bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Balancing the risks of hydraulic failure and carbon starvation: a twig scale analysis in declining Scots pine
Authors: Salmon Yann , Torres‐Ruiz José M. , Poyatos Rafael , Martinez‐Vilalta Jordi , Meir Patrick , Cochard Hervé , Mencuccini Maurizio
Published: May 2015

Understanding physiological processes involved in drought‐induced mortality is important for predicting the future of forests and for modelling the carbon and water cycles. Recent research has highlighted the variable risks of carbon starvation and hydraulic failure in drought‐exposed trees. However, little is known about the specific responses of leaves and supporting twigs, despite their critical role in balancing carbon acquisition and water loss. Comparing healthy (non‐defoliated) and unhealthy (defoliated) Scots pine at the same site, we measured the physiological variables involved in regulating carbon and water resources. Defoliated trees showed different responses to summer drought compared with non‐defoliated trees. Defoliated trees maintained gas exchange while non‐defoliated trees reduced photosynthesis and transpiration during the drought period. At the branch scale, very few differences were observed in non‐structural carbohydrate concentrations between health classes. However, defoliated trees tended to have lower water potentials and smaller hydraulic safety margins. While non‐defoliated trees showed a typical response to drought for an isohydric species, the physiology appears to be driven in defoliated trees by the need to maintain carbon resources in twigs. These responses put defoliated trees at higher risk of branch hydraulic failure and help explain the interaction between carbon starvation and hydraulic failure in dying trees.
Manipulation of the hypocotyl sink activity by reciprocal grafting of two Raphanus sativus varieties: its effects on morphological and physiological traits of source leaves and whole‐plant growth
Authors: Sugiura Daisuke , Betsuyaku Eriko , Terashima Ichiro
Published: May 2015

To reveal whether hypocotyl sink activities are regulated by the aboveground parts, and whether physiology and morphology of source leaves are affected by the hypocotyl sink activities, we conducted grafting experiments using two Raphanus sativus varieties with different hypocotyl sink activities. Comet (C) and Leafy (L) varieties with high and low hypocotyl sink activities were reciprocally grafted and resultant plants were called by their scion and stock such as CC, LC, CL and LL. Growth, leaf mass per area (LMA), total non‐structural carbohydrates (TNCs) and photosynthetic characteristics were compared among them. Comet hypocotyls in CC and LC grew well regardless of the scions, whereas Leafy hypocotyls in CL and LL did not. Relative growth rate was highest in LL and lowest in CC. Photosynthetic capacity was correlated with Rubisco (ribulose 1·5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) content but unaffected by TNC. High C/N ratio and accumulation of TNC led to high LMA and structural LMA. These results showed that the hypocotyl sink activity was autonomously regulated by hypocotyl and that the down‐regulation of photosynthesis was not induced by TNC. We conclude that the change in the sink activity alters whole‐plant growth through the changes in both biomass allocation and leaf morphological characteristics in R. sativus.
Collagenous gastroduodenitis with recurrent gastric ulcer in 12‐year‐old girl
Authors: Koide Tatsuo , Mochizuki Takahiro , Kawai Naoki , Yashiro Kenta , Inoue Takeshi , Tsujimoto Masahiko , Nishigaki Toshinori
Published: May 2015

This report describes a rare case of collagenous gastroduodenitis found in a 12‐year‐old Japanese girl who had recurrent hematemesis. Gastrointestinal endoscopy showed many lotus leaf‐like lesions on the gastric mucosa surrounded by atrophic gastric mucosa in the antrum, with a cobblestone appearance and a scarred duodenal ulcer in the duodenal bulb. A biopsy of the gastric mucosa indicated subepithelial collagen band. The patient was treated with H2‐blockers for her symptoms for 4 years following the endoscopic findings. Follow‐up endoscopy showed the same appearance as before. The pathology, however, showed a more prominent subepithelial collagen deposition. To make the correct diagnosis, it is critical to know from which part the pathological biopsy specimens were taken because there were numerous collagen bands in the atrophic membrane. It is important to monitor the patient regularly for evaluation of the etiology, pathogenesis and prognosis of this rare disease.
Intimal sarcoma of the abdominal aorta with platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α overexpression and amplification in mural invasive cells and pulmonary metastatic cells but not in intimal spreading cells
Authors: Tajima Shogo , Takanashi Yusuke , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Neyatani Hiroshi
Published: May 2015

Intimal sarcoma (IS) is the most common sarcoma of the aorta. The platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRA), murine double minute 2 (MDM2), and cyclin‐dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) genes are often simultaneously amplified in IS. While immunohistochemical analysis of IS tissue has demonstrated frequent overexpression of the MDM2 and CDK4 proteins, the expression pattern of PDGFRA has not been well characterized, particularly in terms of intratumoral heterogeneity. Here, we present the case of a 46‐year‐old man who presented with a backache and was subsequently diagnosed with IS. Intratumoral heterogeneity of PDGFRA gene amplification was observed using fluorescence in situ hybridization and was positively correlated with PDGFRA protein expression using immunohistochemistry (IHC). The expression of PDGFRA was also correlated with cytological atypia: PDGFRA was not overexpressed in intimal spreading cells that displayed the lowest degree of atypia while PDGFRA overexpression and amplification were observed in invasive cells of progressive areas such as the aortic wall and a pulmonary metastatic site, which showed increased cytological atypia. Although PDGFRA has not been well examined on IHC, IHC of PDGFRA could be useful to diagnose IS. However, the areas within the tumor from which specimens are derived are important given potential intratumoral heterogeneity.
Detection and quantification of Fusarium commune in host tissue and infested soil using real‐time PCR
Authors: Zhu Z. X. , Zheng L. , Hsiang T. , Yang G. L. , Zhao D. L. , Lv B. , Chen Y. F. , Huang J. B.
Published: May 2015

