bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A revised, annotated checklist of Victorian dragonflies (Insecta : Odonata)
Authors: Endersby I.D.
Published: August 2017

Seventy-six species of Odonata are known from Victoria (26 Zygoptera; 50 Anisoptera). In the last ten years one new species Austroaeschna ingrid Theischinger, 2008 has been described from the State; Austroepigomphus praeruptus (Selys, 1857) and Pseudagrion microcephalum (Rambur, 1842) have now been recorded; and records of Rhadinosticta banksi (Tillyard, 1913) and Labidiosticta vallisi (Fraser, 1955) are judged to be erroneous. Generic names of Aeshna, and Trapezostigma have been changed. Some changes in higher level names and relationships, based on recent phylogenetic analyses, have been incorporated. Distribution maps for all species, based on museum collections, are provided.
Recovery of the Northern Plains Grassland Community – an overview
Authors: Foreman Paul Warrick
Published: August 2017

The grasslands of the northern plains of Victoria have long been recognised to be among the most threatened and poorly-reserved ecosystems in Victoria and Australia with only an estimated 3.8% remaining. As the protected area network (PAN) has greatly expanded in the last decade, there has been a commensurate loss of unprotected grasslands due to legal and illegal clearing. Whether or not the PAN continues to grow, there is now a significant on-going conservation management liability that must be underpinned by an improved understanding of ecosystem function and the role of disturbance. Some encouraging progress has been made by recent research. For instance, only partial recovery from cultivation is possible with long (cultivation) resting and that further improvement requires intervention to overcome the limits in seed dispersal of key functional groups. And although more has been learnt about how patterns in productivity/species-richness interactions can be managed/influenced by biomass manipulation, the use of stock grazing as a sustainable conservation management tool has still not been demonstrated. The interim regime of ‘status quo’ (stock) management persists despite the fact that it has failed to: (a) differentiate itself from standard pastoral practices, and (b) define the pathway to discovering better alternatives. A new technical advisory group has been established to oversee recovery strategy and has chosen the development of a ‘conceptual model of how the system works’, as a key priority. A further priority will be to pursue the renomination of the community under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 following the recent publication of research suggesting these grasslands are naturally treeless, floristically unique and geographically confined to the southern Riverina.
Establishment of the Box-Ironbark Ecological Thinning Trial in north central Victoria
Authors: Pigott J. Patrick , Palmer Grant P. , Yen Alan L. , Tolsma Arn D. , Brown Geoff W. , Gibson Matt S. , Wright John R.
Published: August 2017

An ecological thinning trial was established in 2003 in north-central Victoria as part of the development of an ecological management strategy to support the newly created Box-Ironbark Parks and Reserves System. The objective of the trial was to restore diversity of habitat structure to declining Box-Ironbark forests and woodlands. Three ecological thinning techniques were designed around several principles: reducing total basal-area of trees and retaining levels of patchiness whilst retaining large trees. Thinning treatments were implemented in 30 ha plots at four conservation reserves south of Bendigo, Victoria. A range of ecosystem components were monitored before and after thinning. A woody-debris removal treatment was also set-up at a 1 ha scale within thinning treatments. Prior to thinning, plots were dominated by high numbers of coppice regenerated trees with few of the trees sampled considered large, resulting in low numbers of tree hollows and low loadings of coarse woody debris. It is anticipated that the establishment of the ecological thinning trial (Phase I), is the beginning of long-term monitoring, as effects of thinning on key habitat values may not be apparent for up to 50 years or more. The vision for restoration of Box-Ironbark forests and woodlands is one of a mosaic landscape with a greater diversity of habitat types including open areas and greater numbers of larger, hollow-bearing trees. This paper summarises the experimental design and the techniques adopted in Phase I of this project during 2003-2008.
Neumayer in Australia: his scientific legacy
Authors: Quilty Patrick
Published: August 2017

Georg von Neumayer (1826-1909) is a major figure in the history of Australian and Antarctic science. He came to Australia twice, in 1852 and 1857–1864, the first time as a sailor and the second as the scientist who established the Flagstaff Observatory in Melbourne. He came here at a time when the scientific tradition was firmly established in Europe (its home) but new to Australia where there was little or no homegrown scientific establishment. His main contributions are in the fields of terrestrial magnetism, the early days of oceanography, and the potential of polar research. He built and managed the Flagstaff Observatory, conducted a magnetic survey of Victoria, visited Tasmania to re-measure the magnetic parameters at Rossbank Observatory, worked to identify the most efficient sailing routes for shipping between Europe and Australia and collaborated with other scientists and artists during his sojourn here. On return to Europe, he became a major influence in the Heroic Era of Antarctic exploration.
Georg von Neumayer and his traces in Germany
Authors: Thiede Jörn
Published: August 2017

Georg Balthasar Neumayer (1826–1909) was probably the most important figure in establishing maritime services and ocean research in Germany, after he spent several years in Australia as a young scientist. He succeeded to found the ‘Deutsche Seewarte’ in Hamburg, the predecessor of the modern BSH (Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie—Federal Martime and Hydrographic Agency) in Hamburg and Rostock and established a wide range of maritime services by providing sailing instructions for merchant vessels. He took initiatives towards Germany´s first global ocean expedition on Gazelle, the first International Polar Year, the first German Antarctic Expedition on Gauss, and became a widely recognised and respected science manager, on the national as well on the international scene.
Vertebrate fauna and fire regimes: a conceptual model to aid fire research and management
Authors: Loyn Richard H.
Published: August 2017

