ALBERT

Description: Organic light-emitting transistors (OLETs) are of great research interest because they combine the advantage of the active channel of a transistor that can control the luminescence of an in-situ light-emitting diode in the same device. Here we report a novel single-crystal OLET (SCLET) that is coupled with single crystal optical feedback resonators. The combination of single-crystal waveguides with native Fabry-Perot cavities, formed by parallel crystal edges, drastically lowers the threshold energy for spectral narrowing and non-linear intensity enhancement. We apply this structure to SCLETs and demonstrate the first fabrication of a SCLET with the optical feedback resonators. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00985

Description: Assembly of nanowires into ordered macroscopic structures with new functionalities has been a recent focus. In this Letter, we report a new route for ordering hydrophilic Ag nanowires with high aspect ratio by flowing through a glass capillary. The present glass capillary with well-defined silver nanowire films inside can serve as a portable and reusable substrate for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), which may provide a versatile and promising platform for detecting mixture pollutions. By controlling the flow parameters of nanowire suspensions, initially random Ag nanowires can be aligned to form nanowire arrays with tunable density, forming cambered nanowire films adhered onto the inner wall of the capillary. Compared with the planar ordered Ag nanowire films by the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique, the cambered nanowire films show better SERS performance. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00987

Description: Acervuli are calcified concretions in the pineal gland (PG). Particularly interesting are their incidence and size, which are believed to affect neurological disorders and many physiological functions of PG such as regulating circadian rhythm. Despite long investigations for a century, detailed growth mechanism of acervuli has yet to be studied. Here we study the growth morphology of acervuli in human PGs by a direct visualization in 3-dimension (3-D) using a synchrotron X-ray imaging method. For an entire PG, non-aggregated acervuli show Gaussian distribution in size with 47±28 µm. The 3-D volume rendered images of acervuli reveal that the bumpy surfaces developed by lamination result in the mulberry-like structure. In addition, coalescence of multiple acervuli leads to large-scale lamination on the whole aggregate. We suggest a novel hypothesis on the growth patterns of acervuli by their nucleation density (Nd): i) mulberry-like structure at low Nd, and ii) large-scale lamination on an aggregate at high Nd. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00984

Description: The density maximum of water dominates the thermodynamics of the system under ambient conditions, is strongly P-dependent, and disappears at a crossover pressure Pcross ~ 1.8 kbar. We study this variable across a wide area of the T–P phase diagram. We consider old and new data of both the isothermal compressibility KT(T, P) and the coefficient of thermal expansion αP(T, P). We observe that KT(T) shows a minimum at T* ~ 315±5 K for all the studied pressures. We find the behavior of αP to also be surprising: all the αP(T) curves measured at different P cross at T*. The experimental data show a “singular and universal expansivity point” at T* ~ 315 K and αP(T*) ≃ 0.44 10−3 K−1. Unlike other water singularities, we find this temperature to be thermodynamically consistent in the relationship connecting the two response functions. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00993

Description: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of sequence-specific gene silencing. However, crucial factors that determine the efficacy of miRNA-mediated target gene silencing are poorly understood. Here we mathematized base-pairing stability and showed that miRNAs with an unstable 5′ terminal duplex and stable seed-target duplex exhibit strong silencing activity. The results are consistent with the previous findings that an RNA strand with unstable 5′ terminal in miRNA duplex easily loads onto the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), and miRNA recognizes target mRNAs with seed-complementary sequences to direct posttranscriptional repression. Our results suggested that both the unwinding and target recognition processes of miRNAs could be proficiently controlled by the thermodynamics of base-pairing in protein-free condition. Interestingly, such thermodynamic parameters might be evolutionarily well adapted to the body temperatures of various species. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00996

Description: A spin liquid is a novel quantum state of matter with no conventional order parameter where a finite charge gap exists even though the band theory would predict metallic behavior. Finding a stable spin liquid in two or higher spatial dimensions is one of the most challenging and debated issues in condensed matter physics. Very recently, it has been reported that a model of graphene, i.e., the Hubbard model on the honeycomb lattice, can show a spin liquid ground state in a wide region of the phase diagram, between a semi-metal (SM) and an antiferromagnetic insulator (AFMI). Here, by performing numerically exact quantum Monte Carlo simulations, we extend the previous study to much larger clusters (containing up to 2592 sites), and find, if any, a very weak evidence of this spin liquid region. Instead, our calculations strongly indicate a direct and continuous quantum phase transition between SM and AFMI. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00992

Description: The fate of 137Cs derived from the Fukushima nuclear accident fallout and associated radiological hazards are largely dependent on its mobility in the surface soils of forest ecosystems. Thus, we quantified microbial and adsorptive retentions of 137Cs in forest surface (0–3 cm) soils. The K2SO4 extraction process liberated 2.1%–12.8% of the total 137Cs from the soils. Two soils with a higher content of clay- and silt-sized particles, organic carbon content, and cation exchange capacity showed higher 137Cs extractability. Microbial biomass was observed in all of the soils. However, the 137Cs extractability did not increase after destruction of the microbial biomass by chloroform fumigation, providing no evidence for microbial retention of the Fukushima-fallout 137Cs. The results indicate that uptake of 137Cs by soil microorganisms is less important for retention of potentially mobile 137Cs in the forest surface soils compared to ion-exchange adsorption on non-specific sites provided by abiotic components. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep01005

Description: Thin films find a variety of technological applications. Assembling thin films from atoms in the liquid phase is intrinsically a non-equilibrium phenomenon, controlled by the competition between thermodynamics and kinetics. We demonstrate here that microwave energy can assist in assembling atoms into thin films directly on a substrate at significantly lower temperatures than conventional processes, potentially enabling plastic-based electronics. Both experimental and electromagnetic simulation results show microwave fields can selectively interact with a conducting layer on the substrate despite the discrepancy between the substrate size and the microwave wavelength. The microwave interaction leads to localized energy absorption, heating, and subsequent nucleation and growth of the desired films. Electromagnetic simulations show remarkable agreement with experiments and are employed to understand the physics of the microwave interaction and identify conditions to improve uniformity of the films. The films can be patterned and grown on various substrates, enabling their use in widespread applications. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep01003

Description: A histoanatomical context is imperative in an analysis of gene expression in a cell in a tissue to elucidate physiological function of the cell. In this study, we made technical advances in fluorescence laser microdissection (LMD) in combination with the absolute quantification of small amounts of mRNAs from a region of interest (ROI) in fluorescence-labeled tissue sections. We demonstrate that our fluorescence LMD-RTqPCR method has three orders of dynamic range, with the lower limit of ROI-size corresponding to a single cell. The absolute quantification of the expression levels of the immediate early genes in an ROI equivalent to a few hundred neurons in the hippocampus revealed that mice transferred from their home cage to a novel environment have distinct activation profiles in the hippocampal regions (CA1, CA3, and DG) and that the gene expression pattern in CA1, but not in the other regions, follows a power law distribution. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00783

Description: How to confine light energy associated with surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in a physical space with minimal radiation loss whereas creating maximum interacting section with surrounding environment is of particular interest in plasmonic optics. By virtue of transformation optics, we propose a design method of forming a polygonal surface-plasmonic resonator in fully open structures by applying the nonmagnetic affine transformation optics strategy. The radiation loss can be suppressed because SPPs that propagate in the designed open structures will be deceived as if they were propagating on a flat metal/dielectric interface without radiation. Because of the nonmagnetic nature of the transformation strategy, this design can be implemented with dielectric materials available in nature. An experimentally verifiable model is subsequently proposed for future experimental demonstration. Our design may find potential applications in omnidirectional sensing, light harvesting, energy storage and plasmonic lasing. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00784

Description: Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00840

Description: Several strategies have been developed for the control of DNA translocation in nanopores and nanochannels. However, the possibility to reduce the molecule speed is still challenging for applications in the field of single molecule analysis, such as ultra-rapid sequencing. This paper demonstrates the possibility to alter the DNA translocation process through an elastomeric nanochannel device by dynamically changing its cross section. More in detail, nanochannel deformation is induced by a macroscopic mechanical compression of the polymeric device. This nanochannel squeezing allows slowing down the DNA molecule passage inside it. This simple and low cost method is based on the exploitation of the elastomeric nature of the device, can be coupled with different sensing techniques, is applicable in many research fields, such as DNA detection and manipulation, and is promising for further development in sequencing technology. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00791

Description: The coagulation/fibrinolysis system is essential for wound healing after vascular injury. According to the standard paradigm, the synthesis of most coagulation factors is restricted to liver, platelets and endothelium. We challenged this interpretation by measuring coagulation factors in nine human primary cell types. FX mRNA was expressed by fibroblasts, visceral preadipocytes/adipocytes and hepatocytes, but not in macrophages or other cells. All cells expressed FVIII except endothelial cells. Fibroblasts, endothelial cells and macrophages produced thrombomodulin but not FV. Interestingly, vascular-related cells (platelets/monocytes) that expressed FV did not express FX and vice versa. Monocytes expressed FV, FVIII and FXIIIA, which are positive regulators of clot formation, but these cells also contained thrombomodulin, a negative regulator of coagulation. Our data show that the expression of coagulation factors is much more complex than previously thought, and we speculate that this intricate regulation of coagulation factor expression is necessary for correct fine-tuning of fibrinogenesis versus fibrinolysis. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00787

Description: Imaging modalities including magnetic resonance imaging and X-ray computed tomography are established methods in daily clinical diagnosis of human brain. Clinical equipment does not provide sufficient spatial resolution to obtain morphological information on the cellular level, essential for applying minimally or non-invasive surgical interventions. Therefore, generic data with lateral sub-micrometer resolution have been generated from histological slices post mortem. Sub-cellular spatial resolution, lost in the third dimension as a result of sectioning, is obtained using magnetic resonance microscopy and micro computed tomography. We demonstrate that for human cerebellum grating-based X-ray phase tomography shows complementary contrast to magnetic resonance microscopy and histology. In this study, the contrast-to-noise values of magnetic resonance microscopy and phase tomography were comparable whereas the spatial resolution in phase tomography is an order of magnitude better. The registered data with their complementary information permit the distinct segmentation of tissues within the human cerebellum. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00826

Description: Controls over the atomic dispersity and particle shape of noble metal catalysts are the major qualities determining their usability in industrial runs, but they are usually difficult to be simultaneously realized. Inspired from the Deacon catalyst in which RuO2 can form epitaxial layers on the surfaces of Rutile TiO2, here we have investigated the shape evolution process of RuO2 nanoparticles on the surface of P25 TiO2. It is found that size effects exist in this process and RuO2 nanoparticles with sizes ~sub-2 nm can be transformed into epitaxial layers while nanoparticles with bigger sizes are not apt to change their shapes. Based on a thermodynamic model, we infer such transformation process is jointly driven by the surface tension and interfacial lattice match between the nanoparticles and substrates, which may be suggestive for the design of noble metal catalysts integrating both active crystal planes and high atomic exposure ratios. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00801

