bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhythmic stress in Ukrainian: Acoustic evidence of a bidirectional system
Authors: ŁUKASZEWICZ BEATA , MOŁCZANOW JANINA
Published: November 2017

Bidirectional stress systems with internal lapses are rare and their existence has been recently called into question (Newlin-Łukowicz 2012). The present paper reports an acoustic study of secondary stress in Ukrainian based on polysyllabic words with lexical stress located at or near the right edge of the word. The results indicate that Ukrainian has an iteration of secondary stresses from the left edge towards the lexical stress, rather than in the opposite direction. This characteristic makes it metrically related to bidirectional stress systems with internal lapses (e.g. Polish), which invalidates the argument against such systems and proves the empirical adequacy of the metrical theories designed to account for these stress patterns.
Chilli-briquettes modify the temporal behaviour of elephants, but not their numbers
Authors: Pozo Rocío A. , Coulson Tim , McCulloch Graham , Stronza Amanda , Songhurst Anna
Published: November 2017

Crop loss to foraging elephants is one of the most significant causes of conflict between people and elephants in areas where wild elephants share resources with people. Effective solutions to reduce the effects of human–elephant conflict on local livelihoods are thus essential to foster coexistence between elephants and people. We assessed the effectiveness of chilli-briquettes (bricks made of dry chilli, elephant dung and water) in altering elephants use of space in the eastern Okavango Panhandle, Botswana. We burned > 600 briquettes during the night over a 2-month period to test five treatments: frequent burning of (1) chilli and (2) chilli-free briquettes, occasional burning of (3) chilli and (4) chilli-free briquettes, and (5) a control treatment. Using camera traps and footprint surveys we assessed the number of elephants that used experimental sites, and the times at which they did so. We found elephants changed their movement behaviour from predominantly nocturnal to diurnal in areas where chilli-briquettes were burned throughout the night; however, there was no difference in the mean numbers of individuals between treatments with and without chillies. In other words, chilli-briquettes had a repellent but not a deterrent effect on elephants, keeping them away only at times when chilli-briquettes were smouldering. Based on these findings we recommend the use of chilli-briquettes as a method to deter elephants in the short term. In the long term, chilli-briquettes should be applied in combination with other larger-scale mitigation approaches, such as land management and cooperative community-based tools.
Religious Disagreement and Epistemic Intuitions
Authors: Bergmann Michael
Published: November 2017

Religious disagreement is, quite understandably, viewed as a problem for religious belief. In this paper, I consider why religious disagreement is a problem—why it is a potential defeater for religious belief—and I propose a way of dealing with this sort of potential defeater. I begin by focusing elsewhere—on arguments for radical skepticism. In section 1, I consider skeptical arguments proposed as potential defeaters for all of our perceptual and memory beliefs and explain what I think the rational response is to such potential defeaters, emphasizing the way epistemic intuitions are involved in both the skeptical arguments and my recommended response. In section 2, I discuss the way in which peer disagreement—on any topic—is a potential defeater for our beliefs, highlighting the conditions under which recognized disagreement is a successful defeater and those under which it isn't. In the third section, I consider how to use a section-1 type of response to deal with a section-2 type of defeater for religious belief.
Detachment, Rationality and Evidence: Towards a More Humane Religious Epistemology
Authors: Cottingham John
Published: November 2017

Some truths cannot be accessed ‘cold’, from a detached and impersonal standpoint, but require personal commitment and even moral change in order for the relevant evidence to come to light. The truths of religion may be of this kind. Moreover, recent work in psychology and neurophysiology suggests that our knowledge of the world comes in different forms, the detached critical scrutiny associated with ‘the left-brain’ and the more intuitive and holistic awareness mediated by the ‘right brain’. Much contemporary philosophy privileges the former kind of knowledge, but in areas such as religion this may be a mistake.1
A novel miniaturized log-periodic dipole array antenna using dynamic scaling factor for RFID application
Authors: Rostami Gooran Pourya , Karimi Gholamreza , Lalbakhsh Ali
Published: November 2017

A novel radio frequency identification antenna based on log-periodic dipole array (LPDA) antenna at 5.8 GHz is presented. The antenna design approach consists of two major steps. Firstly, the conventional primitive method is used to design a traditional LPDA antenna. The antenna structure is then miniaturized and its overall performance significantly improved. Dynamic scaling factor along with uniformly separated elements are introduced in this class of antenna, resulting in a 51.5% length reduction. To improve front-to-back (F/B) ratio a symmetrical folding technique is employed, leading to 21.5 dB F/B ratio for the fabricated prototype. An excellent level of input impedance matching (S11 = −28 dB) is achieved using a well-designed feeding system through a proximity coupling technique. The measured gain of the fabricated prototype is 6.2 dBi, and the overall dimension of the antenna substrate is only 30 × 45 mm2 (0.58λ0 × 0.87λ0).
Leseentwicklung in der Kindheit
Authors: Nagler Telse , Lindberg Sven , Hasselhorn Marcus
Published: November 2017

