bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near‐term acceleration of hydroclimatic change in the western U.S.
Authors: Ashfaq Moetasim , Ghosh Subimal , Kao Shih‐Chieh , Bowling Laura C. , Mote Philip , Touma Danielle , Rauscher Sara A. , Diffenbaugh Noah S.
Published: September 2013

Given its large population, vigorous and water‐intensive agricultural industry, and important ecological resources, the western United States presents a valuable case study for examining potential near‐term changes in regional hydroclimate. Using a high‐resolution, hierarchical, five‐member ensemble modeling experiment that includes a global climate model (Community Climate System Model), a regional climate model (RegCM), and a hydrological model (Variable Infiltration Capacity model), we find that increases in greenhouse forcing over the next three decades result in an acceleration of decreases in spring snowpack and a transition to a substantially more liquid‐dominated water resources regime. These hydroclimatic changes are associated with increases in cold‐season days above freezing and decreases in the cold‐season snow‐to‐precipitation ratio. The changes in the temperature and precipitation regime in turn result in shifts toward earlier snowmelt, base flow, and runoff dates throughout the region, as well as reduced annual and warm‐season snowmelt and runoff. The simulated hydrologic response is dominated by changes in temperature, with the ensemble members exhibiting varying trends in cold‐season precipitation over the next three decades but consistent negative trends in cold‐season freeze days, cold‐season snow‐to‐precipitation ratio, and 1 April snow water equivalent. Given the observed impacts of recent trends in snowpack and snowmelt runoff, the projected acceleration of hydroclimatic change in the western U.S. has important implications for the availability of water for agriculture, hydropower, and human consumption, as well as for the risk of wildfire, forest die‐off, and loss of riparian habitat.
Near‐pure vapor condensation in the Martian atmosphere: CO2 ice crystal growth
Authors: Listowski C. , Määttänen A. , Riipinen I. , Montmessin F. , Lefèvre F.
Published: September 2013

A new approach is presented to model the condensational growth of carbon dioxide (CO2) ice crystals on Mars. These condensates form in very particular conditions. First, ∼95% of the atmosphere is composed of CO2 so that near‐pure vapor condensation takes place. Second, the atmosphere is rarefied, having dramatic consequences on the crystal growth. Indeed, the subsequently reduced efficiency of heat transport helps maintain a high temperature difference between the crystal surface and the environment, inhibiting the growth. Besides, the Stefan flow which would have been expected to increase the growth rate of the crystal, because of the near‐pure vapor condensation, is negligible. We show that the heritage of the convenient and explicit linearized crystal growth rate formula used for Earth clouds, initially derived for a trace gas, has to be reconsidered in the case of near‐pure vapor condensation for high saturation ratios that appear to be common in the Martian mesosphere. Nevertheless, by comparing our approach with a more complex condensation model, valid for all atmospheric conditions and all vapor abundances, we show that a very simple set of equations can still be used to efficiently reproduce the CO2 ice crystal growth rate. Our model, referred to as the CLASSIC model here, provides similar crystal growth rates than the traditionally used linearized growth rate models at low supersaturations but predicts lower crystal growth rates at high supersaturations. It can thus be used to model the condensational growth of CO2 ice crystals in the mesosphere where high supersaturations are observed.
Three‐dimensional Martian ionosphere model: I. The photochemical ionosphere below 180 km
Authors: González‐Galindo F. , Chaufray J.‐Y. , López‐Valverde M. A. , Gilli G. , Forget F. , Leblanc F. , Modolo R. , Hess S. , Yagi M.
Published: September 2013

We describe the Mars ionosphere with unprecedented detail in 3‐D, as simulated by a Mars general circulation model (the Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique Mars GCM), and compare it with recent measurements. The model includes a number of recent extensions and improvements. Different simulations for a full Martian year have been performed. The electron density at the main ionospheric peak is shown to vary with the Sun‐Mars distance and with the solar variability, both in the long‐term (11 year solar cycle) and on shorter temporal scales (solar rotation). The main electronic peak is shown to be located at the same pressure level during all the Martian year. As a consequence, its altitude varies with latitude, local time, and season according to the natural expansions and fluctuations of the neutral atmosphere, in agreement with previous models. The model predicts a nighttime ionosphere due only to photochemistry. The simulated ionosphere close to the evening terminator is in agreement with observations. No effort has been made to explain the patchy ionosphere observed in the deep nightside. We have compared the modeled ionosphere with Mars Global Surveyor and Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding data. The model reproduces the solar zenith angle variability of the electron density and the altitude of the peak, although it underestimates the electron density at the main peak by about 20%. The electron density at the secondary peak is strongly underestimated by the model, probably due to a very crude representation of the X‐ray solar flux. This is one of the aspects that needs a revision in future versions of the model.
Big Five Personality Traits as the Predictors of Creative Self‐Efficacy and Creative Personal Identity: Does Gender Matter?
Authors: Karwowski Maciej , Lebuda Izabela , Wisniewska Ewa , Gralewski Jacek
Published: September 2013

