bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of sediment carbon stocks across intertidal wetland habitats of Moreton Bay, Australia
Authors: Hayes Matthew A. , Jesse Amber , Hawke Bruce , Baldock Jeff , Tabet Basam , Lockington David , Lovelock Catherine E.
Published: April 2017

Coastal wetlands are known for high carbon storage within their sediments, but our understanding of the variation in carbon storage among intertidal habitats, particularly over geomorphological settings and along elevation gradients, is limited. Here, we collected 352 cores from 18 sites across Moreton Bay, Australia. We assessed variation in sediment organic carbon (OC) stocks among different geomorphological settings (wetlands within riverine settings along with those with reduced riverine influence located on tide‐dominated sand islands), across elevation gradients, with distance from shore and among habitat and vegetation types. We used mid‐infrared (MIR) spectroscopy combined with analytical data and partial least squares regression to quantify the carbon content of ~2500 sediment samples and provide fine‐scale spatial coverage of sediment OC stocks to 150 cm depth. We found sites in river deltas had larger OC stocks (175–504 Mg/ha) than those in nonriverine settings (44–271 Mg/ha). Variation in OC stocks among nonriverine sites was high in comparison with riverine and mixed geomorphic settings, with sites closer to riverine outflow from the east and south of Moreton Bay having higher stocks than those located on the sand islands in the northwest of the bay. Sediment OC stocks increased with elevation within nonriverine settings, but not in riverine geomorphic settings. Sediment OC stocks did not differ between mangrove and saltmarsh habitats. OC stocks did, however, differ between dominant species across the research area and within geomorphic settings. At the landscape scale, the coastal wetlands of the South East Queensland catchments (17,792 ha) are comprised of approximately 4,100,000–5,200,000 Mg of sediment OC. Comparatively high variation in OC storage between riverine and nonriverine geomorphic settings indicates that the availability of mineral sediments and terrestrial derived OC may exert a strong influence over OC storage potential across intertidal wetland systems.
Diagnosing nocturnal paroxysmal hemoglobinuria: a single‐center 4‐year experience
Authors: Mercier T. , Devos T. , Mukovnikova M. , Boeckx N.
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare disease and can present as a wide range of signs and symptoms. As such, the indication for diagnostic testing forPNHis not always straightforward. Therefore, we analyzed all first‐time samples tested over a 56‐month period to determine the clinical settings with a high probability of detecting aPNHclone.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 323 first‐timePNHflow cytometry tests, includingLDH, cytopenias, direct antiglobulin test (DAT), and clinical indication for testing as available at the time of testing.

Results

The probability of finding aPNHclone was 47% in patients tested because of aplastic/hypoplastic bone marrow disorders, 10% inDAT‐negative hemolytic anemia (HA), 5% in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), 3% in cytopenias other than HA, and 2% in thrombosis. When testing for another reason than the indications described before, there were no positive samples.

Conclusion

Our findings reinforce guidelines from the InternationalPNHInterest Group which suggest testing forPNHin the setting of unusual thrombosis,HA, aplastic/hypoplastic bone marrow disorders, orMDS, as these have a higher pretest probability. This probability drops to zero in our study in nonrecommended indications. This reflects the need for better education of clinicians about the diseasePNHand the indications for diagnostic testing.
Detection of Factor XIII deficiency: data from multicentre exercises amongst UK NEQAS and PRO‐RBDD project laboratories
Authors: Jennings I. , Kitchen S. , Menegatti M. , Palla R. , Walker I. , Makris M. , Peyvandi F.
Published: April 2017

Introduction

FXIII deficiency is a rare bleeding disorders, and specific FXIII assays are recommended to detect this deficiency. We investigated the performance and accuracy of FXIII investigations in two exercises, comparing centres enrolled in the PRO‐RBDD project (prospective data collection on patients with fibrinogen and Factor XIII deficiencies), and UK NEQAS BC centres.

Methods

Samples from a FXIII deficient subject and a normal donor were sent to participating centres, to investigate for FXIII deficiency, and interpret their results. Median, coefficient of variation and range were determined.

Results

Results were returned from 98 UK NEQAS BC and 28 PRO‐RBDD centres. Up to 40% of UK NEQAS BC and 52% of PRO‐RBDD centres reported clot solubility results – with diagnostic errors by two NEQAS BC centres (false negatives for the FXIII deficient sample) and one PRO‐RBDD centre (false positive for the normal sample). Over 70% of UK NEQAS BC centres and PRO‐RBDD centres performed FXIII assays. Median results were similar between the two groups, with the exception of sample 3 in survey 2 (5.5 vs. 14.0 μ/dl for UK NEQAS BC and PRO‐RBDD centres respectively, P < 0.001). Diagnostic errors were made by 2 UK NEQAS BC centres.