Zusammenfassung. Der Leseerwerb ist ein hoch komplexer Prozess, der durch eine Vielzahl von Faktoren beeinflusst werden kann. Bestimmte kognitive (internale) Fertigkeiten und Funktionen konnten bereits als individuelle Voraussetzungen zur effektiven (schrift)sprachlichen Informationsverarbeitung identifiziert werden. In dieser narrativen Überblicksarbeit wird der Einfluss von weiteren (externalen) Einflussfaktoren anhand von Informationen aus Übersichtsarbeiten und Meta-Analysen dargestellt. Dabei werden ausgewählte Faktoren (z. B. sozioökonomischer Status, häusliche Lernumgebung, Schule, urbaner Lärm) hervorgehoben. Weiterhin werden erfolgversprechende Absätze zur Prävention und Intervention skizziert. Es werden Präventionsprogramme beschrieben, die sich auf die individuelle Förderung von trainierbaren kognitiven Voraussetzungen fokussieren. Ebenfalls werden störungsspezifische und allgemeinwirksame Interventionsprogramme dargestellt, die für eine langfristige Leseförderung eingesetzt werden können.
Transcriptome-wide identification of the RNA-binding landscape of the chromatin-associated protein PARP1 reveals functions in RNA biogenesis
Authors: Melikishvili Manana , Chariker Julia H , Rouchka Eric C , Fondufe-Mittendorf Yvonne N
Published: November 2017

Recent studies implicate Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) in alternative splicing regulation, and PARP1 may be an RNA-binding protein. However, detailed knowledge of RNA targets and the RNA-binding region for PARP1 are unknown. Here we report the first global study of PARP1–RNA interactions using PAR–CLIP in HeLa cells. We identified a largely overlapping set of 22 142 PARP1–RNA-binding peaks mapping to mRNAs, with 20 484 sites located in intronic regions. PARP1 preferentially bound RNA containing GC-rich sequences. Using a Bayesian model, we determined positional effects of PARP1 on regulated exon-skipping events: PARP1 binding upstream and downstream of the skipped exons generally promotes exon inclusion, whereas binding within the exon of interest and intronic regions closer to the skipped exon promotes exon skipping. Using truncation mutants, we show that removal of the Zn1Zn2 domain switches PARP1 from a DNA binder to an RNA binder. This study represents a first step into understanding the role of PARP1–RNA interaction. Continued identification and characterization of the functional interplay between PARPs and RNA may provide important insights into the role of PARPs in RNA regulation.
MiR-215-5p is a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer targeting EGFR ligand epiregulin and its transcriptional inducer HOXB9
Authors: Vychytilova-Faltejskova Petra , Merhautova Jana , Machackova Tana , Gutierrez-Garcia Irene , Garcia-Solano José , Radova Lenka , Brchnelova Dominika , Slaba Katerina , Svoboda Marek , Halamkova Jana , Demlova Regina , Kiss Igor , Vyzula Rostislav , Conesa-Zamora Pablo , Slaby Ondrej
Published: November 2017

Growing evidence suggests that microRNAs are involved in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). In the present study, deregulation and functioning of tumor-suppressive miR-215-5p was evaluated in CRC. In total, 448 tumor tissues and 325 paired adjacent healthy tissues collected from Czech and Spain cohorts of CRC patients have been used for miR-215-5p expression analyses. A series of in vitro experiments have been performed using transient transfection of miR-215-5p mimics into four CRC cell lines to identify specific cellular processes affected by miR-215-5p. Further, the effects of miR-215-5p on tumor growth were evaluated in vivo using NSG mice and stable cell line overexpressing miR-215-5p. Target mRNAs of miR-215-5p were tested using luciferase assay and western blot analyses. We found that miR-215-5p is significantly downregulated in tumor tissues compared with non-tumor adjacent tissues and its decreased levels correlate with the presence of lymph node metastases, tumor stage, and shorter overall survival in CRC patients. Overexpression of miR-215-5p significantly reduced proliferation, clonogenicity, and migration of CRC cells, lead to cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase and p53-dependent induction of apoptosis. The ability of miR-215-5p to inhibit tumor growth was confirmed in vivo. Finally, we confirmed epiregulin and HOXB9 to be the direct targets of miR-215-5p. As epiregulin is EGFR ligand and HOXB9 is its transcriptional inducer, we suggest that the main molecular link between miR-215-5p and CRC cells phenotypes presents the EGFR signaling pathway, which is one of the canonical pathogenic pathways in CRC.
Crystal plasticity as an indicator of the viscous-brittle transition in magmas
Authors: Kendrick J. E. , Lavallée Y. , Mariani E. , Dingwell D. B. , Wheeler J. , Varley N. R.
Published: November 2017

Understanding the flow of multi-phase (melt, crystals and bubbles) magmas is of great importance for interpreting eruption dynamics. Here we report the first observation of crystal plasticity, identified using electron backscatter diffraction, in plagioclase in andesite dome lavas from Volcán de Colima, Mexico. The same lavas, deformed experimentally at volcanic conduit temperature and load conditions, exhibit a further, systematic plastic response in the crystalline fraction, observable as a lattice misorientation. At higher stress, and higher crystal fraction, the amount of strain accommodated by crystal plasticity is larger. Crystal plastic distortion is highest in the intact segments of broken crystals, which have exceeded their plastic limit. We infer that crystal plasticity precludes failure and can punctuate the viscous-brittle transition in crystal-bearing magmas at certain shallow magmatic conditions. Since crystal plasticity varies systematically with imposed conditions, this raises the possibility that it may be used as a strain marker in well-constrained systems.
Internalization of a polysialic acid-binding Escherichia coli bacteriophage into eukaryotic neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Lehti Timo A. , Pajunen Maria I. , Skog Maria S. , Finne Jukka
Published: November 2017