The aim of this study was to examine the relation of the Big Five personality factors to two self‐concept variables of growing importance in creativity literature: creative self‐efficacy (CSE) and creative personal identity (CPI). The analysis, conducted on a large (N = 2674, 49.6% women) and varied‐in‐age (15–59 years old) nationwide sample of Poles, using the structural equation model, demonstrated that personality factors are responsible for 23% of CSE and 21% of CPI variances. CSE and CPI were associated with all five personality dimensions: positively with Openness to Experience, Extraversion and Conscientiousness, negatively with Neuroticism and Agreeableness. The separate analyses conducted on men and women showed the differences among the predictors of CSE and CPI. Although Openness to Experience, Conscientiousness, and Neuroticism predicted CSE among both men and women, Extraversion was positively and Agreeableness negatively related to women's CSE. Conscientiousness was positively related to CPI only among men, and Agreeableness was negatively related to it only among women. Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Openness predicted CPI in the same manner among men and women.
Southwest Pacific Ocean response to a warmer world: Insights from Marine Isotope Stage 5e
Authors: Cortese G. , Dunbar G. B. , Carter L. , Scott G. , Bostock H. , Bowen M. , Crundwell M. , Hayward B. W. , Howard W. , Martínez J. I. , Moy A. , Neil H. , Sabaa A. , Sturm A.
Published: September 2013

Paleoceanographic archives derived from 17 marine sediment cores reconstruct the response of the Southwest Pacific Ocean to the peak interglacial, Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5e (ca. 125 ka). Paleo‐Sea Surface Temperature (SST) estimates were obtained from the Random Forest model—an ensemble decision tree tool—applied to core‐top planktonic foraminiferal faunas calibrated to modern SSTs. The reconstructed geographic pattern of the SST anomaly (maximum SST between 120 and 132 ka minus mean modern SST) seems to indicate how MIS 5e conditions were generally warmer in the Southwest Pacific, especially in the western Tasman Sea where a strengthened East Australian Current (EAC) likely extended subtropical influence to ca. 45°S off Tasmania. In contrast, the eastern Tasman Sea may have had a modest cooling except around 45°S. The observed pattern resembles that developing under the present warming trend in the region. An increase in wind stress curl over the modern South Pacific is hypothesized to have spun‐up the South Pacific Subtropical Gyre, with concurrent increase in subtropical flow in the western boundary currents that include the EAC. However, warmer temperatures along the Subtropical Front and Campbell Plateau to the south suggest that the relative influence of the boundary inflows to eastern New Zealand may have differed in MIS 5e, and these currents may have followed different paths compared to today.
Thermal conductivities of electrospun polyimide‐mesophase pitch nanofibers and mats
Authors: Yan Han , Mahanta Nayandeep K. , Majerus Laurent J. , Abramson Alexis R. , Cakmak Miko
Published: September 2013

In this article, we report the preparation and thermal properties of polyimide–mesophase pitch (MP) composite nanofibers and associated nanofiber nonwoven mats produced using an electrospinning process. The addition of MP increased the thermal conductivities of both the individual composite nanofibers and the in‐plane conductivities of the nanofiber mats. The out‐of‐plane conductivity of the mats remained relatively low due to low through thickness connectivity between the nanofibers. These nanofiber mats are flexible and very thin and are good candidates for thermal management films for future flexible electronic devices. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:977–983, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Modified macroporous adsorption resins with amino and acetyl groups through a novel method and adsorption behaviors for alizarin yellow GG
Authors: Liu Yi , Liu Yongfeng , Zhang Zhenxing , Pei Dong , Wei Jianteng , Di Duolong
Published: September 2013

Under bubble with air compressor, macroporous adsorption resin was functionalized with amino and acetyl groups. The method avoided the fragmentation of the resin during modification. Alizarin yellow GG (AYGG) was used as an adsorbate to investigate adsorption kinetics of the modified resins. It showed that pseudofirst‐order and pseudosecond‐order kinetics cannot reasonably express the adsorption process. A new kinetic model, multi‐layer adsorption model, showed much better fit to the adsorption kinetic data and corresponding kinetic parameters could predict adsorption mechanism. Meantime, AYGG can be easily recovered, and the resins can be regenerated. Due to π–π, electrostatic force and hydrogen bond interaction between the resin and carboxyl, phenolic hydroxyl, and azo groups of AYGG, the resin with amino group showed higher adsorption capacity than the other resins used in this study. Steric hindrance and decrease in electrostatic force were unfavorable for the enrichment of AYGG by the resin with acetyl group. Response surface model combining with central composite design was used to determine effects of pH and initial concentration on adsorption. It showed that a second‐order polynomial regression model could reasonably express the experimental data and optimum adsorption conditions were obtained. The design provided an effective methodology to optimize an adsorption process. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1960–1968, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Association between Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in childhood and schizophrenia later in adulthood
Authors: Dalsgaard S. , Mortensen P.B. , Frydenberg M. , Maibing C.M. , Nordentoft M. , Thomsen P.H.
Published: September 2013

Purpose:

To estimate the risk of schizophrenia in adulthood among children and adolescents with ADHD compared to the background population.

Subjects/materials and methods:

Two hundred and eight youths with ADHD (183 boys; 25 girls) were followed prospectively. Diagnoses of schizophrenia were obtained from The Danish Psychiatric Central Register. The relative risk (RR) of schizophrenia for cases with ADHD, compared to the normal population, was calculated as risk ratios. Hazard ratios (HR's) by Cox regression were calculated in the predictor analyses.

Results:

Mean age for ADHD cases at follow-up was 31.1 years. Schizophrenia diagnoses were given to 3.8% of these cases. Compared to the general population, RR of schizophrenia in cases with ADHD was 4.3 (95% CI 1.9–8.57).