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium commune is a major limiting factor for Chinese water chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis) production in China. A SYBR Green I real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was developed based on the mitochondrial small subunit rDNA of F. commune. Assay specificity of the FO1/FO2 primer set was tested on 41 fungal isolates, and only a single PCR band of c. 178 bp from F. commune was amplified. The detection limits of the assay were 1 fg μL−1 pure F. commune genomic DNA, 1 pg μL−1 F. commune genomic DNA mixed with host plant genomic DNA (0·5 ng μL−1), and 1000 conidia/g soil (artificially inoculated). The amount of F. commune DNA in stem tissues detected by qPCR was significantly correlated with the disease severity (DS) ratings; however, the qPCR assay showed no significant positive correlation between spore densities in soil of different fusarium wilt DS groupings and the DS ratings. The qPCR assay was further applied to 76 soil samples collected from commercial fields of E. dulcis during the 2011 and 2012 growing seasons. The spore density of F. commune detected was positively correlated with disease index in the 2012 growing season but not in 2011. The qPCR method can be used for rapid and specific detection of F. commune in plant and soil samples, which will facilitate monitoring of the pathogen and improvement of disease management.
The Crime of Self‐Solicitation
Authors: Sachs Benjamin
Published: May 2015

I hold that we could justifiably criminalize some threats, on account of the fact that issuing them renders one more likely to commit a crime. ButIalso point out that if we criminalize some threat‐issuing, we willde factocriminalize some warning‐issuing, which is unjust. So we ought not to criminalize any threat‐issuing. Instead, we should criminalize (roughly) rendering oneself more likely to commit a crime. This would allow us to punish all the threat‐issuers we should want to punish. It would also force us to punish some warning‐issuers, but we would not be punishing themfor their warning‐issuing.
Of Tribunes and Tyrants:Machiavelli's Legal and Extra‐Legal Modes for Controlling Elites
Authors: McCormick John P.
Published: May 2015

This essay examines the two means by which Machiavelli thought republics could address the political problem of predatory socio‐economic elites: Healthy republics, he proposes explicitly, should consistently check the “insolence of the nobles” by establishing constitutional offices like the Roman tribunes of the plebeians; corrupt republics, he suggests more subtly, should completely eliminate overweening oligarchs via the violent actions of a tyrannical individual. Roman‐styled tribunes, wielding veto, legislative and accusatory authority, contain the oppressive behavior of socio‐economic elites during normal republican circumstances. By contrast, having overthrown a republic grown corrupt through oligarchic encroachment on the commonweal, Machiavelli suggests that Greek‐styled tyrants lay the foundation for a more robust—that is, more egalitarian and martial—republic down the road by eliminating elites entirely and by instituting economic redistribution and military reforms.
Expression of miRNAs in Bull Spermatozoa Correlates with Fertility Rates
Authors: Fagerlind M , Stålhammar H , Olsson B , Klinga‐Levan K
Published: May 2015

Contents

Bull spermatozoa are rich in active miRNAs, and it has been shown that specific spermborne miRNAs can be linked to fertility. Thus, expression profiling of spermatozoa could be helpful for understanding male fertility and the ability of spermatozoa to initiate and sustain zygotic, embryonic and foetal development. Herein we hypothesized that bulls with moderate to high fertility can be identified by differences in amounts of certain miRNAs between their ejaculates. RNA samples from spermatozoa of eight brother pairs (one bull with high and one with moderate NRR in each pair) of the Holstein breed were prepared. miRNA was isolated, and the expression of 178 miRNAs was determined by RT‐qPCR. Important findings were that highly expressed miRNAs, not linked to NRR status, were identified in the bull sperm samples, which indicate that these miRNAs have an important role in early embryogenesis. A large fraction of the targets genes were phosphoproteins and genes involved in the regulation of transcription. Seven miRNAs (mir‐502‐5p, mir‐1249, mir‐320a, mir‐34c‐3p, mir‐19b‐3p, mir‐27a‐5p and mir‐148b‐3p) were differentially expressed between bulls with moderate and high NRR with a strong tendency towards a higher expression of miRNAs in bulls with moderate fertility. Thus, bulls with a moderate NRR negatively regulate the expression of protein‐coding genes, which leads to problems during the pregnancy.
RAGE‐ligands axis: A new ‘driving force’ for cigarette smoke‐induced airway inflammation in COPD?
Authors: Li Min , Guo Lingli , Wang Hao , Wang Tao , Shen Yongchun , Liao Zenglin , Wen Fuqiang , Chen Lei
Published: May 2015

Receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) was recently shown to contribute to cigarette smoke (CS)‐induced airway inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this study, RAGE small interfering ribonucleic acid (RNA) transfection attenuated increased messenger RNA levels of common RAGE ligands HMGB1, S100A8, S100A9 and S100A12, but not S100B following exposure to CS extract. Our findings and those from recent studies suggest a positive feedback involving RAGE and its ligands as a new ‘driving force’ for CS‐induced airway inflammation in COPD.
Human Atopic Dermatitis Skin‐derived T Cells can Induce a Reaction in Mouse Keratinocytes in vivo
Authors: Martel B. C. , Blom L. , Dyring‐Andersen B. , Skov L. , Thestrup‐Pedersen K. , Skov S. , Skak K. , Poulsen L. K.
Published: May 2015