Description: Thrombospondin-1 is a matricellular protein with potent antitumour activities, the levels of which determine the fate of many different tumours, including renal carcinomas. However, the factors that regulate this protein remain unclear. In renal carcinomas, hypoxic conditions enhance the expression of angiogenic factors that help adapt tumour cells to their hostile environment. Therefore, we hypothesized that anti-angiogenic factors should correspondingly be dampened. Indeed, we found that hypoxia decreased the thrombospondin-1 protein in several clear cell renal carcinoma cell lines (ccRCC), although no transcriptional regulation was observed. Furthermore, we proved that hypoxia stimulates multiple signals that independently contribute to diminish thrombospondin-1 in ccRCC, which include a decrease in the activity of oxygen-dependent prolylhydroxylases (PHDs) and activation of the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. In addition, thrombospondin-1 regulation in hypoxia proved to be important for ccRCC cell migration and invasion. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00788

Description: Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00839

Description: The specific ablation of Rb1 gene in stratified epithelia (RbF/F;K14cre) promotes proliferation and altered differentiation but is insufficient to produce spontaneous tumors. The pRb relative, p107, compensates some of the functions of pRb in these tissues; however, RbF/F;K14cre;p107−/− mice die postnatally. Here we show, using an inducible mouse model (RbF/F;K14creERTM), that p107 exerts specific tumor suppressor functions in the absence of pRb in stratified epithelia. The simultaneous absence of pRb and p107 produces impaired p53 transcriptional functions and reduction of Pten expression, allowing spontaneous squamous carcinoma development. These tumors display significant overlap with human squamous carcinomas, supporting that RbF/F;K14creERTM;p107−/− mice might constitute a new model for these malignancies. Remarkably tumor development in vivo is partially alleviated by mTOR inhibition. These data demonstrate the existence of a previously unreported functional connection between pRb, Pten and p53 tumor suppressors, through p107, of a particular relevance in squamous tumor development. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00828

Description: The ability of manipulating mesoscopic objects with high precision and flexibility is extremely important for a wide variety of fields from physics, biochemistry, to biomedicine. Particularly, the ability of arranging particles/cells into desired patterns precisely is a challenge for numerous physical and biological applications. Here, we report a strategy of realizing highly flexible trapping, driving, and precise arrangement of particles using a tapered fibre probe. Using randomly distributed 3-µm-diameter silica particles as an example, we demonstrate that the strategy is able to stably trap the particles and drive them to targeted regions, subsequently arrange the particles into desired patterns. To further demonstrate the ability of this strategy, experiments were done using sub-micron sized particles and biological samples (bacteria and cells). This strategy provides a new approach to manipulate mesoscopic objects precisely and flexibly, and hopefully can be used in future fundamental and applied researches of interdiscipline. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00818

Description: Friction is a major inhibitor in almost every mechanical system. Enlightened by the Leidenfrost effect – a droplet can be levitated by its own vapor layer on a sufficiently hot surface – we demonstrate for the first time that a small cart can also be levitated by Leidenfrost vapor. The levitated cart can carry certain amount of load and move frictionlessly over the hot surface. The maximum load that the cart can carry is experimentally tested over a range of surface temperatures. We show that the levitated cart can be propelled not only by gravitational force over a slanted flat surface, but also self-propelled over a ratchet shaped horizontal surface. In the end, we experimentally tested water consumption rate for sustaining the levitated cart, and compared the results to theoretical calculations. If perfected, this frictionless Leidenfrost cart could be used in numerous engineering applications where relative motion exists between surfaces. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00797

Description: Reciprocity is fundamental to cooperative behaviour and has been verified in theoretical models. However, there is still limited experimental evidence for reciprocity in non-primate species. Our results more decisively clarify that reciprocity with a tit-for-tat enforcement strategy can occur among breeding pied flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca separate from considerations of byproduct mutualism. Breeding pairs living in close proximity (20–24 m) did exhibit byproduct mutualism and always assisted in mobbing regardless of their neighbours' prior actions. However, breeding pairs with distant neighbours (69–84 m) either assisted or refused to assist in mobbing a predatory owl based on whether or not the distant pair had previously helped them in their own nest defense against the predator. Clearly, these birds are aware of their specific spatial security context, remember their neighbours' prior behaviour, and choose a situation-specific strategic course of action, which could promote their longer-term security, a capacity previously thought unique to primates. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00800

Description: Notwithstanding the significant efforts to develop estimators of long-range correlations (LRC) and to compare their performance, no clear consensus exists on what is the best method and under which conditions. In addition, synthetic tests suggest that the performance of LRC estimators varies when using different generators of LRC time series. Here, we compare the performances of four estimators [Fluctuation Analysis (FA), Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA), Backward Detrending Moving Average (BDMA), and Centred Detrending Moving Average (CDMA)]. We use three different generators [Fractional Gaussian Noises, and two ways of generating Fractional Brownian Motions]. We find that CDMA has the best performance and DFA is only slightly worse in some situations, while FA performs the worst. In addition, CDMA and DFA are less sensitive to the scaling range than FA. Hence, CDMA and DFA remain “The Methods of Choice” in determining the Hurst index of time series. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00835

Description: Asymmetric light propagation is crucial to the development of optical-based functional components in nanophotonics. Diverse configurations and structures have been proposed to allow asymmetrical propagation of photonic signal, but on-chip integration is difficult to achieve due to their complex structure and/or relatively large footprint. Here we report the first design and realization of asymmetric light propagation in single semiconductor nanowires with a composition gradient along the length. We show the asymmetric nanowire waveguides can be synthesized using a simple thermal evaporation and vapor transport approach without involving complicated and costly fabrication processes. Our studies demonstrate the asymmetric nanowire waveguides offer some significant advantages over previous designs, including ultra-low operation power, tunable working wavelength and nanoscale footprint, making them attractive building blocks for integrated photonic circuits. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00820

Description: Plant virus technology, in particular virus-induced gene silencing, is a widely used reverse- and forward-genetics tool in plant functional genomics. However the potential of virus technology to express genes to induce phenotypes or to complement mutants in order to understand the function of plant genes is not well documented. Here we exploit Potato virus X as a tool for virus-induced gene complementation (VIGC). Using VIGC in tomato, we demonstrated that ectopic viral expression of LeMADS-RIN, which encodes a MADS-box transcription factor (TF), resulted in functional complementation of the non-ripening rin mutant phenotype and caused fruits to ripen. Comparative gene expression analysis indicated that LeMADS-RIN up-regulated expression of the SBP-box (SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein-like) gene LeSPL-CNR, but down-regulated the expression of LeHB-1, an HD-Zip homeobox TF gene. Our data support the hypothesis that a transcriptional network may exist among key TFs in the modulation of fruit ripening in tomato. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00836

Description: Intraoperative visual fluorescence imaging (vFI) has emerged as a promising aid to surgical guidance, but does not fully exploit the potential of the fluorescent agents that are currently available. Here, we introduce a quantitative fluorescence imaging (qFI) approach that converts spectrally-resolved data into images of absolute fluorophore concentration pixel-by-pixel across the surgical field of view (FOV). The resulting estimates are linear, accurate, and precise relative to true values, and spectral decomposition of multiple fluorophores is also achieved. Experiments with protoporphyrin IX in a glioma rodent model demonstrate in vivo quantitative and spectrally-resolved fluorescence imaging of infiltrating tumor margins for the first time. Moreover, we present images from human surgery which detect residual tumor not evident with state-of-the-art vFI. The wide-field qFI technique has broad implications for intraoperative surgical guidance because it provides near real-time quantitative assessment of multiple fluorescent biomarkers across the operative field. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00798

Description: Current therapy for patients with hereditary absence of cochlear hair cells, who have severe or profound deafness, is restricted to cochlear implantation, a procedure that requires survival of the auditory nerve. Mouse mutations that serve as models for genetic deafness can be utilized for developing and enhancing therapies for hereditary deafness. A mouse with Pou4f3 loss of function has no hair cells and a subsequent, progressive degeneration of auditory neurons. Here we tested the influence of neurotrophin gene therapy on auditory nerve survival and peripheral sprouting in Pou4f3 mouse ears. BDNF gene transfer enhanced preservation of auditory neurons compared to control ears, in which nearly all neurons degenerated. Surviving neurons in treated ears exhibited pronounced sprouting of nerve fibers into the auditory epithelium, despite the absence of hair cells. This enhanced nerve survival and regenerative sprouting may improve the outcome of cochlear implant therapy in patients with hereditary deafness. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00838

Description: A bottle-neck in recombinant antibody sandwich immunoassay development is pairing, demanding protein purification and modification to distinguish captor from tracer. We developed a simple pairing scheme using microliter amounts of E. coli osmotic shockates bearing site-specific biotinylated antibodies and demonstrated proof of principle with a single domain antibody (sdAb) that is both captor and tracer for polyvalent Marburgvirus nucleoprotein. The system could also host pairs of different sdAb specific for the 7 botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) serotypes, enabling recognition of the cognate serotype. Inducible supE co-expression enabled sdAb populations to be propagated as either phage for more panning from repertoires or expressed as soluble sdAb for screening within a single host strain. When combined with streptavidin-g3p fusions, a novel transdisplay system was formulated to retrofit a semi-synthetic sdAb library which was mined for an anti-Ebolavirus sdAb which was immediately immunoassay ready, thereby speeding up the recombinant antibody discovery and utilization processes. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00807

Description: Adipose tissue plays a central role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis under normal conditions. Metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes are often accompanied by chronic inflammation and adipose tissue dysfunction. In this study, we observed that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the inflammatory response occurred in adipose tissue of mice fed a high-fat diet for a period of 16 weeks. After 16 weeks of feeding, ER stress markers increased and chronic inflammation occurred in adipose tissue. We found that ER stress is induced by free fatty acid (FFA)-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and up-regulated gene expression of inflammatory cytokines in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Oral administration to obese mice of chemical chaperons, which alleviate ER stress, improved chronic inflammation in adipose tissue, followed by the suppression of increased body weight and improved insulin signaling. These results indicate that ER stress plays important pathophysiological roles in obesity-induced adipose tissue dysfunction. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00799

Description: Integrated photonic circuits are one of the most promising platforms for large-scale photonic quantum information systems due to their small physical size and stable interferometers with near-perfect lateral-mode overlaps. Since many quantum information protocols are based on qubits defined by the polarization of photons, we must develop integrated building blocks to generate, manipulate, and measure the polarization-encoded quantum state on a chip. The generation unit is particularly important. Here we show the first integrated polarization-entangled photon pair source on a chip. We have implemented the source as a simple and stable silicon-on-insulator photonic circuit that generates an entangled state with 91 ± 2% fidelity. The source is equipped with versatile interfaces for silica-on-silicon or other types of waveguide platforms that accommodate the polarization manipulation and projection devices as well as pump light sources. Therefore, we are ready for the full-scale implementation of photonic quantum information systems on a chip. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00817

