bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamical Properties of Galactic OH/IR Stars
Authors: Sevenster M. N. , Arnold R. A. , Sjouwerman L. O.
Published: July 2016

An OH/IR star is an intermediate mass AGB star which loses mass and is optically obscured by its envelope. Such stars can be detected in the infrared and by radio maser lines. In particular the OH line (1612 MHz) is bright and has a distinctive profile, that allows us to determine the radial velocity of the central star. OH/IR stars are excellent tracers for the study of Galactic dynamics because they are bright, unaffected by extinction in the OH line – and therefore visible throughout the Galaxy – and because they represent a wide range of stellar masses. The outflow velocity of the circumstellar shell is most likely driven by radiation pressure from the central star on the dust. Therefore outflow velocity increases with stellar luminosity and metallicity, and decreases with age.
Semiregular Variables in the Galactic Bulge
Authors: Schultheis M. , Ng Y. K. , Hron J. , Habing H.
Published: July 2016

Near Infrared photometry (JHKL'M) of 78 SRVs in field #3 (PG3) of the Palomar Groningen Variable Star Survey (1 = 0°, b = −10°) was obtained at the ESO 1-m telescope, La Silla, Chile.
Instabilities of Uniformly Rotating Disks
Authors: Vauterin P. , Dejonghe H.
Published: July 2016

We explore a series expansion method to calculate the instabilities and the structure of the perturbations for a variety of uniformly rotating finite stellar disks. This survey focuses on the role of the distribution function in stability analyses. Although the potential does not show differential rotation, it will in many cases be a reasonable approximation for the disk in the central regions of galaxies without massive central mass concentration.
F(E,Lz) for Kent's Model of the Galactic Bulge?
Authors: Dehnen Walter
Published: July 2016

Using the Richardson-Lucy algorithm the two-integral distribution function (2I-DF) f(E,Lz) for Kent's (1992) Bulge model has been constructed. It turns out to be negative (and hence unphysical) at Lz ≈ Lc. The physical reason for this result and its implications are discussed.
The Age Structure of the Older Parts of the Galaxy
Authors: Norris John E.
Published: July 2016

The history of the Galaxy is encoded in the kinematic, chemical and age profiles of its various populations, and their inter-relationships. Of these, the age structure has proved to be the most problematic. The aim of the present paper is to discuss our understanding of the ages of the various components and to seek to understand the chronology of the system, highlighting along the way some of the unsolved problems.
Late-Type Giants in the Bulge, at High Galactic Latitudes and in the Plane
Authors: Whitelock Patricia
Published: July 2016

Mira and non-Mira M stars are easily distinguished by means of their near-infrared colours. The Miras show a large range of mass-loss rates, and the actual rates are a strong function of the K-[12] colour. The kinematics and scale heights of these Miras are a function of their pulsation periods. The period distribution of Miras in the South Galactic Cap is similar to that of Miras in the Bulge. Non-Mira M stars in the South Galactic Cap have similar colours to their counterparts in the Bulge but differ from bright M-giants in the solar neighbourhood. The galactic distribution and scale height of the M giants is a function of colour and it is suggested that differences in composition influence the colours.
HI in the Milky Way: Selected Problems Illustrated by the Leiden/Dwingeloo Survey
Authors: Burton W.B. , Hartmann Dap , West S.R.D.
Published: July 2016

Some of the principal problems which can be confronted with HI observations of our Galaxy are illustrated here by a selection of maps showing the disposition on the sky of HI emitting in particular velocity ranges. The data are from the new Leiden/Dwingeloo survey of the entire sky north of δ ≥ −30°, which has occupied the 25–meter radio telescope of the Netherlands Foundation for Research in Astronomy for a period of five years. The tendency of the general gas/dust correlation to involve some HI structures with quite anomalous velocities is illustrated by comparing some λ21–cm data taken on a finer grid using the Arecibo 1000–foot telescope with IRAS data in the 100–micron band.
Diffuse [CII] Emission in the Galaxy
Authors: Okuda H. , Nakagawa T. , Shibai H. , Doi Y. , Mochizuki K. , Yamashita-Yui Y. , Yui M. , Nishimura T. , Low F.J.
Published: July 2016

An extensive survey of [C II] line emission at 158 microns using the balloon borne telescope (BICE) has provided a complete map of the emission intensity distribution in the first and the fourth quadrants of the galactic plane (280° < l < 80°, −5° < b < 5°: Okuda et al. 1993). The emission is very extended throughout the galactic plane in which three intensity maxima are seen towards the tangential directions of the Scutum and the Norma arms as well as in the Galactic center region. However the Galactic center maximum is much less prominent compared with the two other distributions, unlike the case of far infrared continuum and CO emissions.
Potential-Density Basis Sets for Three-Dimensional Disks
Authors: Earn David J.D.
Published: July 2016

Poisson's equation, ∇2ψ = 4πGρ, can be solved approximately using basis sets of potential-density pairs. A given density is approximated by a truncated expansion; the computed expansion coefficients immediately yield the corresponding potential since each basis density function is paired with a basis potential function, and Poisson's equation is linear.
The Existence of Moving Groups and the Disk Heating Problem
Authors: Chen B. , Figueras F. , Torra J. , Asiain R. , Jordi C.
Published: July 2016

