bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimistic expectations about communication explain children's difficulties in hiding, lying, and mistrusting liars
Authors: MASCARO OLIVIER , MORIN OLIVIER , SPERBER DAN
Published: October 2016

We suggest that preschoolers’ frequent obliviousness to the risks and opportunities of deception comes from a trusting stance supporting verbal communication. Three studies (N = 125) confirm this hypothesis. Three-year-olds can hide information from others (Study 1) and they can lie (Study 2) in simple settings. Yet when one introduces the possibility of informing others in the very same settings, three-year-olds tend to be honest (Studies 1 and 2). Similarly, four-year-olds, though capable of treating assertions as false, trust deceptive informants (Study 3). We suggest that children's reduced sensitivity to the opportunities of lying, and to the risks of being lied to might help explain their difficulties on standard false belief tasks.
Reframing community forest governance for food security in Nepal
Authors: KHATRI DIL , SHRESTHA KRISHNA , OJHA HEMANT , PAUDEL GOVINDA , PAUDEL NAYA , PAIN ADAM
Published: October 2016

The growing challenge of food insecurity in the Global South has called for new research on the contribution of forests to food security. However, even progressive forest management institutions such as Nepal's community forestry programme have failed to address this issue. We analyse Nepal's community forestry programme and find that forest policies and local institutional practices have historically evolved to regulate forests either as sources of timber or as a means of biodiversity conservation, disregarding food security outcomes for local people. Disciplinary divisions between forestry and the agriculture sector have limited the prospect of strengthening forest–food security linkages. We conclude that the policy and legislative framework and formal bureaucratic practices are influenced by ‘modern forestry science’, which led to community forestry rules and practices not considering the contribution of forests to food security. Furthermore, forestry science has a particularly narrow focus on timber production and conservation. We argue for the need to recognise the importance of local knowledge and community practices of using forests for food. We propose adaptive and transformational approaches to knowledge generation and the application of such knowledge in order to support institutional change and policy reform and to enable landscape-specific innovations in forest–food linkages.
Coffee monoculture trends in tropical agroforested landscapes of Western Ghats (India)
Authors: GAUCHEREL CÉDRIC , ALET JULIE , GARCIA CLAUDE
Published: October 2016

Against the backdrop of the competing demands of agricultural productivity and biodiversity conservation, understanding land-use changes is critical. We studied the past, current and future landscape–dynamic scenarios for coffee and rice-coupled crops at a village scale in the Western Ghats (southern India) by integrating three levels of organization (patch, farm and soils). The village structures and dynamics from 1950 to 2010 were modelled with the Dynamic Patch Landscape (DYPAL) modelling platform and analysed with Comparison Map Profile (CMP) spatial analysis in order to assess environmental trends. Our model, combined with mathematical formalizations and multiscale analyses, was also used to project future land-use sustainability. Our findings highlight significant environmental issues affecting the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, which is also subject to increasing and differential demands for other crops that are dependent on farm production systems. Intensive coffee cultivation, with conversion of the forest cover into Grevillea robusta monoculture and ongoing paddy abandonment, have had a strong impact on the region's landscape (+30% G. robusta) and biodiversity (from –3% to –13% in the already-reduced forest cover).
“Could We Hold Hands?” Older Lesbian and Gay Couples’ Perceptions of Long-Term Care Homes and Home Care
Authors: Furlotte Charles , Gladstone James W. , Cosby Robert F. , Fitzgerald Kerri-Ann
Published: October 2016

Cette étude qualitative décrit les attentes, les préoccupations et les besoins en matière de services de soins de longue durée et de soins à domicile de 12 couples de lesbiennes et de gais plus âgés qui habitent au Canada. Nos résultats reflètent quatre grands thèmes: la discrimination, l’identité, les dépenses d’énergie, et les soins nuancés. Discrimination a été caractérisée par des préoccupations concernant une discrimination déguisée; perte d’amortisseurs sociaux lorsque l’on vieillit; diminution de la capacité de plaider pour soi-même et l’autre conjoint. Les questions d’identité ont inclus le risque prévu sur la divulgation de son identité sexuelle; l’importance centrale d’être identifié comme un partenaire dans une relation couplée; et l’importance d’avoir accès à des groupes de référence constitués d’autres aînés gais. Nous concluons que les partenaires sont accablés par le travail émotionnel de dépenser de l’énergie à cacher une partie de leur identité, l’évaluation de leurs environnements de discrimination et d’apaiser autres. Les participants suggèrent que les soins nuancéssont nécessaires, ce qui implique sentir à l’aise avec les fournisseurs de soins de santé; ayant fournisseurs sentir à l’aise avec eux; et une dualité de nécessité entre vouloir être considéré comme le même, tout en même temps également reconnu comme unique. Ces thèmes informent ententes de services de soins et de soins à domicile à long terme pour les couples lesbiens et gais plus âgés.
Climate Change and Atoll Island States: Pursuing a ‘Family Resemblance’ Account of Statehood
Authors: WILLCOX SUSANNAH
Published: October 2016

