bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure of oxybutynin hydrochloride hemihydrate, C22H32NO3Cl(H2O)0.5
Authors: Kaduk James A. , Boaz Nicholas C. , Gindhart Amy M. , Blanton Thomas N.
Published: January 2019

The crystal structure of oxybutynin hydrochloride hemihydrate has been solved and refined using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data, and optimized using density functional techniques. Oxybutynin hydrochloride hemihydrate crystallizes in space group I2/a (#15) with a = 14.57266(8), b = 8.18550(6), c = 37.16842(26) Å, β = 91.8708(4)°, V = 4421.25(7) Å3, and Z = 8. The compound exhibits X-ray-induced photoreduction of the triple bond. Prominent in the layered crystal structure is the N–H⋅⋅⋅Cl hydrogen bond between the cation and anion, as well as O–H⋅⋅⋅Cl hydrogen bonds from the water molecule and hydroxyl group of the oxybutynin cation. C–H⋅⋅⋅Cl hydrogen bonds also contribute to the crystal energy, and help determine the conformation of the cation. The powder pattern is included in the Powder Diffraction File™ as entry 00-068-1305.
Psychological distress in adults with congenital heart disease: focus beyond depression
Authors: Gleason Lacey P. , Deng Lisa X. , Khan Abigail M. , Drajpuch David , Fuller Stephanie , Ludmir Jonathan , Mascio Christopher E. , Partington Sara L. , Tobin Lynda , Kim Yuli Y. , Kovacs Adrienne H.
Published: January 2019

Background

Adults with congenital heart disease face psychological challenges although an understanding of depression vs. anxiety symptoms is unclear. We analyzed the prevalence of elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression and explored associations with demographic and medical factors as well as quality of life.

Methods

Adults with congenital heart disease enrolled from an outpatient clinic completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and two measures of quality of life: the Linear Analogue Scale and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Medical data were obtained by chart review.

Results

Of 130 patients (median age = 32 years; 55% female), 55 (42%) had elevated anxiety symptoms and 16 (12%) had elevated depression symptoms on subscales of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Most patients with elevated depression symptoms also had elevated anxiety symptoms (15/16; 94%). Of 56 patients with at least one elevated subscale, 37 (66%) were not receiving mental health treatment. Compared to patients with 0 or 1 elevated subscales, patients with elevations in both (n=15) were less likely to be studying or working (47% vs. 81%; p=0.016) and reported lower scores on the Linear Analogue Scale (60 vs. 81, p<0.001) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (14 vs. 28, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Among adults with congenital heart disease, elevated anxiety symptoms are common and typically accompany elevated depressive symptoms. The combination is associated with unemployment and lower quality of life. Improved strategies to provide psychosocial care and support appropriate engagement in employment are required.
Circuit based anti-correlation, attention orienting, and major depression
Authors: Fossati Philippe
Published: January 2019

Major depression is a multidimensional disorder producing emotional dysregulation, cognitive impairment, and neuro-vegetative symptoms. A pathophysiological model of depression needs to explain how these dimensions interact to produce specific clinical phenotypes and how these interactions may predict remission to specific treatments. It is unlikely that major depression results from discrete brain lesions. Here we propose to define major depression as a disorder of neural networks. We review evidence suggesting that the dynamics of neural networks involved in allocation of attention resources to the internal and external world contribute to cognitive impairment, increased self-focus, and dysfunctional saliency detection in depression. We describe cognitive and emotional tasks that reveal abnormal cooperation between the Central Executive Network and the Default Mode Network. Finally we suggest that depression is associated with increased social rejection sensitivity. Studies on social rejection will shed light on how attachment relates to impairment in allocation of attention resources to produce depressive symptoms such as rumination and cognitive problems.
WATER WAVE SCATTERING BY A VERTICAL POROUS BARRIER WITH TWO GAPS
Authors: SIVANESAN M. , MANAM S. R.
Published: January 2019

Explicit solutions are rarely available for water wave scattering problems. An analytical procedure is presented here to solve the boundary value problem associated with wave scattering by a complete vertical porous barrier with two gaps in it. The original problem is decomposed into four problems involving vertical solid barriers. The decomposed problems are solved analytically by using a weakly singular integral equation. Explicit expressions are obtained for the scattering amplitudes and numerical results are presented. The results obtained can be used as a benchmark for other wave scattering problems involving complex geometrical structures.
The importance of using reflective practice when working with refugees, asylum seekers and survivors of torture within IAPT
Authors: Brooks Michelle
Published: January 2019

There is a very high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within refugee populations and survivors of torture. Refugees, asylum seekers and survivors of torture who access IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) can present with unique clinical challenges for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) therapists. The use of reflective practice can be beneficial particularly when there is added complexity in the client's clinical presentation. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of how reflective practice can improve clinical work with this patient group and to identify some of the challenges that refugees, asylum seekers and survivors of torture may present with during therapy. The paper sets out how the use of the critical incident analysis model and clinical supervision can assist to develop reflective practice skills and improve the clinical practice of IAPT CBT therapists who work with diverse populations.
First trimester maternal exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals and metals and fetal size in the Michigan Mother–Infant Pairs study
Authors: Goodrich Jaclyn M. , Ingle Mary E. , Domino Steven E. , Treadwell Marjorie C. , Dolinoy Dana C. , Burant Charles , Meeker John D. , Padmanabhan Vasantha
Published: January 2019

Exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals and metals are near ubiquitous worldwide, and their potential impact on children is a major public health concern. This pilot study was designed to characterize exposures to phthalates, phenols and metals among pregnant women in the first trimester, and to examine associations with fetal biometrics and birth weight. A total of 41 chemicals and elements were analyzed in urine from 56 mothers with full-term newborns from the Michigan Mother–Infant Pairs study. Bivariate analyses identified predictors of exposure biomarkers. Associations between birth weight, Fentonz-scores and second trimester fetal biometrics with toxicants were examined via multivariable linear regression. An average of 30 toxicants were detected in maternal urine. Fast food consumption was associated with several phthalate metabolites, phenols and metals, and canned food consumption with bisphenol F (P<0.05). Mono (3-carboxypropyl) phthalate was significantly associated with higher birth weight and Fentonz-score while the opposite was observed for bisphenol S. Estimated femur length from ultrasonography was significantly inversely associated with arsenic, barium and lead. While limited by sample size, this study is one of the first to evaluate birth outcomes with respect to emerging endocrine disrupting chemicals and to examine associations between toxicants and fetal biometrics. Exposure assessment was provided by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences’ Children’s Health Exposure Analysis Resource (NIEHS CHEAR), a resource available to children’s studies with the goal of combining data across cohorts in an effort to characterize the impact of toxicants on child health from birth and beyond.
Excess early postnatal weight gain and blood pressure in healthy young children
Authors: Jansen M. A. C. , Uiterwaal C. S. P. M. , van der Ent C. K. , Grobbee D. E. , Dalmeijer G. W.
Published: January 2019

Blood pressure (BP) tracks from childhood to adulthood, and early BP trajectories predict cardiovascular disease risk later in life. Excess postnatal weight gain is associated with vascular changes early in life. However, to what extent it is associated with children’s BP is largely unknown. In 853 healthy 5-year-old children of the Wheezing-Illnesses-Study-Leidsche-Rijn (WHISTLER) birth cohort, systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were measured, and z scores of individual weight gain rates adjusted for length gain rates were calculated using at least two weight and length measurements from birth until 3 months of age. Linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate the association between weight gain rates adjusted for length gain rates and BP adjusted for sex and ethnicity. Each standard deviation increase in weight gain rates adjusted for length gain rates was associated with 0.9 mmHg (95% CI 0.3, 1.5) higher sitting SBP after adjustment for confounders. Particularly in children in the lowest birth size decile, high excess weight gain was associated with higher sitting SBP values compared to children with low weight gain rates adjusted for length gain rates. BMI and visceral adipose tissue partly explained the association between excess weight gain and sitting SBP (β 0.5 mmHg, 95% CI −0.3, 1.3). Weight gain rates adjusted for length gain rates were not associated with supine SBP or DBP. Children with excess weight gain, properly adjusted for length gain, in the first three months of life, particularly those with a small birth size, showed higher sitting systolic BP at the age of 5 years.
Twinning Rates in Uruguay Between 1999 and 2015: Association with Socioeconomic and Demographic Factors
Authors: Gómez Noelia , Sosa Andrés , Corte Sylvia , Otta Emma
Published: January 2019

Twinning is rare among humans, but there is much variability among populations. Several studies show that certain demographic and socioeconomic factors, such as maternal age, mother’s educational level and income, influence twinning rate. There is no background of analytical studies of twins in Uruguay. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that has focused on describing and analyzing Uruguayan twinning rates over a period of 17 years (1999–2015). The birth data were collected from the website of Uruguay’s Ministry of Public Health. Economic data were obtained from Uruguay’s Instituto Nacional de Estadísti’s website for the period 2001–2013, since these variables are defined specifically for that period of time. The statistical software R (The R Project for Statistical Computing) was used. The twinning rate varied from 8.51 to 13 in the studied period. Montevideo has the highest median and the smallest variability in comparison with the other departments. In Uruguay (1999–2015), the highest twinning rate (28.94%) was observed in women aged 45 and older. The analysis also showed a relationship between twin birth rates and the mother’s educational level. In three regions of the country (West, Center and East), twin births show a random pattern but in the other two (North and Metropolitan), there is an increasing trend in the number of twins over time. In conclusion, this study recognizes social, economic and demographic factors that influence in the rate of twin births in Uruguay.
Saturn's Deep Atmospheric Flows Revealed by the Cassini Grand Finale Gravity Measurements
Authors: Galanti E. , Kaspi Y. , Miguel Y. , Guillot T. , Durante D. , Racioppa P. , Iess L.
Published: January 2019

How deep do Saturn's zonal winds penetrate below the cloud level has been a decades‐long question, with important implications not only for the atmospheric dynamics but also for the interior density structure, composition, magnetic field, and core mass. The Cassini Grand Finale gravity experiment enables answering this question for the first time, with the premise that the planet's gravity harmonics are affected not only by the rigid body density structure but also by its flow field. Using a wide range of rigid body interior models and an adjoint based optimization for the flow field using thermal wind balance, we calculate the flow structure below the cloud level and its depth. We find that with a wind profile, largely consistent with the observed winds, when extended to a depth of around 8,800 km, all the gravity harmonics measured by Cassini are explained. This solution is in agreement with considerations of angular momentum conservation and is consistent with magnetohydrodynamics constraints.
Mechanisms and Impacts of a Partial AMOC Recovery Under Enhanced Freshwater Forcing
Authors: Thomas M. D. , Fedorov A. V.
Published: January 2019

