Airborne DNA reveals predictable spatial and seasonal dynamics of fungi.

Fungi are among the most diverse and ecologically important kingdoms in life. However, the distributional ranges of fungi remain largely unknown as do the ecological mechanisms that shape their distributions1,2. To provide an integrated view of the spatial and seasonal dynamics of fungi, we implemented a globally distributed standardized aerial sampling of fungal spores3. The vast majority of operational taxonomic units were detected within only one climatic zone, and the spatiotemporal patterns of species richness and community composition were mostly explained by annual mean air temperature. Tropical regions hosted the highest fungal diversity except for lichenized, ericoid mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal fungi, which reached their peak diversity in temperate regions. The sensitivity in climatic responses was associated with phylogenetic relatedness, suggesting that large-scale distributions of some fungal groups are partially constrained by their ancestral niche. There was a strong phylogenetic signal in seasonal sensitivity, suggesting that some groups of fungi have retained their ancestral trait of sporulating for only a short period. Overall, our results show that the hyperdiverse kingdom of fungi follows globally highly predictable spatial and temporal dynamics, with seasonality in both species richness and community composition increasing with latitude. Our study reports patterns resembling those described for other major groups of organisms, thus making a major contribution to the long-standing debate on whether organisms with a microbial lifestyle follow the global biodiversity paradigms known for macroorganisms4,5

Protocollagen proline hydroxylase of the mouse uterus during pregnancy and post-partum involution

1. The protocollagen proline hydroxylase in mouse uterus was found to be similar to that in other animal sources in its subcellular distribution and cofactor requirements. 2. The activities of this enzyme in uterine tissue from non-pregnant mice were comparable with those in various embryonic tissues. 3. In the second half of pregnancy the protocollagen proline hydroxylase activity increased markedly. 4. After parturition the activity of this enzyme decreased rapidly, reaching normal non-pregnant values at 24h post partum. The results suggest a good correlation between the synthesis of collagen and the activity of protocollagen proline hydroxylase

Intriguing Photochemistry of the Additives in the Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Over the years numerous mixes of chemical compounds have been tried in the electrolytes of dye-sensitized solar cells in efforts to improve their efficiency. How these chemicals interact with each other and the photoelectrode has received surprisingly little attention. Here we report results from a systematic study of two I–/I3– electrolytes and their additives using infrared and Raman spectroscopy together with quantum chemical calculations. In the LiI electrolyte competing interactions between lithium cation and the solvent MPN and the additives TBP, NMBI, and GuSCN were identified. These interactions could inhibit the interaction of lithium ions with the TiO2 surface. It was found that under Raman excitation of PMII solution in contact with the photoelectrode, efficient generation of I3– takes place. For LiI solution, in addition, a Dye–I2 complex is formed. The results could be explained by diffusion-limited buildup of I3– and depletion of I– concentrations in the focal area of the excitation beam and by reduction of I3– via conduction band electrons of TiO2 beyond the focal region. To explain the formation of Dye–I2 complexes in the LiI electrolyte solutions a multistep regeneration mechanism is proposed. It was found that GuSCN reduces the I3– concentration in the electrolyte solutions studied; in the LiI electrolyte in addition it binds to lithium ions and nearly depletes the Dye–I2 complexes. From infrared spectra it became clear that preventing water from entering the DSCs during the preparation stages in ambient air is a demanding task. The identified interactions paint an intriguing new photochemical landscape of the function of the dye-sensitized solar cells giving guidelines for further development of the devices.Peer reviewe

Kasvua ja työllisyyttä uudella energiapolitiikalla

Tämä raportti on julkinen puheenvuoro, joka kumpuaa eri alojen tutkijoiden havainnoista, että nykyinen energiapolitiikka ei palvele täysimääräisesti kansakunnan etua. Tässä raportissa esitelty uusi energiapoliittinen ajattelu johtaisi toteutuessaan talouden ja työpaikkojen määrän kasvuun ja moniin muihin myönteisiin ilmiöihin yhteiskunnassa. Uuden energiapolitiikan kautta ilmastonmuutoksen torjunnasta tulisi maallemme merkittävä mahdollisuus eikä uhka. Tekijät toivovat, että raportti käynnistää vilkkaan ja asiallisen julkisen keskustelun energiapolitiikan mahdollisuuksista ja tulevaisuudesta ja tätä kautta energiapolitiikka saataisiin paremmin palvelemaan kansakunnan kokonaisetua. Raportti julkistetiin Aalto yliopiston Desing Factoryn tiloissa Otaniemessä 26.2.2014