bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-Dimensional Morphological and Mineralogical Characterization of Testate Amebae
Authors: du Châtelet Eric Armynot , Noiriel Catherine , Delaine Maxence
Published: September 2013

Testate amebae are unicellular shelled protozoa commonly used as indicators in ecological and paleoecological studies. We explored the potential application of three-dimensional (3D) X-ray micro-tomography used in addition to 2D techniques (environmental scanning electron microscopy, electron probe micro-analysis, and cathodoluminescence) for detailed characterization of agglutinated shells of protozoa. We analyzed four specimens of the aquatic testate ameba Difflugia oblonga (Arcellinida), to test whether size distribution and mineral composition of shell grains diverged from sediment size distribution and mineralogical composition. From the 3D images, the geometry of the specimens (size and mass) and of the individual grains forming the specimen (grain size distribution and volume) were calculated. Based on combined chemical, mineralogical, and morphological analyses we show that D. oblonga is able to selectively pick up the small size fraction of the sediment with a preference for low-density silicates close to quartz density (~2.65). The maximum size of the grains matches the size of the pseudostome (shell aperture), suggesting the existence of a physical limit to grain size used for building the shell. This study illustrates the potential of this combined approach to characterize agglutinated shells of protozoa. This data can be useful for detailed morphological studies with applications in taxonomy and ecology.
The perception of radiation therapy students on a clinical specialist radiation therapist-led breast workshop
Authors: Lee Grace , Tan Kieng , Dinniwell Robert
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The clinical specialist radiation therapist (CSRT) is a radiation therapist with advanced site-specific clinical skills and knowledge that can be utilised to enhance the education of radiation therapy (RT) students within an academic setting. The aim of this study is to assess the students’ perception of the teaching provided by a CSRT within a case-based learning workshop tailored for breast cancer.

Methods

A workshop that followed the patient's RT treatment pathway (consultation, CT simulation, treatment planning and delivery) was led by a breast-site CSRT to 16 third-year students. Following completion of the workshop, a 4-point Likert-scale survey was distributed to explore the students’ didactic and clinical experiences and their general perceptions of the CSRT's contribution to their breast-site module education.

Results

The median didactic experience reported by the students were ‘a lot’ in patient care and ‘some’ in treatment unit and treatment planning. In contrast, the students reported less clinical experience; the median response for patient care and treatment unit experience was ‘a little’ and ‘none’ for treatment planning. All 13 students who responded to the survey agreed that the CSRT enhanced their understanding of the material. The students felt engaged in the CSRT-lecture and perceived it as value added. The majority of the students (92%) indicated the CSRT to be a useful learning resource in their training and education. Additional comments provided by the students noted the utility of the CSRT-led lecture in consolidating their knowledge of the breast cancer treatment planning and delivery and suggest further expansion of this learning format to other disease sites.

Conclusions

Third-year RT students commencing their clinical practicum will have had a greater proportion of their learning from didactic teaching as opposed to clinical experience. In transitioning to their final year, the focus of the curriculum shifts to the application of theory into the clinical environment. The students perceived the CSRT to be a useful resource to enhance their understanding of the breast-site module and their feedback supports the instructional quality and effectiveness of the CSRT in this clinical teaching role.
Desmodium genetic resources for improving flavonoid concentrations, oil content and fatty acid compositions
Authors: Morris J. B. , Wang M. L. , Tonnis B.
Published: September 2013

Several Desmodium species are adapted to the environment of Griffin, Georgia, USA. The determination of flavonoid concentrations, oil content and fatty acid compositions of 25 Desmodium accessions representing five species (D. discolor Vogel, D. incanum (G.Mey.) DC., D. intortum (Mill.) Urb., D. sandwicense E. Mey. and D. tortuosum (Sw.) DC.) would add value to the members of the genus Desmodium for possible use as livestock health supplements. In this study, the seeds of these 25 accessions were evaluated for flavonoid concentrations, oil content and fatty acid compositions using high-performance liquid chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance and gas chromatography, respectively. Several accessions exhibited significantly greater values for all the traits than the controls. The Desmodium accessions produced significantly greater concentrations of quercetin and kaempferol than the best control accession (D. incanum, PI 477072). However, all the Desmodium accessions produced significantly greater concentrations of isorhamnetin and luteolin than the control accessions. All the Desmodium accessions had greater linoleic (18:2) and behenic (22:0) acid content than a couple of D. incanum control accessions in 2010 and 2011. Significant correlations were observed between several traits. The concentration of quercetin was significantly correlated with that of kaempferol (r2= 0.69***); however, the concentration of quercetin exhibited a significantly negative correlation (r2= − 0.41*) with that of isorhamnetin. Oil content was significantly correlated with palmitic acid (r2= 0.61**), stearic acid (r2= 0.81***), linolenic acid (r2= 0.58**) and lignoceric acid (r2= 0.80***) content. This information will assist breeders and other scientists in developing superior cultivars with optimum levels of flavonoid concentrations, oil content and fatty acid compositions for many of these Desmodium species.
Two fruits per pedicel in cacao (Theobroma cacaoL.) – a rare phenotype
Authors: Bhola Junior , Sreenivasan Thayil N. , Bekele Frances L. , Motilal Lambert A.
Published: September 2013

