Indrajeet , Calò Marta , Fornasier Federico , Young Liane , Silani Giorgia
Published: April 2017

Mature moral judgments rely on the consideration of a perpetrator’s mental state as well as harmfulness of the outcomes produced. Prior work has focused primarily on the functional correlates of how intent information is neurally represented for moral judgments, but few studies have investigated whether individual differences in neuroanatomy can also explain variation in moral judgments. In the current study, we conducted voxel-based morphometry analyses to address this question. We found that local grey matter volume in the left anterior superior temporal sulcus, a region in the functionally defined theory of mind or mentalizing network, was associated with the degree to which participants relied on information about innocent intentions to forgive accidental harms. Our findings provide further support for the key role of mentalizing in the forgiveness of accidental harms and contribute preliminary evidence for the neuroanatomical basis of individual differences in moral judgments.
Visual acuity of the honey bee retina and the limits for feature detection
Authors: Rigosi Elisa , Wiederman Steven D. , O’Carroll David C.
Published: April 2017

Visual abilities of the honey bee have been studied for more than 100 years, recently revealing unexpectedly sophisticated cognitive skills rivalling those of vertebrates. However, the physiological limits of the honey bee eye have been largely unaddressed and only studied in an unnatural, dark state. Using a bright display and intracellular recordings, we here systematically investigated the angular sensitivity across the light adapted eye of honey bee foragers. Angular sensitivity is a measure of photoreceptor receptive field size and thus small values indicate higher visual acuity. Our recordings reveal a fronto-ventral acute zone in which angular sensitivity falls below 1.9°, some 30% smaller than previously reported. By measuring receptor noise and responses to moving dark objects, we also obtained direct measures of the smallest features detectable by the retina. In the frontal eye, single photoreceptors respond to objects as small as 0.6° × 0.6°, with >99% reliability. This indicates that honey bee foragers possess significantly better resolution than previously reported or estimated behaviourally, and commonly assumed in modelling of bee acuity.
Genetic Predisposition to Sporadic Congenital Hearing Loss in a Pediatric Population
Authors: Jung Jinsei , Lee Joon Suk , Cho Kyeong Jee , Yu Seyoung , Yoon Joo-Heon , Yung Gee Heon , Choi Jae Young
Published: April 2017

Discriminating between inherited and non-inherited sporadic hearing loss is challenging. Here, we attempted to delineate genetic inheritance in simplex cases of severe-to-profound congenital hearing loss in Korean children. Variations in SLC26A4 and GJB2 in 28 children with bilateral severe-to-profound non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) without familial history were analyzed using Sanger sequencing. Genetic analysis of individuals without mutations in SLC26A4 and GJB2 was performed by whole exome sequencing (WES). Bi-allelic mutations in SLC26A4 and GJB2 were identified in 12 and 3 subjects, respectively. Of the 13 individuals without mutations in SLC26A4 and GJB2, 2 and 1 carried compound heterozygous mutations in MYO15A and CDH23, respectively. Thus, 64.3% (18/28) of individuals with NSHL were determined to be genetically predisposed. Individuals with sporadic severe-to-profound NSHL were found to mostly exhibit an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Novel causative candidate genes for NSHL were identified by analysis of WES data of 10 families without mutations in known causative genes. Bi-allelic mutations predisposing to NSHL were identified in 64.3% of subjects with sporadic severe-to-profound NSHL. Given that several causative genes for NSHL are still unidentified, genetic inheritance of sporadic congenital hearing loss could be more common than that indicated by our results.