Conclusion

Approximately 70% of centres now employ FXIII assays, complying with international recommendations. However, solubility tests continue to be used. Our data show this can be successful, depending on the sensitivity of the method in use. Diagnostic errors are made by centres using both solubility screens and FXIII assays, and laboratories should ensure good quality assurance procedures to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Point mutations in acetylcholinesterase 1 associated with chlorpyrifos resistance in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens Stål
Authors: Zhang Y. , Yang B. , Li J. , Liu M. , Liu Z.
Published: April 2017

Insecticide resistance frequently results from target‐site insensitivity, such as point mutations in acetylcholinesterases (AChEs) for resistance to organophosphates and carbamates. From a field‐originated population of Nilaparvata lugens, a major rice pest, a resistant population (R9) was obtained by nine‐generation continuous selection with chlorpyrifos. From the same field population, a relatively susceptible population (S9) was also constructed through rearing without any insecticides. Compared to the susceptible strain, Sus [medium lethal dose (LC50) = 0.012 mg/l], R9 had a resistance ratio (RR) of 253.08‐fold, whereas the RR of S9 was only 2.25‐fold. Piperonyl butoxide and triphenyl phosphate synergized chlorpyrifos in R9 less than three‐fold, indicating other important mechanisms for high resistance. The target‐site insensitivity was supported by the key property differences of crude AChEs between R9 and S9. Compared to S9, three mutations (G119S, F331C and I332L) were detected in NlAChE1 from individuals of the R9 and field populations, but no mutation was detected in NlAChE2. G119S and F331C could decreased insecticide sensitivities in recombinant NlAChE1, whereas I332L took effect through increasing the influence of F331C on target insensitivity. F331C might be deleterious because of its influence on the catalytic efficiency of NlAChE1, whereas I332L would decrease these adverse effects and maintain the normal functions of AChEs.
Language disorder and retrospectively reported sexual abuse of girls: severity and disclosure
Authors: Brownlie E.B. , Graham Eva , Bao Lin , Koyama Emiko , Beitchman Joseph H.
Published: April 2017

Background

Despite emerging evidence for an association between communication disorders and maltreatment, little research has examined sexual abuse characteristics or disclosure experiences among individuals with language disorder (LD). Given that communication difficulties may constitute a barrier to disclosure, the disclosure experiences among individuals with and without communication difficulties may also differ.

Methods

Five‐year‐old children identified with a language and/or speech disorder from a nonclinical community sample and a control group were followed to adulthood in a prospective longitudinal study. At age 31, participants completed a behaviorally specific questionnaire on experiences of sexual abuse and questionnaires on disclosure experiences and social reactions to disclosure. Due to low endorsement of sexual victimization among male participants and low sample size, results are reported for women only and exclude nine participants with speech disorder without LD. Participation rates were 28 of 40 in the LD cohort and 45 of 51 controls. Sexual victimization severity was defined using an index combining five indicators (duration, invasiveness, relationship to perpetrator, coercive tactics used, and number of perpetrators). Subthreshold sexual victimization was defined as a single, noncontact incident with a perpetrator unknown to the child; experiences with greater severity were classified as child sexual abuse.

Results

Among women who reported sexual victimization by age 18, invasiveness and overall severity were greater in the LD cohort than in the control cohort. Women in the LD cohort (43%) were more likely than controls (16%) to report child sexual abuse, excluding subthreshold experiences. There were no differences between cohorts in probability of disclosure, latency to disclosure, or social reactions.

Conclusions

Women with a history of child LD in a nonclinical sample reported substantial child sexual abuse experiences. Implications for understanding associations between LD and mental health and for prevention and early intervention are discussed.
Association Between Vascular Pathology and Rate of Cognitive Decline Independent of Alzheimer's Disease Pathology
Authors: Ezzati Ali , Wang Cuiling , Lipton Richard B. , Altschul Dorothea , Katz Mindy J. , Dickson Dennis W. , Derby Carol A.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To examine the association between vascular pathology and rate of cognitive decline in older adults independent of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Community sample.

Participants

Individuals from the Einstein Aging Study autopsy series (N = 62).

Measurements

The Blessed Information‐Memory‐Concentration (BIMC) test was used to assess global cognitive status. AD pathology was quantified according to Braak stage (<3 vs ≥ 3). Vascular pathology was quantified using a previously reported macrovascular lesion (MVL) score. The association between vascular pathology and antemortem rates of cognitive decline adjusted for level of AD pathology was assessed using linear mixed‐effects models.

Results

Mean age was 81.8 at enrollment and 89.0 at death. Participants with more than two MVLs had faster cognitive decline than those with no MVLs (difference in annual rate of change in BIMC 0.74 points/yr, P = .03). Braak stage was also associated with cognitive decline (difference 0.57 points/yr, P = .03). The difference in rate of cognitive decline between those with more than two MVLs and those free of vascular lesions persisted after adjustment for AD pathology (difference in rate of change in BIMC 0.68 points/yr, P = .04). The effect of vascular pathology on cognitive decline was not significantly different according to AD pathology.

Conclusion

Vascular brain pathology is associated with rate of cognitive decline after adjusting for level of AD pathology.
International Guillain‐Barré Syndrome Outcome Study: protocol of a prospective observational cohort study on clinical and biological predictors of disease course and outcome in Guillain‐Barré syndrome
Authors: Jacobs Bart C. , van den Berg Bianca , Verboon Christine , Chavada Govindsinh , Cornblath David R. , Gorson Kenneth C. , Harbo Thomas , Hartung Hans‐Peter , Hughes Richard A. C. , Kusunoki Susumu , van Doorn Pieter A. , Willison Hugh J. ,   the IGOS Consortium
Published: April 2017

Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute polyradiculoneuropathy with a highly variable clinical presentation, course, and outcome. The factors that determine the clinical variation of GBS are poorly understood which complicates the care and treatment of individual patients. The protocol of the ongoing International GBS Outcome Study (IGOS), a prospective, observational, multicenter cohort study that aims to identify the clinical and biological determinants and predictors of disease onset, subtype, course and outcome of GBS is presented here. Patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for GBS, regardless of age, disease severity, variant forms, or treatment, can participate if included within 2 weeks after onset of weakness. Information about demography, preceding infections, clinical features, diagnostic findings, treatment, course, and outcome is collected. In addition, cerebrospinal fluid and serial blood samples for serum and DNA is collected at standard time points. The original aim was to include at least 1,000 patients with a follow‐up of 1–3 years. Data are collected via a web‐based data entry system and stored anonymously. IGOS started in May 2012 and by January 2017 included more than 1,400 participants from 143 active centers in 19 countries across 5 continents. The IGOS data/biobank is available for research projects conducted by expertise groups focusing on specific topics including epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, clinimetrics, electrophysiology, antecedent events, antibodies, genetics, prognostic modeling, treatment effects, and long‐term outcome of GBS. The IGOS will help to standardize the international collection of data and biosamples for future research of GBS.
Cross‐cultural adaptation, reliability and construct validity of the Tampa scale for kinesiophobia for temporomandibular disorders (TSK/TMD‐Br) into Brazilian Portuguese
Authors: Aguiar A. S. , Bataglion C. , Visscher C. M. , Bevilaqua Grossi D. , Chaves T. C.
Published: April 2017

Fear of movement (kinesiophobia) seems to play an important role in the development of chronic pain. However, for temporomandibular disorders (TMD), there is a scarcity of studies about this topic. The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia for TMD (TSK/TMD) is the most widely used instrument to measure fear of movement and it is not available in Brazilian Portuguese. The purpose of this study was to culturally adapt the TSK/TMD to Brazilian Portuguese and to assess its psychometric properties regarding internal consistency, reliability, and construct and structural validity. A total of 100 female patients with chronic TMD participated in the validation process of the TSK/TMD‐Br. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used for statistical analysis of reliability (test–retest), Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency, Spearman's rank correlation for construct validity and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for structural validity. CFA endorsed the pre‐specified model with two domains and 12‐items (Activity Avoidance – AA/Somatic Focus – SF) and all items obtained a loading factor greater than 0·4. Acceptable levels of reliability were found (ICC > 0·75) for all questions and domains of the TSK/TMD‐Br. For internal consistency, Cronbach's α of 0·78 for both domains were found. Moderate correlations (0·40 < r < 0.60) were observed for 84% of the analyses conducted between TSK/TMD‐Br scores versus catastrophising, depression and jaw functional limitation. TSK/TMD‐Br 12 items and two‐factor demonstrated sound psychometric properties (transcultural validity, reliability, internal consistency and structural validity). In such a way, the instrument can be used in clinical settings and for research purposes.
Time to cranial computerised tomography for acute traumatic brain injury in paediatric patients: Effect of the shorter stays in emergency departments target in New Zealand
Authors: Jones Peter G , Kool Bridget , Dalziel Stuart , Shepherd Michael , Le Fevre James , Harper Alana , Wells Susan , Stewart Joanna , Curtis Elana , Reid Papaarangi , Ameratunga Shanthi
Published: April 2017

Aim

Timely access to computerised tomography (CT) for acute traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) facilitates rapid diagnosis and surgical intervention. In 2009, New Zealand introduced a mandatory target for emergency department (ED) stay such that 95% of patients should leave ED within 6 h of arrival. This study investigated whether this target influenced the timeliness of cranial CT scanning in children who presented to ED with acute TBI.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed a random sample of charts of children <15 years with acute TBI from 2006 to 2012. Cases were identified using International Classification of Disease 10 codes consistent with TBI. General linear models investigated changes in time to CT and other indicators before and after the shorter stays in ED target was introduced in 2009.

Results

Among the 190 cases eligible for study (n = 91 pre‐target and n = 99 post‐target), no significant difference was found in time to CT scan pre‐ and post‐target: least squares mean (LSM) with 95% confidence interval = 68 (56–81) versus 65 (53–78) min, respectively, P = 0.66. Time to neurosurgery (LSM 8.7 (5–15) vs. 5.1 (2.6–9.9) h, P = 0.19, or hospital length of stay (LSM: 4.9 (3.9–6.3) vs. 5.2 (4.1–6.7) days, P = 0.69) did not change significantly. However, ED length of stay decreased by 45 min in the post‐target period (LSM = 211 (187–238) vs. 166 (98–160) min, P = 0.006).

Conclusion

Implementation of the shorter stays in ED target was not associated with a change in the time to CT for children presenting with acute TBI, but an overall reduction in the time spent in ED was apparent.
Linguistic Models, Acquisition Theories, and Learner Corpora: Morphological Productivity in SLA Research Exemplified by Complex Verbs in German
Authors: Lüdeling Anke , Hirschmann Hagen , Shadrova Anna
Published: April 2017

The present study analyzes morphological productivity for complex verbs in second language acquisition by analyzing a corpus of German as a Foreign Language (GFL). It shows that advanced learners of GFL use prefix and particle verbs relatively frequently and productively but less so than native speakers do and discusses these findings in the light of different linguistic models and acquisition theories. It argues that corpus data must be evaluated against good models and that it is necessary to make the categorization decisions available as annotations.
On the pull: periplasmic trapping of sugars before transport
Authors: Thomas Gavin H.
Published: April 2017