A rare aberrant fruit phenotype was found in cacao (Theobroma cacaoL.) in St Augustine, Trinidad. Double fructification instead of single fructification on a single pedicel was observed. The aberration probably occurred as a result of the formation of two pistils in a single flower. Fruits matured as normal, and fruit morphology and seed number were within the range of that reported for normal fruits of the accession observed in Trinidad. The plant is under investigation and the impact of this finding is highlighted.
A novel compact microstrip lowpass filter with wide rejection band and sharp transition band using diamond-shaped resonator
Authors: Hayati Mohsen , Amiri Mozhgan , Faramarzi Zahra
Published: September 2013

In this paper, a novel compact microstrip lowpass filter (LPF) using diamond-shaped resonator with wide rejection and sharp transition band is presented. The proposed filter has −3 dB cut off frequency at 2.6 GHz. The maximum insertion loss is only 0.1 dB in the passband and the rejection band extends from 2.89 to 20.84 GHz with the attenuation level better than −21 dB. The transition band is only 0.288 GHz, from 2.606 to 2.894 GHz with corresponding attenuation levels of −3 and −20 dB, respectively. The filter size is 12.4 × 11.5 mm2. The proposed filter is fabricated and tested, where the measurement results are in good agreement with the simulation results. The proposed LPF has compact size, simple structure, wide rejection band, and low insertion loss, where all of these characteristics are essential for LPF in the modern communication circuits.
Individualisation in crisis planning for people with psychotic disorders
Authors: Farrelly S. , Szmukler G. , Henderson C. , Birchwood M. , Marshall M. , Waheed W. , Finnecy C. , Thornicroft G.
Published: September 2013

Background.

In England, people with a serious mental illness are offered a standardized care plan under the Care Programme Approach (CPA). A crisis plan is a mandatory part of this standard; however, the quality and in particular the level of individualisation of these crisis plans are unknown. In this context, the aim of this study was to assess the quality of crisis planning and the impact of exposure to a specialized crisis planning intervention.

Method.

The crisis plans of 424 participants were assessed, before and after exposure to the Joint Crisis Plan (JCP) intervention, for ‘individualisation’ (i.e., at least one item of specific and identifiable information about an individual). Associations of individualisation were investigated.

Results.

A total of 15% of crisis plans were individualised at baseline. There was little or no improvement following exposure to the JCP. Individualised crisis plans were not associated with a history of prior crises or incidences of harm to self and others.

Conclusions.

Routine crisis planning for individuals with serious mental illness is not influenced by clinical risk profiles. ‘Top down’ implementation of the policy is unlikely to generate the best practice and compliance if clinicians do not perceive the clinical value in the process.
Changing name: changing prospects for psychosis
Authors: Kingdon D. , Taylor L. , Ma K. , Kinoshita Y.
Published: September 2013

Names matter! Schizophrenia has negative associations which impede individual recovery and induce societal and self-stigmatization. Alternatives have been proposed and are worthy of debate; changes made in Japan have generally been considered successful. The group of ‘schizophrenia and other psychoses’ could be further differentiated based on the major social factors identified, i.e. drug misuse and the effects of severe childhood trauma. The use of appropriate International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding and definitions could usefully differentiate these groups – the former is a drug-induced psychosis and the latter frequently presents as comorbid schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder (often attracting a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder). The current established differentiation between early onset (‘stress-sensitive’ – ‘Kraepelinian’ schizophrenia) and later onset (DSM5 delusional disorder, i.e. with ‘non-bizarreness’ criterion removed) psychosis may also be worthy of further investigation to establish validity and reliability. Psychosocially descriptive terms have been found to be more acceptable to patients and perceived as less stigmatizing by others. Subgroups of psychosis with greater homogeneity would benefit research, clinical and therapeutic practice and public understanding, attitudes and behaviour.
Zur Vorhersage von kognitiven Leistungen im Vorschul- und Grundschulalter
Authors: Kastner-Koller Ursula , Deimann Pia , Antolovic Alexandra , Heiss Claudia , Kubinger Klaus D. , Neumann Gerda
Published: September 2013

Zur Überprüfung der prognostischen Validität des Wiener Entwicklungstests (WET) werden zwei Studien berichtet. In Studie 1 wurden 67 Kinder im Alter von vier bis sechs Jahren mit dem WET entwicklungsdiagnostisch untersucht. Drei Jahre später wurde bei dieser Stichprobe eine Intelligenzabklärung mit dem WISC-IV durchgeführt. In Studie 2 wurden 22 Kinder, die im Alter von fünf bis sechs Jahren mit dem WET im Rahmen einer psychologischen Beratung getestet wurden, ein Jahr später mit dem AID 2 intelligenzdiagnostisch untersucht. Die sprachlichen, kognitiven und Gedächtnis-Subtests des WET und die Subtests von WISC-IV und AID 2 wurden auf der Basis des CHC-Modells klassifiziert und den Faktoren kristalline Intelligenz, fluide Intelligenz/visuelle Informationsverarbeitung und Kurzzeitgedächtnis zugeordnet. Für die WET-Prädiktoren und die jeweiligen Intelligenztest-Kriterien wurden kanonische Korrelationsanalysen durchgeführt, die zeigen, dass die sprachlich-kognitiven Subtests des WET kristalline Intelligenz im Schulalter vorhersagen. Die verbalen Gedächtnisleistungen im WET lassen eine Prognose des Kurzzeitgedächtnisses im Schulalter zu, unabhängig davon, ob dieses mit dem WISC-IV oder dem AID 2 erfasst wurde. Eine Vorhersage des fluiden Denkens und der visuellen Informationsverarbeitung war für den WISC-IV-Index Wahrnehmungsgebundenes Logisches Denken signifikant.
Entwicklungsdiagnostik im Alter
Authors: Stemmler Mark , Horn Ralf , Lehfeld Hartmut , Petermann Franz , Siebert Jelena
Published: September 2013

