bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Imagining community” in Soviet Kazakhstan. An historical analysis of narrative on nationalism in Kazakh-Soviet literature
Authors: Kudaibergenova Diana T.
Published: April 2013

Although much attention has been paid to national construction in Soviet and post-Soviet Central Asia, the field of literary and cultural analysis of the origins of current national symbols and texts in this region is yet not fully acknowledged and discovered. This article tries to shed light onto the literary construction of an ethnic identity and its historical background in Soviet Kazakhstan and its influence on the post-Soviet ideology in this multicultural country. In doing so it investigates the ways and the time when most of the important historical epics were “re-written,” brought back by the Kazakh writers and intellectuals in the mid-twentieth century. The importance of investigating this period and this phenomenon is twofold. First, it provides further contribution to the Soviet creation of binary approaches to the formation of ethnic identities and the continuous attack on local nationalisms. Following the arguments of some scholars in the field (e.g. [Adams, Laura. 1999. “Invention, Institutionalization and Renewal in Uzbekistan's National Culture.” European Journal of Cultural Studies 2; Dave, Bhavna. 2007. Kazakhstan: Ethnicity and Power. London: Routledge]) this asserts that the local cultural elites found ways of bargaining and re-structuring such identity contributing to its “localization” through the usage of pre-Soviet and pre-Russian historical symbols. In a way, they were able to construct their own “imagined community” and resistance to the past and existing (according to them) colonialism within the given framework of Kazakh-Soviet literature. Secondly, the historicity that became a leitmotif of most important literary works and later on a main focus of national ideology in post-Soviet Kazakhstan must be viewed not just as an instrument of legitimation in this post-colonial state but also as a strong continuity of cultural and ethnic identity lines. The very fact that a detailed and continued genealogy of Kazakh medieval tribes and rulers was the main focus of major works by such famous Kazakh writers as Mukhtar Auezov or Ilyas Yessenberlin demonstrates the importance of the “continuity” and kinship and family lines for Kazakhs. The paper raises the questions of how national and elitist these movements were before the independence and how the further post-independent projects of using and re-establishing these links and continuity formed more questions than answers for the nation-builders in independent Kazakhstan.
Structure optimization of organic planar heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Zhao Xinyan , Li Zhigang , Zhu Tongjun , Mi Baoxiu , Gao Zhiqiang , Huang Wei
Published: April 2013

The management of light absorption in organic photovoltaic cells is of great importance for exciton generation and thus photocurrent. Sufficient light harvesting can be established by localizing the maxima of light absorption density in the region of active layer. Using organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices based on copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) and bulkfullerene (C60) as an example, we demonstrate the methods for localizing the optical interference peaks of the main absorbed light wavelengths inside the respective active layers. The fundamental regulations of the electromagnetic field distribution with thicknesses of the active layers are clarified. The influence of the thickness of the cathode buffer layer on the optimized active layer thicknesses is discussed. Exciton diffusion modelling is combined with optical modelling to give theoretically optimized device structures. The consistency between the results of simulation and experiments is shown, which indicates the validation of the guidance of the modelling work presented in this paper for the design of effective light-using OPV devices.
Geometric grid classes of permutations
Authors: Albert Michael , Atkinson M. , Bouvel Mathilde , Ruškuc Nik , Vatter Vincent
Published: April 2013

A geometric grid class consists of those permutations that can be drawn on a specified set of line segments of slope±1\pm 1arranged in a rectangular pattern governed by a matrix. Using a mixture of geometric and language theoretic methods, we prove that such classes are specified by finite sets of forbidden permutations, are partially well ordered, and have rational generating functions. Furthermore, we show that these properties are inherited by the subclasses (under permutation involvement) of such classes, and establish the basic lattice theoretic properties of the collection of all such subclasses.
A compactification of the space of maps from curves
Authors: Kim Bumsig , Kresch Andrew , Oh Yong-Geun
Published: April 2013

We construct a new compactification of the moduli space of maps from pointed nonsingular projective stable curves to a nonsingular projective variety with prescribed ramification indices at the points. It is shown to be a proper Deligne-Mumford stack equipped with a natural virtual fundamental class.
Paxillin kinase linker (PKL) regulates Vav2 signaling during cell spreading and migration
Authors: Jones Matthew C. , Machida Kazuya , Mayer Bruce J. , Turner Christopher E.
Published: April 2013

The Rho family of GTPases plays an important role in coordinating dynamic changes in the cell migration machinery after integrin engagement with the extracellular matrix. Rho GTPases are activated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and negatively regulated by GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). However, the mechanisms by which GEFs and GAPs are spatially and temporally regulated are poorly understood. Here the activity of the proto-oncogene Vav2, a GEF for Rac1, RhoA, and Cdc42, is shown to be regulated by a phosphorylation-dependent interaction with the ArfGAP PKL (GIT2). PKL is required for Vav2 activation downstream of integrin engagement and epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation. In turn, Vav2 regulates the subsequent redistribution of PKL and the Rac1 GEF β-PIX to focal adhesions after EGF stimulation, suggesting a feedforward signaling loop that coordinates PKL-dependent Vav2 activation and PKL localization. Of interest, Vav2 is required for the efficient localization of PKL and β-PIX to the leading edge of migrating cells, and knockdown of Vav2 results in a decrease in directional persistence and polarization in migrating cells, suggesting a coordination between PKL/Vav2 signaling and PKL/β-PIX signaling during cell migration.
Separate roles of IQGAP Rng2p in forming and constricting theSchizosaccharomyces pombecytokinetic contractile ring
Authors: Tebbs Irene R. , Pollard Thomas D.
Published: April 2013