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is expected to weaken in the 21st century due to increased surface buoyancy. Such AMOC changes in ocean models are often accompanied by a subsurface reduction in density. Here we perform freshwater perturbation experiments with both a 1° coupled model and an idealized zonally averaged ocean‐only model to demonstrate that slow subsurface property changes (1) introduce a negative feedback that erodes the stratification and partially reinvigorates convection and the AMOC and (2) ensure the meridional heat transport weakens less than the AMOC. In the coupled model with a 0.1‐Sv net freshwater flux introduced around Greenland, an initial 22% AMOC reduction over 40 years is followed by a recovery of almost half the lost strength after 400 years. The final heat transport, however, is weakened by only 7%. Similar responses in the idealized model demonstrate that 2‐D ocean‐only dynamics control the changes.
Electron Distribution Functions Around a Reconnection X‐Line Resolved by the FOTE Method
Authors: Wang Z. , Fu H. S. , Liu C. M. , Liu Y. Y. , Cozzani G. , Giles B. L. , Hwang K.‐J. , Burch J. L.
Published: January 2019

Using data from the MMS mission and the First‐Order Taylor Expansion (FOTE) method, here we reveal electron distribution functions around a reconnection X‐line at the Earth's magnetopause. We find cigar distribution of electrons in both the magnetosphere‐side and magnetosheath‐side inflow regions, isotropic distribution of electrons at the separatrix, and loss of high‐energy electrons in the antiparallel direction in the magnetosheath‐side inflow region. We interpret the formation of cigar distribution in the inflow regions using the Fermi mechanism—as suggested in previous simulations, the loss of high‐energy electrons in the magnetosheath side using the parallel electric fields—which evacuate electrons to escape the diffusion region along the antiparallel direction, and the isotropic distribution at the separatrix using the pitch angle scattering by whistler waves—which exist frequently at the separatrix. We also find that the electron distribution functions can change rapidly (within 60 ms) from isotropic to cigar as the spacecraft moves slightly away from the separatrix.
Observations of Magnetic Reconnection in the Transition Region of Quasi‐Parallel Shocks
Authors: Gingell I. , Schwartz S. J. , Eastwood J. P. , Burch J. L , Ergun R. E. , Fuselier S. , Gershman D. J. , Giles B. L. , Khotyaintsev Y. V. , Lavraud B. , Lindqvist P.‐A. , Paterson W. R. , Phan T. D. , Russell C. T. , Stawarz J. E. , Strangeway R. J. , Torbert R. B. , Wilder F.
Published: January 2019

Using observations of Earth's bow shock by the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, we show for the first time that active magnetic reconnection is occurring at current sheets embedded within the quasi‐parallel shock's transition layer. We observe an electron jet and heating but no ion response, suggesting we have observed an electron‐only mode. The lack of ion response is consistent with simulations showing reconnection onset on sub‐ion time scales. We also discuss the impact of electron heating in shocks via reconnection.
Temporal and Spatial Variations of Cross‐Shelf Nutrient Exchange in the East China Sea, as Estimated by Satellite Altimetry and In Situ Measurements
Authors: Ding Ruibin , Huang Daji , Xuan Jiliang , Zhou Feng , Pohlmann Thomas
Published: January 2019

Based on velocity and nutrient data from satellite and in situ measurements, we studied the temporal and spatial variations for 22‐year (1993–2014) cross‐shelf nutrient exchange at the 200‐m isobath section in the East China Sea. Since nitrate and phosphate concentrations were highly correlated (correlation coefficient of 0.95), only nitrate transport was investigated in detail. The cross‐shelf nutrient exchange is explored from whole to detail. The results show that the 22‐year averaged section‐integrated nitrate transport (FQ) is 22.0 ± 12.4 kmol/s (+ in the on‐shelf direction). Its interannual variation is larger than its seasonal variation, but no persistent interannual signal exists. The on‐ and off‐shelf components of FQ are about twice as large as FQ itself, and the temporal variation of FQ is mainly determined by its on‐shelf component. The depth‐integrated nitrate transport (Fq) along the 200‐m isobath shows that the largest on‐ and off‐shelf nitrate transports occur northeast of Taiwan, whereas the on‐shelf nitrate transport at the middle East China Sea is also important. Moreover, the on‐shelf component of Fq northeast of Taiwan mainly determines the temporal variation in FQ. The mean and standard deviation of the sectional nitrate flux (F) suggest that the largest variation in F occurs northeast of Taiwan, 150 m below the surface. Combining results from empirical orthogonal function analysis, the horizontal and vertical structures of F are determined by velocity and nitrate concentration, respectively, whereas the temporal variation of F is mainly determined by velocity and the geostrophic component.
Efficient manipulations of circularly polarized terahertz waves with transmissive metasurfaces
Authors: Jia Min , Wang Zhuo , Li Heting , Wang Xinke , Luo Weijie , Sun Shulin , Zhang Yan , He Qiong , Zhou Lei
Published: January 2019

