bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant species richness mediates the effects of vegetation structure, but not soil fertility, on insect gall richness in a savanna in Brazil
Authors: de Araújo Walter Santos
Published: April 2017

The present study aims to investigate the effects of vegetation structure (plant abundance and height) and soil characteristics (soil organic matter and macronutrients) on insect gall richness, and determine the extent to which these effects are mediated by the indirect effects of plant species richness. The study was performed in forty-nine 100-m2savanna plots in Parque Nacional das Emas (Brazil) and sampled a total of 985 individual plants of 71 plant species and 97 insect gall morphotypes. Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) induced the most insect galls (38.1%), and the plant family Myrtaceae had the greatest richness of insect gall morphotypes (16). Path analysis of plant abundance, plant height, soil macronutrients, soil organic matter and plant species richness explained 73% of insect gall richness. The results show that soil macronutrient quantity has a direct positive effect on insect gall richness, whereas plant abundance and plant height had only indirect positive effects on insect gall richness via the increase in plant species richness. These findings showed that both plant-related and environment-related factors are important to induce insect gall richness in Neotropical savannas, and that plant species richness should be taken into account to determine the richness of insect galls.
China and the US Alliance System
Authors: Liff Adam P.
Published: April 2017

In recent years, scholarship examining US and security allies’ responses to China's rapidly growing power and “assertive” policies towards its neighbours has proliferated. The English-language literature remains relatively one-sided, however. Crucial to understanding the complex forces driving strategic competition in the contemporary Asia-Pacific are comprehensive surveys of how Chinese views are evolving. This study draws extensively on Chinese sources to update existing scholarship, much of it two decades old, with a particular focus on recent Chinese reactions to major developments concerning the US-centred alliance system – a foundational element of the 65-year-old regional order. Beijing expresses deepening frustration towards, and even open opposition to, recent alliance strengthening, and instead champions alternative security architectures free of what it alleges to be “exclusive,” “zero-sum,” “Cold-war relic” US-centred alliances. Proposals for concrete pathways to operationalizing these abstract visions that take into account contemporary political and security realities (for example, North Korea), however, appear less forthcoming.
Introduction to the Theme: Jews and Cities, between Utopia and Dystopia
Authors: Lederhendler Eli
Published: April 2017

The collective discussion embodied in the following group of essays is the outgrowth of a three-year-long symposium on Jewish and urban studies conducted at the Hebrew University's Scholion Interdisciplinary Research Center in the Humanities and Jewish Studies from 2009 to 2012. The synergy that animated our weekly discussions owed something to the fact that, rather than chiming in on similar notes, we partook of a wide sampling of reading and analysis. We came from different disciplines, with different agendas: scholars of literary criticism, adepts of social theory, historians, cultural analysts, an expert in religious philosophy, and a landscape architect with a critical interest in the culture and politics of spatial construction. The broad sweep of our discussions was greater than will be evident from this selection of papers, since our circle of discussants continually swelled and altered during those three years, reshuffling the range of participants and topics. However, most of those whose work is represented in this sampling were present throughout the entire three-year project.
How Does the Amicus Curiae Submission Affect a Tribunal Decision?
Authors: CHANG YEN-CHIANG
Published: April 2017

In the South China Sea Arbitration initiated by the Philippines against China, the Chinese (Taiwan) Society of International Law (CSIL) submitted an amicus curiae brief to the Annex VII arbitral tribunal established in accordance with United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This article first analyzes the definition and legal nature of amicus curiae status, then introduces cases involving amicus curiae in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and UNCLOS dispute settlement mechanisms. By analyzing relevant statutes and rules of procedure, this article assesses the acceptance of amicus curiae submissions by international courts or tribunals, in different dispute settlement mechanisms. Finally, the article describes the significance of the amicus curiae brief submitted by CSIL to the arbitral tribunal, concluding that the South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal did take the amicus curiae submission into account, but exercised caution in its consideration.
Environmental sampling coupled with real-time PCR and genotyping to investigate the source of a Q fever outbreak in a work setting
Authors: HURTADO A. , ALONSO E. , ASPIRITXAGA I. , LÓPEZ ETXANIZ I. , OCABO B. , BARANDIKA J. F. , FERNÁNDEZ-ORTIZ DE MURÚA J. I. , URBANEJA F. , ÁLVAREZ-ALONSO R. , JADO I. , GARCÍA-PÉREZ A. L.
Published: April 2017

A Q fever outbreak was declared in February 2016 in a company that manufactures hoists and chains and therefore with no apparent occupational-associated risk.Coxiella burnetiiinfection was diagnosed by serology in eight of the 29 workers of the company; seven of them had fever or flu-like signs and five had pneumonia, one requiring hospitalisation. A further case ofC. burnetiipneumonia was diagnosed in a local resident. Real-time PCR (RTi–PCR) showed a widespread distribution ofC. burnetiiDNA in dust samples collected from the plant facilities, thus confirming the exposure of workers to the infection inside the factory. Epidemiological investigations identified a goat flock with highC. burnetiiseroprevalence and active shedding which was owned and managed by one of the workers of the company as possible source of infection. Genotyping by multispacer sequence typing (MST) and a 10-loci single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discrimination using RTi–PCR identified the same genotype (MST18 and SNP type 8, respectively) in the farm and the factory. These results confirmed the link between the goat farm and the outbreak and allowed the identification of the source of infection. The circumstances and possible vehicles for the bacteria entering the factory are discussed.
Beliefs and attitudes towards the influenza vaccine in high-risk individuals
Authors: SANTOS A. J. , KISLAYA I. , MACHADO A. , NUNES B.
Published: April 2017