Eukaryotic cells require IQGAP family multidomain adapter proteins for cytokinesis, but many questions remain about how IQGAPs contribute to the process. Here we show that fission yeast IQGAP Rng2p is required for both the normal process of contractile ring formation from precursor nodes and an alternative mechanism by which rings form from strands of actin filaments. Our work adds to previous studies suggesting a role for Rng2p in node and ring formation. We demonstrate that Rng2p is also required for normal ring constriction and septum formation. Systematic analysis of domain-deletion mutants established how the four domains of Rng2p contribute to cytokinesis. Contrary to a previous report, the actin-binding calponin homology domain of Rng2p is not required for viability, ring formation, or ring constriction. The IQ motifs are not required for ring formation but are important for ring constriction and septum formation. The GTPase-activating protein (GAP)–related domain is required for node-based ring formation. The Rng2p C-terminal domain is the only domain essential for viability. Our studies identified several distinct functions of Rng2 at multiple stages of cytokinesis.
Activation of ADF/cofilin by phosphorylation-regulated Slingshot phosphatase is required for the meiotic spindle assembly inXenopus laevisoocytes
Authors: Iwase Shohei , Sato Ryuhei , De Bock Pieter-Jan , Gevaert Kris , Fujiki Saburo , Tawada Toshinobu , Kuchitsu Miyako , Yamagishi Yuka , Ono Shoichiro , Abe Hiroshi
Published: April 2013

We identify Xenopus ADF/cofilin (XAC) and its activator, Slingshot phosphatase (XSSH), as key regulators of actin dynamics essential for spindle microtubule assembly during Xenopus oocyte maturation. Phosphorylation of XSSH at multiple sites within the tail domain occurs just after germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and is accompanied by dephosphorylation of XAC, which was mostly phosphorylated in immature oocytes. This XAC dephosphorylation after GVBD is completely suppressed by latrunculin B, an actin monomer–sequestering drug. On the other hand, jasplakinolide, an F-actin–stabilizing drug, induces dephosphorylation of XAC. Effects of latrunculin B and jasplakinolide are reconstituted in cytostatic factor–arrested extracts (CSF extracts), and XAC dephosphorylation is abolished by depletion of XSSH from CSF extracts, suggesting that XSSH functions as an actin filament sensor to facilitate actin filament dynamics via XAC activation. Injection of anti-XSSH antibody, which blocks full phosphorylation of XSSH after GVBD, inhibits both meiotic spindle formation and XAC dephosphorylation. Coinjection of constitutively active XAC with the antibody suppresses this phenotype. Treatment of oocytes with jasplakinolide also impairs spindle formation. These results strongly suggest that elevation of actin dynamics by XAC activation through XSSH phosphorylation is required for meiotic spindle assembly in Xenopus laevis.
JNK1/2 regulates ER–mitochondrial Ca2+ cross-talk during IL-1β–mediated cell death in RINm5F and human primary β-cells
Authors: Verma Gaurav , Bhatia Himanshi , Datta Malabika
Published: April 2013

Elevated interleukin-1β (IL-1β) induces apoptosis in pancreatic β-cells through endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induction and subsequent c-jun-N-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) activation. In earlier work we showed that JNK1/2 activation is initiated before ER stress and apoptotic induction in response to IL-1β. However, the detailed regulatory mechanisms are not completely understood. Because the ER is the organelle responsible for Ca2+ handling and storage, here we examine the effects of IL-1β on cellular Ca2+ movement and mitochondrial dysfunction and evaluate the role of JNK1/2. Our results show that in RINm5F cells and human primary β-cells, IL-1β alters mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, ATP content, and reactive oxygen species production and these alterations are preceded by ER Ca2+ release via IP3R channels and mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. All these events are prevented by JNK1/2 small interfering RNA (siRNA), indicating the mediating role of JNK1/2 in IL-1β–induced cellular alteration. This is accompanied by IL-1β–induced apoptosis, which is prevented by JNK1/2 siRNA and the IP3R inhibitor xestospongin C. This suggests a regulatory role of JNK1/2 in modulating the ER-mitochondrial-Ca2+ axis by IL-1β in apoptotic cell death.
Compartmentalized nodes control mitotic entry signaling in fission yeast
Authors: Deng Lin , Moseley James B.
Published: April 2013

Cell cycle progression is coupled to cell growth, but the mechanisms that generate growth-dependent cell cycle progression remain unclear. Fission yeast cells enter into mitosis at a defined size due to the conserved cell cycle kinases Cdr1 and Cdr2, which localize to a set of cortical nodes in the cell middle. Cdr2 is regulated by the cell polarity kinase Pom1, suggesting that interactions between cell polarity proteins and the Cdr1-Cdr2 module might underlie the coordination of cell growth and division. To identify the molecular connections between Cdr1/2 and cell polarity, we performed a comprehensive pairwise yeast two-hybrid screen. From the resulting interaction network, we found that the protein Skb1 interacted with both Cdr1 and the Cdr1 inhibitory target Wee1. Skb1 inhibited mitotic entry through negative regulation of Cdr1 and localized to both the cytoplasm and a novel set of cortical nodes. Skb1 nodes were distinct structures from Cdr1/2 nodes, and artificial targeting of Skb1 to Cdr1/2 nodes delayed entry into mitosis. We propose that the formation of distinct node structures in the cell cortex controls signaling pathways to link cell growth and division.
Effects of Fcj1-Mos1 and mitochondrial division on aggregation of mitochondrial DNA nucleoids and organelle morphology
Authors: Itoh Kie , Tamura Yasushi , Iijima Miho , Sesaki Hiromi
Published: April 2013