The unrestricted control of circularly polarized (CP) terahertz (THz) waves is important in science and applications, but conventional THz devices suffer from issues of bulky size and low efficiency. Although Pancharatnam–Berry (PB) metasurfaces have shown strong capabilities to control CP waves, transmission-mode PB devices realized in the THz regime are less efficient, limiting their applications in practice. Here, based on Jones matrix analysis, we design a tri-layer structure (thickness of ~λ/5) and experimentally demonstrate that the structure can serve as a highly efficient transmissive meta-atom (relative efficiency of ~90%) to build PB metadevices for manipulating CP THz waves. Two ultrathin THz metadevices are fabricated and experimentally characterized with a z-scan THz imaging system. The first device can realize a photonic spin Hall effect with an experimentally demonstrated relative efficiency of ~90%, whereas the second device can generate a high-quality background-free CP Bessel beam with measured longitudinal and transverse field patterns that exhibit the nondiffracting characteristics of a Bessel beam. All the experimental results are in excellent agreement with full-wave simulations. Our results pave the way to freely manipulate CP THz beams, laying a solid basis for future applications such as biomolecular control and THz signal transportation.
Gigantic electric-field-induced second harmonic generation from an organic conjugated polymer enhanced by a band-edge effect
Authors: Chen Shumei , Li King Fai , Li Guixin , Cheah Kok Wai , Zhang Shuang
Published: January 2019

Electric-field-induced second harmonic generation (EFISH), a third-order nonlinear process, arises from the interaction between the electric field of an external bias and that of two incident photons. EFISH can be used to dynamically control the nonlinear optical response of materials and is therefore promising for active nonlinear devices. However, it has been challenging to achieve a strong modulation with EFISH in conventional nonlinear materials. Here, we report a large tunability of an EFISH signal from a subwavelength-thick polymer film sandwiched between a transparent electrode and a metallic mirror. By exploiting the band-edge-enhanced third-order nonlinear susceptibility of the organic conjugated polymer, we successfully demonstrate a gigantic EFISH effect with a modulation ratio up to 422% V−1 at a pumping wavelength of 840 nm. The band-edge-enhanced EFISH opens new avenues for modulating the intensity of SHG signals and for controlling nonlinear electro-optic interactions in nanophotonic devices.
Neurodevelopmental milestones and associated behaviours are similar among healthy children across diverse geographical locations
Authors: Villar José , Fernandes Michelle , Purwar Manorama , Staines-Urias Eleonora , Di Nicola Paola , Cheikh Ismail Leila , Ochieng Roseline , Barros Fernando , Albernaz Elaine , Victora Cesar , Kunnawar Naina , Temple Sophie , Giuliani Francesca , Sandells Tamsin , Carvalho Maria , Ohuma Eric , Jaffer Yasmin , Noble Alison , Gravett Michael , Pang Ruyan , Lambert Ann , Bertino Enrico , Papageorghiou Aris , Garza Cutberto , Stein Alan , Bhutta Zulfiqar , Kennedy Stephen
Published: January 2019

It is unclear whether early child development is, like skeletal growth, similar across diverse regions with adequate health and nutrition. We prospectively assessed 1307 healthy, well-nourished 2-year-old children of educated mothers, enrolled in early pregnancy from urban areas without major socioeconomic or environmental constraints, in Brazil, India, Italy, Kenya and UK. We used a specially developed psychometric tool, WHO motor milestones and visual tests. Similarities across sites were measured using variance components analysis and standardised site differences (SSD). In 14 of the 16 domains, the percentage of total variance explained by between-site differences ranged from 1.3% (cognitive score) to 9.2% (behaviour score). Of the 80 SSD comparisons, only six were >±0.50 units of the pooled SD for the corresponding item. The sequence and timing of attainment of neurodevelopmental milestones and associated behaviours in early childhood are, therefore, likely innate and universal, as long as nutritional and health needs are met.
The path of pre-ribosomes through the nuclear pore complex revealed by electron tomography
Authors: Delavoie Franck , Soldan Vanessa , Rinaldi Dana , Dauxois Jean-Yves , Gleizes Pierre-Emmanuel
Published: January 2019

Determining the path of single ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles through the 100 nm-wide nuclear pore complex (NPC) by fluorescence microscopy remains challenging due to resolution limitation and RNP labeling constraints. By using high-pressure freezing and electron tomography, here we captured snapshots of the translocation of native RNP particles through NPCs in yeast and analyzed their trajectory at nanometer-scale resolution. Morphological and functional analyses indicate that these particles mostly correspond to pre-ribosomes. They are detected in 5–6% of the NPCs, with no apparent bias for NPCs adjacent to the nucleolus. Their path closely follows the central axis of the NPC through the nuclear and inner rings, but diverges at the cytoplasmic ring, suggesting interactions with the cytoplasmic nucleoporins. By applying a probabilistic queueing model to our data, we estimated that the dwell time of pre-ribosomes in the yeast NPC is ~90 ms. These data reveal distinct steps of pre-ribosome translocation through the NPC.
Template-directed RNA polymerization and enhanced ribozyme catalysis inside membraneless compartments formed by coacervates
Authors: Poudyal Raghav R. , Guth-Metzler Rebecca M. , Veenis Andrew J. , Frankel Erica A. , Keating Christine D. , Bevilacqua Philip C.
Published: January 2019

