bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adherence to the French Eating Model is inversely associated with overweight and obesity: results from a large sample of French adults
Authors: Ducrot Pauline , Méjean Caroline , Bellisle France , Allès Benjamin , Hercberg Serge , Péneau Sandrine
Published: May 2018

The ‘French Eating Model’ characterised by structured meals and conviviality has received little attention, although it has been suggested as a potential explanation of the French paradox. This study aims at assessing the adherence to this model in French adults and whether it is associated with weight status. Eating behaviour and, in particular, number of meals per day, snacking frequency, meal time, meal duration, number of courses, position (standing, sitting), presence of others and pleasure experienced was assessed in 2014, in 47 219 participants of the NutriNet-Santé study. A global score of adherence to the French Eating Model was computed on the basis of eating behaviour components. Prevalence of the model was assessed on a sample weighted according to Census data. Associations between adherence to the model (and its components) and overweight and obesity were assessed using logistic regression analyses adjusted for individual characteristics. Most individuals followed the French Eating Model: three meals a day, at set times, sitting at a table with other people and considering meals as a moment of pleasure. Individuals who exhibited higher adherence to the model were less likely to be overweight (OR=0·89; 95 % CI 0·87, 0·92 or obese (0·76; 95 % CI 0·74, 0·79). Similar trends were found for the following components: number of meals per day, snacking frequency, meal time, meal duration and pleasure experience, whereas an opposite trend was observed for the eating with others component. Although prospective studies are needed to conclude on a causal relationship, these results suggested the potential role of the French Eating Model, which is still prevailing in France, in obesity prevention.
Species-specific aggregation pheromones contribute to coexistence in two closely related thrips species
Authors: Li X. , Geng S. , Zhang Z. , Zhang J. , Li W. , Huang J. , Lin W. , Bei Y. , Lu Y.
Published: May 2018

Pheromones play an important role in mediating interspecific interactions in insects. In an insect community, pheromones can reveal information about the senders, which could be used by other members of the food web (competitor, natural enemies, etc.) to their own advantage. The aggregation pheromones of two closely related thrips species,Frankliniella occidentalisandFrankliniella intonsa, have been identified with the same major compounds, (R)-lavandulyl acetate and neryl (S)-2-methylbutanoate, but in different ratios. However, the roles of the aggregation pheromones in the interspecific interactions between these two closely related species are unknown. Here, we investigated the roles of major aggregation pheromone compounds in interspecific interactions betweenF. occidentalisandF. intonsafor both long and short ranges. The results showed that, at tested doses, neither aggregation pheromone-induced long range cross-attraction nor short range cross-mating was detected betweenF. occidentalisandF. intonsa. Field-trapping trials showed that the species-specificity in aggregation pheromones was regulated by the ratio of two major compounds. However, species-specific blends of the two major compounds had no effect on short-range interactions between these two species. Our data from the thrips species provide support for the ‘aggregation model of coexistence’, explaining the species-specific pheromone-mediated coexistence of closely related species. Thus, species-specific pheromones could be one of the factors affecting population dynamics and community structure in closely related insects with similar niches.
THE OFFICE OF THE CROWN
Authors: Allen J.G.
Published: May 2018

A troubling veil of mystery still shrouds the central institution of the British Constitution – the Crown. In this paper, I examine the modern utility of five historical doctrines: the doctrine of the “King's two bodies”; the doctrine that the Crown is a “corporation sole”; the doctrine that the King can “do no wrong”; the doctrine that (high) public offices are “emanations” of the Crown; and the doctrine that the Crown is “one and indivisible”. Using some insights from social ontology, the history of office in the Western legal tradition, and the sociology of role and status, I argue that the first four of these doctrines can be refashioned into a conception of the Crown as an office. An office is an enduring institutional entity to which individuals bear a relationship from time to time, but which is separate from any individual incumbent and is to be considered in legal analysis as a separate acting subject. Using the logic of office, official personality and official action, I distinguish between the Queen, the Crown, Her Majesty's Government and the Commonwealth and argue that together they provide a serviceable model of the modern British Constitution. The final doctrine, however, must be abandoned – the Crown is plural and divisible and this must be taken into account when using the Crown to reason about the UK's relationship to other constitutional orders.
Going Native: Converting Narratives in Tiwi Histories of Twentieth-Century Missions
Authors: RADEMAKER LAURA
Published: May 2018

