bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating theory and practice: Factors shaping elementary teachers’ interpretation of an inquiry model for teaching social studies
Authors: Howell James B. , Saye John W.
Published: May 2017

This study explored the use of a scaffolded version of lesson study to develop professional teaching knowledge for problem-based historical inquiry among three 4th-grade social studies teachers who taught Alabama History at the same high-poverty elementary school. Lesson study is a collaborative professional development approach that involves teachers designing, implementing, and reflecting on instruction in recursive cycles. Drawing upon observations of lesson study planning and debriefing sessions as well as classroom instruction, researchers examined the three teachers’ adoption of professional teaching knowledge for problem-based historical inquiry following three yearlong lesson study cycles. Findings suggest lesson study can be used to cultivate professional teaching knowledge for problem-based historical inquiry among elementary social studies teachers, though the transfer of that knowledge to more typical classroom instruction is fraught with challenges. Three factors appeared to explain variations in teachers’ adoption of professional teaching knowledge for problem-based historical inquiry: the degree to which each teacher deferred to professional authorities, whether and how each teacher prioritized developing prior knowledge before higher order thinking, and the extent to which each teacher held idiosyncratic views on teaching and learning.
Slip length for longitudinal shear flow over an arbitrary-protrusion-angle bubble mattress: the small-solid-fraction singularity
Authors: Schnitzer Ory
Published: May 2017

We study the effective slip length for unidirectional flow over a superhydrophobic mattress of bubbles in the small-solid-fraction limit $\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}\ll 1$. Using scaling arguments and utilising an ideal-flow analogy we elucidate the singularity of the slip length as $\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}\rightarrow 0$: relative to the periodicity it scales as $\log (1/\unicode[STIX]{x1D716})$ for protrusion angles $0\leqslant \unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}<\unicode[STIX]{x03C0}/2$ and as $\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}^{-1/2}$ for $0<\unicode[STIX]{x03C0}/2-\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}=O(\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}^{1/2})$. We continue with a detailed asymptotic analysis using the method of matched asymptotic expansions, where ‘inner’ solutions valid close to the solid segments are matched with ‘outer’ solutions valid on the scale of the periodicity, where the bubbles protruding from the solid grooves appear to touch. The analysis yields asymptotic expansions for the effective slip length in each of the protrusion-angle regimes. These expansions overlap for intermediate protrusion angles, which allows us to form a uniformly valid approximation for arbitrary protrusion angles $0\leqslant \unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}\leqslant \unicode[STIX]{x03C0}/2$. We thereby explicitly describe the transition with increasing protrusion angle from a logarithmic to an algebraic small-solid-fraction slip-length singularity.
Transition induced by linear and nonlinear perturbation growth in flow past a compressor blade
Authors: Mao X. , Zaki T. A. , Sherwin S. J. , Blackburn H. M.
Published: May 2017

Flow past a NACA 65 blade at chord-based Reynolds number 138 500 is studied using stability analysis, generalized (spatially weighted) transient growth analysis and direct numerical simulations (DNS). The mechanisms of transition on various sections of the blade observed in previous work by Zaki et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 665, 2010, pp. 57–98) are examined, with a focus on the pressure side around the leading edge. In this region, the linearly most energetic perturbation has spanwise wavenumber $40\unicode[STIX]{x03C0}$ (five boundary-layer thicknesses) and is tilted against the mean shear to take advantage of the Orr mechanism. In a DNS, the nonlinear development of this optimal perturbation induces $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}$ structures, which are further stretched to hairpin vortices before breaking down to turbulence. At higher spanwise wavenumber, e.g. $120\unicode[STIX]{x03C0}$, a free-stream optimal perturbation is obtained upstream of the leading edge, in the form of streamwise vortices. During its nonlinear evolution, this optimal perturbation tilts the mean shear and generates spanwise periodic high- and low-speed streaks. Then through a nonlinear lift-up mechanism, the low-speed streaks are lifted above the high-speed ones. This layout of streaks generates a mean shear with two inflectional points and activates secondary instabilities, namely inner and outer instabilities previously reported in the literature.
Carbon Reservoir Effects in Eastern Oyster from Apalachicola Bay, USA
Authors: Hadden Carla S , Cherkinsky Alexander
Published: May 2017

Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) is an ubiquitous estuarine shellfish taxon in eastern North America and one of the most abundant materials available for radiocarbon (14C) dating. We examine spatiotemporal variability in carbon reservoir effects among pre-bomb oysters from Apalachicola Bay, USA, a river-influenced estuary on the northern Gulf of Mexico. Shells were sampled at multiple points along the valve to produce time-series records of14C variation during the lives of the mollusks. Conventional ages within shells differed by as little as 3614C yr to as much as 29514C yr. Reservoir offsets varied sub-regionally within the estuary, increasing from 92±37 yr in the eastern edge of study region to 227±110 yr in the west, reflecting the influence of14C-depleted dissolved inorganic carbon from the Apalachicola River. Dynamic carbon reservoirs can pose problems for the estimation of ΔR and for building coastal chronologies. Estimating sub-regional ΔR values can be useful for assessing the range of variability in reservoir offsets within an estuary, and for correcting sample ages if the shell origin is known. Greater variability and/or uncertainty in ΔR lead to greater uncertainty in the calibrated age.
Pope Gregory XVI's Chocolate Enterprise: How Some Italian Clerics Survived Financially During the Napoleonic Era
Authors: Korten Christopher
Published: May 2017