‘Climate change inundation’ – the process whereby climate change-related impacts like rising sea levels, higher storm surges, and changing rainfall patterns interact with and exacerbate existing vulnerabilities like poverty, isolation, resource scarcity, and inadequate infrastructure – presents a unique challenge to the territorial, legal, and political infrastructure of low-lying coral atoll island states. This article uses the example of climate change inundation to illustrate some of the shortcomings of the mainstream ‘minimum threshold’ account of statehood. It then proposes an alternative account of the criteria of statehood as a set of overlapping similarities or relationships between state-like entities, drawing on Wittgenstein's concept of ‘family resemblances’. Although problematic in some respects, this family resemblance account provides a broader conceptual space for assessing the merits of alternative forms of statehood.
Environmental drivers of benthic communities and habitat heterogeneity on an East Antarctic shelf
Authors: Post Alexandra L. , Lavoie Caroline , Domack Eugene W. , Leventer Amy , Shevenell Amelia , Fraser Alexander D. ,   the NBP 14-02 SCIENCE TEAM
Published: October 2016

This study presents the first analysis of benthic megafauna and habitats from the Sabrina Coast shelf, encompassing a proposed Marine Protected Area. Sea bed imagery indicated an abundant benthic fauna compared to other parts of the Antarctic shelf, dominated by brittle stars, polychaete tubeworms, and a range of other sessile and mobile taxa. The distribution of taxa was related (ρ=0.592, P<0.001) to variations in water depth, latitude, substrate type and phytodetritus. High phytodetritus cover was associated with muddy/sandy sediments and abundant holothurians and amphipods, while harder substrates hosted abundant brachiopods, hard bryozoans, polychaete tubeworms, massive and encrusting sponges, and sea whips. Brittle stars, irregular urchins and anemones were ubiquitous. Variations in substrate largely reflected the distribution of dropstones, creating fine-scale habitat heterogeneity. Several taxa were found only on hard substrates, and their broad regional distribution indicated that the density of dropstones was sufficient for most sessile invertebrates to disperse across the region. The hexactinellid sponge Anoxycalyx joubini and branching hydrocorals exhibited a more restricted distribution, probably related to water depth and limited dispersal capability, respectively. Dropstones were associated with significant increases in taxa diversity, abundance and biological cover, enhancing the overall diversity and biomass of this ecosystem.
Bilingual innovations: Experimental evidence offers clues regarding the psycholinguistics of language change
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ EVA M. , DE SOUZA RICARDO AUGUSTO , CARANDO AGUSTINA
Published: October 2016

Sustained interaction between a bilingual's two languages can be a first step toward diachronic language change. We describe two investigations that explore this by examining how bilinguals process innovative syntactic structures in their first language. In the first investigation, a sentence recall/sentence matching task, bilinguals and monolinguals exhibited differences in their tolerance of expressions of induced motion, which vary in acceptability between the two languages (Portuguese and English). In the second investigation, a priming methodology was employed to induce bilinguals to produce in their first language (Spanish) innovative constructions modeled on the second language (English), using materials where the alternation is shared between the two languages (voice, reciprocal) or not (dative). The two investigations provide a window into how languages interact in bilinguals, inducing tolerance of ungrammaticality which, we will argue, could lead to long-term novel representations in the linguistic competence repositories.
Polyallylamine as an Adhesion Promoter for SU-8 Photoresist
Authors: Chatterjee Shiladitya , Major George H. , Lunt Barry M. , Kaykhaii Massoud , Linford Matthew R.
Published: October 2016

Resist lithography is an important microfabrication technique in the electronics industry. In this, patterns are transferred by irradiation onto a photosensitive polymer. SU-8 has emerged as a favorite photoresist for High Aspect Ratio (HAR) lithography, showing high chemical and mechanical stability and biocompatibility. Unfortunately, its poor adhesion to substrates is a drawback, with possible solutions being the use of low-viscosity SU-8, surface modification with a low molecular weight adsorbate like hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS), or a commercial adhesion promotion reagent. However, HMDS and the commercial reagent require surface dehydration and/or curing, and a modified form of SU-8 is not always desirable. Here, we demonstrate the use of a water-soluble, amine-containing polymer, polyallylamine (PAAm), which spontaneously adsorbs to silica surfaces, as a simple, easy-to-apply, and reactive adhesion promoter for SU-8. Conditions for the use of PAAm are explored, and the resulting materials are characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), and wetting.
IBN SĪNĀ ON REDUCTIO AD ABSURDUM
Authors: HODGES WILFRID
Published: October 2016

Ibn Sīnā (11th century, greater Persia) proposed an analysis of arguments by reductio ad absurdum. His analysis contains, perhaps for the first time, a workable method for handling the making and discharging of assumptions in a formal proof. We translate the relevant text of Ibn Sīnā and put his analysis into the context of his general approach to logic.
State-of-the-art in studies of glacial isostatic adjustment for the British Isles: a literature review
Authors: Stockamp Julia , Bishop Paul , Li Zhenhong , Petrie Elizabeth J , Hansom Jim , Rennie Alistair
Published: October 2016

Understanding the effects of glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) of the British Isles is essential for the assessment of past and future sea-level trends. GIA has been extensively examined in the literature, employing different research methods and observational data types. Geological evidence from palaeo-shorelines and undisturbed sedimentary deposits has been used to reconstruct long-term relative sea-level change since the Last Glacial Maximum. This information derived from sea-level index points has been employed to inform empirical isobase models of the uplift in Scotland using trend surface and Gaussian trend surface analysis, as well as to calibrate more theory-driven GIA models that rely on Earth mantle rheology and ice sheet history. Furthermore, current short-term rates of GIA-induced crustal motion during the past few decades have been measured using different geodetic techniques, mainly continuous GPS (CGPS) and absolute gravimetry (AG). AG-measurements are generally employed to increase the accuracy of the CGPS estimates. Synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) looks promising as a relatively new technique to measure crustal uplift in the northern parts of Great Britain, where the GIA-induced vertical land deformation has its highest rate. This literature review provides an in-depth comparison and discussion of the development of these different research approaches.
The Evolution of Spanish Governance during the Early Bourbon Period in Peru: The Juan Santos Atahualpa Rebellion and the Missionaries of Ocopa
Authors: Jones Cameron D.
Published: October 2016