Societal and economic impact of influenza is mainly due to influenza infection of specific groups, who are at higher risk of health complications leading up to hospitalisation or death. In this study we applied the health belief model (HBM) to evaluate beliefs and attitudes towards influenza disease and vaccine in community-dwelling high-risk individuals (aged 65 or more or having a chronic disease). We conducted a mixed-method study using data collected through a telephone survey of a household unit sample. We used thematic analysis to map responses to HBM dimensions and Poisson regression to model vaccine non-uptake prevalence. The main self-reported reason not to take the vaccine referred to the susceptibility dimension: ‘considering oneself to be a healthy person’ (29·8%, (95% confidence interval (CI) 22·1–38·7)). Bad experiences after vaccination – barriers dimension – were also commonly reported (17·0%, (95% CI 10·8–23·8)). Vaccine non-uptake prevalence was 22% higher in those who did not consider themselves susceptible to contract flu (Prevalence Ratio (PR) = 1·22, (95% CI 1·0–1·5)) and 18% lower in those who did not consider that the vaccine causes flu symptoms (PR = 0·82, (95% CI 0·68–0·99)). Results suggest that high-risk individuals do not think of themselves susceptible to influenza infection and fear adverse events following immunisation.
Distress, Psychotic Symptom Exacerbation, and Relief in Reaction to Talking about Trauma in the Context of Beneficial Trauma Therapy: Perspectives from Young People with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and First Episode Psychosis
Authors: Tong Janet , Simpson Katrina , Alvarez-Jimenez Mario , Bendall Sarah
Published: April 2017

Background: Of young people with first episode psychosis (FEP), over half report exposure to childhood trauma and consequent co-morbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or symptoms. Currently no evidence-based interventions exist for PTSD in FEP. Clinicians report concerns that trauma-focused interventions with young people with FEP could result in distress and symptom exacerbation. Scant research suggests that talking about trauma in therapy can be distressing for some people. Aims: To explore young people's reactions to a trauma-focused treatment for PTSD in FEP. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants (age 18–27 years) with co-morbid PTSD and FEP, after completing a trauma-focused intervention. Transcripts were analysed using an interpretative phenomenological approach. Participants’ baseline and end-of-treatment PTSD and psychotic symptoms were assessed. Results: Three themes related to participants’ reactions were identified from the analysis: (1) distress in session; (2) feeling relieved in and out of session; and (3) symptom exacerbation out of session. All but one participant reported experiencing increased distress in session. Four participants described PTSD, psychotic symptoms and/or suicidal ideation worsening in immediate reaction to talking about trauma in therapy sessions. 86% of participants showed improvement in their PTSD and psychotic symptoms at end of treatment. All participants described the intervention as beneficial and worthwhile. Conclusions: Results suggest that feelings of distress are to be expected from individuals with PTSD and FEP during trauma-focused treatment. Psychotic and PTSD symptom exacerbation can occur in PTSD treatment in FEP. Clinicians should be aware of, plan for, and clearly inform their clients of treatment risks.
An emerging signature pedagogy for sustainable food systems education
Authors: Valley Will , Wittman Hannah , Jordan Nicolas , Ahmed Selena , Galt Ryan
Published: April 2017

Concerns are growing over the ability of the modern food system to simultaneously achieve food security and environmental sustainability in the face of global change. Yet, the dominant tendency within university settings to conceptualize and address diverse food system challenges as separate, disconnected issues is a key barrier to food system transformation. To address this fragmented approach, educators in North American institutes of higher education have begun new degree programs, specializations and certificates related to food systems. These programs, which we term sustainable food system education (SFSE) programs, have a common goal: to support post-secondary students across a range of disciplines in developing the knowledge, skills and dispositions to effectively address complex challenges in the food system. Graduates of these programs will be able to engage in collective action towards transforming the food system. As educators participating in flagship SFSE programs, we identify common pedagogical themes evident in SFSE programs, including our own. We then propose a signature pedagogy (SP) for sustainable food systems education. Signature pedagogies are conceptual models that identify the primary elements by which professional education in a specific field is designed, structured and implemented. On the basis of our analysis of SFSE programs, we identified systems thinking, multi-, inter- and trans-disciplinarity, use of experiential learning approaches and participation in collective action projects as central themes within a SFSE SP. By making these themes and their function explicit within a pedagogical framework, we seek to spur critical and creative thought regarding challenges of professional education in the field of sustainable food systems. Scholars and practitioners are encouraged to review, critique and implement our framework to advance the dialogue on SFSE theory and practice.
Religionization from the Bottom up: Religiosity Trends and Institutional Change Mechanisms in Israeli Public Services
Authors: Zehavi Amos
Published: April 2017