Membraneless compartments, such as complex coacervates, have been hypothesized as plausible prebiotic micro-compartments due to their ability to sequester RNA; however, their compatibility with essential RNA World chemistries is unclear. We show that such compartments can enhance key prebiotically-relevant RNA chemistries. We demonstrate that template-directed RNA polymerization is sensitive to polycation identity, with polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDAC) outperforming poly(allylamine), poly(lysine), and poly(arginine) in polycation/RNA coacervates. Differences in RNA diffusion rates between PDAC/RNA and oligoarginine/RNA coacervates imply distinct biophysical environments. Template-directed RNA polymerization is relatively insensitive to Mg2+ concentration when performed in PDAC/RNA coacervates as compared to buffer, even enabling partial rescue of the reaction in the absence of magnesium. Finally, we show enhanced activities of multiple nucleic acid enzymes including two ribozymes and a deoxyribozyme, underscoring the generality of this approach, in which functional nucleic acids like aptamers and ribozymes, and in some cases key cosolutes localize within the coacervate microenvironments.
Author Correction: Why rankings of biomedical image analysis competitions should be interpreted with care
Authors: Maier-Hein Lena , Eisenmann Matthias , Reinke Annika , Onogur Sinan , Stankovic Marko , Scholz Patrick , Arbel Tal , Bogunovic Hrvoje , Bradley Andrew P. , Carass Aaron , Feldmann Carolin , Frangi Alejandro F. , Full Peter M. , van Ginneken Bram , Hanbury Allan , Honauer Katrin , Kozubek Michal , Landman Bennett A. , März Keno , Maier Oskar , Maier-Hein Klaus , Menze Bjoern H. , Müller Henning , Neher Peter F. , Niessen Wiro , Rajpoot Nasir , Sharp Gregory C. , Sirinukunwattana Korsuk , Speidel Stefanie , Stock Christian , Stoyanov Danail , Taha Abdel Aziz , van der Sommen Fons , Wang Ching-Wei , Weber Marc-André , Zheng Guoyan , Jannin Pierre , Kopp-Schneider Annette
Published: January 2019

In the original version of this Article the values in the rightmost column of Table 1 were inadvertently shifted relative to the other columns. This has now been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Influence of Conductive additives on the stability of red phosphorus-carbon anodes for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Rui , Mo Hanxiao , Li Shuai , Gong Yansheng , He Beibei , Wang Huanwen
Published: January 2019

In this paper, the influences of conductive carbons on the red phosphorus (P) composites in sodium-ion batteries are studied. Electrochemical testing results show that Ketjen Black makes the P composites present much better cycling performances. Electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) results indicate that when Ketjen Black is used, the total resistance of the electrode can be decreased. Since Ketjen Black is a low-cost and commercially available material, our results suggest that Ketjen Black might be a promising conductor for the alloying anodes such as P in sodium-ion batteries.
Integrative omics analysis in Pandanus odorifer (Forssk.) Kuntze reveals the role of Asparagine synthetase in salinity tolerance
Authors: Rashmi Deo , Barvkar Vitthal T. , Nadaf Altafhusain , Mundhe Swapnil , Kadoo Narendra Y.
Published: January 2019

Pandanus odorifer (Forssk) Kuntze grows naturally along the coastal regions and withstands salt-sprays as well as strong winds. A combination of omics approaches and enzyme activity studies was employed to comprehend the mechanistic basis of high salinity tolerance in P. odorifer. The young seedlings of P. odorifer were exposed to 1 M salt stress for up to three weeks and analyzed using RNAsequencing (RNAseq) and LC-MS. Integrative omics analysis revealed high expression of the Asparagine synthetase (AS) (EC 6.3.5.4) (8.95 fold) and remarkable levels of Asparagine (Asn) (28.5 fold). This indicated that salt stress promoted Asn accumulation in P. odorifer. To understand this further, the Asn biosynthesis pathway was traced out in P. odorifer. It was noticed that seven genes involved in Asn bisynthetic pathway namely glutamine synthetase (GS) (EC 6.3.1.2) glutamate synthase (GOGAT) (EC 1.4.1.14), aspartate kinase (EC 2.7.2.4), pyruvate kinase (EC 2.7.1.40), aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT) (EC 2.6.1.1), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) (EC 4.1.1.31) and AS were up-regulated under salt stress. AS transcripts were most abundant thereby showed its highest activity and thus were generating maximal Asn under salt stress. Also, an up-regulated Na+/H+ antiporter (NHX1) facilitated compartmentalization of Na+ into vacuoles, suggesting P. odorifer as salt accumulator species.
Treatment effects of the differential first-line antiretroviral regimens among HIV/HBV coinfected patients in southwest China: an observational study
Authors: Zhu Jinhui , Yang Wenmin , Feng Yuan , Lo Cody , Chen Huanhuan , Zhu Qiuying , Shen Zhiyong , Lan Guanghua , Chen Yi , Tang Zhenzhu , Xing Hui , Shao Yiming , Ruan Yuhua , Li Liming
Published: January 2019