In 1742, a highland Andean named Juan Santos led a group of mainly Asháninka and Yanesha warriors against a handful of isolated Franciscan missions in the central high jungle of Peru. Over the next ten years the rebellion smoldered, occasionally sparking to life, as Santos's forces pushed the missionaries based out of the College of Santa Rosa de Ocopa (near Jauja, Peru) back to the highlands. The uprising culminated in a brief foray into the highlands, but never effectively reached beyond the security of the densely vegetated high jungle, known locally as the centralmontañaregion. Despite its modest accomplishments, the rebellion secured autonomy for the combatant nations during the rest of the colonial period.
CLAH Lecture: Living with History as a Social Science
Authors: Klein Herbert S.
Published: October 2016

Looking over the course of my half century working in the fields of Latin American and US history, I find that from the beginning to the end I have been working in a relatively isolated area of our historical profession. I have been committed to history as a social science, and in that framework, using mostly comparative and quantitative analysis to study themes related to basic social and economic structures. In this I have been much influenced by the traditional vision of the Annales school of historical research. I have also been totally committed to working within the social sciences, having completed a minor doctoral field in Anthropology at the University of Chicago.
What Drives the Development of Social Inequality Over the Life Course? The German TwinLife Study
Authors: Hahn Elisabeth , Gottschling Juliana , Bleidorn Wiebke , Kandler Christian , Spengler Marion , Kornadt Anna E. , Schulz Wiebke , Schunck Reinhardt , Baier Tina , Krell Kristina , Lang Volker , Lenau Franziska , Peters Anna-Lena , Diewald Martin , Riemann Rainer , Spinath Frank M.
Published: October 2016

The German twin family study ‘TwinLife’ was designed to enhance our understanding of the development of social inequalities over the life course. The interdisciplinary project investigates mechanisms of social inequalities across the lifespan by taking into account psychological as well as social mechanisms, and their genetic origin as well as the interaction and covariation between these factors. Main characteristics of the study are: (1) a multidimensional perspective on social inequalities, (2) the assessment of developmental trajectories in childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood in a longitudinal design by using (3) a combination of a multi-cohort cross-sequential and an extended twin family design, while (4) capturing a large variation of behavioral and environmental factors in a representative sample of about 4,000 German twin families. In the present article, we first introduce the theoretical and empirical background of the TwinLife study, and second, describe the design, content, and implementation of TwinLife. Since the data will be made available as scientific use file, we also illustrate research possibilities provided by this project to the scientific community.
In vivo continuous evolution of genes and pathways in yeast
Authors: Crook Nathan , Abatemarco Joseph , Sun Jie , Wagner James M. , Schmitz Alexander , Alper Hal S.
Published: October 2016

Directed evolution remains a powerful, highly generalizable approach for improving the performance of biological systems. However, implementations in eukaryotes rely either on in vitro diversity generation or limited mutational capacities. Here we synthetically optimize the retrotransposon Ty1 to enable in vivo generation of mutant libraries up to 1.6 × 107 l−1 per round, which is the highest of any in vivo mutational generation approach in yeast. We demonstrate this approach by using in vivo-generated libraries to evolve single enzymes, global transcriptional regulators and multi-gene pathways. When coupled to growth selection, this approach enables in vivo continuous evolution (ICE) of genes and pathways. Through a head-to-head comparison, we find that ICE libraries yield higher-performing variants faster than error-prone PCR-derived libraries. Finally, we demonstrate transferability of ICE to divergent yeasts, including Kluyveromyces lactis and alternative S. cerevisiae strains. Collectively, this work establishes a generic platform for rapid eukaryotic-directed evolution across an array of target cargo.
Phytoplankton size-diversity mediates an emergent trade-off in ecosystem functioning for rare versus frequent disturbances
Authors: Smith S. Lan , Vallina Sergio M. , Merico Agostino
Published: October 2016

Biodiversity is known to be an important determinant of ecosystem-level functions and processes. Although theories have been proposed to explain the generally positive relationship between, for example, biodiversity and productivity, it remains unclear which mechanisms underlie the observed variations in Biodiversity-Ecosystem Function (BEF) relationships. Using a continuous trait-distribution model for a phytoplankton community of gleaners competing with opportunists, and subjecting it to differing frequencies of disturbance, we find that species selection tends to enhance temporal species complementarity, which is maximised at high disturbance frequency and intermediate functional diversity. This leads to the emergence of a trade-off whereby increasing diversity tends to enhance short-term adaptive capacity under frequent disturbance while diminishing long-term productivity under infrequent disturbance. BEF relationships therefore depend on both disturbance frequency and the timescale of observation.
A large-scale chloroplast phylogeny of the Lamiaceae sheds new light on its subfamilial classification
Authors: Li Bo , Cantino Philip D. , Olmstead Richard G. , Bramley Gemma L. C. , Xiang Chun-Lei , Ma Zhong-Hui , Tan Yun-Hong , Zhang Dian-Xiang
Published: October 2016