Bacteria have evolved many routes for taking up nutrients, demonstrating great versatility in the types and mechanism of uptake used in different physiological conditions. The discovery of a single transporter in the bacterium Advenella mimigardefordensis for the uptake of five different sugars, including L‐glucose and D‐xylose, is described in this issue (Meinert et al., ), providing yet another example of the surprising adaptability of bacterial transport strategies. The transporter identified is a tripartite ATP‐independent (TRAP) transporter, not previously associated with sugar transport, and in fact does not transport the sugars directly at all, rather requiring them to be converted in the periplasm to their respective sugar acid forms before transport through what appears to be a novel general sugar acid transporter. In this commentary, I describe how this process is consistent with the known mechanisms of TRAP transporters and consider how the role of sugar oxidation, or oxidative fermentation, operates with multiple hexose and pentose sugars. Finally I suggest that the periplasmic conversion of nutrients acquired across the outer membrane, before transport across the inner membrane, could have potentially useful biological functions in Gram negative bacteria.
Carbohydrate uptake in Advenella mimigardefordensis strain DPN7T is mediated by periplasmic sugar oxidation and a TRAP‐transport system
Authors: Meinert Christina , Senger Jana , Witthohn Marco , Wübbeler Jan Hendrik , Steinbüchel Alexander
Published: April 2017

In this study, we investigated an SBP (DctPAm) of a tripartite ATP‐independent periplasmic transport system (TRAP) in Advenella mimigardefordensis strain DPN7T. Deletion of dctPAm as well as of the two transmembrane compounds of the tripartite transporter, dctQ and dctM, impaired growth of A. mimigardefordensis strain DPN7T, if cultivated on mineral salt medium supplemented with d‐glucose, d‐galactose, l‐arabinose, d‐fucose, d‐xylose or d‐gluconic acid, respectively. The wild type phenotype was restored during complementation studies of A. mimigardefordensis ΔdctPAm using the broad host vector pBBR1MCS‐5::dctPAm. Furthermore, an uptake assay with radiolabeled [14C(U)]‐d‐glucose clearly showed that the deletion of dctPAm, dctQ and dctM, respectively, disabled the uptake of this aldoses in cells of either mutant strain. Determination of KD performing thermal shift assays showed a shift in the melting temperature of DctPAm in the presence of d‐gluconic acid (KD 11.76 ± 1.3 µM) and the corresponding aldonic acids to the above‐mentioned carbohydrates d‐galactonate (KD 10.72 ± 1.4 µM), d‐fuconic acid (KD 13.50 ± 1.6 µM) and d‐xylonic acid (KD 8.44 ± 1.0 µM). The sugar (glucose) dehydrogenase activity (E.C.1.1.5.2) in the membrane fraction was shown for all relevant sugars, proving oxidation of the molecules in the periplasm, prior to transport.
Vector competence and innate immune responses to dengue virus infection in selected laboratory and field‐collected Stegomyia aegypti (= Aedes aegypti)
Authors: SERRATO I. M. , CAICEDO P. A. , OROBIO Y. , LOWENBERGER C. , OCAMPO C. B.
Published: April 2017

Control of dengue virus (DenV) transmission, primarily based on strategies to reduce populations of the principle vector Stegomya aegypti (= Aedes aegypti) (Diptera: Culicidae), is difficult to sustain over time. Other potential strategies aim to manipulate characteristics such as vector competence (VC), the innate capacity of the vector to transmit the virus. Previous studies have identified genetic factors, including differential expression of apoptosis‐related genes, associated with the refractory and susceptible phenotypes in selected strains of S. aegypti from Cali, Colombia. The present study was designed to evaluate the variability of VC in selected strains against different DenV serotypes and to determine whether field‐collected mosquitoes respond similarly to selected laboratory strains in terms of enhanced or reduced expression of apoptosis‐related genes. Vector competence differed between strains, but did not differ in response to different DenV serotypes. Differences in VC were observed among mosquitoes collected from different localities in Cali. The overexpression of the pro‐apoptosis genes, caspase 16 and Aedronc, was conserved in field‐collected refractory mosquitoes and the selected laboratory refractory strain. The results suggest that the apoptosis response is conserved among all refractory mosquitoes to inhibit the development of all DenV serotypes.
Fibrinogen links podocyte injury with Toll‐like receptor 4 and is associated with disease activity in FSGS patients
Authors: Wang Hongtian , Zheng Chunxia , Xu Xiaodong , Zhao Yue , Lu Yinghui , Liu Zhihong
Published: April 2017

Aim

Fibrinogen (Fg) is reported to participate in inflammation through Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4). However, it remains unknown whether Fg might induce podocyte damage through TLR4 and be related to disease activity in patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).

Methods

We observed Fg‐induced alterations in actin and apoptosis in cultured human podocytes transfected with or without TLR4 siRNA. Expression of TLR4, phospho‐p38 MAPK and phospho‐NF‐κB p65 was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) or western blotting, and we analysed urinary Fg levels in adriamycin‐treated mice and double immunofluorescence staining for TLR4, Fg and podocin. Urinary Fg changes were also analyzed in FSGS patients under prednisone treatment.