In atopic dermatitis (AD), the inflammatory response between skin‐infiltrating T cells and keratinocytes is fundamental to the development of chronic lesional eczema. The aim of this study was to investigate whether skin‐derived T cells from AD patients could induce an inflammatory response in mice through keratinocyte activation and consequently cause the development of eczematous lesions. Punch biopsies of the lesional skin from AD patients were used to establish skin‐derived T cell cultures, which were transferred to NOD.Cg‐Prkdscid Il2rgtm1Sug/JicTac (NOG) mice. We found that the subcutaneous injection of the human AD skin‐derived T cells resulted in the migration of the human T cells from subcutis to the papillary dermis followed by the development of erythema and oedema in the mouse skin. Furthermore, the human T cells induced a transient proliferative response in the mouse keratinocytes shown as increased numbers of Ki‐67+ keratinocytes and increased epidermal thickness. Out of six established AD skin‐derived T cell cultures, two were superior at inducing a skin reaction in the mice, and these cultures were found to contain >10% CCR10+ T cells compared to <2% for the other cultures. In comparison, blood‐derived in vitro‐differentiated Th2 cells only induced a weak response in a few of the mice. Thus, we conclude that human AD skin‐derived T cells can induce a reaction in the mouse skin through the induction of a proliferative response in the mouse keratinocytes.
Training counting skills and working memory in preschool
Authors: Kyttälä Minna , Kanerva Kaisa , Kroesbergen Evelyn
Published: May 2015

Previous studies have shown that early numeracy skills predict later mathematics learning and that they can be improved by training. Cognitive abilities, especially working memory (WM), play an important role in early numeracy, as well. Several studies have shown that working memory is related to early numeracy. So far, existing literature offers a good few examples of studies in which WM training has led to improvements in early numerical performance as well. In this study, we aim at investigating the effects of two different training conditions: (1) counting training; and (2) simultaneous training of WM and counting on five‐ to six‐year‐old preschoolers' (N = 61) counting skills. The results show that domain‐specific training in mathematical skills is more effective in improving early numerical performance than WM and counting training combined. Based on our results, preschool‐aged children do not seem to benefit from short period group training of WM skills. However, because of several intervening factors, one should not conclude that young children's WM training is ineffectual. Instead, future studies should be conducted to further investigate the issue.
Transition and Adaptation: An Analysis of Adaption Strategies Amongst Danish Farm Families from 1980–2008
Authors: Andrade Stefan B.
Published: May 2015

This article analyses how Danish farm families adapted to harsh and changing conditions in the period after the great western agricultural crisis in the early 1980s. Drawing on Bourdieu's concepts of habitus and adaptation, I analyse the creation and consolidation of different class fractions amongst farm families due to different adaptation strategies. The data contain information about the population of self‐employed farmers and their families who were between 30–35 years old in 1980 (n = 9,123). Using sequence analysis, I examine farm families' adaptation strategies for maintaining their agricultural production annually from 1980–2008. The result is a five‐farmer typology that, together with logit regression models including background covariates, reveals how the farm families' adaptation strategies relate to educational level, financial situation, family composition and whether the farmer can receive help from a spouse or other close family members.
The Phosphoinositide‐Gated Lysosomal Ca2+ Channel, TRPML1, Is Required for Phagosome Maturation
Authors: Dayam Roya M. , Saric Amra , Shilliday Ryan E. , Botelho Roberto J.
Published: May 2015

Macrophages internalize and sequester pathogens into a phagosome. Phagosomes then sequentially fuse with endosomes and lysosomes, converting into degradative phagolysosomes. Phagosome maturation is a complex process that requires regulators of the endosomal pathway including the phosphoinositide lipids. Phosphatidylinositol‐3‐phosphate and phosphatidylinositol‐3,5‐bisphosphate (PtdIns(3,5)P2), which respectively control early endosomes and late endolysosomes, are both required for phagosome maturation. Inhibition of PIKfyve, which synthesizes PtdIns(3,5)P2, blocked phagosome–lysosome fusion and abated the degradative capacity of phagosomes. However, it is not known how PIKfyve and PtdIns(3,5)P2 participate in phagosome maturation. TRPML1 is a PtdIns(3,5)P2‐gated lysosomal Ca2+ channel. Because Ca2+ triggers membrane fusion, we postulated that TRPML1 helps mediate phagosome–lysosome fusion. Using Fcγ receptor‐mediated phagocytosis as a model, we describe our research showing that silencing of TRPML1 hindered phagosome acquisition of lysosomal markers and reduced the bactericidal properties of phagosomes. Specifically, phagosomes isolated from TRPML1‐silenced cells were decorated with lysosomes that docked but did not fuse. We could rescue phagosome maturation in TRPML1‐silenced and PIKfyve‐inhibited cells by forcible Ca2+ release with ionomycin. We also provide evidence that cytosolic Ca2+ concentration increases upon phagocytosis in a manner dependent on TRPML1 and PIKfyve. Overall, we propose a model where PIKfyve and PtdIns(3,5)P2 activate TRPML1 to induce phagosome–lysosome fusion.
Effect of Presurgical Iodine‐Based Disinfection on Bacterial Colonization of the Equine Peripodal Region
Authors: Johnson Jessica , Messier Serge , Meulyzer Michael , Vinardell Tatiana , Marcoux Marcel , David Florent
Published: May 2015

Objective

To compare bacterial colonization after diluted iodine tincture or povidone iodine solution for presurgical disinfection of the equine peripodal region.

Study design

Complete block design.

Animals

Five horses.

