bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gastrointestinal helminth fauna of rodents from Cambodia: emphasizing the community ecology of host–parasite associations
Authors: Chaisiri K. , Chou M. , Siew C.C. , Morand S. , Ribas A.
Published: December 2016

Extensive field surveys of rodents were conducted in Cambodia from 2008 to 2014 to study the diversity and ecology of helminth infection in wild rodent populations. Gastrointestinal helminths were isolated from 14 species of rodents (569 individuals) trapped from different habitats (forest, dry land, rain-fed land and human settlements) in four provinces of Cambodia (Krong Preah Sihanouk, Mondolkiri, Pursat and Steung Treng). The average prevalence of parasitic infection was 58.5% (range, 16.0–64.7%), and 19 helminth taxa were identified in total. Trichostrongylid nematodes were the most prevalent (25.8%), followed byRaillietinasp. (14.1%),Gongylonema neoplasticum(10.7%),Syphacia muris(9.8%) andHymenolepis diminuta(9.6%). Potential rodent-borne zoonotic helminths were also identified, and the risks of helminthiasis were discussed. The status of helminth infection and species diversity in rodents from settlements were significantly lower than in rodents from forest and peri-domesticated habitats, which indicates that habitat alteration might affect helminth infection and diversity in rodent hosts. Generalized linear models revealed that host attributes (host species and maturity) and environmental factors (habitat and geographical location) were explanatory variables for helminth infection in these rodents. Using network analyses, we showed that the oriental house rat,Rattus tanezumi, was the most central host in the rodent–helminth assemblage, based on the number of helminth taxa it shared with other rodent species. Therefore,R. tanezumicould play an important role in rodent–helminth interactions and helminth transmission to other rodent hosts.
From neurocognition to community participation in serious mental illness: the intermediary role of dysfunctional attitudes and motivation
Authors: Thomas E. C. , Luther L. , Zullo L. , Beck A. T. , Grant P. M.
Published: November 2016

Background

Evidence for a relationship between neurocognition and functional outcome in important areas of community living is robust in serious mental illness research. Dysfunctional attitudes (defeatist performance beliefs and asocial beliefs) have been identified as intervening variables in this causal chain. This study seeks to expand upon previous research by longitudinally testing the link between neurocognition and community participation (i.e. time in community-based activity) through dysfunctional attitudes and motivation.

Method

Adult outpatients with serious mental illness (N = 175) participated, completing follow-up assessments approximately 6 months after initial assessment. Path analysis tested relationships between baseline neurocognition, emotion perception, functional skills, dysfunctional attitudes, motivation, and outcome (i.e. community participation) at baseline and follow-up.

Results

Path models demonstrated two pathways to community participation. The first linked neurocognition and community participation through functional skills, defeatist performance beliefs, and motivation. A second pathway linked asocial beliefs and community participation, via a direct path passing through motivation. Model fit was excellent for models predicting overall community participation at baseline and, importantly, at follow-up.

Conclusions

The existence of multiple pathways to community participation in a longitudinal model supports the utility of multi-modal interventions for serious mental illness (i.e. treatment packages that build upon individuals’ strengths while addressing the array of obstacles to recovery) that feature dysfunctional attitudes and motivation as treatment targets.
The Role of Metacognitive Strategies in Learning Music: A Multiple Case Study
Authors: Colombo Barbara , Antonietti Alessandro
Published: December 2016

The positive role of metacognition in music learning and practice is well assessed, but the role of musicians’ metacognitive skills in such a context is not yet clear. Teachers often state that they apply a metacognitive approach during their lessons, but students fail to acknowledge it and report that they become metacognitive learners thanks to their own practice. In this multiple case observational study the spontaneous metacognitive behaviour of a teacher during four piano lessons with expert and novice students was analysed. Data supported the notion that teachers use metacognitive strategies during their teaching practice, but students are not aware of this because a metacognitive focus on strategies, as well as a strong emphasis on monitoring, appears to be lacking. Teachers are also able to differentiate their teaching behaviour between expert and novice students. Students’ age, however, affects teachers’ behaviour more deeply than expertise. Implications for music education are discussed, highlighting the main issues that can be derived from the results and how they can be effectively used to enhance professional development and improve practice in music education.
Public Perception of Emergency Medical Services in the United States
Authors: Crowe Remle P. , Levine Roger , Rodriguez Severo , Larrimore Ashley D. , Pirrallo Ronald G.
Published: November 2016

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the public’s experience, expectations, and perceptions related to Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

Methods

A population-based telephone interview of adults in the United States was conducted. The survey instrument consisted of 112 items. Demographic variables including age, race, political beliefs, and household income were collected. Data collection was performed by trained interviewers from Kent State University’s (Kent, Ohio USA)Social Research Laboratory. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Comparative analyses were conducted between those who used EMS at least once in the past five years and those who did not use EMS using χ2andttests.