A powerful moving group-finding algorithm has been developed and applied to a large sample of B, A and F main sequence stars from the Hipparcos Input Catalogue. Four moving groups near the Sun (Pleiades, Sirius, IC2391 and Hyades) have been identified without assuming any a priori knowledge of the properties of moving groups. This is the most convincing objective evidence for their existence. After the members of the moving groups are removed from the sample, we investigate the disk heating problem. The results show that the velocity dispersion of the local disk stars increases with age, roughly as ≃ ∞ τ1/5.
Are there Giant Vortices near Solar Circle?
Authors: Fridman A.M. , Khoruzhii O.V. , Lyakhovich V.V. , Avedisova V.S.
Published: July 2016

The analysis of the observational line-of-sight radial velocity field of molecular clouds, connecting with young stars, has strengthened the Fridman's hypothesis (1994) on the possible existence of anticyclone in the solar neighborhood. Anticyclones are located near corotation radius of the observed spiral arms, a number of which is equal to a number of vortices. Our calculations show that the four-vortices model fits observational data fairly well.

We shall not use any theoretical conception on the nature of spiral arms generation (bar, selfgravitational or hydrodynamical mechanisms, etc.). We shall base on the treatment of the observational data.
Galactic Fine Structure at 843 MHz
Authors: Green A.J. , Campbell-Wilson D. , Cram L.E. , Large M.I. , Piestrzynski B. , Ye T.
Published: July 2016

The Southern Galactic Plane surveyed by the Molonglo Observatory Synthesis Telescope (MOST) gives an unprecedented view of fine-scale structure in low frequency radio continuum emission over the area 245° ≤ l ≤ 355°, |b| ≤ 1.5°. The telescope operates at 843 MHz with a resolution of 43″ and a sensitivity of approximately 2 mJy/beam for the sample region (5° × 3°), centred on G317.5+0.0, presented here to illustrate significant features in the sources. This is a mosaic of 35 fields, each representing a 12 hr observation.
Study of the Magnetic Field of the Galaxy using Correlation Functions of the Intensity of Synchrotron Background Radio Emission
Authors: Shoutenkov V.R.
Published: July 2016

The possibility to study magnetic field of the Galaxy calculating correlation or structure functions of synchrotron background radio emission have been known long ago (Kaplan and Pikel'ner (1963); Getmantsev (1958)). But this method had not been as popular as other methods of magnetic field studies. However theoretical calculations made by Chibisov and Ptuskin (1981) showed that correlation functions of intensity of synchrotron background radio emission can give a lot of valuable information about galactic magnetic fields because of the intensity of synchrotron background radio emission depends on H⊥. According to this theory correlation C(θ, φ) and structure S(θ, φ) functions of intensity, as functions of angular separation θ between two lines of sight and position angle φ on the sky between this two lines of sight, can be presented as a sum of isotropic (not dependent from angle φ) and anisotropic parts:
Non-Thermal Particles near OB Associations
Authors: Bykov Andrei. M.
Published: July 2016

The observational tests to check the concept of nonthermal particle generation in the vicinity of OB associations embedded in a superbubble (SB) are discussed. Acceleration of nonthermal charged particles is expected to be very efficient due to powerful energy release by supernovae and colliding stellar winds. The distinctive features of the SB's emission spectra due to nonthermal particle interaction with gas, dust and electromagnetic fields are summarized.
Does Our Galaxy have a Massive Dark Corona?
Authors: Freeman K.C.
Published: July 2016

The rotation curves of spiral galaxies indicate that most of them have massive dark coronas, and it seems likely that our Galaxy also has a dark corona. Our position in the galactic disk makes it difficult to measure the galactic rotation curve beyond about 20 kpc from the galactic center, but it does allow us to use several other indicators of the total galactic mass out to very large distances. I will review some of these indicators. The conclusion is that the Galaxy does indeed have a massive dark corona: the data are consistent with the enclosed mass within radius R increasing like M(R) ≈ R(kpc) × 1010M⊙, out to a radius of more than 100 kpc, and a total galactic mass of at least 12 × 1011M⊙.
Where Does the Galaxy End?
Authors: Hartwick F.D.A.
Published: July 2016

The spatial distribution of the outlying satellites of the Galaxy has been determined by fitting a three dimensional surface to the positions of 10 companion galaxies and 13 distant globular clusters. Both groups show a highly flattened distribution whose minor axes are aligned to within ∼ 5°. The combined group of 23 objects shows a triaxial distribution with semimajor axis extending ∼ 400 kpc. The minor axis is inclined at ∼ 76° to the Galactic poles. There is a suggestion of a nested hierarchy consisting of satellite galaxies, globular clusters, and distant halo field stars, in order of decreasing spatial extension.
Catching measles in an appropriately vaccinated group: a well-circumscribed outbreak in the South East of Ireland, September–November 2013
Authors: O'CONNOR B. , COTTER S. , HESLIN J. , LYNAM B. , McGOVERN E. , MURRAY H. , PARKER G. , DOYLE S.
Published: July 2016

A measles outbreak occurred in a school in a small town in the South East of Ireland in September–November 2013. Most (and all early) cases had one dose of the measles-mumps- rubella (MMR) vaccination. All suspected cases were followed up, in order to advise on sampling and provide public health advice to them and their contacts. MMR vaccination control measures were instituted in the town. These included early second MMR in primary schools and childcare facilities, bringing forward the planned school MMR catch-up programme, early first MMR dose for children aged 6–12 months and targeted advice to unvaccinated children. There were 20 cases (17 confirmed) of measles associated with the outbreak. Fifteen cases occurred in the index school, with four in pre-school-age children (<4 years) who had clear epidemiological links with children at the school. This was a well-circumscribed outbreak occurring, unusually, in a well-vaccinated population. The outbreak came late to the attention of Department of Public Health staff but prompt action, once notified, and institution of control measures resulted in quick termination of the outbreak and prevention of cases in a neighbouring city.
Aquinas on What God is Not
Authors: Davies Brian
Published: July 2016