Results

First, Fg dose‐dependently induced actin damage and apoptosis in cultured human podocytes, with an Fg‐induced increase in TLR4 expression, and TLR4 siRNA transfection prevented these effects. TLR4 knockdown inhibited activation of p38 MAPK and NF‐κB p65 in podocytes. Elevated urinary Fg levels were positively correlated with albuminuria in adriamycin‐treated mice, in which Fg and TLR4 colocalized and exhibited increased expression in podocytes. Additionally, elevated urinary Fg levels were positively correlated with 24‐h proteinuria and foot process width in FSGS patients. Urinary Fg levels were significantly decreased in patients with complete remission but not in those without remission.

Conclusions

Fg induced podocytes injury via the TLR4‐p38 MAPK‐NF‐κB p65 pathway. In FSGS patients, urinary Fg levels reflect therapeutic response to prednisone and disease activity.
The Verticillium‐specific protein VdSCP7 localizes to the plant nucleus and modulates immunity to fungal infections
Authors: Zhang Lisha , Ni Hao , Du Xuan , Wang Sheng , Ma Xiao‐Wei , Nürnberger Thorsten , Guo Hui‐Shan , Hua Chenlei
Published: April 2017

Fungal pathogens secrete effector proteins to suppress plant basal defense for successful colonization. Resistant plants, however, can recognize effectors by cognate R proteins to induce effector‐triggered immunity (ETI). By analyzing secretomes of the vascular fungal pathogen Verticillium dahliae, we identified a novel secreted protein VdSCP7 that targets the plant nucleus.

The green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐tagged VdSCP7 gene with either a mutated nuclear localization signal motif or with additional nuclear export signal was transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana, and investigated for induction of plant immunity. The role of VdSCP7 in V. dahliae pathogenicity was characterized by gene knockout and complementation, and GFP labeling.

Expression of the VdSCP7 gene in N. benthamiana activated both salicylic acid and jasmonate signaling, and altered the plant's susceptibility to the pathogens Botrytis cinerea and Phytophthora capsici. The immune response activated by VdSCP7 was highly dependent on its initial extracellular secretion and subsequent nuclear localization in plants. Knockout of the VdSCP7 gene significantly enhanced V. dahliae aggressiveness on cotton. GFP‐labeled VdSCP7 is secreted by V. dahliae and accumulates in the plant nucleus.

We conclude that VdSCP7 is a novel effector protein that targets the host nucleus to modulate plant immunity, and suggest that plants can recognize VdSCP7 to activate ETI during fungal infection.
Evolutionary priority effects persist in anthropogenically created habitats, but not through nonnative plant invasion
Authors: Brandt Angela J. , Lee William G. , Tanentzap Andrew J. , Hayman Ella , Fukami Tadashi , Anderson Barbara J.
Published: April 2017

Evolutionary priority effects, where early‐arriving lineages occupy niche space via diversification and preclude dominance of later arrivals, have been observed in alpine and forest communities. However, the potential for evolutionary priority effects to persist in an era of rapid global change remains unclear.

Here, we use a natural experiment of historical disturbance in New Zealand to test whether anthropogenic changes in available habitat and nonnative invasion eliminate the role of evolutionary priority effects in community assembly. We also test whether evolutionary priority effects diminish with decreasing resource availability.

Older plant clades, as estimated by clade crown age, were relatively more abundant in both primary and secondary grassland. Relative abundance in primary grassland decreased with clade stem age, but only weakly. However, for both clade age estimates, relative abundance decreased with age when nonnative biomass was high and soil moisture was low.

Our data show that patterns in community structure consistent with evolutionary priority effects can occur in both primary and secondary grasslands, the latter created by anthropogenic disturbance. However, nonnative invasion may overwhelm the effect of immigration timing on community dominance, possibly as a result of high immigration rates and preadaptation to anthropogenically modified environments.
OsHAC4 is critical for arsenate tolerance and regulates arsenic accumulation in rice
Authors: Xu Jiming , Shi Shulin , Wang Lei , Tang Zhong , Lv Tingting , Zhu Xinlu , Ding Xiaomeng , Wang Yifeng , Zhao Fang‐Jie , Wu Zhongchang
Published: April 2017

Soil contamination with arsenic (As) can cause phytotoxicity and elevated As accumulation in rice grain. Here, we used a forward genetics approach to investigate the mechanism of arsenate (As(V)) tolerance and accumulation in rice.

A rice mutant hypersensitive to As(V), but not to As(III), was isolated. Genomic resequencing and complementation tests were used to identify the causal gene. The function of the gene, its expression pattern and subcellular localization were characterized.

OsHAC4 is the causal gene for the As(V)‐hypersensitive phenotype. The gene encodes a rhodanase‐like protein that shows As(V) reductase activity when expressed in Escherichia coli. OsHAC4 was highly expressed in roots and was induced by As(V). In OsHAC4pro‐GUS transgenic plants, the gene was expressed exclusively in the root epidermis and exodermis. OsHAC4‐eGFP was localized in the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Mutation in OsHAC4 resulted in decreased As(V) reduction in roots, decreased As(III) efflux to the external medium and markedly increased As accumulation in rice shoots. Overexpression of OsHAC4 increased As(V) tolerance and decreased As accumulation in rice plants.