Eukaryotic organisms are continuously exposed to bacteriophages, which are efficient gene transfer agents in bacteria. However, bacteriophages are considered not to pass the eukaryotic cell membrane and enter nonphagocytic cells. Here we report the binding and penetration of Escherichia coli PK1A2 bacteriophage into live eukaryotic neuroblastoma cells in vitro. The phage interacts with cell surface polysialic acid, which shares structural similarity with the bacterial phage receptor. Using fluorescence and electron microscopy, we show that phages are internalized via the endolysosomal route and persist inside the human cells up to one day without affecting cell viability. Phage capsid integrity is lost in lysosomes, and the phage DNA is eventually degraded. We did not detect the entry of phage DNA into the nucleus; however, we speculate that this might occur as a rare event, and propose that this potential mechanism could explain prokaryote–eukaryote gene flow.
Direct evidence of hidden local spin polarization in a centrosymmetric superconductor LaO0.55 F0.45BiS2
Authors: Wu Shi-Long , Sumida Kazuki , Miyamoto Koji , Taguchi Kazuaki , Yoshikawa Tomoki , Kimura Akio , Ueda Yoshifumi , Arita Masashi , Nagao Masanori , Watauchi Satoshi , Tanaka Isao , Okuda Taichi
Published: November 2017

Conventional Rashba spin polarization is caused by the combination of strong spin–orbit interaction and spatial inversion asymmetry. However, Rashba–Dresselhaus-type spin-split states are predicted in the centrosymmetric LaOBiS2 system by recent theory, which stem from the local inversion asymmetry of active BiS2 layer. By performing high-resolution spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we have investigated the electronic band structure and spin texture of superconductor LaO0.55F0.45BiS2. Here we present direct spectroscopic evidence for the local spin polarization of both the valence band and the conduction band. In particular, the coexistence of Rashba-like and Dresselhaus-like spin textures has been observed in the conduction band. The finding is of key importance for fabrication of proposed dual-gated spin-field effect transistor. Moreover, the spin-split band leads to a spin–momentum locking Fermi surface from which superconductivity emerges. Our demonstration not only expands the scope of spintronic materials but also enhances the understanding of spin–orbit interaction-related superconductivity.
ORAI channels are critical for receptor-mediated endocytosis of albumin
Authors: Zeng Bo , Chen Gui-Lan , Garcia-Vaz Eliana , Bhandari Sunil , Daskoulidou Nikoleta , Berglund Lisa M. , Jiang Hongni , Hallett Thomas , Zhou Lu-Ping , Huang Li , Xu Zi-Hao , Nair Viji , Nelson Robert G. , Ju Wenjun , Kretzler Matthias , Atkin Stephen L. , Gomez Maria F. , Xu Shang-Zhong
Published: November 2017

Impaired albumin reabsorption by proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) has been highlighted in diabetic nephropathy (DN), but little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms. Here we find that ORAI1-3, are preferentially expressed in PTECs and downregulated in patients with DN. Hyperglycemia or blockade of insulin signaling reduces the expression of ORAI1-3. Inhibition of ORAI channels by BTP2 and diethylstilbestrol or silencing of ORAI expression impairs albumin uptake. Transgenic mice expressing a dominant-negative Orai1 mutant (E108Q) increases albuminuria, and in vivo injection of BTP2 exacerbates albuminuria in streptozotocin-induced and Akita diabetic mice. The albumin endocytosis is Ca2+-dependent and accompanied by ORAI1 internalization. Amnionless (AMN) associates with ORAIs and forms STIM/ORAI/AMN complexes after Ca2+ store depletion. STIM1/ORAI1 colocalizes with clathrin, but not with caveolin, at the apical membrane of PTECs, which determines clathrin-mediated endocytosis. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms of protein reabsorption and potential targets for treating diabetic proteinuria.
Multiyne chains chelating osmium via three metal-carbon σ bonds
Authors: Zhuo Qingde , Lin Jianfeng , Hua Yuhui , Zhou Xiaoxi , Shao Yifan , Chen Shiyan , Chen Zhixin , Zhu Jun , Zhang Hong , Xia Haiping
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Although the formation of metal–carbon σ bonds is a fundamental principle in organometallic chemistry, the direct bonding of one organic molecule with one metal center to generate more than two metal–carbon σ bonds remains a challenge. Herein, we report an aromaticity-driven method whereby multiyne chains are used to construct three metal–carbon σ bonds in a one-pot reaction under mild conditions. In this method, multiyne chains act as ligand precursors capable of chelating an osmium center to yield planar metallapolycycles, which exhibit aromaticity and good stability. The direct assembly of various multiyne chains with commercially available metal complexes or even simple metal salts provides a convenient and efficient strategy for constructing all carbon-ligated chelates on the gram scale.
Development of a microfluidic setup to study the corrosion product deposition in accelerated flow regions
Authors: McGrady John , Duff Jonathan , Stevens Nicholas , Cioncolini Andrea , Curioni Michele , Banks Andrew , Scenini Fabio
Published: November 2017

