bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
'[W]hen the highway catches up with us'
Authors: Cooper Melinda
Published: December 2016

Eleanor Dark’s last published novel, Lantana Lane (published 1959), is not usually included in accounts of Australian modernism. The novel’s strong criticisms of modernity, its regional focus and the Cold War context complicate its inclusion as a modernist text. However, revised understandings of modernism generated in the past few decades of scholarship allow for a reinvestigation of Dark’s novel as a response to the conditions of late modernity. In particular, Dark explores the pressures exerted on local space by modern capitalism in a period of post-war reconstruction, showing how the national and global scales encroach upon and threaten to annihilate local particularity. Through drawing on a number of broadly modernist practices, including those of entanglement, suspension, metageography and primitivism, Dark pushes back against modernity’s narratives of progress and attempts to recover space for the literary and the small scale. Lantana Lane demonstrates how ‘regional modernisms’ written from ‘peripheral’ locations can draw attention to the uneven distribution of modernity within national and global space, and offer alternative — if provisional — sites of attachment.
Ivana Milojevic, 'Breathing: Violence In, Peace Out', Brisbane: University of Queensland Press, 2013, ISBN 9 7807 0224 9693, 296 pp., $39.95
Authors: Simic Olivera
Published: December 2016

Ivana Milojevic, Breathing: Violence In, Peace Out, Brisbane: University of Queensland Press, 2013, ISBN 9 7807 0224 9693, 296 pp., $39.95
Michael Meadows, 'The Living Rock: The Invention of Climbing in Eastern Australia', Brisbane: Living Rock Press, 2015, ISBN 9 7809 9254 4027, 376 pp., $39.95
Authors: Rossiter Penny
Published: December 2016

Michael Meadows, The Living Rock: The Invention of Climbing in Eastern Australia, Brisbane: Living Rock Press, 2015, ISBN 9 7809 9254 4027, 376 pp., $39.95
Radiocarbon Dating of the Decorated Cosquer Cave (France)
Authors: Valladas H , Quiles A , Delque-Kolic M , Kaltnecker E , Moreau C , Pons-Branchu E , Vanrell L , Olive M , Delestre X
Published: December 2016

The Grotte Cosquer (southeastern France) is a Paleolithic painted cave only accessible by a deep-water dive. The cave has yielded numerous Paleolithic engravings and drawings, which were produced from wood charcoal. This article presents new radiocarbon dates obtained on samples collected in 2012 directly on 17 parietal representations and at the soil surface, and discusses the 14C results obtained since the discovery of the cave in 1992. A total of 41 samples were dated with ages ranging from 33,000 to 20,000 cal BP. They show that the cave was intermittently decorated over about 10,000 yr.
Applying the generalized additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model to analysis of maize genotypes resistant to grey leaf spot
Authors: ACORSI C. R. L. , GUEDES T. A. , COAN M. M. D. , PINTO R. J. B. , SCAPIM C. A. , PACHECO C. A. P. , GUIMARÃES P. E. O. , CASELA C. R.
Published: December 2016

Analysing the stability and adaptation of cultivars to different environments is always necessary before recommending them for planting on large areas. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) models have been used to analyse genotype-by-environment interactions (G × E). AMMI models require data with homogeneous variance, normal errors and additive effects. However, agronomic data do not always conform to these statistical assumptions. The objective of the present study was to analyse G × E interactions for severity and incidence of grey leaf spot, a foliar disease in maize caused byCercospora zeae-maydis, using a generalized AMMI model. Data were collected and evaluated for 36 maize cultivars from experiments carried out in nine Brazilian regions in 2010/11 by the Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA – Milho e Sorgo). Only two of three stable genotypes defined by a quasi-likelihood model with a logistic link function could be recommended for their desirable agronomic characteristics. Four growing locations in which the genotypes were stable were identified, but in only one of these was stability associated with very severe grey leaf spot disease. Cultivars adapted to specific locations with low percentage disease severity were also identified.
Snake charming and the exploitation of snakes in Morocco
Authors: Pleguezuelos Juan M. , Feriche Mónica , Brito José C. , Fahd Soumía
Published: December 2016

Traditional activities that potentially threaten biodiversity represent a challenge to conservationists as they try to reconcile the cultural dimensions of such activities. Quantifying the impact of traditional activities on biodiversity is always helpful for decision making in conservation. In the case of snake charming in Morocco, the practice was introduced there 500 years ago by the religious order the Aissawas, and is now an attraction in the country's growing tourism industry. As a consequence wild snake populations may be threatened by overexploitation. The focal species for snake charming, the Egyptian cobra Naja haje, is undergoing both range and population declines. We estimated the level of exploitation of snakes based on field surveys and questionnaires administered to Aissawas during 2003–2014, and compared our results with those of a study conducted 25 years previously. Aissawas use four venomous and four non-venomous species for snake charming and we estimate they harvest a minimum of 4,500 individuals annually, mostly venomous snakes. For exhibition purposes they selectively remove the largest specimens from the wild (i.e. those that could have the highest reproductive output). Compared to the previous data, we detected (1) a reduction in the number of species collected, (2) an increased distance to collecting fields, and (3) an increase in the market price for snakes, after correction for accumulated inflation, signifying a higher demand for these animals.
Spatially-controlled illumination microscopy
Authors: Krishnaswami Venkataraman , Van Noorden Cornelis J. F. , Manders Erik M. M. , Hoebe Ron A.
Published: December 2016