Chocolate has early associations in the West with Spanish Catholic missionaries to America. From the middle of the sixteenth century, chocolate was employed in many useful ways, including economic capacities. However, till now, there have been no associations with the liquid drink and financial survival during and after periods of war or revolution. Yet during the Napoleonic years (1798–1814), chocolate was employed to support certain impoverished Italian clerics during the leanest years of the period. Leading one of these initiatives was Mauro Cappellari, the future Pope Gregory XVI (r. 1831–1846), who, along with others in his Camaldolese order, produced and retailed the chocolate throughout Italian lands. This article draws on Italian archival materials in Rome and Camaldoli in order to piece together this hitherto overlooked food enterprise. In addition, this article will also reveal much about the chocolate trade and production in Italian lands in general.
Law and compassion
Authors: Feenan Dermot
Published: May 2017

This paper provides the first overarching exploration and discussion of the relationship between law and compassion, based on a broad review of law and associated literature. The paper reviews the English-language literature worldwide, identifying and analysing key themes. It lays out a number of themes by which the relationship may be examined, including the problematic of defining compassion, addressing the concept of compassion, its components, to whom it is owed and under what conditions it is owed. The paper reviews how compassion is defined in formal law, including in case-law and legislation across a range of common-law and civil-law countries, and in international human rights and humanitarian law−revealing various judicial and legislative approaches to the place, meaning and application of compassion. The discussion of primary and secondary sources suggests a number of ways of thinking about the place or absence of compassion in law: how it helps theorise law, including its normative presuppositions and the conceptualisation of law. The paper concludes with consideration of possible pathways for future research on law and compassion.
Compassion and the rule of law
Authors: Bandes Susan A.
Published: May 2017

Compassion poses difficult challenges for the rule of law. The compassionate response is often cast as a deviation from settled law rather than a principled application of it. Compassion so understood is troubling, most obviously because it poses a challenge to overall fairness, notice and consistency. Although compassion is usually approached as a factor influencing substantive outcomes, I argue to the contrary that compassion cannot serve as a reliable indicator of who should prevail in legal debates. Whether compassion should inform substance is a normative question that must be answered in light of the purposes of the tribunal and the principles it seeks to advance. I propose instead that compassion's importance lies in its ability to aid decision-makers in understanding what is at stake for the litigant. In this sense, compassion is closely tied to humility: both are reminders of human fallibility and of the limits of individual understanding.
Merkmale und prädiktiver Wert von früher Verschlechterung in der ambulanten Psychotherapie
Authors: Schlagert Henrike Stephanie , Hiller Wolfgang
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Trotz des anhaltenden Forschungsinteresses an frühen Therapieerfolgen (Early Response), wurden frühe Verschlechterungen in bisherigen Untersuchungen eher vernachlässigt. Fragestellung: Diese Studie untersucht Merkmale und prädiktive Qualität einer frühen Verschlechterung für das Behandlungsergebnis in einer verhaltenstherapeutischen Hochschulambulanz. Methode: 1983 Patienten wurden anhand des Reliable Change Indexes (RCI) auf das Vorliegen einer frühen Verschlechterung der psychischen Belastung überprüft. Ergebnisse: Es fanden sich nur wenige charakteristische Merkmale einer frühen Verschlechterung (z. B. höhere Anzahl psychischer Störungen). Sich früh verschlechternde Patienten erreichten seltener Response (OR = 7,45) beziehungsweise Remission (OR = 11,43) und zeigten häufiger Verschlechterungen (OR = 40,68) und pathologische Abschlusswerte (OR = 5,02) zu Therapieende. Schlussfolgerung: Verschlechterungen in der frühen Therapiephase sind mit negativen Behandlungsresultaten assoziiert und sollten bei der Behandlungsplanung ambulanter Psychotherapien berücksichtigt werden.
Die Wirksamkeit psychotherapeutischer Behandlung von Sexualstraftätern nach Entlassung aus dem Strafvollzug
Authors: Keßler Achim , Rettenberger Martin
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Das zentrale Wirkkriterium forensischer Psychotherapie besteht in der Verringerung des Rückfallrisikos hinsichtlich neuerlicher Straftaten. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde die in Hessen dezentral organisierte psychotherapeutische Versorgung von Personen, die aufgrund sexuell motivierter Straftaten verurteilt wurden, evaluiert. Methoden: Hierfür wurden psychotherapeutisch behandelte Probanden (n = 134) mit psychotherapeutisch nicht behandelten Probanden (n = 134) hinsichtlich der Rückfälligkeit verglichen, wobei die Vergleichbarkeit beider Gruppen mittels eines Matching-Verfahrens bezüglich rückfallrisikorelevanter Merkmale sichergestellt wurde. Der Behandlungserfolg wurde mit Hilfe zweier Rückfalldatenquellen überprüft: Erneut eingegangene Anzeigen bei der Staatsanwaltschaft sowie Wiederverurteilung und erneute Eintragung im Bundeszentralregister (BZR). Ergebnisse: Behandelte Probanden wiesen hinsichtlich allgemein gewalttätiger und sexuell motivierter Rückfälle signifikant niedrigere Anzeigeraten auf (14.2 % bzw. 9.7 %) als die unbehandelten Vergleichsprobanden (26.9 % bzw. 19.4 %), wobei bei den übrigen Rückfallkriterien die Signifikanzgrenze nicht erreicht wurde. Diskussion: Die Ergebnisse der vorliegenden Studie verdeutlichen, dass auch eine dezentral organisierte Versorgungsstruktur grundsätzlich geeignet ist, zur Verhinderung von Rückfällen von entlassenen Sexualstraftätern beizutragen.
Comparative transcriptomics analyses reveal the conservation of an ancestral infectious strategy in two bacteriophage genera
Authors: Blasdel Bob G , Chevallereau Anne , Monot Marc , Lavigne Rob , Debarbieux Laurent
Published: May 2017