Vertebrate fauna respond actively to individual fires by movement before and after the event, as well as by mortality and reproduction at the population level. They rely very much on mechanisms for avoiding fire fronts and ex situ recolonisation of burnt and regenerating habitat, as well as in situ survival. This sets them apart from most plant species and the more sedentary examples of invertebrate fauna. Rates of recolonisation after fire events depend on habitat development, and this includes both structure and floristic aspects of the vegetation, and also on accessibility of refuge habitat. Strategies for conserving vertebrate fauna need to take a broad landscape perspective to ensure that fire regimes are designed so that species can survive particular fire events in the broad landscape, and have potential to recolonise habitat as it becomes suitable over time. Long-unburnt vegetation provides important habitat for some species and should be valued accordingly. Long time-frames may be needed for some structural elements to develop after severe fires. Hence it is necessary to think big in managing habitat for vertebrate fauna, at both spatial and temporal scales. A conceptual model is offered for doing this, and a research program is described which aims to provide the detail necessary to make appropriate settings in policy and management frameworks.
The Mallee fire and biodiversity project
Authors: Watson Simon J. , Taylor Rick S. , Spence-Bailey Lisa , Nimmo Dale G. , Kenny Sally , Kelly Luke T. , Haslem Angie , Griffioen Peter , Callister Kate , Brown Lauren , Avitabile Sarah , Bennett Andrew F. , Clarke Michael F.
Published: August 2017

Fire is a widespread disturbance and an important ecological process in semi-arid mallee ecosystems of southern Australia. Understanding the effects of fire on plants and animals is a key challenge for the conservation and management of biodiversity in this ecosystem. Commencing in 2006, the Mallee Fire and Biodiversity Project is investigating the effects of fire on a range of taxa (vascular plants, invertebrates, reptiles, birds and mammals), with a focus on the influence of the properties of ‘fire mosaics’ on biota. A ‘whole of landscape’ design was employed, in which the flora and fauna were sampled in 28 study landscapes, each 4 km in diameter (12.5 km2) across a 104, 000 km2 area of the Murray Mallee region of Victoria, SA and NSW. Here, we summarise some key results and outputs from this project to date. These include: detailed maps of fire history and major vegetation types; a method for predicting the age of mallee vegetation; novel information about the distribution of fire age-classes in the region; and changes to vegetation structure and in the occurrence of reptile, bird and mammal species over a century-long post-fire time-frame. We also present an overview of the effects of fire mosaics (extent of particular age classes, diversity of fire age-classes) on the richness of some mallee fauna. A wealth of knowledge has been developed through the Mallee Fire and Biodiversity Project that will assist the management of mallee ecosystems in southern Australia for the future.
Don’t be afraid of the f-word: prospects for integrating fungi into biodiversity monitoring
Authors: May Tom W. , Mcmullan-Fisher Sapphire J.M.
Published: August 2017

Fungi are diverse and functionally significant components of ecosystems yet are omitted from current ecological monitoring in Victoria, especially in relation to fire. The taxonomic and morphological diversity of fungi complicates identification but sampling by molecular profiling is now a practical alternative to specialised and time-consuming methods of culturing and fruit-body survey. Suggestions are provided to guide the implementation of ecological monitoring of fungi.
Summary of Session 2: Climate change impacts on Victoria
Authors: Gleadow Roslyn M.
Published: August 2017

Talks in the third thread of the climate change symposium, Impacts, focused on possible impacts on sea level rises (Dr Kathleen McInnes), water resources (Dr Dasarath Jaya Jayasuriya), human health (Associate Professor Grant Blashki) and agriculture (Dr Leanne Webb) in the Victorian context. The series of articles here summarise the state of knowledge and provide an entry point for readers who want to delve further into the different impacts. We recognise that the consequences of climate change are so far reaching that the entire symposium could have been dedicated to each topic. This introduction highlights key points of each of the presentations. A short overview of the impact of climate change on biodiversity in Victoria is also included in this introduction, even though it was not able to be included in the symposium due to time constraints.
Challenges and opportunities for fossil fuels in a carbon - constrained world – an Australian perspective
Authors: Rowlands William
Published: August 2017

With climate change undeniable, what are Australia’s opportunities for achieving more controlled greenhouse gases releases, while still using fossil fuels? How does this interplay with the reduction of fossil crude oil supply and the increasing shift in Australia towards importing finished products, declining refinery infrastructure and consequently reduction in the availability of chemical feed stocks for the local chemical industry? In fact, will there be an Australian chemicals and refining industry 30 years from now? The talk discussed these questions and aimed to outline a vision for Australia that might successfully deal with some of their aspects. Furthermore, this vision will be partially translated and exemplified with our lignite value add project in Victoria.
Tracking Australia’s Progress to a Low Carbon Economy
Authors: Thwaites John
Published: August 2017