CRUD (Chalk River Unidentified Deposit) forms in the water circuits of nuclear reactors due to corrosion of structural materials and the consequent release of species into the coolant. The deposition of CRUD is known to occur preferentially in regions of the primary circuit of pressurised water reactors (PWRs) where the water flow accelerates. In order to investigate this phenomenon, a micro-fluidic system, recreating plant conditions while using a simplified experimental set-up, was realised. A flow cell, comprising a stainless steel disc with a central micro-orifice, was used to create accelerated flow under representative operating conditions. By monitoring the pressure drop across the cell, the build-up rate (BUR) of CRUD within the micro-orifice was monitored in real time. By this setup, the conditions inducing deposition of CRUD under PWR conditions were emulated and CRUD deposition was induced in the accelerated flow region. Further effects associated with the presence of lithium hydroxide were investigated in real-time.
Sensory Stream Adaptation in Chaotic Networks
Authors: Ponzi Adam
Published: November 2017

Implicit expectations induced by predictable stimuli sequences affect neuronal response to upcoming stimuli at both single cell and neural population levels. Temporally regular sensory streams also phase entrain ongoing low frequency brain oscillations but how and why this happens is unknown. Here we investigate how random recurrent neural networks without plasticity respond to stimuli streams containing oddballs. We found the neuronal correlates of sensory stream adaptation emerge if networks generate chaotic oscillations which can be phase entrained by stimulus streams. The resultant activity patterns are close to critical and support history dependent response on long timescales. Because critical network entrainment is a slow process stimulus response adapts gradually over multiple repetitions. Repeated stimuli generate suppressed responses but oddball responses are large and distinct. Oscillatory mismatch responses persist in population activity for long periods after stimulus offset while individual cell mismatch responses are strongly phasic. These effects are weakened in temporally irregular sensory streams. Thus we show that network phase entrainment provides a biologically plausible mechanism for neural oddball detection. Our results do not depend on specific network characteristics, are consistent with experimental studies and may be relevant for multiple pathologies demonstrating altered mismatch processing such as schizophrenia and depression.
Intracellular immunization against HIV infection with an intracellular antibody that mimics HIV integrase binding to the cellular LEDGF protein
Authors: Bao Leyuan , Hannon Clare , Cruz-Mignoni Abimael , Ptchelkine Denis , Sun Mei-yi , Miller Ami , Bunjobpol Wilawan , Quevedo Camilo E. , Derveni Mariliza , Chambers Jennifer , Simmons Alison , Phillips Simon E. V. , Rabbitts Terence H.
Published: November 2017

Preventing the protein-protein interaction of the cellular chromatin binding protein Lens Epithelium-Derived Growth Factor (LEDGF) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) integrase is an important possible strategy for anti-viral treatment for AIDS. We have used Intracellular Antibody Capture technology to isolate a single VH antibody domain that binds to LEDGF. The crystal structure of the LEDGF-VH complex reveals that the single domain antibody mimics the effect of binding of HIV integrase to LEDGF which is crucial for HIV propagation. CD4-expressing T cell lines were constructed to constitutively express the LEDGF-binding VH and these cells showed interference with HIV viral replication, assayed by virus capsid protein p24 production. Therefore, pre-conditioning cells to express antibody fragments confers effective intracellular immunization for preventing chronic viral replication and can be a way to prevent HIV spread in infected patients. This raises the prospect that intracellular immunization strategies that focus on cellular components of viral integrase protein interactions can be used to combat the problems associated with latent HIV virus re-emergence in patients. New genome editing development, such as using CRISPR/cas9, offer the prospect intracellularly immunized T cells in HIV+ patients.
Single-molecule imaging reveals dimerization/oligomerization of CXCR4 on plasma membrane closely related to its function
Authors: Ge Baosheng , Lao Jun , Li Jiqiang , Chen Yao , Song Yanzhuo , Huang Fang
Published: November 2017

Dimerization and oligomerization of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) have emerged as important characters during their trans-membrane signal transduction. However, until now the relationship between GPCR dimerization and their trans-membrane signal transduction function is still uncovered. Here, using pertussis toxin (PTX) to decouple the receptor from G protein complex and with single-molecule imaging, we show that in the presence of agonist, cells treated with PTX showed a decrease in the number of dimers and oligomers on the cell surface compared with untreated ones, which suggests that oligomeric status of CXCR4 could be significantly influenced by the decoupling of G protein complex during its signal transduction process. Moreover, with chlorpromazine (CPZ) to inhibit internalization of CXCR4, it was found that after SDF-1α stimulation, cells treated with CPZ showed more dimers and oligomers on the cell surface than untreated ones, which suggest that dimers and oligomers of CXCR4 tend to internalize more easily than monomers. Taken together, our results demonstrate that dimerization and oligomerization of CXCR4 is closely related with its G protein mediated pathway and β-arrestin mediated internalization process, and would play an important role in regulating its signal transduction functions.
Seismogenesis of dual subduction beneath Kanto, central Japan controlled by fluid release
Authors: Ji Yingfeng , Yoshioka Shoichi , Manea Vlad C. , Manea Marina
Published: November 2017