Although the evolution of tailed bacteriophages has increasingly been better understood through comparisons of their DNA sequences, the functional consequences of this evolution on phage infectious strategies have remained unresolved. In this study, we comprehensively compared the transcriptional strategies of two related myoviruses, PAK_P3 and PAK_P4, infecting the same Pseudomonas aeruginosa host strain. Outside of the conservation of their structural clusters, their highly syntenic genomes display only limited DNA similarity. Despite this apparent divergence, we found that both viruses follow a similar infection scheme, relying on a temporal regulation of their gene expression, likely involving the use of antisense transcripts, as well as a rapid degradation of 90% of the host non-ribosomal mRNA, as previously reported for PAK_P3. However, the kinetics of the mRNA degradation is remarkably faster during PAK_P4 infection. Moreover, we found that each virus has evolved specific adaptations, as exemplified by the distinct patterns of their core genes expression as well as the specific manipulation of the expression of iron-related host genes by PAK_P4. This study enhances our understanding of the evolutionary process of virulent phages, which relies on adjusting globally conserved ancestral infection mechanisms.
A simple optogenetic MAPK inhibitor design reveals resonance between transcription-regulating circuitry and temporally-encoded inputs
Authors: Melero-Fernandez de Mera Raquel M. , Li Li-Li , Popinigis Arkadiusz , Cisek Katryna , Tuittila Minna , Yadav Leena , Serva Andrius , Courtney Michael J.
Published: May 2017

Engineering light-sensitive protein regulators has been a tremendous multidisciplinary challenge. Optogenetic regulators of MAPKs, central nodes of cellular regulation, have not previously been described. Here we present OptoJNKi, a light-regulated JNK inhibitor based on the AsLOV2 light-sensor domain using the ubiquitous FMN chromophore. OptoJNKi gene-transfer allows optogenetic applications, whereas protein delivery allows optopharmacology. Development of OptoJNKi suggests a design principle for other optically regulated inhibitors. From this, we generate Optop38i, which inhibits p38MAPK in intact illuminated cells. Neurons are known for interpreting temporally-encoded inputs via interplay between ion channels, membrane potential and intracellular calcium. However, the consequences of temporal variation of JNK-regulating trophic inputs, potentially resulting from synaptic activity and reversible cellular protrusions, on downstream targets are unknown. Using OptoJNKi, we reveal maximal regulation of c-Jun transactivation can occur at unexpectedly slow periodicities of inhibition depending on the inhibitor’s subcellular location. This provides evidence for resonance in metazoan JNK-signalling circuits.
Pore configuration landscape of granular crystallization
Authors: Saadatfar M. , Takeuchi H. , Robins V. , Francois N. , Hiraoka Y.
Published: May 2017

Uncovering grain-scale mechanisms that underlie the disorder–order transition in assemblies of dissipative, athermal particles is a fundamental problem with technological relevance. To date, the study of granular crystallization has mainly focussed on the symmetry of crystalline patterns while their emergence and growth from irregular clusters of grains remains largely unexplored. Here crystallization of three-dimensional packings of frictional spheres is studied at the grain-scale using X-ray tomography and persistent homology. The latter produces a map of the topological configurations of grains within static partially crystallized packings. Using numerical simulations, we show that similar maps are measured dynamically during the melting of a perfect crystal. This map encodes new information on the formation process of tetrahedral and octahedral pores, the building blocks of perfect crystals. Four key formation mechanisms of these pores reproduce the main changes of the map during crystallization and provide continuous deformation pathways representative of the crystallization dynamics.
Using shape to turn off blinking for two-colour multiexciton emission in CdSe/CdS tetrapods
Authors: Mishra Nimai , Orfield Noah J. , Wang Feng , Hu Zhongjian , Krishnamurthy Sachidananda , Malko Anton V. , Casson Joanna L. , Htoon Han , Sykora Milan , Hollingsworth Jennifer A.
Published: May 2017

Semiconductor nanostructures capable of emitting from two excited states and thereby of producing two photoluminescence colours are of fundamental and potential technological significance. In this limited class of nanocrystals, CdSe/CdS core/arm tetrapods exhibit the unusual trait of two-colour (red and green) multiexcitonic emission, with green emission from the CdS arms emerging only at high excitation fluences. Here we show that by synthetic shape-tuning, both this multi-colour emission process, and blinking and photobleaching behaviours of single tetrapods can be controlled. Specifically, we find that the properties of dual emission and single-nanostructure photostability depend on different structural parameters—arm length and arm diameter, respectively—but that both properties can be realized in the same nanostructure. Furthermore, based on results of correlated photoluminescence and transient absorption measurements, we conclude that hole-trap filling in the arms and partial state-filling in the core are necessary preconditions for the observation of multiexciton multi-colour emission.
L-selectin mechanochemistry restricts neutrophil priming in vivo
Authors: Liu Zhenghui , Yago Tadayuki , Zhang Nan , Panicker Sumith R. , Wang Ying , Yao Longbiao , Mehta-D’souza Padmaja , Xia Lijun , Zhu Cheng , McEver Rodger P.
Published: May 2017