Methods

Disinfection protocols using iodine tincture or povidone iodine solutions were tested on 5 pairs (n = 10) equine front feet. Iodine tincture was applied to the left feet and povidone iodine to the right feet. Fixed surfaces of the sole, frog, hoof wall, and peripodal skin were swabbed pre‐preparation (T0), after a standard pre‐disinfection step (T1), after short disinfection with a 4‐minute application of 0.5% iodine tincture or povidone iodine (T2), and after long disinfection with 12‐hour soaking in 0.25% iodine tincture or povidone iodine (T3). Quantitative bacteriology was performed on each swab.

Results

The frog and sole were the most contaminated sites compared to hoof wall and skin at T0. Bacterial counts were significantly decreased at T2 for both solutions. Bacterial counts did not change significantly with iodine tincture at T3 but increased with povidone iodine compared to T2. Skin abrasions were detected on almost all feet but were subjectively more severe on iodine tincture‐treated feet.

Conclusion

Soaking for 12 hours with either iodine tincture or povidone iodine is not recommended as these solutions damaged the skin and bacterial recolonization was noted with povidone iodine. Four‐minute disinfection using either iodine tincture or povidone iodine (0.5% available iodine) is appropriate for presurgical preparation of the equine peripodal region.
Effect of Osteotomy Position and Tibial Plateau Rotation on the Tensile Force Required for Failure of the Canine Quadriceps Mechanism
Authors: Hamilton Katie , Tarlton John , Parsons Kevin , Toscano Mike , Burton Neil
Published: May 2015

Objective

To measure the tensile force required for failure of the quadriceps mechanism with different tibial tuberosity widths and different degrees of rotation of the tibial plateau after radial osteotomy of the proximal tibia.

Study Design

Ex vivostudy, randomized unblocked design

Animals

Thirty‐five hind limbs from 18 adult Greyhound cadavers.

Methods

Part 1 (15 limbs)—The center of rotation of the proximal tibial radial osteotomy was advanced craniodistally, progressively reducing absolute tibial tuberosity width (ATTW) for 5 different widths. Part 2 (21 limbs)—Tibial plateau rotation was performed at a set ATTW. Rotation was varied as a function of tibial tuberosity position with rotation proximal, level with, or distal to the tuberosity. All 35 limbs were tested with force applied via the quadriceps mechanism until construct failure occurred.

Results

All but 2 limbs failed by fracture of the tibial tuberosity. The tensile force required for failure of the quadriceps mechanism increased linearly with increasing ATTW. Significantly less force (P = .016) was required for failure of the quadriceps mechanism when the rotation of the tibial plateau was distal to the level of the patella tendon (mean 1,877 N) compared to when it was above the level of the patella tendon (mean 2,533 N). Rotation of the tibial plateau distal to the level of the patella tendon insertion point resulted in fracture at the base of the tibial tuberosity, level with the tibial plateau buttress.

Conclusion

The overwhelming mode of failure of the quadriceps mechanism was by tibial tuberosity fracture, thus this was the weakest part of the construct. Reducing the tibial tuberosity width and rotation of the tibial plateau segment below the patella tendon insertion decreased the force required for tibial tuberosity fracture. These results support the idea of a safe point with the tibial plateau segment providing buttress to the tibial tuberosity.
Germination ecology of five arable Ranunculaceae species
Authors: Torra J , Royo‐Esnal A , Recasens J
Published: May 2015

Germination and emergence are critical life stages for annual plants and so their full understanding is essential for managing arable plant populations. This study investigated the most important species‐specific environmental cues that regulate seed germination and emergence (temperature and light) of the arable Ranunculaceae species Consolida orientalis, Consolida pubescens, Delphinium gracile, Delphinium halteratum ssp. verdunense and Nigella gallica, to propose management strategies for their preservation in agro‐ecosystems. Growth chamber and outdoor pot experiments were conducted for two consecutive seasons to analyse light (complete darkness or 12 h light) and temperature (5/10, 5/15 and 10/20°C) requirements and emergence patterns. The relative light germination requirement (ΔGlight), which extends from −100 (complete darkness) to 100 (light), was estimated. Weibull functions were fitted to observed emergence (%) in pots. For all species, germination was higher in complete darkness than with a light regime (−60 < ΔGlight < −95). This dark requirement indicates better germination for buried seeds. A tillage operation just after seed shed is therefore recommended. Consolida spp. germinate and emerge almost exclusively in autumn–winter, while Delphinium spp. and N. gallica can also germinate in spring. These arable plants would be able to adapt to delayed sowings, an important strategy for avoiding early‐emerging competitive weeds. Facultative winter‐germinating species could face early herbicide treatments if sufficient emergence occurs in winter–spring. These results bring new information to help develop conservation strategies for these species in agro‐ecosystems.
Activation of intestinal spinal afferent endings by changes in intra‐mesenteric arterial pressure
Authors: Humenick A. , Chen B. N. , Wiklendt L. , Spencer N. J. , Zagorodnyuk V. P. , Dinning P. G. , Costa M. , Brookes S. J. H.
Published: May 2015

Key points

A major class of mechano‐nociceptors to the intestine have mechanotransduction sites on extramural and intramural arteries and arterioles (‘vascular afferents’).

These sensory neurons can be activated by compression or axial stretch of vessels.

Using isolated preparations we showed that increasing intra‐arterial pressure, within the physiological range, activated mechano‐nociceptors on vessels in intact mesenteric arcades, but not in isolated arteries. This suggests that distortion of the branching vascular tree is the mechanical adequate stimulus for these sensory neurons, rather than simple distension.

The same rises in pressure also activated intestinal peristalsis in a partially capsaicin‐sensitive manner indicating that pressure‐sensitive vascular afferents influence enteric circuits.