This study asks how religious change at the social level (as expressed in increased religiosity) influences the religious behavior of public organizations. The study's empirical foundation is three Israeli case studies that focus on the impact of growing religiosity in Israeli Jewish society on three large public institutions: the military, healthcare, and schools. Based on comparative analysis of the three case studies, it is shown that variation in the extent of religionization in public organizations is influenced primarily by the religious composition of workers and consumers of a specific public organization. The influence of political pressure from above, however, is marginal. In addition, this study demonstrates how organizational religionization is differentially mediated by institutional mechanisms/structures: institutional layering or conversion.
Religion and Self-Governance: Catholicism, Islam, and the Issue of Censorship
Authors: Jelen Ted G.
Published: April 2017

Two aspects of democratic self-governance are analyzed: Collective self-governance, or the authority of citizens over one another, and individual self-governance, referring to the ability of each citizen to govern her/his own beliefs and actions. Individual self-governance is thought to require some level of autonomy on the part of individual citizens, and authenticity of personal preferences and desires. Beliefs about autonomy and authenticity in Roman Catholic and Islamic theology are considered, and these perspectives are applied to the problem of restricting certain types of discourse, based on the content of that discourse. While censorship if usually considered to be incompatible with democratic governance, Catholic and Islamic perspectives on individual self-governance suggest the possibility that some forms of censorship may enhance, rather than detract from citizen autonomy and authenticity, and enhance the possibility of positive collective self-governance.
Prenatal fish oil supplementation and early childhood development in the Upstate KIDS Study
Authors: Vollet K. , Ghassabian A. , Sundaram R. , Chahal N. , Yeung E. H.
Published: April 2017

Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which play a vital role in fetal growth and development.In uteroexposure to omega-3 fatty acids is exclusively dependent on maternal nutrition. Previous studies have suggested that prenatal fish oil supplementation has positive impacts on child neurodevelopment later in life. This study examines the associations between fish oil supplementation both before pregnancy and throughout pregnancy and subsequent child development. Mother–child pairs from the Upstate KIDS Study, a birth cohort consisting of children born between 2008 and 2010, were included. Self-reported prenatal fish oil supplementation data were available for 5845 children (3807 singletons and 2038 twins). At multiple time points, from 4 months to 3 years of age, child development was reported by the parents on the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). Five developmental domains were assessed: fine motor, gross motor, communication, personal–social functioning and problem solving. Generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) while adjusting for covariates. Primary analyses showed that the risk of failing the ASQ problem-solving domain was significantly lower among children of women who took fish oil before pregnancy (OR 0.40, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.18–0.89) and during pregnancy (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.22–0.83). Gender interaction was not statistically significant, although stratified results indicated stronger associations among girls. Similarly, associations were primarily among singletons. Prenatal fish oil supplementation may be beneficial in regards to neurodevelopment. Specifically, it is associated with a lower risk of failing the problem-solving domain up to 3 years of age.
Familiality and Heritability of Fatigue in an Australian Twin Sample
Authors: Corfield Elizabeth C. , Martin Nicholas G. , Nyholt Dale R.
Published: April 2017

Familial factors have previously been implicated in the etiology of fatigue, of which a significant proportion is likely attributable to genetic influences. However, family studies have primarily focused on chronic fatigue syndrome, while univariate twin studies have investigated broader fatigue phenotypes. The results for similar fatigue phenotypes vary between studies, particularly with regard to sex-specific contributions to the heritability of the traits. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the familiality and sex-specific effects of fatigue experienced over the past few weeks in an older Australian population of 660 monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs, 190 MZ singleton twins, 593 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs, and 365 DZ singleton twins. Higher risks for fatigue were observed in MZ compared to DZ co-twins of probands with fatigue. Univariate heritability analyses indicated fatigue has a significant genetic component, with a heritability (h2) estimate of 40%. Sex-specific effects did not significantly contribute to the heritability of fatigue, with similar estimates for males (h2= 41%, 95% CI [18, 62]) and females (h2= 40%, 95% CI [27, 52]). These results indicate that fatigue experienced over the past few weeks has a familial contribution, with additive genetic factors playing an important role in its etiology.
Use of Dietary Vitamin Supplements and Risk of Thyroid Cancer: A Population-Based Case-Control Study in Connecticut
Authors: Kim Christopher , Huang Huang , Zhao Nan , Lerro Catherine C. , Dai Min , Chen Yingtai , Li Ni , Ma Shuangge , Udelsman Robert , Zhang Yawei
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Certain dietary supplements have been reported to increase the risk of some cancers. Over half of the US population regularly uses dietary supplements. Thyroid cancer incidence has increased over the past several decades. However, few studies have investigated the association between dietary supplements and thyroid cancer. Thus, it is essential to clarify any association between dietary supplements and risk of thyroid cancer. Materials and methods: A population-based case-control study in Connecticut was conducted during 2010–2011 among 462 histologically confi rmed incident thyroid cancer cases and 498 population-based controls. Dietary supplement intake was ascertained through in-person interviews and a food frequency questionnaire. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression models were used to estimate the risk of thyroid cancer and dietary supplement use. Results: Overall, no statistically signifi cant associations were observed between dietary supplementation and thyroid cancer risk. Stratifi ed analyses revealed a suggestive protective effect on risk of papillary microcarcinoma among longterm (> 10 years) use of multivitamins (OR = 0.59, 95 % CI: 0.33, 1.04) and calcium supplementation (OR = 0.45, 95 % CI: 0.22, 0.93). An increased risk of large papillary thyroid cancers (tumor size > 1 cm) was observed among short-term (< 5 years) users of calcium supplements (OR = 2.24, 95 % CI: 1.30, 3.88). Discussion: No signifi cant associations were observed between supplementation and overall thyroid cancer risk. The different associations between calcium supplements and risk of papillary thyroid cancer by tumor size warrant further investigation.
Neuronal IFN-beta–induced PI3K/Akt-FoxA1 signalling is essential for generation of FoxA1+Treg cells
Authors: Liu Yawei , Marin Andrea , Ejlerskov Patrick , Rasmussen Louise Munk , Prinz Marco , Issazadeh-Navikas Shohreh
Published: April 2017