Circulating neutrophils must avoid premature activation to prevent tissue injury. The leukocyte adhesion receptor L-selectin forms bonds with P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) on other leukocytes and with peripheral node addressin (PNAd) on high endothelial venules. Mechanical forces can strengthen (catch) or weaken (slip) bonds between biological molecules. How these mechanochemical processes influence functionin vivois unexplored. Here we show that mice expressing an L-selectin mutant (N138G) have altered catch bonds and prolonged bond lifetimes at low forces. Basal lymphocyte homing and neutrophil recruitment to inflamed sites are normal. However, circulating neutrophils form unstable aggregates and are unexpectedly primed to respond robustly to inflammatory mediators. Priming requires signals transduced through L-selectin N138G after it engages PSGL-1 or PNAd. Priming enhances bacterial clearance but increases inflammatory injury and enlarges venous thrombi. Thus, L-selectin mechanochemistry limits premature activation of neutrophils. Our results highlight the importance of probing how mechanochemistry functionsin vivo.
Face classification using electronic synapses
Authors: Yao Peng , Wu Huaqiang , Gao Bin , Eryilmaz Sukru Burc , Huang Xueyao , Zhang Wenqiang , Zhang Qingtian , Deng Ning , Shi Luping , Wong H.-S. Philip , Qian He
Published: May 2017

Conventional hardware platforms consume huge amount of energy for cognitive learning due to the data movement between the processor and the off-chip memory. Brain-inspired device technologies using analogue weight storage allow to complete cognitive tasks more efficiently. Here we present an analogue non-volatile resistive memory (an electronic synapse) with foundry friendly materials. The device shows bidirectional continuous weight modulation behaviour. Grey-scale face classification is experimentally demonstrated using an integrated 1024-cell array with parallel online training. The energy consumption within the analogue synapses for each iteration is 1,000 × (20 ×) lower compared to an implementation using Intel Xeon Phi processor with off-chip memory (with hypothetical on-chip digital resistive random access memory). The accuracy on test sets is close to the result using a central processing unit. These experimental results consolidate the feasibility of analogue synaptic array and pave the way toward building an energy efficient and large-scale neuromorphic system.
RAF proteins exert both specific and compensatory functions during tumour progression of NRAS-driven melanoma
Authors: Dorard Coralie , Estrada Charlène , Barbotin Céline , Larcher Magalie , Garancher Alexandra , Leloup Jessy , Beermann Friedrich , Baccarini Manuela , Pouponnot Celio , Larue Lionel , Eychène Alain , Druillennec Sabine
Published: May 2017

NRAS and its effector BRAF are frequently mutated in melanoma. Paradoxically, CRAF but not BRAF was shown to be critical for various RAS-driven cancers, raising the question of the role of RAF proteins in NRAS-induced melanoma. Here, using conditional ablation of Raf genes in NRAS-induced mouse melanoma models, we investigate their contribution in tumour progression, from the onset of benign tumours to malignant tumour maintenance. We show that BRAF expression is required for ERK activation and nevi development, demonstrating a critical role in the early stages of NRAS-driven melanoma. After melanoma formation, single Braf or Craf ablation is not sufficient to block tumour growth, showing redundant functions for RAF kinases. Finally, proliferation of resistant cells emerging in the absence of BRAF and CRAF remains dependent on ARAF-mediated ERK activation. These results reveal specific and compensatory functions for BRAF and CRAF and highlight an addiction to RAF signalling in NRAS-driven melanoma.
Quantum vertex model for reversible classical computing
Authors: Chamon C. , Mucciolo E. R. , Ruckenstein A. E. , Yang Z.-C.
Published: May 2017

Mappings of classical computation onto statistical mechanics models have led to remarkable successes in addressing some complex computational problems. However, such mappings display thermodynamic phase transitions that may prevent reaching solution even for easy problems known to be solvable in polynomial time. Here we map universal reversible classical computations onto a planar vertex model that exhibits no bulk classical thermodynamic phase transition, independent of the computational circuit. Within our approach the solution of the computation is encoded in the ground state of the vertex model and its complexity is reflected in the dynamics of the relaxation of the system to its ground state. We use thermal annealing with and without ‘learning’ to explore typical computational problems. We also construct a mapping of the vertex model into the Chimera architecture of the D-Wave machine, initiating an approach to reversible classical computation based on state-of-the-art implementations of quantum annealing.
Locus-specific histone deacetylation using a synthetic CRISPR-Cas9-based HDAC
Authors: Kwon Deborah Y. , Zhao Ying-Tao , Lamonica Janine M. , Zhou Zhaolan
Published: May 2017

Efforts to manipulate locus-specific histone acetylation to assess their causal role in gene expression and cellular and behavioural phenotypes have been impeded by a lack of experimental tools. The Cas9 nuclease has been adapted to target epigenomic modifications, but a detailed description of the parameters of such synthetic epigenome remodellers is still lacking. Here we describe a Cas9-based histone deacetylase (HDAC) and the design principles required to achieve locus-specific histone deacetylation. We assess its range of activity and specificity, and analyse target gene expression in two different cell types to investigate cellular context-dependent effects. Our findings demonstrate that the chromatin environment is an important element to consider when utilizing this synthetic HDAC.
Reciprocal regulation of the Il9 locus by counteracting activities of transcription factors IRF1 and IRF4
Authors: Campos Carrascosa Lucia , Klein Matthias , Kitagawa Yohko , Lückel Christina , Marini Federico , König Anika , Guralnik Anna , Raifer Hartmann , Hagner-Benes Stefanie , Rädler Diana , Böck Andreas , Kang Cholho , Lohoff Michael , Garn Holger , Schaub Bianca , Berberich-Siebelt Friederike , Sakaguchi Shimon , Bopp Tobias , Huber Magdalena
Published: May 2017