It is often said that if God exists, he is strongly comparable to what is not divine. In particular, it has been claimed that for God to exist is for a person to exist. In what follows I show how, esteemed theologian though he is commonly taken to be, Thomas Aquinas adopts a strongly different line of thinking according to which we seriously do not know what God is. In doing so, I draw attention to his use of nominal definitions in his arguments for ‘God exists’. I also highlight his teachings that God is simple and that words used to talk about God in subject-predicate sentences always ‘signify imperfectly’.
Why Should We Read Spinoza?
Authors: James Susan
Published: July 2016

Historians of philosophy are well aware of the limitations of what Butterfield called ‘Whig history’: narratives of historical progress that culminate in an enlightened present. Yet many recent studies retain a somewhat teleological outlook. Why should this be so? To explain it, I propose, we need to take account of the emotional investments that guide our interest in the philosophical past, and the role they play in shaping what we understand as the history of philosophy. As far as I know, this problem is not currently much addressed. However, it is illuminatingly explored in the work of Spinoza (1632–77). Spinoza aspires to explain the psychological basis of our attachment to histories with a teleological flavour. At the same time, he insists that such histories are epistemologically flawed. To study the history of philosophy in a properly philosophical fashion we must overcome our Whiggish leanings.
Hume's ‘Manifest Contradictions’
Authors: Kail P. J. E.
Published: July 2016

This paper examines Hume’s ‘Title Principle’ (TP) and its role in a response to one of the ‘manifest contradictions’ he identifies in the conclusion to Book I of A Treatise on Human Nature. This ‘contradiction’ is a tension between two ‘equally natural and necessary’ principles of the imagination, our causal inferences and our propensity to believe in the continued and distinct existence of objects. The problem is that the consistent application of causal reason undercuts any grounds with have for the belief in continued and distinct existence, and yet that belief is as ‘natural and necessary’ as our propensity to infer effects from causes. The TP appears to offer a way to resolve this ‘contradiction’. It states

Where reason is lively, and mixes itself with some propensity, it ought to be assented to. Where it does not, it never can have any title to operate upon us.’ (T 1.4.7.11; SBN 270)

In brief, if it can be shown that the causal inferences that undermine the belief in external world are not ‘lively’ nor mixed with some propensity’ then we have grounds for think that they have no normative authority (they have no ‘title to operate on us). This is in part a response to another ‘manifest contradiction’, namely the apparently self-undermining nature of reason. In this paper I examine the nature and grounds of the TP and its relation to these ‘manifest contradictions’.
Is Nietzsche a Life-Affirmer?
Authors: May Simon
Published: July 2016

The question of how to affirm one's life in view of suffering and loss is central to Nietzsche's philosophy. He shows, I claim, that one can affirm – take joy or find beauty in – one's life as a whole, conceived as necessary in all its elements, while also despising parts of it. Yet he mostly pictures such life-affirmation as achievable only via an atheistic theodicy that relies on a key ambition of the very system of morality that he famously attacks: namely to explain or justify suffering in terms of a higher end to which it is essential. I argue that affirmation of one's life is more powerful without the crutch of any theodicy, and point to Job as a paragon of one who can affirm his life without seeking an answer to the question of the meaning or value of suffering – indeed who can dispense altogether with that question.
Ramsey's Cognitivism: Truth, Ethics and the Meaning of Life
Authors: Misak Cheryl
Published: July 2016

Frank Ramsey is usually taken to be an emotivist or an expressivist about the good: he is usually taken to bifurcate inquiry into fact-stating and non-fact stating domains, ethics falling into the latter. In this paper I shall argue that whatever the very young Ramsey's view might have been, towards the end of his short life, he was coming to a through-going and objective pragmatism about all our beliefs, including those about the good, beauty, and even the meaning of life. Ethical beliefs are not mere expressions of emotion, but rather fall under our cognitive scope. They can be assessed as rational or irrational, true or false.
Why Hegel Now (Again) – and in What Form?
Authors: Stern Robert
Published: July 2016

This paper considers the prospects for the current revival of interest in Hegel, and the direction it might take. Looking back to Richard J. Bernstein's paper from 1977, on ‘Why Hegel Now?’, it contrasts his optimistic assessment of a rapprochement between Hegel and analytic philosophy with Sebastian Gardner's more pessimistic view, where Gardner argues that Hegel's idealist account of value makes any such rapprochement impossible. The paper explores Hegel's account of value further, arguing for a middle way between these extremes of optimism and pessimism, proposing an Aristotelian reading which is more metaphysical than Bernstein recognizes, but not as at odds with thinking in current analytic philosophy as Gardner suggests, as it finds a counterpart in the work of Philippa Foot, Michael Thompson, Rosalind Hursthouse and others.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the Ministry of Food cooking programme on self-reported food consumption and confidence with cooking
Authors: Hutchinson Jayne , Watt Jennifer F , Strachan Emma K , Cade Janet E
Published: July 2016

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Ministry of Food (MoF) cooking programme on self-reported food consumption and confidence with cooking.