Lamiaceae, the sixth largest angiosperm family, contains more than 7000 species distributed all over the world. However, although considerable progress has been made in the last two decades, its phylogenetic backbone has never been well resolved. In the present study, a large-scale phylogenetic reconstruction of Lamiaceae using chloroplast sequences was carried out with the most comprehensive sampling of the family to date (288 species in 191 genera, representing approximately 78% of the genera of Lamiaceae). Twelve strongly supported primary clades were inferred, which form the phylogenetic backbone of Lamiaceae. Six of the primary clades correspond to the current recognized subfamilies Ajugoideae, Lamioideae, Nepetoideae, Prostantheroideae, Scutellarioideae, and Symphorematoideae, and one corresponds to a portion of Viticoideae. The other five clades comprise: 1)AcrymiaandCymaria; 2)Hymenopyramis,Petraeovitex,Peronema, andGarrettia; 3)Premna,Gmelina, andCornutia; 4)Callicarpa; and 5)Tectona. Based on these results, three new subfamilies—Cymarioideae, Peronematoideae, and Premnoideae—are described, and the compositions of other subfamilies are updated based on new findings from the last decade. Furthermore, our analyses revealed five strongly supported, more inclusive clades that contain subfamilies, and we give them phylogenetically defined, unranked names: Cymalamiina, Scutelamiina, Perolamiina, Viticisymphorina, and Calliprostantherina.
Cumulative radiation exposure from imaging procedures and associated lifetime cancer risk for patients with lymphoma
Authors: Fabritius Grete , Brix Gunnar , Nekolla Elke , Klein Stefan , Popp Henning D. , Meyer Mathias , Glatting Gerhard , Hagelstein Claudia , Hofmann Wolf K. , Schoenberg Stefan O. , Henzler Thomas
Published: October 2016

The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the cumulative radiation exposure and the associated lifetime-cancer-risk from diagnostic imaging in patients with Hodgkin-lymphoma-(HL) or diffuse-large-B-cell-lymphoma (DLBCL). 99 consecutive patients (53-males) diagnosed with HL or DLBCL were included in the study and followed. Based on the imaging reports, organ and effective-doses-(ED) were calculated individually for each patient and the excess lifetime risks were estimated. The average ED in the first year after diagnosis was significantly different for men (59 ± 33 mSv) and women (744 ± 33 mSv)-(p < 0.05). The mean cumulative ED in each of the following 5 years was 16 ± 16 mSv without significant differences between men and women-(p > 0.05). Over all years, more than 90% of the ED resulted from CT. The average cumulative radiation risk estimated for the first year was significantly lower for men (0.76 ± 0.41%) as compared to women (1.28 ± 0.54%)-(p < 0.05). The same was found for each of the subsequent 5-years (men-0.18 ± 0.17%; women-0.28 ± 0.25%)-(p < 0.05). In conclusion, for HL and DLBCL patients investigated in this study, a cumulative radiation risk of about 1 excess cancer per 100 patients is estimated for diagnostic imaging procedures performed during both the first year after diagnosis and a follow-up period of 5 years.
Decline of recent seabirds inferred from a composite 1000-year record of population dynamics
Authors: Xu Liqiang , Liu Xiaodong , Wu Libin , Sun Liguang , Zhao Jinjun , Chen Lin
Published: October 2016

Based on three ornithogenic sediment profiles and seabird subfossils therein from the Xisha Islands, South China Sea, the relative population size of seabirds over the past 1000 years was reconstructed using reflectance spectrum. Here we present an apparent increase and subsequent decline of seabirds on these islands in the South China Sea. Seabird populations peaked during the Little Ice Age (LIA, 1400–1850 AD), implying that the cool climate during the LIA appears to have been more favorable to seabirds on the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea. Climate change partly explains the recent decrease in seabird populations over the past 150 years, but the significant decline and almost complete disappearance thereof on most of the Xisha Islands is probably attributable to human disturbance. Our study reveals the increasing impact of anthropogenic activities on seabird population in recent times.
Structures, properties, and energy-storage mechanisms of the semi-lunar process cuticles in locusts
Authors: Wan Chao , Hao Zhixiu , Feng Xiqiao
Published: October 2016

Locusts have excellent jumping and kicking abilities to survive in nature, which are achieved through the energy storage and release processes occurring in cuticles, especially in the semi-lunar processes (SLP) at the femorotibial joints. As yet, however, the strain energy-storage mechanisms of the SLP cuticles remain unclear. To decode this mystery, we investigated the microstructure, material composition, and mechanical properties of the SLP cuticle and its remarkable strain energy-storage mechanisms for jumping and kicking. It is found that the SLP cuticle of adult Locusta migratoria manilensis consists of five main parts that exhibit different microstructural features, material compositions, mechanical properties, and biological functions in storing strain energy. The mechanical properties of these five components are all transversely isotropic and strongly depend on their water contents. Finite element simulations indicate that the two parts of the core region of the SLP cuticle likely make significant contributions to its outstanding strain energy-storage ability. This work deepens our understanding of the locomotion behaviors and superior energy-storage mechanisms of insects such as locusts and is helpful for the design and fabrication of strain energy-storage devices.
The alternatively-included 11a sequence modifies the effects of Mena on actin cytoskeletal organization and cell behavior
Authors: Balsamo Michele , Mondal Chandrani , Carmona Guillaume , McClain Leslie M. , Riquelme Daisy N. , Tadros Jenny , Ma Duan , Vasile Eliza , Condeelis John S. , Lauffenburger Douglas A. , Gertler Frank B.
Published: October 2016