The T helper 9 (Th9) cell transcriptional network is formed by an equilibrium of signals induced by cytokines and antigen presentation. Here we show that, within this network, two interferon regulatory factors (IRF), IRF1 and IRF4, display opposing effects on Th9 differentiation. IRF4 dose-dependently promotes, whereas IRF1 inhibits, IL-9 production. Likewise, IRF1 inhibits IL-9 production by human Th9 cells. IRF1 counteracts IRF4-drivenIl9promoter activity, and IRF1 and IRF4 have opposing function on activating histone modifications, thus modulating RNA polymerase II recruitment. IRF1 occupancy correlates with decreased IRF4 abundance, suggesting an IRF1-IRF4-binding competition at theIl9locus. Furthermore, IRF1 shapes Th9 cells with an interferon/Th1 gene signature. Consistently, IRF1 restricts the IL-9-dependent pathogenicity of Th9 cells in a mouse model of allergic asthma. Thus our study reveals that the molecular ratio between IRF4 and IRF1 balances Th9 fate, thus providing new possibilities for manipulation of Th9 differentiation.
Potent antitumour activity of interleukin-2-Fc fusion proteins requires Fc-mediated depletion of regulatory T-cells
Authors: Vazquez-Lombardi Rodrigo , Loetsch Claudia , Zinkl Daniela , Jackson Jennifer , Schofield Peter , Deenick Elissa K. , King Cecile , Phan Tri Giang , Webster Kylie E. , Sprent Jonathan , Christ Daniel
Published: May 2017

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is an established therapeutic agent used for cancer immunotherapy. Since treatment efficacy is mediated by CD8+and NK cell activity at the tumour site, considerable efforts have focused on generating variants that expand these subsets systemically, as exemplified by IL-2/antibody complexes and ‘superkines’. Here we describe a novel determinant of antitumour activity using fusion proteins consisting of IL-2 and the antibody fragment crystallizable (Fc) region. Generation of long-lived IL-2-Fc variants in which CD25 binding is abolished through mutation effectively prevents unwanted activation of CD25+regulatory T-cells (Tregs) and results in strong expansion of CD25−cytotoxic subsets. Surprisingly, however, such variants are less effective than wild-type IL-2-Fc in mediating tumour rejection. Instead, we report that efficacy is crucially dependent on depletion of Tregs through Fc-mediated immune effector functions. Our results underpin an unexpected mechanism of action and provide important guidance for the development of next generation IL-2 therapeutics.
A TRIM insertion in the promoter of Ms2 causes male sterility in wheat
Authors: Xia Chuan , Zhang Lichao , Zou Cheng , Gu Yongqiang , Duan Jialei , Zhao Guangyao , Wu Jiajie , Liu Yue , Fang Xiaohua , Gao Lifeng , Jiao Yuannian , Sun Jiaqiang , Pan Yinghong , Liu Xu , Jia Jizeng , Kong Xiuying
Published: May 2017

The male-sterile ms2 mutant has been known for 40 years and has become extremely important in the commercial production of wheat. However, the gene responsible for this phenotype has remained unknown. Here we report the map-based cloning of the Ms2 gene. The Ms2 locus is remarkable in several ways that have implications in basic biology. Beyond having no functional annotation, barely detectable transcription in fertile wild-type wheat plants, and accumulated destructive mutations in Ms2 orthologs, the Ms2 allele in the ms2 mutant has acquired a terminal-repeat retrotransposon in miniature (TRIM) element in its promoter. This TRIM element is responsible for the anther-specific Ms2 activation that confers male sterility. The identification of Ms2 not only unravels the genetic basis of a historically important breeding trait, but also shows an example of how a TRIM element insertion near a gene can contribute to genetic novelty and phenotypic plasticity.
Expression and Activity of the BioH Esterase of Biotin Synthesis is Independent of Genome Context
Authors: Cao Xinyun , Zhu Lei , Hu Zhe , Cronan John E.
Published: May 2017

BioH is an α/β-hydrolase required for synthesis of the pimelate moiety of biotin in diverse bacteria. The bioH gene is found in different genomic contexts. In some cases (e.g., Escherichia coli) the gene is not located within a biotin synthetic operon and its transcription is not coregulated with the other biotin synthesis genes. In other genomes such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa the bioH gene is within a biotin synthesis operon and its transcription is coregulated with the other biotin operon genes. The esterases of pimelate moiety synthesis show remarkable genomic plasticity in that in some biotin operons bioH is replaced by other α/ß hydrolases of diverse sequence. The “wild card” nature of these enzymes led us to compare the paradigm “freestanding” E. coli BioH with the operon-encoded P. aeruginosa BioH. We hypothesized that the operon-encoded BioH might differ in its expression level and/or activity from the freestanding BioH gene. We report this is not the case. The two BioH proteins show remarkably similar hydrolase activities and substrate specificity. Moreover, Pseudomonas aeruginosa BioH is more highly expressed than E. coli BioH. Despite the enzymatic similarities of the two BioH proteins, bioinformatics analysis places the freestanding and operon-encoded BioH proteins into distinct clades.
Mapping anomalous dispersion of air with ultrashort mid-infrared pulses
Authors: Mitrofanov A. V. , Voronin A. A. , Sidorov-Biryukov D. A. , Rozhko M. V. , Stepanov E. A. , Fedotov A. B. , Shumakova V. , Ališauskas S. , Pugžlys A. , Baltuška A. , Zheltikov A. M.
Published: May 2017

