bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the impact of conservation agreements on threatened fish species: a case study in the Colombian Amazon
Authors: Mora Margarita , Palacios Erwin , Niesten Eduard
Published: October 2017

Although biodiversity has value for the global community, biodiversity protection often imposes costs on local communities. Correcting this misalignment requires appropriate local incentives. Conservation agreements (i.e. negotiated transactions in which conservation investors finance social benefits in return for conservation actions by communities) are a form of direct incentive. The results of this approach depend on effective monitoring of ecological and socio-economic impacts to verify that environmental and development objectives are met. Monitoring is also needed to verify that parties to the agreements comply with their commitments. Ecological monitoring results for agreements between Conservation International and communities in the Colombian Amazon show positive conservation impacts. These agreements are designed to protect forest areas and two threatened fish species that are important to local livelihoods and have high commercial value. We show how effective monitoring is essential for identifying long-term sustainability options. Lessons learned from this project inform reflection on emerging frameworks for scaling up the approach to the national level.
Only Connect Festival of Sound 2017, Oslo
Authors: Rutherford-Johnson Tim
Published: October 2017

In London the bank – as a building, its symbolism and its position within the cityscape – is sacrosanct. In Oslo banks become arts venues. Although it is moving soon to new premises being built further up the waterfront, the National Museum of Contemporary Art is currently housed in a former bank. A few blocks away is Sentralen, a relatively new, multi-purpose performance arts space, meeting place, restaurant and bar.
James Weeks Libro di fiamelle e ombre, EXAUDI, Wigmore Hall, London
Authors: Fox Christopher
Published: October 2017

The easiest part of running a new music group in Britain is probably the beginning. You gather some like-minded musicians, make a programme, find a venue and perform. After that it gets harder: establishing a reputation, persuading someone to fund you, negotiating with promoters, maintaining the commitment of your musicians, keeping going year after year. But EXAUDI have done much more than just keep going: they have established new standards for what an ensemble of solo voices can achieve and championed a host of spectacularly ambitious, beautiful, challenging works, both their own commissions and revivals of music waiting for a group of this quality to come along. Their fifteenth birthday is, then, something to celebrate, and the Wigmore Hall an ideal venue in which to celebrate a consort of beautifully blended voices.
Welfare Grunters and Workfare Monsters? An Empirical Review of the Operation of Two UK ‘Work Programme’ Centres
Authors: JORDAN JOHN DAVID
Published: October 2017

Workfare increases requirements on welfare claimants: a major shift in UK social welfare policy post-1980s. Political, academic and cultural debates surround the ethical basis, and practical operations, of workfare schemes. Moreover, the UK government has claimed that workfare provides value for money in an age of austerity, ‘help and support’ for the long-term unemployed, and ‘incentives’ for increased claimant job-seeking. This article presents results gathered from sociological research into the UK's ‘Work Programme’ workfare scheme in order to contextualise these debates and contribute to wider academic and social policy workfare analyses. It finds a complex picture: a largely pointless scheme, resented by many participants, but providing a basic social service for some others.
Success ratios, new music and sound recording copyright
Authors: Osborne Richard
Published: October 2017

This article addresses the uses that record companies have made of two rhetorical tropes. The first is that only one in 10 artists succeed. The second is that they are investing in new music. These two notions have been combined to give the impression that record companies are taking risks both economically and aesthetically. They have been employed to justify the companies’ ownership of sound recording copyright and their system of exclusive, long-term recording contracts. More recently, the rhetoric has been employed to combat piracy, extend the term of sound recording copyright and account for the continuing usefulness of record companies. It is the argument of this article that investment in new music is not necessarily risk-taking; rather, it is the policies derived from risk-taking that provide the financial security of record companies.
Epidemiology of hepatitis C virus among hemodialysis patients in the Middle East and North Africa: systematic syntheses, meta-analyses, and meta-regressions
Authors: HARFOUCHE M. , CHEMAITELLY H. , MAHMUD S. , CHAABNA K. , KOUYOUMJIAN S. P. , AL KANAANI Z. , ABU-RADDAD L. J.
Published: October 2017

We aimed to investigate hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemiology among hemodialysis (HD) patients in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Our data source was an HCV biological measures database populated through systematic literature searches. Descriptive epidemiologic syntheses, effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions, and genotype analyses were conducted. We analyzed 289 studies, including 106 463 HD patients. HCV incidence ranged between 0 and 100% as seroconversion risk, and between 0 and 14·7 per 1000 person-years as incidence rate. The regional pooled mean estimate was 29·2% (95% CI: 25·6–32·8%) for HCV antibody positive prevalence and 63·0% (95% CI: 55·4–70·3%) for the viremic rate. Region within MENA, country income group, and year of data collection were associated with HCV prevalence; year of data collection adjusted odds ratio was 0·92 (95% CI: 0·90–0·95). Genotype diversity varied across countries with four genotypes documented regionally: genotype 1 (39·3%), genotype 2 (5·7%), genotype 3 (29·6%), and genotype 4 (25·4%). Our findings showed that one-third of HD patients are HCV antibody positive and one-fifth are chronic carriers and can transmit the infection. However, HCV prevalence is declining. In context of growing HD patient population and increasing HCV treatment availability, it is critical to improve standards of infection control in dialysis and expand treatment coverage.
The Impact of Health Anxiety in Multiple Sclerosis: A Replication and Treatment Case Series
Authors: Carrigan Neil , Dysch Leon , Salkovskis Paul M.
Published: October 2017