Tracking Progress is the first national index of Australia’s progress towards a low carbon economy. With increasing business and community focus on how best to transition to a low carbon future, it is critical to have a robust measurement and evaluation framework for low carbon activity. ClimateWorks Australia has undertaken a detailed analysis of activity occurring across the Australian economy that reduces or avoids greenhouse gas emissions, pulling together the available information and data across key sectors: power, industry, buildings and land-use, and waste. In addition ClimateWorks has produced a special report on factors influencing large industrial energy efficiency.
Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor regulates hypothermia during calorie restriction
Authors: Cintron-Colon Rigo , Sanchez-Alavez Manuel , Nguyen William , Mori Simone , Gonzalez-Rivera Ruben , Lien Tiffany , Bartfai Tamas , Aïd Saba , François Jean-Christophe , Holzenberger Martin , Conti Bruno
Published: August 2017

Significance

Energy homeostasis is fundamental for the survival of living organisms and contributes to their health, longevity, and aging. When food resources are scarce, and during experimental calorie restriction, endothermic animals can lower their core body temperature. Here, we found that this response is regulated by the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor. This demonstrates that the three main factors affecting aging and longevity (calorie restriction, reduction of the insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling, and lowered temperature) are components of the same pathway that modulates energy homeostasis. The finding also identifies body temperature reduction as a common determinant of the effects of both calorie restriction and reduced insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor signaling.
Emerging role of wetland methane emissions in driving 21st century climate change
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Stenke Andrea , Li Xin , Hodson Elke L. , Zhu Gaofeng , Huang Chunlin , Poulter Benjamin
Published: August 2017

Significance

Conventional greenhouse gas mitigation policies ignore the role of global wetlands in emitting methane (CH
4
) from feedbacks associated with changing climate. Here we investigate wetland feedbacks and whether, and to what degree, wetlands will exceed anthropogenic 21st century CH
4
emissions using an ensemble of climate projections and a biogeochemical methane model with dynamic wetland area and permafrost. Our results reveal an emerging contribution of global wetland CH
4
emissions due to processes mainly related to the sensitivity of methane emissions to temperature and changing global wetland area. We highlight that climate-change and wetland CH
4
feedbacks to radiative forcing are an important component of climate change and should be represented in policies aiming to mitigate global warming below 2°C.
The 4E-BP growth pathway regulates the effect of ambient temperature on
Drosophila
metabolism and lifespan
Authors: Carvalho Gil B. , Drago Ilaria , Hoxha Sany , Yamada Ryuichi , Mahneva Olena , Bruce Kimberley D. , Soto Obando Alina , Conti Bruno , Ja William W.
Published: August 2017

Significance

Temperature dramatically affects lifespan in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Recent studies have challenged the notion that cold promotes longevity solely through thermodynamic effects. We support this idea by describing a genetic manipulation influencing the longevity response to temperature in
Drosophila
. Low temperatures activate 4E-BP [eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E)-binding protein], triggering changes in metabolism, protein translation, and lifespan. In conjunction with recent studies, the findings support the idea that nutrition and temperature affect lifespan via partially overlapping mechanisms and highlight the 4E-BP/eIF4E pathway as a pharmacological target to treat aging-related pathologies and maximize longevity.
Cytochrome P450 monooxygenase lipid metabolites are significant second messengers in the resolution of choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Hasegawa Eiichi , Inafuku Saori , Mulki Lama , Okunuki Yoko , Yanai Ryoji , Smith Kaylee E. , Kim Clifford B. , Klokman Garrett , Bielenberg Diane R. , Puli Narender , Falck John R. , Husain Deeba , Miller Joan W. , Edin Matthew L. , Zeldin Darryl C. , Lee Kin Sing Stephen , Hammock Bruce D. , Schunck Wolf-Hagen , Connor Kip M.
Published: August 2017

Significance

Abnormal blood vessel growth occurs in many common diseases, from cancers and cardiovascular diseases to ocular conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and is thus a major target of many recent treatment approaches. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are of significant interest in this context, since bioactive lipid metabolites derived from this pathway have been shown to be potent regulators of inflammation and angiogenesis. Our study has identified key compounds of the cytochrome P450 metabolic pathway that are responsible for resolving abnormal vascular growth in AMD, which work in part by modulating the recruitment of inflammatory immune cells. We believe these findings have significant therapeutic implications not only for AMD but also for other inflammatory disorders.
Changes in human skull morphology across the agricultural transition are consistent with softer diets in preindustrial farming groups
Authors: Katz David C. , Grote Mark N. , Weaver Timothy D.
Published: August 2017

Significance

Agriculture changed not only human culture and lifeways, but human biology as well. Previous studies indicate that softer agricultural diets may have resulted in a less robust craniofacial morphology in early farmers. However, obtaining reliable estimates of worldwide subsistence effects has proved challenging. Here, we quantify changes in human skull shape and form across the agricultural transition at a global scale. Although modest, the effects are often reliably directional and most pronounced in craniofacial features that are directly involved in mastication.
DNA methylation of intragenic CpG islands depends on their transcriptional activity during differentiation and disease
Authors: Jeziorska Danuta M. , Murray Robert J. S. , De Gobbi Marco , Gaentzsch Ricarda , Garrick David , Ayyub Helena , Chen Taiping , Li En , Telenius Jelena , Lynch Magnus , Graham Bryony , Smith Andrew J. H. , Lund Jonathan N. , Hughes Jim R. , Higgs Douglas R. , Tufarelli Cristina
Published: August 2017