Description: Vortex domain patterns in low-dimensional ferroelectrics and multiferroics have been extensively studied with the aim of developing nanoscale functional devices. However, control of the vortex domain structure has not been investigated systematically. Taking into account effects of inhomogeneous electromechanical fields, ambient temperature, surface and size, we demonstrate significant influence of mechanical load on the vortex domain structure in ferroelectric nanoplatelets. Our analysis shows that the size and number of dipole vortices can be controlled by mechanical load, and yields rich temperature-stress (T-S) phase diagrams. Simulations also reveal that transformations between “vortex states” induced by the mechanical load are possible, which is totally different from the conventional way controlled on the vortex domain by the electric field. These results are relevant to application of vortex domain structures in ferroelectric nanodevices, and suggest a novel route to applications including memories, mechanical sensors and transducers. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00796

Description: Correlated evolution of traits can act synergistically to facilitate organism function. But, what happens when constraints exist on the evolvability of some traits, but not others? The orb web was a key innovation in the origin of 〉12,000 species of spiders. Orb evolution hinged upon the origin of novel spinning behaviors and innovations in silk material properties. In particular, a new major ampullate spidroin protein (MaSp2) increased silk extensibility and toughness, playing a critical role in how orb webs stop flying insects. Here, we show convergence between pseudo-orb-weaving Fecenia and true orb spiders. As in the origin of true orbs, Fecenia dragline silk improved significantly compared to relatives. But, Fecenia silk lacks the high compliance and extensibility found in true orb spiders, likely due in part to the absence of MaSp2. Our results suggest how constraints limit convergent evolution and provide insight into the evolution of nature's toughest fibers. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00833

Description: We report the development of complete structural AlGaN-based deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes with an aluminum thin layer for increasing light extraction efficiency. A 217% enhancement in peak photoluminescence intensity at 294 nm is observed. Cathodoluminescence measurement demonstrates that the internal quantum efficiency of the deep-UV LEDs coated with Al layer is not enhanced. The emission enhancement of deep-UV LEDs is attributed to the higher LEE by the surface plasmon-transverse magnetic wave coupling. When the proportion of the TM wave to the Al layer increases with the Al content in the AlxGa1-xN multiple quantum wells, i.e., the band edge emission energy, the enhancement ratio of the Al-coated deep-UV LEDs increases. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00816

Description: The global rise in coral diseases has severely impacted coral reef ecosystems, yet often little is known about these diseases, including how they are transmitted. White Band Disease (WBD), for example, has caused unparalleled declines in live Acropora cover, spreading rapidly throughout the Caribbean by unknown means. Here we test four putative modes of WBD transmission to the staghorn coral Acropora cervicornis: two animal vectors (Coralliophila abbreviata and C. caribaea) and waterborne transmission to intact and injured coral tissues. Using aquarium-based infection experiments, we determine that C. abbreviata, but not C. caribaea, acts as both a vector and reservoir for transmission of the WBD pathogen. We also demonstrate waterborne transmission to injured, but not intact staghorn coral tissues. The combination of transmission by both animal vectors and through the water column helps explain how WBD is spread locally and across the Caribbean. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00804

Description: Human APOBEC3 proteins play pivotal roles in intracellular defense against viral infection by catalyzing deamination of cytidine residues, leading to base substitutions in viral DNA. Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), another member of the APOBEC family, is capable of editing immunoglobulin (Ig) and non-Ig genes, and aberrant expression of AID leads to tumorigenesis. However, it remains unclear whether APOBEC3 (A3) proteins affect stability of human genome. Here we demonstrate that both A3A and A3B can induce base substitutions into human genome as AID can. A3B is highly expressed in several lymphoma cells and somatic mutations occur in some oncogenes of the cells highly expressing A3B. Furthermore, transfection of A3B gene into lymphoma cells induces base substitutions in cMYC gene. These data suggest that aberrant expression of A3B can evoke genomic instability by inducing base substitutions into human genome, which might lead to tumorigenesis in human cells. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00806

Description: Biologists have devoted much attention to assortative mating or homogamy, the tendency for sexual species to mate with similar others. In contrast, there has been little theoretical work on the broader phenomenon of homophily, the tendency for individuals to interact with similar others. Yet this behaviour is also widely observed in nature. Here, we model how natural selection can give rise to homophily when individuals engage in social interaction in a population with multiple observable phenotypes. Payoffs to interactions depend on whether or not individuals have the same or different phenotypes, and each individual has a preference that determines how likely they are to interact with others of their own phenotype (homophily) or of opposite phenotypes (heterophily). The results show that homophily tends to evolve under a wide variety of conditions, helping to explain its ubiquity in nature. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00845

Description: Translational GTPases (trGTPases) are involved in all four stages of protein biosynthesis: initiation, elongation, termination and ribosome recycling. The trGTPases Initiation Factor 2 (IF2) and Elongation Factor G (EF-G) respectively orchestrate initiation complex formation and translocation of the peptidyl-tRNA:mRNA complex through the bacterial ribosome. The ribosome regulates the GTPase cycle and efficiently discriminates between the GDP- and GTP-bound forms of these proteins. Using Isothermal Titration Calorimetry, we have investigated interactions of IF2 and EF-G with the sarcin-ricin loop of the 23S rRNA, a crucial element of the GTPase-associated center of the ribosome. We show that binding of IF2 and EF-G to a 27 nucleotide RNA fragment mimicking the sarcin-ricin loop is mutually exclusive with that of GDP, but not of GTP, providing a mechanism for destabilization of the ribosome-bound GDP forms of translational GTPases. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00843

Description: With a projection of nearly doubling up the world population by 2050, we need wide variety of renewable and clean energy sources to meet the increased energy demand. Solar energy is considered as the leading promising alternate energy source with the pertinent challenge of off sunshine period and uneven worldwide distribution of usable sun light. Although thermoelectricity is considered as a reasonable renewable energy from wasted heat, its mass scale usage is yet to be developed. Here we show, large scale integration of nano-manufactured pellets of thermoelectric nano-materials, embedded into window glasses to generate thermoelectricity using the temperature difference between hot outside and cool inside. For the first time, this work offers an opportunity to potentially generate 304 watts of usable power from 9 m2 window at a 20°C temperature gradient. If a natural temperature gradient exists, this can serve as a sustainable energy source for green building technology. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00841

Description: The cellular phenotype is described by a complex network of molecular interactions. Elucidating network properties that distinguish disease from the healthy cellular state is therefore of critical importance for gaining systems-level insights into disease mechanisms and ultimately for developing improved therapies. By integrating gene expression data with a protein interaction network we here demonstrate that cancer cells are characterised by an increase in network entropy. In addition, we formally demonstrate that gene expression differences between normal and cancer tissue are anticorrelated with local network entropy changes, thus providing a systemic link between gene expression changes at the nodes and their local correlation patterns. In particular, we find that genes which drive cell-proliferation in cancer cells and which often encode oncogenes are associated with reductions in network entropy. These findings may have potential implications for identifying novel drug targets. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00802

Description: MicroRNAs can promote translation of specific mRNAs in quiescent (G0) mammalian cells and immature Xenopus laevis oocytes. We report that microRNA-mediated upregulation of target mRNAs in oocytes is dependent on nuclear entry of the microRNA; cytoplasmically-injected microRNA repress target mRNAs. Components of the activation microRNP, AGO, FXR1 (FXR1-iso-a) and miR16 are present in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Importantly, microRNA target mRNAs for upregulation, Myt1, TNFα and a reporter bearing the TNFα AU-rich, microRNA target sequence, are associated with AGO in immature oocyte nuclei and AGO2 in G0 human nuclei, respectively. mRNAs that are repressed or lack target sites are not associated with nuclear AGO. Crosslinking-coupled immunopurification revealed greater association of AGO2 with FXR1 in the nucleus compared to cytoplasm. Consistently, overexpression of FXR1-iso-a rescues activation of cytoplasmically-injected RNAs and in low density, proliferating cells. These data indicate the importance of a compartmentalized AGO2-FXR1-iso-a complex for selective recruitment for microRNA-mediated upregulation. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00842

Description: Nanoparticle exposure in pregnancy may result in placental damage and fetotoxicity; however, the factors that determine fetal nanoparticle exposure are unclear. Here we have assessed the effect of gestational age and nanoparticle composition on fetal accumulation of maternally-administered nanomaterials in mice. We determined the placental and fetal uptake of 13 nm gold nanoparticles with different surface modifications (ferritin, PEG and citrate) following intravenous administration at E5.5-15.5. We showed that prior to E11.5, all tested nanoparticles could be visualized and detected in fetal tissues in significant amounts; however, fetal gold levels declined dramatically post-E11.5. In contrast, Au-nanoparticle accumulation in the extraembryonic tissues (EET) increased 6–15 fold with gestational age. Fetal and EET accumulation of ferritin- and PEG-modified nanoparticles was considerably greater than citrate-capped nanoparticles. No signs of toxicity were observed. Fetal exposure to nanoparticles in murine pregnancy is, therefore, influenced by both stage of embryonic/placental maturation and nanoparticle surface composition. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00847

Description: We compared the expression levels of 307 miRNAs in six different B16F1 melanoma cell lines of differing malignant properties and found that the miR-290–295 cluster showed a strong upregulation in the more malignant B16F1 daughter cell lines. Its overexpression in B16F1 cells had no major effects on cell proliferation, migration or anchorage-independent growth, but conferred resistance to glucose starvation. This was mediated by miR-290-295-induced downregulation of several essential autophagy genes, including Atg7 and ULK1, which resulted in inhibition of autophagic cell death induced by glucose starvation. Similar effects were observed after knockdown of Atg7 or ULK1 in B16F1 melanoma cells, and after treatment with two chemical inhibitors of autophagy. Together, these results indicate that autophagy mediates cell death of melanoma cells under chronic nutrient deprivation, and they reveal an unanticipated role of the miR-290-295 cluster in conferring a survival advantage to melanoma cells by inhibiting autophagic cell death. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00808

Description: Dishevelled, a phosphoprotein scaffold, is a central component in all the Wnt-sensitive signaling pathways. In the present study, we report that Dishevelled is post-translationally modified, both in vitro and in vivo, via arginine methylation. We also show protein arginine methyl transferases 1 and 7 as the key enzymes catalyzing Dishevelled methylation. Interestingly, Wnt3a stimulation of F9 teratocarcinoma cells results in reduced Dishevelled methylation. Similarly, the methylation-deficient mutant of Dishevelled, R271K, displayed spontaneous membrane localization and robust activation of Wnt signaling; suggesting that differential methylation of Dishevelled plays an important role in Wnt signaling. Thus arginine methylation is shown to be an important switch in regulation of Dishevelled function and Wnt signaling. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00805

Description: Due to observed interactions between Svalbard reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus ) and polar bears ( Ursus maritimus ) during field work on Edgeøya, Svalbard, we measured response distances for reindeer from a stalking polar bear and improvised five approaches from a person disguised as a polar bear for comparison with human encounters. The alert, flight initiation and escape distances were 1.6, 2.5 and 2.3 times longer, respectively, when Svalbard reindeer were encountered by a person disguised as a polar bear compared to a person in dark hiking gear. Population increase of polar bears on Svalbard and decrease in sea-ice cover in the Arctic region during summer probably results in more frequent interactions with reindeer on the archipelago. Similar reindeer response behavior from encounters with a polar bear and persons disguised as polar bears indicate a predator-prey relationship between the two species on Edgeøya. Content Type Journal Article Pages 483-489 DOI 10.1657/1938-4246-44.4.483 Authors Eigil Reimers, Department of Biology, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1066 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway Sindre Eftestøl, Department of Biology, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1066 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway Journal Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research Online ISSN 1938-4246 Print ISSN 1523-0430 Journal Volume Volume 44 Journal Issue Volume 44, Number 4 / November 2012