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is packaged into DNA–protein complexes called nucleoids, which are distributed as many small foci in mitochondria. Nucleoids are crucial for the biogenesis and function of mtDNA. Here, using a yeast genetic screen for components that control nucleoid distribution and size, we identify Fcj1 and Mos1, two evolutionarily conserved mitochondrial proteins that maintain the connection between the cristae and boundary membranes. These two proteins are also important for establishing tubular morphology of mitochondria, as mitochondria lacking Fcj1 and Mos1 form lamellar sheets. We find that nucleoids aggregate, increase in size, and decrease in number in fcj1∆ and mos1∆ cells. In addition, Fcj1 form punctate structures and localized adjacent to nucleoids. Moreover, connecting mitochondria by deleting the DNM1 gene required for organelle division enhances aggregation of mtDNA nucleoids in fcj1∆ and mos1∆ cells, whereas single deletion of DNM1 does not affect nucleoids. Conversely, deleting F1Fo-ATP synthase dimerization factors generates concentric ring-like cristae, restores tubular mitochondrial morphology, and suppresses nucleoid aggregation in these mutants. Our findings suggest an unexpected role of Fcj1-Mos1 and organelle division in maintaining the distribution and size of mtDNA nucleoids.
On the Building Block and Backbone Concepts of Amylopectin Structure
Authors: Bertoft Eric
Published: April 2013

The molecular structure of the starch components has been a focus of research since it was discovered that starch is transformed into sugar by treatment with acid or barley malt extract in the beginning of the 19th century. Only in 1940 was it definitely recognized that starch contains two glucan polymers, wherein amylose was defined as the linear component and amylopectin as the branched polymer. Since then, the structure of amylopectin has been exhaustively investigated, and during the years several models have been suggested, of which the cluster model has obtained the most acceptance. During the last decade, however, experimental results have been obtained that are not entirely in favor of this model, and an alternative, two‐directional backbone model was proposed. This article discusses the latter model and its impact on our understanding of the structure, properties, and synthesis of the starch granule.
Ethylene-Responsive AP2/ERF Transcription Factor MACD1 Participates in Phytotoxin-Triggered Programmed Cell Death
Authors: Mase Keisuke , Ishihama Nobuaki , Mori Hitoshi , Takahashi Hideki , Kaminaka Hironori , Kodama Motoichiro , Yoshioka Hirofumi
Published: April 2013

To investigate plant programmed cell death (PCD), we developed the model system using phytotoxin AAL, which is produced by necrotrophic pathogen Alternaria alternata f. sp. lycopersici, and AAL-sensitive Nicotiana umbratica. We previously reported that ethylene (ET) signaling plays a pivotal role in AAL-triggered cell death (ACD). However, downstream signaling of ET to ACD remains unclear. Here, we show that the modulator of AAL cell death 1 (MACD1), which is an APETALA2/ET response factor (ERF) transcription factor, participates in ACD and acts downstream of ET signaling during ACD. MACD1 is a transcriptional activator and MACD1 overexpression plants showed earlier ACD induction than control plants, suggesting that MACD1 positively regulates factors affecting cell death. To investigate the role of MACD1 in PCD, we used Arabidopsis thaliana and a structural analog of AAL, fumonisin B1 (FB1). FB1-triggered cell death was compromised in ET signaling and erf102 mutants. The loh2 mutants showed sensitivity to AAL, and the loh2-1/erf102 double mutant compromised ACD, indicating that ERF102 also participates in ACD. To investigate the PCD-associated genes regulated by ERF102, we compared our microarray data using ERF102 overexpression plants with the database of upregulated genes by AAL treatment in loh2 mutants, and found genes under the control of ERF102 in ACD.
The Endophytic StrainFusarium oxysporumFo47: A Good Candidate for Priming the Defense Responses in Tomato Roots
Authors: Aimé Sébastien , Alabouvette Claude , Steinberg Christian , Olivain Chantal
Published: April 2013

The protective Fusarium oxysporum strain Fo47 is effective in controlling Fusarium wilt in tomato. Previous studies have demonstrated the role of direct antagonism and involvement of induced resistance. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether priming of plant defense responses is a mechanism by which Fo47 controls Fusarium wilt. An in vitro design enabled inoculation of the tap root with Fo47 and the pathogenic strain (Fol8) at different locations and different times. The expression levels of six genes known to be involved in tomato defense responses were quantified using reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Three genes—CHI3, GLUA, and PR-1a—were overexpressed in the root preinoculated with Fo47, and then challenged with Fol8. The genes GLUA and PR-1a were upregulated in cotyledons after inoculation of Fo47. Fungal growth in the root was assessed by qPCR, using specific markers for Fo47 and Fol8. Results showed a reduction of the pathogen growth in the root of the tomato plant preinoculated with Fo47. This study demonstrated that priming of tomato defense responses is one of the mechanisms of action of Fo47, which induces a reduced colonization of the root by the pathogen.
Development of New Polymorphic Microsatellite Markers for Three Closely Related Plant-Pathogenic Phytophthora Species Using 454-Pyrosequencing and Their Potential Applications
Authors: Schoebel Corine N. , Jung Esther , Prospero Simone
Published: April 2013