We present experimental studies of long-distance transmission of ultrashort mid-infrared laser pulses through atmospheric air, probing air dispersion in the 3.6–4.2-μm wavelength range. Atmospheric air is still highly transparent to electromagnetic radiation in this spectral region, making it interesting for long-distance signal transmission. However, unlike most of the high-transmission regions in gas media, the group-velocity dispersion, as we show in this work, is anomalous at these wavelengths due to the nearby asymmetric-stretch rovibrational band of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The spectrograms of ultrashort mid-infrared laser pulses transmitted over a distance of 60 m in our experiments provide a map of air dispersion in this wavelength range, revealing clear signatures of anomalous dispersion, with anomalous group delays as long as 1.8 ps detected across the bandwidth covered by 80-fs laser pulses.
Emotional Contexts Exert a Distracting Effect on Attention and Inhibitory Control in Female and Male Adolescents
Authors: Ramos-Loyo Julieta , Llamas-Alonso Luis A. , González-Garrido Andrés A. , Hernández-Villalobos Juan
Published: May 2017

Adolescents exhibit difficulties in behavioral regulation that become more evident when emotional contexts are involved, since these may hinder the development of socially-adaptive behaviors. The objectives of the present study were: to examine the influence of emotional contexts on adolescents’ ability to inhibit a prepotent response, evaluated by ERPs, and to determine whether sex differences in response inhibition are observed in adolescents in those contexts. Participants performed a prepotent response inhibition task (Go-NoGo) under 3 background context conditions: neutral, pleasant, and unpleasant. While no differences in accuracy were observed, the presence of emotional contexts did prolong reaction times compared to the neutral context. Also, the unpleasant context caused an enhancement of N2 amplitudes compared to the neutral and pleasant contexts. Also, N2 and P3 latencies were longer in emotional contexts than in the neutral condition during both correct responses and correct inhibitions. No sex differences were found in amplitude, but females showed longer N2 and P3 latencies than males. These results confirm the idea that, in adolescents, unpleasant pictures receive preferential attention over neutral images and so generate greater difficulty in response inhibition. Finally, results demonstrate that sex differences in inhibition control in adolescence were observed only in relation to time-processing.
Scaling of average receiving time on weighted polymer networks with some topological properties
Authors: Ye Dandan , Liu Song , Li Jia , Zhang Fei , Han Changling , Chen Wei , Zhang Yingze
Published: May 2017

In this paper, a family of the weighted polymer networks is introduced depending on the number of copies f and a weight factor r. The topological properties of weighted polymer networks can be completely analytically characterized in terms of the involved parameters and/or of the fractal dimension. Moreover, assuming that the walker, at each step, starting from its current node, moves to any of its neighbors with probability proportional to the weight of edge linking them, namely weight-dependent walk. Then, we calculate the average receiving time (ART) with weighted-dependent walks, which is the sum of mean first-passage times (MFPTs) for all nodes absorpt at the trap located at the central node as a recursive relation. The obtained remarkable results display that when $$\frac{1}{f+1} < r < 1$$

1

f
+
1

<
r
<
1
, the ART grows sublinearly with the network size; when $$r=\frac{1}{f+1}$$
r
=

1

f
+
1

, ART grows with increasing size N
g
as $${\mathrm{ln}}^{2}{N}_{g}$$

ln

2

N

g

; when $$0 < r < \frac{1}{f+1}$$
0
<
r
<

1

f
+
1

, ART grows with increasing size N
g
as ln N
g
. In the treelike polymer networks, ART grows with linearly with the network size N
g
when r = 1. Thus, the weighted polymer networks are more efficient than treelike polymer networks in receiving information.
Enhanced sulfidation xanthate flotation of malachite using ammonium ions as activator
Authors: Wu Dandan , Ma Wenhui , Mao Yingbo , Deng Jiushuai , Wen Shuming
Published: May 2017

In this study, ammonium ion was used to enhance the sulfidation flotation of malachite. The effect of ammonium ion on the sulfidation flotation of malachite was investigated using microflotation test, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis, zeta potential measurements, and scanning electron microscope analysis (SEM). The results of microflotation test show that the addition of sodium sulfide and ammonium sulfate resulted in better sulfidation than the addition of sodium sulfide alone. The results of ICP analysis indicate that the dissolution of enhanced sulfurized malachite surface is significantly decreased. Zeta potential measurements indicate that a smaller isoelectric point value and a large number of copper-sulfide films formed on the malachite surface by enhancing sulfidation resulted in a large amount of sodium butyl xanthate absorbed onto the enhanced sulfurized malachite surface. EDS semi-quantitative analysis and XPS analysis show that malachite was easily sulfurized by sodium sulfide with ammonium ion. These results show that the addition of ammonium ion plays a significant role in the sulfidation of malachite and results in improved flotation performance.
Integrated trophic position decreases in more diverse communities of stream food webs
Authors: Ishikawa Naoto F. , Chikaraishi Yoshito , Ohkouchi Naohiko , Murakami Aya R. , Tayasu Ichiro , Togashi Hiroyuki , Okano Jun-ichi , Sakai Yoichiro , Iwata Tomoya , Kondoh Michio , Okuda Noboru
Published: May 2017