Im Rahmen der Entwicklungsdiagnostik im Alter wird gezeigt, wie man unauffällige kognitive Leistungen von pathologischen Abbauprozessen unterscheiden kann. Dies geschieht mit dem regressionsbasierten Normierungsansatz nach Zachary und Gorsuch (1985) . Die Analysen basieren auf Daten einer Multicenter-Studie von N = 349 älteren gesunden Probanden zwischen 60 und 90 Jahren, die mit dem SKT nach Erzigkeit (1989) , einem Leistungstest zur Erfassung von Gedächtnis- und Aufmerksamkeitsstörungen, und zwei Untertests aus der WAIS-IV ( Petermann, 2012 ), dem Matrizentest (MT) und dem Wortschatz-Test (WT) getestet wurden. Es zeigten sich sowohl für den MT als auch den WT signifikante Mittelwertsunterschiede in Abhängigkeit vom Alter, die einen signifikanten Abbau der intellektuellen Fähigkeiten dokumentieren. Die kognitiven Leistungen im Alter hingen signifikant mit der Verarbeitungsgeschwindigkeit sowie wenn auch weniger stark ausgeprägt, mit der Gedächtnisleistung zusammen. Die Ergebnisse des regressionsnormierten Ansatzes scheinen einen bedeutsamen Beitrag zur Entwicklungsdiagnostik im Alter leisten zu können.
Entwicklungsdiagnostik
Authors: Petermann Franz , Köller Olaf
Published: September 2013

Die Entwicklungsdiagnostik hat zunehmend ihren Anwendungsbereich erweitert. Standen zunächst Fragestellungen des frühen Kindesalters im Vordergrund, so werden heute auch Fragestellungen zu Schulproblemen unter der Entwicklungsperspektive betrachtet. Auch Entwicklungsverläufe im hohen Lebensalter werden zunehmend in der Entwicklungs- und Leistungsdiagnostik beachtet. Im Blickpunkt stehen dabei methodische Probleme einer entwicklungsdiagnostischen Befunderhebung und empirische Befunde zur Entwicklung spezifischer kognitiver Leistungen in verschiedenen Lebensaltern.
Cohesin and the nucleolus constrain the mobility of spontaneous repair foci
Authors: Dion Vincent , Kalck Véronique , Seeber Andrew , Schleker Thomas , Gasser Susan M
Published: September 2013

The regulation of chromatin mobility in response to DNA damage is important for homologous recombination in yeast. Anchorage reduces rates of recombination, whereas increased chromatin mobility correlates with more efficient homology search. Here we tracked the mobility and localization of spontaneous S‐phase lesions bound by Rad52, and find that these foci have reduced movement, unlike enzymatically induced double‐strand breaks. Moreover, spontaneous repair foci are positioned in the nuclear core, abutting the nucleolus. We show that cohesin and nucleolar integrity constrain the mobility of these foci, consistent with the notion that spontaneous, S‐phase damage is preferentially repaired from the sister chromatid.
Gene patents and capital investment
Authors: Wolinsky Howard
Published: September 2013

Will the US Supreme Court's ruling that genes can no longer be patented in the USA boost venture capital investment into biotech and medical startup companies?
Chromosome segregation by the Escherichia coli Min system
Authors: Di Ventura Barbara , Knecht Benoît , Andreas Helena , Godinez William J , Fritsche Miriam , Rohr Karl , Nickel Walter , Heermann Dieter W , Sourjik Victor
Published: September 2013

The mechanisms underlying chromosome segregation in prokaryotes remain a subject of debate and no unifying view has yet emerged. Given that the initial disentanglement of duplicated chromosomes could be achieved by purely entropic forces, even the requirement of an active prokaryotic segregation machinery has been questioned. Using computer simulations, we show that entropic forces alone are not sufficient to achieve and maintain full separation of chromosomes. This is, however, possible by assuming repeated binding of chromosomes along a gradient of membrane‐associated tethering sites toward the poles. We propose that, in Escherichia coli, such a gradient of membrane tethering sites may be provided by the oscillatory Min system, otherwise known for its role in selecting the cell division site. Consistent with this hypothesis, we demonstrate that MinD binds to DNA and tethers it to the membrane in an ATP‐dependent manner. Taken together, our combined theoretical and experimental results suggest the existence of a novel mechanism of chromosome segregation based on the Min system, further highlighting the importance of active segregation of chromosomes in prokaryotic cell biology.
Controlled assembly of graphene sheets and nanotubes: Fabrication of suspended multi-element all-carbon vibrational structures
Authors: Tsioutsios I. , Moser J. , Plaza J. A. , Bachtold A.
Published: September 2013

We report on the fabrication and operation of a multi-element vibrational structure consisting of two graphene mechanical resonators coupled by a nanotube beam. The whole structure is suspended. Each graphene resonator is clamped by two metal electrodes. The structure is fabricated using a combination of electron-beam lithography and atomic-force microscopy nano-manipulation. This layout allows us to detect the mechanical vibrations electrically. The measured eigenmodes are localized in either one of the graphene resonators. The coupling due to the nanotube is studied by measuring the shift of the resonance frequency of one graphene resonator as a function of the vibration amplitude of the other resonator. Coupled graphene resonators hold promise for the study of nonlinear dynamics, the manipulation of mechanical states, and quantum non-demolition measurements.
Attitudes and beliefs of staff to feedback following the review of adverse events in clinical care
Authors: Kelleher Sharyn , Buckley David , Reyment Jill
Published: September 2013