During tumor progression, alternative splicing gives rise to different Mena protein isoforms. We analyzed how Mena11a, an isoform enriched in epithelia and epithelial-like cells, affects Mena-dependent regulation of actin dynamics and cell behavior. While other Mena isoforms promote actin polymerization and drive membrane protrusion, we find that Mena11a decreases actin polymerization and growth factor-stimulated membrane protrusion at lamellipodia. Ectopic Mena11a expression slows mesenchymal-like cell motility, while isoform-specific depletion of endogenous Mena11a in epithelial-like tumor cells perturbs cell:cell junctions and increases membrane protrusion and overall cell motility. Mena11a can dampen membrane protrusion and reduce actin polymerization in the absence of other Mena isoforms, indicating that it is not simply an inactive Mena isoform. We identify a phosphorylation site within 11a that is required for some Mena11a-specific functions. RNA-seq data analysis from patient cohorts demonstrates that the difference between mRNAs encoding constitutive Mena sequences and those containing the 11a exon correlates with metastasis in colorectal cancer, suggesting that 11a exon exclusion contributes to invasive phenotypes and leads to poor clinical outcomes.
Coral reef fish perceive lightness illusions
Authors: Simpson Elisha E. , Marshall N. Justin , Cheney Karen L.
Published: October 2016

Visual illusions occur when information from images are perceived differently from the actual physical properties of the stimulus in terms of brightness, size, colour and/or motion. Illusions are therefore important tools for sensory perception research and from an ecological perspective, relevant for visually guided animals viewing signals in heterogeneous environments. Here, we tested whether fish perceived a lightness cube illusion in which identical coloured targets appear (for humans) to return different spectral outputs depending on the apparent amount of illumination they are perceived to be under. Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus) were trained to peck at coloured targets to receive food rewards, and were shown to experience similar shifts in colour perception when targets were placed in illusory shadows. Fish therefore appear to experience similar simultaneous contrast mechanisms to humans, even when targets are embedded in complex, scene-type illusions. Studies such as these help unlock the fundamental principles of visual system mechanisms.
Disabled-2 is a negative immune regulator of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated Toll-like receptor 4 internalization and signaling
Authors: Hung Wei-Shan , Ling Pin , Cheng Ju-Chien , Chang Shy-Shin , Tseng Ching-Ping
Published: October 2016

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a pivotal role in the host response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a major cell wall component of Gram-negative bacteria. Here, we elucidated whether the endocytic adaptor protein Disabled-2 (Dab2), which is abundantly expressed in macrophages, plays a role in LPS-stimulated TLR4 signaling and trafficking. Molecular analysis and transcriptome profiling of RAW264.7 macrophage-like cells expressing short-hairpin RNA of Dab2 revealed that Dab2 regulated the TLR4/TRIF pathway upon LPS stimulation. Knockdown of Dab2 augmented TRIF-dependent interferon regulatory factor 3 activation and the expression of subsets of inflammatory cytokines and interferon-inducible genes. Dab2 acted as a clathrin sponge and sequestered clathrin from TLR4 in the resting stage of macrophages. Upon LPS stimulation, clathrin was released from Dab2 to facilitate endocytosis of TLR4 for triggering the TRIF-mediated pathway. Dab2 functions as a negative immune regulator of TLR4 endocytosis and signaling, supporting a novel role for a Dab2-associated regulatory circuit in controlling the inflammatory response of macrophages to endotoxin.
Single crystal growth from separated educts and its application to lithium transition-metal oxides
Authors: Freund F. , Williams S. C. , Johnson R. D. , Coldea R. , Gegenwart P. , Jesche A.
Published: October 2016

Thorough mixing of the starting materials is the first step of a crystal growth procedure. This holds true for almost any standard technique, whereas the intentional separation of educts is considered to be restricted to a very limited number of cases. Here we show that single crystals of α-Li2IrO3 can be grown from separated educts in an open crucible in air. Elemental lithium and iridium are oxidized and transported over a distance of typically one centimeter. In contrast to classical vapor transport, the process is essentially isothermal and a temperature gradient of minor importance. Single crystals grow from an exposed condensation point placed in between the educts. The method has also been applied to the growth of Li2RuO3, Li2PtO3 and β-Li2IrO3. A successful use of this simple and low cost technique for various other materials is anticipated.
The Prostate Health Index adds predictive value to multi-parametric MRI in detecting significant prostate cancers in a repeat biopsy population
Authors: Gnanapragasam V. J. , Burling K. , George A. , Stearn S. , Warren A. , Barrett T. , Koo B. , Gallagher F. A. , Doble A. , Kastner C. , Parker R. A.
Published: October 2016