Significance

The human genome contains ∼30,000 CpG islands (CGIs), long stretches (0.5–2 kb) of DNA with unusually elevated levels of CpG dinucleotides. Many occur at genes' promoters, and their DNA nearly always remains unmethylated. Conversely, intragenic CGIs are often, but not always, methylated, and thus inactive as internal promoters. The mechanisms underlying these contrasting patterns of CGI methylation are poorly understood. We show that methylation of intragenic CGIs is associated with transcription running across the island. Whether or not a particular intragenic CGI becomes methylated during development depends on its transcriptional activity relative to that of the gene within which it lies. Our findings explain how intragenic CGIs are epigenetically programmed in normal development and in human diseases, including malignancy.
Involvement of posttranscriptional regulation of
Clock
in the emergence of circadian clock oscillation during mouse development
Authors: Umemura Yasuhiro , Koike Nobuya , Ohashi Munehiro , Tsuchiya Yoshiki , Meng Qing Jun , Minami Yoichi , Hara Masayuki , Hisatomi Moe , Yagita Kazuhiro
Published: August 2017

Significance

Circadian clocks reside in each cell level throughout the body in mammals. Intrinsic cellular circadian clocks develop cell autonomously during the cellular differentiation process. However, mechanisms controlling the emergence of cellular circadian clock oscillation in vivo are not fully understood. Here, we show that Dicer/Dgcr8-mediated posttranscriptional mechanisms control the CLOCK protein expression in both mouse fetal hearts and in vitro differentiating ES cells, which contributes to the emergence of circadian clock in mammalian cells. This event occurs after cell lineage determination into hearts or loss of pluripotent stem cell markers in differentiating ES cells, suggesting the cellular differentiation-coupled clock development may be conducted by a two-step program consisting of cellular differentiation and subsequent establishment of circadian transcriptional/translational feedback loops.
Asymmetries in behavioral and neural responses to spectral cues demonstrate the generality of auditory looming bias
Authors: Baumgartner Robert , Reed Darrin K. , Tóth Brigitta , Best Virginia , Majdak Piotr , Colburn H. Steven , Shinn-Cunningham Barbara
Published: August 2017

Significance

Previous studies demonstrated “auditory looming bias” exclusively by manipulating overall sound intensity. Hence, it is not clear whether this bias truly reflects perceptual differences in sensitivity to motion direction rather than changes in intensity. We manipulated individualized spectral cues to create stimuli that were perceived as either approaching or receding, while controlling loudness. We assessed discrimination of motion direction and analyzed simultaneously recorded neural responses using electroencephalography. Our results show both behavioral and neural evidence of looming bias. Therefore, our study demonstrates that the bias is truly about perceived motion in distance, not intensity changes.
Identification of NRAS isoform 2 overexpression as a mechanism facilitating BRAF inhibitor resistance in malignant melanoma
Authors: Duggan Megan C. , Stiff Andrew R. , Bainazar Maryam , Regan Kelly , Olaverria Salavaggione Gonzalo N. , Maharry Sophia , Blachly James S. , Krischak Madison , Walker Christopher J. , Latchana Nicholas , Tridandapani Susheela , de la Chapelle Albert , Eisfeld Ann-Kathrin , Carson William E.
Published: August 2017

Significance

This study indicates that one of the isoforms of NRAS, specifically NRAS isoform 2, plays a role in BRAF inhibitor resistance by facilitating alternative survival signaling through the PI3K pathway in the presence of MAPK pathway inhibition. Targeting NRAS isoform 2 may be a beneficial treatment strategy in the prevention and management of BRAF inhibitor resistance in melanoma.
Individuals with greater science literacy and education have more polarized beliefs on controversial science topics
Authors: Drummond Caitlin , Fischhoff Baruch
Published: August 2017

Significance

Public opinion toward some science and technology issues is polarized along religious and political lines. We investigate whether people with more education and greater science knowledge tend to express beliefs that are more (or less) polarized. Using data from the nationally representative General Social Survey, we find that more knowledgeable individuals are more likely to express beliefs consistent with their religious or political identities for issues that have become polarized along those lines (e.g., stem cell research, human evolution), but not for issues that are controversial on other grounds (e.g., genetically modified foods). These patterns suggest that scientific knowledge may facilitate defending positions motivated by nonscientific concerns.
Targeted PET imaging strategy to differentiate malignant from inflamed lymph nodes in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Tang Jun , Salloum Darin , Carney Brandon , Brand Christian , Kossatz Susanne , Sadique Ahmad , Lewis Jason S. , Weber Wolfgang A. , Wendel Hans-Guido , Reiner Thomas
Published: August 2017

Significance

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common adult lymphoma, accounting for 37% of all non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases in the United States. Despite an approximate 50% cure rate, refractory or relapsed cases have a poor prognosis and require timely medical interventions. Therefore, accurate diagnostic methods play a pivotal role in managing DLBCL.
18
F- fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ([
18
F]FDG-PET) imaging, the current standard imaging modality for diagnosing DLBCL, often fails to differentiate inflamed from malignant lymph nodes in patients with DLBCL. To address this urgent medical need, we have developed a targeted PET imaging method that accurately distinguishes malignancy from inflammation in the lymph nodes. Our targeted PET imaging approach could play an essential role in the clinical development of therapies that induce significant inflammation in DLBCL.
Southern Annular Mode drives multicentury wildfire activity in southern South America
Authors: Holz Andrés , Paritsis Juan , Mundo Ignacio A. , Veblen Thomas T. , Kitzberger Thomas , Williamson Grant J. , Aráoz Ezequiel , Bustos-Schindler Carlos , González Mauro E. , Grau H. Ricardo , Quezada Juan M.
Published: August 2017