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is commonly associated with psychological complications. Previous research by Hayter and colleagues (2016) found that in patients with MS, health anxiety (HA) can account for part of the variance in quality of life (QoL) independent of physical and cognitive impairment caused by the disease. MS patients with HA perceived their intact physical and cognitive performance as impaired relative to those without HA and attributed the impairment to MS. These misperceptions might be useful targets in the treatment of HA in MS using cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). Aims: Study 1 sought to replicate the main findings from Hayter et al. (2016). Study 2 examined the impact of HA-focused CBT in a case series. Method: In Study 1, twenty participants with MS were screened for HA and assigned to either a high or low HA group. They completed assessments of cognitive and physical functioning before rating their performance on these tasks, followed by measures of QoL, mood and physical disability. Four participants in the high HA group subsequently received six sessions of CBT using a consecutive AB case series in Study 2. Results: Study 1 replicated the main findings from the earlier study. In Study 2, three of the four patients who received treatment showed substantial improvements in HA and mood and all showed improvement in QoL. Conclusion: Given the high rates of HA in MS patients and its impact on QoL, this case series suggests that a brief CBT intervention could significantly improve patients’ wellbeing.
The British Monopoly On The Surat Trade To The Middle East And The Indian Ship-Owning Merchants’ Struggle Against It: 1759–1800
Authors: TORRI MICHELGUGLIELMO
Published: October 2017

Between 1759 and 1800, Surat, still an important trade and financial centre, was under the ultimate rule of the East India Company. Although the EIC justified this as necessary for protecting Surat's inhabitants and, most particularly, the local merchant class, the Company failed not only to protect the Surat merchants against the depredations of Great Britain's European enemies, but also to safeguard the merchants from extortion by local EIC top officials. In fact, the latter imposed what was essentially a protection racket on trade from Surat to the Middle East. This article focuses on the Surat merchants’ long-drawn out and ultimately unsuccessful struggle against what, in the official documents, was dubbed the [British] monopoly of the trade to the “Gulphs”. The episode demonstrates two theses: the first is that the interests of the Surat merchants held little importance to the EIC or its officials, and the second is that, during the period under examination, no mutually beneficial partnership tied the British to the Surat merchants — rather, the relationship was one of naked exploitation by the former of the latter.
Microstructural anatomical differences between bilinguals and monolinguals
Authors: SINGH NANDINI C. , RAJAN ARCHITH , MALAGI ARCHANA , RAMANUJAN KEERTHI , CANINI MATTEO , DELLA ROSA PASQUALE A. , RAGHUNATHAN PARTHA , WEEKES BRENDAN S. , ABUTALEBI JUBIN
Published: October 2017

DTI is an established method to study cerebral white-matter microstructure. Two established measures of DTI are fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) and both differ for bilingual and monolingual speakers. Less is known about differences in two other measures called radial (RD) and axial diffusivity (AD). We report differences in mean RD and AD-values in the right superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) and forceps minor between bilingual (Hindi–English) and monolingual (English) speakers as well as differences in mean FA-values in the anterior thalamic radiation, right inferior fronto-occipital and inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF) and mean MD-values in forceps minor and bilateral SLF. Noteworthy, a positive correlation between L2 proficiency and mean RD-values in the right SLF was observed. We suggest that changes in the geometry of white matter tracts reflect regular bilingual language experience and contend that neuroplasticity in right SLF results from demands on cognitive control for bilingual speakers.
Weed Control with and Strawberry Tolerance to Herbicides Applied through Drip Irrigation
Authors: Yu Jialin , Boyd Nathan S.
Published: October 2017

Broadleaves, grasses, and nutsedge species are persistent problems with limited management options for strawberry growers in Florida. Field experiments were conducted in 2015-2016 (year 1) and 2016-2017 (year 2) at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm, FL, to evaluate weed control and strawberry tolerance to herbicides applied through the drip irrigation. 2940 g ai ha-1EPTC, 105 g ai ha-1flumioxazin, 570 g ai ha-1fomesafen, 52 g ai ha-1halosulfuron, 3585 g ai ha-1napropamide, oxyfluorfen 560 g ai ha-1, and 1070 g ai ha-1S-metolachlor were applied through a single drip tape at 7 or 14 d prior to transplanting. Halosulfuron was the most injurious herbicide, causing 18 and 46% injury at 35 d after transplanting (DATP) in year 1 when the herbicide was applied 7 and 14 d prior to transplanting, respectively. However, strawberry plants recovered from the initial injury and there was no reduction in total berry yield. None of the other herbicides evaluated elicited significant crop injury nor reduced berry yield. Averaged over application timings, EPTC, fomesafen, and napropamide suppressed yellow nutsedge emergence to 49, 64, and 41% of the nontreated control, respectively. Flumioxazin, fomesafen, and halosulfuron suppressed black medic emergence to 55, 52, and 55% of the nontreated control, respectively. None of the herbicides evaluated adequately suppressed Carolina geranium. Overall, results suggest that the evaluated herbicides with the exception of halosulfuron are safe for use on strawberry and would give growers an alternative management option. Drip-applied herbicides permit application closer to the transplant date and would be helpful as part of a weed control program for weed suppression.
Germination Ecology of Two Australian Biotypes of Ragweed Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus) Relates to Their Invasiveness
Authors: Bajwa Ali A. , Chauhan Bhagirath S. , Adkins Steve W.
Published: October 2017