Discussion and conclusion:

This prospective follow-up study found children with ADHD to be at higher risk of later schizophrenia than controls. If replicated, these results warrant increased focus on the possible emergence symptoms of schizophrenia or schizophreniform psychosis during clinical follow-up of patients with ADHD.
Möglichkeiten zur klinischen Differenzierung von körperdysmorpher Störung und sozialer Angststörung
Authors: Grocholewski Anja , Kliem Sören , Heinrichs Nina
Published: September 2013

Theoretischer Hintergrund: Die körperdysmorphe Störung (KDS) und die soziale Angststörung (SA) teilen einige phänomenologische Merkmale (z. B. soziale Ängste, depressive Beschwerden). Bisher ist unklar, welche spezifischen Instrumente in der klinischen Praxis geeignet sind, um die Störungen zuverlässig voneinander abgrenzen zu können. Fragestellung: Zwischen beiden Störungen erwarten wir keine Unterschiede hinsichtlich des Ausmaßes depressiver Symptome, globaler psychischer Belastung und dem Selbstwert. Personen mit einer SA sollten hingegen ein höheres Ausmaß an sozialer Angst empfinden als KDS-Patienten, aber dafür ihr äußeres Erscheinungsbild als weniger relevant erachten. Fragebögen, die soziale Angst sowie Investition in und Relevanz des Erscheinungsbildes erfassen, sollten beide Störungen voneinander abgrenzen können. Methode: Von 43 Teilnehmern (n = 23 Personen mit KDS, n = 20 Personen mit SA) wurden das Beck Depressionsinventar (BDI), das Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), die Social Phobia Scale (SPS) und Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS), die Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE) und das Appearance Schemas Inventory-Revised (ASI-R) ausgefüllt. Ferner wurde die für die KDS modifizierte Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (BDD-YBOCS) durchgeführt. Ergebnisse: KDS und SA unterscheiden sich nicht bedeutsam hinsichtlich depressiver Symptome, globaler psychischer Belastung, ihrem Selbstwert oder in ihrer sozialen Angst in Leistungssituationen. In Interaktionssituationen zeigen die Personen mit SA bedeutsam mehr Furcht als KDS-Patienten. Personen mit KDS messen dem Erscheinungsbild eine extrem hohe Bedeutung zu, investieren mehr in ihr Aussehen und zeigen mehr aussehensbezogene Zwangssymptome. Eine Entscheidungsbaumanalyse zeigt, dass mit der BDD-YBOCS KDS-Patienten zu 96 %, mit dem ASI-R zu 86 % in der vorliegenden Stichprobe korrekt identifiziert werden können. Die SIAS eignet sich hingegen nicht zur Differenzierung. Schlussfolgerung: Es zeigen sich Unterschiede in dem Ausmaß sozialer Ängste und aussehensrelevanter Standards. Hohe soziale Interaktionsängste können auch ein Zeichen für eine KDS darstellen und sollten in der klinischen Praxis als Indikator für ein KDS-Screening genutzt werden.
Synthesis and properties of siloxane modified perylene bisimide discotic liquid crystals
Authors: Zhang Tingjie , Sun Dianming , Ren Xiangkui , Liu Lili , Wen Guanyin , Ren Zhongjie , Li Huihui , Yan Shouke
Published: September 2013

Siloxane modified perylene bisimide discotic liquid crystals with thermotropic and lyotropic behaviors show anisotropic properties in absorption spectra in the oriented films.
Nuclear quantum effects and hydrogen bond fluctuations in water
Authors: Ceriotti Michele , Cuny Jérôme , Parrinello Michele , Manolopoulos David E.
Published: September 2013

Significance

There is no doubt about the importance of liquid water for climate and life on Earth. Correctly modeling the properties of this substance is still a formidable challenge, however. Here, we show, using state-of-the-art techniques that allow for quantum mechanical effects in the motion of the electrons and nuclei, that room-temperature water is not simply a molecular liquid; its protons experience wild excursions along the hydrogen bond (HB) network driven by quantum fluctuations, which result in an unexpectedly large probability of transient autoionization events. Moreover, these events are strongly correlated across neighboring bonds so that perturbations disrupting the HB network (pressure, confinement, solvated ions, and interfaces) could enhance in a concerted way their impact on water’s behavior.
Efficient nonmeiotic allele introgression in livestock using custom endonucleases
Authors: Tan Wenfang , Carlson Daniel F. , Lancto Cheryl A. , Garbe John R. , Webster Dennis A. , Hackett Perry B. , Fahrenkrug Scott C.
Published: September 2013

Significance

Selective breeding has long been practiced to enrich for desirable DNA variation that influences livestock traits. We demonstrate that genetic variants can be directly introgressed into livestock genomes using a modified transcription activator-like effector nuclease system. The transient exposure of livestock cells to sequence-targeted editors stimulates homology-directed repair to levels that eliminate the need for transgene-dependent selection. Use of oligonucleotide template enables efficient single nucleotide changes to the genome and permits the transmission of both natural and novel DNA sequence variants into naïve livestock breeds and species. Gene editing offers a powerful method for accelerating the genetic improvement of livestock for food and also for developing swine as a resource for regenerative medicine and models of human disease.
Systemic Functional Linguistics, Cognitive Linguistics and psycholinguistics
Authors: Butler Christopher S.
Published: September 2013