Objective To undertake a pilot project to determine how clinical and non-clinical staff perceive feedback given to them following clinical incident reviews. Methods An online survey was devised and sent as a link to staff across the Murrumbidgee Local Health District who would be likely to submit patient-related adverse incidents into the NSW Health Incident Information Management System. Results Two hundred and twenty-eight responses were received. Feedback was viewed as constructive and helpful. Medical staff were less enthusiastic about feedback and preferred formal feedback processes. Conclusions Feedback from clinical incident reviews closes the loop of the review process and creates a platform for necessary changes to be undertaken.
A cost analysis of inpatient compared with outpatient prostaglandin E2 cervical priming for induction of labour: results from the OPRA trial
Authors: Adelson Pamela L. , Wedlock Garry R. , Wilkinson Chris S. , Howard Kirsten , Bryce Robert L. , Turnbull Deborah A.
Published: September 2013

Objective
To compare the costs of inpatient (usual care) with outpatient (intervention) care for cervical priming for induction of labour in women with healthy, low-risk pregnancies who are being induced for prolonged pregnancies or for social reasons.

Methods
Data from a randomised controlled trial at two hospitals in South Australia were matched with hospital financial data. A cost analysis comparing women randomised to inpatient care with those randomised to outpatient care was performed, with an additional analysis focusing on those who received the intervention.

Results
Overall, 48% of women randomised into the trial did not receive the intervention. Women randomised to outpatient care had an overall cost saving of $319 per woman (95% CI −$104 to $742) as compared with women randomised to usual care. When restricted to women who actually received the intervention, in-hospital cost savings of $433 (95% CI −$282 to $1148) were demonstrated in the outpatient group. However, these savings were partially offset by the cost of an outpatient priming clinic, reducing the overall cost savings to $156 per woman.

Conclusions
Overall cost savings were not statistically significant in women who were randomised to or received the intervention. However, the trend in cost savings favoured outpatient priming.

What is known about the topic?
Induction of labour is a common obstetric intervention. For women with low-risk, prolonged pregnancies who require cervical priming there has been increased interest in whether this period of waiting for the cervix to ‘ripen’ can be achieved at home. Outpatient priming has been reported to reduce hospital costs and improve maternal satisfaction. However, few studies have actually examined the cost of outpatient priming for induction of labour.

What does this paper add?
This is the first paper in Australia to both assess the full cost of outpatient cervical priming and to compare it with usual (inpatient) care. This is the first costing paper from a randomised controlled trial directly comparing inpatient and outpatient priming with prostaglandin E2.

What are the implications for practitioners?
For women with prolonged, low-risk pregnancies, a program of outpatient cervical priming can potentially reduce in-hospital costs and free up labour ward beds by avoiding an additional overnight hospitalisation.
Five bis(imidazole)-based Coordination Polymers Tuned by Central Metal Ions and S-containing Dicarboxylates: Syntheses, Structures, and Properties
Authors: Wang Xiu-Li , Qu Yun , Liu Guo-Cheng , Huang Jing-Jing , Chen Nai-Li , Lin Hong-Yan
Published: September 2013

Five new coordination polymers, namely [Zn(2-CMSN)(biim-4)] (1), [Co2(2-CMSN)2(biim-4)(H2O)4] (2), [Ni(2-CMSN)(biim-4)0.5(H2O)2] (3), [Cd(2-CMSN)(biim-4)0.5(H2O)2] (4), and [Cd(ADTZ)(biim-4)1.5]·5H2O (5), (2-H2CMSN = 2-carboxymethylsulfanyl nicotinic acid, H2ADTZ = 2,5-(S-acetic acid) dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole, biim-4 = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(imidazole)) have been synthesised under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and powder X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 shows a 2D undulated sheet, which is constructed from 1D meso-helical [Zn-(biim-4)]n chains and linear [Zn-(2-CMSN)]n chains. Complexes 2–4 exhibit a similar 2D (4,4) grid network constructed from zigzag [M-(2-CMSN)]n chains and linear [M-(biim-4)]n chains (M = CoII, NiII and CdII), which possesses a ‘4+2’ type six-membered ring. Complex 5 displays a 3D architecture derived from 2D Cd-(biim-4) layers and double ADTZ linkers with diamond-type 66 topology. The effects of the central metals and S-containing dicarboxylates on the structures of the title coordination polymers have been discussed. The luminescent properties of complexes 1, 4, and 5 have been studied. Complex 5 exhibits photocatalytic activity for dye degradation under ultraviolet light and good stability towards photocatalysis.
Effects of post-fire soil stabilisation techniques on trace elements lost by erosion
Authors: Gómez-Rey M. X. , García-Marco S. , Fernández C. , Couto-Vázquez A. , González-Prieto S. J.
Published: September 2013