Historians and anthropologists have increasingly argued that the conversion of Indigenous peoples to Christianity occurred as they wove the new faith into their traditions. Yet this finding risks overshadowing how Indigenous peoples themselves understood the history of Christianity in their societies. This article, a case study of the Tiwi of North Australia, is illustrative in that it uses Tiwi oral histories of the ‘conversion’ of a priest in order to invert assumptions about inculturation and conversion. They insist that they did not accommodate the new faith but that the Catholic Church itself converted in embracing them. Their history suggests that conversion can occur as communities change in the act of incorporating new peoples.
Information, Investment Adjustment, and the Cost of Capital
Authors: Huang Lixin , Kang Qiang
Published: May 2018

Private information imposes a severe trading disadvantage on uninformed traders while at the same time providing firms with valuable signals for investment adjustment. The two forces have opposite impacts on the cost of capital, and the net effect depends on which force dominates. We show that stocks of firms with low flexibility in investment adjustment (“value firms”) command an information premium, whereas stocks of firms with high flexibility in investment adjustment (“growth firms”) deliver an information discount. These results are consistent with the findings that growth firms exhibit stronger investment sensitivity to information in stock prices than value firms.
Supportive release techniques provide no reintroduction benefit when efficacy and uptake is low
Authors: Bannister Hannah L. , Brandle Robert , Delean Steven , Paton David C. , Moseby Katherine E.
Published: May 2018

Release methods can influence the outcome of reintroductions. We tested the effect of delayed, immediate and supplementary food/shelter release treatments on the reintroduction of brushtail possumsTrichosurus vulpeculato an environment in which introduced predators, particularly foxes, were subject to control. Monitoring of 48 radio-collared possums over 3 months revealed that immediate release possums settled into a stable range significantly faster than other groups, but there were no differences in survival, dispersal distance, reproduction or body condition. Ten days after release possums from all treatment groups had lost body mass, but by day 60 most were heavier than at the time of translocation. After release, possums sometimes used shelter sites easily accessible to predators, but within 3 weeks they regularly selected safer shelter. Risky shelter selection and loss of condition immediately after release suggests that supplementary food and shelter could be beneficial, but supportive measures were rarely used or did not have the desired effect. In an environment with higher predator densities, risky shelter selection could lead to high post-release predation, and mass loss could encourage animals to forage in riskier ways, further increasing vulnerability. In these environments effective uptake of supplementary food and shelter could reduce predation risk, but supplementary measures would need to be presented in a way that maximises uptake. In contrast, if post-release predation risk is low then supportive measures may not be required. Innovative methods for providing post-release support should continue to be developed for reintroductions to areas where supportive measures are needed.
Smooth linearisation of planar periodic maps
Authors: CIMA A. , GASULL A. , MAÑOSAS F. , ORTEGA R.
Published: May 2018

The celebrated Kerékjártó theorem asserts that planar continuous periodic maps can be continuously linearised. We prove that for each k ∈ {1, 2,. . ., ∞}, ${\Mathcal {C}}$k-planar periodic maps can be ${\Mathcal {C}}$k-linearised.
Prevalence of human papillomavirus types associated with cervical lesions in Sergipe state, Northeastern Brazil: high frequency of a possibly carcinogenic type
Authors: Serra I. G. S. S. , Araujo E. D. , Barros G. S. , Santos F. L. S. G. , Gurgel R. Q. , Batista M. V. A.
Published: May 2018

Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer and the prevalence of HPV types varies depending on the geographic region. Therefore, this study assessed the prevalence of HPV types in women with cervical lesions from Sergipe state, Northeastern Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted in women with cervical lesions from March to December 2014. These lesions were investigated by PCR and HPV types were identified by DNA sequencing. 432 patients were included, of which 337 patients tested positive for HPV. Eighteen different HPV types were detected, and high-risk HPV types were detected in 69.2%. HPV 16 (63.4%) was the most prevalent HPV type found, followed by HPV 66 (4.6%), HPV 18 (1.6%) and HPV 45 (1.4%). These results highlight the importance of the high prevalence of HPV 66, which is a possibly carcinogenic virus type not covered by the available vaccines. The prevalence of HPV 16 was high in the studied population, reaffirming the importance of young vaccination. However, the high prevalence of HPV 66 found in this study shows the importance of monitoring the diversity of HPV types in different populations and geographic regions to better understand the impacts of current HPV vaccines.
TWO NEW SPECIES OF BEGONIA FROM SUMATRA
Authors: Ardi W. H. , Hughes M.
Published: May 2018