The overall aim of this article is to explain why researchers working in Systemic Functional Linguistics and Cognitive Linguistics would benefit from dialogue with people working in psycholinguistics, and with each other. After a brief introduction, the positions on cognition taken in the Sydney and Cardiff models of Systemic Functional Linguistics are reviewed and critiqued. I then assess the extent to which Cognitive Linguistics has honoured the ‘cognitive commitment’ which it claims to make. The following section examines compatibilities between Systemic Functional and Cognitive Linguistic approaches, first outlining existing work which combines Hallidayan and cognitive perspectives, then discussing other potential areas of contact between the two, and finally examining the Cardiff model in relation to Cognitive Linguistics. The final section presents a collaborative view, suggesting that the ultimate aim of functionally-oriented (including cognitive) linguistics should be to attempt to answer the question ‘How does the natural language user work?’, and pointing out that collaboration between proponents of different linguistic models, and between linguists and researchers in other disciplines which study language, is crucial to this enterprise. Suggestions are made for ways in which dialogue across the areas of Systemic Functional Linguistics, Cognitive Linguistics and psycholinguistics could contribute to such a project.
‘Degrad verbs’ in Spanish and English
Authors: Barrios Rodríguez María A. , Goddard Cliff
Published: September 2013

The Lexical Function Degrad is a device used in Meaning-Text Theory (MTT) to select the appropriate verb for expressing ‘to become permanently worse or bad’ in combination with different nouns. For example, in English one says that fruit rots, milk goes off, shoes wear out, flowers wilt, and iron rusts; thus, the verbs rot, go off, wear out, etc. can all be considered “values” of Degrad. Comparing these verbs with their translation equivalents in Spanish shows that verbs in the two languages have somewhat different collocational possibilities. Are such collocational differences arbitrary or do they result from subtle meaning differences between the translation equivalents? In this study we undertake a contrastive semantic analysis of a selection of words in the Degrad domain, using the Natural Semantic Metalanguage (NSM) method of semantic explication. We conclude that collocational preferences are indeed semantically motivated, but at the same time we recognize that Degrad is a valuable lexicological tool for verb classification, as well as for coordinating translation equivalents across languages at an approximate level. The paper aims to encourage productive engagement between two well developed approaches to lexical semantics, while at the same time demonstrating the explanatory power of the detailed “micro semantic” analysis enabled by the NSM methodology.
Grammatical metaphor in Swedish monolingual and multilingual upper secondary school students’ writing
Authors: Magnusson Ulrika
Published: September 2013

This partly longitudinal study applies the theoretical framework of Systemic Functional Linguistics to second language writing to investigate the use of grammatical metaphor (GM; non-congruent realizations of meaning, e.g. nominalizations) in 365 texts written by Swedish mono- and multilingual students in grades 9 and 11. According to the analysis, older students and monolingual students make greater use of GM than younger students and multilingual students. Multilingual students with early and late ages of onset use GM more than multilingual students with onset ages between these two extremes. A relation was found between the occurrence of GM and the use of the potential functions of GM, e.g. expansion of the nominal phrase, which was used more frequently in texts with a higher GM density, contributing to the construction of specialized, educational knowledge. The occurrence of GM was compared to the occurrence of L2 deviations in a subcorpus. These results are interpreted in relation to the Interdependence Hypothesis formulated by Cummins (1979).
A matter of interpretation
Authors: Amery Robert
Published: September 2013

Kaurna, the language indigenous to the Adelaide Plains in South Australia, is being reclaimed from nineteenth-century written historical sources. There are no sound recordings of the language as it was spoken in the nineteenth century, and little has been handed down orally to the present generation. Fortunately, the nineteenth-century records of the language are reasonably good for the time, having been recorded by Christian Teichelmann and Clamor Schürmann, German missionaries who were trained in philology and a range of languages including Hebrew, Greek, Latin and Chinese. The language was also recorded, in part, by a number of other English, German and French observers. The Kaurna language is now being revived: rebuilt, re-learnt and reintroduced on the basis of this nineteenth-century documentation. In this process, numerous problems of interpretation are being encountered. However, the tools that linguistics provides are being used to interpret the historical corpus. A range of concrete examples are analysed and discussed to illustrate the kinds of problems faced and the solutions adopted.
Infectious Diseases of Fishes in the Salish Sea
Authors: Hershberger Paul , Rhodes Linda , Kurath Gael , Winton James
Published: September 2013

As in marine regions throughout other areas of the world, fishes in the Salish Sea serve as hosts for many pathogens, including nematodes, trematodes, protozoans, protists, bacteria, viruses, and crustaceans. Here, we review some of the better-documented infectious diseases that likely contribute to significant losses among free-ranging fishes in the Salish Sea and discuss the environmental and ecological factors that may affect the population-level impacts of disease. Demonstration of these diseases and their impacts to critical and endangered resources provides justification to expand pathogen surveillance efforts and to incorporate disease forecasting and mitigation tools into ecosystem restoration efforts.