The effect of two post-fire stabilisation techniques (Seeding and Mulching) on trace element (Al, B, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo and Zn) losses with eroded sediments was evaluated over a 13-month period following an experimental fire in a steep shrubland of a temperate-humid region (north-west Spain). With time, concentration of extractable Mn, Zn and Cu in sediments decreased, Fe tended to increase and Al, Co, B and Mo varied without a clear trend. Most sediments and trace element losses occurred during the first 3 months post-fire. Compared with the available elements in ash + burned topsoil, the fraction lost with sediments was highest for Mo (10–16%), intermediate for Mn (4%) and Zn (3%) and low for the rest (0.4–1.2%). Although minor effects of stabilisation techniques on element concentrations were found, accumulated mass losses of trace elements decreased 6–12 times in Mulching because of its 10-fold lower soil erosion rate; no significant changes were found in Seeding. Sediment nutrient losses are probably more important than those published for smoke, leaching or volatilisation. Our results suggest that the Zn and Cu enrichment in sediments from the first erosion events increase the risk of downslope water and soil contamination. In conclusion, soil stabilisation techniques are useful to prevent post-fire ecosystem damage.
Sagebrush steppe recovery after fire varies by development phase of Juniperus occidentalis woodland
Authors: Bates Jonathan D. , Sharp Robert N. , Davies Kirk W.
Published: September 2013

Woodland ecosystems of the world have been changed by land use demands, altered fire regimes, invasive species and climate change. Reduced fire frequency is recognised as a main causative agent for Pinus–Juniperus L. (piñon–juniper) expansion in North American woodlands. Piñon–juniper control measures, including prescribed fire, are increasingly employed to restore sagebrush steppe communities. We compared vegetation recovery following prescribed fire on Phase 2 (mid-succession) and Phase 3 (late-succession) Juniperus occidentalis Hook. (western juniper) woodlands in Oregon. The herbaceous layer on Phase 2 sites was comprised of native perennial and annual vegetation before and after fire. On Phase 3 sites the herbaceous layer shifted from native species to dominance by invasive Bromus tectorum L. (cheatgrass). After fire, shrubs on Phase 2 sites were comprised of sprouting species and Ceanothus velutinus Dougl. (snowbrush). On Phase 3 woodland sites the shrub layer was dominated by C. velutinus. The results suggest that Phase 2 sites have a greater likelihood of recovery to native vegetation after fire and indicate that sites transitioning from Phase 2 to Phase 3 woodlands cross a recovery threshold where there is a greater potential for invasive weeds, rather than native vegetation, to dominate after fire.
Micron-scale coherence in interphase chromatin dynamics
Authors: Zidovska Alexandra , Weitz David A. , Mitchison Timothy J.
Published: September 2013

Significance

Chromatin, the functional form of DNA inside the cell nucleus, has been heavily studied using biochemical and genetic methods, but we still know little about its large-scale organization and even less about its dynamics. We present a unique method, displacement correlation spectroscopy (DCS), which allows us to map interphase chromatin dynamics simultaneously across the entire nucleus and follow the temporal evolution of the global chromatin dynamics in vivo
.
Using DCS we discovered that chromatin moves coherently across micron-scale regions for a few seconds, which implies a transient mechanical coupling between chromatin on different chromosomes. This coupling might allow different regions of the nucleus to communicate by a unique, mechanochemical mechanism, e.g., to coordinate responses to DNA damage.
Quantitative analysis of intra-Golgi transport shows intercisternal exchange for all cargo
Authors: Dmitrieff Serge , Rao Madan , Sens Pierre
Published: September 2013

Significance

Two models compete to explain the way proteins transit through the Golgi, a cellular organelle consisting of stacked membrane-bound compartments (cisternae) and responsible for protein maturation and sorting. The cisternal maturation model proposes that cisternae created de novo move through the stack, carrying their content with them. The vesicular transport model views cisternae as static structures between which proteins are exchanged by vesicular transport. We have developed a transport model that can quantify the importance of intercisternal exchange by analyzing the spatiotemporal evolution of a protein distribution within the Golgi. Intercisternal exchange is confirmed both for small membrane proteins and large protein complexes. This suggests the involvement of membrane carriers much larger than typical protein-coated vesicles.
Simultaneous modeling of visual saliency and value computation improves predictions of economic choice
Authors: Towal R. Blythe , Mormann Milica , Koch Christof
Published: September 2013

Significance

Many everyday decisions require viewing displays with several alternatives and then rapidly choosing one, e.g., choosing a snack from a vending machine. Each item has objective visual properties, such as saliency, and subjective properties, such as value. Objective and subjective properties are usually studied independently. We have implemented a single integrated paradigm that links perceptual with economic decision making by having subjects search through visual displays to choose a single food item that they want to eat. We demonstrate that two linked accumulator models, one modeling perceptual and the other modeling economic decisions, account for subjects’ viewing patterns and choices.
Dissection of Cdk1–cyclin complexes in vivo
Authors: Ear Po Hien , Booth Michael J. , Abd-Rabbo Diala , Kowarzyk Moreno Jacqueline , Hall Conrad , Chen Daici , Vogel Jackie , Michnick Stephen W.
Published: September 2013

Significance

A simple strategy is described to discover cyclin dependency of general cell cycle regulatory kinase cyclin-dependent kinase 1 for substrates in vivo. γ-Tubulin is discovered to be a specific B cyclin Clb3–cyclin-dependent kinase 1 substrate. The strategy can link proteins to specific phases of the cell cycle, and it can be used to determine subunit dependencies for other posttranslational modifying enzymes.
Testicular volume is inversely correlated with nurturing-related brain activity in human fathers
Authors: Mascaro Jennifer S. , Hackett Patrick D. , Rilling James K.
Published: September 2013