Neurons reprogramme encephalitogenic T cells (Tenc) to regulatory T cells (Tregs), either FoxP3+Tregs or FoxA1+Tregs. We reported previously that neuronal ability to generate FoxA1+Tregs was central to preventing neuroinflammation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Mice lacking interferon (IFN)-β were defective in generating FoxA1+Tregs in the brain. Here we show that lack of neuronal IFNβ signalling is associated with the absence of programme death ligand-1 (PDL1), which prevents their ability to reprogramme Tenc cells to FoxA1+Tregs. Passive transfer-EAE via IFNβ-competent Tenc cells to mice lacking IFNβ and active induced-EAE in mice lacking its receptor, IFNAR, in the brain (NesCre:Ifnarfl/fl) result in defective FoxA1+Tregs generation and aggravated neuroinflammation. IFNβ activates neuronal PI3K/Akt signalling and Akt binds to transcription factor FoxA1 that translocates to the nucleus and induces PDL1. Conversely, inhibition of PI3K/Akt, FoxA1 and PDL1 blocked neuronal ability to generate FoxA1+Tregs. We characterize molecular factors central for neuronal ability to reprogramme pathogenic T cells to FoxA1+Tregs preventing neuroinflammation.
Disrupted neuronal maturation in Angelman syndrome-derived induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Fink James J. , Robinson Tiwanna M. , Germain Noelle D. , Sirois Carissa L. , Bolduc Kaitlyn A. , Ward Amanda J. , Rigo Frank , Chamberlain Stormy J. , Levine Eric S.
Published: April 2017

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurogenetic disorder caused by deletion of the maternally inherited UBE3A allele and is characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability, ataxia, seizures and a happy affect. Here, we explored the underlying pathophysiology using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons from AS patients and unaffected controls. AS-derived neurons showed impaired maturation of resting membrane potential and action potential firing, decreased synaptic activity and reduced synaptic plasticity. These patient-specific differences were mimicked by knocking out UBE3A using CRISPR/Cas9 or by knocking down UBE3A using antisense oligonucleotides. Importantly, these phenotypes could be rescued by pharmacologically unsilencing paternal UBE3A expression. Moreover, selective effects of UBE3A disruption at late stages of in vitro development suggest that changes in action potential firing and synaptic activity may be secondary to altered resting membrane potential. Our findings provide a cellular phenotype for investigating pathogenic mechanisms underlying AS and identifying novel therapeutic strategies.
A multi-crystal method for extracting obscured crystallographic states from conventionally uninterpretable electron density
Authors: Pearce Nicholas M. , Krojer Tobias , Bradley Anthony R. , Collins Patrick , Nowak Radosław P. , Talon Romain , Marsden Brian D. , Kelm Sebastian , Shi Jiye , Deane Charlotte M. , von Delft Frank
Published: April 2017

In macromolecular crystallography, the rigorous detection of changed states (for example, ligand binding) is difficult unless signal is strong. Ambiguous (‘weak’ or ‘noisy’) density is experimentally common, since molecular states are generally only fractionally present in the crystal. Existing methodologies focus on generating maximally accurate maps whereby minor states become discernible; in practice, such map interpretation is disappointingly subjective, time-consuming and methodologically unsound. Here we report the PanDDA method, which automatically reveals clear electron density for the changed state—even from inaccurate maps—by subtracting a proportion of the confounding ‘ground state’; changed states are objectively identified from statistical analysis of density distributions. The method is completely general, implying new best practice for all changed-state studies, including the routine collection of multiple ground-state crystals. More generally, these results demonstrate: the incompleteness of atomic models; that single data sets contain insufficient information to model them fully; and that accuracy requires further map-deconvolution approaches.
Decreased Circulating Levels of Dickkopf-1 in Patients with Exudative Age-related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Qiu Fangfang , Liu Zhen , Zhou Yueping , He Jia , Gong Songjian , Bai Xue , Zeng Yingxia , Liu Zuguo , Ma Jian-xing
Published: April 2017

Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a pathogenic role in retinal inflammation and neovascularization. Here, we investigated whether circulating levels of Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), a specific inhibitor of this pathway, are altered in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Plasma was obtained from 128 patients with exudative AMD, 46 patients with atrophic AMD and 111 healthy controls. DKK-1 levels in plasma were measured using ELISA, and data analyzed with one-way ANOVA, logistic regression analysis and receiver-operating characteristic analysis (ROC). We found that DKK-1 levels were decreased in exudative AMD patients, compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001) and atrophic AMD patients (P < 0.001). The decrease was more prominent in patients with classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) than those with occult CNV (P < 0.001). The odds ratio (OR) of exudative AMD was 11.71 (95% CI; 5.24–6.13) for lowest versus upper quartile of DKK-1 levels. For discriminating exudative AMD patients, the optimum diagnostic cutoff of DKK-1 was 583.1 pg/mL with the area under curve (AUC) 0.76 (95% CI, 0.70–0.82; P < 0.001), sensitivity 78.1% and specificity 63.1%. These findings suggested that decreased circulating DKK-1 levels are associated with the development and severity of exudative AMD, and have potential to become a biomarker for exudative AMD.
Mechanisms underlying cognitive deficits in a mouse model for Costello Syndrome are distinct from other RASopathy mouse models
Authors: Schreiber Jadwiga , Grimbergen Laura-Anne , Overwater Iris , Vaart Thijs van der , Stedehouder Jeffrey , Schuhmacher Alberto J. , Guerra Carmen , Kushner Steven A. , Jaarsma Dick , Elgersma Ype
Published: April 2017

RASopathies, characterized by germline mutations in genes encoding proteins of the RAS-ERK signaling pathway, show overlapping phenotypes, which manifest themselves with a varying severity of intellectual disability. However, it is unclear to what extent they share the same downstream pathophysiology that underlies the cognitive deficits. Costello syndrome (CS) is a rare RASopathy caused by activating mutations in the HRAS gene. Here we investigated the mechanisms underlying the cognitive deficits of HRas
G12V/G12V
mice. HRas
G12V/G12V
mice showed robust upregulation of ERK signaling, neuronal hypertrophy, increased brain volume, spatial learning deficits, and impaired mGluR-dependent long-term depression (LTD). In contrast, long-term potentiation (LTP), which is affected in other RASopathy mouse models was unaffected. Treatment with lovastatin, a HMG-CoA-Reductase inhibitor which has been shown to rescue the behavioral phenotypes of mouse models of NF1 and Noonan syndrome, was unable to restore ERK signaling and the cognitive deficits of HRas
G12V/G12V
mice. Administration of a potent mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitor rescued the ERK upregulation and the mGluR-LTD deficit of HRas
G12V/G12V
mice, but failed to rescue the cognitive deficits. Taken together, this study indicates that the fundamental molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the cognitive aspects of different RASopathies are remarkably distinct, and may require disease specific treatments.
Novel nano-semiconductor film layer supported nano-Pd Complex Nanostructured Catalyst Pd/Ⓕ-MeOx/AC for High Efficient Selective Hydrogenation of Phenol to Cyclohexanone
Authors: Si Jiaqi , Ouyang Wenbing , Zhang Yanji , Xu Wentao , Zhou Jicheng
Published: April 2017

Supported metal as a type of heterogeneous catalysts are the most widely used in industrial processes. High dispersion of the metal particles of supported catalyst is a key factor in determining the performance of such catalysts. Here we report a novel catalyst Pd/Ⓕ-MeOx/AC with complex nanostructured, Pd nanoparticles supported on the platelike nano-semiconductor film/activated carbon, prepared by the photocatalytic reduction method, which exhibited high efficient catalytic performance for selective hydrogenation of phenol to cyclohexanone. Conversion of phenol achieved up to more than 99% with a lower mole ratio (0.5%) of active components Pd and phenol within 2 h at 70 °C. The synergistic effect of metal nanoparticles and nano-semiconductors support layer and the greatly increasing of contact interface of nano-metal-semiconductors may be responsible for the high efficiency. This work provides a clear demonstration that complex nanostructured catalysts with nano-metal and nano-semiconductor film layer supported on high specific surface AC can yield enhanced catalytic activity and can afford promising approach for developing new supported catalyst.
General description and understanding of the nonlinear dynamics of mode-locked fiber lasers
Authors: Wei Huai , Li Bin , Shi Wei , Zhu Xiushan , Norwood Robert A. , Peyghambarian Nasser , Jian Shuisheng
Published: April 2017

As a type of nonlinear system with complexity, mode-locked fiber lasers are known for their complex behaviour. It is a challenging task to understand the fundamental physics behind such complex behaviour, and a unified description for the nonlinear behaviour and the systematic and quantitative analysis of the underlying mechanisms of these lasers have not been developed. Here, we present a complexity science-based theoretical framework for understanding the behaviour of mode-locked fiber lasers by going beyond reductionism. This hierarchically structured framework provides a model with variable dimensionality, resulting in a simple view that can be used to systematically describe complex states. Moreover, research into the attractors’ basins reveals the origin of stochasticity, hysteresis and multistability in these systems and presents a new method for quantitative analysis of these nonlinear phenomena. These findings pave the way for dynamics analysis and system designs of mode-locked fiber lasers. We expect that this paradigm will also enable potential applications in diverse research fields related to complex nonlinear phenomena.
Genome of Paulownia (Paulownia fortunei) illuminates the related transcripts, miRNA and proteins for salt resistance
Authors: Fan Guoqiang , Wang Limin , Dong Yanpeng , Zhao Zhenli , Deng Minjie , Niu Suyan , Zhang Xiaoshen , Cao Xibing
Published: April 2017