Two new species of Begonia sect. Bracteibegonia, B. curvifolia Ardi and B. ocellata Ardi, are described from West Sumatra, Indonesia. The species are endemic to Sumatra and belong to the IUCN category Data Deficient. A modified identification key to all 11 species of Begonia sect. Bracteibegonia in Sumatra is provided.
Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation with anomalous left anterior descending coronary artery
Authors: VanLoozen Dennis , Amin Zahid
Published: May 2018

Percutaneous pulmonary valve placement in patients with an anomalous coronary artery is rare and can be complicated by coronary artery compression. We report successful implantation of a percutaneous pulmonary valve in a patient with an anomalous left anterior descending artery.
Auroral Energy Flux Distribution Over the Nightside Auroral Oval Observed by the DMSP F16/SSUSI: Seasonal, Geomagnetic, and Solar Activity Dependences
Authors: Luan Xiaoli , Zhou Su , Dou Xiankang
Published: May 2018

The present work investigates variations in the relative strengths of average premidnight and postmidnight aurorae. The average auroral energy flux data for the southern hemisphere in 2004–2015 are taken from the Special Sensor Ultraviolet Spectrographic Imager onboard the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program F16 satellite. The main findings are as follows: (1) In local winter, the maximum auroral energy flux over the oval is located in the premidnight sector (18:00–00:00 magnetic local time) under geomagnetically quiet condition (Kp = 1) and moves toward the postmidnight sector (00:00–06:00 magnetic local time) as the Kp index increases. (2) In local summer, the maximum energy flux occurs in the postmidnight for higher solar activities (F10.7 > 100 sfu). (3) The premidnight bulge of the auroral energy flux is most prominent under winter, solar minimum and geomagnetically quiet (Kp = 1) conditions. (4) Relatively more auroral energy tends to be deposited in the postmidnight sector than in the premidnight sector as Kp increases. These results show that the auroral energy over the nightside oval is redistributed on average as the season, solar flux, and geomagnetic activity change. This would substantially affect the thermosphere and ionosphere at high latitudes.
Observations of Asymmetries in Ionospheric Return Flow During Different Levels of Geomagnetic Activity
Authors: Reistad J. P. , Østgaard N. , Laundal K. M. , Ohma A. , Snekvik K. , Tenfjord P. , Grocott A. , Oksavik K. , Milan S. E. , Haaland S.
Published: May 2018

It is known that the magnetic field of the Earth's closed magnetosphere can be highly displaced from the quiet‐day configuration when interacting with the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), an asymmetry largely controlled by the dawn‐dusk component of the IMF. The corresponding ionospheric convection has revealed that footprints in one hemisphere tend to move faster to reduce the displacement, a process we refer to as the restoring of symmetry. Although the influence on the return flow convection from the process of restoring symmetry has been shown to be strongly controlled by the IMF, the influence from internal magnetospheric processes has been less investigated. We use 14 years of line‐of‐sight measurements of the ionospheric plasma convection from the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network to produce high‐latitude convection maps sorted by season, IMF, and geomagnetic activity. We find that the restoring symmetry flows dominate the average convection pattern in the nightside ionosphere during low levels of magnetotail activity. For increasing magnetotail activity, signatures of the restoring symmetry process become less and less pronounced in the global average convection maps. We suggest that tail reconnection acts to reduce the asymmetric state of the closed magnetosphere by removing the asymmetric pressure distribution in the tail set up by the IMF By interaction. During active periods the nightside magnetosphere will therefore reach a more symmetric configuration on a global scale. These results are relevant for better understanding the dynamics of flux tubes in the asymmetric geospace, which is the most common state of the system.
Poloidal Mode Wave‐Particle Interactions Inferred From Van Allen Probes and CARISMA Ground‐Based Observations
Authors: Wang C. , Rankin R. , Wang Y. , Zong Q.‐G. , Zhou X. , Takahashi K. , Marchand R. , Degeling A. W.
Published: May 2018

Ultralow‐frequency wave and test particle models are used to investigate the pitch angle and energy dependence of ion differential fluxes measured by the Van Allen Probes spacecraft on 6 October 2012. Analysis of the satellite data reveals modulations in differential flux resulting from drift resonance between H+ ions and fundamental mode poloidal Alfvén waves detected near the magnetic equator at L ∼ 5.7. Results obtained from simulations reproduce important features of the observations, including a substantial enhancement of the differential flux between ∼20 and 40° pitch angle for ion energies between ∼90 and 220 keV and an absence of flux modulations at 90°. The numerical results confirm predictions of drift‐bounce resonance theory and show good quantitative agreement with observations of modulations in differential flux produced by ultralow‐frequency waves.
Ionospheric Electron Heating Associated With Pulsating Auroras: Joint Optical and PFISR Observations
Authors: Liang Jun , Donovan E. , Reimer A. , Hampton D. , Zou S. , Varney R.
Published: May 2018