OsHAC4 is an As(V) reductase that is critical for As(V) detoxification and for the control of As accumulation in rice. As(V) reduction, followed by As(III) efflux, is an important mechanism of As(V) detoxification.
The neuroscience of people watching: how the human brain makes sense of other people's encounters
Authors: Quadflieg Susanne , Koldewyn Kami
Published: April 2017

Neuroscientific investigations interested in questions of person perception and impression formation have traditionally asked their participants to observe and evaluate isolated individuals. In recent years, however, there has been a surge of studies presenting third‐party encounters between two (or more) individuals as stimuli. Owing to this subtle methodological change, the brain's capacity to understand other people's interactions and relationships from limited visual information––also known as people watching––has become a distinct topic of inquiry. Though initial evidence indicates that this capacity relies on several well‐known networks of the social brain (including the person‐perception network, the action‐observation network, and the mentalizing network), a comprehensive framework of people watching must overcome three major challenges. First, it must develop a taxonomy of judgments that people habitually make when witnessing the encounters of others. Second, it must clarify which visual cues give rise to these encounter‐based judgments. Third, it must elucidate how and why several brain networks work together to accomplish these judgments. To advance all three lines of research, we summarize what is currently known as well as what remains to be studied about the neuroscience of people watching.
Endometrial gene expression in primiparous dairy cows at the end of the voluntary waiting period is affected by nutrition: Total mixed ration vs increasing levels of herbage allowance
Authors: Astessiano AL , Carriquiry M , Mattiauda DA , Adrien ML , Chilibroste P , Meikle A
Published: April 2017

Contents

The study postulated that differential nutritional management during the early lactation period would be reflected in endometrial expression of genes related to embryo growth at the end of the voluntary waiting period. Thus, the effect of the combined use of total mixed ration (TMR) and grazing under different herbage allowances during the first 75 days post‐partum (DPP) on endometrial gene expression was evaluated in primiparous dairy cows. Cows were blocked by body weight, age and body condition score and randomly assigned to three grazing treatments: high (HA, 30 kg DM per cow per day), medium (MA, 15 kg DM per cow per day) and low (LA, 7.5 kg DM per cow per day) herbage allowance (mixed pasture, 2,600 kg DM per ha) plus 8 kg DM of supplement or TMR (55% forage, 45% concentrate) fed ad libitum (TMR) from calving to 75 DPP. At 57 DPP, cows were synchronized for oestrus (day 0, 68 DPP) and at day 7, endometrial biopsies were obtained. The nutritional treatment did not affect insulin, IGF‐1 and leptin concentrations on days 0, 4 or 7. Expression of IGF1, IGFBP3, IGFBP4, ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2 mRNA was significantly affected by the nutritional treatment. Endometrial IGF1 and IGFBP4 mRNA were twofold greater in TMR and HA than MA and LA cows. Expression of IGFBP3 and ADIPOR1 mRNAs was greater in TMR and HA than MA cows, but did not differ from LA cows. All groups had greater expression of ADIPOR2 mRNA than MA cows. This study provided solid evidence of the importance of nutritional management during early lactation on uterine environment at the end of the voluntary waiting period. The greater expression of genes related to embryo growth and uterine function (IGF system, progesterone and adiponectin receptors) in cows fed diets maximizing energy intake suggests a favourable environment for embryonic growth, which may explain the improved reproductive performance of cows in good energy balance.
Ability Matters: Effects of Youth Labor‐Market Opportunities on Long‐Term Labor‐Market Outcomes
Authors: Haaland Venke Furre
Published: April 2017

Utilizing registry data from cognitive ability tests for all Norwegian males born between 1962 and 1973, I study whether labor‐market conditions at the age of graduation have differential effects on earnings and employment for different ability groups. I find that low‐ability males are more vulnerable to local business cycles at the expected time of labor‐market entry. In particular, I demonstrate that low‐ability males suffer larger long‐term earnings losses than the rest of the population.
Uptake and performance of prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission and early infant diagnosis in pregnant HIV‐infected women and their exposed infants at seven health centres in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Girma Marshet , Wendaferash Rahel , Shibru Hailu , Berhane Yemane , Hoelscher Michael , Kroidl Arne
Published: April 2017

Objective

To assess the uptake of WHO‐recommended PMTCT procedures in Ethiopia's health services.

Methods

Prospective observational study of HIV‐positive pregnant mothers and their newborns attending PMTCT services at seven health centres in Addis Ababa. Women were recruited during antenatal care and followed up with their newborns at delivery, Day 6 and Week 6 post‐partum. Retention to PMCTC procedures, self‐reported antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence and HIV infant outcome were assessed. Turnaround times of HIV early infant diagnosis (EID) procedures were extracted from health registers.

Results

Of 494 women enrolled, 4.9% did not complete PMTCT procedures due to active denial or loss to follow‐up. HIV was first diagnosed in 223 (45.1%) and ART initiated in 321 (65.0%) women during pregnancy. ART was initiated in a median of 1.3 weeks (IQR 0–4.3) after HIV diagnosis. Poor self‐reported treatment adherence was higher post‐partum than during pregnancy (12.5% vs. 7.0%, P = 0.002) and significantly associated with divorced/separated marital status (RR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3–3.8), low family income (RR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1–4.1), low CD4 count (RR 1.7, 95% CI 1.0–3.0) and ART initiation during delivery (RR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1–5.6). Of 435 infants born alive, 98.6% received nevirapine prophylaxis. The mother‐to‐child HIV transmission rate was 0.7% after a median of 6.7 weeks (IQR 6.4–10.4), but EID results were received for only 46.6% within 3 months of birth.