Polyploidy in plants can bestow long-term evolutionary flexibility and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The upstream activation mechanisms of salt response remain unknown. Here we integrated transcriptome, miRNA and proteome data to describe the link between abscisic acid (ABA)-effectors and salt resistance against the background of Paulownia genome. Combing GO and KEGG pathway annotation of differentially expressed genes and proteins, as well as differentially expressed miRNA, these results reflect endogenous signal ABA activate the downstream effectors, such as ion channel effectors and oxido-reduction effectors, to maintain the homeostasis of Paulownia’s growth. The cascaded metabolic network involved ABA biosynthesis, signaling transduction and the response of effectors. Our results will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis of salt tolerance, which may help to expand the available arable land for P. fortunei cultivation.
Demonstration of Interposed Modular Hydrogel Sheet for Multicellular Analysis in a Microfluidic Assembly Platform
Authors: Bae Chae Yun , Son Jaejung , Kim Hail , Park Je-Kyun
Published: April 2017

Hydrogel sheets have emerged as a promising biomaterial scaffold for the encapsulation and transfer of multicellular structures. Although the improvement of the chemical interactions and the design of micro-scaled geometry have contributed to the development of multipurpose hydrogel scaffolds, the application of hydrogel sheets to assess multicellular structures is still challenging. To expand the technical applicability of hydrogel sheets, we here demonstrate that a single layer of the hydrogel sheet can be integrated as an interposed module in a microfluidic device for multicellular analysis. As a cell culture unit, encapsulated pancreatic insulinoma (MIN6) cells in the hydrogel sheet were labeled and examined via multiple microchannels. After obtaining simultaneously multi-labeled cells in the hydrogel sheet that had been incorporated into the microfluidic device, each modular hydrogel sheet was also recoverable and re-cultured without any distortion. The modular hydrogel sheet can be simply manipulated and conserved as a multicellular module in a three-dimensional (3D) in vitro culture platform. Using the modular concept of hydrogel sheets capable of cell culture and/or assay, an integrated multicellular analysis in the microfluidic device is expected to improve accessibility, scalability, and practicality for end users.
Xanthine oxidase inhibition by febuxostat attenuates stress-induced hyperuricemia, glucose dysmetabolism, and prothrombotic state in mice
Authors: Yisireyili Maimaiti , Hayashi Motoharu , Wu Hongxian , Uchida Yasuhiro , Yamamoto Koji , Kikuchi Ryosuke , Shoaib Hamrah Mohammad , Nakayama Takayuki , Wu Cheng Xian , Matsushita Tadashi , Nakamura Shigeo , Niwa Toshimitsu , Murohara Toyoaki , Takeshita Kyosuke
Published: April 2017

Chronic stress is closely linked to the metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hyperuricemia and thromboembolism, but the mechanisms remain elusive. We reported recently that stress targets visceral adipose tissue (VAT), inducing lipolysis, low-grade inflammation with production of inflammatory adipokines, metabolic derangements such as insulin resistance, and prothrombotic state. In the present study, we hypothesized the involvement of VAT xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR), a source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and uric acid (UA) in the above processes. Restraint stress in mice resulted in upregulation of XOR and xanthine oxidase activity, accumulation of ROS in VAT as well as liver and intestine, increase in serum UA levels, upregulation of NADPH oxidase subunits and downregulation of antioxidant enzymes. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR analysis also showed that restraint stress induced VAT monocyte accumulation and proinflammatory adipokine production, resulting in reduced insulin sensitivity and induction of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and tissue factor in VAT. Treatment with febuxostat, a potent XO inhibitor, suppressed stress-induced ROS production and VAT inflammation, resulting in improvement of serum UA levels, insulin sensitivity, and prothrombotic tendency. Our results suggest that stress perturbs glucose and UA metabolism, and promotes prothrombotic status, and that XO inhibition by febuxostat might be a potential therapy for stress-related disorders.
NKG2D+CD4+ T Cells Kill Regulatory T Cells in a NKG2D-NKG2D Ligand- Dependent Manner in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Yang Di , Tian Zhiqiang , Zhang Mengjie , Yang Weibing , Tang Jun , Wu Yuzhang , Ni Bing
Published: April 2017