Live-cell and live-tissue imaging using fluorescence optical microscopes presents an inherent trade-off between image quality and photodamage. Spatially-controlled illumination microscopy (SCIM) aims to strike the right balance between obtaining good image quality and minimizing the risk of photodamage. In traditional imaging, illumination is performed with a spatially-uniform light dose resulting in spatially-variable detected signals. SCIM adopts an alternative imaging approach where illumination is performed with a spatially-variable light dose resulting in spatially-uniform detected signals. The actual image information of the biological specimen in SCIM is predominantly encoded in the illumination profile. SCIM uses real-time spatial control of illumination in the imaging of fluorescent biological specimens. This alternative imaging paradigm reduces the overall illumination light dose during imaging, which facilitates prolonged imaging of live biological specimens by minimizing photodamage without compromising image quality. Additionally, the dynamic range of a SCIM image is no longer limited by the dynamic range of the detector (or camera), since it employs a uniform detection strategy. The large dynamic range of SCIM is predominantly determined by the illumination profile, and is advantageous for imaging both live and fixed biological specimens. In the present review, the concept and working mechanisms of SCIM are discussed, together with its application in various types of optical microscopes.
The combination of cold and hot components in the energy spectra of electrons scattered by relativistically intense laser pulses with various transverse distributions of amplitude
Authors: Shiryaev O.B.
Published: December 2016

The energy spectra of a sparse ensemble of electrons scattered by relativistically intense laser pulses are studied numerically by solving the relativistic Newton equations with the Lorentz force generated by an electromagnetic envelope in vacuum. The expressions for the envelope describe focused optical fields, include significant short-pulse corrections, and afford the representation of laser radiation with various types of transverse distributions of amplitude. The dependence of the character of the electron energy spectra on the type of the transverse distribution of laser amplitude is explored. For Gaussian pulses, the electron energy spectra within specific angular ranges tend to either include a relativistic maximum while being localized around it or to have the shapes of evanescent distributions dominated by the cold component. Conversely, the energy spectra of electrons ejected into certain angular ranges by laser pulses having first-order Laguerre profiles combine pronounced cold components and structured strongly relativistic features. The presumed laser pulse transverse structure and the shapes of the calculated electron energy spectra for first-order Laguerre amplitude distributions are shown to match, qualitatively, those reported in a recent experimental study by Kalashnikov et al. in 2015, which revealed the electron energy spectra spanning both the sub-relativistic and the markedly relativistic energy domains.
High occurrence and unusual serotype diversity of non-typhoidal Salmonella in non-clinical niches, Angola
Authors: ANTUNES P. , CAMPOS J. , MOURÃO J. , RIBEIRO T. G. , NOVAIS C. , PEIXE L.
Published: December 2016

Non-typhoidal Salmonella is an important burden, particularly in developing countries of the African region. We report for the first time in Angola, a sub-Saharan African country with commercial/travel relationships with Europe, an unexpectedly high occurrence of Salmonella (n = 12/63, 19%) from a high diversity of sources, particularly farm and wild animals. The detection of diverse serotypes (n = 12), involving putative new S. enterica subsp. salamae serotypes, is also of note, reinforcing the need for a comprehensive surveillance in Angola critical to identify animal/food/environmental sources of salmonellosis with impact on animal health, local people, tourists and exported products.
Brain Computer Interfaces for Silent Speech
Authors: Rezaei Tabar Yousef , Halici Ugur
Published: December 2016

Brain Computer Interface (BCI) systems provide control of external devices by using only brain activity. In recent years, there has been a great interest in developing BCI systems for different applications. These systems are capable of solving daily life problems for both healthy and disabled people. One of the most important applications of BCI is to provide communication for disabled people that are totally paralysed. In this paper, different parts of a BCI system and different methods used in each part are reviewed. Neuroimaging devices, with an emphasis on EEG (electroencephalography), are presented and brain activities as well as signal processing methods used in EEG-based BCIs are explained in detail. Current methods and paradigms in BCI based speech communication are considered.
Toward the Atomic-Level Mass Analysis of Biomolecules by the Scanning Atom Probe
Authors: Nishikawa Osamu , Taniguchi Masahiro
Published: December 2016

In 1994, a new type of atom probe instrument, named the scanning atom probe (SAP), was proposed. The unique feature of the SAP is the introduction of a small extraction electrode, which scans over a specimen surface and confines the high field, required for field evaporation of surface atoms in a small space, between the specimen and the electrode. Thus, the SAP does not require a sharp specimen tip. This indicates that the SAP can mass analyze the specimens which are difficult to form in a sharp tip, such as organic materials and biomolecules. Clean single wall carbon nanotubes (CNT), made by high-pressure carbon monoxide process are found to be the best substrates for biomolecules. Various amino acids and dipeptide biomolecules were successfully mass analyzed, revealing characteristic clusters formed by strongly bound atoms in the specimens. The mass analysis indicates that SAP analysis of biomolecules is not only qualitative, but also quantitative.
Organisation of services for managing ADHD
Authors: Coghill D. R.
Published: December 2016