Results

A total of 2,443 phone calls were made and 1,348 individuals agreed to complete the survey (55.2%). There were 297 individuals who requested to drop out of the survey during the phone interview, leaving a total of 1,051 (43.0%) full responses. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 94 years with an average age of 57.5 years. Most were Caucasian or white (83.0%), married (62.8%), and held conservative political beliefs (54.8%). Three-fourths of all respondents believed that at least 40% of patients survive cardiac arrest when EMS services are received. Over half (56.7%) believed that Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basics and EMT-Paramedics provide the same level of care. The estimated median hours of training required for EMT-Basics was 100 hours (IQR: 40-200 hours), while the vast majority of respondents estimated that EMT-Paramedics are required to take fewer than 1,000 clock hours of training (99.3%). The majority believed EMS professionals should be screened for illegal drug use (97.0%), criminal background (95.9%), mental health (95.2%), and physical fitness (91.3%). Over one-third (37.6%) had used EMS within the past five years. Of these individuals, over two-thirds (69.6%) rated their most recent experience as “excellent.” More of those who used EMS at least once in the past five years reported a willingness to consent to participate in EMS research compared with those who had not used EMS (69.9% vs. 61.4%,P=.005).

Conclusions

Most respondents who had used EMS services rated their experience as excellent. Nevertheless, expectations related to survival after cardiac arrest in the out-of-hospital setting were not realistic. Furthermore, much of the public was unaware of the differences in training hour requirements and level of care provided by EMT-Basics and EMT-Paramedics.

CroweRP,LevineR,RodriguezS,LarrimoreAD,PirralloRG.Public perception of Emergency Medical Services in the United States.Prehosp Disaster Med.2016;31(Suppl.1):s112–s117.
Sensitivity of GBM cells to cAMP agonist-mediated apoptosis correlates with CD44 expression and agonist resistance with MAPK signaling
Authors: Daniel Paul M , Filiz Gulay , Mantamadiotis Theo
Published: December 2016

In some cell types, activation of the second messenger cAMP leads to increased expression of proapoptotic Bim and subsequent cell death. We demonstrate that suppression of the cAMP pathway is a common event across many cancers and that pharmacological activation of cAMP in glioblastoma (GBM) cells leads to enhanced BIM expression and apoptosis in specific GBM cell types. We identified the MAPK signaling axis as the determinant of cAMP agonist sensitivity in GBM cells, with high MAPK activity corresponding to cAMP resistance and low activity corresponding to sensitization to cAMP-induced apoptosis. Sensitive cells were efficiently killed by cAMP agonists alone, while targeting both the cAMP and MAPK pathways in resistant GBM cells resulted in efficient apoptosis. We also show that CD44 is differentially expressed in cAMP agonist-sensitive and -resistant cells. We thus propose that CD44 may be a useful biomarker for distinguishing tumors that may be sensitive to cAMP agonists alone or cAMP agonists in combination with other pathway inhibitors. This suggests that using existing chemotherapeutic compounds in combination with existing FDA-approved cAMP agonists may fast track trials toward improved therapies for difficult-to-treat cancers, such as GBM.
Work extraction from quantum systems with bounded fluctuations in work
Authors: Richens Jonathan G. , Masanes Lluis
Published: November 2016

In the standard framework of thermodynamics, work is a random variable whose average is bounded by the change in free energy of the system. This average work is calculated without regard for the size of its fluctuations. Here we show that for some processes, such as reversible cooling, the fluctuations in work diverge. Realistic thermal machines may be unable to cope with arbitrarily large fluctuations. Hence, it is important to understand how thermodynamic efficiency rates are modified by bounding fluctuations. We quantify the work content and work of formation of arbitrary finite dimensional quantum states when the fluctuations in work are bounded by a given amount c. By varying c we interpolate between the standard and minimum free energies. We derive fundamental trade-offs between the magnitude of work and its fluctuations. As one application of these results, we derive the corrected Carnot efficiency of a qubit heat engine with bounded fluctuations.
Generation of single photons with highly tunable wave shape from a cold atomic ensemble
Authors: Farrera Pau , Heinze Georg , Albrecht Boris , Ho Melvyn , Chávez Matías , Teo Colin , Sangouard Nicolas , de Riedmatten Hugues
Published: November 2016

The generation of ultra-narrowband, pure and storable single photons with widely tunable wave shape is an enabling step toward hybrid quantum networks requiring interconnection of remote disparate quantum systems. It allows interaction of quantum light with several material systems, including photonic quantum memories, single trapped ions and opto-mechanical systems. Previous approaches have offered a limited tuning range of the photon duration of at most one order of magnitude. Here we report on a heralded single photon source with controllable emission time based on a cold atomic ensemble, which can generate photons with temporal durations varying over three orders of magnitude up to 10 μs without a significant change of the readout efficiency. We prove the nonclassicality of the emitted photons, show that they are emitted in a pure state, and demonstrate that ultra-long photons with nonstandard wave shape can be generated, which are ideally suited for several quantum information tasks.
The deubiquitinase USP21 maintains the stemness of mouse embryonic stem cells via stabilization of Nanog
Authors: Jin Jiali , Liu Jian , Chen Cong , Liu Zhenping , Jiang Cong , Chu Hongshang , Pan Weijuan , Wang Xinbo , Zhang Lingqiang , Li Bin , Jiang Cizhong , Ge Xin , Xie Xin , Wang Ping
Published: November 2016