Significance

Fire is a key ecological process affecting ecosystem dynamics and services, driven primarily by variations in fuel amount and condition, ignition patterns, and climate. In the Southern Hemisphere, current warming conditions are linked to the upward trend in the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) due to ozone depletion. Here we use tree ring fire scar data obtained from diverse biomes ranging from subtropical dry woodlands to sub-Antarctic rainforests to assess the effect of the SAM on regional fire activity over the past several centuries. Our findings reveal a tight coupling between fire activity and the SAM at all temporal scales and in all biomes, with increased wildfire synchrony and activity during the 20th century compared with previous centuries.
Sensitized mutagenesis screen in Factor V Leiden mice identifies thrombosis suppressor loci
Authors: Westrick Randal J. , Tomberg Kärt , Siebert Amy E. , Zhu Guojing , Winn Mary E. , Dobies Sarah L. , Manning Sara L. , Brake Marisa A. , Cleuren Audrey C. , Hobbs Linzi M. , Mishack Lena M. , Johnston Alexander J. , Kotnik Emilee , Siemieniak David R. , Xu Jishu , Li Jun Z. , Saunders Thomas L. , Ginsburg David
Published: August 2017

Significance

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common disease characterized by the formation of inappropriate blood clots. Inheritance of specific genetic variants, such as the Factor V Leiden polymorphism, increases VTE susceptibility. However, only ∼10% of people inheriting Factor V Leiden develop VTE, suggesting the involvement of other genes that are currently unknown. By inducing random genetic mutations into mice with a genetic predisposition to VTE, we identified two genomic regions that reduce VTE susceptibility. The first includes the gene for blood coagulation, Factor 3, and its role was confirmed by analyzing mice with an independent mutation in this gene. The second contains a mutation in the
Actr2
gene. These findings identify critical genes for the regulation of blood-clotting risk.
Targeted habitat restoration can reduce extinction rates in fragmented forests
Authors: Newmark William D. , Jenkins Clinton N. , Pimm Stuart L. , McNeally Phoebe B. , Halley John M.
Published: August 2017

Significance

Most species extinctions after habitat loss are delayed. Thus, there are important, yet insufficiently appreciated, opportunities to conserve species through habitat restoration. Here, we assess the impact of targeted habitat restoration on how long tropical bird species might persist in two tropical biodiversity hotspots—the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania and the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Persistence times could be increased up to 56-fold by regenerating forest among the largest and closest forest fragments at these two localities. Given the unusually large numbers of threatened and endemic species that occur in other biodiversity hotspots, opportunities to enhance species persistence through habitat restoration should be explored elsewhere.
Soil carbon debt of 12,000 years of human land use
Authors: Sanderman Jonathan , Hengl Tomislav , Fiske Gregory J.
Published: August 2017

Significance

Land use and land cover change has resulted in substantial losses of carbon from soils globally, but credible estimates of how much soil carbon has been lost have been difficult to generate. Using a data-driven statistical model and the History Database of the Global Environment v3.2 historic land-use dataset, we estimated that agricultural land uses have resulted in the loss of 133 Pg C from the soil. Importantly, our maps indicate hotspots of soil carbon loss, often associated with major cropping regions and degraded grazing lands, suggesting that there are identifiable regions that should be targets for soil carbon restoration efforts.
US cities can manage national hydrology and biodiversity using local infrastructure policy
Authors: McManamay Ryan A. , Surendran Nair Sujithkumar , DeRolph Christopher R. , Ruddell Benjamin L. , Morton April M. , Stewart Robert N. , Troia Matthew J. , Tran Liem , Kim Hyun , Bhaduri Budhendra L.
Published: August 2017

Significance

We introduce a unique and detailed data-driven approach that links cities’ hard infrastructures to their distal ecological impacts on streams. Although US cities concentrate most of the nation’s population, wealth, and consumption in roughly 5% of the land area, we find that city infrastructures influence habitats for over 60% of North America’s fish, mussel, and crayfish species and have contributed to local and complete extinctions in 260 species. We also demonstrate that city impacts are not proportionate to city size but reflect infrastructure decisions; thus, as US urbanization trends continue, local government and utility companies have opportunities to improve regional aquatic ecosystem conditions outside city boundaries through their hard infrastructure policies.
Foxp3-independent mechanism by which TGF-β controls peripheral T cell tolerance
Authors: Oh Soyoung A. , Liu Ming , Nixon Briana G. , Kang Davina , Toure Ahmed , Bivona Michael , Li Ming O.
Published: August 2017