HIV with HBV co-infection can result in greater HIV-related immunosuppression, morbidity and mortality. Currently, there are few studies to evaluate direct treatment effects on mortality and attrition rates between first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) based-on tenofovir (TDF) and/or lamivudine (3TC) in a real-world setting. We used Cox proportional hazard models to evaluate direct treatment effects of the first-line ART containing stavudine (d4T), azidothymidine (AZT) and TDF on death and attrition among HIV patients with HBV coinfection. A total of 3912 patients met study eligibility criteria. The overall mortality rate and attrition rate was 2.85 (95% CI: 2.55–3.16) and 8.87 (95% CI: 8.32–9.41) per 100 person-years, respectively. The ART containing TDF had a significantly lower risk of death [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.44–0.77] when compared to the ART containing d4T, but the risk of death was not significantly different when compared to the ART containing AZT (AHR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.69–1.20). Patients with HIV/HBV coinfection receiving the ART containing TDF had significantly lower risk rates of attrition compared to those receiving the ART containing d4T (AHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.60–0.86) or AZT (AHR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.58–0.77). Compared with the ART containing d4T, the ART containing AZT was significant and not significant associated with a lower risk of death and attrition, respectively. The ART containing TDF had significant effects on both of death and attrition among HIV patients with HBV coinfection.
Human skeletal muscle macrophages increase following cycle training and are associated with adaptations that may facilitate growth
Authors: Walton R. Grace , Kosmac Kate , Mula Jyothi , Fry Christopher S. , Peck Bailey D. , Groshong Jason S. , Finlin Brian S. , Zhu Beibei , Kern Philip A. , Peterson Charlotte A.
Published: January 2019

Skeletal muscle macrophages participate in repair and regeneration following injury. However, their role in physiological adaptations to exercise is unexplored. We determined whether endurance exercise training (EET) alters macrophage content and characteristics in response to resistance exercise (RE), and whether macrophages are associated with other exercise adaptations. Subjects provided vastus lateralis biopsies before and after one bout of RE, after 12 weeks of EET (cycling), and after a final bout of RE. M2 macrophages (CD11b+/CD206+) did not increase with RE, but increased in response to EET (P < 0.01). Increases in M2 macrophages were positively correlated with fiber hypertrophy (r = 0.49) and satellite cells (r = 0.47). M2c macrophages (CD206+/CD163+) also increased following EET (P < 0.001), and were associated with fiber hypertrophy (r = 0.64). Gene expression was quantified using NanoString. Following EET, the change in M2 macrophages was positively associated with changes in HGF, IGF1, and extracellular matrix genes. EET decreased expression of IL6 (P < 0.05), C/EBPβ (P < 0.01), and MuRF (P < 0.05), and increased expression of IL-4 (P < 0.01), TNFα (P < 0.01) and the TWEAK receptor FN14 (P < 0.05). The change in FN14 gene expression was inversely associated with changes in C/EBPβ (r = −0.58) and MuRF (r = −0.46) following EET. In cultured human myotubes, siRNA inhibition of FN14 increased expression of C/EBPβ (P < 0.05) and MuRF (P < 0.05). Our data suggest that macrophages contribute to the muscle response to EET, potentially including modulation of TWEAK-FN14 signaling.
A Rational Approach for Creating Peptides Mimicking Antibody Binding
Authors: Sachdeva Sameer , Joo Hyun , Tsai Jerry , Jasti Bhaskara , Li Xiaoling
Published: January 2019

This study reports a novel method to design peptides that mimic antibody binding. Using the Knob-Socket model for protein-protein interaction, the interaction surface between Cetuximab and EGFR was mapped. EGFR binding peptides were designed based on geometry and the probability of the mapped knob-sockets pairs. Designed peptides were synthesized and then characterized for binding specificity, affinity, cytotoxicity of drug-peptide conjugate and inhibition of phosphorylation. In cell culture studies, designed peptides specifically bind and internalize to EGFR overexpressing cells with three to four-fold higher uptake compared to control cells that do not overexpress EGFR. The designed peptide, Pep11, bound to EGFR with KD of 252 nM. Cytotoxicity of Monomethyl Auristatin E (MMAE)-EGFR-Pep11 peptide-drug conjugate was more than 2,000 fold higher against EGFR overexpressing cell lines A431, MDA MB 468 than control HEK 293 cells which lack EGFR overexpression. MMAE-EGFR-Pep11 conjugate also showed more than 90-fold lower cytotoxicity towards non-EGFR overexpressing HEK 293 cells when compared with cytotoxicity of MMAE itself. In conclusion, a method that can rationally design peptides using knob-socket model is presented. This method was successfully applied to create peptides based on the antigen-antibody interaction to mimic the specificity, affinity and functionality of antibody.
Socially Learned Attitude Change is not reduced in Medicated Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Simonsen Arndis , Fusaroli Riccardo , Skewes Joshua Charles , Roepstorff Andreas , Mors Ole , Bliksted Vibeke , Campbell-Meiklejohn Daniel
Published: January 2019

Schizophrenia is often associated with distinctive or odd social behaviours. Previous work suggests this could be due to a general reduction in conformity; however, this work only assessed the tendency to publicly agree with others, which may involve a number of different mechanisms. In this study, we specifically investigated whether patients display a reduced tendency to adopt other people’s opinions (socially learned attitude change). We administered a computerized conformity task, assumed to rely on reinforcement learning circuits, to 32 patients with schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder and 39 matched controls. Each participant rated 153 faces for trustworthiness. After each rating, they were immediately shown the opinion of a group. After approximately 1 hour, participants were unexpectedly asked to rate all the faces again. We compared the degree of attitude change towards group opinion in patients and controls. Patients presented equal or more social influence on attitudes than controls. This effect may have been medication induced, as increased conformity was seen with higher antipsychotic dose. The results suggest that there is not a general decline in conformity in medicated patients with schizophrenia and that previous findings of reduced conformity are likely related to mechanisms other than reinforcement based social influence on attitudes.
Molecular mechanisms underpinning transgenerational plasticity in the green sea urchin Psammechinus miliaris
Authors: Clark Melody S. , Suckling Coleen C. , Cavallo Alessandro , Mackenzie Clara L. , Thorne Michael A. S. , Davies Andrew J. , Peck Lloyd S.
Published: January 2019