The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning is an important theme in environmental sciences. We propose a new index for configuration of the biomass pyramid in an ecosystem, named integrated trophic position (iTP). The iTP is defined as a sum of trophic positions (i.e. the average number of steps involved in biomass transfer) of all the animals in a food web integrated by their individual biomass. The observed iTP for stream macroinvertebrates ranged from 2.39 to 2.79 and was negatively correlated with the species density and the Shannon–Wiener diversity index of the local community. The results indicate a lower efficiency of biomass transfer in more diverse communities, which may be explained by the variance in edibility hypothesis and/or the trophic omnivory hypothesis. We found a negative effect of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning.
Kup-mediated Cs+ uptake and Kdp-driven K+ uptake coordinate to promote cell growth during excess Cs+ conditions in Escherichia coli
Authors: Tanudjaja Ellen , Hoshi Naomi , Su Yi-Hsin , Hamamoto Shin , Uozumi Nobuyuki
Published: May 2017

The physiological effects of caesium (Cs) on living cells are poorly understood. Here, we examined the physiological role of Cs+ on the activity of the potassium transporters in E. coli. In the absence of potassium (K+), Kup-mediated Cs+ uptake partially supported cell growth, however, at a much lower rate than with sufficient K+. In K+-limited medium (0.1 mM), the presence of Cs+ (up to 25 mM) in the medium enhanced growth as much as control medium containing 1 mM K+. This effect depended on the maintenance of basal levels of intracellular K+ by other K+ uptake transporters. Higher amounts of K+ (1 mM) in the medium eliminated the positive effect of Cs+ on growth, and revealed the inhibitory effect of high Cs+ on the growth of wild-type E. coli. Cells lacking Kdp, TrkG and TrkH but expressing Kup grew less well when Cs+ was increased in the medium. A kdp mutant contained an increased ratio of Cs+/K+ in the presence of high Cs+ in the medium and consequently was strongly inhibited in growth. Taken together, under excess Cs+ conditions Kup-mediated Cs+ influx sustains cell growth, which is supported by intracellular K+ supplied by Kdp.
Diagnosing congenital malaria in a high-transmission setting: clinical relevance and usefulness of P. falciparum HRP2-based testing
Authors: Natama Hamtandi Magloire , Ouedraogo Delwendé Florence , Sorgho Hermann , Rovira-Vallbona Eduard , Serra-Casas Elisa , Somé M. Athanase , Coulibaly-Traoré Maminata , Mens Petra F. , Kestens Luc , Tinto Halidou , Rosanas-Urgell Anna
Published: May 2017

Congenital malaria diagnosis is challenging due to frequently observed low parasite density infections, while their clinical relevance during early infancy is not well characterized. In Nanoro health district (Burkina Faso), we determined the prevalence of congenital malaria by real-time quantitative PCR and we assessed the performance of rapid diagnosis test (RDT) and light microscopy (LM) to detect Plasmodium falciparum infections in cord-blood samples. In addition, we examined the usefulness of P. falciparum Histidine Rich Protein2 (PfHRP2) as surrogate biomarker of infection and explored association between congenital malaria and clinical outcomes. A prevalence of congenital malaria by qPCR of 4% (16/400) was found, which increased to 10% among newborns from mothers infected at delivery. RDT and LM showed poor performances indicating limited utility for congenital malaria screening in cord blood. Because PfHRP2 detection in cord blood could be affected by transplacental passage of parasite antigens, PfHRP2 might not be used as a surrogate biomarker of congenital malaria infections. There was no evidence of a significant clinical impact of congenital malaria on infant’s health from birth to 59 days of life. Case control studies including long-term follow up may provide additional understanding on the relevance of neonatal malaria infections.
Microstructures, mechanical behavior and strengthening mechanism of TiSiCN nanocomposite films
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Ping , Xue Zenghui , Ma Fengcang , Zhang Ke , Chen Xiaohong , Feng Rui , Liaw Peter K.
Published: May 2017

Currently, the arguments have existed in the strengthening mechanism and microstructural model of the nanocomposite film due to lack of the convincible experimental evidences. In this investigation, the quarternary TiSiCN nanocomposite films with the different C and Si contents are synthesized by the reactive-magnetron-sputtering technique. The TiSiCN film is characterized as the nanocomposite structure with the TiN nanocrystallites surrounded by the (Si3N4 + C + CNx) interface phase. When the C/Si content ratio is 2:2, the TiSiCN nanocomposite film is remarkably strengthened with the maximal hardness and elastic modulus of 46.1 GPa and 425 GPa, respectively. Meanwhile, the (Si3N4 + C + CNx) interfaces exhibit as a crystallized form, which can coordinate the growth misorientations and maintain the coherently epitaxial growth between the TiN nanocrystallites and interfaces. Through the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) observations, this investigation firstly provides the direct experimental evidence for the crystallized feature of the interfaces when the TiSiCN nanocomposite film is strengthened, suggesting that the strengthening effect of the TiSiCN nanocomposite film can be attributed to the coherent-interface strengthening mechanism, which is expressed as the “nc-TiN/c-Si3N4/c-C/c-CNx” model.
MUG-Mel2, a novel highly pigmented and well characterized NRAS mutated human melanoma cell line
Authors: Rinner Beate , Gandolfi Greta , Meditz Katharina , Frisch Marie-Therese , Wagner Karin , Ciarrocchi Alessia , Torricelli Federica , Koivuniemi Raili , Niklander Johanna , Liegl-Atzwanger Bernadette , Lohberger Birgit , Heitzer Ellen , Ghaffari-Tabrizi-Wizsy Nassim , Zweytick Dagmar , Zalaudek Iris
Published: May 2017