Significance

Life History Theory posits a trade-off between mating and parenting effort, which may explain some of the observed variance in human fathers’ parenting behavior. The current study tested this hypothesis by measuring aspects of reproductive biology related to mating effort, as well as paternal nurturing behavior and the brain activity related to it. Both testosterone levels and testes volume were negatively correlated with paternal caregiving. In response to viewing pictures of one’s own child, brain activity in a key component of the reward and motivation system predicted paternal caregiving and was negatively related to testes volume. These results suggest that the biology of human males reflects a trade-off between mating effort and parenting effort.
Human development of the ability to learn from bad news
Authors: Moutsiana Christina , Garrett Neil , Clarke Richard C. , Lotto R. Beau , Blakemore Sarah-Jayne , Sharot Tali
Published: September 2013

Humans show a natural tendency to discount bad news while incorporating good news into beliefs (the “good news–bad news effect”), an effect that may help explain seemingly irrational risk taking. Understanding how this bias develops with age is important because adolescents are prone to engage in risky behavior; thus, educating them about danger is crucial. We reveal a striking valence-dependent asymmetry in how belief updating develops with age. In the ages tested (9–26 y), younger age was associated with inaccurate updating of beliefs in response to undesirable information regarding vulnerability. In contrast, the ability to update beliefs accurately in response to desirable information remained relatively stable with age. This asymmetry was mediated by adequate computational use of positive but not negative estimation errors to alter beliefs. The results are important for understanding how belief formation develops and might help explain why adolescents do not respond adequately to warnings.
ATP-binding cassette transporter controls leaf surface secretion of anticancer drug components in
Catharanthus roseus
Authors: Yu Fang , De Luca Vincenzo
Published: September 2013

Significance

The presence of biologically active monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) on the leaf surfaces of medicinally important
Catharanthus roseus
has led to questions about the secretion processes involved and their prevalence within MIA-producing species of plants. This report shows that a transporter closely related to those involved in cuticle assembly in plants and belonging to the pleiotropic drug resistance family of ATP-binding cassette transporters is specialized for transport of the MIA catharanthine to the leaf surface from its site of biosynthesis in the leaf epidermis. The same transporter was also identified in plants from distinct geographical origins (Eurasian
Vinca minor
, African
Tabernamontana elegans
, Indian
Rauvolfia serpentina
, South American
Cinchona ledgeriana
, and North American
Amsonia hubrichtii
).
Early developmental emergence of human amygdala–prefrontal connectivity after maternal deprivation
Authors: Gee Dylan G. , Gabard-Durnam Laurel J. , Flannery Jessica , Goff Bonnie , Humphreys Kathryn L. , Telzer Eva H. , Hare Todd A. , Bookheimer Susan Y. , Tottenham Nim
Published: September 2013

Significance

Early adversity has profound and lasting effects on neurodevelopment and emotional behavior. Under typical environmental conditions, prefrontal cortex connections with the amygdala are immature during childhood and become adult-like during adolescence. Rodent models show that maternal deprivation accelerates this development as an ontogenetic adaptation to adversity. Here, we demonstrate that, as in the rodent, children who experienced early maternal deprivation exhibit early emergence of mature amygdala–prefrontal connectivity. Evidence suggests that the adult-like neural phenotype, which is mediated by cortisol levels, confers some degree of enhanced emotion regulation, as maternally deprived youths with adult-like phenotypes are less anxious than their counterparts with immature phenotypes. Accelerated amygdala–prefrontal development may serve as an ontogenetic adaptation in the human in response to early adversity.
Lysine 63-linked polyubiquitination is required for EGF receptor degradation
Authors: Huang Fangtian , Zeng Xuemei , Kim Woong , Balasubramani Manimalha , Fortian Arola , Gygi Steven P. , Yates Nathan A. , Sorkin Alexander
Published: September 2013

Significance

Many proteins are modified by the covalent attachment of a small polypeptide called ubiquitin to their lysine residues. Lysines in ubiquitin itself are further ubiquitinated, leading to formation of ubiquitin chains. Single ubiquitins and ubiquitin chains attached to integral membrane proteins, such as receptors, transporters, and channels, serve as molecular signals mediating endocytosis of these proteins and their subsequent targeting to lysosomes for degradation. This work uses quantitative mass spectrometry to show that activated EGF receptor is ubiquitinated by one to two short polyubiquitin chains linked via ubiquitin lysine 63 or conjugated with a single monoubiquitin. It is demonstrated that these Lys63-linked polyubiquitin chains are necessary for efficient targeting of EGF receptor to the lysosomal degradation pathway.
A chemostat array enables the spatio-temporal analysis of the yeast proteome
Authors: Dénervaud Nicolas , Becker Johannes , Delgado-Gonzalo Ricard , Damay Pascal , Rajkumar Arun S. , Unser Michael , Shore David , Naef Felix , Maerkl Sebastian J.
Published: September 2013

Significance

The ability to culture and image microbes on the single-cell level has provided insight into many biological phenomena. Single-cell studies were made possible through the development of microfluidic devices, which have been restricted to culturing a handful of strains at a time. We developed a microfluidic microchemostat array capable of culturing 1,152 yeast strains and demonstrate that the platform is capable of large-scale analysis by imaging the entire yeast-GFP library under numerous environmental conditions. Aside from identifying novel regulatory mechanisms, large-scale single-cell analysis will be useful for cellular engineering.
Watching energy transfer in metalloporphyrin heterodimers using stimulated X-ray Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Biggs Jason D. , Zhang Yu , Healion Daniel , Mukamel Shaul
Published: September 2013