Description: Changing Cold Environments: A Canadian Perspective. Edited by Hugh French and Olav Slaymaker Content Type Journal Article Category Book Review Pages 520b-521 DOI 10.1657/1938-4246-44.4.520b Authors T. Nelson Caine, Emeritus Department of Geography and INSTAAR, University of Colorado Journal Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research Online ISSN 1938-4246 Print ISSN 1523-0430 Journal Volume Volume 44 Journal Issue Volume 44, Number 4 / November 2012

Description: Sulfate and nitrate records from 5 ice cores spread across Svalbard were compared and revealed strong temporal similarities with previously published global estimates of SO 2 and NO x anthropogenic emissions during the 20th century. A significant departure from the early century sulfate and nitrate levels was evident at all drilling sites starting from the mid-1940s. A steady increase was observed in both sulfate and nitrate profiles at most sites until the late 1960s, when the annual concentrations started to increase at a higher rate. This peak activity lasted for about a decade, and was observed to decrease steadily from the early 1980s on, when sulfate levels declined significantly and when nitrate levels finally reached sulfate levels for the first time in 20th century. The timing of these trends in Svalbard with global SO 2 and NO x concentration profiles was best appraised when considering composite concentration profiles of all Svalbard ice cores for sulfate and nitrate, respectively. Composite profiles were also found to provide a convenient mean for distinguishing between the most important world source regions. Based on correlation analysis, the major pollutant sources appeared to be Western Europe and North America for both sulfate and nitrate, followed by Central Europe and former U.S.S.R. in generally similar proportions. Content Type Journal Article Pages 490-499 DOI 10.1657/1938-4246-44.4.490 Authors D. Samyn, National Institute of Polar Research, 10-3, Midori-machi, Tachikawa-shi, 190-8518 Tokyo, Japan C. P. Vega, National Institute of Polar Research, 10-3, Midori-machi, Tachikawa-shi, 190-8518 Tokyo, Japan H. Motoyama, National Institute of Polar Research, 10-3, Midori-machi, Tachikawa-shi, 190-8518 Tokyo, Japan V. A. Pohjola, National Institute of Polar Research, 10-3, Midori-machi, Tachikawa-shi, 190-8518 Tokyo, Japan Journal Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research Online ISSN 1938-4246 Print ISSN 1523-0430 Journal Volume Volume 44 Journal Issue Volume 44, Number 4 / November 2012

Description: Bryophytes and lichens are ubiquitous in subarctic ecosystems, but their roles in controlling energy fluxes are rarely studied at the species level despite large, recent observed shifts in subarctic vegetation. We quantified the surface and subsurface temperatures and spectral reflectance of common moss and lichen species at field sites in Alaska and Sweden. We also used MODIS observations to determine if the removal of Cladonia spp. by reindeer overgrazing impacts land surface albedo and temperature. Radiometric surface temperature of a feather moss ( Pleurozium schreberi ) exceeded 50 °C on occasion when dry, up to 20 °C higher than co-located Sphagnum fuscum or C. rangiferina. Spectral reflectance of S. fuscum was on average higher than Polytrichum piliferum across the 350-1400 nm range, with substantial within-species variability. MODIS albedo was significantly higher on the Norwegian (relatively undisturbed) side versus the Finnish (disturbed) side of a border reindeer fence by an average of 1% during periods without snow cover. MODIS nighttime land surface temperatures were often significantly higher on the Norwegian side of the fence by an average of 0.7 °C despite higher albedo, likely due to poor conductance of heat to the subsurface as observed in C. rangiferina in the field. Changes to bryophyte and lichen community composition alter the surface energy balance, and future work must determine how to best incorporate these effects into Earth system models. Content Type Journal Article Pages 500-508 DOI 10.1657/1938-4246-44.4.500 Authors Paul C. Stoy, Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Montana State University, 334 Leon Johnson Hall, Bozeman, Montana 59717, U.S.A. Lorna E. Street, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UU, U.K. Aiden V. Johnson, Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Montana State University, 334 Leon Johnson Hall, Bozeman, Montana 59717, U.S.A. Ana Prieto-Blanco, Department of Geography, University College London, 26 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0AP, U.K. Stephanie A. Ewing, Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, Montana State University, 334 Leon Johnson Hall, Bozeman, Montana 59717, U.S.A. Journal Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research Online ISSN 1938-4246 Print ISSN 1523-0430 Journal Volume Volume 44 Journal Issue Volume 44, Number 4 / November 2012

Description: Watersheds draining the Arctic Coastal Plain (ACP) of Alaska are dominated by permafrost and snowmelt runoff that create abundant surface storage in the form of lakes, wetlands, and beaded streams. These surface water elements compose complex drainage networks that affect aquatic ecosystem connectivity and hydrologic behavior. The 4676 km 2 Fish Creek drainage basin is composed of three watersheds that represent a gradient of the ACP landscape with varying extents of eolian, lacustrine, and fluvial landforms. In each watershed, we analyzed 2.5-m-resolution aerial photography, a 5-m digital elevation model, and river gauging and climate records to better understand ACP watershed structure and processes. We show that connected lakes accounted for 19 to 26% of drainage density among watersheds and most all channels initiate from lake basins in the form of beaded streams. Of the 〉2500 lakes in these watersheds, 33% have perennial streamflow connectivity, and these represent 66% of total lake area extent. Deeper lakes with over-wintering habitat were more abundant in the watershed with eolian sand deposits, while the watershed with marine silt deposits contained a greater extent of beaded streams and shallow thermokarst lakes that provide essential summer feeding habitat. Comparison of flow regimes among watersheds showed that higher lake extent and lower drained lake-basin extent corresponded with lower snowmelt and higher baseflow runoff. Variation in baseflow runoff among watersheds was most pronounced during drought conditions in 2007 with corresponding reduction in snowmelt peak flows the following year. Comparison with other Arctic watersheds indicates that lake area extent corresponds to slower recession of both snowmelt and baseflow runoff. These analyses help refine our understanding of how Arctic watersheds are structured and function hydrologically, emphasizing the important role of lake basins and suggesting how future lake change may impact hydrologic processes. Content Type Journal Article Pages 385-398 DOI 10.1657/1938-4246-44.4.385 Authors C. D. Arp, Water and Environmental Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 306 Tanana Loop, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775, U.S.A. M. S. Whitman, Bureau of Land Management, Arctic Field Office, 1150 University Avenue, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709, U.S.A. B. M. Jones, Alaska Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508, U.S.A. R. Kemnitz, Bureau of Land Management, Arctic Field Office, 1150 University Avenue, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709, U.S.A. G. Grosse, Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 903 Koyukuk Drive, Fairbanks, Alaska 99775, U.S.A. F. E. Urban, Earth Surface Processes Team, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225, U.S.A. Journal Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research Online ISSN 1938-4246 Print ISSN 1523-0430 Journal Volume Volume 44 Journal Issue Volume 44, Number 4 / November 2012

Description: Each year, over 1000 climbers attempt an ascent of Mt. McKinley via the West Buttress, located on the 77-km-long Kahiltna Glacier in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Climbers generate over two metric tons of human waste annually, the majority of which is disposed of in crevasses. To assess potential health impacts of this management practice, we conducted field studies and a laboratory experiment to document the persistence of fecal bacteria in a variety of glacial microclimates. Low concentrations of fecal bacteria found in water samples collected over two melt seasons from the Kahiltna River support the argument that bacteria can survive in a glacial environment for an extended period of time. We documented Kahiltna Glacier surface velocities and used a simple flow model to predict the time and place that human waste will emerge in the ablation zone. Based on surface velocities we predict that waste buried in major camps will emerge at the glacier surface in as little as 71 years after traveling 28 km downstream. Our results show fecal microorganisms are persistent in a glacial environment, these pathogens pose a minor threat to human health, and buried human waste can be expected to emerge at the glacier surface within decades. Content Type Journal Article Pages 432-445 DOI 10.1657/1938-4246-44.4.432 Authors Katelyn Goodwin, Department of Environmental Science, Alaska Pacific University, 4101 University Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508, U.S.A. Michael G. Loso, Department of Environmental Science, Alaska Pacific University, 4101 University Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508, U.S.A. Matthias Braun, Department of Geography, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Kochstrasse 4/4, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany Journal Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research Online ISSN 1938-4246 Print ISSN 1523-0430 Journal Volume Volume 44 Journal Issue Volume 44, Number 4 / November 2012

Description: Relationships were determined between methane (CH 4 ) production and in situ conditions within the permafrost active layer during a single melt season at Stordalen, Sweden, with a specific emphasis on temperature sensitivity of methanogenesis. In situ temperature, moisture, pH, dissolved organic carbon, and CH 4 concentration data were measured at three contrasting active layer sites (sedge mire, Sphagnum mire, and ombrotrophic bog), and laboratory incubations of active layer material were subsequently employed to determine the sensitivity of CH 4 production to temperature. Q 10 values, describing the CH 4 production response of peat to a temperature change of 10 °C, ranged from 1.9 to 3.5 and 2.4 to 5.8 for the sedge and Sphagnum mire sites, respectively. A wider review of the literature on Q 10 responses of methanogenesis in northern peatlands shows similar features to the temperature response of CH 4 production in the active layer at Stordalen. In general, Q 10 values are not significantly different in Arctic permafrost wetlands than non-Arctic northern wetlands; however, Sphagnum sites display Q 10 responses (mean Q 10 = 8) that are notably greater than that of wetter minerotrophic-sedge environments (mean Q 10 = 4.3). This finding has implications for the parameterization of Q 10 factors in numerical carbon cycling models, and suggests that the use of spatially variable Q 10 values could be a useful approach for more accurate modeling of CH 4 fluxes from northern wetlands under different climatic change scenarios. Content Type Journal Article Pages 469-482 DOI 10.1657/1938-4246-44.4.469 Authors M. Lupascu, Bristol Glaciology Centre, University Road, Bristol, BS8 1SS, University of Bristol, U.K. J. L. Wadham, Bristol Glaciology Centre, University Road, Bristol, BS8 1SS, University of Bristol, U.K. E. R. C. Hornibrook, Bristol Biogeochemistry Research Centre and Cabot Institute, School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Wills Memorial Building, Queen's Road, Bristol, BS8 1RJ, U.K. R. D. Pancost, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TS, U.K. Journal Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research Online ISSN 1938-4246 Print ISSN 1523-0430 Journal Volume Volume 44 Journal Issue Volume 44, Number 4 / November 2012