NRAS mutation in melanoma has been associated with aggressive tumor biology and poor prognosis. Although targeted therapy has been tested for NRAS mutated melanoma, response rates still appear much weaker, than in BRAF mutated melanoma. While plenty of cell lines exist, however, only few melanogenic cell lines retain their in vivo characteristics. In this work we present an intensively pigmented and well-characterized cell line derived from a highly aggressive NRAS mutated cutaneous melanoma, named MUG-Mel2. We present the clinical course, unique morphology, angiogenic properties, growth characteristics using in vivo experiments and 3D cell culture, and results of the exome gene sequencing of an intensively pigmented melanogenic cell line MUG-Mel2, derived from a cutaneous metastasis of an aggressive NRAS p. Q61R mutated melanoma. Amongst several genetic alterations, mutations in GRIN2A, CREBP, PIK3C2G, ATM, and ATR were present. These mutations, known to reinforce DNA repair problems in melanoma, might serve as potential treatment targets. The aggressive and fast growing behavior in animal models and the obtained phenotype in 3D culture reveal a perfect model for research in the field of NRAS mutated melanoma.
3D micro-structured arrays of ZnΟ nanorods
Authors: Giakoumaki Argyro N. , Kenanakis George , Klini Argyro , Androulidaki Maria , Viskadourakis Zacharias , Farsari Maria , Selimis Alexandros
Published: May 2017

The fabrication of nanostructures with controlled assembly and architecture is very important for the development of novel nanomaterial-based devices. We demonstrate that laser techniques coupled with low-temperature hydrothermal growth enable complex three-dimensional ZnO nanorod patterning on various types of substrates and geometries. This methodology is based on a procedure involving the 3D scaffold fabrication using Multi-Photon Lithography of a photosensitive material, followed by Zn seeded Aqueous Chemical Growth of ZnO nanorods. 3D, uniformly aligned ZnO nanorods are produced. The increase in active surface area, up to 4.4 times in the cases presented here, provides a dramatic increase in photocatalytic performance, while other applications are also proposed.
A Molecular Basis for Selective Antagonist Destabilization of Dopamine D3 Receptor Quaternary Organization
Authors: Marsango Sara , Caltabiano Gianluigi , Jiménez-Rosés Mireia , Millan Mark J. , Pediani John D. , Ward Richard J. , Milligan Graeme
Published: May 2017

The dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) is a molecular target for both first-generation and several recently-developed antipsychotic agents. Following stable expression of this mEGFP-tagged receptor, Spatial Intensity Distribution Analysis indicated that a substantial proportion of the receptor was present within dimeric/oligomeric complexes and that increased expression levels of the receptor favored a greater dimer to monomer ratio. Addition of the antipsychotics, spiperone or haloperidol, resulted in re-organization of D3R quaternary structure to promote monomerization. This action was dependent on ligand concentration and reversed upon drug washout. By contrast, a number of other antagonists with high affinity at the D3R, did not alter the dimer/monomer ratio. Molecular dynamics simulations following docking of each of the ligands into a model of the D3R derived from the available atomic level structure, and comparisons to the receptor in the absence of ligand, were undertaken. They showed that, in contrast to the other antagonists, spiperone and haloperidol respectively increased the atomic distance between reference α carbon atoms of transmembrane domains IV and V and I and II, both of which provide key interfaces for D3R dimerization. These results offer a molecular explanation for the distinctive ability of spiperone and haloperidol to disrupt D3R dimerization.
Dynamics of oscillators globally coupled via two mean fields
Authors: Zhang Xiyun , Pikovsky Arkady , Liu Zonghua
Published: May 2017

Many studies of synchronization properties of coupled oscillators, based on the classical Kuramoto approach, focus on ensembles coupled via a mean field. Here we introduce a setup of Kuramoto-type phase oscillators coupled via two mean fields. We derive stability properties of the incoherent state and find traveling wave solutions with different locking patterns; stability properties of these waves are found numerically. Mostly nontrivial states appear when the two fields compete, i.e. one tends to synchronize oscillators while the other one desynchronizes them. Here we identify normal branches which bifurcate from the incoherent state in a usual way, and anomalous branches, appearance of which cannot be described as a bifurcation. Furthermore, hybrid branches combining properties of both are described. In the situations where no stable traveling wave exists, modulated quasiperiodic in time dynamics is observed. Our results indicate that a competition between two coupling channels can lead to a complex system behavior, providing a potential generalized framework for understanding of complex phenomena in natural oscillatory systems.
Cryo-Electron Microscopy Structure of the Macrobrachium rosenbergii Nodavirus Capsid at 7 Angstroms Resolution
Authors: Ho Kok Lian , Kueh Chare Li , Beh Poay Ling , Tan Wen Siang , Bhella David
Published: May 2017

White tail disease in the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii causes significant economic losses in shrimp farms and hatcheries and poses a threat to food-security in many developing countries. Outbreaks of Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV), the causative agent of white tail disease (WTD) are associated with up to 100% mortality rates. There are no interventions available to treat or prevent MrNV disease however. Here we show the structure of MrNV virus-like particles (VLPs) produced by recombinant expression of the capsid protein, using cryogenic electron microscopy. Our data show that MrNV VLPs package nucleic acids in a manner reminiscent of other known nodavirus structures. The structure of the capsid however shows striking differences from insect and fish infecting nodaviruses, which have been shown to assemble trimer-clustered T = 3 icosahedral virus particles. MrNV particles have pronounced dimeric blade-shaped spikes extending up to 6 nm from the outer surface of the capsid shell. Our structural analysis supports the assertion that MrNV may belong to a new genus of the Nodaviridae. Moreover, our study provides the first structural view of an important pathogen affecting aquaculture industries across the world.