Significance

A functional immune system requires a highly diverse repertoire of T cells to optimize protection against foreign pathogens while maintaining tolerance against self-antigens. Two critical pathways in the control of T cell tolerance are the cytokine TGF-β and Foxp3-expressing Treg cells. However, since TGF-β promotes Treg cell development, and Treg cells also produce the cytokine, whether TGF-β and Treg cells are part of the same regulatory module to repress self-reactive T cells or function as distinct pathways remains incompletely understood. Using a mouse model of autoimmune diabetes, this study elucidates a dominant role for a Foxp3-independent mechanism of TGF-β signaling in the regulation of T cell tolerance.
Stalled replication forks generate a distinct mutational signature in yeast
Authors: Larsen Nicolai B. , Liberti Sascha E. , Vogel Ivan , Jørgensen Signe W. , Hickson Ian D. , Mankouri Hocine W.
Published: August 2017

Significance

The molecular mechanisms that generate genome alterations and genetic heterogeneity in proliferating cells are technically challenging to delineate. To analyze mutagenic outcomes at a perturbed replication fork, we engineered an inducible replication fork barrier, coupled with a genetic reporter, into the yeast genome. We demonstrate that replication fork stalling triggers a cellular response mechanism that can generate localized losses and duplications of DNA sequences as an associated cost. Because the key proteins involved in this process are evolutionarily conserved in eukaryotes, we propose these findings may reveal a ubiquitous cellular response to DNA replication stress, as well as a conserved mechanism of DNA replication-associated mutagenesis.
Hsp90 activator Aha1 drives production of pathological tau aggregates
Authors: Shelton Lindsey B. , Baker Jeremy D. , Zheng Dali , Sullivan Leia E. , Solanki Parth K. , Webster Jack M. , Sun Zheying , Sabbagh Jonathan J. , Nordhues Bryce A. , Koren John , Ghosh Suman , Blagg Brian S. J. , Blair Laura J. , Dickey Chad A.
Published: August 2017

Significance

The accumulation of toxic tau protein, as in Alzheimer’s disease, is regulated by the 90-kDa heat shock protein (Hsp90) chaperone system. Inhibition of Hsp90 has been shown to reduce tau levels. However, Hsp90 inhibition can be problematic due to a lack of blood–brain barrier permeability and established toxicities. Here, we demonstrate that the Hsp90 cochaperone, ATPase homolog 1 (Aha1), dramatically increases the production of aggregated tau in vitro and in a mouse model of neurodegenerative disease. Moreover, inhibition of Aha1 reduced tau accumulation in cultured cells. These data identify Aha1 as a target for the treatment of tauopathies.
MLKL forms disulfide bond-dependent amyloid-like polymers to induce necroptosis
Authors: Liu Shuzhen , Liu Hua , Johnston Andrea , Hanna-Addams Sarah , Reynoso Eduardo , Xiang Yougui , Wang Zhigao
Published: August 2017

Significance

Necroptosis is a programmed form of necrotic cell death which is implicated in a wide range of human pathological conditions. It is controlled by receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) and its substrate mixed-lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL). Phosphorylated MLKL forms tetramers and translocates to membrane fractions to induce cell death. Here we report that MLKL tetramers further polymerize to form disulfide bond-dependent amyloid-like fibers, which are required for necroptosis. Furthermore, induced polymerization of the MLKL N-terminal domain is sufficient to activate necroptosis without RIPK3. This work reveals a mechanism for MLKL activation and generates exciting directions for necroptosis regulation.
Predicting gene regulatory networks by combining spatial and temporal gene expression data inArabidopsisroot stem cells
Authors: de Luis Balaguer Maria Angels , Fisher Adam P. , Clark Natalie M. , Fernandez-Espinosa Maria Guadalupe , Möller Barbara K. , Weijers Dolf , Lohmann Jan U. , Williams Cranos , Lorenzo Oscar , Sozzani Rosangela
Published: August 2017

Significance

We developed a computational pipeline that uses gene expression datasets for inferring relationships among genes and predicting their importance. We showed that the capacity of our pipeline to integrate spatial and temporal transcriptional datasets improves the performance of inference algorithms. The combination of this pipeline withArabidopsisstem cell-specific data resulted in networks that capture the regulations of stem cell-enriched genes in the stem cells and throughout root development. Our combined approach of molecular biology, computational biology, and mathematical biology, led to successful findings of factors that could play important roles in stem cell regulation and, in particular, quiescent center function.
Tracking the insulator-to-metal phase transition in VO
2
with few-femtosecond extreme UV transient absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Jager Marieke F. , Ott Christian , Kraus Peter M. , Kaplan Christopher J. , Pouse Winston , Marvel Robert E. , Haglund Richard F. , Neumark Daniel M. , Leone Stephen R.
Published: August 2017

Significance

An insulator-to-metal phase transition is a process that changes a solid material from being electrically nonconductive to being conductive. The phase transition in vanadium dioxide is a well-studied example where the process can occur in less than a picosecond, making it exciting for ultrafast electronic switches. This paper measures a record speed for the phase transition of 26 fs into a long-lived excited state of the metal that persists out to >60 ps. The extreme UV absorption spectrum of the material is also measured and (together with the ultrafast timescale) belies a structural mechanism that has long been deliberated. The measured femtosecond timescale provides fundamental insight into the electronic speed limits of these complex phenomena.
In situ nano- to microscopic imaging and growth mechanism of electrochemical dissolution (e.g., corrosion) of a confined metal surface
Authors: Merola C. , Cheng H.-W. , Schwenzfeier K. , Kristiansen K. , Chen Y.-J. , Dobbs H. A. , Israelachvili J. N. , Valtiner M.
Published: August 2017