RESUMEN

Tal como sucede en las regiones marinas de otras partes del mundo, los peces del mar de Salish hospedan cantidad de patógenos, incluyendo nematodos, tremátodos, protozoarios, protistas, bacterias, virus y crustáceos. En este trabajo se hace una revisión de algunas de las enfermedades infecciosas mejor documentadas que muy posiblemente contribuyen a la pérdida significativa de peces en el mar de Salish y se discuten los factores ambientales y ecológicos que pueden influenciar los impactos de la enfermedad a nivel poblacional. La demostración de estas enfermedades y sus consecuencias en recursos críticos y amenazados, justifica expandir la vigilancia sobre patógenos e incorporar un pronóstico de enfermedades y herramientas de mitigación en los esfuerzos de restauración de ecosistemas.
Structural insights of non-canonical U•U pair and Hoogsteen interaction probed with Se atom
Authors: Sheng Jia , Gan Jianhua , Soares Alexei S. , Salon Jozef , Huang Zhen
Published: September 2013

Unlike DNA, in addition to the 2′-OH group, uracil nucleobase and its modifications play essential roles in structure and function diversities of non-coding RNAs. Non-canonical U•U base pair is ubiquitous in non-coding RNAs, which are highly diversified. However, it is not completely clear how uracil plays the diversifing roles. To investigate and compare the uracil in U-A and U•U base pairs, we have decided to probe them with a selenium atom by synthesizing the novel 4-Se-uridine (SeU) phosphoramidite and Se-nucleobase-modified RNAs (SeU-RNAs), where the exo-4-oxygen of uracil is replaced by selenium. Our crystal structure studies of U-A and U•U pairs reveal that the native and Se-derivatized structures are virtually identical, and both U-A and U•U pairs can accommodate large Se atoms. Our thermostability and crystal structure studies indicate that the weakened H-bonding in U-A pair may be compensated by the base stacking, and that the stacking of the trans-Hoogsteen U•U pairs may stabilize RNA duplex and its junction. Our result confirms that the hydrogen bond (O4…H-C5) of the Hoogsteen pair is weak. Using the Se atom probe, our Se-functionalization studies reveal more insights into the U•U interaction and U-participation in structure and function diversification of nucleic acids.
Co-operation of BRCA1 and POH1 relieves the barriers posed by 53BP1 and RAP80 to resection
Authors: Kakarougkas Andreas , Ismail Amani , Katsuki Yoko , Freire Raimundo , Shibata Atsushi , Jeggo Penny A.
Published: September 2013

In G2 phase cells, DNA double-strand break repair switches from DNA non-homologous end-joining to homologous recombination. This switch demands the promotion of resection. We examine the changes in 53BP1 and RAP80 ionizing radiation induced foci (IRIF) in G2 phase, as these are factors that restrict resection. We observed a 2-fold increase in the volume of 53BP1 foci by 8 h, which is not seen in G1 cells. Additionally, an IRIF core devoid of 53BP1 arises where RPA foci form, with BRCA1 IRIF forming between 53BP1 and replication protein A (RPA). Ubiquitin chains assessed using α-FK2 antibodies are similarly repositioned. Repositioning of all these components requires BRCA1’s BRCT but not the ring finger domain. 53BP1, RAP80 and ubiquitin chains are enlarged following POH1 depletion by small interfering RNA, but a devoid core does not form and RPA foci formation is impaired. Co-depletion of POH1 and RAP80, BRCC36 or ABRAXAS allows establishment of the 53BP1 and ubiquitin chain-devoid core. Thus, the barriers posed by 53BP1 and RAP80 are relieved by BRCA1 and POH1, respectively. Analysis of combined depletions shows that these represent distinct but interfacing barriers to promote loss of ubiquitin chains in the IRIF core, which is required for subsequent resection. We propose a model whereby BRCA1 impacts on 53BP1 to allow access of POH1 to RAP80. POH1-dependent removal of RAP80 within the IRIF core enables degradation of ubiquitin chains, which promotes loss of 53BP1. Thus, POH1 represents a novel component regulating the switch from non-homologous end-joining to homologous recombination.
Suppression of HPV-16 late L1 5′-splice site SD3632 by binding of hnRNP D proteins and hnRNP A2/B1 to upstream AUAGUA RNA motifs
Authors: Li Xiaoze , Johansson Cecilia , Glahder Jacob , Mossberg Ann-Kristin , Schwartz Stefan
Published: September 2013

Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) 5′-splice site SD3632 is used exclusively to produce late L1 mRNAs. We identified a 34-nt splicing inhibitory element located immediately upstream of HPV-16 late 5′-splice site SD3632. Two AUAGUA motifs located in these 34 nt inhibited SD3632. Two nucleotide substitutions in each of the HPV-16 specific AUAGUA motifs alleviated splicing inhibition and induced late L1 mRNA production from episomal forms of the HPV-16 genome in primary human keratinocytes. The AUAGUA motifs bind specifically not only to the heterogeneous nuclear RNP (hnRNP) D family of RNA-binding proteins including hnRNP D/AUF, hnRNP DL and hnRNP AB but also to hnRNP A2/B1. Knock-down of these proteins induced HPV-16 late L1 mRNA expression, and overexpression of hnRNP A2/B1, hnRNP AB, hnRNP DL and the two hnRNP D isoforms hnRNP D37 and hnRNP D40 further suppressed L1 mRNA expression. This inhibition may allow HPV-16 to hide from the immune system and establish long-term persistent infections with enhanced risk at progressing to cancer. There is an inverse correlation between expression of hnRNP D proteins and hnRNP A2/B1 and HPV-16 L1 production in the cervical epithelium, as well as in cervical cancer, supporting the conclusion that hnRNP D proteins and A2/B1 inhibit HPV-16 L1 mRNA production.
Reconfiguration of Network Hub Structure after Propofol-induced Unconsciousness
Authors: Lee Heonsoo , Mashour George A. , Noh Gyu-Jeong , Kim Seunghwan , Lee UnCheol
Published: September 2013

Introduction:

General anesthesia induces unconsciousness along with functional changes in brain networks. Considering the essential role of hub structures for efficient information transmission, the authors hypothesized that anesthetics have an effect on the hub structure of functional brain networks.

