Search

Abstract Background Symbiosis is central to ecosystems and has been an important driving force of the diversity of life. Close and long-term interactions are known to develop cooperative molecular mechanisms between the symbiotic partners and have often given them new functions as symbiotic entities. In lichen symbiosis, mutualistic relationships between lichen-forming fungi and algae and/or cyanobacteria produce unique features that make lichens adaptive to a wide range of environments. Although the morphological, physiological, and ecological uniqueness of lichens has been described for more than a century, the genetic mechanisms underlying this symbiosis are still poorly known. Results This study investigated the fungal-algal interaction specific to the lichen symbiosis using Usnea hakonensis as a model system. The whole genome of U. hakonensis, the fungal partner, was sequenced by using a culture isolated from a natural lichen thallus. Isolated cultures of the fungal and the algal partners were co-cultured in vitro for 3 months, and thalli were successfully resynthesized as visible protrusions. Transcriptomes of resynthesized and natural thalli (symbiotic states) were compared to that of isolated cultures (non-symbiotic state). Sets of fungal and algal genes up-regulated in both symbiotic states were identified as symbiosis-related genes. Conclusion From predicted functions of these genes, we identified genetic association with two key features fundamental to the symbiotic lifestyle in lichens. The first is establishment of a fungal symbiotic interface: (a) modification of cell walls at fungal-algal contact sites; and (b) production of a hydrophobic layer that ensheaths fungal and algal cells;. The second is symbiosis-specific nutrient flow: (a) the algal supply of photosynthetic product to the fungus; and (b) the fungal supply of phosphorous and nitrogen compounds to the alga. Since both features are widespread among lichens, our result may indicate important facets of the genetic basis of the lichen symbiosis.

Abstract Spherical radioactive caesium (Cs)-bearing microparticles (CsMPs) were emitted during the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident in March, 2011. The emission source (timing) and formation process of these particles remain unclear. In this study, the isotopic ratios of uranium (235U and 238U) and caesium (133Cs, 134Cs, 135Cs, and 137Cs) isotopes in the five spherical CsMPs (ca. 2 μm in size) sampled at 50 km west of the FDNPP were determined using secondary ion mass spectrometry and laser ablation-ICPMS, respectively. Results showed that the 235U/238U ratios of CsMPs were homogeneous (1.93 ± 0.03, N = 4) and close to those estimated for the fuel cores in units 2 and 3, and that the Cs isotopic ratios of CsMP were identical to those of units 2 and 3. These results indicated that U and Cs in the spherical CsMPs originated exclusively from the fuel melt in the reactors. Based on a thorough review of literatures related to the detailed atmospheric releases of radionuclides, the flow of plumes from the FDNPP reactor units during the accident and the U and Cs isotopic ratio results in this study, we hereby suggest that the spherical CsMPs originate only from the fuel in unit 2 on the night of 14 March to the morning of 15 March. The variation range of the analysed 235U/238U isotopic ratios for the four spherical particles was extremely narrow. Thus, U may have been homogenised in the source through the formation of fuel melt, which ultimately evaporating and taken into CsMPs in the reactor and was released from the unit 2.