Conclusion

High retention in PMTCT services, triple maternal ART and high infant nevirapine prophylaxis coverage were associated with low mother‐to‐child HIV transmission. Declining post‐partum ART adherence and challenges of EID linkage require attention.
Activation of the Arabidopsis membrane‐bound transcription factor bZIP28 is mediated by site‐2 protease, but not site‐1 protease
Authors: Iwata Yuji , Ashida Makoto , Hasegawa Chisa , Tabara Kazuki , Mishiba Kei‐ichiro , Koizumi Nozomu
Published: April 2017

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a homeostatic cellular response conserved in eukaryotic cells to alleviate the accumulation of unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Arabidopsis bZIP28 is a membrane‐bound transcription factor activated by proteolytic cleavage in response to ER stress, thereby releasing its cytosolic portion containing the bZIP domain from the membrane to translocate into the nucleus where it induces the transcription of genes encoding ER‐resident molecular chaperones and folding enzymes. It has been widely recognized that the proteolytic activation of bZIP28 is mediated by the sequential cleavage of site‐1 protease (S1P) and site‐2 protease (S2P). In the present study we provide evidence that bZIP28 protein is cleaved by S2P, but not by S1P. We demonstrated that wild‐type and s1p mutant plants produce the active, nuclear form of bZIP28 in response to the ER stress inducer tunicamycin. In contrast, tunicamycin‐treated s2p mutants do not accumulate the active, nuclear form of bZIP28. Consistent with these observations, s2p mutants, but not s1p mutants, exhibited a defective transcriptional response of ER stress‐responsive genes and significantly higher sensitivity to tunicamycin. Interestingly, s2p mutants accumulate two membrane‐bound bZIP28 fragments with a shorter ER lumen‐facing C‐terminal domain. Importantly, the predicted cleavage sites are located far from the canonical S1P recognition motif previously described. We propose that ER stress‐induced proteolytic activation of bZIP28 is mediated by the sequential actions of as‐yet‐unidentified protease(s) and S2P, and does not require S1P.
Understanding of Eight Grade Students about Transformation Geometry: Perspectives on Students’ Mistakes
Authors: Aktaş Gulfem Sarpkaya , Ünlü Melihan
Published: April 2017

People need the idea of transformation geometry in order to understand the nature and environment they live in. The teachers should provide learning environments towards perceptual understanding in symmetry training and development practice skills of the students. In order to make up such a learning environment, teachers should have information about the mathematical structure of the concept of symmetry, the difficulties the students encounter while learning, misconceptions and the causes. Therefore, the challenges and the common mistakes the 8th grade middle school students encounter about the transformation geometry was analysed in the study. The study was conducted using mixed method designs with 125 8th grade students. At the end of the study, it was observed that the students understood that the translation transformation is a movement of replacement, but they had difficulty in the topics such as the direction of the transformation and the position of the shape within the transformation. A misconception was developed for the reflection by confusing the similarity with the congruence property of the shapes. It was detected that the students had difficulty in identifying the equation of the axis of symmetry for the images of the shapes under reflection, confused the rule that the points intersecting with the symmetry of the shape within the reflection should intersect with the image under transformation and they made mistakes since they couldn’t explore the relationship between symmetry axis in regular polygons and sides. They had problems in finding and practicing the angle of rotation about rotational transformation and also. In the study, learning environments were recommended towards overcoming these challenges for teachers and coursebook writers and improving conceptual information and the skill to practice these concepts.
Unoccupied surface state induced by ozone and ammonia on H-terminated diamond electrodes for photocatalytic ammonia synthesis
Authors: Boukahil Idris , Johnson Phillip S. , Himpsel F. J. , Qiao Ruimin , Bandy Jason A. , Hamers Robert J.
Published: April 2017

This work follows upon the recent demonstration of the photocatalytic conversion of N2 to NH3 in aqueous solutions via H-terminated, polycrystalline diamond electrodes. X-ray absorption spectroscopy serves as an atom- and bond-specific probe of the local bonding of oxygen and nitrogen species at the surface of the electrodes. Ozone treatment of the electrodes creates a sharp C1s transition to an unoccupied surface state at 2.5 eV below the onset of the transitions to the bulk conduction band. A similar transition occurs at 2.6 eV below the onset after ammonia treatment. It is surprising to obtain such a well-defined surface state on complex, real-life electrode materials, which suggests a characteristic local bonding configuration. An extensive comparison with spectra from reference molecules reveals keto groups (C=O) at the ozone-treated surface, with the possibility of additional tertiary alcohols (C-OH). The electron–hole interaction is taken into account for estimating the absolute energy of the surface state in the bandgap of diamond.
Simulated x-ray diffraction from pseudomorphic GaAs/In0.3Ga0.7As superlattice high electron mobility transistor heterostructures on GaAs (001) substrates
Authors: Althowibi Fahad A. , Ayers John E.
Published: April 2017

In this paper, the authors report a study of the simulated dynamical x-ray diffraction from GaAs/In0.3Ga0.7As superlattice high electron mobility transistor heterostructures on GaAs (001) substrates both with (metamorphic) and without (pseudomorphic) dislocations. The analysis of dynamical x-ray diffraction for 004, 115, 026, and 117 reflection profiles was conducted for the case of Cu kα1 radiation. The authors show that the threading dislocation density may be estimated from nondestructive x-ray rocking curve measurements, using the rocking curve peak intensity ratios or widths for superlattice diffraction peaks. Despite the complexity of these multilayered device structures and the resulting x-ray diffraction profiles, analysis of the 004 x-ray diffraction profile allows characterization of the pseudomorphic–metamorphic transition in them and is of considerable practical importance for device realization.
Why the rest of the world is marching
Authors:   Science News Staff
Published: April 2017