Both multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI) and the Prostate Health Index (PHI) have shown promise in predicting a positive biopsy in men with suspected prostate cancer. Here we investigated the value of combining both tests in men requiring a repeat biopsy. PHI scores were measured in men undergoing re-biopsy with an mpMRI image-guided transperineal approach (n = 279, 94 with negative mpMRIs). The PHI was assessed for ability to add value to mpMRI in predicting all or only significant cancers (Gleason ≥7). In this study adding PHI to mpMRI improved overall and significant cancer prediction (AUC 0.71 and 0.75) compared to mpMRI + PSA alone (AUC 0.64 and 0.69 respectively). At a threshold of ≥35, PHI + mpMRI demonstrated a NPV of 0.97 for excluding significant tumours. In mpMRI negative men, the PHI again improved prediction of significant cancers; AUC 0.76 vs 0.63 (mpMRI + PSA). Using a PHI≥35, only 1/21 significant cancers was missed and 31/73 (42%) men potentially spared a re-biopsy (NPV of 0.97, sensitivity 0.95). Decision curve analysis demonstrated clinically relevant utility of the PHI across threshold probabilities of 5–30%. In summary, the PHI adds predictive performance to image-guided detection of clinically significant cancers and has particular value in determining re-biopsy need in men with a negative mpMRI.
Identification of Cofilin-1 Induces G0/G1 Arrest and Autophagy in Angiotensin-(1-7)-treated Human Aortic Endothelial Cells from iTRAQ Quantitative Proteomics
Authors: Wang Huang-Joe , Chen Sung-Fang , Lo Wan-Yu
Published: October 2016

The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2/angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas axis is a pathway that acts against the detrimental effects of the renin-angiotensin system. However, the effects of angiotensin-(1-7) on endothelial protein expression and the related phenotypes are unclear. We performed a duplicate of iTRAQ quantitative proteomic analysis on human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) treated with angiotensin-(1-7) for 6 hours. Cofilin-1 was identified as a highly abundant candidate with consistent >30% coverage and >1.2-fold overexpression in the angiotensin-(1-7)-treated group. Gene ontology analysis showed that the “regulation_of_mitosis” was significantly altered, and cell cycle analysis indicated that the 6-hour angiotensin-(1-7) treatment significantly induced G0/G1 arrest. Knockdown of the cofilin-1 (CFL1) gene suggested the G0/G1 phase arrest was mediated by the modulation of p27 and the p21/Cyclin/CDK complex by Cofilin-1. Interestingly, quiescent HAECs escaped G0/G1 arrest upon angiotensin-(1-7) treatment for 24 hours, and angiotensin-(1-7) induced autophagy by upregulating Beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3b-II expression, which was also attenuated by A779 pre-treatment and CFL1 knockdown. After pre-treatment with 3-methyladenine (3MA), treatment with angiotensin-(1-7) for 24 h induced significant G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis, suggesting a pro-survival role of autophagy in this context. In conclusion, Cofilin-1 plays a dominant role in angiotensin-(1-7)-induced G0/G1 arrest and autophagy to maintain cellular homeostasis in HAECs.
Impacts of Three Gorges Reservoir on the sedimentation regimes in the downstream-linked two largest Chinese freshwater lakes
Authors: Zhou Yongqiang , Jeppesen Erik , Li Jingbao , Zhang Yunlin , Zhang Xinping , Li Xichun
Published: October 2016

We studied the impacts of Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) on the sedimentation regimes in the downstream-linked two largest Chinese freshwater lakes, Lake Dongting and Lake Poyang. Our results indicate that up to 1.73 × 109 t sediment was retained in TGR from June 2003 to December 2014. This resulted in a 145.9 × 106 t yr−1 decline in the suspended sediment load at Zhicheng and a 16.8 × 106 t yr−1 lower sediment flow from Yangtze River to Lake Dongting, which partially explains the 13.4 × 106 t yr−1 lower sedimentation in Lake Dongting during the post-TGR period. Furthermore, TGR resulted in a 0.5 ± 0.3 m reduction of the multi-year mean water level at the Lake Poyang outlet Hukou, accelerating the suspended sediment export discharge from the lake. The reduced sedimentation in Lake Poyang during the post-TGR period was estimated to 6.3 × 106 t yr−1. We estimate that a monthly mean concentration of sediment flow from TGR below 0.60 kg m−3 will lead to erosion in Lake Dongting and Lake Poyang. Better regulation of TGR may extend the life expectancy of the two vanishing large lakes.
Loss of interleukin 33 expression in colonic crypts - a potential marker for disease remission in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Gundersen Mona Dixon , Goll Rasmus , Hol Johanna , Olsen Trine , Rismo Renathe , Sørbye Sveinung W. , Sundnes Olav , Haraldsen Guttorm , Florholmen Jon
Published: October 2016

Interleukin 33 (IL-33) is a cytokine preferentially elevated in acute ulcerative colitis (UC), inferring a role in its pathogenesis. The role of IL-33 in intestinal inflammation is incompletely understood, with both pro-inflammatory and regulatory properties described. There are also conflicting reports on cellular sources and subcellular location of IL-33 in the colonic mucosa, justifying a closer look at IL-33 expression in well-defined clinical stages of UC. A total of 50 study participants (29 UC patients and 21 healthy controls) were included from a prospective cohort of inflammatory bowel disease patients treated to disease remission with infliximab, a tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF) inhibitor. To our knowledge this is the first study examining mucosal IL-33 expression before and after anti-TNF therapy. In colonic mucosal biopsies we found a 3-fold increase in IL-33 gene expression comparing acute UC to healthy controls (p < 0.01). A significant reduction of IL33 between acute UC and disease remission was observed when TNF normalised in the mucosa (p = 0.02). Immunostaining revealed IL-33 in the nuclei of epithelial cells of scattered colonic crypts in acute disease, while at disease remission, IL-33 was undetectable, a novel finding suggesting that enterocyte-derived IL-33 is induced and maintained by inflammatory mediators.
The generalized harmonic potential theorem in the presence of a time-varying magnetic field
Authors: Lai Meng-Yun , Pan Xiao-Yin
Published: October 2016