Design

A quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the MoF 8-week cooking course, using a pre-test/post-test study. Pre, post and 6-month follow-up quantitative outcomes were measured using self-administered questionnaires to record number of portions of fruit and vegetables (F&V) consumed per day, number of snacks consumed per day and participants’ cooking confidence levels (highest score of 5). Qualitative evaluations were undertaken using structured telephone interviews.

Setting

MoF centre in Leeds Kirkgate Market, UK.

Subjects

Adults (n795, 43 % male) on MoF courses from 2010 to 2014, 462 of whom completed questionnaires at all three time points.

Results

Six months after the course, self-reported F&V intake increased significantly by 1·5 (95 % CI 1·3, 1·6,P<0·001) portions per day to 4·1 (95 % CI 4·0, 4·3). The number of snacks reported decreased significantly over the same period by −0·9 (CI−1·0, −0·8,P<0·001) snacks per day. Cooking confidence increased over the same period by 1·7 (95 % CI 1·6, 1·9,P<0·001) to 4·4 (CI 4·4, 4·5). Age and disability, but not deprivation or ethnicity, were associated with changes in self-reported F&V intake and cooking confidence scores at 6 months; and gender with the latter outcome. Qualitative results supported quantitative findings and revealed specific beneficial gains in cooking skills/preparation, nutritional awareness, food purchasing and other social benefits.

Conclusions

MoF community-based cooking interventions can have significant positive effects on dietary behaviour, food choice and cooking confidence.
Advocates Push to Restore Funding for Arizona Geological Survey
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: July 2016

A state law that took effect on 1 July already has led to a loss of survey staff, services, and net revenue. Legislators and others hope they can reverse the situation.
Predicting educational achievement from DNA
Authors: Selzam S , Krapohl E , von Stumm S , O'Reilly P F , Rimfeld K , Kovas Y , Dale P S , Lee J J , Plomin R
Published: July 2016

A genome-wide polygenic score (GPS), derived from a 2013 genome-wide association study (N=127,000), explained 2% of the variance in total years of education (EduYears). In a follow-up study (N=329,000), a newEduYearsGPS explains up to 4%. Here, we tested the association between this latestEduYearsGPS and educational achievement scores at ages 7, 12 and 16 in an independent sample of 5825 UK individuals. We found thatEduYearsGPS explained greater amounts of variance in educational achievement over time, up to 9% at age 16, accounting for 15% of the heritable variance. This is the strongest GPS prediction to date for quantitative behavioral traits. Individuals in the highest and lowest GPS septiles differed by a whole school grade at age 16. Furthermore,EduYearsGPS was associated with general cognitive ability (~3.5%) and family socioeconomic status (~7%). There was no evidence of an interaction betweenEduYearsGPS and family socioeconomic status on educational achievement or on general cognitive ability. These results are a harbinger of future widespread use of GPS to predict genetic risk and resilience in the social and behavioral sciences.
Erratum: Pathological lymphangiogenesis is modulated by galectin-8-dependent crosstalk between podoplanin and integrin-associated VEGFR-3
Authors: Chen Wei-Sheng , Cao Zhiyi , Sugaya Satoshi , Lopez Maria J. , Sendra Victor G. , Laver Nora , Leffler Hakon , Nilsson Ulf J. , Fu Jianxin , Song Jianhua , Xia Lijun , Hamrah Pedram , Panjwani Noorjahan
Published: July 2016

Nature Communications 7: Article number: 11302 (2016); Published: 12 April 2016; Updated: 19 July 2016. In Fig. 6a of this Article the sixth histogram bars were accidentally mislabeled during the production process. The label ‘VEGF-C+anti-β3’ should read ‘VEGF-C+anti-β5’, and ‘Gal-8+anti-β3’ should read ‘Gal-8+anti-β5’.
Correction: Corrigendum: Endothelin-1 supports clonal derivation and expansion of cardiovascular progenitors derived from human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Soh Boon-Seng , Ng Shi-Yan , Wu Hao , Buac Kristina , Park Joo-Hye C. , Lian Xiaojun , Xu Jiejia , Foo Kylie S , Felldin Ulrika , He Xiaobing , Nichane Massimo , Yang Henry , Bu Lie , Li Ronald A , Lim Bing , Chien Kenneth R
Published: July 2016

Nature Communications 7: Article number: 10774 (2016); Published: 8 March 2016; Updated: 19 July 2016. The affiliation details for Boon-Seng Soh, Lei Bu and Ronald A. Li are incorrect in this Article. The correct addresses of these authors are listed below: Boon-Seng Soh Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, 7 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA; Li Dak-Sum Research Centre-HKU-Karolinska Institutet Collaboration on Regenerative Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm S-171 77, Sweden.
Magnetic ground state of FeSe
Authors: Wang Qisi , Shen Yao , Pan Bingying , Zhang Xiaowen , Ikeuchi K. , Iida K. , Christianson A. D. , Walker H. C. , Adroja D. T. , Abdel-Hafiez M. , Chen Xiaojia , Chareev D. A. , Vasiliev A. N. , Zhao Jun
Published: July 2016