Significance

A surface forces apparatus was used with an electrochemical attachment to directly visualize electrochemical reactions, dissolution, and pitting on surfaces when confined in nanoscale gaps (or “crevices”) in real time. The results provide unique insights into how two closely apposed surfaces degrade under confinement, which is different from degradation of surfaces exposed to bulk solution. Degradation proceeds via local nucleation of “pits” at the periphery or center of the “contact area” that rapidly grow outward (in radius) and, more slowly, in depth, until the pits converge and the whole area has become one large pit. The results on a metal–inorganic interface are similar to previous observations on inorganic interfaces, and support a general mechanism of “pitting corrosion” at confined interfaces.
Late-stage magmatic outgassing from a volatile-depleted Moon
Authors: Day James M. D. , Moynier Frédéric , Shearer Charles K.
Published: August 2017

Significance

The “Rusty Rock” 66095 is one of the most volatile-rich rocks from the Moon. The abundance and isotopic composition of volatile elements in the Rusty Rock demonstrates that its lunar interior source became highly depleted in volatile elements and compounds, including Zn, Cl, and Pb. Depletion of these and other volatile elements occurred during thermomagmatic evolution of the Moon and a magma ocean phase. The volatile-rich nature of some rocks on the lunar surface likely originates from extreme degassing and volatile loss from the Moon’s interior. Light zinc isotopic compositions in the Rusty Rock and in the lunar volcanic glass beads (74220, 15426) imply that these samples are partly derived from reservoirs that experienced vapor condensation from a volatile-poor Moon.
CD146 coordinates brain endothelial cell–pericyte communication for blood–brain barrier development
Authors: Chen Jianan , Luo Yongting , Hui Hui , Cai Tanxi , Huang Hongxin , Yang Fuquan , Feng Jing , Zhang Jingjing , Yan Xiyun
Published: August 2017

Significance

Development of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) requires spatiotemporal coordination of cerebrovascular endothelial cells (ECs) and pericytes. Until now, the molecular mechanism(s) coordinating the pericyte–EC behaviors during this process have been incompletely understood. In this study, combining the analysis of EC-/pericyte-specific
Cd146
-KO mice and in vitro BBB models, we report CD146 as a dynamic coordinator regulating the communication between ECs and pericytes within the neurovascular unit during BBB development. Our study demonstrates that a single cell-adhesion receptor, CD146, acts as an essential regulator to coordinate pericyte–EC communication and BBB formation during embryogenesis. Furthermore, it identifies CD146 as a potential key therapeutic target for neurological diseases related to cerebrovascular disorders.
Covalent inhibitors for eradication of drug-resistant HIV-1 reverse transcriptase: From design to protein crystallography
Authors: Chan Albert H. , Lee Won-Gil , Spasov Krasimir A. , Cisneros José A. , Kudalkar Shalley N. , Petrova Zaritza O. , Buckingham Amanda B. , Anderson Karen S. , Jorgensen William L.
Published: August 2017

Significance

HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) has been the prime target for anti-HIV chemotherapy; however, its rapid mutation often generates drug resistance. Prominent variant strains of HIV-1 that lead to treatment failure with nonnucleoside RT inhibitors (NNRTIs) bear the Tyr181Cys mutation in RT. Based on our previous discovery and crystallography for potent noncovalent NNRTIs, new compounds were designed with incorporation of chemical warheads intended to modify covalently Cys181. Here we report on the success of the strategy, including biochemical, biophysical, and cellular evidence of the desired irreversible covalent inhibition. The new compounds completely eliminate the activity of Cys181-bearing RT, and it may be possible to dose them less frequently than noncovalent inhibitors.
Prion protein
β
2–
α
2 loop conformational landscape
Authors: Caldarulo Enrico , Barducci Alessandro , Wüthrich Kurt , Parrinello Michele
Published: August 2017

Significance

β

2–

α

2 loop conformational polymorphism in cellular prion proteins (

PrP
C

) has a key role in the development of prion diseases. Using state of the art enhanced simulation methods, we design its conformational landscape and calculate its static and dynamic properties. We also show that in combination with NMR data, these simulation methods can provide a detailed atomistic picture of the

β

2–

α

2 loop dynamics.
Pulmonary Hypertension: Clinical Parameters of a Difficult Case in Pregnancy
Authors: Calhoun Byron C.
Published: August 2017

Treatment of pulmonary hypertension in pregnancy with a prostacyclin analogue-iloprost and/or calcium channel antagonists appears to improve outcomes and survival. These medications could have been administered to the patient and the response monitored. If the patient did not respond to therapy, this patient may have had either a referral to or transfer to another high risk center with more experience in this type of pregnant patient. There is no literature to support termination of pregnancy improving maternal survival outcomes in these patients, even though termination is recommended by all obstetrical textbooks. Maternal survival, rather, appears to be related to response to therapy, type of therapy, and continuation of therapy.