Dual subduction represents an unusual case of subduction where one oceanic plate subducts on top of another, creating a highly complex tectonic setting. Because of the complex interaction between the two subducted plates, the origin of seismicity in such region is still not fully understood. Here we investigate the thermal structure of dual subduction beneath Kanto, central Japan formed as a consequence of a unique case of triple trench junction. Using high-resolution three-dimensional thermo-mechanical models tailored for the specific dual subduction settings beneath Kanto, we show that, compared with single-plate subduction systems, subduction of double slabs produces a strong variation of mantle flow, thermal and fluid release pattern that strongly controls the regional seismicity distribution. Here the deepening of seismicity in the Pacific slab located under the Philippine Sea slab is explained by delaying at greater depths (~150 km depth) of the eclogitization front in this region. On the other hand, the shallower seismicity observed in the Philippine Sea slab is related to a young and warm plate subduction and probably to the presence of a hot mantle flow traveling underneath the slab and then moving upward on top of the slab.
FOXP2 variation in great ape populations offers insight into the evolution of communication skills
Authors: Staes Nicky , Sherwood Chet C. , Wright Katharine , de Manuel Marc , Guevara Elaine E. , Marques-Bonet Tomas , Krützen Michael , Massiah Michael , Hopkins William D. , Ely John J. , Bradley Brenda J.
Published: November 2017

The gene coding for the forkhead box protein P2 (FOXP2) is associated with human language disorders. Evolutionary changes in this gene are hypothesized to have contributed to the emergence of speech and language in the human lineage. Although FOXP2 is highly conserved across most mammals, humans differ at two functional amino acid substitutions from chimpanzees, bonobos and gorillas, with an additional fixed substitution found in orangutans. However, FOXP2 has been characterized in only a small number of apes and no publication to date has examined the degree of natural variation in large samples of unrelated great apes. Here, we analyzed the genetic variation in the FOXP2 coding sequence in 63 chimpanzees, 11 bonobos, 48 gorillas, 37 orangutans and 2 gibbons and observed undescribed variation in great apes. We identified two variable polyglutamine microsatellites in chimpanzees and orangutans and found three nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms, one in chimpanzees, one in gorillas and one in orangutans with derived allele frequencies of 0.01, 0.26 and 0.29, respectively. Structural and functional protein modeling indicate a biochemical effect of the substitution in orangutans, and because of its presence solely in the Sumatran orangutan species, the mutation may be associated with reported population differences in vocalizations.
Germanium-doped Metallic Ohmic Contacts in Black Phosphorus Field-Effect Transistors with Ultra-low Contact Resistance
Authors: Chang Hsun-Ming , Charnas Adam , Lin Yu-Ming , Ye Peide D. , Wu Chih-I , Wu Chao-Hsin
Published: November 2017

In this work, we demonstrate for the first time an ultra-low contact resistance few-layered black phosphorus (BP) transistor with metallic PGex contacts formed by rapid thermal annealing (RTA). The on-state current of the transistor can be significantly improved and the ION/IOFF ratio increases by almost 2 order. The hole mobility is enhanced by 25 times to 227 cm2V−1s−1. The contact resistance extracted by the transfer length method is 0.365 kΩ∙μm, which is the lowest value in black phosphorus transistors without degradation of ION/IOFF ratio. In addition, the I-V curve of the transistor with PGex contact is linear compared to that with Ti contact at 80 K, indicating that a metallic ohmic contact is successfully formed. Finally, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to characterize the PGex compound. A signal of P-Ge bond is first observed, further verifying the doping of Ge into BP and the formation of the PGex alloy.
Constraints from the dehydration of antigorite on high-conductivity anomalies in subduction zones
Authors: Wang Duojun , Liu Xiaowei , Liu Tao , Shen Kewei , Welch David O. , Li Baosheng
Published: November 2017

Regions with high electrical conductivities in subduction zones have attracted a great deal of attention. Determining the exact origin of these anomalies could provide critical information about the water storage and cycling processes during subduction. Antigorite is the most important hydrous mineral within deep subduction zones. The dehydration of antigorite is believed to cause high-conductivity anomalies. To date, the effects of dehydration on the electrical conductivity of antigorite remain poorly understood. Here, we report new measurements of the electrical conductivity of both natural and hot-pressed antigorite at pressures of 4 and 3 GPa, respectively, and at temperatures reaching 1073 K. We observed significantly enhanced conductivities when the antigorite was heated to temperatures beyond its thermodynamic stability field. Sharp increases in the electrical conductivity occurred at approximately 848 and 898 K following the decomposition of antigorite to forsterite, enstatite and aqueous fluids. High electrical conductivities reaching 1 S/m can be explained by the presence of an interconnected network of conductive aqueous fluids. Based on these results for the electrical conductivity of antigorite, we conclude that high-conductivity regions associated with subduction zones can be attributed to dehydration-induced fluids and the formation of interconnected networks of aqueous fluids during the dehydration of antigorite.
A genomic perspective of the pink-headed duck Rhodonessa caryophyllacea suggests a long history of low effective population size
Authors: Ericson Per G. P. , Qu Yanhua , Blom Mozes P. K. , Johansson Ulf S. , Irestedt Martin
Published: November 2017

The first molecular phylogenetic hypothesis for the possibly extinct pink-headed duck Rhodonessa caryophyllacea unambiguously shows that it belongs to the pochard radiation that also includes the genera Aythya and Netta. It is the sister to all modern-day pochards and belongs to a lineage that branched off from the others more than 2.8 million years ago. Rhodonessa caryophyllacea is believed to never have been common in modern time and we show this has probably been the situation for as long as 100,000 years. Our results suggest that their effective population size varied between 15,000 and 25,000 individuals during the last 150,000 years of the Pleistocene. The reasons behind this are largely unknown as very little is known about the life-history and biology of this species. Presumably it is due to factors related to feeding or to breeding, but we may never know this for sure.
Localized solutions of Lugiato-Lefever equations with focused pump
Authors: Cardoso Wesley B. , Salasnich Luca , Malomed Boris A.
Published: November 2017