The results identify the mechanical adequate stimulus for a major class of mechano‐nociceptors with endings on blood vessels supplying the gut wall; these afferents have similar endings to ones supplying other viscera, striated muscle and dural vessels.

Spinal sensory neurons innervate many large blood vessels throughout the body. Their activation causes the hallmarks of neurogenic inflammation: vasodilatation through the release of the neuropeptide calcitonin gene‐related peptide and plasma extravasation via tachykinins. The same vasodilator afferent neurons show mechanical sensitivity, responding to crushing, compression or axial stretch of blood vessels – responses which activate pain pathways and which can be modified by cell damage and inflammation. In the present study, we tested whether spinal afferent axons ending on branching mesenteric arteries (‘vascular afferents’) are sensitive to increased intravascular pressure. From a holding pressure of 5 mmHg, distension to 20, 40, 60 or 80 mmHg caused graded, slowly adapting increases in firing of vascular afferents. Many of the same afferent units showed responses to axial stretch, which summed with responses evoked by raised pressure. Many vascular afferents were also sensitive to raised temperature, capsaicin and/or local compression with von Frey hairs. However, responses to raised pressure in single, isolated vessels were negligible, suggesting that the adequate stimulus is distortion of the arterial arcade rather than distension per se. Increasing arterial pressure often triggered peristaltic contractions in the neighbouring segment of intestine, an effect that was mimicked by acute exposure to capsaicin (1 μm) and which was reduced after desensitisation to capsaicin. These results indicate that sensory fibres with perivascular endings are sensitive to pressure‐induced distortion of branched arteries, in addition to compression and axial stretch, and that they contribute functional inputs to enteric motor circuits.
Depressed perivascular sensory innervation of mouse mesenteric arteries with advanced age
Authors: Boerman Erika M. , Segal Steven S.
Published: May 2015

Key points

The dilatory role for sensory innervation of mesenteric arteries (MAs) is impaired in Old (∼24 months) versus Young (∼4 months) mice. We investigated the nature of this impairment in isolated pressurized MAs.

With perivascular sensory nerve stimulation, dilatation and inhibition of sympathetic vasoconstriction observed in Young MAs were lost in Old MAs along with impaired dilatation to calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP).

Inhibiting NO and prostaglandin synthesis increased CGRP EC50 in Young and Old MAs. Endothelial denudation attenuated dilatation to CGRP in Old MAs yet enhanced dilatation to CGRP in Young MAs while abolishing all dilatations to ACh.

In Old MAs, sensory nerve density was reduced and RAMP1 (CGRP receptor component) associated with nuclear regions of endothelial cells in a manner not seen in Young MAs or in smooth muscle cells of either age.

With advanced age, loss of dilatory signalling mediated through perivascular sensory nerves may compromise perfusion of visceral organs.

Vascular dysfunction and sympathetic nerve activity increase with advancing age. In the gut, blood flow is governed by perivascular sensory and sympathetic nerves but little is known of how their functional role is affected by advanced age. We tested the hypothesis that functional sensory innervation of mesenteric arteries (MAs) is impaired for Old (24 months) versus Young (4 months) C57BL/6 male mice. In cannulated pressurized MAs preconstricted 50% with noradrenaline and treated with guanethidine (to inhibit sympathetic neurotransmission), perivascular nerve stimulation (PNS) evoked dilatation in Young but not Old MAs while dilatations to ACh were not different between age groups. In Young MAs, capsaicin (to inhibit sensory neurotransmission) blocked dilatation and increased constriction during PNS. With no difference in efficacy, the EC50 of CGRP as a vasodilator was ∼6‐fold greater in Old versus Young MAs. Inhibiting nitric oxide (l‐NAME) and prostaglandin (indomethacin) synthesis increased CGRP EC50 in both age groups. Endothelial denudation reduced the efficacy of dilatation to CGRP by ∼30% in Old MAs yet increased this efficacy ∼15% in Young MAs while all dilatations to ACh were abolished. Immunolabelling revealed reduced density of sensory (CGRP) but not sympathetic (tyrosine hydroxylase) innervation for Old versus Young MAs. Whereas the distribution of CGRP receptor proteins was similar in SMCs, RAMP1 associated with nuclear regions of endothelial cells of Old but not Young MAs. With advanced age, the loss of sensory nerve function and diminished effectiveness of CGRP as a vasodilator is multifaceted and may adversely affect splanchnic perfusion.
Laser-Energized Plasmonics for Nanopatterning Medical Devices
Authors: Molian P. A.
Published: May 2015

A scalable, prototype plasmonic nanomanufacturing system was designed, built, and tested for patterning nanostructures on the surfaces of drug-eluting stents (DES), the objective being to prevent the late-stent thrombosis (LST). Nanopatterning, unlike micro/macropatterning, of DES has proven to provide optimal, rapid, and preferential endothelial cell (EC) attachment (antithrombosis) while not significantly affecting shear-mediated platelet activation (prothrombosis). In this work, laser-induced, high-density surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) were generated and utilized to produce nanostructures on the surfaces of DES by electric field enhancement mechanism. The scalability aspects such as downsizing the feature, improving the precision, increasing the throughput, and reducing the cost were investigated. Results indicated fairly uniform nanostructures; high throughput; excellent repeatability and resolution; significant cost savings; and potential for high retention of drug dose in the stent. The work represents an unprecedented area in nanomanufacturing where the basic science contribution is to harness the energy from plasmon polaritons by effectively “customizing” and “controlling” their propagation, while the engineering contribution is a scalability approach to reliably nanopattern medical devices in high volume with nanometer resolution. The nanomanufacturing system developed in this study may be an enabling technology to strongly impact other fields such as semiconductors, organic solar cells, and nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS).
Estimates of decision weights and internal noise in the masked discrimination of vowels by young and elderly adults
Authors: Gilbertson Lynn , Lutfi Robert A. , Lee Jungmee
Published: May 2015