Phytophthora spp. (oomycetes) are causal agents of devastating diseases on a high number of crops, ornamentals, and native plants worldwide. Neutral molecular markers are increasingly being used to investigate the genetic population structure and possible pathways of spread of different plant pathogens, including Phytophthora spp. In this study, polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for three species of the former Phytophthora citricola species complex—namely, P. multivora, P. plurivora, and P. pini (P. citricola I)—using the 454-pyrosequencing technique. In total, 35 polymorphic microsatellite loci were found and further characterized: 11 for P. plurivora, 16 for P. multivora, and 8 for P. pini. Microsatellites with dinucleotide motifs repeated 6 to 10 times were the most common for all three species. On average, 65 alleles per species and 5.3 alleles per locus were detected. Most loci were characterized by a low observed heterozygosity, which might be due to the homothallic mating system of the three Phytophthora spp. targeted. Cross amplification of the newly developed markers was tested on 17 Phytophthora spp. belonging to five different internal transcribed spacer clades. Transferability success was generally low and decreased with increasing genetic distance from the species to the three target species. A set of four loci was selected to easily discriminate P. plurivora, P. multivora, and P. pini on the basis of presence or absence of a polymerase chain reaction amplicon on an agarose gel.
Glyceollin is an Important Component of Soybean Plant Defense Against Phytophthora sojae and Macrophomina phaseolina
Authors: Lygin Anatoliy V. , Zernova Olga V. , Hill Curtis B. , Kholina Nadegda A. , Widholm Jack M. , Hartman Glen L. , Lozovaya Vera V.
Published: April 2013

The response of soybean transgenic plants, with suppressed synthesis of isoflavones, and nontransgenic plants to two common soybean pathogens, Macrophomina phaseolina and Phytophthora sojae, was studied. Transgenic soybean plants of one line used in this study were previously generated via bombardment of embryogenic cultures with the phenylalanine ammonia lyase, chalcone synthase, and isoflavone synthase (IFS2) genes in sense orientation driven by the cotyledon-preferable lectin promoter (to turn genes on in cotyledons), while plants of another line were newly produced using the IFS2 gene in sense orientation driven by the Cassava vein mosaic virus constitutive promoter (to turn genes on in all plant parts). Nearly complete inhibition of isoflavone synthesis was found in the cotyledons of young seedlings of transgenic plants transformed with the IFS2 transgene driven by the cotyledon-preferable lectin promoter compared with the untransformed control during the 10-day observation period, with the precursors of isoflavone synthesis being accumulated in the cotyledons of transgenic plants. These results indicated that the lectin promoter could be active not only during seed development but also during seed germination. Downregulation of isoflavone synthesis only in the seed or in the whole soybean plant caused a strong inhibition of the pathogen-inducible glyceollin in cotyledons after inoculation with P. sojae, which resulted in increased susceptibility of the cotyledons of both transgenic lines to this pathogen compared with inoculated cotyledons of untransformed plants. When stems were inoculated with M. phaseolina, suppression of glyceollin synthesis was found only in stems of transgenic plants expressing the transgene driven by a constitutive promoter, which developed more severe infection. These results provide further evidence that rapid glyceollin accumulation during infection contributes to the innate soybean defense response.
Interactions of Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Erythrocyte Transfusion in the Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Dysfunction in Swine
Authors: Patel Nishith N. , Lin Hua , Jones Ceri , Walkden Graham , Ray Paramita , Sleeman Philippa A. , Angelini Gianni D. , Murphy Gavin J.
Published: April 2013

Background:

Allogeneic erythrocyte transfusion in cardiac surgical patients is associated with a fourfold increase in pulmonary complications. Our understanding of the processes underlying these observations is poor and there is no experimental model of transfusion-related acute lung injury that shows homology to cardiac surgical patients. Our objective was to develop a novel swine recovery model to determine how two clinical risk factors, allogenic erythrocyte transfusion and cardiopulmonary bypass, interact in the genesis of postcardiac surgery acute lung injury.

Methods:

Thirty-six pigs were infused with allogeneic 14- or 42-day-old erythrocytes or they underwent cardiopulmonary bypass with or without transfusion of 42-day erythrocyte. Controls received saline. All pigs were recovered and assessed for pulmonary dysfunction, inflammation, and endothelial activation at 24 h.

Results:

Transfusion of stored allogeneic erythrocytes in pigs compared with sham caused pulmonary dysfunction characterized by reduced lung compliance (mean difference −3.36 [95% CI, −5.31 to −1.42] ml/cm H2O), an increase in protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, histological lung injury inflammation, and endothelial activation. Transfusion of blood stored for up to 42 days resulted in greater protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, macrophage infiltration, platelet activation, and depletion of T-lymphocytes in recipient lungs versus 14-day-old blood. Transfusion interacted with cardiopulmonary bypass to increase lung injury in the absence of platelet activation.

Conclusions:

In this novel large animal model of allogeneic erythrocyte transfusion, pulmonary dysfunction occurs in the absence of any priming event, is increased when combined with other inflammatory stimuli, and is mediated by monocyte activation and T-lymphocyte depletion.
Phasic Genioglossus and Palatoglossus Muscle Activity during Recovery from Sevoflurane Anesthesia
Authors: Srinivasan Ilavajady , Strantzas Samuel , Crawford Mark W.
Published: April 2013

Background:

Inhalational anesthetic effects on upper airway muscle activity in children are largely unknown. The authors tested the hypothesis that phasic inspiratory genioglossus and palatoglossus activity increases during recovery from sevoflurane anesthesia in a dose-dependent manner in children.