Lugiato-Lefever (LL) equations in one and two dimensions (1D and 2D) accurately describe the dynamics of optical fields in pumped lossy cavities with the intrinsic Kerr nonlinearity. The external pump is usually assumed to be uniform, but it can be made tightly focused too–in particular, for building small pixels. We obtain solutions of the LL equations, with both the focusing and defocusing intrinsic nonlinearity, for 1D and 2D confined modes supported by the localized pump. In the 1D setting, we first develop a simple perturbation theory, based in the sechansatz, in the case of weak pump and loss. Then, a family of exact analytical solutions for spatially confined modes is produced for the pump focused in the form of a delta-function, with a nonlinear loss (two-photon absorption) added to the LL model. Numerical findings demonstrate that these exact solutions are stable, both dynamically and structurally (the latter means that stable numerical solutions close to the exact ones are found when a specific condition, necessary for the existence of the analytical solution, does not hold). In 2D, vast families of stable confined modes are produced by means of a variational approximation and full numerical simulations.
Essential involvement of the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via regulation of fibrocyte and M2 macrophage migration
Authors: Ishida Yuko , Kimura Akihiko , Nosaka Mizuho , Kuninaka Yumi , Hemmi Hiroaki , Sasaki Izumi , Kaisho Tsuneyasu , Mukaida Naofumi , Kondo Toshikazu
Published: November 2017

The potential role of macrophages in pulmonary fibrosis (PF) prompted us to evaluate the roles of CX3CR1, a chemokine receptor abundantly expressed in macrophages during bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF. Intratracheal BLM injection induced infiltration of leukocytes such as macrophages into the lungs, which eventually resulted in fibrosis. CX3CR1 expression was mainly detected in the majority of macrophages and in a small portion of α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells in the lungs, while CX3CL1 was expressed in macrophages. BLM-induced fibrotic changes in the lungs were reduced without any changes in the number of leukocytes in Cx3cr1−/− mice, as compared with those in the wild-type (WT) mice. However, intrapulmonary CX3CR1+ macrophages displayed pro-fibrotic M2 phenotypes; lack of CX3CR1 skewed their phenotypes toward M1 in BLM-challenged lungs. Moreover, fibrocytes expressed CX3CR1, and were increased in BLM-challenged WT lungs. The number of intrapulmonary fibrocytes was decreased in Cx3cr1−/− mice. Thus, locally-produced CX3CL1 can promote PF development primarily by attracting CX3CR1-expressing M2 macrophages and fibrocytes into the lungs.
Spatial blurring in laser speckle imaging in inhomogeneous turbid media
Authors: Vitomir Luka , Sprakel Joris , van der Gucht Jasper
Published: November 2017

Laser speckle imaging (LSI) has developed into a versatile tool to image dynamical processes in turbid media, such as subcutaneous blood perfusion and heterogeneous dynamics in soft materials. Spatially resolved information about local dynamics is obtained by measuring time-dependent correlation functions of multiply scattered light. Due to the diffusive nature of photons in highly scattering media, the measured signal is a convolution of the local dynamics in the material and the spatial distribution of photons. This spatial averaging inevitably leads to a loss of resolution, which must be taken into account for a correct interpretation of LSI measurements. In this paper we derive analytical expressions to quantify the effects of spatial blurring in backscatter LSI for materials with heterogeneous dynamics. Using the diffusion approximation, we calculate the photon density distribution for a semi-infinite material, and we predict the effect of dynamic heterogeneity on the measured correlation function. We verify our theoretical expressions using random walk simulations. Our results show that LSI measurements in dynamically heterogeneous materials should be interpreted with caution, especially when only a single wavelength and correlation time are used to obtain the dynamical map.
The individual environment, not the family is the most important influence on preferences for common non-alcoholic beverages in adolescence
Authors: Smith Andrea D. , Fildes Alison , Forwood Suzanna , Cooke Lucy , Llewellyn Clare
Published: November 2017

Beverage preferences are an important driver of consumption, and strong liking for beverages high in energy (e.g. sugar-sweetened beverages [SSBs]) and dislike for beverages low in energy (e.g. non-nutritive sweetened beverages [NNSBs]) are potentially modifiable risk factors contributing to variation in intake. Twin studies have established that both genes and environment play important roles in shaping food preferences; but the aetiology of variation in non-alcoholic beverage preferences is unknown. 2865 adolescent twins (18–19-years old) from the Twins Early Development Study were used to quantify genetic and environmental influence on variation in liking for seven non-alcoholic beverages: SSBs; NNSBs; fruit cordials, orange juice, milk, coffee, and tea. Maximum Likelihood Structural Equation Modelling established that beverage preferences have a moderate to low genetic basis; from 18% (95% CI: 10%, 25%) for orange juice to 42% (36%, 43%) for fruit cordials. Aspects of the environment that are not shared by twin pairs explained all remaining variance in drink preferences. The sizeable unique environmental influence on beverage preferences highlights the potential for environmental modification. Policies and guidelines to change preferences for unhealthy beverages may therefore be best directed at the wider environment.
The Posterior Insula Shows Disrupted Brain Functional Connectivity in Female Migraineurs Without Aura Based on Brainnetome Atlas
Authors: Zhang Jilei , Su Jingjing , Wang Mengxing , Zhao Ying , Zhang Qi-Ting , Yao Qian , Lu Haifeng , Zhang Hui , Li Ge-Fei , Wu Yi-Lan , Liu Yi-Sheng , Liu Feng-Di , Zhuang Mei-Ting , Shi Yan-Hui , Hou Tian-Yu , Zhao Rong , Qiao Yuan , Li Jianqi , Liu Jian-Ren , Du Xiaoxia
Published: November 2017