Nanog is a master pluripotency factor of embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Stable expression of Nanog is essential to maintain the stemness of ESCs. However, Nanog is a short-lived protein and quickly degraded by the ubiquitin-dependent proteasome system. Here we report that the deubiquitinase USP21 interacts with, deubiquitinates and stabilizes Nanog, and therefore maintains the protein level of Nanog in mouse ESCs (mESCs). Loss of USP21 results in Nanog degradation, mESCs differentiation and reduces somatic cell reprogramming efficiency. USP21 is a transcriptional target of the LIF/STAT3 pathway and is downregulated upon differentiation. Moreover, differentiation cues promote ERK-mediated phosphorylation and dissociation of USP21 from Nanog, thus leading to Nanog degradation. In addition, USP21 is recruited to gene promoters by Nanog to deubiquitinate histone H2A at K119 and thus facilitates Nanog-mediated gene expression. Together, our findings provide a regulatory mechanism by which extrinsic signals regulate mESC fate via deubiquitinating Nanog.
A redox mechanism underlying nucleolar stress sensing by nucleophosmin
Authors: Yang Kai , Wang Ming , Zhao Yuzheng , Sun Xuxu , Yang Yi , Li Xie , Zhou Aiwu , Chu Huilin , Zhou Hu , Xu Jianrong , Wu Mian , Yang Jie , Yi Jing
Published: November 2016

The nucleolus has been recently described as a stress sensor. The nucleoplasmic translocation of nucleolar protein nucleophosmin (NPM1) is a hallmark of nucleolar stress; however, the causes of this translocation and its connection to p53 activation are unclear. Using single live-cell imaging and the redox biosensors, we demonstrate that nucleolar oxidation is a general response to various cellular stresses. During nucleolar oxidation, NPM1 undergoes S-glutathionylation on cysteine 275, which triggers the dissociation of NPM1 from nucleolar nucleic acids. The C275S mutant NPM1, unable to be glutathionylated, remains in the nucleolus under nucleolar stress. Compared with wild-type NPM1 that can disrupt the p53–HDM2 interaction, the C275S mutant greatly compromises the activation of p53, highlighting that nucleoplasmic translocation of NPM1 is a prerequisite for stress-induced activation of p53. This study elucidates a redox mechanism for the nucleolar stress sensing and may help the development of therapeutic strategies.
Demonstration of a chip-based optical isolator with parametric amplification
Authors: Hua Shiyue , Wen Jianming , Jiang Xiaoshun , Hua Qian , Jiang Liang , Xiao Min
Published: November 2016

Despite being fundamentally challenging in integrated (nano)photonics, achieving chip-based light non-reciprocity becomes increasingly urgent in signal processing and optical communications. Because of material incompatibilities in conventional approaches based on the Faraday effect, alternative solutions have resorted to nonlinear processes to obtain one-way transmission. However, dynamic reciprocity in a recent theoretical analysis has pinned down the functionalities of these nonlinear isolators. To bypass such dynamic reciprocity, we here demonstrate an optical isolator on a silicon chip enforced by phase-matched parametric amplification in four-wave mixing. Using a high-Q microtoroid resonator, we realize highly non-reciprocal transport at the 1,550 nm wavelength when waves are injected from both directions in two different operating configurations. Our design, compatible with current complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) techniques, yields convincing isolation performance with sufficiently low insertion loss for a wide range of input power levels. Moreover, our work demonstrates the possibility of designing chip-based magnetic-free optical isolators for information processing and laser protection.
Global warming-induced upper-ocean freshening and the intensification of super typhoons
Authors: Balaguru Karthik , Foltz Gregory R. , Leung L. Ruby , Emanuel Kerry A.
Published: November 2016

Super typhoons (STYs), intense tropical cyclones of the western North Pacific, rank among the most destructive natural hazards globally. The violent winds of these storms induce deep mixing of the upper ocean, resulting in strong sea surface cooling and making STYs highly sensitive to ocean density stratification. Although a few studies examined the potential impacts of changes in ocean thermal structure on future tropical cyclones, they did not take into account changes in near-surface salinity. Here, using a combination of observations and coupled climate model simulations, we show that freshening of the upper ocean, caused by greater rainfall in places where typhoons form, tends to intensify STYs by reducing their ability to cool the upper ocean. We further demonstrate that the strengthening effect of this freshening over the period 1961–2008 is ∼53% stronger than the suppressive effect of temperature, whereas under twenty-first century projections, the positive effect of salinity is about half of the negative effect of ocean temperature changes.
Atomic structure of the innexin-6 gap junction channel determined by cryo-EM
Authors: Oshima Atsunori , Tani Kazutoshi , Fujiyoshi Yoshinori
Published: December 2016

Innexins, a large protein family comprising invertebrate gap junction channels, play an essential role in nervous system development and electrical synapse formation. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy structures of Caenorhabditis elegans innexin-6 (INX-6) gap junction channels at atomic resolution. We find that the arrangements of the transmembrane helices and extracellular loops of the INX-6 monomeric structure are highly similar to those of connexin-26 (Cx26), despite the lack of significant sequence similarity. The INX-6 gap junction channel comprises hexadecameric subunits but reveals the N-terminal pore funnel, consistent with Cx26. The helix-rich cytoplasmic loop and C-terminus are intercalated one-by-one through an octameric hemichannel, forming a dome-like entrance that interacts with N-terminal loops in the pore. These observations suggest that the INX-6 cytoplasmic domains are cooperatively associated with the N-terminal funnel conformation, and an essential linkage of the N-terminal with channel activity is presumably preserved across gap junction families.
Plasma Proteomic Study in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated with Congenital Heart Diseases
Authors: Zhang Xi , Hou Hai-Tao , Wang Jun , Liu Xiao-Cheng , Yang Qin , He Guo-Wei
Published: November 2016

Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (CHD-PAH) has serious consequence and plasma protein profiles in CHD-PAH are unknown. We aimed to reveal the differential plasma proteins in 272 CHD patients with or without PAH. Various types of CHD-PAH were studied. Differential plasma proteins were first detected by iTRAQ proteomic technology and those with significant clinical relevance were selected for further ELISA validation in new cohort of patients. Among the 190 differential plasma proteins detected by iTRAQ, carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase I (CPSI, related to urea cycle and endogenous nitric oxide production) and complement factor H-related protein 2 (CFHR2, related to complement system and coagulant mechanism) were selected for further ELISA validation in new cohort of 152 patients. Both CPSI and CFHR2 were down-regulated with decreased plasma levels (p < 0.01). Thus, we for the first time in CHD-PAH patients identified a large number of differential plasma proteins. The decreased CPSI expression in CHD-PAH patients may reveal a mechanism related to endogenous nitric oxide and the decrease of CFHR2 protein may demonstrate the deficiency of the immune system and coagulation mechanism. The findings may open a new direction for translational medicine in CHD-PAH with regard to the diagnosis and progress of the disease.
Statistical power considerations in genotype-based recall randomized controlled trials
Authors: Atabaki-Pasdar Naeimeh , Ohlsson Mattias , Shungin Dmitry , Kurbasic Azra , Ingelsson Erik , Pearson Ewan R. , Ali Ashfaq , Franks Paul W.
Published: November 2016

Randomized controlled trials (RCT) are often underpowered for validating gene-treatment interactions. Using published data from the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), we examined power in conventional and genotype-based recall (GBR) trials. We calculated sample size and statistical power for gene-metformin interactions (vs. placebo) using incidence rates, gene-drug interaction effect estimates and allele frequencies reported in the DPP for the rs8065082 SLC47A1 variant, a metformin transported encoding locus. We then calculated statistical power for interactions between genetic risk scores (GRS), metformin treatment and intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) given a range of sampling frames, clinical trial sample sizes, interaction effect estimates, and allele frequencies; outcomes were type 2 diabetes incidence (time-to-event) and change in small LDL particles (continuous outcome). Thereafter, we compared two recruitment frameworks: GBR (participants recruited from the extremes of a GRS distribution) and conventional sampling (participants recruited without explicit emphasis on genetic characteristics). We further examined the influence of outcome measurement error on statistical power. Under most simulated scenarios, GBR trials have substantially higher power to observe gene-drug and gene-lifestyle interactions than same-sized conventional RCTs. GBR trials are becoming popular for validation of gene-treatment interactions; our analyses illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of this design.
Tuning the Weak Ferromagnetic States in Dysprosium Orthoferrite
Authors: Cao Shixun , Chen Lei , Zhao Weiyao , Xu Kai , Wang Guohua , Yang Yali , Kang Baojuan , Zhao Hongjian , Chen Peng , Stroppa Alessandro , Zheng Ren-Kui , Zhang Jincang , Ren Wei , Íñiguez Jorge , Bellaiche L.
Published: November 2016

RFeO3 orthoferrites, where R is a rare-earth ion of the lanthanide series, are attracting attention mostly because of their promising fast spin dynamics. The magnetic properties of these materials seem to crucially depend on whether the magnetizations of the R and Fe ions’ weak ferromagnetic (WFM) components are parallel or antiparallel to each other. Here, we report an extensive investigation of a high-quality DyFeO3 single crystal in which the induced Dy3+ magnetization (FDy) has a natural tendency to be antiparallel to Fe3+ sublattice magnetization (FFe) within a large temperature window. Moreover, we find that specific variations of temperature and applied magnetic fields allow us to make FDy parallel to FFe, or force a spin-flip transition in FFe, among other effects. We found three different magnetic states that respond to temperature and magnetic fields, i.e. linear versus constant or, alternatively, presenting either behavior depending on the history of the sample. An original magnetic field-versus-temperature phase diagram is constructed to indicate the region of stability of the different magnetic phases, and to reveal the precise conditions yielding sudden spin switching and reversals. Knowledge of such a phase diagram is of potential importance to applications in spintronics and magnetic devices.
Flexible controls of scattering clouds using coding metasurfaces
Authors: Liu Shuo , Cui Tie Jun
Published: November 2016

Metamaterials or metasurfaces have been designed to precisely manipulate the scattering at every angle. Here, we propose to control the probability of random scattering appearing in the desired range of angles, which is defined in this letter as scattering cloud. We present a controllable random metasurface by simply adding a random coding sequence to gradient coding sequence. It is shown that the direction and size of the scattering cloud can be arbitrarily engineered. We demonstrate the exotic behavior of the scattering cloud by making an analogy to the electron cloud in quantum mechanics. A new coding particle featuring low-interference with neighboring coding particles is designed to realize the controllable random surface, which demonstrates highly consistent results to the theoretical calculations using fast Fourier transform. The exciting phenomena and versatile behaviors of scattering clouds and their probabilities enabled by controllable random surfaces will lead to diversified applications in the fields of electromagnetic waves and acoustic waves.
Characteristic tetrapod musculoskeletal limb phenotype emerged more than 400 MYA in basal lobe-finned fishes
Authors: Diogo Rui , Johnston Peter , Molnar Julia L. , Esteve-Altava Borja
Published: November 2016