Gilbertson and Lutfi [(2014). Hear. Res. 317, 9–14] report that older adults perform similarly to younger adults on a masked vowel discrimination task when the fundamental frequency (F0) of target and masker vowel differ but that the older adults perform more poorly when the F0 is the same. This paper presents an alternative analysis of those data to support the conclusion that the poorer performance of older adults is due to an increase in the decision weight on masker reflecting poorer selective attention in noise of older adults.
Beamforming with a volumetric array of massless laser spark sources—Application in reflection tracking
Authors: Eskelinen Joona , Hæggström Edward , Delikaris-Manias Symeon , Bolaños Javier Gómez , Pulkki Ville
Published: May 2015

A volumetric array of laser-induced air breakdown sparks is used to produce a directional and steerable acoustic source. The laser breakdown array element is broadband, point-like, and massless. It produces an impulse-like waveform in midair, thus generating accurate spatio-temporal information for acoustic beamforming. A laser-spark scanning setup and the concept of a massless steerable source are presented and evaluated with a cubic array by using an off-line far field delay-and-sum beamforming method. This virtual acoustic array with minimal source influence can, for instance, produce narrow transmission beams to obtain localized and directional impulse response information by reflection tracking.
Broadband cloaking and holography with exact boundary conditions
Authors: van Manen Dirk-Jan , Vasmel Marlies , Greenhalgh Stewart , Robertsson Johan O. A.
Published: May 2015

Broadband cloaking and holography are achieved by creating an exact boundary condition on a surface enclosing an object or free space. A time-recursive, discrete version of the Kirchhoff–Helmholtz integral predicts the wavefield impinging on the surface, as well as its transmission through an arbitrary embedding or replacement medium. Surface source distributions proportional to the predicted wavefield cancel the incident waves and radiate the desired response. The fields inside and outside the surface can be controlled independently. A two-dimensional numerical example shows that cloaking and holography can be achieved to within numerical precision across the frequency range of the incident radiation.
Exercise-Induced Weight Loss Is More Effective Than Dieting for Improving Adipokine Profile, Insulin Resistance, and Inflammation in Obese Men
Authors: Khoo Joan , Dhamodaran Subbiah , Chen Dan-Dan , Yap Siew-Yoon , Chen Richard Yuan-Tud , Tian Roger Ho-Heng
Published: May 2015

The adipokines chemerin and adiponectin are reciprocally related in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and inflammation in obesity. Weight loss increases adiponectin and reduces chemerin, insulin resistance, and inflammation, but the effects of caloric restriction and physical activity are difficult to separate in combined lifestyle modification. We compared effects of diet- or exercise-induced weight loss on chemerin, adiponectin, insulin resistance, and inflammation in obese men. Eighty abdominally obese Asian men (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2, waist circumference [WC] ≥ 90 cm, mean age 42.6 years) were randomized to reduce daily intake by ~500 kilocalories (n = 40) or perform moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance exercise (200–300 min/week) (n = 40) to increase energy expenditure by a similar amount for 24 weeks. The diet and exercise groups had similar decreases in energy deficit (−456 ± 338 vs. −455 ± 315 kcal/day), weight (−3.6 ± 3.4 vs. −3.3 ± 4.6 kg), and WC (−3.4 ± 4.4 vs. −3.6 ± 3.2 cm). The exercise group demonstrated greater reductions in fat mass (−3.9 ± 3.5 vs. −2.7 ± 5.3 kg), serum chemerin (−9.7 ± 11.1 vs. −4.3 ± 12.4 ng/ml), the inflammatory marker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (−2.11 ± 3.13 vs. −1.49 ± 3.08 mg/L), and insulin resistance as measured by homeostatic model assessment (−2.45 ± 1.88 vs. −1.38 ± 3.77). Serum adiponectin increased only in the exercise group. Exercise-induced fat mass loss was more effective than dieting for improving adipokine profile, insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation in obese men, underscoring metabolic benefits of increased physical activity.
Environmental characteristics of Agulhas rings affect interocean plankton transport
Authors: Villar Emilie , Farrant Gregory K. , Follows Michael , Garczarek Laurence , Speich Sabrina , Audic Stéphane , Bittner Lucie , Blanke Bruno , Brum Jennifer R. , Brunet Christophe , Casotti Raffaella , Chase Alison , Dolan John R. , d’Ortenzio Fabrizio , Gattuso Jean-Pierre , Grima Nicolas , Guidi Lionel , Hill Christopher N. , Jahn Oliver , Jamet Jean-Louis , Le Goff Hervé , Lepoivre Cyrille , Malviya Shruti , Pelletier Eric , Romagnan Jean-Baptiste , Roux Simon , Santini Sébastien , Scalco Eleonora , Schwenck Sarah M. , Tanaka Atsuko , Testor Pierre , Vannier Thomas , Vincent Flora , Zingone Adriana , Dimier Céline , Picheral Marc , Searson Sarah , Kandels-Lewis Stefanie ,   Tara Oceans Coordinators, Acinas Silvia G. , Bork Peer , Boss Emmanuel , de Vargas Colomban , Gorsky Gabriel , Ogata Hiroyuki , Pesant Stéphane , Sullivan Matthew B. , Sunagawa Shinichi , Wincker Patrick , Karsenti Eric , Bowler Chris , Not Fabrice , Hingamp Pascal , Iudicone Daniele
Published: May 2015