Significance

Energy transfer in multiporphyrin arrays is of fundamental interest and plays an important role in natural and artificial light harvesting. In this work, we show how ultrafast hard X-ray pulses may be used to create localized electronic wavepackets in a metalloporphyrin dimer. Energy migration between monomers is detected through a stimulated Raman process, resonant with the metal core. Combining the broad bandwidth of attosecond pulses with the localized nature of core orbitals results in a much higher degree of localization and temporal resolution than is possible with optical pulses.
In-fiber production of polymeric particles for biosensing and encapsulation
Authors: Kaufman Joshua J. , Ottman Richard , Tao Guangming , Shabahang Soroush , Banaei Esmaeil-Hooman , Liang Xiangdong , Johnson Steven G. , Fink Yoel , Chakrabarti Ratna , Abouraddy Ayman F.
Published: September 2013

Significance

A scalable, chemistry-independent, fluid-instability–mediated in-fiber route for fabricating uniformly sized spherical polymeric particles over a wide span of diameters is developed targeting biomedical applications. Both surface functionalization of solid biocompatible polymer particles for protein–protein interactions and volume encapsulation of a biological material in spherical hollow polymer shells are confirmed, in addition to combining both surface and volumetric functionalities in the same polymeric particle.
Bio-inspired synthesis yields a tricyclic indoline that selectively resensitizes methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) to β-lactam antibiotics
Authors: Podoll Jessica D. , Liu Yongxiang , Chang Le , Walls Shane , Wang Wei , Wang Xiang
Published: September 2013

The continuous emergence of resistant bacteria has become a major worldwide health threat. The current development of new antibacterials has lagged far behind. To discover reagents to fight against resistant bacteria, we initiated a chemical approach by synthesizing and screening a small molecule library, reminiscent of the polycyclic indole alkaloids. Indole alkaloids are a class of structurally diverse natural products, many of which were isolated from plants that have been used as traditional medicine for millennia. Specifically, we adapted an evolutionarily conserved biosynthetic strategy and developed a concise and unified diversity synthesis pathway. Using this pathway, we synthesized 120 polycyclic indolines that contain 26 distinct skeletons and a wide variety of functional groups. A tricyclic indoline, Of1, was discovered to selectively potentiate the activity of β-lactam antibiotics in multidrug-resistant methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), but not in methicillin-sensitive
S. aureus
. In addition, we found that Of1 itself does not have antiproliferative activity but can resensitize several MRSA strains to the β-lactam antibiotics that are widely used in the clinic, such as an extended-spectrum β-lactam antibiotic amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and a first-generation cephalosporin cefazolin. These data suggest that Of1 is a unique selective resistance-modifying agent for β-lactam antibiotics, and it may be further developed to fight against resistant bacteria in the clinic.
Discovery of the surface polarity gradient on iridescent
Morpho
butterfly scales reveals a mechanism of their selective vapor response
Authors: Potyrailo Radislav A. , Starkey Timothy A. , Vukusic Peter , Ghiradella Helen , Vasudev Milana , Bunning Timothy , Naik Rajesh R. , Tang Zhexiong , Larsen Michael , Deng Tao , Zhong Sheng , Palacios Manuel , Grande James C. , Zorn Gilad , Goddard Gregory , Zalubovsky Sergey
Published: September 2013

Significance

Morpho
butterflies are a brilliant spectacle of nature’s capability for photonic engineering. Their conspicuous appearance arises from the interference and diffraction of light within tree-like nanostructures on their scales. Scientific lessons learned from these butterflies have already inspired designs of new displays, fabrics, and cosmetics. This study reports a vertical surface polarity gradient in these tree-like structures. This biological pattern design may be applied to numerous technological applications ranging from security tags to self-cleaning surfaces, gas separators, protective clothing, and sensors. Here it has allowed us to unveil a general mechanism of selective vapor response in photonic
Morpho
nanostructures and to demonstrate attractive opportunities for chemically graded sensing units for high-performance sensing.
Acrylamide concentration determines the direction and magnitude of helical membrane protein gel shifts
Authors: Rath Arianna , Cunningham Fiona , Deber Charles M.
Published: September 2013

Significance

SDS/PAGE is a protein analysis technique universally used in biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, and virology, where proteins are separated by size on a gel matrix of polyacrylamide. However, most helical membrane proteins, which are biomolecules that comprise 20–30% of genomes and the majority of drug targets, migrate to positions on SDS/PAGE that have for decades been unpredictably larger or smaller than their actual size. We have found that the magnitude and direction of migration among membrane protein mimetics are controlled by the acrylamide concentration in the gel. Our results facilitate straightforward SDS/PAGE analysis of these important biomolecules.
Chemically armed mercenary ants protect fungus-farming societies
Authors: Adams Rachelle M. M. , Liberti Joanito , Illum Anders A. , Jones Tappey H. , Nash David R. , Boomsma Jacobus J.
Published: September 2013