Methods:

Graph theoretical network analysis was carried out to study the network properties of 21-channel electroencephalogram data from 10 human volunteers anesthetized on two occasions. The functional brain network was defined by Phase Lag Index, a coherence measure, for three states: wakefulness, loss of consciousness induced by the anesthetic propofol, and recovery of consciousness. The hub nodes were determined by the largest centralities. The correlation between the altered hub organization and the phase relationship between electroencephalographic channels was investigated.

Results:

Topology rather than connection strength of functional networks correlated with states of consciousness. The average path length, clustering coefficient, and modularity significantly increased after administration of propofol, which disrupted long-range connections. In particular, the strength of hub nodes significantly decreased. The primary hub location shifted from the parietal to frontal region, in association with propofol-induced unconsciousness. The phase lead of frontal to parietal regions in the α frequency band (8–13 Hz) observed during wakefulness reversed direction after propofol and returned during recovery.

Conclusions:

Propofol reconfigures network hub structure in the brain and reverses the phase relationship between frontal and parietal regions. Changes in network topology are more closely associated with states of consciousness than connectivity and may be the primary mechanism for the observed loss of frontal to parietal feedback during general anesthesia.
Scheffersomyces parashehatae f.a., sp. nov., Scheffersomyces xylosifermentans f.a., sp. nov., Candida broadrunensis sp. nov. and Candida manassasensis sp. nov., novel yeasts associated with wood-ingesting insects, and their ecological and biofuel implications
Authors: Suh Sung-Oui , Houseknecht Janice L. , Gujjari Pushpa , Zhou Jianlong J.
Published: September 2013

During a survey of yeasts associated with wood-ingesting insects, 69 strains in theScheffersomycesclade and related taxa were isolated from passalid and tenebrionid beetles and the decayed wood inhabited by them. The majority of these yeasts was found to be capable of fermenting xylose, and was recognized asScheffersomyces stipitisor its close relativeScheffersomyces illinoinensis, which are known to be associated with wood-decaying beetles and rotten wood. Yeasts in ‘Scheffersomyces’ ( = Candida)ergatensisand ‘Scheffersomyces’ ( = Candida)coipomoensiswere also frequently isolated. The remaining six strains were identified as representing four novel species in the generaScheffersomycesandCandidabased on multilocus sequence analyses of nuclear rRNA genes and four protein-coding genes, as well as other taxonomic characteristics. Two xylose-fermenting species,Scheffersomyces parashehataef.a., sp. nov. (type strain ATCC MYA-4653T = CBS 12535T = EH045T; MycoBank MB805440) andScheffersomyces xylosifermentansf.a., sp. nov. (type strain ATCC MYA-4859T = CBS 12540T = MY10-052T; MycoBank MB805441), formed a clade withScheffersomyces shehataeand relatedScheffersomycesspecies. Interestingly,S. xylosifermentanscan survive at 40 °C, which is a rare property among xylose-fermenting yeasts.Candida broadrunensissp. nov. (type strain ATCC MYA-4650T = CBS 11838T = EH019T; MycoBank MB805442) is a sister taxon ofC. ergatensis, whileCandida manassasensissp. nov. (type strain ATCC MYA-4652T = CBS 12534T = EH030T; MycoBank MB805443) is closely related toCandida palmioleophilain theCandida glaebosaclade. The multilocus DNA sequence comparisons in this study suggest that the genusScheffersomycesneeds to be circumscribed to the species nearS. stipitis(type species) andS. shehataethat can be characterized by the ability to ferment xylose.
Listeria monocytogenes strains encoding premature stop codons in inlA invade mice and guinea pig fetuses in orally dosed dams
Authors: Holch Anne , Ingmer Hanne , Licht Tine Rask , Gram Lone
Published: September 2013

Listeria monocytogenes is an important food-borne bacterial pathogen and listeriosis can result in abortions in pregnant women. The bacterium can colonize food-processing environments, where specific molecular subtypes can persist for years. The purpose of this study was to determine the virulence potential of a group of food-processing persistent L. monocytogenes strains encoding a premature stop codon in inlA (encoding internalin A) by using two orally dosed models, pregnant mice and pregnant guinea pigs. A food-processing persistent strain of L. monocytogenes invaded placentas (n = 58; 10 % positive) and fetuses (3 % positive) of pregnant mice (n = 9 animals per strain), similar to a genetically manipulated murinized strain, EGD-e InlA
m*
(n = 61; 3 and 2 %, respectively). In pregnant guinea pigs (n = 9 animals per bacterial strain), a maternofetal strain (from a human fetal clinical fatal case) was isolated from 34 % of placenta samples (n = 50), whereas both food-processing persistent strains were found in 5 % of placenta samples (n = 36 or 37). One of the food-processing persistent strains, N53-1, was found in up to 8 % of guinea pig fetal liver and brain samples, whereas the maternofetal control was found in 6 % of fetal tissue samples. As the food-processing persistent strains carry a premature stop codon in inlA but are invasive in orally dosed pregnant mice and guinea pigs, we hypothesize that listerial crossing of the placental barrier can occur by a mechanism that is independent of an interaction between E-cadherin and InlA.
Recent Advances in Calcium/Calmodulin-Mediated Signaling with an Emphasis on Plant-Microbe Interactions
Authors: Poovaiah B.W. , Du Liqun , Wang Huizhong , Yang Tianbao
Published: September 2013