Elucidating the nature of the magnetism of a high-temperature superconductor is crucial for establishing its pairing mechanism. The parent compounds of the cuprate and iron-pnictide superconductors exhibit Néel and stripe magnetic order, respectively. However, FeSe, the structurally simplest iron-based superconductor, shows nematic order (Ts=90 K), but not magnetic order in the parent phase, and its magnetic ground state is intensely debated. Here we report inelastic neutron-scattering experiments that reveal both stripe and Néel spin fluctuations over a wide energy range at 110 K. On entering the nematic phase, a substantial amount of spectral weight is transferred from the Néel to the stripe spin fluctuations. Moreover, the total fluctuating magnetic moment of FeSe is ∼60% larger than that in the iron pnictide BaFe2As2. Our results suggest that FeSe is a novel S=1 nematic quantum-disordered paramagnet interpolating between the Néel and stripe magnetic instabilities.
LRRK2 regulates retrograde synaptic compensation at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction
Authors: Penney Jay , Tsurudome Kazuya , Liao Edward H. , Kauwe Grant , Gray Lindsay , Yanagiya Akiko , R. Calderon Mario , Sonenberg Nahum , Haghighi A. Pejmun
Published: July 2016

Parkinson’s disease gene leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) has been implicated in a number of processes including the regulation of mitochondrial function, autophagy and endocytic dynamics; nevertheless, we know little about its potential role in the regulation of synaptic plasticity. Here we demonstrate that postsynaptic knockdown of the fly homologue of LRRK2 thwarts retrograde, homeostatic synaptic compensation at the larval neuromuscular junction. Conversely, postsynaptic overexpression of either the fly or human LRRK2 transgene induces a retrograde enhancement of presynaptic neurotransmitter release by increasing the size of the release ready pool of vesicles. We show that LRRK2 promotes cap-dependent translation and identify Furin 1 as its translational target, which is required for the synaptic function of LRRK2. As the regulation of synaptic homeostasis plays a fundamental role in ensuring normal and stable synaptic function, our findings suggest that aberrant function of LRRK2 may lead to destabilization of neural circuits.
Accurate spike estimation from noisy calcium signals for ultrafast three-dimensional imaging of large neuronal populations in vivo
Authors: Deneux Thomas , Kaszas Attila , Szalay Gergely , Katona Gergely , Lakner Tamás , Grinvald Amiram , Rózsa Balázs , Vanzetta Ivo
Published: July 2016

Extracting neuronal spiking activity from large-scale two-photon recordings remains challenging, especially in mammals in vivo, where large noises often contaminate the signals. We propose a method, MLspike, which returns the most likely spike train underlying the measured calcium fluorescence. It relies on a physiological model including baseline fluctuations and distinct nonlinearities for synthetic and genetically encoded indicators. Model parameters can be either provided by the user or estimated from the data themselves. MLspike is computationally efficient thanks to its original discretization of probability representations; moreover, it can also return spike probabilities or samples. Benchmarked on extensive simulations and real data from seven different preparations, it outperformed state-of-the-art algorithms. Combined with the finding obtained from systematic data investigation (noise level, spiking rate and so on) that photonic noise is not necessarily the main limiting factor, our method allows spike extraction from large-scale recordings, as demonstrated on acousto-optical three-dimensional recordings of over 1,000 neurons in vivo.
Electron spin control of optically levitated nanodiamonds in vacuum
Authors: Hoang Thai M. , Ahn Jonghoon , Bang Jaehoon , Li Tongcang
Published: July 2016

Electron spins of diamond nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres are important quantum resources for nanoscale sensing and quantum information. Combining NV spins with levitated optomechanical resonators will provide a hybrid quantum system for novel applications. Here we optically levitate a nanodiamond and demonstrate electron spin control of its built-in NV centres in low vacuum. We observe that the strength of electron spin resonance (ESR) is enhanced when the air pressure is reduced. To better understand this system, we investigate the effects of trap power and measure the absolute internal temperature of levitated nanodiamonds with ESR after calibration of the strain effect. We also observe that oxygen and helium gases have different effects on both the photoluminescence and the ESR contrast of nanodiamond NV centres, indicating potential applications of NV centres in oxygen gas sensing. Our results pave the way towards a levitated spin–optomechanical system for studying macroscopic quantum mechanics.
Cognitive neuroepigenetics: the next evolution in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying learning and memory?
Authors: Marshall Paul , Bredy Timothy W
Published: July 2016

A complete understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of learning and memory continues to elude neuroscientists. Although many important discoveries have been made, the question of how memories are encoded and maintained at the molecular level remains. So far, this issue has been framed within the context of one of the most dominant concepts in molecular biology, the central dogma, and the result has been a protein-centric view of memory. Here, we discuss the evidence supporting a role for neuroepigenetic mechanisms, which constitute dynamic and reversible, state-dependent modifications at all levels of control over cellular function, and their role in learning and memory. This neuroepigenetic view suggests that DNA, RNA and protein each influence one another to produce a holistic cellular state that contributes to the formation and maintenance of memory, and predicts a parallel and distributed system for the consolidation, storage and retrieval of the engram.
Thermodynamics and historical relevance of a jetting thermometer made of Chinese zisha ceramic
Authors: Lee Vincent , Attinger Daniel
Published: July 2016