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) features a decreased pool of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T regulatory (Treg) cells. We had previously observed NKG2D+CD4+T cell expansion in contrast to a decreased pool of Treg cells in SLE patients, but whether NKG2D+CD4+T cells contribute to the decreased Treg cells remains unclear. In the present study, we found that the NKG2D+CD4+T cells efficiently killed NKG2D ligand (NKG2DL)+Treg cellsin vitro, whereby the surviving Treg cells in SLE patients showed no detectable expression of NKG2DLs. It was further found that MRL/lpr lupus mice have significantly increased percentage of NKG2D+CD4+T cells and obvious decreased percentage of Treg cells, as compared with wild-type mice. Adoptively transferred NKG2DL+Treg cells were found to be efficiently killed in MRL/lpr lupus mice, with NKG2D neutralization remarkably attenuating this killing. Anti-NKG2D or anti-interferon-alpha receptor (IFNAR) antibodies treatment in MRL/lpr mice restored Treg cells numbers and markedly ameliorated the lupus disease. These results suggest that NKG2D+CD4+T cells are involved in the pathogenesis of SLE by killing Treg cells in a NKG2D-NKG2DL-dependent manner. Targeting the NKG2D-NKG2DL interaction might be a potential therapeutic strategy by which Treg cells can be protected from cytolysis in SLE patients.
Comparative authentication of Hypericum perforatum herbal products using DNA metabarcoding, TLC and HPLC-MS
Authors: Raclariu Ancuta Cristina , Paltinean Ramona , Vlase Laurian , Labarre Aurélie , Manzanilla Vincent , Ichim Mihael Cristin , Crisan Gianina , Brysting Anne Krag , de Boer Hugo
Published: April 2017

Many herbal products have a long history of use, but there are increasing concerns over product efficacy, safety and quality in the wake of recent cases exposing discrepancies between labeling and constituents. When it comes to St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) herbal products, there is limited oversight, frequent off-label use and insufficient monitoring of adverse drug reactions. In this study, we use amplicon metabarcoding (AMB) to authenticate 78 H. perforatum herbal products and evaluate its ability to detect substitution compared to standard methods using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Hypericum perforatum was detected in 68% of the products using AMB. Furthermore, AMB detected incongruence between constituent species and those listed on the label in all products. Neither TLC nor HPLC-MS could be used to unambiguously identify H. perforatum. They are accurate methods for authenticating presence of the target compounds, but have limited efficiency in detecting infrageneric substitution and do not yield any information on other plant ingredients in the products. Random post-marketing AMB of herbal products by regulatory agencies could raise awareness among consumers of substitution and would provide an incentive to manufacturers to increase quality control from raw ingredients to commercialized products.
Effects of fertilization on crop production and nutrient-supplying capacity under rice-oilseed rape rotation system
Authors: Yousaf Muhammad , Li Jifu , Lu Jianwei , Ren Tao , Cong Rihuan , Fahad Shah , Li Xiaokun
Published: April 2017

Incredible accomplishments have been achieved in agricultural production in China, but many demanding challenges for ensuring food security and environmental sustainability remain. Field experiments were conducted from 2011–2013 at three different sites, including Honghu, Shayang, and Jingzhou in China, to determine the effects of fertilization on enhancing crop productivity and indigenous nutrient-supplying capacity (INuS) in a rice (Oryza sativa L.)-rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) rotation. Four mineral fertilizer treatments (NPK, NP, NK and PK) were applied in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Crop yields were increased by 19–41% (rice) and 61–76% (rapeseed) during the two years of rice-rapeseed rotation under NPK fertilization compared to PK fertilization across the study sites. Yield responses to fertilization were ranked NPK > NP > NK > PK, illustrating that N deficiency was the most limiting condition in a rice-rapeseed rotation, followed by P and K deficiencies. The highest and lowest N, P and K accumulations were observed under NPK and PK fertilization, respectively. The INuS of the soil decreased to a significant extent and affected rice-rapeseed rotation productivity at each site under NP, NK, and PK fertilization when compared to NPK. Based on the study results, a balanced nutrient application using NPK fertilization is a key management strategy for enhancing rice-rapeseed productivity and environmental safety.
Interfacial chemical bonding-mediated ionic resistive switching
Authors: Moon Hyeongjoo , Zade Vishal , Kang Hung-Sen , Han Jin-Woo , Lee Eunseok , Hwang Cheol Seong , Lee Min Hwan
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we present a unique resistive switching (RS) mechanism study of Pt/TiO2/Pt cell, one of the most widely studied RS system, by focusing on the role of interfacial bonding at the active TiO2–Pt interface, as opposed to a physico-chemical change within the RS film. This study was enabled by the use of a non-conventional scanning probe-based setup. The nanoscale cell is formed by bringing a Pt/TiO2-coated atomic force microscope tip into contact with a flat substrate coated with Pt. The study reveals that electrical resistance and interfacial bonding status are highly coupled together. An oxygen-mediated chemical bonding at the active interface between TiO2 and Pt is a necessary condition for a non-polar low-resistance state, and a reset switching process disconnects the chemical bonding. Bipolar switching mode did not involve the chemical bonding. The nature of chemical bonding at the TiO2-metal interface is further studied by density functional theory calculations.
Correction: Corrigendum: Putative WRKYs associated with regulation of fruit ripening revealed by detailed expression analysis of the WRKY gene family in pepper
Authors: Cheng Yuan , Ahammed Golam Jalal , Yu Jiahong , Yao Zhuping , Ruan Meiying , Ye Qingjing , Li Zhimiao , Wang Rongqing , Feng Kun , Zhou Guozhi , Yang Yuejian , Diao Weiping , Wan Hongjian
Published: April 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 39000; published online 19 December 2016; updated on 24 April 2017 The original version of this Article contained a typographic error in the spelling of Golam Jalal Ahammed, which was incorrectly given as Golam JalalAhammed, This error has now been fixed in the HTML and PDF versions of this Article.
Erratum: Pre-conception and prenatal alcohol exposure from mothers and fathers drinking and head circumference: results from the Norwegian Mother-Child Study (MoBa)
Authors: Zuccolo Luisa , DeRoo Lisa A. , Wills Andrew K. , Smith George Davey , Suren Pål , Roth Christine , Stoltenberg Camilla , Magnus Per
Published: April 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 39535; published online 23 December 2016; updated on 24 April 2017 The original HTML version of this Article listed an incorrect volume number. This has now been corrected in the HTML version; the PDF version was correct at the time of publication.
Dihydromyricetin Induces Apoptosis and Reverses Drug Resistance in Ovarian Cancer Cells by p53-mediated Downregulation of Survivin
Authors: Xu Yingqi , Wang Shengpeng , Chan Hon Fai , Lu Huaiwu , Lin Zhongqiu , He Chengwei , Chen Meiwan
Published: April 2017