Methods:

Sixteen children, aged 2.0 to 6.9 yr, scheduled for elective urological surgery were studied. Electromyogram recordings were acquired using intramuscular needle electrodes during spontaneous ventilation. After a 15-min period of equilibration, electromyogram activity was recorded over 30 s at each of three end-tidal concentrations, 1.5, 1.0, and 0.5 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC), administered in sequence.

Results:

Phasic genioglossus activity was noted in four children at 1.5 MAC, five at 1.0 MAC, and six children at 0.5 MAC sevoflurane. Phasic palatoglossus activity was noted in 4 children at 1.5 MAC, 6 at 1.0 MAC, and 10 children at 0.5 MAC sevoflurane. Both the proportion of children exhibiting phasic activity, and the magnitude of phasic activity increased during recovery from anesthesia. For the genioglossus, decreasing the depth of sevoflurane anesthesia from 1.5 to 1.0 MAC increased phasic activity by approximately 35% and a further decrease to 0.5 MAC more than doubled activity (median [range] at 1.5 and 0.5 MAC: 2.7 μV [0 to 4.0 μV] and 8.6 μV [3.2 to 17.6], respectively; P = 0.029). A similar dose-related increase was recorded at the palatoglossus (P = 0.0002).

Conclusions:

Genioglossus and palatoglossus activity increases during recovery from sevoflurane anesthesia in a dose-dependent manner over the clinical range of sevoflurane concentrations in children.
The ATM-Dependent DNA Damage Response Acts as an Upstream Trigger for Compensation in thefas1Mutation during Arabidopsis Leaf Development
Authors: Hisanaga Tetsuya , Ferjani Ali , Horiguchi Gorou , Ishikawa Naoko , Fujikura Ushio , Kubo Minoru , Demura Taku , Fukuda Hiroo , Ishida Takashi , Sugimoto Keiko , Tsukaya Hirokazu
Published: April 2013

During leaf development, a decrease in cell number often triggers an increase in cell size. This phenomenon, called compensation, suggests that some system coordinates cell proliferation and cell expansion, but how this is mediated at the molecular level is still unclear. The fugu2 mutants in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) exhibit typical compensation phenotypes. Here, we report that the FUGU2 gene encodes FASCIATA1 (FAS1), the p150 subunit of Chromatin Assembly Factor1. To uncover how the fas1 mutation induces compensation, we performed microarray analyses and found that many genes involved in the DNA damage response are up-regulated in fas1. Our genetic analysis further showed that activation of the DNA damage response and the accompanying decrease of cell number in fas1 depend on ATAXIA TELANGIECTASIA MUTATED (ATM) but not on ATM AND RAD3 RELATED. Kinematic analysis suggested that the delay in the cell cycle leads to a decrease in cell number in fas1 and that loss of ATM partially restores this phenotype. Consistently, both cell size phenotypes and high ploidy phenotypes of fas1 are also suppressed by atm, supporting that the ATM-dependent DNA damage response leads to these phenotypes. Altogether, these data suggest that the ATM-dependent DNA damage response acts as an upstream trigger in fas1 to delay the cell cycle and promote entry into the endocycle, resulting in compensated cell expansion.
Sterilization mechanism of nitrogen gas plasma: induction of secondary structural change in protein
Authors: Sakudo Akikazu , Higa Masato , Maeda Kojiro , Shimizu Naohiro , Imanishi Yuichiro , Shintani Hideharu
Published: April 2013

The mechanism of action on biomolecules of N2 gas plasma, a novel sterilization technique, remains unclear. Here, the effect of N2 gas plasma on protein structure was investigated. BSA, which was used as the model protein, was exposed to N2 gas plasma generated by short‐time high voltage pulses from a static induction thyristor power supply. N2 gas plasma‐treated BSA at 1.5 kilo pulses per second showed evidence of degradation and modification when assessed by Coomassie brilliant blue staining and ultraviolet spectroscopy at 280 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis was used to determine the protein's secondary structure. When the amide I region was analyzed in the infrared spectra according to curve fitting and Fourier self‐deconvolution, N2 gas plasma‐treated BSA showed increased α‐helix and decreased β‐turn content. Because heating decreased α‐helix and increased β‐sheet content, the structural changes induced by N2 gas plasma‐treatment of BSA were not caused by high temperatures. Thus, the present results suggest that conformational changes induced by N2 gas plasma are mediated by mechanisms distinct from heat denaturation.
Trapped between popular fruit and preferred nest location – cafeterias are poor places to raise a family
Authors: Barea Laurence P. , Watson David M.
Published: April 2013

Nest‐site location is a critical component of habitat preference in birds, reflecting a balance between minimizing the likelihood of nest predation while maximizing access to nutritional resources. While many studies have demonstrated the influence of predators in nest‐site selection, few studies have explicitly quantified nutritional resources or considered the interacting effects of predation and food availability in determining nest survival.

The painted honeyeater Grantiella picta is a mistletoe‐specialist frugivore, with fruit from grey mistletoe Amyema quandang representing the main food source for breeding adults and nestlings. Previous work demonstrated that painted honeyeaters prefer to place their nests within mistletoe substrates. Here, we measured the outcome of 63 nests over two years, relating survival to various structural and resource‐based variables to discern whether nests placed in mistletoes were more likely to succeed.