Long-term headache attacks may cause human brain network reorganization in patients with migraine. In the current study, we calculated the topologic properties of functional networks based on the Brainnetome atlas using graph theory analysis in 29 female migraineurs without aura (MWoA) and in 29 female age-matched healthy controls. Compared with controls, female MWoA exhibited that the network properties altered, and the nodal centralities decreased/increased in some brain areas. In particular, the right posterior insula and the left medial superior occipital gyrus of patients exhibited significantly decreased nodal centrality compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, female MWoA exhibited a disrupted functional network, and notably, the two sub-regions of the right posterior insula exhibited decreased functional connectivity with many other brain regions. The topological metrics of functional networks in female MWoA included alterations in the nodal centrality of brain regions and disrupted connections between pair regions primarily involved in the discrimination of sensory features of pain, pain modulation or processing and sensory integration processing. In addition, the posterior insula decreased the nodal centrality, and exhibited disrupted connectivity with many other brain areas in female migraineurs, which suggests that the posterior insula plays an important role in female migraine pathology.
Purification and functional comparison of nine human Aquaporins produced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the purpose of biophysical characterization
Authors: Bjørkskov Frederik Bühring , Krabbe Simon Lyngaa , Nurup Casper Normann , Missel Julie Winkel , Spulber Mariana , Bomholt Julie , Molbaek Karen , Helix-Nielsen Claus , Gotfryd Kamil , Gourdon Pontus , Pedersen Per Amstrup
Published: November 2017

The sparse number of high-resolution human membrane protein structures severely restricts our comprehension of molecular physiology and ability to exploit rational drug design. In the search for a standardized, cheap and easily handled human membrane protein production platform, we thoroughly investigated the capacity of S. cerevisiae to deliver high yields of prime quality human AQPs, focusing on poorly characterized members including some previously shown to be difficult to isolate. Exploiting GFP labeled forms we comprehensively optimized production and purification procedures resulting in satisfactory yields of all nine AQP targets. We applied the obtained knowledge to successfully upscale purification of histidine tagged human AQP10 produced in large bioreactors. Glycosylation analysis revealed that AQP7 and 12 were O-glycosylated, AQP10 was N-glycosylated while the other AQPs were not glycosylated. We furthermore performed functional characterization and found that AQP 2, 6 and 8 allowed flux of water whereas AQP3, 7, 9, 10, 11 and 12 also facilitated a glycerol flux. In conclusion, our S. cerevisiae platform emerges as a powerful tool for isolation of functional, difficult-to-express human membrane proteins suitable for biophysical characterization.
Enhancement of eruption explosivity by heterogeneous bubble nucleation triggered by magma mingling
Authors: Paredes-Mariño Joali , Dobson Katherine J. , Ortenzi Gianluigi , Kueppers Ulrich , Morgavi Daniele , Petrelli Maurizio , Hess Kai-Uwe , Laeger Kathrin , Porreca Massimiliano , Pimentel Adriano , Perugini Diego
Published: November 2017

We present new evidence that shows magma mingling can be a key process during highly explosive eruptions. Using fractal analysis of the size distribution of trachybasaltic fragments found on the inner walls of bubbles in trachytic pumices, we show that the more mafic component underwent fracturing during quenching against the trachyte. We propose a new mechanism for how this magmatic interaction at depth triggered rapid heterogeneous bubble nucleation and growth and could have enhanced eruption explosivity. We argue that the data support a further, and hitherto unreported contribution of magma mingling to highly explosive eruptions. This has implications for hazard assessment for those volcanoes in which evidence of magma mingling exists.
Role of ventral medullary catecholaminergic neurons for respiratory modulation of sympathetic outflow in rats
Authors: Moraes Davi J. A. , Bonagamba Leni G. H. , da Silva Melina P. , Paton Julian F. R. , Machado Benedito H.
Published: November 2017

Sympathetic activity displays rhythmic oscillations generated by brainstem inspiratory and expiratory neurons. Amplification of these rhythmic respiratory-related oscillations is observed in rats under enhanced central respiratory drive or during development of neurogenic hypertension. Herein, we evaluated the involvement of ventral medullary sympatho-excitatory catecholaminergic C1 neurons, using inhibitory Drosophila allatostatin receptors, for the enhanced expiratory-related oscillations in sympathetic activity in rats submitted to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) and following activation of both peripheral (hypoxia) and central chemoreceptors (hypercapnia). Pharmacogenetic inhibition of C1 neurons bilaterally resulted in reductions of their firing frequency and amplitude of inspiratory-related sympathetic activity in rats in normocapnia, hypercapnia or after CIH. In contrast, hypercapnia or hypoxia-induced enhanced expiratory-related sympathetic oscillations were unaffected by C1 neuronal inhibition. Inhibition of C1 neurons also resulted in a significant fall in arterial pressure and heart rate that was similar in magnitude between normotensive and CIH hypertensive rats, but basal arterial pressure in CIH rats remained higher compared to controls. C1 neurons play a key role in regulating inspiratory modulation of sympathetic activity and arterial pressure in both normotensive and CIH hypertensive rats, but they are not involved in the enhanced late-expiratory-related sympathetic activity triggered by activation of peripheral or central chemoreceptors.
CRISPR/Cas9-derived models of ovarian high grade serous carcinoma targeting Brca1, Pten and Nf1, and correlation with platinum sensitivity
Authors: Walton Josephine B. , Farquharson Malcolm , Mason Susan , Port Jennifer , Kruspig Bjorn , Dowson Suzanne , Stevenson David , Murphy Daniel , Matzuk Martin , Kim Jaeyeon , Coffelt Seth , Blyth Karen , McNeish Iain A.
Published: November 2017