Previous accounts of the origin of tetrapod limbs have postulated a relatively sudden change, after the split between extant lobe-finned fish and tetrapods, from a very simple fin phenotype with only two muscles to the highly complex tetrapod condition. The evolutionary changes that led to the muscular anatomy of tetrapod limbs have therefore remained relatively unexplored. We performed dissections, histological sections, and MRI scans of the closest living relatives of tetrapods: coelacanths and lungfish. Combined with previous comparative, developmental and paleontological information, our findings suggest that the characteristic tetrapod musculoskeletal limb phenotype was already present in the Silurian last common ancestor of extant sarcopterygians, with the exception of the autopod (hand/foot) structures, which have no clear correspondence with fish structures. Remarkably, the two major steps in this long process – leading to the ancestral fin anatomy of extant sarcopterygians and limb anatomy of extant tetrapods, respectively – occurred at the same nodes as the two major similarity bottlenecks that led to the striking derived myological similarity between the pectoral and pelvic appendages within each taxon. Our identification of probable homologies between appendicular muscles of sarcopterygian fish and tetrapods will allow more detailed reconstructions of muscle anatomy in early tetrapods and their relatives.
Virus infection drives IL-2 antibody complexes into pro-inflammatory agonists in mice
Authors: Lee Wendy W. L. , Teo Teck-Hui , Lum Fok-Moon , Andiappan Anand K. , Amrun Siti Naqiah , Rénia Laurent , Rötzschke Olaf , Ng Lisa F. P.
Published: November 2016

The use of IL-2/JES6-1 Ab complex (IL-2 Ab Cx) has been considered as a potential therapeutic for inflammatory diseases due to its selective expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in mice. Here, IL-2 Ab Cx was explored as a therapeutic agent to reduce joint inflammation induced by chikungunya virus, an alphavirus causing debilitating joint disease globally. Virus-infected mice treated with IL-2 Ab Cx exhibited exacerbated joint inflammation due to infiltration of highly activated CD4+ effector T cells (Teffs). Virus infection led to upregulation of CD25 on the Teffs, rendering them sensitive towards IL2 Ab Cx. Ready responsiveness of Teffs to IL-2 was further demonstrated in healthy human donors, suggesting that the use of IL-2 Ab Cx in humans is not suitable. Changes in IL-2 sensitivity during active virus infection could change the responsive pattern towards the IL-2 Ab Cx, resulting in the expansion of pro-inflammatory rather than anti-inflammatory responses.
No evidence of NRAS mutation in squamous cell anal carcinoma (SCAC)
Authors: Capelli Laura , Casadei Gardini Andrea , Scarpi Emanuela , Frassineti Giovanni Luca , Saragoni Luca , Puccetti Maurizio , Scartozzi Mario , Giannini Massimo , Tamberi Stefano , Corbelli Jody , Ulivi Paola
Published: November 2016

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is usually expressed in squamous cell anal carcinoma (SCAC) and anti-EGFR agents could represent a valid treatment strategy, also considering that KRAS and BRAF mutations are rare events in this type of cancer. However, no data are available on NRAS status in SCAC. In this study we analyzed NRAS status (exons 2–4) by Pyrosequencing in a case series of 50 SCAC patients previously characterized in our laboratory for KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA mutations and HPV and HIV infections. We found no mutation in NRAS gene. These results confirm that since the principal anti-EGFR resistance mechanisms are almost absent in SCAC, anti-EGFR agents should be considered for the treatment of this type of cancer.
Shared somatosensory and motor functions in musicians
Authors: Hosoda Moe , Furuya Shinichi
Published: November 2016

Skilled individuals are characterized by fine-tuned perceptual and motor functions. Here, we tested the idea that the sensory and motor functions of highly-trained individuals are coupled. We assessed the relationships among multifaceted somatosensory and motor functions of expert pianists. The results demonstrated a positive covariation between the acuity of weight discrimination and the precision of force control during piano keystrokes among the pianists but not among the non-musicians. However, neither the age of starting musical training nor the total amount of life-long piano practice was correlated with these sensory-motor functions in the pianists. Furthermore, a difference between the pianists and non-musicians was absent for the weight discrimination acuity but present for precise force control during keystrokes. The results suggest that individuals with innately superior sensory function had finer motor control only in a case of having undergone musical training. Intriguingly, the tactile spatial acuity of the fingertip was superior in the pianists compared with the non-musicians but was not correlated with any functions representing fine motor control among the pianists. The findings implicate the presence of two distinct mechanisms of sensorimotor learning elicited by musical training, which occur either independently in individual sensorimotor modalities or through interacting between modalities.
Exploring the molecular basis of age-related disease comorbidities using a multi-omics graphical model
Authors: Zierer Jonas , Pallister Tess , Tsai Pei-Chien , Krumsiek Jan , Bell Jordana T. , Lauc Gordan , Spector Tim D , Menni Cristina , Kastenmüller Gabi
Published: November 2016