There is considerable variation in practice, both between and with different countries in the management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Whilst there is no one optimal model of service organisation there are general principles of care that can be introduced to reduce this variability. There are frequent debates and discussions about which professional group is best placed to manage ADHD at different points in the life cycle. Who delivers care is however less important than ensuring that training schemes provide adequate exposure, training and experience to both the core and non-core skills required to provide a comprehensive package of care. Most evidence-based guidelines recommend a multi-modal, multi-professional and multi-agency approach. Many also promote the use of both stepped care and shared care approaches for the management of ADHD. As most of those with ADHD continue to have ADHD-related problems into adulthood, it is important to consider how best to transition care into adulthood and think about who should deliver care to adults with ADHD. Young people with ADHD should generally be transferred to adult mental health services if they continue to have significant symptoms of ADHD or other coexisting conditions that require treatment. Unfortunately services for adults with ADHD remain relatively scarce across much of the world and some adult psychiatrists remain unsure of the diagnosis and uncertain about the appropriate use of ADHD medications in adults, but there is a strong case for increased services for adults. ADHD is on the one hand easy to treat; it is much more difficult to treat well. Although optimised care for ADHD requires routine measurement of outcomes, this often does not happen in routine clinical practice. Focusing on optimising symptoms and minimising adverse effects can significantly improve both short- and long-term outcomes.
Pregnancy, perinatal and postpartum complications as determinants of postpartum depression: the Rhea mother–child cohort in Crete, Greece
Authors: Koutra K. , Vassilaki M. , Georgiou V. , Koutis A. , Bitsios P. , Kogevinas M. , Chatzi L.
Published: December 2016

Aims.

Few epidemiological studies evaluated associations between perinatal complications and maternal mood at the early postpartum period and the findings are inconsistent. We aimed at investigating a wide range of complications during pregnancy, at delivery, and at the early postpartum period as determinants of postpartum depression (PPD) at 8 weeks postpartum.

Methods.

A total of 1037 women who enrolled in the Rhea mother–child cohort in Crete, Greece participated in the present study. Information on pregnancy, perinatal and postpartum complications was obtained from clinical records or by questionnaires. Postpartum depressive symptoms were assessed at 8 weeks postpartum using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were fit to estimate the association between pregnancy, perinatal and postpartum complications and maternal depressive symptoms, adjusting also for potential confounders.

Results.

The prevalence of women with probable depression (EPDS score ≥ 13) was 13.6% at 8 weeks postpartum. Gestational hypertension and/or preeclampsia (β coefficient 1.86, 95% CI: 0.32, 3.41) and breastfeeding difficulties (β coefficient 0.77, 95% CI: 0.02, 1.53) were significantly associated with higher PPD symptoms. Sleep patterns during pregnancy, such as sleep deprivation (OR = 3.57, 95% CI: 1.91, 6.67) and snoring (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.93), and breastfeeding duration less than 2 months (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.19, 2.64) were significantly associated with increase in the odds for PPD. Some other complications, such as unplanned pregnancy and hospitalisation during pregnancy were also associated with EPDS score, but these associations were explained by socio-demographic characteristics of the mother.

Conclusions.

We found that several pregnancy, perinatal and postpartum complications may have an adverse effect on maternal mood at the early postpartum period. These findings have considerable implications for developing effective prevention and early psychoeducational intervention strategies for women at risk of developing PPD.
Parsimony versus Reductionism: How Can Crowd Psychology be Introduced into Computer Simulation?
Authors: Seitz Michael J. , Templeton Anne , Drury John , Köster Gerta , Philippides Andrew
Published: December 2016

Computer simulations are increasingly being used to monitor and predict the movement behavior of crowds. This can enhance crowd safety at large events and transport hubs, and increase efficiency such as capacity utilization in public transport systems. However, the models used are mainly based on video observations, not an understanding of human decision making. Theories of crowd psychology can elucidate the factors underpinning collective behavior in human crowds. Yet, in contrast to psychology, computer science must rely upon mathematical formulations in order to implement algorithms and keep models manageable. Here, we address the problems and possible solutions encountered when incorporating social psychological theories of collective behavior in computer modeling. We identify that one primary issue is retaining parsimony in a model while avoiding reductionism by excluding necessary aspects of crowd psychology, such as the behavior of groups. We propose cognitive heuristics as a potential avenue to create a parsimonious model that incorporates core concepts of collective behavior derived from empirical research in crowd psychology.
Arterial waveform parameters in a large, population-based sample of adults: relationships with ethnicity and lifestyle factors
Authors: Sluyter J D , Hughes A D , Thom S A McG , Lowe A , Camargo Jr C A , Hametner B , Wassertheurer S , Parker K H , Scragg R K R
Published: December 2016