Following a recent trend of scientific studies on artwork, we study here the thermodynamics of a thermometer made of zisha ceramic, related to the Chinese tea culture. The thermometer represents a boy who “urinates” shortly after hot water is poured onto his head. Long jetting distance is said to indicate that the water temperature is hot enough to brew tea. Here, a thermodynamic model describes the jetting phenomenon of that pee-pee boy. The study demonstrates how thermal expansion of an interior air pocket causes jetting. A thermodynamic potential is shown to define maximum jetting velocity. Seven optimization criteria to maximize jetting distance are provided, including two dimensionless numbers. Predicted jetting distances, jet durations, and temperatures agree very well with infrared and optical measurements. Specifically, the study confirms that jetting distances are sensitive enough to measure water temperature in the context of tea brewing. Optimization results show that longer jets are produced by large individuals, with low body mass index, with a boyhood of medium size inclined at an angle π/4. The study ends by considering the possibility that ceramic jetting artifacts like the pee-pee boy might have been the first thermometers known to mankind, before Galileo Galilei’s thermoscope.
FishMORPH - An agent-based model to predict salmonid growth and distribution responses under natural and low flows
Authors: Phang S. C. , Stillman R. A. , Cucherousset J. , Britton J. R. , Roberts D. , Beaumont W. R. C. , Gozlan R. E.
Published: July 2016

Predicting fish responses to modified flow regimes is becoming central to fisheries management. In this study we present an agent-based model (ABM) to predict the growth and distribution of young-of-the-year (YOY) and one-year-old (1+) Atlantic salmon and brown trout in response to flow change during summer. A field study of a real population during both natural and low flow conditions provided the simulation environment and validation patterns. Virtual fish were realistic both in terms of bioenergetics and feeding. We tested alternative movement rules to replicate observed patterns of body mass, growth rates, stretch distribution and patch occupancy patterns. Notably, there was no calibration of the model. Virtual fish prioritising consumption rates before predator avoidance replicated observed growth and distribution patterns better than a purely maximising consumption rule. Stream conditions of low predation and harsh winters provide ecological justification for the selection of this behaviour during summer months. Overall, the model was able to predict distribution and growth patterns well across both natural and low flow regimes. The model can be used to support management of salmonids by predicting population responses to predicted flow impacts and associated habitat change.
Maintenance of the functional integrity of mouse hematopoiesis by EED and promotion of leukemogenesis by EED haploinsufficiency
Authors: Ikeda Kenichiro , Ueda Takeshi , Yamasaki Norimasa , Nakata Yuichiro , Sera Yasuyuki , Nagamachi Akiko , Miyama Takahiko , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Takubo Keiyo , Kanai Akinori , Oda Hideaki , Wolff Linda , Honda Zen-ichiro , Ichinohe Tatsuo , Matsubara Akio , Suda Toshio , Inaba Toshiya , Honda Hiroaki
Published: July 2016

Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) participates in transcriptional repression through methylation of histone H3K27. The WD-repeat protein embryonic ectoderm development (EED) is a non-catalytic but an essential component of PRC2 and its mutations were identified in hematopoietic malignancies. To clarify the role(s) of EED in adult hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis, we generated Eed conditional knockout (EedΔ/Δ) mice. EedΔ/Δ mice died in a short period with rapid decrease of hematopoietic cells. Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) were markedly decreased with impaired bone marrow (BM) repopulation ability. Cell cycle analysis of HSPCs demonstrated increased S-phase fraction coupled with suppressed G0/G1 entry. Genes encoding cell adhesion molecules are significantly enriched in EedΔ/Δ HSPCs and consistently, EedΔ/Δ HSPCs exhibited increased attachment to a major extracellular matrix component, fibronectin. Thus, EED deficiency increases proliferation on one side but promotes quiescence possibly by enhanced adhesion to the hematopoietic niche on the other and these conflicting events would lead to abnormal differentiation and functional defect of EedΔ/Δ HSPCs. In addition, Eed haploinsufficiency induced hematopoietic dysplasia and Eed heterozygous mice were susceptible to malignant transformation and developed leukemia in cooperation with Evi1 overexpression. Our results demonstrated differentiation stage-specific and dose-dependent roles of EED in normal hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis.
Initiation of programmed cell death in the suspensor is predominantly regulated maternally in a tobacco hybrid
Authors: Luo An , Zhao Peng , Zhang Li-Yao , Sun Meng-Xiang
Published: July 2016

Maternal gene products deposited in the egg regulate early embryogenesis before activation of the embryonic genome in animals. While in higher plants, it is believed that genes of parental origin contribute to early embryogenesis. However, little is known regarding the particular processes in which genes of parental origin are involved during early embryogenesis. Previously, we found that the initiation of programmed cell death (PCD) in the suspensor of the embryo is regulated by the cystatin, NtCYS. Here, we confirmed that both parental transcripts contribute to PCD, but the relative expression level of the maternal NtCYS allele was much higher than that of the paternal allele in early embryos of tobacco interspecific hybrids. The expression level of the maternal NtCYS allele was decreased markedly, which was necessary for the initiation of PCD, while the paternal allele didn’t change. Interestingly, the pattern of PCD in the hybrid suspensor and the morphology of the hybrid suspensor were similar to those of the maternal parent. Our results suggest that NtCYS-mediated PCD initiation in the hybrid suspensor is likely controlled in a maternal dominant manner. This finding represents an example of the involvement of parental transcripts in a specific developmental event during early embryogenesis.
The Dentin Sialoprotein (DSP) Domain Regulates Dental Mesenchymal Cell Differentiation through a Novel Surface Receptor
Authors: Wan Chunyan , Yuan Guohua , Luo Daoshu , Zhang Lu , Lin Heng , Liu Huan , Chen Lei , Yang Guobin , Chen Shuo , Chen Zhi
Published: July 2016

Dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) is a dentin extracellular matrix protein that is processed into dentin sialoprotein (DSP), dentin glycoprotein (DGP) and dentin phosphoprotein (DPP). DSP is mainly expressed in odontoblasts. We hypothesized that DSP interacts with cell surface receptors and subsequently activates intracellular signaling. Using DSP as bait for screening a protein library, we demonstrate that DSP acts as a ligand and binds to integrin β6. The 36 amino acid residues of DSP are sufficient to bind to integrin β6. This peptide promoted cell attachment, migration, differentiation and mineralization of dental mesenchymal cells. In addition, DSP aa183-219 stimulated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and P38 kinases. This activation was inhibited by an anti-integrin β6 antibody and siRNA. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this DSP fragment induces SMAD1/5/8 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation via ERK1/2 and P38 signaling. SMAD1/5/8 binds to SMAD binding elements (SBEs) in the DSPP gene promoter. SBE mutations result in a decrease in DSPP transcriptional activity. Endogenous DSPP expression was up-regulated by DSP aa183-219 in dental mesenchymal cells. The data in the current study demonstrate for the first time that this DSP domain acts as a ligand in a RGD-independent manner and is involved in intracellular signaling via interacting with integrin β6. The DSP domain regulates DSPP expression and odontoblast homeostasis via a positive feedback loop.
Transcriptional and functional characterization of CD137L-dendritic cells identifies a novel dendritic cell phenotype
Authors: Harfuddin Zulkarnain , Dharmadhikari Bhushan , Wong Siew Cheng , Duan Kaibo , Poidinger Michael , Kwajah Shaqireen , Schwarz Herbert
Published: July 2016

The importance of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) is evidenced by the fact that they are essential for the elimination of pathogens. Although in vitro DCs can be generated by treatment of monocytes with GM-CSF and IL-4, it is unknown what stimuli induce differentiation of DCs in vivo. CD137L-DCs are human monocyte-derived DC that are generated by CD137 ligand (CD137L) signaling. We demonstrate that the gene signature of in vitro generated CD137L-DCs is most similar to those of GM-CSF and IL-4-generated immature DCs and of macrophages. This is reminiscent of in vivo inflammatory DC which also have been reported to share gene signatures with monocyte-derived DCs and macrophages. Performing direct comparison of deposited human gene expression data with a CD137L-DC dataset revealed a significant enrichment of CD137L-DC signature genes in inflammatory in vivo DCs. In addition, surface marker expression and cytokine secretion by CD137L-DCs resemble closely those of inflammatory DCs. Further, CD137L-DCs express high levels of adhesion molecules, display strong attachment and employ the adhesion molecule ALCAM to stimulate T cell proliferation. This study characterizes the gene expression profile of CD137L-DCs and identifies significant similarities of CD137L-DCs with in vivo inflammatory monocyte-derived DCs and macrophages.
Lanthanide Metal-Organic Frameworks with Six-Coordinated Ln(III) Ions and Free Functional Organic Sites for Adsorptions and Extensive Catalytic Activities
Authors: Zhu Yu , Zhu Min , Xia Li , Wu Yunlong , Hua Hui , Xie Jimin
Published: July 2016

Three chelating-amino-functionalized lanthanide metal-organic frameworks, Y-DDQ, Dy-DDQ and Eu-DDQ, were synthesized with a flexible dicarboxylate ligand based on quinoxaline (H2DDQ = N, N′-dibenzoic acid-2,3-diaminoquinoxaline). The three-dimensional framework is constructed by the H2DDQ linkers connecting the zigzag ladders, showing a net of sra topology. In the structures, one kind of Ln(III) ions metal centers are six-coordinated and thus can potentially behave as open metal sites (OMSs), while the free chelating amino groups can act as free functional organic sites (FOSs). The N2 and Ar adsorption behaviors indicate that these Ln-DDQ exhibits stable microporous frameworks with high surface area after remove of the solvents. Owing to presence of OMSs and FOSs, these MOFs show good ability of CO2, dyes captures and Lewis acid catalyst for cyanosilylation reaction. In view of the existing FOSs in the framework, Pd NPs were immobilized onto the MOFs through graft interactions between free chelating amino groups and metal ions precursor using postsynthetic modification. The well dispersed Pd@Ln-DDQs exhibit efficient and recyclable catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol and they can also act as an excellent catalyst for Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions with the exposed Pd NPs.
EpCAM (CD326) is differentially expressed in craniopharyngioma subtypes and Rathke’s cleft cysts
Authors: Thimsen Vivian , Hölsken Annett , Buchfelder Michael , Flitsch Jörg , Fahlbusch Rudolf , Stefanits Harald , Losa Marco , Jones David T. W. , Buslei Rolf
Published: July 2016