Although association studies have unveiled numerous correlations of biochemical markers with age and age-related diseases, we still lack an understanding of their mutual dependencies. To find molecular pathways that underlie age-related diseases as well as their comorbidities, we integrated aging markers from four different high-throughput omics datasets, namely epigenomics, transcriptomics, glycomics and metabolomics, with a comprehensive set of disease phenotypes from 510 participants of the TwinsUK cohort. We used graphical random forests to assess conditional dependencies between omics markers and phenotypes while eliminating mediated associations. Applying this novel approach for multi-omics data integration yields a model consisting of seven modules that represent distinct aspects of aging. These modules are connected by hubs that potentially trigger comorbidities of age-related diseases. As an example, we identified urate as one of these key players mediating the comorbidity of renal disease with body composition and obesity. Body composition variables are in turn associated with inflammatory IgG markers, mediated by the expression of the hormone oxytocin. Thus, oxytocin potentially contributes to the development of chronic low-grade inflammation, which often accompanies obesity. Our multi-omics graphical model demonstrates the interconnectivity of age-related diseases and highlights molecular markers of the aging process that might drive disease comorbidities.
Intravitreal infusion: A novel approach for intraocular drug delivery
Authors: Tian Jiao , Liu Jia , Liu Xiao , Xiao Yangyan , Tang Luosheng
Published: November 2016

Intraocular injection has become an increasingly important intervention in the treatment of posterior segment diseases. However, an acute intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation after intravitreal injection is a common concern. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal infusion in maintaining stable IOP in a rabbit model. Trypan blue (TB) 0.06% with an external pump was used to evaluate intravitreal infusion in rabbit eyes. Groups A (50 μL), B (100 μL), C (150 μL), and D (200 μL) were slowly infused over 30 minutes with TB. As a control, Group E underwent conventional intravitreal injection of 100 μL of TB. Group F received a bolus infusion of 100 μL of TB within 1 minute. The mean increases in IOP during infusion for each group were: Group A (7.93 ± 3.80 mmHg), B (13.97 ± 3.17 mmHg), C (19.91 ± 6.06 mmHg) and D (29.38 ± 8.97 mmHg). Immediately post-injection in group E the mean increase in IOP amounted to 34.33 ± 6.57 mmHg. The mean increase in IOP of group F after bolus infusion was 49.89 ± 1.71 mmHg. Intravitreal infusion maintains a stable IOP and provides a controlled infusion speed compared with intravitreal injection.
Early evidence of stone tool use in bone working activities at Qesem Cave, Israel
Authors: Zupancich Andrea , Nunziante-Cesaro Stella , Blasco Ruth , Rosell Jordi , Cristiani Emanuela , Venditti Flavia , Lemorini Cristina , Barkai Ran , Gopher Avi
Published: November 2016

For a long while, the controversy surrounding several bone tools coming from pre-Upper Palaeolithic contexts favoured the view of Homo sapiens as the only species of the genus Homo capable of modifying animal bones into specialised tools. However, evidence such as South African Early Stone Age modified bones, European Lower Palaeolithic flaked bone tools, along with Middle and Late Pleistocene bone retouchers, led to a re-evaluation of the conception of Homo sapiens as the exclusive manufacturer of specialised bone tools. The evidence presented herein include use wear and bone residues identified on two flint scrapers as well as a sawing mark on a fallow deer tibia, not associated with butchering activities. Dated to more than 300 kya, the evidence here presented is among the earliest related to tool-assisted bone working intended for non-dietary purposes, and contributes to the debate over the recognition of bone working as a much older behaviour than previously thought. The results of this study come from the application of a combined methodological approach, comprising use wear analysis, residue analysis, and taphonomy. This approach allowed for the retrieval of both direct and indirect evidence of tool-assisted bone working, at the Lower Palaeolithic site of Qesem Cave (Israel).
Creating new layered structures at high pressures: SiS2
Authors: Plašienka Dušan , Martoňák Roman , Tosatti Erio
Published: November 2016

Old and novel layered structures are attracting increasing attention for their physical, electronic, and frictional properties. SiS2, isoelectronic to SiO2, CO2 and CS2, is a material whose phases known experimentally up to 6 GPa exhibit 1D chain-like, 2D layered and 3D tetrahedral structures. We present highly predictive ab initio calculations combined with evolutionary structure search and molecular dynamics simulations of the structural and electronic evolution of SiS2 up to 100 GPa. A highly stable CdI2-type layered structure, which is octahedrally coordinated with space group "Equation missing" surprisingly appears between 4 and up to at least 100 GPa. The tetrahedral-octahedral switch is naturally expected upon compression, unlike the layered character realized here by edge-sharing SiS6 octahedral units connecting within but not among sheets. The predicted phase is semiconducting with an indirect band gap of about 2 eV at 10 GPa, decreasing under pressure until metallization around 40 GPa. The robustness of the layered phase suggests possible recovery at ambient pressure, where calculated phonon spectra indicate dynamical stability. Even a single monolayer is found to be dynamically stable in isolation, suggesting that it could possibly be sheared or exfoliated from bulk "Equation missing"-SiS2.
Habitat generalists and specialists in microbial communities across a terrestrial-freshwater gradient
Authors: Monard C. , Gantner S. , Bertilsson S. , Hallin S. , Stenlid J.
Published: November 2016