Description: Variability of midday net ecosystem CO 2 exchange (NEE) and respiration was measured using a transect of closed system chambers spanning transitions from channel fen, permafrost plateau, and ombrotrophic flat bog land cover types during the spring melt season (26 April-6 June 2008). The primary objective was to compare fluxes from different land cover types and topographic variability within zones adjacent to and including rapid permafrost thaw. During this period, the bog was the greatest net source of CO 2 to the atmosphere, followed by plateau, and fen. NEE was slightly positive (indicating CO 2 loss to the atmosphere) during the snowmelt period (average = 0.009 ± 0.004 mg CO 2 m -2 s -1 ), and increased to 0.025 ± 0.012 mg CO 2 m -2 s -1 , on average, possibly due to soil thaw and increased microbial activity within two days of completely snow-free conditions. Near surface soil temperature and depth to the water table were the most significant controls of soil and ground cover CO 2 fluxes within chambers at all sites ( p 〈 0.05). Analysis of historical aerial photographs and satellite imagery of the area from 1947 to 2008 indicates that plateaus are converting more rapidly into bogs than fen, where 73% of plateau areas (since 1970) that thawed had become bogs (as opposed to 27% conversion into fen). Future research requires establishment of a full ecosystem or land cover greenhouse gas and soil nutrient exchange/transfer program, including CO 2 and water fluxes as well as dissolved organic and inorganic C, and CH 4 losses from the soil. These results contribute to a better understanding of northern soil and ground-cover carbon exchanges as greater areas of permafrost plateaus collapse and form bogs. Content Type Journal Article Pages 399-411 DOI 10.1657/1938-4246-44.4.399 Authors L. Chasmer, Cold Regions Research Centre, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3C5, Canada A. Kenward, Cold Regions Research Centre, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3C5, Canada W. Quinton, Cold Regions Research Centre, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3C5, Canada R. Petrone, Cold Regions Research Centre, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3C5, Canada Journal Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research Online ISSN 1938-4246 Print ISSN 1523-0430 Journal Volume Volume 44 Journal Issue Volume 44, Number 4 / November 2012

Description: We use butterfly data from an arid subtropical elevation gradient to test temperate-zone hypotheses regarding altitude effects on diversity and phenology. Specifically, species richness is predicted to peak at mid-altitude on arid-zone mountains with opposite temperature and precipitation gradients, and phenological windows of activity are expected to be more synchronized, shorter, and later with altitude. A transect on the Pacific slope of the Andes in northern Chile (23°S, 2400-5000 m a.s.l.) was observed fortnightly between October 2008 and June 2009. The 13 species observed showed high altitudinal and temporal turnover, dividing the transect into three entomofaunal zones that follow well-documented altitudinal vegetation belts. Species richness peaked at mid-altitude in the Puna shrub belt, the zone with highest plant productivity and diversity, supporting McCain's water-temperature hypothesis. Community-level predictions about phenology were not met: instead, the flight period began earlier at high altitude, presumably due to earlier water availability, and neither synchronization nor duration of flight periods varied consistently with altitude. At the species level, relationships between butterfly phenology and altitude were variable, suggesting no direct effect of altitude but rather complex effects of changing environmental conditions that vary according to individual species' ecological requirements, host plant use, and lifecycle. Content Type Journal Article Pages 423-431 DOI 10.1657/1938-4246-44.4.423 Authors Emma Despland, Biology Department, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke West, Montreal, H4B 1R6, Canada Rolando Humire, Sociedad Naturalista de San Pedro de Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile Sandra San Martín, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Manuel Montt Nro. 56, Temuco, Casilla 15-D, Temuco, Chile Journal Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research Online ISSN 1938-4246 Print ISSN 1523-0430 Journal Volume Volume 44 Journal Issue Volume 44, Number 4 / November 2012

Description: To better understand the basic characteristics of the land surface energy budget, nearly 7 years of continuous measurements at the Qomolangma Station for Atmospheric and Environmental Observation and Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (QOMS/CAS) (28.21°N, 86.56°E, 4276 m a.s.l.) have been analyzed systematically. Seasonal and annual variations of micrometeorological measurements and land surface energy balance were analyzed. The general nature of the diurnal variation of the surface winds on the north of Mt. Everest is represented by a maximum in the afternoon and a constant wind speed in the early morning, which is controlled not only by the significant glacier wind but also by the local mountain-valley circulation and upper-level wind. Surface albedo decreases with increasing soil moisture content, showing the typical exponential relation between surface albedo and soil moisture. The data set disclosed that the high soil moisture in summer is coordinated with low albedo. The ratio between sensible heat and net radiation (H/Rn) can be as high as 0.49 when the soil is dry. The ratio (H/Rn) decreases to 0.14 with the increasing of soil moisture. On the contrary, the ratio between latent heat flux and net radiation (LE/Rn) is increased when soil moisture is rising. The highest ratio (LE/Rn) can be as high as 0.5 when soil moisture changes between 15% and 20%. After defining the effects of different soil moisture level on partitioning of surface available energy into sensible and latent heat fluxes, we can qualify how much the sensible heating is decreasing and the latent heating is increasing in this region under current plateau environment changes of warming and moistening. Content Type Journal Article Pages 412-422 DOI 10.1657/1938-4246-44.4.412 Authors Xuelong Chen, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China Zhongbo Su, Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500AE, The Netherlands Yaoming Ma, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China Fanglin Sun, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, China Journal Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research Online ISSN 1938-4246 Print ISSN 1523-0430 Journal Volume Volume 44 Journal Issue Volume 44, Number 4 / November 2012

Description: Cold season respiration may significantly affect arctic terrestrial ecosystem annual net carbon balances. Here, the influences of vegetation type, experimentally deepened snow, and interannual climatic variation on total cold season CO 2 efflux were investigated in a Canadian low arctic site containing dry heath, tall birch understory, birch hummock, and wet sedge ecosystems. Total efflux ranged from 34 to 126 g CO 2 -C m -2 among the vegetation types, with the tall birch understory respiring at least twice that of the birch hummock and four times that of either the dry heath or wet sedge. This variation did not correlate with soil temperature differences alone, but instead was attributed to ecosystem-specific interactions between snow depth, vegetation canopy cover, soil temperature, and moisture, as well as differences in plant biomass and litter production. Respiration from the birch hummock site was twice as high in 2006/2007 (the year of relatively warm fall and late winter soil temperature phases) as compared to 2004/2005, and was enhanced by the snow fence treatment only in the latter year. Together, these data demonstrate that cold season CO 2 release differs substantially among tundra vegetation types, and strongly suggest that these effluxes can significantly offset growing season carbon gains, resulting in annual net carbon losses in some years. Content Type Journal Article Pages 446-456 DOI 10.1657/1938-4246-44.4.446 Authors Paul Grogan, Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada Journal Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research Online ISSN 1938-4246 Print ISSN 1523-0430 Journal Volume Volume 44 Journal Issue Volume 44, Number 4 / November 2012

Description: Carbon dynamics of high-latitude regions are an important and highly uncertain component of global carbon budgets, and efforts to constrain estimates of soil-atmosphere carbon exchange in these regions are contingent on accurate representations of spatial and temporal variability in carbon fluxes. This study explores spatial and temporal variability in soil-atmosphere carbon dynamics at both fine and coarse spatial scales in a high-elevation, permafrost-dominated boreal black spruce forest. We evaluate the importance of landscape-level investigations of soil-atmosphere carbon dynamics by characterizing seasonal trends in soil-atmosphere carbon exchange, describing soil temperature-moisture-respiration relations, and quantifying temporal and spatial variability at two spatial scales: the plot scale (0-5 m) and the landscape scale (500-1000 m). Plot-scale spatial variability (average variation on a given measurement day) in soil CO 2 efflux ranged from a coefficient of variation (CV) of 0.25 to 0.69, and plot-scale temporal variability (average variation of plots across measurement days) in efflux ranged from a CV of 0.19 to 0.36. Landscape-scale spatial and temporal variability in efflux was represented by a CV of 0.40 and 0.31, respectively, indicating that plot-scale spatial variability in soil respiration is as great as landscape-scale spatial variability at this site. While soil respiration was related to soil temperature at both the plot- and landscape scale, landscape-level descriptions of soil moisture were necessary to define soil respiration-moisture relations. Soil moisture variability was also integral to explaining temporal variability in soil respiration. Our results have important implications for research efforts in high-latitude regions where remote study sites make landscape-scale field campaigns challenging. Content Type Journal Article Pages 457-468 DOI 10.1657/1938-4246-44.4.457 Authors Katharine C. Kelsey, U.S. Geological Survey, 3215 Marine Street, Suite E 127, Boulder, Colorado 80303, U.S.A. Kimberly P. Wickland, U.S. Geological Survey, 3215 Marine Street, Suite E 127, Boulder, Colorado 80303, U.S.A. Robert G. Striegl, U.S. Geological Survey, 3215 Marine Street, Suite E 127, Boulder, Colorado 80303, U.S.A. Jason C. Neff, Department of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado, UCB 399, Boulder, Colorado 80309, U.S.A. Journal Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research Online ISSN 1938-4246 Print ISSN 1523-0430 Journal Volume Volume 44 Journal Issue Volume 44, Number 4 / November 2012

Description: EGFR is the best studied receptor tyrosine kinase. Yet, a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of EGFR signaling is lacking, despite very active research in the field. In this paper, we investigate the role of the juxtamembrane (JM) domain in EGFR signaling by replacing it with a (GGS)10 unstructured sequence. We probe the effect of this replacement on (i) EGFR phosphorylation, (ii) EGFR dimerization and (iii) ligand (EGF) binding. We show that the replacement of EGFR JM domain with a (GGS)10 unstructured linker completely abolishes the phosphorylation of all tyrosine residues, without measurable effects on receptor dimerization or ligand binding. Our results suggest that the JM domain does not stabilize the inactive EGFR dimer in the absence of ligand, and is likely critical only for the last step of EGFR activation, the ligand-induced transition from the inactive to active dimer. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00854

Description: Aerogels have numerous applications due to their high surface area and low densities. However, creating aerogels from a large variety of materials has remained an outstanding challenge. Here, we report a new methodology to enable aerogel production with a wide range of materials. The method is based on the assembly of anisotropic nano-objects (one-dimensional (1D) nanotubes, nanowires, or two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets) into a cross-linking network from their colloidal suspensions at the transition from the semi-dilute to the isotropic concentrated regime. The resultant aerogels have highly porous and ultrafine three-dimensional (3D) networks consisting of 1D (Ag, Si, MnO2, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs)) and 2D materials (MoS2, graphene, h-BN) with high surface areas, low densities, and high electrical conductivities. This method opens up a facile route for aerogel production with a wide variety of materials and tremendous opportunities for bio-scaffold, energy storage, thermoelectric, catalysis, and hydrogen storage applications. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00849

Description: Recently, two-dimensional networks of aqueous droplets separated by lipid bilayers, with engineered protein pores as functional elements, were used to construct millimeter-sized devices such as a light sensor, a battery, and half- and full-wave rectifiers. Here, for the first time, we show that hydrogel shapes, coated with lipid monolayers, can be used as building blocks for such networks, yielding scalable electrical circuits and mechanical devices. Examples include a mechanical switch, a rotor driven by a magnetic field and painted circuits, analogous to printed circuit boards, made with centimeter-length agarose wires. Bottom-up fabrication with lipid-coated hydrogel shapes is therefore a useful step towards the synthetic biology of functional devices including minimal tissues. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00848