We investigate the evolution of the many-body wave function of a quantum system with time-varying effective mass, confined by a harmonic potential with time-varying frequency in the presence of a uniform time-varying magnetic field, and perturbed by a time-dependent uniform electric field. It is found that the wave function is comprised of a phase factor times the solution to the unperturbed time-dependent Schrödinger equation with the latter being translated by a time-dependent value that satisfies the classical driven equation of motion. In other words, we generalize the harmonic potential theorem to the case when the effective mass, harmonic potential, and the external uniform magnetic field with arbitrary orientation are all time-varying. The results reduce to various special cases obtained in the literature, particulary to that of the harmonic potential theorem wave function when the effective mass and frequency are both static and the external magnetic field is absent.
The complex evolutionary history of big-eared horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus macrotis complex): insights from genetic, morphological and acoustic data
Authors: Sun Keping , Kimball Rebecca T. , Liu Tong , Wei Xuewen , Jin Longru , Jiang Tinglei , Lin Aiqing , Feng Jiang
Published: October 2016

Palaeoclimatic oscillations and different landscapes frequently result in complex population-level structure or the evolution of cryptic species. Elucidating the potential mechanisms is vital to understanding speciation events. However, such complex evolutionary patterns have rarely been reported in bats. In China, the Rhinolophus macrotis complex contains a large form and a small form, suggesting the existence of a cryptic bat species. Our field surveys found these two sibling species have a continuous and widespread distribution with partial sympatry. However, their evolutionary history has received little attention. Here, we used extensive sampling, morphological and acoustic data, as well as different genetic markers to investigate their evolutionary history. Genetic analyses revealed discordance between the mitochondrial and nuclear data. Mitochondrial data identified three reciprocally monophyletic lineages: one representing all small forms from Southwest China, and the other two containing all large forms from Central and Southeast China, respectively. The large form showed paraphyly with respect to the small form. However, clustering analyses of microsatellite and Chd1 gene sequences support two divergent clusters separating the large form and the small form. Moreover, morphological and acoustic analyses were consistent with nuclear data. This unusual pattern in the R. macrotis complex might be accounted for by palaeoclimatic oscillations, shared ancestral polymorphism and/or interspecific hybridization.
Associations between Periodontal Microbiota and Death Rates
Authors: Chiu Chung-Jung , Chang Min-Lee , Taylor Allen
Published: October 2016

It is conceived that specific combinations of periodontal bacteria are associated with risk for the various forms of periodontitis. We hypothesized that such specificity is also related to human cause-specific death rates. We tested this hypothesis in a representative sample of the US population followed for a mean duration of 11 years and found that two specific patterns of 21 serum antibodies against periodontal bacteria were significantly associated with increased all-cause and/or diabetes-related mortalities. These data suggested that specific combinations of periodontal bacteria, even without inducing clinically significant periodontitis, may have a significant impact on human cause-specific death rates. Our findings implied that increased disease and mortality risk could be transmittable via the transfer of oral microbiota, and that developing personalized strategies and maintaining healthy oral microbiota beyond protection against periodontitis would be important to manage the risk.
Dynamics of the mouse brain cortical synaptic proteome during postnatal brain development
Authors: Gonzalez-Lozano Miguel A. , Klemmer Patricia , Gebuis Titia , Hassan Chopie , van Nierop Pim , van Kesteren Ronald E. , Smit August B. , Li Ka Wan
Published: October 2016

Development of the brain involves the formation and maturation of numerous synapses. This process requires prominent changes of the synaptic proteome and potentially involves thousands of different proteins at every synapse. To date the proteome analysis of synapse development has been studied sparsely. Here, we analyzed the cortical synaptic membrane proteome of juvenile postnatal days 9 (P9), P15, P21, P27, adolescent (P35) and different adult ages P70, P140 and P280 of C57Bl6/J mice. Using a quantitative proteomics workflow we quantified 1560 proteins of which 696 showed statistically significant differences over time. Synaptic proteins generally showed increased levels during maturation, whereas proteins involved in protein synthesis generally decreased in abundance. In several cases, proteins from a single functional molecular entity, e.g., subunits of the NMDA receptor, showed differences in their temporal regulation, which may reflect specific synaptic development features of connectivity, strength and plasticity. SNARE proteins, Snap 29/47 and Stx 7/8/12, showed higher expression in immature animals. Finally, we evaluated the function of Cxadr that showed high expression levels at P9 and a fast decline in expression during neuronal development. Knock down of the expression of Cxadr in cultured primary mouse neurons revealed a significant decrease in synapse density.
Sex hormone-binding globulin regulation of androgen bioactivity in vivo: validation of the free hormone hypothesis
Authors: Laurent Michaël R. , Hammond Geoffrey L. , Blokland Marco , Jardí Ferran , Antonio Leen , Dubois Vanessa , Khalil Rougin , Sterk Saskia S. , Gielen Evelien , Decallonne Brigitte , Carmeliet Geert , Kaufman Jean-Marc , Fiers Tom , Huhtaniemi Ilpo T. , Vanderschueren Dirk , Claessens Frank
Published: October 2016