Observations of distributions of microorganisms and their differences in community composition across habitats provide evidence of biogeographical patterns. However, little is known about the processes controlling transfers across habitat gradients. By analysing the overall microbial community composition (bacteria, fungi, archaea) across a terrestrial-freshwater gradient, the aim of this study was to understand the spatial distribution patterns of populations and identify taxa capable of crossing biome borders. Barcoded 454 pyrosequencing of taxonomic gene markers was used to describe the microbial communities in adjacent soil, freshwater and sediment samples and study the role of biotic and spatial factors in shaping their composition. Few habitat generalists but a high number of specialists were detected indicating that microbial community composition was mainly regulated by species sorting and niche partitioning. Biotic interactions within microbial groups based on an association network underlined the importance of Actinobacteria, Sordariomycetes, Agaricomycetes and Nitrososphaerales in connecting among biomes. Even if dispersion seemed limited, the shore of the lake represented a transition area, allowing populations to cross the biome boundaries. In finding few broadly distributed populations, our study points to biome specialization within microbial communities with limited potential for dispersal and colonization of new habitats along the terrestrial-freshwater continuum.
Elderly suicide trends in the context of transforming China, 1987–2014
Authors: Zhong Bao-Liang , Chiu Helen F. K. , Conwell Yeates
Published: November 2016

In the context of rapid ageing, understanding the time-trend of elderly suicide (ES) could inform China’s efforts on suicide prevention. We examined time-trends in Chinese ES rates (ESRs) from 1987 to 2014, a period of profound social changes. Suicide rates by residence (rural/urban), gender, and 5-year age-group (65+) in 1987–2014 were provided by the Chinese Ministry of Health. Time-trends were analyzed with joinpoint analysis. The time-trend of national ESRs was downward (average annual percent change [AAPC] = −3.7, P < 0.001): 76.6/100000 in 1987 and 30.2/100000 in 2014. However, the time-trend of corresponding percentages of ESs among the total suicides was monotonically increasing (AAPC = 3.4, P < 0.001): 16.9% in 1987 to 41.2% in 2014. The time-trends in ESRs of both rural and urban men and women were decreasing, but only the rural trends were significant (P < 0.001). Rural-urban and male-female differences in ESRs were decreasing over time (slope = −4.2 and −3.0, P ≤ 0.006), but the rural-urban and male-female ESR differences in 2014 remained large (16.3/100000 and 9.8/100000, P < 0.001). While national ESRs decreased significantly during the past three decades, the current ESR remains high in China. Further, the age-pattern of Chinese suicide is transitioning to elderly predominance. ES, particularly rural ES, should be a public health priority in China.
Redox cofactors insertion in prokaryotic molybdoenzymes occurs via a conserved folding mechanism
Authors: Arias-Cartin Rodrigo , Ceccaldi Pierre , Schoepp-Cothenet Barbara , Frick Klaudia , Blanc Jean-Michel , Guigliarelli Bruno , Walburger Anne , Grimaldi Stéphane , Friedrich Thorsten , Receveur-Brechot Véronique , Magalon Axel
Published: November 2016

A major gap of knowledge in metalloproteins is the identity of the prefolded state of the protein before cofactor insertion. This holds for molybdoenzymes serving multiple purposes for life, especially in energy harvesting. This large group of prokaryotic enzymes allows for coordination of molybdenum or tungsten cofactors (Mo/W-bisPGD) and Fe/S clusters. Here we report the structural data on a cofactor-less enzyme, the nitrate reductase respiratory complex and characterize the conformational changes accompanying Mo/W-bisPGD and Fe/S cofactors insertion. Identified conformational changes are shown to be essential for recognition of the dedicated chaperone involved in cofactors insertion. A solvent-exposed salt bridge is shown to play a key role in enzyme folding after cofactors insertion. Furthermore, this salt bridge is shown to be strictly conserved within this prokaryotic molybdoenzyme family as deduced from a phylogenetic analysis issued from 3D structure-guided multiple sequence alignment. A biochemical analysis with a distantly-related member of the family, respiratory complex I, confirmed the critical importance of the salt bridge for folding. Overall, our results point to a conserved cofactors insertion mechanism within the Mo/W-bisPGD family.
Expanding and exploring the diversity of phytoplasmas from lucerne (Medicago sativa)
Authors: Gopurenko David , Fletcher Murray J. , Liu Jian , Gurr Geoff M.
Published: November 2016