Description: The concept of combining heterogeneous transition metal and amine catalysis for enantioselective cascade reactions has not yet been realized. This is of great advantage since it would allow for the recycling of expensive and non-environmentally friendly transition metals. We disclose that the use of a heterogeneous Pd-catalyst in combination with a simple chiral amine co-catalyst allows for highly enantioselective cascade transformations. The preparative power of this process has been demonstrated in the context of asymmetric cascade Michael/carbocyclization transformations that delivers cyclopentenes bearing an all carbon quaternary stereocenters in high yields with up to 30:1 dr and 99% ee. Moreover, a variety of highly enantioselective cascade hetero-Michael/carbocyclizations were developed for the one-pot synthesis of valuable dihydrofurans and pyrrolidines (up to 98% ee) by using bench-stable heterogeneous Pd and chiral amines as co-catalysts. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00851

Description: The use of ultrashort femtosecond pulsed lasers to effect membrane permeabilisation and initiate both optoinjection and transfection of cells has recently seen immense interest. We investigate femtosecond laser-induced membrane permeabilisation in mammalian cells as a function of pulse duration, pulse energy and number of pulses, by quantifying the efficiency of optoinjection for these parameters. Depending on pulse duration and pulse energy we identify two distinct membrane permeabilisation regimes. In the first regime a nonlinear dependence of order 3.4-9.6 is exhibited below a threshold peak power of at least 6 kW. Above this threshold peak power, the nonlinear dependence is saturated resulting in linear behaviour. This indicates that the membrane permeabilisation mechanism requires efficient multiphoton absorption to produce free electrons but once this process saturates, linear absorption dominates. Our experimental findings support a previously proposed theoretical model and provide a step towards the optimisation of laser-mediated gene delivery into mammalian cells. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00858

Description: Man-made composite materials called “metamaterials” allow for the creation of unusual wave propagation behavior. Acoustic and elastic metamaterials in particular, can pave the way for the full control of sound in realizing cloaks of invisibility, perfect lenses and much more. In this work we design acousto-elastic surface modes that are similar to surface plasmons in metals and on highly conducting surfaces perforated by holes. We combine a structure hosting these modes together with a gap material supporting negative modulus and collectively producing negative dispersion. By analytical techniques and full-wave simulations we attribute the observed behavior to the mass density and bulk modulus being simultaneously negative. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00859

Description: Opening a sizable band gap without degrading its high carrier mobility is as vital for silicene as for graphene to its application as a high-performance field effect transistor (FET). Our density functional theory calculations predict that a band gap is opened in silicene by single-side adsorption of alkali atom as a result of sublattice or bond symmetry breaking. The band gap size is controllable by changing the adsorption coverage, with an impressive maximum band gap up to 0.50 eV. The ab initio quantum transport simulation of a bottom-gated FET based on a sodium-covered silicene reveals a transport gap, which is consistent with the band gap, and the resulting on/off current ratio is up to 108. Therefore, a way is paved for silicene as the channel of a high-performance FET. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00853

Description: Tongue diagnosis is a unique method in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This is the first investigation on the association between traditional tongue diagnosis and the tongue coating microbiome using next-generation sequencing. The study included 19 gastritis patients with a typical white-greasy or yellow-dense tongue coating corresponding to TCM Cold or Hot Syndrome respectively, as well as eight healthy volunteers. An Illumina paired-end, double-barcode 16S rRNA sequencing protocol was designed to profile the tongue-coating microbiome, from which approximately 3.7 million V6 tags for each sample were obtained. We identified 123 and 258 species-level OTUs that were enriched in patients with Cold/Hot Syndromes, respectively, representing "Cold Microbiota" and "Hot Microbiota". We further constructed the tongue microbiota-imbalanced networks associated with Cold/Hot Syndromes. The results reveal an important connection between the tongue-coating microbiome and traditional tongue diagnosis, and illustrate the potential of the tongue-coating microbiome as a novel holistic biomarker for characterizing patient subtypes. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00936

Description: Wherever the polarization properties of a light beam are of concern, polarizers and polarizing beamsplitters (PBS) are indispensable devices in linear-, nonlinear- and quantum-optical schemes. By the very nature of their operation principle, transformation of incoming unpolarized or partially polarized beams through these devices introduces large intensity variations in the fully polarized outcoming beam(s). Such intensity fluctuations are often detrimental, particularly when light is post-processed by nonlinear crystals or other polarization-sensitive optic elements. Here we demonstrate the unexpected capability of light to self-organize its own state-of-polarization, upon propagation in optical fibers, into universal and environmentally robust states, namely right and left circular polarizations. We experimentally validate a novel polarizing device - the Omnipolarizer, which is understood as a nonlinear dual-mode polarizing optical element capable of operating in two modes - as a digital PBS and as an ideal polarizer. Switching between the two modes of operation requires changing beam's intensity. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00938

Description: Nanocavities fabricated in a metallic surface have important and technologically useful properties of complete light absorption and strong field enhancement. Here, we demonstrate how a nanometerthick alumina deposition inside such a cavity can be used to gain an exquisite control over the resonance wavelength. This process allows achieving a precise control over the spectral response and is completely reversible allowing many tuning attempts to be made on a single structure until the optimum performance is achieved. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00933

Description: The movement of the eyes has been the subject of intensive research as a way to elucidate inner mechanisms of cognitive processes. A cognitive task that is rather frequent in our daily life is the visual search for hidden objects. Here we investigate through eye-tracking experiments the statistical properties associated with the search of target images embedded in a landscape of distractors. Specifically, our results show that the twofold process of eye movement, composed of sequences of fixations (small steps) intercalated by saccades (longer jumps), displays characteristic statistical signatures. While the saccadic jumps follow a log-normal distribution of distances, which is typical of multiplicative processes, the lengths of the smaller steps in the fixation trajectories are consistent with a power-law distribution. Moreover, the present analysis reveals a clear transition between a directional serial search to an isotropic random movement as the difficulty level of the searching task is increased. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00920

Description: Contamination of the environment with endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is a major health concern. The presence of estrogenic compounds in water and their deleterious effect are well documented. However, detection and monitoring of other classes of EDCs is limited. Here we utilize a high-throughput live cell assay based on sub-cellular relocalization of GFP-tagged glucocorticoid and androgen receptors (GFP-GR and GFP-AR), in combination with gene transcription analysis, to screen for glucocorticoid and androgen activity in water samples. We report previously unrecognized glucocorticoid activity in 27%, and androgen activity in 35% of tested water sources from 14 states in the US. Steroids of both classes impact body development, metabolism, and interfere with reproductive, endocrine, and immune systems. This prevalent contamination could negatively affect wildlife and human populations. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00937

Description: Dealloyed nanoporous gold leaves (NPGLs) are found to exhibit high electrocatalytic properties toward both hydrazine (N2H4) oxidation and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) reduction. This observation allows the implementation of a direct hydrazine-hydrogen peroxide fuel cell (DHHPFC) based on these novel porous membrane catalysts. The effects of fuel and oxidizer flow rate, concentration and cell temperature on the performance of DHHPFC are systematically investigated. With a loading of ~0.1 mg cm−2 Au on each side, an open circuit voltage (OCV) of 1.2 V is obtained at 80°C with a maximum power density 195 mW cm−2, which is 22 times higher than that of commercial Pt/C electrocatalyst at the same noble metal loading. NPGLs thus hold great potential as effective and stable electrocatalysts for DHHPFCs. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00941

Description: The strain states of [111]-, [110]-, and [002]-oriented grains in poly-crystalline sputtered (Ba,Sr)TiO3 thin films on highly [111]-oriented Pt electrode/Si substrates were carefully examined by X-ray diffraction techniques. Remarkably, [002]-oriented grains respond more while [110]- and [111]-oriented grains do less than the theoretically estimated responses, which is understandable from the arrangement of the TiO6 octahedra with respect to the stress direction. Furthermore, such mechanical responses are completely independent of the degree of crystallization and film thickness. The transition growth temperature between the positive and negative strains was also different depending on the grain orientation. The unstrained lattice parameter for each type of grain was different suggesting that the oxygen vacancy concentration for each type of grain is different, too. The results reveal that polycrystalline (Ba,Sr)TiO3 thin films are not an aggregation of differently oriented grains which simply follow the mechanical behavior of single crystal with different orientations. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00939

Description: Histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) are a source of antigenic variation between individuals that modulates resistance and susceptibility to pathogens and is a barrier to the spread of enveloped viruses. HBGAs are also produced by a few prokaryotes where they are synthesized by glycosyltransferases (GTs) related to human HBGA synthases. Here we report the first structure of a bacterial GT of this family, from an intestinal resident, Bacteroides ovatus. Unlike its mammalian homologues and other GTs with similar folds, this protein lacks a metal-binding Asp-X-Asp motif and is fully active in the absence of divalent metal ions, yet is strikingly similar in structure and in its interactions with substrates to structurally characterized mammalian metal-dependent mammalian homologues. This shows how an apparently major divergence in catalytic properties can be accommodated by minor structural adjustments and illustrates the structural underpinnings of horizontal transfer of a functional gene from prokaryotes to vertebrates. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00940

Description: Spinae are tubular surface appendages broadly found in Gram-negative bacteria. Little is known about their architecture, function or origin. Here, we report structural characterization of the spinae from marine bacteria Roseobacter sp. YSCB. Electron cryo-tomography revealed that a single filament winds into a hollow flared base with progressive change to a cylinder. Proteinase K unwound the spinae into proteolysis-resistant filaments. Thermal treatment ripped the spinae into ribbons that were melted with prolonged heating. Circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed a dominant beta-structure of the spinae. Differential scanning calorimetry analyses showed three endothermic transformations at 50–85°C, 98°C and 123°C, respectively. The heating almost completely disintegrated the spinae, abolished the 98°C transition and destroyed the beta-structure. Infrared spectroscopy identified the amide I spectrum maximum at a position similar to that of amyloid fibrils. Therefore, the spinae distinguish from other bacterial appendages, e.g. flagella and stalks, in both the structure and mechanism of assembly. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00950

Description: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress sensor, IRE1, contains a kinase domain and a ribonuclease domain. Ribonuclease mediates the unconventional splicing of mRNA encoding the transcription factor AtbZIP60 in Arabidopsis, or OsbZIP50 in rice, and thereby transduces signals from stressed ER. Here, we demonstrate the additional roles of plant IRE1 using genetically modified rice plants. Using a gene targeting system based on homologous recombination, genomic IRE1 was replaced with two types of missense alleles, leading to a defect in the kinase or ribonuclease activity of IRE1. Genetic analysis of these alleles demonstrated that the kinase activity of IRE1 plays a vital role independent of ribonuclease activity. Furthermore, the existence of ribonuclease substrates other than OsbZIP50 mRNA is demonstrated for the first time. This study provides new insights into higher plant signalling using a gene targeting approach. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00944