The March for Science has turned into a global phenomenon.
Transition metal–catalyzed alkyl-alkyl bond formation: Another dimension in cross-coupling chemistry
Authors: Choi Junwon , Fu Gregory C.
Published: April 2017

Stitching one alkyl group to another

Chemical reactions such as Heck and Suzuki coupling facilitate access to an enormous range of relatively flat molecules. This geometrical constraint is associated with the comparative ease of linking together aryl and alkenyl carbons. Choi and Fu review recent developments in forming bonds between the more abundant alkyl carbon centers that underlie diverse molecules with complex three-dimensional structures. Nickel catalysis in particular has emerged as a powerful method to access individual mirror-image isomers selectively and thereby tune the biological properties of the targeted products.

Science
, this issue p.
eaaf7230
Cassini finds molecular hydrogen in the Enceladus plume: Evidence for hydrothermal processes
Authors: Waite J. Hunter , Glein Christopher R. , Perryman Rebecca S. , Teolis Ben D. , Magee Brian A. , Miller Greg , Grimes Jacob , Perry Mark E. , Miller Kelly E. , Bouquet Alexis , Lunine Jonathan I. , Brockwell Tim , Bolton Scott J.
Published: April 2017

Hydrothermal processes on Enceladus

Saturn's moon Enceladus has a subsurface ocean covered by a layer of ice. Some liquid escapes into space through cracks in the ice, which is the source of one of Saturn's rings. In October 2015, the Cassini spacecraft flew directly through the plume of escaping material and sampled its chemical composition. Waite
et al.
found that the plume contains molecular hydrogen, H
2
, a sign that the water in Enceladus' ocean is reacting with rocks through hydrothermal processes (see the Perspective by Seewald). This drives the ocean out of chemical equilibrium, in a similar way to water around Earth's hydrothermal vents, potentially providing a source of chemical energy.

Science
, this issue p.
155
; see also p.
132
Landscape of immunogenic tumor antigens in successful immunotherapy of virally induced epithelial cancer
Authors: Stevanović Sanja , Pasetto Anna , Helman Sarah R. , Gartner Jared J. , Prickett Todd D. , Howie Bryan , Robins Harlan S. , Robbins Paul F. , Klebanoff Christopher A. , Rosenberg Steven A. , Hinrichs Christian S.
Published: April 2017

Targeting nonviral antigens in viral-driven cancer

Adoptive cell transfer harnesses a patient's own T cells to destroy cancer. The strategy can successfully treat epithelial tumors driven by human papillomavirus (HPV), but it remains unclear why only some patients respond. Stevanović
et al.
examined the antitumor T cell response associated with HPV
+
cervical cancers that underwent complete regression. Unexpectedly, reactive T cells were not directed against virally associated antigens, but rather against cancer germline antigens or neoantigens not previously recognized by the immune system. These findings counter the widely held belief that T cell responses against viral antigens are responsible for therapeutic effects in HPV-driven cancers.

Science
, this issue p.
200
Crystal structure of the overlapping dinucleosome composed of hexasome and octasome
Authors: Kato Daiki , Osakabe Akihisa , Arimura Yasuhiro , Mizukami Yuka , Horikoshi Naoki , Saikusa Kazumi , Akashi Satoko , Nishimura Yoshifumi , Park Sam-Yong , Nogami Jumpei , Maehara Kazumitsu , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Matsumoto Atsushi , Kono Hidetoshi , Inoue Rintaro , Sugiyama Masaaki , Kurumizaka Hitoshi
Published: April 2017

Nucleosomes in contact

In eukaryotic cells, genomic DNA must be compacted to fit inside the nucleus. A key player in DNA packaging is the nucleosome, which comprises a segment of DNA wrapped around an octamer of histone proteins. During replication and transcription, nucleosomes must reposition themselves on the DNA. In this process, nucleosomes can collide to form a dinucleosome. Kato
et al.
report a high-resolution crystal structure of a dinucleosome. One of the octamers has lost a histone dimer so that the dinucleosome comprises an octamer and a hexamer. The structure may represent an intermediate during chromatin remodeling.

Science
, this issue p.
205
The preprophase band of microtubules controls the robustness of division orientation in plants
Authors: Schaefer Estelle , Belcram Katia , Uyttewaal Magalie , Duroc Yann , Goussot Magali , Legland David , Laruelle Elise , de Tauzia-Moreau Marie-Ludivine , Pastuglia Martine , Bouchez David
Published: April 2017

Refined understanding of the preprophase band

Because plant cells do not move, plant tissues are constructed according to how they place the divisions of their constituent cells. Schaefer
et al.
found a mutation in the model plant
Arabidopsis
that abolishes a visible precursor of cell division, the preprophase band. Despite loss of the band—previously thought essential to define the division plane—the general orientations of cell division planes in the roots of these plants were normal. However, individual division orientations showed more variance than normal. Thus, the preprophase band serves to focus and refine the final orientation of the nascent cell division plane.

Science
, this issue p.
186