Phytoplasmas are a group of insect-vectored bacteria responsible for disease in many plant species worldwide. Among the crop species affected is the economically valuable forage species lucerne. Here we provide comprehensive molecular evidence for infection in multiple lucerne plants by a phytoplasma not previously known from this plant species. This phytoplasma had a >99% genetic similarity to an unclassified 16S rRNA subgroup previously reported as Stylosanthes little leaf from Stylosanthes spp. and was genetically and symptomatically distinct from a co-occurring but less common 16SrIIA group phytoplasma. Neighbour-joining analyses with publicly available sequence data confirmed the presence of two distinct phytoplasma lineages in the plant population. No PCR detections were made among 38 individuals of 12 co-occurring weed species. Sequence analysis revealed that all nine PCR detections from among 106 individuals of five Hemiptera insect species from the site, three of which had previously been reported as likely vectors, were false positives. This study demonstrates the importance of sequencing to complement PCR detection and avoid potentially inaccurate conclusions regarding vectors, highlights that sampling over a wide spatio-temporal scale is important for vector and alternative host studies, and extends to eight the number of phytoplasma 16 Sr groups known from lucerne.
Drought rapidly diminishes the large net CO2 uptake in 2011 over semi-arid Australia
Authors: Ma Xuanlong , Huete Alfredo , Cleverly James , Eamus Derek , Chevallier Frédéric , Joiner Joanna , Poulter Benjamin , Zhang Yongguang , Guanter Luis , Meyer Wayne , Xie Zunyi , Ponce-Campos Guillermo
Published: November 2016

Each year, terrestrial ecosystems absorb more than a quarter of the anthropogenic carbon emissions, termed as land carbon sink. An exceptionally large land carbon sink anomaly was recorded in 2011, of which more than half was attributed to Australia. However, the persistence and spatially attribution of this carbon sink remain largely unknown. Here we conducted an observation-based study to characterize the Australian land carbon sink through the novel coupling of satellite retrievals of atmospheric CO2 and photosynthesis and in-situ flux tower measures. We show the 2010–11 carbon sink was primarily ascribed to savannas and grasslands. When all biomes were normalized by rainfall, shrublands however, were most efficient in absorbing carbon. We found the 2010–11 net CO2 uptake was highly transient with rapid dissipation through drought. The size of the 2010–11 carbon sink over Australia (0.97 Pg) was reduced to 0.48 Pg in 2011–12, and was nearly eliminated in 2012–13 (0.08 Pg). We further report evidence of an earlier 2000–01 large net CO2 uptake, demonstrating a repetitive nature of this land carbon sink. Given a significant increasing trend in extreme wet year precipitation over Australia, we suggest that carbon sink episodes will exert greater future impacts on global carbon cycle.
A universal synthetic route to carbon nanotube/transition metal oxide nano-composites for lithium ion batteries and electrochemical capacitors
Authors: Zhou Han , Zhang Lusi , Zhang Dongyang , Chen Shuangqiang , Coxon Paul R. , He Xiong , Coto Mike , Kim Hyun-Kyung , Xi Kai , Ding Shujiang
Published: November 2016

We report a simple synthetic approach to coaxially grow transition metal oxide (TMO) nanostructures on carbon nanotubes (CNT) with ready control of phase and morphology. A thin (~4 nm) sulfonated-polystyrene (SPS) pre-coating is essential for the deposition of transition metal based materials. This layer has abundant sulfonic groups (−SO3−) that can effectively attract Ni2+, Co2+, Zn2+ ions through electrostatic interaction and induce them via hydrolysis, dehydration and recrystallization to form coaxial (NiO, Co3O4, NiCoO2 and ZnCo2O4) shells and a nanosheet-like morphology around CNT. These structures possess a large active surface and enhanced structural robustness when used as electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and electrochemical capacitors (ECs). As electrodes for LIBs, the ZnCo2O4@CNT material shows extremely stable cycling performance with a discharge capacity of 1068 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 400 mAg−1. For EC applications, the NiCoO2@CNT exhibits a high capacitance of 1360 Fg−1 at current densities of 10 Ag−1 after 3000 cycles and an overall capacitance loss of only 1.4%. These results demonstrate the potential of such hybrid materials meeting the crucial requirements of cycling stability and high rate capability for energy conversion and storage devices.
Dressed Photons Induced Resistance Oscillation and Zero Resistance in Arrayed Simple Harmonic Oscillators with No Impurity
Authors: Chang Chih-Chun , Chen Guang-Yin , Lin Lee
Published: November 2016

We investigate a system of an array of N simple harmonic oscillators (SHO) interacting with photons through QED interaction. As the energy of photon is around the spacing between SHO energy levels, energy gaps appear in the dispersion relation of the interacted (dressed) photons. This is quite different from the dispersion relation of free photons. Due to interactions between dressed photonic field and arrayed SHO, the photoresistance of this system shows oscillations and also drops to zero as irradiated by EM field of varying frequencies.
Fragmenting networks by targeting collective influencers at a mesoscopic level
Authors: Kobayashi Teruyoshi , Masuda Naoki
Published: November 2016

A practical approach to protecting networks against epidemic processes such as spreading of infectious diseases, malware, and harmful viral information is to remove some influential nodes beforehand to fragment the network into small components. Because determining the optimal order to remove nodes is a computationally hard problem, various approximate algorithms have been proposed to efficiently fragment networks by sequential node removal. Morone and Makse proposed an algorithm employing the non-backtracking matrix of given networks, which outperforms various existing algorithms. In fact, many empirical networks have community structure, compromising the assumption of local tree-like structure on which the original algorithm is based. We develop an immunization algorithm by synergistically combining the Morone-Makse algorithm and coarse graining of the network in which we regard a community as a supernode. In this way, we aim to identify nodes that connect different communities at a reasonable computational cost. The proposed algorithm works more efficiently than the Morone-Makse and other algorithms on networks with community structure.