In a recent study, Liang et al. (2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JA024127) repeatedly identified strong electron temperature (Te) enhancements when Swarm satellites traversed pulsating auroral patches. In this study, we use joint optical and Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar (PFISR) observations to further investigate the F region plasma signatures related to pulsating auroras. On 19 March 2015 night, which contained multiple intervals of pulsating auroral activities, we identify a statistical trend, albeit not a one‐to‐one correspondence, of strong Te enhancements (~500–1000 K) in the upper F region ionosphere during the passages of pulsating auroras over PFISR. On the other hand, there is no discernible and repeatable density enhancement in the upper F region during pulsating auroral intervals. Collocated optical and NOAA satellite observations suggest that the pulsating auroras are composed of energetic electron precipitation with characteristic energy >10 keV, which is inefficient in electron heating in the upper F region. Based upon PFISR observations and simulations from Liang et al. (2017) model, we propose that thermal conduction from the topside ionosphere, which is heated by precipitating low‐energy electrons, offers the most likely explanation for the observed electron heating in the upper F region associated with pulsating auroras. Such a heating mechanism is similar to that underlying the “stable auroral red arcs” in the subauroral ionosphere. Our proposal conforms to the notion on the coexistence of an enhanced cold plasma population and the energetic electron precipitation, in magnetospheric flux tubes threading the pulsating auroral patch. In addition, we find a trend of enhanced ion upflows during pulsating auroral intervals.
Structure of the Crust and Mantle Down to 700 km Depth beneath the Longmenshan From P Receiver Functions
Authors: Qian H. , Mechie J. , Li H. , Xue G. , Su H. , Cui X.
Published: May 2018

Since the Ms 8.0 Wenchuan earthquake occurred in 2008 in the Longmenshan at the eastern margin of Tibet, this region has attracted much attention. In order to investigate the deep structure of the region, an analysis of P receiver functions was carried out, using data from an array of 80 broadband seismic stations operated in 2012 and 2013, and straddling the Longmenshan fault zone around the epicenter of the Wenchuan earthquake. Positive Ps conversions from 5 to 10 km depth indicate the base of the Mesozoic sediments in the Sichuan basin and the base of the Songpan‐Ganzi flysch deposits in Tibet. Later positive Ps conversions represent the Moho, which occurs at 40–50 km depth below the Sichuan basin and deepens to the NW to 55–70 km depth under Tibet. An important finding of this study is that whereas in the NE, the Moho deepening from SE to NW is smooth, in the middle and SW of the region the Moho deepening is abrupt with, in some places, a possible overlap. Negative Ps conversions at stations in Tibet represent the top of low shear velocity zones in the middle and lower crusts below Tibet. Beneath the Sichuan basin, a negative phase about 1 s earlier than the Moho Ps conversion is to a large extent, almost certainly due to multiples from discontinuities in the upper crust. Finally, positive Ps conversions can be observed from the 410 and 660‐km discontinuities at the top and bottom of the mantle transition zone, respectively.
Increasing Arctic Sea Ice Albedo Using Localized Reversible Geoengineering
Authors: Field L. , Ivanova D. , Bhattacharyya S. , Mlaker V. , Sholtz A. , Decca R. , Manzara A. , Johnson D. , Christodoulou E. , Walter P. , Katuri K.
Published: May 2018

The rising costs of climate change merit serious evaluation of potential climate restoration solutions. The highest rate of change in climate is observed in the Arctic where the summer ice is diminishing at an accelerated rate. The loss of Arctic sea ice increases radiative forcing and contributes to global warming. Restoring reflectivity of Arctic ice could be a powerful lever to help in the effort to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Polar ice restoration should be considered in planning of 1.5°C pathways. In this paper, a novel localized surface albedo modification technique is presented that shows promise as a method to increase multiyear ice using reflective floating materials, chosen so as to have low subsidiary environmental impact. Detailed climate modeling studying the climate impact of such a method reveals more than 1.5°C cooler temperatures over a large part of the Arctic when simulating global sea ice albedo modification. In a region north of Barents and Kara Seas temperatures have been reduced by 3°C and in North Canada by almost 1°C. Additionally, there are notable increases in sea ice thickness (20–50 cm Arctic wide) and ice concentration (>15–20% across large parts of central Arctic). These results suggest that the geoengineering technology proposed in this study may be a viable instrument for restoring Arctic ice.
Transformer‐Level Modeling of Geomagnetically Induced Currents in New Zealand's South Island
Authors: Divett T. , Richardson G. S. , Beggan C. D. , Rodger C. J. , Boteler D. H. , Ingham M. , Mac Manus D. H. , Thomson A. W. P. , Dalzell M.
Published: May 2018