Ragweed parthenium is a highly invasive weed species in several countries, including Australia. Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of temperature, light, salinity, pH, and moisture on germination of two Australian biotypes of ragweed parthenium: Clermont (highly invasive) and Toogoolawah (noninvasive). Although seeds of both biotypes could germinate under complete darkness, germination was improved by 20% to 49% under a 12-h photoperiod. Both biotypes germinated over a wide range of constant (8 to 35 C), and alternating day/night (15/5 to 35/25 C) temperatures. However, the Clermont biotype exhibited significantly higher germination than Toogoolawah biotype over the range of temperatures studied. Highest germination of Clermont (100%) and Toogoolawah (97%) was observed at constant temperatures of 14 to 23 C and 23 C, respectively. The best alternating day/night temperature for germination of both biotypes was 25/15 C. Clermont also germinated better than Toogoolawah under osmotic- and salt-stress conditions. Osmotic stress had moderate negative effects on germination, with 52% and 36% of the Clermont and Toogoolawah seeds able to germinate at −0.60 MPa, respectively. Complete germination inhibition for both biotypes was observed at an osmotic potential of −1.2 MPa. Both biotypes also germinated at a very high sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration of 250 mM. A 50% reduction in germination of Toogoolawah and Clermont was caused by 99 and 154 mM NaCl, respectively. Germination of the Clermont biotype was not affected by a wide range of pH (4.0 to 10.0), whereas the strong acidic and alkaline pH levels (4.0 and 10.0) caused 18% and 25% reductions in germination of the Toogoolawah biotype compared with control. The Clermont biotype had a higher ability to germinate across all treatments compared with the Toogoolawah biotype, which might be a contributing factor toward the high invasive ability of the former compared with the latter.
Undergraduate Students' Exposure, Knowledge, Utilization, and Intended Use of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Authors: Hedman-Robertson Amy S.
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death among college students. Crisis hotlines play a role in linking suicidal individuals to help. Despite leading to favorable outcomes, low utilization of crisis outlines has been reported. Aims: To explore exposure, knowledge, and utilization of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) among a sample of university students; to determine if knowledge and perceived helpfulness of NSPL predict intent to use NSPL. Method: The researcher surveyed 560 students attending a Midwestern university to assess knowledge of, and attitudes toward, the NSPL. Results: Those who reported seeing the NSPL advert (50%) perceived the NSPL to be more helpful than those who had not seen the advert. Only 29% (n = 160) were able to identify who would answer the NSPL (a trained, skilled counselor). Only 1% (n = 4) reported utilization. Participants who reported past exposure to the NSPL advert reported higher levels of perceived helpfulness of the NSPL. Perceived helpfulness of the NSPL was a weak predictor of likelihood to use the NSPL. Limitations: The study limitations include its small sample size; participants' likelihood to use the NSPL was assessed using independent symptoms. Conclusion: Further research is needed to identify college students' underlying attitudes toward the NSPL.
Enhanced HOXA10 sumoylation inhibits embryo implantation in women with recurrent implantation failure
Authors: Jiang Ruiwei , Ding Lijun , Zhou Jianjun , Huang Chenyang , Zhang Qun , Jiang Yue , Liu Jingyu , Yan Qiang , Zhen Xin , Sun Jianxin , Yan Guijun , Sun Haixiang
Published: October 2017

HOXA10 has emerged as an important molecular marker of endometrial receptivity. Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) after in vitro fertilization-embryo transplantation (IVF-ET) treatment is associated with impaired endometrial receptivity, but the exact underlying mechanism of this phenomenon remains elusive. Here we found that HOXA10 was modified by small ubiquitin like-modifier 1 (SUMO1) at the evolutionarily conserved lysine 164 residue. Sumoylation inhibited HOXA10 protein stability and transcriptional activity without affecting its subcellular localization. SUMO1-modified HOXA10 expression was decreased in estradiol- and progesterone-treated Ishikawa cells. Sumoylation inhibited the accelerant role of HOXA10 in BeWo spheroid and mouse embryo attachment to Ishikawa cells. Importantly, aberrantly high SUMO1-HOXA10 expression was detected in mid-secretory endometria of women with RIF compared with that of the control fertile women. Together, our results suggest that HOXA10 sumoylation impairs the process of embryo implantation in vitro and takes part in the development of RIF.
Correction: Corrigendum: An ethnically relevant consensus Korean reference genome is a step towards personal reference genomes
Authors: Cho Yun Sung , Kim Hyunho , Kim Hak-Min , Jho Sungwoong , Jun JeHoon , Lee Yong Joo , Chae Kyun Shik , Kim Chang Geun , Kim Sangsoo , Eriksson Anders , Edwards Jeremy S. , Lee Semin , Kim Byung Chul , Manica Andrea , Oh Tae-Kwang , Church George M. , Bhak Jong
Published: October 2017

Nature Communications 7: Article number: 13637 (2016): Published 24 November 2016; Updated 9 October 2017. The original version of this Article contained an error in the email address of the corresponding author George Church. The correct email is gchurch@genetics.med.harvard.edu. The error has beencorrected in the HTML and PDF versions of the Article.
Inference of RNA decay rate from transcriptional profiling highlights the regulatory programs of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Alkallas Rached , Fish Lisa , Goodarzi Hani , Najafabadi Hamed S.
Published: October 2017