Little is known about how aortic waveform parameters vary with ethnicity and lifestyle factors. We investigated these issues in a large, population-based sample. We carried out a cross-sectional analysis of 4798 men and women, aged 50–84 years from Auckland, New Zealand. Participants were 3961 European, 321 Pacific, 266 Maori and 250 South Asian people. We assessed modifiable lifestyle factors via questionnaires, and measured body mass index (BMI) and brachial blood pressure (BP). Suprasystolic oscillometry was used to derive aortic pressure, from which several haemodynamic parameters were calculated. Heavy alcohol consumption and BMI were positively related to most waveform parameters. Current smokers had higher levels of aortic augmentation index than non-smokers (difference=3.7%, P<0.0001). Aortic waveform parameters, controlling for demographics, antihypertensives, diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD), were higher in non-Europeans than in Europeans. Further adjustment for brachial BP or lifestyle factors (particularly BMI) reduced many differences but several remained. Despite even further adjustment for mean arterial pressure, pulse rate, height and total:high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, compared with Europeans, South Asians had higher levels of all measured aortic waveform parameters (for example, for backward pressure amplitude: β=1.5 mm Hg; P<0.0001), whereas Pacific people had 9% higher loge (excess pressure integral) (P<0.0001). In conclusion, aortic waveform parameters varied with ethnicity in line with the greater prevalence of CVD among non-white populations. Generally, this was true even after accounting for brachial BP, suggesting that waveform parameters may have increased usefulness in capturing ethnic variations in cardiovascular risk. Heavy alcohol consumption, smoking and especially BMI may partially contribute to elevated levels of these parameters.
p120-catenin prevents multinucleation through control of MKLP1-dependent RhoA activity during cytokinesis
Authors: van de Ven Robert A.H. , de Groot Jolien S. , Park Danielle , van Domselaar Robert , de Jong Danielle , Szuhai Karoly , van der Wall Elsken , Rueda Oscar M. , Ali H. Raza , Caldas Carlos , van Diest Paul J. , Hetzer Martin W. , Sahai Erik , Derksen Patrick W.B.
Published: December 2016

Spatiotemporal activation of RhoA and actomyosin contraction underpins cellular adhesion and division. Loss of cell–cell adhesion and chromosomal instability are cardinal events that drive tumour progression. Here, we show that p120-catenin (p120) not only controls cell–cell adhesion, but also acts as a critical regulator of cytokinesis. We find that p120 regulates actomyosin contractility through concomitant binding to RhoA and the centralspindlin component MKLP1, independent of cadherin association. In anaphase, p120 is enriched at the cleavage furrow where it binds MKLP1 to spatially control RhoA GTPase cycling. Binding of p120 to MKLP1 during cytokinesis depends on the N-terminal coiled-coil domain of p120 isoform 1A. Importantly, clinical data show that loss of p120 expression is a common event in breast cancer that strongly correlates with multinucleation and adverse patient survival. In summary, our study identifies p120 loss as a driver event of chromosomal instability in cancer.
HS1BP3 negatively regulates autophagy by modulation of phosphatidic acid levels
Authors: Holland Petter , Knævelsrud Helene , Søreng Kristiane , Mathai Benan J. , Lystad Alf Håkon , Pankiv Serhiy , Bjørndal Gunnveig T. , Schultz Sebastian W. , Lobert Viola H. , Chan Robin B. , Zhou Bowen , Liestøl Knut , Carlsson Sven R. , Melia Thomas J. , Di Paolo Gilbert , Simonsen Anne
Published: December 2016

A fundamental question is how autophagosome formation is regulated. Here we show that the PX domain protein HS1BP3 is a negative regulator of autophagosome formation. HS1BP3 depletion increased the formation of LC3-positive autophagosomes and degradation of cargo both in human cell culture and in zebrafish. HS1BP3 is localized to ATG16L1- and ATG9-positive autophagosome precursors and we show that HS1BP3 binds phosphatidic acid (PA) through its PX domain. Furthermore, we find the total PA content of cells to be significantly upregulated in the absence of HS1BP3, as a result of increased activity of the PA-producing enzyme phospholipase D (PLD) and increased localization of PLD1 to ATG16L1-positive membranes. We propose that HS1BP3 regulates autophagy by modulating the PA content of the ATG16L1-positive autophagosome precursor membranes through PLD1 activity and localization. Our findings provide key insights into how autophagosome formation is regulated by a novel negative-feedback mechanism on membrane lipids.
A plant tendril mimic soft actuator with phototunable bending and chiral twisting motion modes
Authors: Wang Meng , Lin Bao-Ping , Yang Hong
Published: December 2016

In nature, plant tendrils can produce two fundamental motion modes, bending and chiral twisting (helical curling) distortions, under the stimuli of sunlight, humidity, wetting or other atmospheric conditions. To date, many artificial plant-like mechanical machines have been developed. Although some previously reported materials could realize bending or chiral twisting through tailoring the samples into various ribbons along different orientations, each single ribbon could execute only one deformation mode. The challenging task is how to endow one individual plant tendril mimic material with two different, fully tunable and reversible motion modes (bending and chiral twisting). Here we show a dual-layer, dual-composition polysiloxane-based liquid crystal soft actuator strategy to synthesize a plant tendril mimic material capable of performing two different three-dimensional reversible transformations (bending versus chiral twisting) through modulation of the wavelength band of light stimuli (ultraviolet versus near-infrared). This material has broad application prospects in biomimetic control devices.
Proximity does not contribute to activity enhancement in the glucose oxidase–horseradish peroxidase cascade
Authors: Zhang Yifei , Tsitkov Stanislav , Hess Henry
Published: December 2016