Twenty‐one nests survived the 33 day nest period, with 35 of the 42 failed nests predated. While few significant differences were discerned between successful and unsuccessful nests in terms of nest tree or surrounding habitat, nest substrate emerged as the most important predictor of nest fate. Survival of nests in mistletoe was 16·6% across a 33 day active nest period compared with a mean of 43·1% for nests in other substrates, a difference consistent across both years.

Rather than having a positive effect on nest outcome (via access to nutritional resources), proximity to mistletoe had a marked negative effect, with nests in mistletoe suffering a predation rate 2·6 times higher than nests elsewhere. Rather than predators targeting mistletoe clumps, we suggest that this pattern arises from other species visiting fruiting mistletoe clumps, opportunistically predating the nest contents and disturbing attending parents. We interpret this finding as evidence that the painted honeyeater may be caught in an ecological trap; the cues used to select nesting locations are a poor predictor of success.
Gender Inequalities in Academic Innovation and Enterprise: A Bourdieuian Analysis
Authors: Karataş‐Özkan Mine , Chell Elizabeth
Published: April 2013

This paper demonstrates that engagement in innovation and enterprise activity in SET departments within three UK universities is, in part, gendered. A Bourdieuian approach is adopted to identify underlying structures and practices that have causal powers to generate gender‐based inequalities. Drawing on empirical research with 52 participants, this study reveals gendered science enterprise experiences, characterized by a field that is considered strong in shaping the habitus and presenting stark options to women in pursuit of their careers. It demonstrates the multilayered nature of the fields that shape gendered experiences and resultant inequalities by taking into account individual dispositions of academics and their habitus, including their science enterprise experience and the wider commercial field beyond the university, and generates a number of implications for practice and policy.
Allelic imbalance metre (Allim), a new tool for measuring allele‐specific gene expression with RNA‐seq data
Authors: Pandey Ram Vinay , Franssen Susanne U. , Futschik Andreas , Schlötterer Christian
Published: April 2013

Estimating differences in gene expression among alleles is of high interest for many areas in biology and medicine. Here, we present a user‐friendly software tool, Allim, to estimate allele‐specific gene expression. Because mapping bias is a major problem for reliable estimates of allele‐specific gene expression using RNA‐seq, Allim combines two different strategies to account for the mapping biases. In order to reduce the mapping bias, Allim first generates a polymorphism‐aware reference genome that accounts for the sequence variation between the alleles. Then, a sequence‐specific simulation tool estimates the residual mapping bias. Statistical tests for allelic imbalance are provided that can be used with the bias corrected RNA‐seq data.
Petrogenesis of the Langdu High–K Calc–Alkaline Intrusions in Yunnan Province: Constraints from Geochemistry and Sr‐Nd Isotopes
Authors: Tao REN , Xingchun ZHANG , Runsheng HAN , Meijuan MA
Published: April 2013

The Langdu high–K calc–alkaline intrusions are located in the Zhongdian area, which is the southern part of the Yidun island arc. These intrusive rocks consist mainly of monzonite porphyry, granodiorite, and diorite porphyry. The K2O content of majority of these rocks is greater than 3%, and, in the K2O‐SiO2 diagram, all the samples fall into the high‐K calc‐alkaline to shoshonitic fields. They are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and depleted in heavy rare earth elements (HREEs; LaN/YbN= 14.3–21.2), and show slightly negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.77–1.00). These rocks have high K, Rb, Sr, and Ba contents; moderate to high enrichment of compatible elements (Cr = 36.7–79.9 ppm, Co = 9.6–16.4 ppm, and MgO = 2.2%‐3.4%); low Nb, Ta, and Ti contents, and characteristic of low high field strength elements(HFSEs) versus incompatible elements ratios (Nb/Th = 0.75, Nb/La = 0.34) and incompatible elements ratios (Nb/U = 3.0 and Ce/Pb = 5.1, Ba/Rb = 12.0). These rocks exhibit restricted Sr and Nd isotopic compositions, with (87Sr/86Sr)i values ranging from 0.7044 to 0.7069 and εNd(t) values from −2.8 to −2.2. The Sr‐Nd isotope systematic and specific trace element ratios suggest that Langdu high‐K calc‐alkaline intrusive rocks derived from a metasomatized mantle source. The unique geochemical feature of intrusive rocks can be modeled successfully using different members of a slightly enriched mantle, a slab–derived fluid, and terrigenous sediments. It can be inferred that the degree of partial melting and the presence of specific components are temporally related to the tectonic evolution of the Zhongdian island arc. Formation of these rocks can be explained by the various degrees of melting within an ascending region of the slightly enriched mantle, triggered by the subduction of the Garzê–Litang ocean, and an interaction between the slab–derived fluid and the terrigenous sediments.
Types and Origin of Dolostones in Tarim Basin, Northwest China: Petrographic and Geochemical Evidence
Authors: Yongquan CHEN , Xinyuan ZHOU , Shaoyong JIANG , Kuidong ZHAO
Published: April 2013