Significance

We document the behavioral interactions among three ant species: a fungus-growing host ant, a permanently associated parasitic guest ant, and a raiding agro-predator ant. We show that the presence of guest ants becomes advantageous when host ants are attacked by raider ants, because guest ants use alkaloid venom to defend their host ant colony. Furthermore, detection of the guest ant odors is sufficient to discourage raider scouts from recruiting nestmates to host colonies. Guest ants likely have evolved this protective behavior because they also perish when their host colony dies.
Ca
2+
channel nanodomains boost local Ca
2+
amplitude
Authors: Tadross Michael R. , Tsien Richard W. , Yue David T.
Published: September 2013

Significance

Local Ca
2+
signals drive important events like synaptic transmission, neural plasticity, and cardiac contraction, yet the fundamental relationship between flux through a single channel and the Ca
2+
amplitude within nanometers of the channel pore has eluded direct experimental measure. Here we reverse-engineer the problem by using Ca
2+
-dependent inactivation of channels as a nanometer-range biosensor of Ca
2+
amplitude. We discovered an unexpected and dramatic boost in nanodomain Ca
2+
amplitude, ten-fold higher than predicted on theoretical grounds. This boost in local Ca
2+
signaling may act to maximize the biochemical information capacity of electrically\x{2011}active cells.
Decisions on the fly in cellular sensory systems
Authors: Siggia Eric D. , Vergassola Massimo
Published: September 2013

Significance

Cell-signaling pathways are often presumed to convert just the level of an external stimulus to response. However, in contexts such as the immune system or rapidly developing embryos, cells plausibly have to make rapid decisions based on limited information. Statistical theory defines absolute bounds on the minimum average observation time necessary for decisions subject to a defined error rate. We show that common genetic circuits have the potential to approach the theoretical optimal performance. They operate by accumulating a single chemical species and then applying a threshold. The circuit parameters required for optimal performance can be learned by a simple hill-climbing search. The complex but reversible protein modifications that accompany signaling thus have the potential to perform analog computations.
Efficient water oxidation catalyzed by homogeneous cationic cobalt porphyrins with critical roles for the buffer base
Authors: Wang Dong , Groves John T.
Published: September 2013

Significance

Efficient and scalable catalysts that mediate the interconversion of electrical and chemical energy are essential to the future world economy. Central to this challenge are robust systems that can split water into its elements, hydrogen and oxygen, with minimal cost. In this article, we describe the discovery and characterization of an efficient, single-site homogeneous water oxidation catalyst based on a cationic cobalt-porphyrin system. Important roles of the buffer base in this catalysis are also described. Our results shed light on the design of next-generation water oxidation catalysts using earth-abundant transition metals and redox active ligand systems.
M2-like macrophages are responsible for collagen degradation through a mannose receptor–mediated pathway
Authors: Madsen Daniel H. , Leonard Daniel , Masedunskas Andrius , Moyer Amanda , Jürgensen Henrik Jessen , Peters Diane E. , Amornphimoltham Panomwat , Selvaraj Arul , Yamada Susan S. , Brenner David A. , Burgdorf Sven , Engelholm Lars H. , Behrendt Niels , Holmbeck Kenn , Weigert Roberto , Bugge Thomas H.
Published: September 2013

Tissue remodeling processes critically depend on the timely removal and remodeling of preexisting collagen scaffolds. Nevertheless, many aspects related to the turnover of this abundant extracellular matrix component in vivo are still incompletely understood. We therefore took advantage of recent advances in optical imaging to develop an assay to visualize collagen turnover in situ and identify cell types and molecules involved in this process. Collagen introduced into the dermis of mice underwent cellular endocytosis in a partially matrix metalloproteinase–dependent manner and was subsequently routed to lysosomes for complete degradation. Collagen uptake was predominantly executed by a quantitatively minor population of M2-like macrophages, whereas more abundant Col1a1-expressing fibroblasts and Cx3cr1-expressing macrophages internalized collagen at lower levels. Genetic ablation of the collagen receptors mannose receptor (Mrc1) and urokinase plasminogen activator receptor–associated protein (Endo180 and Mrc2) impaired this intracellular collagen degradation pathway. This study demonstrates the importance of receptor-mediated cellular uptake to collagen turnover in vivo and identifies a key role of M2-like macrophages in this process.
Rap1 potentiates endothelial cell junctions by spatially controlling myosin II activity and actin organization
Authors: Ando Koji , Fukuhara Shigetomo , Moriya Takahiro , Obara Yutaro , Nakahata Norimichi , Mochizuki Naoki
Published: September 2013

Reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton is responsible for dynamic regulation of endothelial cell (EC) barrier function. Circumferential actin bundles (CAB) promote formation of linear adherens junctions (AJs) and tightening of EC junctions, whereas formation of radial stress fibers (RSF) connected to punctate AJs occurs during junction remodeling. The small GTPase Rap1 induces CAB formation to potentiate EC junctions; however, the mechanism underlying Rap1-induced CAB formation remains unknown. Here, we show that myotonic dystrophy kinase–related CDC42-binding kinase (MRCK)-mediated activation of non-muscle myosin II (NM-II) at cell–cell contacts is essential for Rap1-induced CAB formation. Our data suggest that Rap1 induces FGD5-dependent Cdc42 activation at cell–cell junctions to locally activate the NM-II through MRCK, thereby inducing CAB formation. We further reveal that Rap1 suppresses the NM-II activity stimulated by the Rho–ROCK pathway, leading to dissolution of RSF. These findings imply that Rap1 potentiates EC junctions by spatially controlling NM-II activity through activation of the Cdc42–MRCK pathway and suppression of the Rho–ROCK pathway.