The abundance of mRNA is mainly determined by the rates of RNA transcription and decay. Here, we present a method for unbiased estimation of differential mRNA decay rate from RNA-sequencing data by modeling the kinetics of mRNA metabolism. We show that in all primary human tissues tested, and particularly in the central nervous system, many pathways are regulated at the mRNA stability level. We present a parsimonious regulatory model consisting of two RNA-binding proteins and four microRNAs that modulate the mRNA stability landscape of the brain, which suggests a new link between RBFOX proteins and Alzheimer’s disease. We show that downregulation of RBFOX1 leads to destabilization of mRNAs encoding for synaptic transmission proteins, which may contribute to the loss of synaptic function in Alzheimer’s disease. RBFOX1 downregulation is more likely to occur in older and female individuals, consistent with the association of Alzheimer’s disease with age and gender.
Entanglement between more than two hundred macroscopic atomic ensembles in a solid
Authors: Zarkeshian P. , Deshmukh C. , Sinclair N. , Goyal S. K. , Aguilar G. H. , Lefebvre P. , Puigibert M. Grimau , Verma V. B. , Marsili F. , Shaw M. D. , Nam S. W. , Heshami K. , Oblak D. , Tittel W. , Simon C.
Published: October 2017

There are both fundamental and practical motivations for studying whether quantum entanglement can exist in macroscopic systems. However, multiparty entanglement is generally fragile and difficult to quantify. Dicke states are multiparty entangled states where a single excitation is delocalized over many systems. Building on previous work on quantum memories for photons, we create a Dicke state in a solid by storing a single photon in a crystal that contains many large atomic ensembles with distinct resonance frequencies. The photon is re-emitted at a well-defined time due to an interference effect analogous to multi-slit diffraction. We derive a lower bound for the number of entangled ensembles based on the contrast of the interference and the single-photon character of the input, and we experimentally demonstrate entanglement between over two hundred ensembles, each containing a billion atoms. We also illustrate the fact that each individual ensemble contains further entanglement.
Experimental certification of millions of genuinely entangled atoms in a solid
Authors: Fröwis Florian , Strassmann Peter C. , Tiranov Alexey , Gut Corentin , Lavoie Jonathan , Brunner Nicolas , Bussières Félix , Afzelius Mikael , Gisin Nicolas
Published: October 2017

Quantum theory predicts that entanglement can also persist in macroscopic physical systems, albeit difficulties to demonstrate it experimentally remain. Recently, significant progress has been achieved and genuine entanglement between up to 2900 atoms was reported. Here, we demonstrate 16 million genuinely entangled atoms in a solid-state quantum memory prepared by the heralded absorption of a single photon. We develop an entanglement witness for quantifying the number of genuinely entangled particles based on the collective effect of directed emission combined with the non-classical nature of the emitted light. The method is applicable to a wide range of physical systems and is effective even in situations with significant losses. Our results clarify the role of multipartite entanglement in ensemble-based quantum memories and demonstrate the accessibility to certain classes of multipartite entanglement with limited experimental control.
A conserved KLF-autophagy pathway modulates nematode lifespan and mammalian age-associated vascular dysfunction
Authors: Hsieh Paishiun N. , Zhou Guangjin , Yuan Yiyuan , Zhang Rongli , Prosdocimo Domenick A. , Sangwung Panjamaporn , Borton Anna H. , Boriushkin Evgenii , Hamik Anne , Fujioka Hisashi , Fealy Ciaran E. , Kirwan John P. , Peters Maureen , Lu Yuan , Liao Xudong , Ramírez-Bergeron Diana , Feng Zhaoyang , Jain Mukesh K.
Published: October 2017

Loss of protein and organelle quality control secondary to reduced autophagy is a hallmark of aging. However, the physiologic and molecular regulation of autophagy in long-lived organisms remains incompletely understood. Here we show that the Kruppel-like family of transcription factors are important regulators of autophagy and healthspan in C. elegans, and also modulate mammalian vascular age-associated phenotypes. Kruppel-like family of transcription factor deficiency attenuates autophagy and lifespan extension across mechanistically distinct longevity nematode models. Conversely, Kruppel-like family of transcription factor overexpression extends nematode lifespan in an autophagy-dependent manner. Furthermore, we show the mammalian vascular factor Kruppel-like family of transcription factor 4 has a conserved role in augmenting autophagy and improving vessel function in aged mice. Kruppel-like family of transcription factor 4 expression also decreases with age in human vascular endothelium. Thus, Kruppel-like family of transcription factors constitute a transcriptional regulatory point for the modulation of autophagy and longevity in C. elegans with conserved effects in the murine vasculature and potential implications for mammalian vascular aging.
Poverty eradication in a carbon constrained world
Authors: Hubacek Klaus , Baiocchi Giovanni , Feng Kuishuang , Patwardhan Anand
Published: October 2017