In the Tarim Basin of northwestern China hydrocarbon deposits have been discovered in parts of the thick strata of Cambrian dolostones. Based on petrographic study, six types of dolostone have been distinguished: Type‐1, pink mud‐bearing silty crystalline dolostone (PMSD); Type‐2, gypsum‐ and salt‐bearing fine crystalline dolostone (GSFD); Type‐3, fine crystalline dolostone with dolomite crystals with cloudy core and clear rim (CCFD); Type‐4, deep gray mud‐bearing silty crystalline dolostone (GMSD); Type‐5, euhedral coarse crystalline dolostone (ECD); and Type‐6, xenotopic coarse crystalline dolostone (XCD). Applying petrographic and geochemical methods, the genesis of the dolostones is studied in this paper. Normally, Type‐1 dolostone shows U‐ and Mo‐depleted characteristics, reflecting a more oxidized formation environment; High δ8O and the purple color are consistent with formation of Sabkha dolostones on a supratidal flat. Types 2, 3, 4 dolostones show strata formation, similar REE patterns and 87Sr/86Sr ratios with contemporaneous limestones, suggesting a penecontemporaneous origin from seawater. Types 5 and 6 dolostones commonly occur as interbedded rocks, indicating secondary genesis after diagenesis. Type‐6 dolostone has the highest order degree (OD) values (average 0.86), the lowest oxygen isotope values and positive Eu anomalies, which are consistent with previously reported hydrothermal dolostones. Differently, Type‐5 shows euhedral texture, higher δ18O value, similar REE characteristic and 87Sr/86Sr ratios in comparison with contemporaneous limestones, suggesting that this type might have been dolomitized by down‐transferring evaporated seawater during shallow burial stage. Dolostone fluid sources, formation environments and crystallizing dynamics are summarized and possible genetic models for the six types are proposed.
Genesis of the Zhaokalong Fe‐Cu Polymetallic Deposit at Yushu, China: Evidence from Ore Geochemistry and Fluid Inclusions
Authors: Huan LI , Xiaoshuang XI , Chengming WU , WATANABE Koichiro
Published: April 2013

The ore types of the Zhaokalong Fe‐Cu deposit are divided into two categories: sulfide‐type and oxide‐type. The sulfide‐type ore include siderite ore, galena‐sphalerite ore and chalcopyrite ore, whereas the oxide‐type ore include magnetite ore and hematite ore. The ore textures and structures indicate that the Zhaokalong deposit is of the sedimentary‐exhalative mineralization type. Geochemical analyses show that the two ore types have a high As, Sb, Mn, Co and Ni content. The REE patterns reveal an enrichment of the LREE compared to the HREE. Isotopic analysis of siderite ore reveal that the δ13CPDB ranges from −2.01 to 3.34 (‰) whereas the δ18OSMOW ranges from 6.96 to 18.95 (‰). The fluid inclusion microthermometry results indicate that homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions in quartz range from 131 to 181°C, with salinity values of 1.06 to 8.04 wt% NaCl eq. The mineralizing fluid therefore belongs to the low temperature – low salinity system, with a mineralizing solution of a CO2‐Ca2+(Na+, K+)‐SO42− (F−, Cl−)‐H2O system. The geochemical results and fluid inclusion data provide additional evidence that the Zhaokalong deposit is a sedex‐type deposit that experienced two stages of mineralization. The sulfide mineralization probably occurred first, during the sedimentary exhalative process, as exhibited by the abundance of marine materials associated with the sulfide ores, indicating a higher temperature and relatively deoxidized oceanic depositional environment. After the main exhalative stage, hydrothermal activity was superimposed to the sulfide mineralization. The later stage oxide mineralization occurred in a low temperature and relatively oxidized environment, in which magmatic fluid circulation was dominant.
Phanerozoic Paleomagnetism Characteristics of the Qomolangma Area in Tibet
Authors: Guangfu ZOU , Zhongxi PAN , Zhonghai ZHUANG , Tongxing ZHU , Jianzhong LI , Xintao FENG
Published: April 2013

This paper conducts systematic test research on the 2920 paleomagnetic directional samples taken from Ordovician‐Paleogene sedimentary formation in the north slope of Qomolangma in south of Tibet and obtains the primary remanent magnetization component and counts the new data of paleomagnetism the times. Based on the characteristic remanent magnetization component, it calculates the geomagnetic pole position and latitude value of Himalaya block in Ordovician‐Paleogene. According to the new data of paleomagnetism, it draws the palaeomagnetic polar wander curve and palaeolatitude change curve of the north slope of Qomolangma in Ordovician‐Paleogene. It also makes a preliminary discussion to the structure evolution history and relative movement of Himalaya bloc. The research results show that many clockwise rotation movements had occurred to the Himalaya block in northern slope of Qomolangmain the process of northward drifting in the phanerozoic eon. In Ordovician‐late Cretaceous, there the movement of about 20.0° clockwise rotation occurred in the process of northward drifting. However, 0.4° counterclockwise rotation occurred from the end of late Devonian epoch to the beginning of early carboniferous epoch; 6.0° and 8.0° counterclockwise rotation occurred in carboniferous period and early Triassic epoch respectively, which might be related with the tension crack of continental rift valley from late Devonian period to the beginning of early carboniferous epoch, carboniferous period and early Triassic epoch. From the Eocene epoch to Pliocene epoch, the Himalaya block generated about 28.0° clockwise while drifting northward with a relatively rapid speed. This was the result that since the Eocene epoch, due to the continuous expansion of mid‐ocean ridge of the India Ocean, the neo‐Tethys with the Yarlung Zangbo River as the main ocean basin closed to form orogenic movement and the strong continent‐continent collision orogenic movement of the east and west Himalayas generated clockwise movement in the mid‐ Himalaya area. According to the calculation of palaeolatitude data, the Himalaya continent‐continent collusion orogenic movement since the Eocene epoch caused the crustal structure in Indian Plate‐ Himalaya folded structural belt‐ Lhasa block to shorten by at least 1000 km. The systematic research on the paleomagnetism of Qomolangma area in the phanerozoic eon provides a scientific basis to further research the evolution of Gondwanaland, formation and extinction history of paleo‐Tethys Ocean and uplift mechanism of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau.
The Sedimentary Record in Northern Qaidam Basin and its Response to the Uplift of the South Qilian Mountain at around 30 Ma
Authors: Bowen SONG , Kexin ZHANG , Ruiming CHEN , Chaowen WANG , Mansheng LUO , Jianyu ZHANG , Shangsong JIANG
Published: April 2013