Calcium/calmodulin-mediated signaling contributes in diverse roles in plant growth, development, and response to environmental stimuli.
Alterations in Seed Development Gene Expression Affect Size and Oil Content of Arabidopsis Seeds
Authors: Fatihi Abdelhak , Zbierzak Anna Maria , Dörmann Peter
Published: September 2013

Seed endosperm development in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) is under control of the polycomb group complex, which includes Fertilization Independent Endosperm (FIE). The polycomb group complex regulates downstream factors, e.g. Pheres1 (PHE1), by genomic imprinting. In heterozygous fie mutants, an endosperm develops in ovules carrying a maternal fie allele without fertilization, finally leading to abortion. Another endosperm development pathway depends on MINISEED3 (a WRKY10 transcription factor) and HAIKU2 (a leucine-rich repeat kinase). While the role of seed development genes in the embryo and endosperm establishment has been studied in detail, their impact on metabolism and oil accumulation remained unclear. Analysis of oil, protein, and sucrose accumulation in mutants and overexpression plants of the four seed development genes revealed that (1) seeds carrying a maternal fie allele accumulate low oil with an altered composition of triacylglycerol molecular species; (2) homozygous mutant seeds of phe1, mini3, and iku2, which are smaller, accumulate less oil and slightly less protein, and starch, which accumulates early during seed development, remains elevated in mutant seeds; (3) embryo-specific overexpression of FIE, PHE1, and MINI3 has no influence on seed size and weight, nor on oil, protein, or sucrose content; and (4) overexpression of IKU2 results in seeds with increased size and weight, and oil content of overexpressed IKU2 seeds is increased by 35%. Thus, IKU2 overexpression represents a novel strategy for the genetic manipulation of the oil content in seeds.
Tissue-Specific Profiling Reveals Transcriptome Alterations inArabidopsisMutants Lacking Morphological Phenotypes
Authors: Simon Marissa , Bruex Angela , Kainkaryam Raghunandan M. , Zheng Xiaohua , Huang Ling , Woolf Peter J. , Schiefelbein John
Published: September 2013

Traditional genetic analysis relies on mutants with observable phenotypes. Mutants lacking visible abnormalities may nevertheless exhibit molecular differences useful for defining gene function. To examine this, we analyzed tissue-specific transcript profiles from Arabidopsis thaliana transcription factor gene mutants with known roles in root epidermis development, but lacking a single-gene mutant phenotype due to genetic redundancy. We discovered substantial transcriptional changes in each mutant, preferentially affecting root epidermal genes in a manner consistent with the known double mutant effects. Furthermore, comparing transcript profiles of single and double mutants, we observed remarkable variation in the sensitivity of target genes to the loss of one or both paralogous genes, including preferential effects on specific branches of the epidermal gene network, likely reflecting the pathways of paralog subfunctionalization during evolution. In addition, we analyzed the root epidermal transcriptome of the transparent testa glabra2 mutant to clarify its role in the network. These findings provide insight into the molecular basis of genetic redundancy and duplicate gene diversification at the level of a specific gene regulatory network, and they demonstrate the usefulness of tissue-specific transcript profiling to define gene function in mutants lacking informative visible changes in phenotype.
COPPER RESPONSE REGULATOR1–Dependent and –Independent Responses of theChlamydomonas reinhardtiiTranscriptome to Dark Anoxia
Authors: Hemschemeier Anja , Casero David , Liu Bensheng , Benning Christoph , Pellegrini Matteo , Happe Thomas , Merchant Sabeeha S.
Published: September 2013

Anaerobiosis is a stress condition for aerobic organisms and requires extensive acclimation responses. We used RNA-Seq for a whole-genome view of the acclimation of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to anoxic conditions imposed simultaneously with transfer to the dark. Nearly 1.4 × 103 genes were affected by hypoxia. Comparing transcript profiles from early (hypoxic) with those from late (anoxic) time points indicated that cells activate oxidative energy generation pathways before employing fermentation. Probable substrates include amino acids and fatty acids (FAs). Lipid profiling of the C. reinhardtii cells revealed that they degraded FAs but also accumulated triacylglycerols (TAGs). In contrast with N-deprived cells, the TAGs in hypoxic cells were enriched in desaturated FAs, suggesting a distinct pathway for TAG accumulation. To distinguish transcriptional responses dependent on COPPER RESPONSE REGULATOR1 (CRR1), which is also involved in hypoxic gene regulation, we compared the transcriptomes of crr1 mutants and complemented strains. In crr1 mutants, ∼40 genes were aberrantly regulated, reaffirming the importance of CRR1 for the hypoxic response, but indicating also the contribution of additional signaling strategies to account for the remaining differentially regulated transcripts. Based on transcript patterns and previous results, we conclude that nitric oxide–dependent signaling cascades operate in anoxic C. reinhardtii cells.
Activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Nrf‐2‐dependent genes by ischaemic pre‐conditioning and post‐conditioning: new adaptive endogenous protective responses against renal ischaemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Shokeir A. A. , Hussein A. M. , Barakat N. , Abdelaziz A. , Elgarba M. , Awadalla A.
Published: September 2013

Aim

To investigate the impact of ischaemic pre‐conditioning (Ipre) and post‐conditioning (Ipost) on expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) gene and its dependent genes, haem oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and NADPH‐quinone oxidoreductase‐1 (NQO‐1); inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IL1β and ICAM‐1; and apoptotic markers such as caspase‐3 in renal ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.