The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a type I glycoprotein located on the surface of epithelial cells. It is strongly expressed in many neoplasms and already used in the diagnosis and distinction of various tumour subtypes. Comparative studies about EpCAM expression in cystic sellar lesions are lacking. Therefore, we analysed its distribution pattern in adamantinomatous (aCP) and papillary (pCP) craniopharyngiomas (CP) and Rathke’s Cleft Cysts (RCC) using immunohistochemistry and gene expression profiling. Whereas the protein was not detectable in pCP (n = 10), all aCP (n = 64) showed distinct staining patterns. The vast majority of RCC (n = 10) also appeared positive, but these displayed notably lower labeling scores. Additionally, significantly higher mRNA levels were detectable in aCP (n = 19) when compared to pCP (n = 10) (p = 9.985−8). Furthermore, pediatric aCP cases, in general, exhibited stronger EpCAM staining levels compared to adult ones (p = 0.015). However, we were not able to verify this result on mRNA level. In summary, our findings demonstrate that EpCAM can be used as an additional distinction-marker for cystic lesions of the sellar region. Its unknown function in aCP and the presence of an approved monoclonal bispecific trifunctional antibody for cancer therapy are interesting starting points for further studies.
Engineering MoSx/Ti/InP Hybrid Photocathode for Improved Solar Hydrogen Production
Authors: Li Qiang , Zheng Maojun , Zhong Miao , Ma Liguo , Wang Faze , Ma Li , Shen Wenzhong
Published: July 2016

Due to its direct band gap of ~1.35 eV, appropriate energy band-edge positions and low surface-recombination velocity, p-type InP has attracted considerable attention as a promising photocathode material for solar hydrogen generation. However, challenges remain with p-type InP for achieving high and stable photoelectrochemical (PEC) performances. Here, we demonstrate that surface modifications of InP photocathodes with Ti thin layers and amorphous MoSx nanoparticles can remarkably improve their PEC performances. A high photocurrent density with an improved PEC onset potential is obtained. Electrochemical impedance analyses reveal that the largely improved PEC performance of MoSx/Ti/InP is attributed to the reduced charge-transfer resistance and the increased band bending at the MoSx/Ti/InP/electrolyte interface. In addition, the MoSx/Ti/InP photocathodes function stably for PEC water reduction under continuous light illumination over 2 h. Our study demonstrates an effective approach to develop high-PEC-performance InP photocathodes towards stable solar hydrogen production.
Cannabinoid receptor subtype 2 (CB2R) agonist, GW405833 reduces agonist-induced Ca2+ oscillations in mouse pancreatic acinar cells
Authors: Huang Zebing , Wang Haiyan , Wang Jingke , Zhao Mengqin , Sun Nana , Sun Fangfang , Shen Jianxin , Zhang Haiying , Xia Kunkun , Chen Dejie , Gao Ming , Hammer Ronald P. , Liu Qingrong , Xi Zhengxiong , Fan Xuegong , Wu Jie
Published: July 2016

Emerging evidence demonstrates that the blockade of intracellular Ca2+ signals may protect pancreatic acinar cells against Ca2+ overload, intracellular protease activation, and necrosis. The activation of cannabinoid receptor subtype 2 (CB2R) prevents acinar cell pathogenesis in animal models of acute pancreatitis. However, whether CB2Rs modulate intracellular Ca2+ signals in pancreatic acinar cells is largely unknown. We evaluated the roles of CB2R agonist, GW405833 (GW) in agonist-induced Ca2+ oscillations in pancreatic acinar cells using multiple experimental approaches with acute dissociated pancreatic acinar cells prepared from wild type, CB1R-knockout (KO), and CB2R-KO mice. Immunohistochemical labeling revealed that CB2R protein was expressed in mouse pancreatic acinar cells. Electrophysiological experiments showed that activation of CB2Rs by GW reduced acetylcholine (ACh)-, but not cholecystokinin (CCK)-induced Ca2+ oscillations in a concentration-dependent manner; this inhibition was prevented by a selective CB2R antagonist, AM630, or was absent in CB2R-KO but not CB1R-KO mice. In addition, GW eliminated L-arginine-induced enhancement of Ca2+ oscillations, pancreatic amylase, and pulmonary myeloperoxidase. Collectively, we provide novel evidence that activation of CB2Rs eliminates ACh-induced Ca2+ oscillations and L-arginine-induced enhancement of Ca2+ signaling in mouse pancreatic acinar cells, which suggests a potential cellular mechanism of CB2R-mediated protection in acute pancreatitis.
Highly Multiplexed RNA Aptamer Selection using a Microplate-based Microcolumn Device
Authors: Reinholt Sarah J. , Ozer Abdullah , Lis John T. , Craighead Harold G.
Published: July 2016

We describe a multiplexed RNA aptamer selection to 19 different targets simultaneously using a microcolumn-based device, MEDUSA (Microplate-based Enrichment Device Used for the Selection of Aptamers), as well as a modified selection process, that significantly reduce the time and reagents needed for selections. We exploited MEDUSA’s reconfigurable design between parallel and serially-connected microcolumns to enable the use of just 2 aliquots of starting library and its 96-well microplate compatibility to enable the continued use of high-throughput techniques in downstream processes. Our modified selection protocol allowed us to perform the equivalent of a 10-cycle selection in the time it takes for 4 traditional selection cycles. Several aptamers were discovered with nanomolar dissociation constants. Furthermore, aptamers were identified that not only bound with high affinity, but also acted as inhibitors to significantly reduce the activity of their target protein, mouse decapping exoribonuclease (DXO). The aptamers resisted DXO’s exoribonuclease activity and in studies monitoring DXO’s degradation of a 30-nucleotide substrate, less than 1 μM of aptamer demonstrated significant inhibition of DXO activity. This aptamer selection method using MEDUSA helps to overcome some of the major challenges with traditional aptamer selections and provides a platform for high-throughput selections that lends itself to process automation.