A patient who is pregnant with pulmonary hypertension (increased right-sided heart pressures) may be managed with medications. There is no literature to support termination of pregnancy improving maternal survival outcomes in patients with pulmonary hypertension, even though termination is recommended by all obstetrical textbooks. Maternal survival, rather, appears to be related to response to therapy, type of therapy, and continuation of therapy.
Ethical intuitionism and the linguistic analogy
Authors: Schwind Philipp
Published: August 2017

It is a central tenet of ethical intuitionism as defended by W. D. Ross and others that moral theory should reﬂect the convictions of mature moral agents. Hence, intuitionism is plausible to the extent that it corresponds to our well-considered moral judgments. After arguing for this claim, I discuss whether intuitionists oﬀer an empirically adequate account of our moral obligations. I do this by applying recent empirical research by John Mikhail that is based on the idea of a universal moral grammar to a number of claims implicit in W. D. Ross’s normative theory. I argue that the results at least partly vindicate intuitionism.
Effects of deformation and addition of aluminium on spheroidisation of high-carbon-bearing steel
Authors: Wang Mingming , Shan Jun , Zheng Chunlei , Zhang Ming , Yang Zhinan , Zhang Fucheng
Published: August 2017

The effects of deformation amount, deformation temperature and subsequent holding time on the deformation spheroidising process of high-carbon-bearing steel containing aluminium were investigated. The effects of aluminium contents on the mechanism of spheroidisation were also investigated. Results show that the deformation spheroidising process can shorten the spheroidisation cycles. High deformation temperature and deformation amount induce the coarsening of carbides. However, at low deformation temperature, deformation amount slightly affects the diameters and roundness of carbides. The carbides exhibit a uniform diameter distribution after prolonging the holding time at 650°C to 45 min after deformation. When aluminium content is less than 0.75%, the addition of aluminium inhibits the growth of carbides and improves their roundness.
Effect of surface nanocrystallisation on the microstructure and wear resistance of vacuum carburised alloy
Authors: Dong Meiling , Cui Xiufang , Wang Haidou , Jin Guo , Cai Zhaobing , Wei Youyou , Lu Bingwen
Published: August 2017

In this work, a nanocrystallisation surface layer with an average grain size of 29 nm was fabricated on the 12Cr2Ni4A steel by the supersonic fine particles bombarding (SFPB). The vacuum carburising process was carried out on the original and the SFPB pre-treatment samples. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and hardness tester were employed to study the phase constituents, grain size, hardness and residual stress of the two carburised samples. Experimental results showed that compared to the coarse-grain carburised layer (without SFPB), the carburised layer with SFPB pre-treatment has smaller martensite and carbide, and its thickness, hardness, compressive residual stress and wear resistance have been significantly improved. The dominant wear mechanisms of the two carburised samples were both abrasive wear and fatigue wear.
Dungeness Crab Trap Catch Efficiency Related to Escape Ring Location and Size
Authors: Stearns George , Conrad Robert , Winfrey David , Shippentower-Games Nancy , Finley Deanna
Published: August 2017

The Dungeness crab Metacarcinus magister (Cancer magister) supports a commercially important fishery along the West Coast of the United States. Only male crabs above a certain size limit may be retained (i.e., legal-size males). Escape rings are used in traps to create circular holes that facilitate the release of both females and undersized males (sublegal crabs). Sublegal crabs that are retained in a trap can suffer stress, injury, and mortality. In this experiment, both the location and size of the escape ring were modified in an effort to reduce retention rates of sublegal crabs. Four different trap configurations were used: (1) a standard trap without escape rings (control configuration); (2) an unmodified trap with two 4.25-in-diameter escape rings on top (standard configuration); (3) a standard trap with one 4.25-in-diameter escape ring placed in each corner adjacent with the bottom (modified 4.25-in configuration); and (4) a trap with two 4.5-in-diameter escape rings on top and one 4.5-in-diameter escape ring placed in each corner adjacent with the bottom (modified 4.5-in configuration). Two different catch statistics were compared among trap configurations: catch of legal-size males and catch of sublegal crabs. No statistical difference was observed in the catch of legal-sized males in any trap configuration. Compared with the standard configuration, the two modified configurations caught significantly fewer sublegal crabs. Catches of sublegal crabs were not statistically different between the modified 4.25-in and modified 4.5-in configurations.

Received December 6, 2016; accepted June 13, 2017 Published online August 22, 2017
Redefining thymus medulla specialization for central tolerance
Authors: Cosway Emilie J. , Lucas Beth , James Kieran D. , Parnell Sonia M. , Carvalho-Gaspar Manuela , White Andrea J. , Tumanov Alexei V. , Jenkinson William E. , Anderson Graham
Published: August 2017

During αβT cell development, the thymus medulla represents an essential microenvironment for T cell tolerance. This functional specialization is attributed to its typical organized topology consisting of a branching structure that contains medullary thymic epithelial cell (mTEC) networks to support negative selection and Foxp3+ T-regulatory cell (T-reg) development. Here, by performing TEC-specific deletion of the thymus medulla regulator lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR), we show that thymic tolerance mechanisms operate independently of LTβR-mediated mTEC development and organization. Consistent with this, mTECs continue to express Fezf2 and Aire, regulators of intrathymic self-antigens, and support T-reg development despite loss of LTβR-mediated medulla organogenesis. Moreover, we demonstrate that LTβR controls thymic tolerance by regulating the frequency and makeup of intrathymic dendritic cells (DCs) required for effective thymocyte negative selection. In all, our study demonstrates that thymus medulla specialization for thymic tolerance segregates from medulla organogenesis and instead involves LTβR-mediated regulation of the thymic DC pool.