A proximity effect has been invoked to explain the enhanced activity of enzyme cascades on DNA scaffolds. Using the cascade reaction carried out by glucose oxidase and horseradish peroxidase as a model system, here we study the kinetics of the cascade reaction when the enzymes are free in solution, when they are conjugated to each other and when a competing enzyme is present. No proximity effect is found, which is in agreement with models predicting that the rapidly diffusing hydrogen peroxide intermediate is well mixed. We suggest that the reason for the activity enhancement of enzymes localized by DNA scaffolds is that the pH near the surface of the negatively charged DNA nanostructures is lower than that in the bulk solution, creating a more optimal pH environment for the anchored enzymes. Our findings challenge the notion of a proximity effect and provide new insights into the role of DNA scaffolds.
Non-native three-dimensional block copolymer morphologies
Authors: Rahman Atikur , Majewski Pawel W. , Doerk Gregory , Black Charles T. , Yager Kevin G.
Published: December 2016

Self-assembly is a powerful paradigm, wherein molecules spontaneously form ordered phases exhibiting well-defined nanoscale periodicity and shapes. However, the inherent energy-minimization aspect of self-assembly yields a very limited set of morphologies, such as lamellae or hexagonally packed cylinders. Here, we show how soft self-assembling materials—block copolymer thin films—can be manipulated to form a diverse library of previously unreported morphologies. In this iterative assembly process, each polymer layer acts as both a structural component of the final morphology and a template for directing the order of subsequent layers. Specifically, block copolymer films are immobilized on surfaces, and template successive layers through subtle surface topography. This strategy generates an enormous variety of three-dimensional morphologies that are absent in the native block copolymer phase diagram.
Colours’ Impact on Morality: Evidence from Event-related Potentials
Authors: Gan Tian , Fang Wei , Ge Liezhong
Published: December 2016

Black and white have been shown to be representations of moral concepts. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether colours other than black and white have similar effects on words related to morality and to determine the time course of these effects. We presented moral and immoral words in three colours (red, green and blue) in a Moral Stroop task and used the event-related potential (ERP) technique to identify the temporal dynamics of the impact of colours on moral judgement. The behavioural results showed that it took longer for people to judge immoral words than moral words when the words were coloured green than when they were red or blue. The ERP results revealed the time course of these effects. Three stages were identified in the significant effects of P200, N300 and LPC. These findings suggest a metaphorical association between the colour green and moral information.
Correction: Corrigendum: Quantitative Proteomics Reveals the Defense Response of Wheat against Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici
Authors: Yang Yuheng , Yu Yang , Bi Chaowei , Kang Zhensheng
Published: December 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 34261; published online: 28 September 2016; updated: 22 December 2016
Multimodal Magnetic Resonance and Near-Infrared-Fluorescent Imaging of Intraperitoneal Ovarian Cancer Using a Dual-Mode-Dual-Gadolinium Liposomal Contrast Agent
Authors: Ravoori M. K. , Singh S. , Bhavane R. , Sood A. K. , Anvari B. , Bankson J. , Annapragada A. , Kundra V.
Published: December 2016

The degree of tumor removal at surgery is a major factor in predicting outcome for ovarian cancer. A single multimodality agent that can be used with magnetic resonance (MR) for staging and pre-surgical planning, and with optical imaging to aid surgical removal of tumors, would present a new paradigm for ovarian cancer. We assessed whether a dual-mode, dual-Gadolinium (DM-Dual-Gd-ICG) contrast agent can be used to visualize ovarian tumors in the peritoneal cavity by multimodal MR and near infra-red imaging (NIR). Intraperitoneal ovarian tumors (Hey-A8 or OVCAR3) in mice enhanced on MR two days after intravenous DM-Dual Gd-ICG injection compared to controls (SNR, CNR, p < 0.05, n = 6). As seen on open abdomen and excised tumors views and confirmed by optical radiant efficiency measurement, Hey-A8 or OVCAR3 tumors from animals injected with DM-Dual Gd-ICG had increased fluorescence (p < 0.05, n = 6). This suggests clinical potential to localize ovarian tumors by MR for staging and surgical planning, and, by NIR at surgery for resection.
Effects of elevated mean and extremely high temperatures on the physio-ecological characteristics of geographically distinctive populations of Cunninghamia lanceolata
Authors: Zhou Ting , Jia Xiaorong , Liao Huixuan , Peng Shijia , Peng Shaolin
Published: December 2016

Conventional models for predicting species distribution under global warming scenarios often treat one species as a homogeneous whole. In the present study, we selected Cunninghamia lanceolata (C. lanceolata), a widely distributed species in China, to investigate the physio-ecological responses of five populations under different temperature regimes. The results demonstrate that increased mean temperatures induce increased growth performance among northern populations, which exhibited the greatest germination capacity and largest increase in the overlap between the growth curve and the monthly average temperature. However,tolerance of the southern population to extremely high temperatures was stronger than among the population from the northern region,shown by the best growth and the most stable photosynthetic system of the southern population under extremely high temperature. This result indicates that the growth advantage among northern populations due to increased mean temperatures may be weakened by lower tolerance to extremely high temperatures. This finding is antithetical to the predicted results. The theoretical coupling model constructed here illustrates that the difference in growth between populations at high and low latitudes and altitudes under global warming will decrease because of the frequent occurrence of extremely high temperatures.
Electrical stimulation drives chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells in the absence of exogenous growth factors
Authors: Kwon Hyuck Joon , Lee Gyu Seok , Chun Honggu
Published: December 2016