A shaking table is used in gravity separation utilizing the difference in density of solid particles and has been widely employed in mineral processing and recycling processes. Although the principle of the table separation is simple, there is still limited knowledge about the segregation and separation mechanisms. To better understand these mechanisms, in this study, the discrete element method was applied to simulations of density segregation associated with the stratification of particles between riffles on a shaking table. The behavior of binary particles having the same diameter and different densities was simulated under various operating conditions. The mixing index was employed to evaluate the segregation state on the shaking table and the progress of segregation was investigated from the viewpoint of the vertical velocity difference between binary particles. Simulation results showed that although a larger amplitude and longer frequency of the shaking table promoted density segregation with time, an excessive amplitude and frequency of vibration was ineffective in promoting density segregation on the shaking table. It was also shown that the time variation of the average vertical velocity difference within one period of the shaking table can explain the progress of density segregation under conditions of various shaking table amplitudes and frequencies. In addition, the velocity difference between particles became larger near the wall than near the center, independent of the amplitude and frequency conditions. Consequently, the discrete element simulation newly revealed density segregation due to the vertical velocity difference between heavy and light particles, especially near the wall. This result will contribute to the optimization of shaking tables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different responses of Ce to the redox state from those of the other light rare earth elements (LREEs) can be used to understand paleoredox states. To establish the possibility of using the Ce anomaly as a proxy for paleo-environments, we examined the mineralogical and chemical characteristics of bulk samples and REE-bearing minerals of a modern weathering profile developed on granite, by X-ray fluorescence analysis, laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, field emission electron microprobe analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffractometry. Bulk samples showed no significant Ce-anomalies except for the topmost layer that had a positive Ce-anomaly reflecting significant loss of LREEs except for Ce. Allanite-(Ce), primary REE-bearing mineral, contributed to ~100% of La, Ce, Pr, and Nd in the parent rock, and gradually decreased in amount toward the topmost layer. Secondary cerianite-(Ce) [Ce(IV)O2] was observed in the weathering profile, especially at shallower depths. Secondary rhabdophane-(La), -(Ce), -(Nd), and -(Y) were also observed in the weathering profile but in less amounts in the topmost layer. The occurrences of rhabdophane-(La) and -(Nd) in contact with halloysite, a secondary clay mineral, suggest probable adsorption of REEs onto halloysite prior to their formation. Similar formation mechanisms are likely for rhabdophane-(Ce) that commonly occurred in grain boundaries and was usually formed in contact with halloysite. Rhabdophane-(Y) occurred in association with fluorapatite. The ratios of La, Pr, and Nd of rhabdophane-(La), -(Ce), and -(Nd) were similar to that of allanite-(Ce), suggesting that these LREEs are inherited from allanite-(Ce) and behave similarly before the formation of rhabdophane. Different negative Ce-anomaly values of rhabdophane [i.e., ~0.03-0.34 for rhabdophane-(La), -(Nd), and -(Y), and ~0.6 for rhabdophane-(Ce)] can result from a difference in intensity of the formation of cerianite-(Ce) prior to the precipitation of rhabdophane. We have classified LREE redistributions in both secondary minerals and bulk weathered samples during oxic weathering and suggested that Ce anomaly can provide useful information on anoxic weathering and thus atmospheric oxygen evolution in the Precambrian if Ce anomalies of both bulk samples and secondary REE-bearing minerals are determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background While traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) is gaining increased interest worldwide, the structural factors associated with the usage of TCAM at the social level have not been sufficiently explored. We aim to understand the social structure of uncertainty in society that affects the TCAM usage for men and women. Methods We studied 32 countries using data from the International Social Survey Programme and the World Bank. In this study, we defined TCAM usage as visits to an alternative/traditional/folk health care practitioner during the past 12 months. We performed a correlation analysis and used a generalized linear model . Results The prevalence of TCAM usage in terms of visits to practitioners was 26.1% globally, while usage varied across the 32 countries. Generalized linear models showed that unemployment rate was associated with the prevalence of TCAM usage in terms of visits to practitioners. Conclusions At the social-structural level TCAM usage involving visits to practitioners was related to job insecurity. Job insecurity led to a decrease in TCAM usage regarding visits to practitioners. These findings suggest that it is necessary to consider the social-structural factors of uncertainty in society when designing health policies related to TCAM.

Patients suffering from congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) fail to concentrate urine due to mutations in vasopressin type 2 receptor (V2R). Here Ando et al. show that agents disrupting the interaction between PKA and AKAPs restore aquaporin-2 activity downstream of V2R, offering a therapeutic approach for the treatment of NDI.

Laser ablation in liquid (LAL) is widely used for the micro fabrications or production of nano-particles of various materials. In this study, we have evaluated the analytical capability of the LAL as a new sampling technique for elemental and isotopic analysis of solid samples. The solid sample was set into the deionized water, and the laser ablation was carried out within the water using a Ti:S femtosecond laser operating at fundamental wavelength (780 nm). The laser-induced sample particles were directly trapped and collected in the ambient water with high efficiency. We have investigated the possible elemental and isotopic fractionation during the LAL sampling. Five isotopic ratios (208Pb/238U, 238U/232Th, 208Pb/206Pb, 56Fe/54Fe and 57Fe/54Fe) were measured on the resulting sample particles obtained with various ablation conditions (fluence and repetition rate) using ICP-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Series of experiments revealed that either with the higher fluence (>200 J cm−2) or with higher repetition rate (>250 Hz), the resulting 208Pb/238U ratios varied significantly (>1%) from those obtained with source materials (hence, NIST SRM 610). For the 238U/232Th, 208Pb/206Pb, 56Fe/54Fe and 57Fe/54Fe ratios, the measured values did not vary measurably (<0.5%) under the LAL conditions employed here. The data obtained here demonstrate clearly that the LAL technique can be applied for the elemental and isotopic analyses with the careful optimization of laser ablation conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water channel AQP2 mediates the concentration of urine in the kidney. Here Ando et al. show that Wnt5 promotes collecting duct permeability by regulating AQP2 expression and localization through activation of the calmodulin/calcineurin signalling pathway.

In Japan, a range of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been recorded in a nationwide database (Japan Neurotrauma Data Bank; JNTDB). This study aimed to externally validate three international prediction models using JNTDB data: Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS), Corticosteroid Randomization After Significant Head Injury (CRASH), and International Mission for Prognosis and Analysis of Clinical Trials in TBI (IMPACT). We also aimed to validate the applicability of these models in the Japanese population. Of 1,091 patients registered in the JNTDB from July 2009 to June 2011, we analyzed data for 635 patients. We examined factors associated with mortality in-hospital and unfavorable outcomes 6 months after TBI by applying the TRISS, CRASH, and IMPACT models. We also conducted an external validation of these models based on these data. The patients' mean age was 60.1 ±21.1 years, and 342 were alive at the time of discharge (53.9%). Univariate analysis revealed eight major risk factors for mortality in-hospital: age, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), systolic blood pressure, heart rate, mydriasis, acute epidural hematoma (AEDH), and traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. A similar analysis identified five risk factors for unfavorable outcomes at 6 months: age, GCS, ISS, mydriasis, and AEDH. For mortality in-hospital, the TRISS had a satisfactory area under the curve value (0.75). For unfavorable outcomes at 6 months, the CRASH (basic and computed tomography) and IMPACT (core and core extended) models had satisfactory area under the curve values (0.86, 0.86, 0.81, and 0.85, respectively). The TRISS, CRASH, and IMPACT models were suitable for application to the JNTDB population, indicating these models had high value in Japanese patients with neurotrauma.