Abstract

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change aims to keep warming below 2 °C while recognizing developing countries’ right to eradicate extreme poverty. Poverty eradication is also the first of the Sustainable Development Goals. This paper investigates potential consequences for climate targets of achieving poverty eradication. We find that eradicating extreme poverty, i.e., moving people to an income above $1.9 purchasing power parity (PPP) a day, does not jeopardize the climate target even in the absence of climate policies and with current technologies. On the other hand, bringing everybody to a still modest expenditure level of at least $2.97 PPP would have long-term consequences on achieving emission targets. Compared to the reference mitigation pathway, eradicating extreme poverty increases the effort by 2.8% whereas bringing everybody to at least $2.97 PPP would increase the required mitigation rate by 27%. Given that the top 10% global income earners are responsible for 36% of the current carbon footprint of households; the discourse should address income distribution and the carbon intensity of lifestyles.
Observation of spin-orbit effects with spin rotation symmetry
Authors: Humphries Alisha M. , Wang Tao , Edwards Eric R. J. , Allen Shane R. , Shaw Justin M. , Nembach Hans T. , Xiao John Q. , Silva T. J. , Fan Xin
Published: October 2017

The spin–orbit interaction enables interconversion between a charge current and a spin current. It is usually believed that in a nonmagnetic metal (NM) or at a NM/ferromagnetic metal (FM) bilayer interface, the symmetry of spin–orbit effects requires that the spin current, charge current, and spin orientation are all orthogonal to each other. Here we demonstrate the presence of spin–orbit effects near the NM/FM interface that exhibit a very different symmetry, hereafter referred to as spin-rotation symmetry, from the conventional spin Hall effect while the spin polarization is rotating about the magnetization. These results imply that a perpendicularly polarized spin current can be generated with an in-plane charge current simply by use of a FM/NM bilayer with magnetization collinear to the charge current. The ability to generate a spin current with arbitrary polarization using typical magnetic materials will benefit the development of magnetic memories.
Understanding seed-mediated growth of gold nanoclusters at molecular level
Authors: Yao Qiaofeng , Yuan Xun , Fung Victor , Yu Yong , Leong David Tai , Jiang De-en , Xie Jianping
Published: October 2017

The continuous development of total synthesis chemistry has allowed many organic and biomolecules to be produced with known synthetic history–that is, a complete set of step reactions in their synthetic routes. Here, we extend such molecular-level precise reaction routes to nanochemistry, particularly to a seed-mediated synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles. By systematically investigating the time−dependent abundance of 35 intermediate species in total, we map out relevant step reactions in a model size growth reaction from molecularly pure Au25 to Au44 nanoparticles. The size growth of Au nanoparticles involves two different size−evolution processes (monotonic LaMer growth and volcano-shaped aggregative growth), which are driven by a sequential 2-electron boosting of the valence electron count of Au nanoparticles. Such fundamental findings not only provide guiding principles to produce other sizes of Au nanoparticles (e.g., Au38), but also represent molecular-level insights on long-standing puzzles in nanochemistry, including LaMer growth, aggregative growth, and digestive ripening.
Actomyosin polarisation through PLC-PKC triggers symmetry breaking of the mouse embryo
Authors: Zhu Meng , Leung Chuen Yan , Shahbazi Marta N. , Zernicka-Goetz Magdalena
Published: October 2017

Establishment of cell polarity in the mammalian embryo is fundamental for the first cell fate decision that sets aside progenitor cells for both the new organism and the placenta. Yet the sequence of events and molecular mechanism that trigger this process remain unknown. Here, we show that de novo polarisation of the mouse embryo occurs in two distinct phases at the 8-cell stage. In the first phase, an apical actomyosin network is formed. This is a pre-requisite for the second phase, in which the Par complex localises to the apical domain, excluding actomyosin and forming a mature apical cap. Using a variety of approaches, we also show that phospholipase C-mediated PIP2 hydrolysis is necessary and sufficient to trigger the polarisation of actomyosin through the Rho-mediated recruitment of myosin II to the apical cortex. Together, these results reveal the molecular framework that triggers de novo polarisation of the mouse embryo.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts induce metalloprotease-independent cancer cell invasion of the basement membrane
Authors: Glentis Alexandros , Oertle Philipp , Mariani Pascale , Chikina Aleksandra , El Marjou Fatima , Attieh Youmna , Zaccarini Francois , Lae Marick , Loew Damarys , Dingli Florent , Sirven Philemon , Schoumacher Marie , Gurchenkov Basile G. , Plodinec Marija , Vignjevic Danijela Matic
Published: October 2017

At the stage of carcinoma in situ, the basement membrane (BM) segregates tumor cells from the stroma. This barrier must be breached to allow dissemination of the tumor cells to adjacent tissues. Cancer cells can perforate the BM using proteolysis; however, whether stromal cells play a role in this process remains unknown. Here we show that an abundant stromal cell population, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), promote cancer cell invasion through the BM. CAFs facilitate the breaching of the BM in a matrix metalloproteinase-independent manner. Instead, CAFs pull, stretch, and soften the BM leading to the formation of gaps through which cancer cells can migrate. By exerting contractile forces, CAFs alter the organization and the physical properties of the BM, making it permissive for cancer cell invasion. Blocking the ability of stromal cells to exert mechanical forces on the BM could therefore represent a new therapeutic strategy against aggressive tumors.
NatD promotes lung cancer progression by preventing histone H4 serine phosphorylation to activate Slug expression
Authors: Ju Junyi , Chen Aiping , Deng Yexuan , Liu Ming , Wang Ying , Wang Yadong , Nie Min , Wang Chao , Ding Hong , Yao Bing , Gui Tao , Li Xinyu , Xu Zhen , Ma Chi , Song Yong , Kvansakul Marc , Zen Ke , Zhang Chen-Yu , Luo Cheng , Fang Ming , Huang David C. S. , Allis C. David , Tan Renxiang , Zeng Changjiang Kathy , Wei Jiwu , Zhao Quan
Published: October 2017