Description: Along with the vast progress in experimental quantum technologies there is an increasing demand for the quantification of entanglement between three or more quantum systems. Theory still does not provide adequate tools for this purpose. The objective is, besides the quest for exact results, to develop operational methods that allow for efficient entanglement quantification. Here we put forward an analytical approach that serves both these goals. We provide a simple procedure to quantify Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger–type multipartite entanglement in arbitrary three-qubit states. For two qubits this method is equivalent to Wootters' seminal result for the concurrence. It establishes a close link between entanglement quantification and entanglement detection by witnesses, and can be generalised both to higher dimensions and to more than three parties. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00942

Description: Gene targeting in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) has become the principal technology for generating knockout models. Although numerous studies have predicted that the disruption of p53 leads to increased developmental anomalies and malignancies, most p53 knockout mice develop normally. Therefore, the role of p53 in animal development was examined using rat knockout models. Conventionally generated homozygous KO males developed normally, whereas females rarely survived due to neural tube defects. Mutant chimeras generated via blastocyst injection with p53-null ESCs exhibited high rates of embryonic lethality in both sexes. This phenotype could be observed in one month by the use of zinc-finger nucleases. The p53-null ESCs were resistant to apoptosis and differentiation, and exhibited severe chromosome instabilities in the chimera-contributed cells, suggesting an essential role for p53 in maintaining ESC quality and genomic integrity. These results demonstrate that p53 functions as a guardian of embryogenesis in the rats. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00945

Description: Despite nanomaterials with unique properties playing a vital role in scientific and technological advancements of various fields including chemical and electrochemical applications, the scope for exploration of nano-scale applications is still wide open. The intimate correlation between material properties and synthesis in combination with the urgency to enhance the empirical understanding of nanomaterials demand the evolution of new strategies to promising materials. Herein we introduce a rapid pyro-synthesis that produces highly crystalline functional nanomaterials under reaction times of a few seconds in open-air conditions. The versatile technique may facilitate the development of a variety of nanomaterials and, in particular, carbon-coated metal phosphates with appreciable physico-chemical properties benefiting energy storage applications. The present strategy may present opportunities to develop “design rules” not only to produce nanomaterials for various applications but also to realize cost-effective and simple nanomaterial production beyond lab-scale limitations. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00946

Description: A large amount of radionuclides was released from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) following the damage caused by the tsunami due to the Great East Japan Earthquake on 11 March 2011. Although many radionuclides in various environmental samples around the FDNPS have been measured, 3H in the terrestrial environment has not yet been reported. We present here the first survey results of 3H concentrations in plant samples collected around the FDNPS in 2011 from shortly after the accident. The free-water 3H concentrations in herbaceous plant shoots and evergreen tree leaves were considerably higher than the previous background concentration, and diminished with distance from the FDNPS. Although reconstruction of atmospheric 3H concentrations after the accident is difficult, a rough estimate of the radiation dose due to 3H inhalation about 20 km from the FDNPS is on the order of a few microsieverts (μSv). Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00947

Description: Visual-to-auditory sensory-substitution devices allow users to perceive a visual image using sound. Using a motor-learning task, we found that new sensory-motor information was generalized across sensory modalities. We imposed a rotation when participants reached to visual targets, and found that not only seeing, but also hearing the location of targets via a sensory-substitution device resulted in biased movements. When the rotation was removed, aftereffects occurred whether the location of targets was seen or heard. Our findings demonstrate that sensory-motor learning was not sensory-modality-specific. We conclude that novel sensory-motor information can be transferred between sensory modalities. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00949

Description: Crop genetic engineering mostly aims at improving environmental stress (biotic and abiotic) tolerance as well as nutritional quality. Empowering a single crop with multiple traits is highly demanding and requires manipulation of more than one gene. However, we report improved drought tolerance and fungal resistance along with the increased iron and polyunsaturated fatty acid content in tomato by expressing a single gene encoding C-5 sterol desaturase (FvC5SD) from an edible fungus Flammulina velutipes. FvC5SD is an iron binding protein involved in ergosterol biosynthesis. Morphological and biochemical analyses indicated ≈23% more epicuticular wax deposition in leaves of transgenic plants that provides an effective waterproof barrier resulting in improved protection from drought and infection by phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Furthermore, the transgenic fruits have improved nutritional value attributed to enhanced level of beneficial PUFA and 2-3 fold increase in total iron content. This strategy can be extended to other economically important crops. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00951

Description: Identifying a critical transition and its leading biomolecular network during the initiation and progression of a complex disease is a challenging task, but holds the key to early diagnosis and further elucidation of the essential mechanisms of disease deterioration at the network level. In this study, we developed a novel computational method for identifying early-warning signals of the critical transition and its leading network during a disease progression, based on high-throughput data using a small number of samples. The leading network makes the first move from the normal state toward the disease state during a transition, and thus is causally related with disease-driving genes or networks. Specifically, we first define a state-transition-based local network entropy (SNE), and prove that SNE can serve as a general early-warning indicator of any imminent transitions, regardless of specific differences among systems. The effectiveness of this method was validated by functional analysis and experimental data. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00813

Description: We analyze the occurrence frequencies of over 15 million words recorded in millions of books published during the past two centuries in seven different languages. For all languages and chronological subsets of the data we confirm that two scaling regimes characterize the word frequency distributions, with only the more common words obeying the classic Zipf law. Using corpora of unprecedented size, we test the allometric scaling relation between the corpus size and the vocabulary size of growing languages to demonstrate a decreasing marginal need for new words, a feature that is likely related to the underlying correlations between words. We calculate the annual growth fluctuations of word use which has a decreasing trend as the corpus size increases, indicating a slowdown in linguistic evolution following language expansion. This “cooling pattern” forms the basis of a third statistical regularity, which unlike the Zipf and the Heaps law, is dynamical in nature. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00943

Description: Sex determination cascade in insects terminates with the production of sex-specific protein, Doublesex (Dsx). We identified the dsx homolog (Tcdsx) in Tribolium castaneum. The pre-mRNA of Tcdsx is sex-specifically spliced into three female (Tcdsxf1, Tcdsxf2 and Tcdsxf3) and one male-specific (Tcdsxm) isoforms. Cis-regulatory elements potentially involved in sex-specific splicing of the Tcdsx pre-mRNA were identified in the female-specific exon and the adjoining intronic sequences. All the three female-specific TcDsx proteins share common OD1 and OD2 domains and differ in their C-terminal sequences. Knockdown of Tcdsx resulted in a reduction in the oocyte development, egg production and hatching of eggs laid. Several genes, including those coding for Vitellogenins and Vitellogenin receptors were identified as targets of TcDsx. RNAi experiments showed an isoform-specific targeting of identified target genes by TcDsx as knockdown in the expression of Tcdsx isoforms individually or in combinations resulted in differential effects on the expression of target genes. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00948

Description: Current solar energy harvest and storage are so far realized by independent technologies (such as solar cell and batteries), by which only a fraction of solar energy is utilized. It is highly desirable to improve the utilization efficiency of solar energy. Here, we construct an integrated photoelectrochemical device with simultaneous supercapacitor and hydrogen evolution functions based on TiO2/transition metal hydroxides/oxides core/shell nanorod arrays. The feasibility of solar-driven pseudocapacitance is clearly demonstrated, and the charge/discharge is indicated by reversible color changes (photochromism). In such an integrated device, the photogenerated electrons are utilized for H2 generation and holes for pseudocapacitive charging, so that both the reductive and oxidative energies are captured and converted. Specific capacitances of 482 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and 287 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 are obtained with TiO2/Ni(OH)2 nanorod arrays. This study provides a new research strategy for integrated pseudocapacitor and solar energy application. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00981

Description: Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep01019

Description: We investigated the ability of transgenic torenia (Scrophulariaceae) plants to resist fungi and arthropod herbivores. Torenia hybrida cv. Summerwave Blue was manipulated to produce Arabidopsis agmatine coumaroyltransferase (AtACT). This catalyses the last step in the biosynthesis of hydroxycinnamic acid amides (HCAAs) which function in defence. Transgenic plants accumulated substantial HCAAs, predominantly p-coumaroylagmatine, and the HCAAs were isomerized from the trans-form to the cis-form in planta. The transgenic line, accumulated the highest amount of endogenous HCAAs (CouAgm at 32.2 µM and total HCAAs at 47.5 µM) and this line was resistant to the necrotrophic fungus, Botrytis cinerea. There was no resistance, however, in their wild-type progenitors or in other transgenic lines accumulating low HCAA amounts. In contrast, the transformants were not significantly resistant to three representative herbivores, Frankliniella occidentalis, Aphis gossypii, and Tetranychus ludeni. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00689

Description: Rapid photobleaching of fluorescent proteins can limit their use in imaging applications. The underlying kinetics is multi-exponential and strongly depends on the local chromophore environment. The first, reversible, step may be attributed to a rotation around one of the two exocyclic C-C bonds bridging phenol and imidazolinone groups in the chromophore. However it is not clear how the protein environment controls this motion - either by steric hindrances or by modulating the electronic structure of the chromophore through electrostatic interactions. Here we study the first step of the photobleaching kinetics in 13 red fluorescent proteins (RFPs) with different chromophore environment and show that the associated rate strongly correlates with the bond length alternation (BLA) of the two bridge bonds. The sign of the BLA appears to determine which rotation is activated. Our results present experimental evidence for the dominance of electronic effects in the conformational dynamics of the RFP chromophore. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00688

Description: Humans do not always make rational choices, a fact that experimental economics is putting on solid grounds. The social context plays an important role in determining our actions, and often we imitate friends or acquaintances without any strategic consideration. We explore here the interplay between strategic and social imitative behavior in a coordination problem on a social network. We observe that for interactions on 1D and 2D lattices any amount of social imitation prevents the freezing of the network in domains with different conventions, thus leading to global consensus. For interactions on complex networks, the interplay of social and strategic imitation also drives the system towards global consensus while neither dynamics alone does. We find an optimum value for the combination of imitative behaviors to reach consensus in a minimum time, and two different dynamical regimes to approach it: exponential when social imitation predominates, power-law when strategic considerations prevail. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00686

Description: Microparticle and nanoparticle formulations are widely used to improve the bioavailability of low-solubility drugs and as vehicles for organ- and tissue-specific targeted drug delivery. We investigated the effect of a novel, controlled-release form of a bioactive lipid, cyclic phosphatidic acid (cPA), on human colon cancer cell line functions. We encapsulated cPA in gelatin-based hydrogels and examined its ability to inhibit the viability and migration of HT-29 and DLD-1 cells in vitro and the LPA-induced activity of the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). The hydrogel delivery system prolonged cPA release into the culture medium. Accordingly, cPA-hydrogel microspheres substantially inhibited LPA-induced PPARγ activity and cell growth and migration compared with that of cells cultured with cPA alone. Thus, hydrogel microspheres are a potential system for stable and efficient delivery of bioactive lipids such as cPA and may offer a new strategy for targeted colon cancer treatment. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00687