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is the high-affinity binding protein for androgens and estrogens. According to the free hormone hypothesis, SHBG modulates the bioactivity of sex steroids by limiting their diffusion into target tissues. Still, the in vivo physiological role of circulating SHBG remains unclear, especially since mice and rats lack circulating SHBG post-natally. To test the free hormone hypothesis in vivo, we examined total and free sex steroid concentrations and bioactivity on target organs in mice expressing a human SHBG transgene. SHBG increased total androgen and estrogen concentrations via hypothalamic-pituitary feedback regulation and prolonged ligand half-life. Despite markedly raised total sex steroid concentrations, free testosterone was unaffected while sex steroid bioactivity on male and female reproductive organs was attenuated. This occurred via a ligand-dependent, genotype-independent mechanism according to in vitro seminal vesicle organ cultures. These results provide compelling support for the determination of free or bioavailable sex steroid concentrations in medicine, and clarify important comparative differences between translational mouse models and human endocrinology.
TGFβ1 – induced recruitment of human bone mesenchymal stem cells is mediated by the primary cilium in a SMAD3-dependent manner
Authors: Labour Marie-Noëlle , Riffault Mathieu , Christensen Søren T. , Hoey David A.
Published: October 2016

The recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a crucial process in the development, maintenance and repair of tissues throughout the body. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) is a potent chemokine essential for the recruitment of MSCs in bone, coupling the remodelling cycle. The primary cilium is a sensory organelle with important roles in bone and has been associated with cell migration and more recently TGFβ signalling. Dysregulation of TGFβ signalling or cilia has been linked to a number of skeletal pathologies. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the role of the primary cilium in TGFβ1 signalling and associated migration in human MSCs. In this study we demonstrate that low levels of TGFβ1 induce the recruitment of MSCs, which relies on proper formation of the cilium. Furthermore, we demonstrate that receptors and downstream signalling components in canonical TGFβ signalling localize to the cilium and that TGFβ1 signalling is associated with activation of SMAD3 at the ciliary base. These findings demonstrate a novel role for the primary cilium in the regulation of TGFβ signalling and subsequent migration of MSCs, and highlight the cilium as a target to manipulate this key pathway and enhance MSC recruitment for the treatment of skeletal diseases.
Next generation of labeling reagents for quantitative and multiplexing immunoassays by the use of LA-ICP-MS
Authors: Kanje S. , Herrmann A. J. , Hober S. , Mueller L.
Published: October 2016

A novel labeling strategy – which results in one label per antibody molecule – was used for multiplex and quantitative immuno imaging by use of LA-ICP-MS.
Aza-Morita–Baylis–Hillman reactions catalyzed by a cyclopropenylidene
Authors: Lu Xun , Schneider Uwe
Published: October 2016

Catalysis using a bis(dialkylamino)cyclopropenylidene (BAC) has been developed, which relies on a formal umpolung activation of Michael acceptor pro-nucleophiles.
C8–H bond activation vs. C2–H bond activation: from naphthyl amines to lactams
Authors: Shi Renyi , Lu Lijun , Xie Hangyu , Yan Jingwen , Xu Ting , Zhang Hua , Qi Xiaotian , Lan Yu , Lei Aiwen
Published: October 2016

Pd-catalyzed selective amine-oriented C8–H bond functionalization/N-dealkylative carbonylation of naphthyl amines has been achieved. The amine group from dealkylation is proposed to be the directing group for promoting this process. It represents a straightforward and easy method to access various biologically important benzo[cd]indol-2(1H)-one derivatives.
Defect chemistry and relaxation processes: effect of an amphoteric substituent in lead-free BCZT ceramics
Authors: Coondoo Indrani , Panwar Neeraj , Vidyasagar Reddithota , Kholkin Andrei L.
Published: October 2016

EFM differentiates the grain-boundary (dark) and conductive grains, associated with electrostatic charge due to the potential barrier. A defect model based on conductivity results is established.
Highly efficient19F heteronuclear decoupling in solid-state NMR spectroscopy using supercycled refocused-CW irradiation
Authors: Equbal Asif , Basse Kristoffer , Nielsen Niels Chr.
Published: October 2016

We present heteronuclear19F refocused CW (rCW) decoupling pulse sequences for solid-state magic-angle-spinning NMR applications.
Dependence of photocatalysis on charge carrier separation in Ag-doped and decorated TiO2nanocomposites
Authors: Varma Ranjana S. , Thorat Nirmala , Fernandes R. , Kothari D. C. , Patel N. , Miotello A.
Published: October 2016

Ag–TiO2nanocomposite systems have been investigated with the aim of understanding the relationship between the photocatalytic efficiency and the contributions of various structures resulting in charge carrier separation, charge transfer and extension of light absorption to the visible range.
The effect of the unpaired d-orbital electron number in Fe and Co catalysts on Fischer–Tropsch synthesis
Authors: Zhai Yongbiao , Zhang Juan , Sun Jiaqiang , Xue Yingying , Chen Zheng , Chen Min , Wang Buhuan , Chen Jiangang
Published: October 2016

The unpaired d-orbital electron number was calculated, and the results showed that it can be used as an indicator in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis.
Sb-Based antiferromagnetic oxychlorides: MSb2O3(OH)Cl (M = Mn, Fe, Co) with 2D spin-dimer structures
Authors: Geng Lei , Li Qiang , Lu Hongyan , Dai Kai , Halasyamani P. Shiv
Published: October 2016

Three new antiferromagnetic oxychlorides MnSb2O3(OH)Cl, FeSb2O3(OH)Cl, and CoSb2O3(OH)Cl with 2D structures have been synthesized and characterized.