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of death in gynecological malignancies, and the resistance to chemotherapeutic agents remains a major challenge to successful ovarian cancer chemotherapy. Dihydromyricetin (DHM), a natural flavonoid derived from Ampeopsis Grossdentata, has been widely applied in food industry and medicine for a long time. However, little is known about the effects of DHM on ovarian cancer and the underlying mechanisms. In this study, we demonstrated that DHM could effectively inhibit the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells and induce cell apoptosis. Survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis (IAPs) family member, exhibited a decreased expression level after DHM treatment, which may be attributed to the activation of p53. Moreover, DHM markedly sensitized paclitaxel (PTX) and doxorubicin (DOX) resistant ovarian cancer cells to PTX and DOX by inhibiting survivin expression. Collectively, our findings highlight a previously undiscovered effect of DHM, which induces apoptosis and reverses multi-drug resistance against ovarian cancer cells through downregulation of survivin.
Fusions of Tumor-derived Endothelial Cells with Dendritic Cells Induces Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Huang Yingying , Mao Qiqi , He Jian , Su Jing , Peng Yi , Liang Wei , Hu Zixi , Zhou Sufang , Lu Xiaoling , Zhao Yongxiang
Published: April 2017

To explore dendritic cells/tumor-derived endothelial cells (DC/EC) fusion cells are potent stimulators of T cells to impact tumor progression. ECs were isolated from mice hepatoma cell line (H22) Xenograft, and dendritic cells were isolated from bone marrow of BALB/c mice, then the isolated ECs were cultured and detected the endothelial surface expression of CD105 by flow cytometry. The endothelial characteristics of ECs were detected by tube formation assay and Dil-Ac-LDL uptake assay. After the fusion with polyethylene glycol (PEG), we used DCs, ECs, DCs mixed ECs as the control groups, DC/EC fusion cells as the experimental group, Secretion of IFN-α and IFN-γ was evaluated, T lymphocyte proliferation and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) were detected in vitro. In vivo, T lymphocyte induced by five groups was injected to detect the effect of tumor progression. Purified ECs (CD105+) took the function of endothelial cells, then successfully fused with DCs. The DC/EC fusion cells were functional in stimulating the proliferation of T cells, which produced IFN-α and IFN-γ. In vivo, T cells stimulated by DC/EC fusion cells effectively repressed tumor growth. The fusion cells, which was capable of stimulating T cells, is indispensable for antitumor immunity.
Erratum: Influence of substrate modulus on gecko adhesion
Authors: Klittich Mena R. , Wilson Michael C. , Bernard Craig , Rodrigo Rochelle M. , Keith Austin J. , Niewiarowski Peter H. , Dhinojwala Ali
Published: April 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 43647; published online 13 March 2017; updated on 24 April 2017 This Article contains an error in the legend of Figure 2 where the symbols corresponding to calculations using the spring model are incorrectly given as solid shapes. The Figure and accompanying Figure legend appear below.
The impact of gold mining and agricultural concessions on the tree cover and local communities in northern Myanmar
Authors: Papworth Sarah , Rao Madhu , Oo Myint Myint , Latt Kyaw Thinn , Tizard Robert , Pienkowski Thomas , Carrasco L. Roman
Published: April 2017

Myanmar offers unique opportunities for both biodiversity conservation and foreign direct investment due to projected economic growth linked to natural resource exploitation. Industrial-scale development introduces new land uses into the landscape, with unknown repercussions for local communities and biodiversity conservation. We use participatory mapping of 31 communities, focus groups in 28 communities, and analyses of forest cover change during 2000–2010 using MODIS vegetation continuous fields images, to understand the social and environmental impacts of gold mining and agricultural concessions in Myanmar’s Hukaung Valley (~21,800 km2). Local communities, particularly the poorest households, benefit from work and trade opportunities offered by gold mining and agricultural companies but continue to depend on forests for house construction materials, food, and income from the sale of forest resources. However, gold mining and agricultural concessions reduce tree cover, potentially reducing access to forest resources and further marginalizing these households. Our analyses do not provide evidence that long-term resident communities contributed to forest cover loss between 2000 and 2010. We argue that landscape management, which recognizes local community rights to customary community use areas, and appropriate zoning for commercial land uses and protected areas could contribute to both local livelihoods and protect biodiversity throughout Myanmar during economic growth.