Description: Porphyry systems supply most copper and significant gold to our economy. Recent studies indicate that they are frequently associated with high Sr/Y magmatic rocks, but the meaning of this association remains elusive. Understanding the association between high Sr/Y magmatic rocks and porphyry-type deposits is essential to develop genetic models that can be used for exploration purposes. Here we present results on a Pleistocene volcano of Ecuador that highlight the behaviour of copper in magmas with variable (but generally high) Sr/Y values. We provide indirect evidence for Cu partitioning into a fluid phase exsolved at depths of ~15 km from high Sr/Y (〉70) andesitic magmas before sulphide saturation. This lends support to the hypothesis that large amounts of Cu- and S-bearing fluids can be accumulated into and released from a long-lived high Sr/Y deep andesitic reservoir to a shallower magmatic-hydrothermal system with the potential of generating large porphyry-type deposits. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00685

Description: Stimuli-response on hierarchically-structured surface wrinkles is required for advanced filtration, catalysis and sensing applications. Although conventional processes can form hierarchical surface wrinkles, incorporation of stimuli-responsive features has not been achieved, limiting the potential multi-scale functionality of wrinkles. Here, we demonstrate a novel process that can fabricate stimuli-responsive surface hierarchical structures on silica−polymer hybrid films through precisely controlled UV-polymerization and sol-gel condensation. Starting from uniform hybrid films, UV excitation of the film surface triggers the formation of micrometre-scale wrinkles with dual periodicity. Hierarchical nested wrinkle (NW) structures with controllable periodic lengths at discrete size scales of 〈 10 µm and 〉 23 µm show a shape-memory effect with changes in the surrounding humidity. Moreover, the individual responses of wrinkles with different periodicities can be controlled independently. As a proof-of-concept application, we demonstrate that the NW structures are an active size-selective adsorption/release surface for micrometre-sized particles. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00683

Description: We report hot filament thermal CVD (HFTCVD) as a new hybrid of hot filament and thermal CVD and demonstrate its feasibility by producing high quality large area strictly monolayer graphene films on Cu substrates. Gradient in gas composition and flow rate that arises due to smart placement of the substrate inside the Ta filament wound alumina tube accompanied by radical formation on Ta due to precracking coupled with substrate mediated physicochemical processes like diffusion, polymerization etc., led to graphene growth. We further confirmed our mechanistic hypothesis by depositing graphene on Ni and SiO2/Si substrates. HFTCVD can be further extended to dope graphene with various heteroatoms (H, N, and B, etc.,), combine with functional materials (diamond, carbon nanotubes etc.,) and can be extended to all other materials (Si, SiO2, SiC etc.,) and processes (initiator polymerization, TFT processing) possible by HFCVD and thermal CVD. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00682

Description: Monitoring and visualizing specimens at a large penetration depth is a challenge. At depths of hundreds of microns, several physical effects (such as, scattering, PSF distortion and noise) deteriorate the image quality and prohibit a detailed study of key biological phenomena. In this study, we use a Bessel-like beam in-conjugation with an orthogonal detection system to achieve depth imaging. A Bessel-like penetrating diffractionless beam is generated by engineering the back-aperture of the excitation objective. The proposed excitation scheme allows continuous scanning by simply translating the detection PSF. This type of imaging system is beneficial for obtaining depth information from any desired specimen layer, including nano-particle tracking in thick tissue. As demonstrated by imaging the fluorescent polymer-tagged-CaCO3 particles and yeast cells in a tissue-like gel-matrix, the system offers a penetration depth that extends up to 650 µm. This achievement will advance the field of fluorescence imaging and deep nano-particle tracking. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00692

Description: It is generally assumed that the production of plant fibre textiles in ancient Europe, especially woven textiles for clothing, was closely linked to the development of agriculture through the use of cultivated textile plants (flax, hemp). Here we present a new investigation of the 2800 year old Lusehøj Bronze Age Textile from Voldtofte, Denmark, which challenges this assumption. We show that the textile is made of imported nettle, most probably from the Kärnten-Steiermark region, an area which at the time had an otherwise established flax production. Our results thus suggest that the production of woven plant fibre textiles in Bronze Age Europe was based not only on cultivated textile plants but also on the targeted exploitation of wild plants. The Lusehøj find points to a hitherto unrecognized role of nettle as an important textile plant and suggests the need for a re-evaluation of textile production resource management in prehistoric Europe. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00664

Description: The unstable emission of semiconductor lasers due to delayed optical feedback is characterized by combined intensity and frequency dynamics. Nevertheless, real-time experimental investigations have so far been restricted to measurements of intensity dynamics only. Detailed analysis and comparison with numerical models, therefore, have suffered from limited experimental information. Here, we report the simultaneous determination of the lasers optical emission intensity and emission frequency with high temporal resolution. The frequency dynamics is made accessible using a heterodyne detection scheme, in which a beat signal between the delayed feedback laser and a reference laser is generated. Our experiment provides insight into the overall spectral drift on nanosecond timescales, the spectral distribution of the unstable pulsations and the role of the individual external cavity modes. This opens new perspectives for the analysis, understanding and functional utilization of delayed feedback semiconductor lasers. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00732

Description: Mutations in the lipase member H (LIPH) gene cause autosomal recessive hypotrichosis with woolly hair. We report herein on five consanguineous families from Pakistan segregating hypotrichosis and woolly hair. Genetic investigation using polymorphic microsatellite markers revealed homozygosity for a region spanning the HYPT7 locus on chromosome 3 in affected individuals of all five families. Sequence analysis of the LIPH gene revealed a novel nonsense mutation (p.Arg260X) associated with hypotrichosis without woolly hair in one family. In the remaining four families we identified previously described mutations in a homozygous state in affected members. These findings extend the spectrum of known LIPH mutations in the Pakistani population. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00730

Description: A larval army caste is found in some parasitic wasps with polyembryonic or clonal proliferation, where many clone larvae emerge from a single egg. In contrast to non-parasitic eusocial Hymenoptera, sterile soldier larvae that protect their clonal reproductives are found in both females and males. Recently, the proportion of soldier larvae has been found to vary radically, depending on the internal conditions of the host, such as multiparasitism by other larval parasites. However, the proportion of male soldier larvae is constant, irrespective of the host internal environment. It is unknown if these traits are heritable. Here we show that a high heritability is found in both sexes, while, in the 6th instar hosts, substantially lower heritability is found in females. These results imply that the structure of the larval caste is determined genetically by both female and male embryonic cells, but more likely modified environmentally in females. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00729

Description: Here we represent thermodynamics on soluble carbon nanotubes that enables deep understanding the interactions between single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and molecules. We selected sodium cholate and single-stranded cytosine oligo-DNAs (dCn (n = 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 15, and 20)), both of which are typical SWNT solubilizers, and successfully determined thermodynamic properties (ΔG, ΔH and ΔS values) for the exchange reactions of sodium cholate on four different chiralities of SWNTs ((n,m) = (6,5), (7,5), (10,2), and (8,6)) for the DNAs. Typical results contain i) the dC5 exhibited an exothermic exchange, whereas the dC6, 8, 10, 15, and 20 materials exhibited endothermic exchanges, and ii) the energetics of the dC4 and dC7 exchanges depended on the associated chiral indices and could be endothermic or exothermic. The presented method is general and is applicable to any molecule that interacts with nanotubes. The study opens a way for science of carbon nanotube thermodynamics. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00733

Description: Major overturn within a magma chamber can bring together felsic and mafic magmas, prompting de-volatilisation and acting as the driver for Plinian eruptions. Until now identification of mixing has been limited to analysis of lavas or individual crystals ejected during eruptions. We have recovered partially developed cumulate material (‘live’ cumulate mush) from pyroclastic deposits of major eruptions on Tenerife. These samples represent “frozen” clumps of diverse crystalline deposits from all levels in the developing reservoir, which are permeated with the final magma immediately before eruptions. Such events therefore record the complete disintegration of the magma chamber, leading to caldera collapse. Chemical variation across developing cumulus crystals records changes in melt composition. Apart from fluctuations reflecting periodic influxes of mafic melt, crystal edges consistently record the presence of more felsic magmas. The prevalence of this felsic liquid implies it was able to infiltrate the entire cumulate pile immediately before each eruption. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00731

Description: Enriching plant tissues with 13C and 15N isotopes has provided long-lasting, non-reactive tracers to quantify rates of terrestrial elemental fluxes (e.g., soil organic matter decomposition). However, the molecular location and level of isotope enrichment may differ among plant tissues. This factor is central to the integrity and interpretation of tracer data, but is seldom considered in experiments. We propose a rapid, non-destructive method to quantify molecular isotope allocation using solid-state 13C and 15N nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. With this method, we tracked and quantified the fate of multiple pulses of 13CO2(g) and K 15NO3(l) in boreal tree seedling roots and leaves as a function of time. Results show that initial preferential 13C carbohydrate enrichment in the leaves was followed by redistribution to more complex compounds after seven days. While 13C allocation within the roots was uniform across molecules, 15N results indicate an initial enrichment of amine molecules after two hours. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00719

Description: A droplet of water on a heated surface can levitate over a film of gas produced by its own evaporation in the Leidenfrost effect. When the surface is prepared with ratchet-like saw-teeth topography, these droplets can self-propel and can even climb uphill. However, the extent to which the droplets can be controlled is limited by the physics of the Leidenfrost effect. Here, we show that transition boiling can be induced even at very high surface temperatures and provide additional control over the droplets. Ratchets with acute protrusions enable droplets to climb steeper inclines while ratchets with sub-structures enable their direction of motion to be controlled by varying the temperature of the surface. The droplets' departure from the Leidenfrost regime is assessed by analysing the sound produced by their boiling. We anticipate these techniques will enable the development of more sophisticated methods for controlling small droplets and heat transfer. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00720

Description: Classical economic theories prescribe specialization of countries industrial production. Inspection of the country databases of exported products shows that this is not the case: successful countries are extremely diversified, in analogy with biosystems evolving in a competitive dynamical environment. The challenge is assessing quantitatively the non-monetary competitive advantage of diversification which represents the hidden potential for development and growth. Here we develop a new statistical approach based on coupled non-linear maps, whose fixed point defines a new metrics for the country Fitness and product Complexity. We show that a non-linear iteration is necessary to bound the complexity of products by the fitness of the less competitive countries exporting them. We show that, given the paradigm of economic complexity, the correct and simplest approach to measure the competitiveness of countries is the one presented in this work. Furthermore our metrics appears to be economically well-grounded. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00723

Description: Owing to the variety of possible charge and spin states and to the different ways of coupling to the environment, paramagnetic centres in wide band-gap semiconductors and insulators exhibit a strikingly rich spectrum of properties and functionalities, exploited in commercial light emitters and proposed for applications in quantum information. Here we demonstrate, by combining synchrotron techniques with magnetic, optical and ab initio studies, that the codoping of GaN:Mn with Mg allows to control the Mnn+ charge and spin state in the range 3≤n≤5 and 2≥S≥1. According to our results, this outstanding degree of tunability arises from the formation of hitherto concealed cation complexes Mn-Mgk, where the number of ligands k is pre-defined by fabrication conditions. The properties of these complexes allow to extend towards the infrared the already remarkable optical capabilities of nitrides, open to solotronics functionalities, and generally represent a fresh perspective for magnetic semiconductors. Scientific Reports 2 doi: 10.1038/srep00722