Transplantable murine models of ovarian high grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) remain an important research tool. We previously showed that ID8, a widely-used syngeneic model of ovarian cancer, lacked any of the frequent mutations in HGSC, and used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to generate derivatives with deletions in Trp53 and Brca2. Here we have used one ID8 Trp53−/− clone to generate further mutants, with additional mutations in Brca1, Pten and Nf1, all of which are frequently mutated or deleted in HGSC. We have also generated clones with triple deletions in Trp53, Brca2 and Pten. We show that ID8 Trp53−/−;Brca1−/− and Trp53−/−;Brca2−/− cells have defective homologous recombination and increased sensitivity to both platinum and PARP inhibitor chemotherapy compared to Trp53−/−. By contrast, loss of Pten or Nf1 increases growth rate in vivo, and reduces survival following cisplatin chemotherapy in vivo. Finally, we have also targeted Trp53 in cells isolated from a previous transgenic murine fallopian tube carcinoma model, and confirmed that loss of p53 expression in this second model accelerates intraperitoneal growth. Together, these CRISPR-generated models represent a new and simple tool to investigate the biology of HGSC, and the ID8 cell lines are freely available to researchers.
Cortical organization restored by cochlear implantation in young children with single sided deafness
Authors: Polonenko Melissa Jane , Gordon Karen Ann , Cushing Sharon Lynn , Papsin Blake Croll
Published: November 2017

Early treatment of single sided deafness in children has been recommended to protect from neurodevelopmental preference for the better hearing ear and from social and educational deficits. A fairly homogeneous group of five young children (≤3.6 years of age) with normal right sided hearing who received a cochlear implant to treat deafness in their left ears were studied. Etiology of deafness was largely cytomegalovirus (n = 4); one child had an enlarged vestibular aqueduct. Multi-channel electroencephalography of cortical evoked activity was measured repeatedly over time at: 1) acute (0.5 ± 0.7 weeks); 2) early chronic (1.1 ± 0.2 months); and 3) chronic (5.8 ± 3.4 months) cochlear implant stimulation. Results indicated consistent responses from the normal right ear with marked changes in activity from the implanted left ear. Atypical distribution of peak amplitude activity from the implanted ear at acute stimulation marked abnormal lateralization of activity to the ipsilateral left auditory cortex and recruitment of extra-temporal areas including left frontal cortex. These abnormalities resolved with chronic implant use and contralateral aural preference emerged in both auditory cortices. These findings indicate that early implantation in young children with single sided deafness can rapidly restore bilateral auditory input to the cortex needed to improve binaural hearing.
The interfacial nature of proximity-induced magnetism and the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction at the Pt/Co interface
Authors: Rowan-Robinson R. M. , Stashkevich A. A. , Roussigné Y. , Belmeguenai M. , Chérif S.-M. , Thiaville A. , Hase T. P. A. , Hindmarch A. T. , Atkinson D.
Published: November 2017

The Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction has been shown to stabilise Nèel domain walls in magnetic thin films, allowing high domain wall velocities driven by spin current effects. The interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (IDMI) occurs at the interface between ferromagnetic and heavy metal layers with strong spin-orbit coupling, but details of the interaction remain to be understood and the role of proximity induced magnetism (PIM) in the heavy metal is unknown. Here IDMI and PIM are reported in Pt determined as a function of Au and Ir spacer layers in Pt/Co/Au,Ir/Pt. Both interactions are found to be sensitive to sub-nanometre changes in the spacer thickness, correlating over sub-monolayer spacer thicknesses, but not for thicker spacers where IDMI continues to change even after PIM is lost.
Environmental DNA reveals tropical shark diversity in contrasting levels of anthropogenic impact
Authors: Bakker Judith , Wangensteen Owen S. , Chapman Demian D. , Boussarie Germain , Buddo Dayne , Guttridge Tristan L. , Hertler Heidi , Mouillot David , Vigliola Laurent , Mariani Stefano
Published: November 2017

Sharks are charismatic predators that play a key role in most marine food webs. Their demonstrated vulnerability to exploitation has recently turned them into flagship species in ocean conservation. Yet, the assessment and monitoring of the distribution and abundance of such mobile species in marine environments remain challenging, often invasive and resource-intensive. Here we pilot a novel, rapid and non-invasive environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding approach specifically targeted to infer shark presence, diversity and eDNA read abundance in tropical habitats. We identified at least 21 shark species, from both Caribbean and Pacific Coral Sea water samples, whose geographical patterns of diversity and read abundance coincide with geographical differences in levels of anthropogenic pressure and conservation effort. We demonstrate that eDNA metabarcoding can be effectively employed to study shark diversity. Further developments in this field have the potential to drastically enhance our ability to assess and monitor elusive oceanic predators, and lead to improved conservation strategies.