N-α-acetyltransferase D (NatD) mediates N-α-terminal acetylation (Nt-acetylation) of histone H4 known to be involved in cell growth. Here we report that NatD promotes the migratory and invasive capabilities of lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Depletion of NatD suppresses the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lung cancer cells by directly repressing the expression of transcription factor Slug, a key regulator of EMT. We found that Nt-acetylation of histone H4 antagonizes histone H4 serine 1 phosphorylation (H4S1ph), and that downregulation of Nt-acetylation of histone H4 facilitates CK2α binding to histone H4 in lung cancer cells, resulting in increased H4S1ph and epigenetic reprogramming to suppress Slug transcription to inhibit EMT. Importantly, NatD is commonly upregulated in primary human lung cancer tissues where its expression level correlates with Slug expression, enhanced invasiveness, and poor clinical outcomes. These findings indicate that NatD is a crucial epigenetic modulator of cell invasion during lung cancer progression.
Spontaneous jumping, bouncing and trampolining of hydrogel drops on a heated plate
Authors: Pham Jonathan T. , Paven Maxime , Wooh Sanghyuk , Kajiya Tadashi , Butt Hans-Jürgen , Vollmer Doris
Published: October 2017

The contact between liquid drops and hot solid surfaces is of practical importance for industrial processes, such as thermal spraying and spray cooling. The contact and bouncing of solid spheres is also an important event encountered in ball milling, powder processing, and everyday activities, such as ball sports. Using high speed video microscopy, we demonstrate that hydrogel drops, initially at rest on a surface, spontaneously jump upon rapid heating and continue to bounce with increasing amplitudes. Jumping is governed by the surface wettability, surface temperature, hydrogel elasticity, and adhesion. A combination of low-adhesion impact behavior and fast water vapor formation supports continuous bouncing and trampolining. Our results illustrate how the interplay between solid and liquid characteristics of hydrogels results in intriguing dynamics, as reflected by spontaneous jumping, bouncing, trampolining, and extremely short contact times.
Evidence of indirect gap in monolayer WSe2
Authors: Hsu Wei-Ting , Lu Li-Syuan , Wang Dean , Huang Jing-Kai , Li Ming-Yang , Chang Tay-Rong , Chou Yi-Chia , Juang Zhen-Yu , Jeng Horng-Tay , Li Lain-Jong , Chang Wen-Hao
Published: October 2017

Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides, such as MoS2 and WSe2, have been known as direct gap semiconductors and emerged as new optically active materials for novel device applications. Here we reexamine their direct gap properties by investigating the strain effects on the photoluminescence of monolayer MoS2 and WSe2. Instead of applying stress, we investigate the strain effects by imaging the direct exciton populations in monolayer WSe2–MoS2 and MoSe2–WSe2 lateral heterojunctions with inherent strain inhomogeneity. We find that unstrained monolayer WSe2 is actually an indirect gap material, as manifested in the observed photoluminescence intensity–energy correlation, from which the difference between the direct and indirect optical gaps can be extracted by analyzing the exciton thermal populations. Our findings combined with the estimated exciton binding energy further indicate that monolayer WSe2 exhibits an indirect quasiparticle gap, which has to be reconsidered in further studies for its fundamental properties and device applications.
Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate couples glycolytic flux to activation of Ras
Authors: Peeters Ken , Van Leemputte Frederik , Fischer Baptiste , Bonini Beatriz M. , Quezada Hector , Tsytlonok Maksym , Haesen Dorien , Vanthienen Ward , Bernardes Nuno , Gonzalez-Blas Carmen Bravo , Janssens Veerle , Tompa Peter , Versées Wim , Thevelein Johan M.
Published: October 2017

Yeast and cancer cells share the unusual characteristic of favoring fermentation of sugar over respiration. We now reveal an evolutionary conserved mechanism linking fermentation to activation of Ras, a major regulator of cell proliferation in yeast and mammalian cells, and prime proto-oncogene product. A yeast mutant (tps1∆) with overactive influx of glucose into glycolysis and hyperaccumulation of Fru1,6bisP, shows hyperactivation of Ras, which causes its glucose growth defect by triggering apoptosis. Fru1,6bisP is a potent activator of Ras in permeabilized yeast cells, likely acting through Cdc25. As in yeast, glucose triggers activation of Ras and its downstream targets MEK and ERK in mammalian cells. Biolayer interferometry measurements show that physiological concentrations of Fru1,6bisP stimulate dissociation of the pure Sos1/H-Ras complex. Thermal shift assay confirms direct binding to Sos1, the mammalian ortholog of Cdc25. Our results suggest that the Warburg effect creates a vicious cycle through Fru1,6bisP activation of Ras, by which enhanced fermentation stimulates oncogenic potency.
Heading representations in primates are compressed by saccades
Authors: Bremmer Frank , Churan Jan , Lappe Markus
Published: October 2017