Electrical stimulation (ES) is known to guide the development and regeneration of many tissues. However, although preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated superior effects of ES on cartilage repair, the effects of ES on chondrogenesis remain elusive. Since mesenchyme stem cells (MSCs) have high therapeutic potential for cartilage regeneration, we investigated the actions of ES during chondrogenesis of MSCs. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time that ES enhances expression levels of chondrogenic markers, such as type II collagen, aggrecan, and Sox9, and decreases type I collagen levels, thereby inducing differentiation of MSCs into hyaline chondrogenic cells without the addition of exogenous growth factors. ES also induced MSC condensation and subsequent chondrogenesis by driving Ca2+/ATP oscillations, which are known to be essential for prechondrogenic condensation. In subsequent experiments, the effects of ES on ATP oscillations and chondrogenesis were dependent on extracellular ATP signaling via P2X4receptors, and ES induced significant increases in TGF-β1 and BMP2 expression. However, the inhibition of TGF-β signaling blocked ES-driven condensation, whereas the inhibition of BMP signaling did not, indicating that TGF-β signaling but not BMP signaling mediates ES-driven condensation. These findings may contribute to the development of electrotherapeutic strategies for cartilage repair using MSCs.
Paclobutrazol induces tolerance in tomato to deficit irrigation through diversified effects on plant morphology, physiology and metabolism
Authors: Pal Sikander , Zhao Jiangsan , Khan Asif , Yadav Narendra Singh , Batushansky Albert , Barak Simon , Rewald Boris , Fait Aaron , Lazarovitch Naftali , Rachmilevitch Shimon
Published: December 2016

Dwindling water resources combined with meeting the demands for food security require maximizing water use efficiency (WUE) both in rainfed and irrigated agriculture. In this regard, deficit irrigation (DI), defined as the administration of water below full crop-water requirements (evapotranspiration), is a valuable practice to contain irrigation water use. In this study, the mechanism of paclobutrazol (Pbz)-mediated improvement in tolerance to water deficit in tomato was thoroughly investigated. Tomato plants were subjected to normal irrigated and deficit irrigated conditions plus Pbz application (0.8 and 1.6 ppm). A comprehensive morpho-physiological, metabolomics and molecular analysis was undertaken. Findings revealed that Pbz application reduced plant height, improved stem diameter and leaf number, altered root architecture, enhanced photosynthetic rates and WUE of tomato plants under deficit irrigation. Pbz differentially induced expression of genes and accumulation of metabolites of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA-shunt pathway), glutathione ascorbate (GSH-ASC)-cycle, cell wall and sugar metabolism, abscisic acid (ABA), spermidine (Spd) content and expression of an aquaporin (AP) protein under deficit irrigation. Our results suggest that Pbz application could significantly improve tolerance in tomato plants under limited water availability through selective changes in morpho-physiology and induction of stress-related molecular processes.
Imaging molecular geometry with electron momentum spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Enliang , Shan Xu , Tian Qiguo , Yang Jing , Gong Maomao , Tang Yaguo , Niu Shanshan , Chen Xiangjun
Published: December 2016

Electron momentum spectroscopy is a unique tool for imaging orbital-specific electron density of molecule in momentum space. However, the molecular geometry information is usually veiled due to the single-centered character of momentum space wavefunction of molecular orbital (MO). Here we demonstrate the retrieval of interatomic distances from the multicenter interference effect revealed in the ratios of electron momentum profiles between two MOs with symmetric and anti-symmetric characters. A very sensitive dependence of the oscillation period on interatomic distance is observed, which is used to determine F-F distance in CF4 and O-O distance in CO2 with sub-Ångström precision. Thus, using one spectrometer, and in one measurement, the electron density distributions of MOs and the molecular geometry information can be obtained simultaneously. Our approach provides a new robust tool for imaging molecules with high precision and has potential to apply to ultrafast imaging of molecular dynamics if combined with ultrashort electron pulses in the future.
Correction: Corrigendum: Changes in Central Asia’s Water Tower: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Chen Yaning , Li Weihong , Deng Haijun , Fang Gonghuan , Li Zhi
Published: December 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 35458; published online: 20 October 2016; updated: 22 December 2016
Quantum phase transition induced by real-space topology
Authors: Li C. , Zhang G. , Lin S. , Song Z.
Published: December 2016