Methods

One hundred and fifty male Sprague Dawley rats were classified into five groups (each consisted of 30 rats): sham, control (I/R), Ipre + I/R, Ipre without I/R and Ipost + I/R. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured at 2, 24 and 48 h after ischaemia. In kidney tissues, mRNA of Nrf2, HO‐1, NQO‐1, TNF‐α, IL‐1β and ICAM‐1 and immunohistochemical expression of Nrf2 and caspase‐3 were assessed.

Results

Serum creatinine and BUN improved significantly in Pre + I/R group; however, they did not show any significant improvement in Post + I/R group. Also, Ipre‐I/R group showed non‐significant change in serum creatinine and BUN. The expression of Nrf2, HO‐1 and NQO‐1 is increased significantly in Pre + I/R and Pre − I/R groups, while the enhancement in Post + I/R group was non‐significant. Moreover, the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐1 and ICAM‐1) and apoptotic (caspase‐3) markers showed high significant attenuation in Pre + I/R group, but slight significant attenuation in Pre + I/R group.

Conclusion

The renoprotective action of Ipre might include early activation and enhanced expression of Nrf2 gene and its dependent antioxidant genes, HO‐1 and NOQ1, as endogenous adaptive renoprotective genes, as well as reduction in TNF‐α, IL‐1β, ICAM‐1 and caspase‐3.
Attachment: Developmental pathways to affective dysregulation in young people at ultra‐high risk of developing psychosis
Authors: Gajwani Ruchika , Patterson Paul , Birchwood Max
Published: September 2013

Objective

Embedded in attachment theory is its association with affect regulation, which provides a framework for affective dysregulation in the emerging psychosis.

Method

Fifty‐one participants meeting criteria for ultra‐high risk (UHR) of developing psychosis were recruited from a youth mental health service within the United Kingdom. At intake baseline, prior to starting therapeutic intervention, all clients were assessed on measures of affective dysregulation and attachment.

Results

A large proportion of our sample (N = 51) reported clinically significant levels of depression (78%), state anxiety (59%), and social anxiety (65%). Eighty per cent of the UHR sample was insecurely attached. Insecure attachment was significantly associated with elevated depression and social anxiety. Attachment styles were associated with anxiety, depression, and social anxiety. There was no support for a mediating role of social anxiety between attachment styles and depression.

Conclusion

Clinically significant levels of distress and anxiety experienced by the young people at high risk of psychosis. Clinical implications for the treatment of affective dysregulation in young people at UHR in relation to their attachment styles have been discussed.

Practitioner points

The treatment of affective dysregulation has implications on social integration, crucial to the recovery of young people in the emerging psychosis.

Assessment of adult attachment difficulties may bring to the forefront specific negative internal working models (and interpersonal schemas) which may indicate vulnerability to social anxiety and depression.

Young adults at ultra‐high risk of psychosis with emotional difficulties may be better at help seeking and therefore over‐represented in this sample.

Cross‐sectional data analysis makes it difficult to draw aetiological links between adult attachment and affective dysregulation.
Overexpression of nuclear distribution protein (hNUDC) causes pro‐apoptosis and differentiation in Dami megakaryocytes
Authors: Xiao Y. , Zheng Y. , Tan P. , Xu P. , Zhang Q.
Published: September 2013

Objectives

Overexpression of hNUDC, a member of the nuclear distribution protein family, reduces cell population growth in prostate cancer cell lines, concurrent with induced morphological change and enhanced polyploidization. These phenomena are also closely associated with terminal phases of megakaryocyte maturation.

Materials and methods

In Dami cells, MTT and trypan blue assays were used to investigate cell viability and proliferation effects of hNUDC, and flow cytometry was used to analyse cell cycle and DNA content. Real‐time RT‐PCR was employed to detect mRNA expression. Activations of caspase‐3, ERK, Akt and Stat‐5 were determined by immunoblotting. May‐Grünwald–Giemsa staining was performed to reveal cell morphology.

Results and conclusion

Functional studies using adenovirus‐mediated hNUDC overexpression led to inhibition of megakaryocyte proliferation via cell cycle arrest in G2/M transition phase. This process could have been be mediated by upregulation of p21 and downregulation of its downstream targets, including cyclin B1, cyclin B2 and c‐myc. Enhanced apoptosis in turn ensued, characterized by increased caspase‐3 activation, upregulation of pro‐apoptotic Bax and downregulation of anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2. Furthermore, hNUDC overexpression elevated the level of megakaryocyte maturation, associated with increased polyploidy, cell morphological changes and increased expression of cell surface differentiation markers, including CD10, CD44, CD41 and CD61. Our results further suggest that the ERK signalling pathway was involved in hNUDC overexpression‐induced apoptosis. Taken together, this study provides experimental evidence for overexpression of hNUDC in Dami cells and suggests that activation of apoptotic machinery may be involved in megakaryocytic differentiation.
The dilemma of atrial fibrillation in intracerebral haemorrhage: how to balance the risks of ischaemia and bleeding
Authors: Charidimou A. , Werring D. J.
Published: September 2013

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.