Perceptual illusions help to understand how sensory signals are decoded in the brain. Here we report that the opposite approach is also applicable, i.e., results from decoding neural activity from monkey extrastriate visual cortex correctly predict a hitherto unknown perceptual illusion in humans. We record neural activity from monkey medial superior temporal (MST) and ventral intraparietal (VIP) area during presentation of self-motion stimuli and concurrent reflexive eye movements. A heading-decoder performs veridically during slow eye movements. During fast eye movements (saccades), however, the decoder erroneously reports compression of heading toward straight ahead. Functional equivalents of macaque areas MST and VIP have been identified in humans, implying a perceptual correlate (illusion) of this perisaccadic decoding error. Indeed, a behavioral experiment in humans shows that perceived heading is perisaccadically compressed toward the direction of gaze. Response properties of primate areas MST and VIP are consistent with being the substrate of the newly described visual illusion.
Highly compressed water structure observed in a perchlorate aqueous solution
Authors: Lenton Samuel , Rhys Natasha H. , Towey James J. , Soper Alan K. , Dougan Lorna
Published: October 2017

The discovery by the Phoenix Lander of calcium and magnesium perchlorates in Martian soil samples has fueled much speculation that flows of perchlorate brines might be the cause of the observed channeling and weathering in the surface. Here, we study the structure of a mimetic of Martian water, magnesium perchlorate aqueous solution at its eutectic composition, using neutron diffraction in combination with hydrogen isotope labeling and empirical potential structure refinement. We find that the tetrahedral structure of water is heavily perturbed, the effect being equivalent to pressurizing pure water to pressures of order 2 GPa or more. The Mg2+ and ClO4− ions appear charge-ordered, confining the water on length scales of order 9 Å, preventing ice formation at low temperature. This may explain the low evaporation rates and high deliquescence of these salt solutions, which are essential for stability within the low relative humidity environment of the Martian atmosphere.
Kif2 localizes to a subdomain of cortical endoplasmic reticulum that drives asymmetric spindle position
Authors: Costache Vlad , Hebras Celine , Pruliere Gerard , Besnardeau Lydia , Failla Margaux , Copley Richard R. , Burgess David , Chenevert Janet , McDougall Alex
Published: October 2017

Asymmetric positioning of the mitotic spindle is a fundamental process responsible for creating sibling cell size asymmetry; however, how the cortex causes the depolymerization of astral microtubules during asymmetric spindle positioning has remained elusive. Early ascidian embryos possess a large cortical subdomain of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that causes asymmetric spindle positioning driving unequal cell division. Here we show that the microtubule depolymerase Kif2 localizes to this subdomain of cortical ER. Rapid live-cell imaging reveals that microtubules are less abundant in the subdomain of cortical ER. Inhibition of Kif2 function prevents the development of mitotic aster asymmetry and spindle pole movement towards the subdomain of cortical ER, whereas locally increasing microtubule depolymerization causes exaggerated asymmetric spindle positioning. This study shows that the microtubule depolymerase Kif2 is localized to a cortical subdomain of endoplasmic reticulum that is involved in asymmetric spindle positioning during unequal cell division.
Cubic gauche polymeric nitrogen under ambient conditions
Authors: Benchafia El Mostafa , Yao Zhenhua , Yuan Gu , Chou Tsengmin , Piao Hong , Wang Xianqin , Iqbal Zafar
Published: October 2017

The long-sought cubic gauche phase of polymeric nitrogen (cg-PN) with nitrogen-nitrogen single bonds has been synthesized together with a related phase by a radio-frequency plasma reaction under near-ambient conditions. Here, we report the synthesis of polymeric nitrogen using a mixture of nitrogen and argon flowing over bulk β-sodium azide or β-sodium azide dispersed on 100 nm long multiwall carbon nanotubes. The cg-PN phase is identified by Raman and attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction. The synthesis of the cubic gauche allotrope of high energy density polymeric nitrogen under near-ambient conditions should therefore enable its optimized production and applications as a “green” energetic material and a potential catalyst for different chemical reactions.
CCDC88B is required for pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Fodil Nassima , Moradin Neda , Leung Vicki , Olivier Jean-Frederic , Radovanovic Irena , Jeyakumar Thiviya , Flores Molina Manuel , McFarquhar Ashley , Cayrol Romain , Bozec Dominique , Shoukry Naglaa H. , Kubo Michiaki , Dimitrieva Julia , Louis Edouard , Theatre Emilie , Dahan Stephanie , Momozawa Yukihide , Georges Michel , Yeretssian Garabet , Gros Philippe
Published: October 2017

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves interaction between host genetic factors and environmental triggers. CCDC88B maps within one IBD risk locus on human chromosome 11q13. Here we show that CCDC88B protein increases in the colon during intestinal injury, concomitant with an influx of CCDC88B+lymphoid and myeloid cells. Loss of Ccdc88b protects against DSS-induced colitis, with fewer pathological lesions and reduced intestinal inflammation in Ccdc88b-deficient mice. In a T cell transfer model of colitis, Ccdc88b mutant CD4+ T cells do not induce colitis in immunocompromised hosts. Expression of human CCDC88B RNA and protein is higher in IBD patient colons than in control colon tissue. In human CD14+ myeloid cells, CCDC88B is regulated by cis-acting variants. In a cohort of patients with Crohn’s disease, CCDC88B expression correlates positively with disease risk. These findings suggest that CCDC88B has a critical function in colon inflammation and the pathogenesis of IBD.
Multi-state discrimination below the quantum noise limit at the single-photon level
Authors: Ferdinand A. R. , DiMario M. T. , Becerra F. E.
Published: October 2017