A quantum phase transition (QPT), including both topological and symmetry breaking types, is usually induced by the change of global parameters, such as external fields or global coupling constants. In this work, we demonstrate the existence of QPT induced by the real-space topology of the system. We investigate the groundstate properties of the tight-binding model on a honeycomb lattice with the torus geometry based on exact results. It is shown that the ground state experiences a second-order QPT, exhibiting the scaling behavior, when the torus switches to a tube, which reveals the connection between quantum phase and the real-space topology of the system.
Simultaneous Analysis of Secondary Structure and Light Scattering from Circular Dichroism Titrations: Application to Vectofusin-1
Authors: Vermeer Louic S. , Marquette Arnaud , Schoup Michel , Fenard David , Galy Anne , Bechinger Burkhard
Published: December 2016

Circular Dichroism data are often decomposed into their constituent spectra to quantify the secondary structure of peptides or proteins but the estimation of the secondary structure content fails when light scattering leads to spectral distortion. If peptide-induced liposome self-association occurs, subtracting control curves cannot correct for this. We show that if the cause of the light scattering is independent from the peptide structural changes, the CD spectra can be corrected using principal component analysis (PCA). The light scattering itself is analysed and found to be in good agreement with backscattering experiments. This method therefore allows to simultaneously follow structural changes related to peptide-liposome binding as well as peptide induced liposome self-association. We apply this method to study the structural changes and liposome binding of vectofusin-1, a transduction enhancing peptide used in lentivirus based gene therapy. Vectofusin-1 binds to POPC/POPS liposomes, causing a reversal of the negative liposome charge at high peptide concentrations. When the peptide charges exactly neutralise the lipid charges on both leaflets reversible liposome self-association occurs. These results are in good agreement with biological observations and provide further insight into the conditions required for efficent transduction enhancement.
Direct measurements of multi-photon induced nonlinear lattice dynamics in semiconductors via time-resolved x-ray scattering
Authors: Williams G. Jackson , Lee Sooheyong , Walko Donald A. , Watson Michael A. , Jo Wonhuyk , Lee Dong Ryeol , Landahl Eric C.
Published: December 2016

Nonlinear optical phenomena in semiconductors present several fundamental problems in modern optics that are of great importance for the development of optoelectronic devices. In particular, the details of photo-induced lattice dynamics at early time-scales prior to carrier recombination remain poorly understood. We demonstrate the first integrated measurements of both optical and structural, material-dependent quantities while also inferring the bulk impulsive strain profile by using high spatial-resolution time-resolved x-ray scattering (TRXS) on bulk crystalline gallium arsenide. Our findings reveal distinctive laser-fluence dependent crystal lattice responses, which are not described by previous TRXS experiments or models. The initial linear expansion of the crystal upon laser excitation stagnates at a laser fluence corresponding to the saturation of the free carrier density before resuming expansion in a third regime at higher fluences where two-photon absorption becomes dominant. Our interpretations of the lattice dynamics as nonlinear optical effects are confirmed by numerical simulations and by additional measurements in an n-type semiconductor that allows higher-order nonlinear optical processes to be directly observed as modulations of x-ray diffraction lineshapes.
An exactly solvable, spatial model of mutation accumulation in cancer
Authors: Paterson Chay , Nowak Martin A. , Waclaw Bartlomiej
Published: December 2016

One of the hallmarks of cancer is the accumulation of driver mutations which increase the net reproductive rate of cancer cells and allow them to spread. This process has been studied in mathematical models of well mixed populations, and in computer simulations of three-dimensional spatial models. But the computational complexity of these more realistic, spatial models makes it difficult to simulate realistically large and clinically detectable solid tumours. Here we describe an exactly solvable mathematical model of a tumour featuring replication, mutation and local migration of cancer cells. The model predicts a quasi-exponential growth of large tumours, even if different fragments of the tumour grow sub-exponentially due to nutrient and space limitations. The model reproduces clinically observed tumour growth times using biologically plausible rates for cell birth, death, and migration rates. We also show that the expected number of accumulated driver mutations increases exponentially in time if the average fitness gain per driver is constant, and that it reaches a plateau if the gains decrease over time. We discuss the realism of the underlying assumptions and possible extensions of the model.
NF-κB signalling and cell fate decisions in response to a short pulse of tumour necrosis factor
Authors: Lee Robin E. C. , Qasaimeh Mohammad A. , Xia Xianfang , Juncker David , Gaudet Suzanne
Published: December 2016

In tissues and tumours, cell behaviours are regulated by multiple time-varying signals. While in the laboratory cells are often exposed to a stimulus for the duration of the experiment,in vivoexposures may be much shorter. In this study, we monitored NF-κB and caspase signalling in human cancer cells treated with a short pulse of Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF). TNF is an inflammatory cytokine that can induce both the pro-survival NF-κB-driven gene transcription pathway and the pro-apoptotic caspase pathway. We find that a few seconds of exposure to TNF is sufficient to activate the NF-κB pathway in HeLa cells and induce apoptotic cell death in both HeLa and Kym-1 cells. Strikingly, a 1-min pulse of TNF can be more effective at killing than a 1-hour pulse, indicating that in addition to TNF concentration, duration of exposure also coordinates cell fate decisions.
A general nonaqueous sol-gel route to g-C3N4-coupling photocatalysts: the case of Z-scheme g-C3N4/TiO2 with enhanced photodegradation toward RhB under visible-light
Authors: Liu Xu , Chen Nan , Li Yuxiu , Deng Dongyang , Xing Xinxin , Wang Yude
Published: December 2016