Agulhas rings provide the principal route for ocean waters to circulate from the Indo-Pacific to the Atlantic basin. Their influence on global ocean circulation is well known, but their role in plankton transport is largely unexplored. We show that, although the coarse taxonomic structure of plankton communities is continuous across the Agulhas choke point, South Atlantic plankton diversity is altered compared with Indian Ocean source populations. Modeling and in situ sampling of a young Agulhas ring indicate that strong vertical mixing drives complex nitrogen cycling, shaping community metabolism and biogeochemical signatures as the ring and associated plankton transit westward. The peculiar local environment inside Agulhas rings may provide a selective mechanism contributing to the limited dispersal of Indian Ocean plankton populations into the Atlantic.
Patterns and ecological drivers of ocean viral communities
Authors: Brum Jennifer R. , Ignacio-Espinoza J. Cesar , Roux Simon , Doulcier Guilhem , Acinas Silvia G. , Alberti Adriana , Chaffron Samuel , Cruaud Corinne , de Vargas Colomban , Gasol Josep M. , Gorsky Gabriel , Gregory Ann C. , Guidi Lionel , Hingamp Pascal , Iudicone Daniele , Not Fabrice , Ogata Hiroyuki , Pesant Stéphane , Poulos Bonnie T. , Schwenck Sarah M. , Speich Sabrina , Dimier Celine , Kandels-Lewis Stefanie , Picheral Marc , Searson Sarah ,   Tara Oceans Coordinators, Bork Peer , Bowler Chris , Sunagawa Shinichi , Wincker Patrick , Karsenti Eric , Sullivan Matthew B.
Published: May 2015

Viruses influence ecosystems by modulating microbial population size, diversity, metabolic outputs, and gene flow. Here, we use quantitative double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viral-fraction metagenomes (viromes) and whole viral community morphological data sets from 43
Tara
Oceans expedition samples to assess viral community patterns and structure in the upper ocean. Protein cluster cataloging defined pelagic upper-ocean viral community pan and core gene sets and suggested that this sequence space is well-sampled. Analyses of viral protein clusters, populations, and morphology revealed biogeographic patterns whereby viral communities were passively transported on oceanic currents and locally structured by environmental conditions that affect host community structure. Together, these investigations establish a global ocean dsDNA viromic data set with analyses supporting the seed-bank hypothesis to explain how oceanic viral communities maintain high local diversity.
Leaf bacteria fertilize trees, researchers claim
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: May 2015

Free-living nitrogen fixers defy textbooks and could boost crop production.
‘Rejuvenating’ protein doubted
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: May 2015

Factor reported to explain how young blood restores muscle has opposite effect in another lab.
The drug push
Authors: Servick Kelly
Published: May 2015

As fears of drug-resistant bacteria loom, governments try to coax companies back to the field.
Systematic humanization of yeast genes reveals conserved functions and genetic modularity
Authors: Kachroo Aashiq H. , Laurent Jon M. , Yellman Christopher M. , Meyer Austin G. , Wilke Claus O. , Marcotte Edward M.
Published: May 2015

Staying the same across a billion years

How far across evolution do families of genes retain their function? Yeast and humans are separated by roughly a billion years of evolutionary history, and yet genes from one can substitute for orthologous genes in the other. To study this effect systematically, Kachroo
et al.
replaced over 400 essential yeast genes with their human orthologs. Roughly half of the human genes could functionally replace their yeast counterparts. Genes being in the same pathway was as important as sequence or expression similarity in determining replaceability.

Science
, this issue p.
921
The dominant role of semi-arid ecosystems in the trend and variability of the land CO
2
sink
Authors: Ahlström Anders , Raupach Michael R. , Schurgers Guy , Smith Benjamin , Arneth Almut , Jung Martin , Reichstein Markus , Canadell Josep G. , Friedlingstein Pierre , Jain Atul K. , Kato Etsushi , Poulter Benjamin , Sitch Stephen , Stocker Benjamin D. , Viovy Nicolas , Wang Ying Ping , Wiltshire Andy , Zaehle Sönke , Zeng Ning
Published: May 2015

The difference is found at the margins

The terrestrial biosphere absorbs about a quarter of all anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions, but the amount that they take up varies from year to year. Why? Combining models and observations, Ahlström
et al.
found that marginal ecosystems—semiarid savannas and low-latitude shrublands—are responsible for most of the variability. Biological productivity in these semiarid regions is water-limited and strongly associated with variations in precipitation, unlike wetter tropical areas. Understanding carbon uptake by these marginal lands may help to improve predictions of variations in the global carbon cycle.

Science
, this issue p.
895
Innate lymphoid cells: A new paradigm in immunology
Authors: Eberl Gérard , Colonna Marco , Di Santo James P. , McKenzie Andrew N. J.
Published: May 2015

Cells acting at the intersection of immunity

For years, scientists divided the immune system into two arms: innate and adaptive. The cell types involved in the two arms differ in specificity and in how quickly they respond to infections. More recently, immunologists discovered a family of immune cells termed “innate lymphoid cells,” which straddle these two arms. Eberl
et al.
review current understanding of innate lymphoid cells. Like innate immune cells, they respond to infection quickly and do not express antigen receptors; however, they secrete a similar suite of inflammatory mediators as T lymphocytes. Better understanding of the processes regulating these cells may allow for their therapeutic manipulation.