The pre-conditioning of adult marine invertebrates to altered conditions, such as low pH, can significantly impact offspring outcomes, a process which is often referred to as transgenerational plasticity (TGP). This study describes for the first time, the gene expression profiles associated with TGP in the green sea urchin Psammechinus miliaris and evaluates the transcriptional contribution to larval resilience. RNA-Seq was used to determine how the expression profiles of larvae spawned into low pH from pre-acclimated adults differed to those of larvae produced from adults cultured under ambient pH. The main findings demonstrated that adult conditioning to low pH critically pre-loads the embryonic transcriptional pool with antioxidants to prepare the larvae for the “new” conditions. In addition, the classic cellular stress response, measured via the production of heat shock proteins (the heat shock response (HSR)), was separately evaluated. None of the early stage larvae either spawned in low pH (produced from both ambient and pre-acclimated adults) or subjected to a separate heat shock experiment were able to activate the full HSR as measured in adults, but the capacity to mount an HSR increased as development proceeded. This compromised ability clearly contributes to the vulnerability of early stage larvae to acute environmental challenge.
An adaptive fall-free rehabilitation mechanism for ischemic stroke rat patients
Authors: Chen Chi-Chun , Chang Ching-Ping , Yang Chin-Lung
Published: January 2019

Today’s commercial forced exercise platforms had been validated not as a well-designed rehabilitation environment for rats with a stroke, for the reason that rat with a stroke cannot take exercise at a constant intensity for a long period of time. In light of this, this work presented an adaptive, fall-free ischemic stroke rehabilitation mechanism in an animal model, which was implemented in an infrared-sensing adaptive feedback control running wheel (IAFCRW) platform. Consequently, rats with a stroke can be safely rehabilitated all the time, and particularly at full capacity for approximately one third of a training duration, in a completely fall-free environment according to individual physical differences by repeated use of an acceleration/deceleration mechanism. The performance of this platform was assessed using an animal ischemic stroke model. The IAFCRW therapy regimen was validated to outperform a treadmill and a conventional running wheel counterpart with respect to the reduction in the neurobehavioral deficits caused by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). IAFCRW is the first adaptive forced exercise training platform short of electrical stimulation-assistance in the literature, and ischemic stroke rats benefit more in terms of the behavioral tests run at the end of a 3-week rehabilitation program after a stroke thereby.
N-acetylcysteine modulates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal dysfunction
Authors: Lee Sang In , Kang Kyung Soo
Published: January 2019

The gastrointestinal epithelium functions in nutrient absorption and pathogens barrier and its dysfunction directly affects livestock performance. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) improves mucosal function, but its effects on intestinal functions at the molecular level remain unclear. Here, we performed gene expression profiling of the pig small intestine after dietary NAC treatment under LPS challenge and investigated the effects of NAC on intestinal epithelial cells in vitro. Dietary NAC supplementation under LPS challenge altered the small intestine expression of 959 genes related to immune response, inflammatory response, oxidation-reduction process, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and the cytokine-mediated signalling, Toll-like receptor signalling pathway, Jak-STAT signalling pathway, and TNF signalling pathway. We then analysed the expression patterns of the top 10 altered genes, and found that NAC markedly stimulated HMGCS3 and LDHC expression in IPEC-J2 cells. In vitro, NAC pre-treatment significantly reduced TNF-α and NF-κB, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-6 expression in LPS-induced IPEC-J2 cells. NAC treatment also significantly reduced oxidative stress in LPS-induced IPEC-J2 cells and alleviated intestinal barrier function and wound healing. Thus, NAC as a feed additive can enhance livestock intestinal health by modulating intestinal inflammation, permeability, and wound healing under LPS-induced dysfunction, improving our molecular understanding of the effects of NAC on the intestine.
Improvement of mechanical, humidity resistance and thermal properties of heat-treated rubber wood by impregnation of SiO2 precursor
Authors: Zhang Nannan , Xu Min , Cai Liping
Published: January 2019

The SiO2 precursor solution was impregnated into heat-treated rubber wood to enhance its mechanical and flame-retarding properties. Test specimens were randomly divided into four groups, i.e., untreated (U), heat-treated (HT), impregnated SiO2 precursor before heat treatment (ISB) and after heat treatment (ISA). Results showed that, compared with HT wood specimens, the modulus of rupture (MOR) and compression strength of ISB and ISA wood specimens were both increased. The hygroscopicity of modified wood was decreased and the dimension stability was consequently improved. Surprisingly, the hardness of ISB specimens increased by 43.65%. The thermogravimetric (TG) examination showed that the incorporation of silicon retarded the thermal decomposition and improved the thermal stability of wood. Furthermore, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) revealed that the SiO2 gel was deposited in the cell wall, The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed the formation of Si–O–Si and Si–O–C covalent bonds. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests indicated that the impregnation of SiO2 precursor had slight effect on the crystalline structure of the wood.
New insights into GluT1 mechanics during glucose transfer
Authors: Galochkina Tatiana , Ng Fuk Chong Matthieu , Challali Lylia , Abbar Sonia , Etchebest Catherine
Published: January 2019