The thick, Eocene to Pliocene, sedimentary sequence in Qaidam Basin at the northern margin of the Tibetan Plateau records the surface uplift history of the northeastern Tibetan plateau. In this study, we present detailed geochemistry, heavy mineral, and clay mineralogy data of the well preserved sedimentary record in the Dahongou section in the northeast of the Qaidam Basin. The results suggest that the sedimentary sequence recorded a 30 Ma young uplift/unroofing event in the northern edge of the Qaidam Basin, which is characterized by high ZTR index value and chlorite content, and low CIW'. The results are consistent with previous sedimentological studies of the Qaidam Basin, which indicated rapid increase of the accumulation rates around 30 Ma. Based on past thermochronological data from the mountains around the Qaidam Basin and the accumulation rates of the Cenozoic basins in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, we infer a regional uplift and denudation event along the northeastern Tibetan Plateau during early Oligocene (∼30 Ma), indicating that the Tibetan Plateau had expanded north‐eastward of the study area at that time.
The Phytolith and Pollen Record since 10 ka BP from the Lhasa Region, Tibet
Authors: Lingkang CHEN , Haixia CHEN , Baodi WANG , Kaixing WU , Jianxin YU , Yansheng GU , Linsen RUAN , Baoben XIA , Zhonglei XIN
Published: April 2013

This paper presents a description of the river terrace at Tangjia Village in Lhasa, Tibet. Selected types of phytolith and pollen were used as proxies to study the paleoclimate in the study area. Ancient climate and vegetation changes since 10 ka BP were examined. The results demonstrated that between 10.2 and 8.9 ka BP, the dominating phytolith was the cold type and the dominating vegetation type was grassland‐forest. This indicated that the climate changed from cool‐humid to cool‐dry and later turned back into a cool‐humid climate. Between 8.9 and 8.1 ka BP, the main types of phytoliths were tooth, dumbbell, and polyhedral. This suggests that the vegetation consisted of forest‐grassland and the period's climate had become warmer. Between 8.1 and 6.7 ka BP, the warm index of phytolith assembelage gradually increased, whereas the spore and pollen assembelage revealed that the vegetation was forest with hardwood. This suggested that the paleoclimate was warmest in this period. The herbaceous vegetation increased gradually, indicating that the climate had become colder since 7.5 ka BP. Between 6.7 and 4.6 ka BP, cold type phytolith such as tooth and cap were found. Simultaneously, the pollen assembelage indicated that the vegetation shifted from grassland to forest and then turned back into grassland. This implies that the climate fluctuated from cold‐dry to cool‐humid. Between 4.6 and 1.9 ka BP, the dominate type of phytolith was cold type and its warm index was in the range 0.04–0.28, suggesting a herbaceous vegetation cover and indicating that the climate was cold. The phytolith warm index from 1.9 ka BP revealed that the climate was continuously decreasing, and most of the pollen assembelage consisted of Chenopodiaceae and Artemisia. This conclusion is in agreement with the phytolith result that indicates that the climate was becoming colder and colder.
Seismotectonics of the 2008 and 2009 Qaidam Earthquakes and its Implication for Regional Tectonics
Authors: Guihua CHEN , Xiwei XU , Ailan ZHU , Xiaoqing ZHANG , Renmao YUAN , KLINGER Yann , NOCQUET Jean‐Mathieu
Published: April 2013

Three magnitude >6 earthquakes struck Qaidam, Qinghai province, China, in November 10th 2008, August 28th and 31st 2009 respectively. The Zongwulongshan fault has often been designated as the active seismogenic structure, although it is at odd with the data. Our continuous GPS station (CGPS), the Xiao Qaidam station, located in the north of the Qaidam basin, is less than 30 km to the southwest of the 2008 earthquake. This CGPS station recorded the near field co‐seismic deformation. Here we analyzed the co‐seismic dislocation based on the GPS time series and the rupture processes from focal mechanism for the three earthquakes. The aftershocks were relocated to constrain the spatial characteristics of the 2008 and 2009 Qaidam earthquakes. Field geological and geomorphological investigation and interpretation of satellite images show that the Xitieshan fault and Zongwulongshan fault were activated as left lateral thrust during the late Quaternary. Evidence of folding can also be identified. Integrated analyses based on our data and the regional tectonic environment show that the Xitieshan fault is the fault responsible for the 2008 Qaidam earthquake, which is a low dip angle thrust with left lateral strike slip. The Zongwulongshan fault is the seismogenic fault of the 2009 earthquakes, which is a south dipping back thrust of the northern marginal thrust system of the Qaidam basin. Folding takes a significant part of the deformation in the northern marginal thrust system of the Qaidam basin, dominating the contemporary structure style of the northern margin of the Qaidam basin and Qilianshan tectonic system. In this region, this fault and fold system dominates the earthquake activities with frequent small magnitude earthquakes.