Science
, this issue
10.1126/science.aaa6566
High burden and pervasive positive selection of somatic mutations in normal human skin
Authors: Martincorena Iñigo , Roshan Amit , Gerstung Moritz , Ellis Peter , Van Loo Peter , McLaren Stuart , Wedge David C. , Fullam Anthony , Alexandrov Ludmil B. , Tubio Jose M. , Stebbings Lucy , Menzies Andrew , Widaa Sara , Stratton Michael R. , Jones Philip H. , Campbell Peter J.
Published: May 2015

Normal skin's curiously abnormal genome

Within every tumor, a battle is being waged. As individual tumor cells acquire new mutations that promote their survival and growth, they clonally expand at the expense of tumor cells that are “less fit.” Martincorenaet al.sequenced 234 biopsies of sun-exposed but physiologically normal skin from four individuals (see the Perspective by Brash). They found a surprisingly high burden of mutations, higher than that of many tumors. Many of the mutations known to drive the growth of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas were already under strong positive selection. More than a quarter of normal skin cells carried a driver mutation, and every square centimeter of skin contained hundreds of competing mutant clones.

Science, this issue p.880; see also p.867
Response to Comment on “Agriculture facilitated permanent human occupation of the Tibetan Plateau after 3600 B.P.”
Authors: Dong Guanghui , Zhang Dongju , Liu Xinyi , Liu Fengwen , Chen Fahu , Jones Martin
Published: May 2015

Guedes
et al
. have drawn attention to a mismatch between the predictions of their “thermal niche model” and the records we have published of early barley finds in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. Here, we consider how that mismatch usefully draws our attention to the additional variables that may account for it—namely, variations in genetic expression and agricultural practice.
Debating a testosterone “sex gap”
Authors: Karkazis Katrina , Jordan-Young Rebecca
Published: May 2015

Policies unfairly exclude some women athletes from competition
The dynamics of disaster
Fatal Isolation The Devastating Paris Heat Wave of 2003
Richard C. Keller
University of Chicago Press, 2015. 250 pp.
Authors: Stark Laura
Published: May 2015

A social autopsy of the 2003 Paris heat wave.
Phthalimide conjugation as a strategy for in vivo target protein degradation
Authors: Winter Georg E. , Buckley Dennis L. , Paulk Joshiawa , Roberts Justin M. , Souza Amanda , Dhe-Paganon Sirano , Bradner James E.
Published: May 2015

A degrading game plan for cancer therapy

Certain classes of proteins that contribute to cancer development are challenging to target therapeutically. Winter
et al.
devised a chemical strategy that, in principle, permits the selective degradation of any protein of interest. The strategy involves chemically attaching a ligand known to bind the desired protein to another molecule that hijacks an enzyme whose function is to direct proteins to the cell's protein degradation machinery. In a proof-of-concept study, they demonstrated selective degradation of a transcriptional coactivator called bromodomain-containing protein 4 and delayed the progression of leukemia in mice.

Science
, this issue p.
1376
Draft Genome Sequence of a Papaverine-Degrading, Gram-positive
Arthrobacter
sp., Isolated from Soil Near Hohenheim, Germany
Authors: Reznicek Ondrej , Facey Sandra J. , Hauer Bernhard
Published: May 2015

We present the 4.8-Mb draft genome of a soil bacterium identified as
Arthrobacter
sp. This Gram-positive soil bacterium is able to use the aromatic compound papaverine as sole carbon source and will be examined for novel oxygenases.
Complete Genome Sequence of Streptococcus thermophilus SMQ-301, a Model Strain for Phage-Host Interactions
Authors: Labrie Simon J. , Tremblay Denise M. , Plante Pier-Luc , Wasserscheid Jessica , Dewar Ken , Corbeil Jacques , Moineau Sylvain
Published: May 2015

Streptococcus thermophilus
is used by the dairy industry to manufacture yogurt and several cheeses. Using PacBio and Illumina platforms, we sequenced the genome of
S. thermophilus
SMQ-301, the host of several virulent phages. The genome is composed of 1,861,792 bp and contains 2,037 genes, 67 tRNAs, and 18 rRNAs.
Genome Sequence of Anoxybacillus thermarum AF/04
T
, Isolated from the Euganean Hot Springs in Abano Terme, Italy
Authors: Poli Annarita , Nicolaus Barbara , Chan Kok-Gan , Kahar Ummirul Mukminin , Chan Chia Sing , Goh Kian Mau
Published: May 2015

Anoxybacillus thermarum
AF/04
T
was isolated from the Euganean hot springs in Abano Terme, Italy. The present work reports a high-quality draft genome sequence of strain AF/04
T
. This work also provides useful insights into glycoside hydrolases, glycoside transferases, and sugar transporters that may be involved in cellular carbohydrate metabolism.
Complete Genome Sequence of Linezolid-Susceptible Staphylococcus haemolyticus Sh29/312/L2, a Clonal Derivative of a Linezolid-Resistant Clinical Strain
Authors: de Almeida Lara M. , Pires Carlos , Cerdeira Louise T. , de Oliveira Théo G. M. , McCulloch John Anthony , Perez-Chaparro Paula Juliana , Sacramento Andrey G. , Brito Artemir C. , da Silva Joás L. , de Araújo Maria Rita E. , Lincopan Nilton , Martin Melissa J. , Gilmore Michael S. , Mamizuka Elsa M.
Published: May 2015

We report the whole-genome sequence (WGS) of an
in vitro
susceptible derivative revertant mutant from a bloodstream isolate involved in a nosocomial outbreak in Brazil. The WGS comprises 2.5 Mb with 2,500 protein-coding sequences, 16rRNA genes, and 60 tRNA genes.