Glucose plays a crucial role in the mammalian cell metabolism. In the erythrocytes and endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier, glucose uptake is mediated by the glucose transporter type 1 (GluT1). GluT1 deficiency or mutations cause severe physiological disorders. GluT1 is also an important target in cancer therapy as it is overexpressed in tumor cells. Previous studies have suggested that GluT1 mediates solute transfer through a cycle of conformational changes. However, the corresponding 3D structures adopted by the transporter during the transfer process remain elusive. In the present work, we first elucidate the whole conformational landscape of GluT1 in the absence of glucose, using long molecular dynamics simulations and show that the transitions can be accomplished through thermal fluctuations. Importantly, we highlight a strong coupling between intracellular and extracellular domains of the protein that contributes to the transmembrane helices reorientation during the transition. The conformations adopted during the simulations differ from the known 3D bacterial homologs structures resolved in similar states. In holo state simulations, we find that glucose transits along the pathway through significant rotational motions, while maintaining hydrogen bonds with the protein. These persistent motions affect side chains orientation, which impacts protein mechanics and allows glucose progression.
A fully feathered enantiornithine foot and wing fragment preserved in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber
Authors: Xing Lida , McKellar Ryan C. , O’Connor Jingmai K. , Bai Ming , Tseng Kuowei , Chiappe Luis M.
Published: January 2019

Over the last three years, Burmese amber (~99 Ma, from Myanmar) has provided a series of immature enantiornithine skeletal remains preserved in varying developmental stages and degrees of completeness. These specimens have improved our knowledge based on compression fossils in Cretaceous sedimentary rocks, adding details of three-dimensional structure and soft tissues that are rarely preserved elsewhere. Here we describe a remarkably well-preserved foot, accompanied by part of the wing plumage. These body parts were likely dismembered, entering the resin due to predatory or scavenging behaviour by a larger animal. The new specimen preserves contour feathers on the pedal phalanges together with enigmatic scutellae scale filament (SSF) feathers on the foot, providing direct analogies to the plumage patterns observed in modern birds, and those cultivated through developmental manipulation studies. Ultimately, this connection may allow researchers to observe how filamentous dinosaur ‘protofeathers’ developed—testing theories using evolutionary holdovers in modern birds.
Association between viral seasonality and meteorological factors
Authors: Price Rory Henry Macgregor , Graham Catriona , Ramalingam Sandeep
Published: January 2019

Numerous viruses can cause upper respiratory tract infections. They often precede serious lower respiratory tract infections. Each virus has a seasonal pattern, with peaks in activity in different seasons. We examined the effects of daily local meteorological data (temperature, relative humidity, “humidity-range” and dew point) from Edinburgh, Scotland on the seasonal variations in viral transmission. We identified the seasonality of rhinovirus, adenovirus, influenza A and B viruses, human parainfluenza viruses 1–3 (HPIV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (HMPV) from the 52060 respiratory samples tested between 2009 and 2015 and then confirmed the same by a generalised linear model. We also investigated the relationship between meteorological factors and viral seasonality. Non-enveloped viruses were present throughout the year. Following logistic regression adenovirus, influenza viruses A, B, RSV and HMPV preferred low temperatures; RSV and influenza A virus preferred a narrow “humidity-range” and HPIV type 3 preferred the season with lower humidity. A change (i.e. increase or decrease) in specific meteorological factors is associated with an increase in activity of specific viruses at certain times of the year.
Crystal Correlation Of Heterocyclic Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine Analogues and Their Anticholinesterase Potential Evaluation
Authors: Kwong Huey Chong , Chidan Kumar C. S. , Mah Siau Hui , Mah Yew Leng , Chia Tze Shyang , Quah Ching Kheng , Lim Gin Keat , Chandraju Siddegowda
Published: January 2019

Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-based compounds are clinically important to the treatments of heart and circulatory failures, while many are under development for pharmaceutical uses. In this study, a series of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-based derivatives 2(a–o) were synthesized by reacting a-haloketones with 2-aminopyridines in a basic media at ambient temperature. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies suggest that with low degree-of-freedom, the introduction of bulky adamantyl or electron-rich biphenyl moiety into the imidazopyridine derivatives will not affect its structural occupancy. Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-based derivatives with biphenyl side chain are potential AChE inhibitors. Compound 2h which bears a biphenyl side chain and methyl substituent at the position R4 of the imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine ring showed the strongest AChE inhibition with an IC50 value of 79 µM. However, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives with phenyl side chain exhibit better BChE inhibition effect among the series. Compound 2j with 3,4-dichlorophenyl side chain and unsubstituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine ring appears to be the strongest BChE inhibitor with an IC50 value of 65 µM and good selectivity. The inhibitory effects of active compounds were further confirmed by computational molecular docking studies. The results unveiled that peripheral anionic sites of AChE and acyl pocket of BChE were the predominated binding sites for the subjected inhibitors.