The g-C3N4-coupling TiO2 photocatalysts with controllable particle size as well as the interface contact were prepared by a general nonaqueous sol-gel method. The structural and morphological features of g-C3N4/TiO2 were investigated through the X-ray diffraction, Fourier transformed infrared spectra, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. It is found the TiO2 nanoparticles with a size of 7.3 ± 1.6 nm are uniformly anchored on the surface of the g-C3N4 nanosheets in isolation. The photocatalytic properties of as-prepared g-C3N4/TiO2 were tested by degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light, and an enhanced activity is observed. The mechanism of the enhanced activity was further investigated through N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, UV-vis spectra, photoluminescence spectra, photoelectrochemical measurements, radical trapping experiments and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Furthermore, the photocatalytic performances of obtained g-C3N4/TiO2 under sunlight were also evaluated in aspects of degradation efficiency and stability. The results indicate that the obtained g-C3N4/TiO2 is one promising photocatalyst for practical applications. The study of as-prepared g-C3N4/TiO2 also implies that the present method could be a general route of g-C3N4-coupling photocatalysts.
The dynamic monitoring of aeolian desertification land distribution and its response to climate change in northern China
Authors: Feng Lili , Jia Zhiqing , Li Qingxue
Published: December 2016

Aeolian desertification is poorly understood despite its importance for indicating environment change. Here we exploit Gaofen-1(GF-1) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data to develop a quick and efficient method for large scale aeolian desertification dynamic monitoring in northern China. This method, which is based on Normalized Difference Desertification Index (NDDI) calculated by band1 & band2 of MODIS reflectance data (MODIS09A1). Then we analyze spatial-temporal change of aeolian desertification area and detect its possible influencing factors, such as precipitation, temperature, wind speed and population by Convergent Cross Mapping (CCM) model. It suggests that aeolian desertification area with population indicates feedback (bi-directional causality) between the two variables (P < 0.05), but forcing of aeolian desertification area by population is weak. Meanwhile, we find aeolian desertification area is significantly affected by temperature, as expected. However, there is no obvious forcing for the aeolian desertification area and precipitation. Aeolian desertification area with wind speed indicates feedback (bi-directional causality) between the two variables with significant signal (P < 0.01). We infer that aeolian desertification is greatly affected by natural factors compared with anthropogenic factors. For the desertification in China, we are greatly convinced that desertification prevention is better than control.
Mass spectrometry imaging of biomarker lipids for phagocytosis and signalling during focal cerebral ischaemia
Authors: Nielsen Mette M. B. , Lambertsen Kate L. , Clausen Bettina H. , Meyer Morten , Bhandari Dhaka R. , Larsen Søren T. , Poulsen Steen S. , Spengler Bernhard , Janfelt Christian , Hansen Harald S.
Published: December 2016

Focal cerebral ischaemia has an initial phase of inflammation and tissue injury followed by a later phase of resolution and repair. Mass spectrometry imaging (desorption electrospray ionization and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization) was applied on brain sections from mice 2 h, 24 h, 5d, 7d, and 20d after permanent focal cerebral ischaemia. Within 24 h, N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamines, lysophosphatidylcholine, and ceramide accumulated, while sphingomyelin disappeared. At the later resolution stages, bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (BMP(22:6/22:6)), 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol, ceramide-phosphate, sphingosine-1-phosphate, lysophosphatidylserine, and cholesteryl ester appeared. At day 5 to 7, dihydroxy derivates of docosahexaenoic and docosapentaenoic acid, some of which may be pro-resolving mediators, e.g. resolvins, were found in the injured area, and BMP(22:6/22:6) co-localized with the macrophage biomarker CD11b, and probably with cholesteryl ester. Mass spectrometry imaging can visualize spatiotemporal changes in the lipidome during the progression and resolution of focal cerebral inflammation and suggests that BMP(22:6/22:6) and N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamines can be used as biomarkers for phagocytizing macrophages/microglia cells and dead neurones, respectively.
Controlled Orientation of Active Sites in a Nanostructured Multienzyme Complex
Authors: Lim Sung In , Yang Byungseop , Jung Younghan , Cha Jaehyun , Cho Jinhwan , Choi Eun-Sil , Kim Yong Hwan , Kwon Inchan
Published: December 2016

Multistep cascade reactions in nature maximize reaction efficiency by co-assembling related enzymes. Such organization facilitates the processing of intermediates by downstream enzymes. Previously, the studies on multienzyme nanocomplexes assembled on DNA scaffolds demonstrated that closer interenzyme distance enhances the overall reaction efficiency. However, it remains unknown how the active site orientation controlled at nanoscale can have an effect on multienzyme reaction. Here, we show that controlled alignment of active sites promotes the multienzyme reaction efficiency. By genetic incorporation of a non-natural amino acid and two compatible bioorthogonal chemistries, we conjugated mannitol dehydrogenase to formate dehydrogenase with the defined active site arrangement with the residue-level accuracy. The study revealed that the multienzyme complex with the active sites directed towards each other exhibits four-fold higher relative efficiency enhancement in the cascade reaction and produces 60% more D-mannitol than the other complex with active sites directed away from each other.