This study aims to use the conceptual framework of social determinants of health (SDH) to elucidate the social determinants that affect the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) from the perspectives of both intermediary and structural determinants. Data were derived from a survey mailed to 1,500 randomly selected residents (20-69 years old; May-July 2009) of Sendai city in Japan. A generalized linear model was used in the analysis, with CAM use over the past one month as the dependent variable, SDH structural and intermediary determinants as independent variables, and demographic characteristics, indicators of health status, and the evaluation of health or healthcare systems as control variables. The prevalence of CAM usage was 62.1%. The generalized linear model showed that middle subjective social status (OR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.04-2.07) as structural determinants was significantly associated with CAM usage. Adding the intermediary determinants, the same effect was observed. When demographic characteristics, indicators of health status, and the evaluation of health or healthcare systems were introduced as control variables, the associations of the structural determinants disappeared, revealing that hope (OR = 1.25; 95%CI: 1.04-1.50) as intermediary determinants was associated with the use of CAM. Female sex (OR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.02-2.12) and health anxiety (OR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.20-2.34) were associated with CAM usage. We found that intermediary rather than structural determinants were associated with CAM usage. Hope as an intermediary determinant was particularly associated with CAM usage.

Various studies have determined that the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) caused mental distress among residents in affected areas. However, previous studies had not considered the prevalence of mental distress before the GEJE, and ignored the impact of an aged society on mental distress. Therefore, we aimed to describe the prevalence of mental distress before the GEJE in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan and elucidate the effect of an aged society on mental distress. We conducted an ecological study, using municipality in Miyagi Prefecture as the study unit. We used the cross-sectional mail survey data conducted in February 2011. We performed a correlation analysis in each of the 39 municipalities in Miyagi Prefecture. The prevalence of serious mental distress was 9.1%. The proportion of the population aged 65 years or older was related to the prevalence of serious mental distress in municipalities with a low proportion of all workers engaged in primary industry and with a high estimated number of inpatients with mental illness. We found that residents in Miyagi Prefecture suffered from poor mental health before the GEJE. Aged society was related to serious mental distress in the areas with advanced industrial structure and more patients with mental illness. We should approach mental health problems in the context of social structure, particularly in an aged society, based on facts about mental distress before the GEJE.

The interaction phenomenon between shock waves and the DC-discharged plasma was experimentally investigated to aid future supersonic aerodynamic performance improvements. A shock tube was used to generate the shock wave. For the discharged plasma generation, a wedge type test model with electrodes (anode and cathode) connected to the power supply system was installed into the shock tube measurement section. The nominal shock wave Mach number in the experiment was 2.0. The plasma input power range was from 0 W to 35.7 W, where 0 W corresponded to the no discharge case. Schlieren photography was used for visualization, and the pressure histories were measured. From the visualization, due to the interaction with the discharged plasma, shock wave modulation with curvature was observed. However, from the pressure measurement, pressure histories in a plane parallel to the shock wave were nearly identical between the side-wall and the top-wall, despite the shock wave modulation. From these results―obtained from visualization and pressure measurement, the shock wave modulation observed in this study had a three-dimensional (3D) structure. In order to comprehend this phenomenon, a 3D simulation with a simple modulated temperature field was conducted. The simulation results also indicated 3D shock wave modulation. Therefore, experiment and simulation both support the 3D structure of the modulated shock wave due to the interaction with the discharged plasma.

Africanized honey bees entered California in 1994 but few accounts of their northward expansion or their frequency relative to European honey bees have been published. We used mitochondrial markers and morphometric analyses to determine the prevalence of Africanized honeybees in San Diego County and their current northward progress in California west of the Sierra Nevada crest. The northernmost African mitotypes detected were approximately 40 km south of Sacramento in California's central valley. In San Diego County, 65% of foraging honey bee workers carry African mitochondria and the estimated percentage of Africanized workers using morphological measurements is similar (61%). There was no correlation between mitotype and morphology in San Diego County suggesting Africanized bees result from bidirectional hybridization. Seventy percent of feral hives, but only 13% of managed hives, sampled in San Diego County carried the African mitotype indicating that a large fraction of foraging workers in both urban and rural San Diego County are feral. We also found a single nucleotide polymorphism at the DNA barcode locus COI that distinguishes European and African mitotypes. The utility of this marker was confirmed using 401 georeferenced honey bee sequences from the worldwide Barcode of Life Database. Future censuses can determine whether the current range of the Africanized form is stable, patterns of introgression at nuclear loci, and the environmental factors that may limit the northern range of the Africanized honey bee.