Measurements approaching the ultimate quantum limits of sensitivity are central in quantum information processing, quantum metrology, and communication. Quantum measurements to discriminate multiple states at the single-photon level are essential for optimizing information transfer in low-power optical communications and quantum communications, and can enhance the capabilities of many quantum information protocols. Here, we theoretically investigate and experimentally demonstrate the discrimination of multiple coherent states of light with sensitivities surpassing the quantum noise limit (QNL) at the single-photon level under realistic conditions of loss and noise based on strategies implementing globally-optimized adaptive measurements with single photon counting and displacement operations. These discrimination strategies can provide realistic advantages to enhance information transfer at low powers, and are compatible with photon number resolving detection, which provides robustness at high powers, thus allowing for surpassing the QNL at arbitrary input power levels under realistic conditions.
Molecular mechanism of synergy between the antimicrobial peptides PGLa and magainin 2
Authors: Zerweck Jonathan , Strandberg Erik , Kukharenko Olga , Reichert Johannes , Bürck Jochen , Wadhwani Parvesh , Ulrich Anne S.
Published: October 2017

PGLa and magainin 2 (MAG2) are amphiphilic α-helical membranolytic peptides from frog skin with known synergistic antimicrobial activity. By systematically mutating residues in the two peptides it was possible to identify the ones crucial for the synergy, as monitored by biological assays, fluorescence vesicle leakage, and solid-state 15N-NMR. Electrostatic interactions between anionic groups in MAG2 and cationic residues in PGLa enhance synergy but are not necessary for the synergistic effect. Instead, two Gly residues (7 and 11) in a so-called GxxxG motif in PGLa are necessary for synergy. Replacing either of them with Ala or another hydrophobic residue completely abolishes synergy according to all three methods used. The designer-made peptide MSI-103, which has a similar sequence as PGLa, shows no synergy with MAG2, but by introducing two Gly mutations it was possible to make it synergistic. A molecular model is proposed for the functionally active PGLa-MAG2 complex, consisting of a membrane-spanning antiparallel PGLa dimer that is stabilized by intimate Gly-Gly contacts, and where each PGLa monomer is in contact with one MAG2 molecule at its C-terminus.
Simultaneous fusion, imaging and encryption of multiple objects using a single-pixel detector
Authors: Dongfeng Shi , Jian Huang , Yingjian Wang , Kee Yuan , Chenbo Xie , Dong Liu , Wenyue Zhu
Published: October 2017

A novel technique for the simultaneous fusion, imaging and encryption of multiple objects using a single-pixel detector is proposed. Here, encoded multiplexing patterns are employed to illuminate multiple objects simultaneously. The mixed light reflected from the objects is detected by a single-pixel detector. An iterative reconstruction method is used to restore the fused image by summing the multiplexed patterns and detected intensities. Next, clear images of the objects are recovered by decoding the fused image. We experimentally obtain fused and multiple clear images by utilizing a single-pixel detector to collect the direct and indirect reflected light. Technically, by utilizing the patterns with per-pixel exposure control, multiple objects’ information is multiplexed into the detected intensities and then demultiplexed computationally under the single-pixel imaging and compressed sensing schemes. An encryption experiment is performed by setting the multiplexed patterns’ encoding as keys.
Bony labyrinth morphology clarifies the origin and evolution of deer
Authors: Mennecart Bastien , DeMiguel Daniel , Bibi Faysal , Rössner Gertrud E. , Métais Grégoire , Neenan James M. , Wang Shiqi , Schulz Georg , Müller Bert , Costeur Loïc
Published: October 2017

Deer are an iconic group of large mammals that originated in the Early Miocene of Eurasia (ca. 19 Ma). While there is some consensus on key relationships among their members, on the basis of molecular- or morphology-based analyses, or combined approaches, many questions remain, and the bony labyrinth has shown considerable potential for the phylogenetics of this and other groups. Here we examine its shape in 29 species of living and fossil deer using 3D geometric morphometrics and cladistics. We clarify several issues of the origin and evolution of cervids. Our results give new age estimates at different nodes of the tree and provide for the first time a clear distinction of stem and crown Cervidae. We unambiguously attribute the fossil Euprox furcatus (13.8 Ma) to crown Cervidae, pushing back the origin of crown deer to (at least) 4 Ma. Furthermore, we show that Capreolinae are more variable in bony labyrinth shape than Cervinae and confirm for the first time the monophyly of the Old World Capreolinae (including the Chinese water deer Hydropotes) based on morphological characters only. Finally, we provide evidence to support the sister group relationship of Megaloceros giganteus with the fallow deer Dama.
Population admixture in Chinese and European Sus scrofa
Authors: Chen Minhui , Su Guosheng , Fu Jinluan , Zhang Qin , Wang Aiguo , Sandø Lund Mogens , Guldbrandtsen Bernt
Published: October 2017

Relationships between different populations were investigated using Porcine 60 K data from 1,135 domestic pigs and wild boars across Europe and China. The results indicate that most European breeds have been introgressed with Chinese ancestry, but the extent of introgression varies considerably among breeds. Moreover, the main source of this introgression is pigs from South China, closely related to Bamaxiang and Dongshan pigs. Contributions from East and Central Chinese pig breeds are also detectable. Phylogeny reconstruction places European wild boars among European domestic breeds. Coalescent simulations indicate that this may be the result of gene flow from European wild boars to European domestic pigs. These results will facilitate further genomic studies such as genome-wide association studies, selection signature detection and genomic prediction.