During space weather events, geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) can be induced in high‐voltage transmission networks, damaging individual transformers within substations. A common approach to modeling a transmission network has been to assume that every substation can be represented by a single resistance to Earth. We have extended that model by building a transformer‐level network representation of New Zealand's South Island transmission network. We represent every transformer winding at each earthed substation in the network by its known direct current resistance. Using this network representation significantly changes the GIC hazard assessment, compared to assessments based on the earlier assumption. Further, we have calculated the GIC flowing through a single phase of every individual transformer winding in the network. These transformer‐level GIC calculations show variation in GICs between transformers within a substation due to transformer characteristics and connections. The transformer‐level GIC calculations alter the hazard assessment by up to an order of magnitude in some places. In most cases the calculated GIC variations match measured variations in GIC flowing through the same transformers. This comparison with an extensive set of observations demonstrates the importance of transformer‐level GIC calculations in models used for hazard assessment.
Selective elimination of senescent cells by mitochondrial targeting is regulated by ANT2
Authors: Hubackova Sona , Davidova Eliska , Rohlenova Katerina , Stursa Jan , Werner Lukas , Andera Ladislav , Dong LanFeng , Terp Mikkel G. , Hodny Zdenek , Ditzel Henrik J. , Rohlena Jakub , Neuzil Jiri
Published: May 2018

Cellular senescence is a form of cell cycle arrest that limits the proliferative potential of cells, including tumour cells. However, inability of immune cells to subsequently eliminate senescent cells from the organism may lead to tissue damage, inflammation, enhanced carcinogenesis and development of age-related diseases. We found that the anticancer agent mitochondria-targeted tamoxifen (MitoTam), unlike conventional anticancer agents, kills cancer cells without inducing senescence in vitro and in vivo. Surprisingly, it also selectively eliminates both malignant and non-cancerous senescent cells. In naturally aged mice treated with MitoTam for 4 weeks, we observed a significant decrease of senescence markers in all tested organs compared to non-treated animals. Mechanistically, we found that the susceptibility of senescent cells to MitoTam is linked to a very low expression level of adenine nucleotide translocase-2 (ANT2), inherent to the senescent phenotype. Restoration of ANT2 in senescent cells resulted in resistance to MitoTam, while its downregulation in non-senescent cells promoted their MitoTam-triggered elimination. Our study documents a novel, translationally intriguing role for an anticancer agent targeting mitochondria, that may result in a new strategy for the treatment of age-related diseases and senescence-associated pathologies.
A novel 8-bp duplication in ADAT3 causes mild intellectual disability
Authors: Salehi Chaleshtori Ahmad Reza , Miyake Noriko , Ahmadvand Mohammad , Bashti Oranous , Matsumoto Naomichi , Noruzinia Mehrdad
Published: May 2018

Inosine is a base located at wobble position 34 of the tRNA anticodon stem–loop, enabling the recognition of more than one codon in the translation process. A heterodimer consists of ADAT3 and ADAT2 and is involved in the adenosine-to-inosine conversion in tRNA. Here, we report the second novel ADAT3 mutation in a patient with microcephaly, intellectual disability, and hyperactivity. These findings constitute a second mutation and expand the clinical spectrum of extremely rare ADAT3 mutations.
An antibacterial platform based on capacitive carbon-doped TiO2 nanotubes after direct or alternating current charging
Authors: Wang Guomin , Feng Hongqing , Hu Liangsheng , Jin Weihong , Hao Qi , Gao Ang , Peng Xiang , Li Wan , Wong Kwok-Yin , Wang Huaiyu , Li Zhou , Chu Paul K.
Published: May 2018

Electrical interactions between bacteria and the environment are delicate and essential. In this study, an external electrical current is applied to capacitive titania nanotubes doped with carbon (TNT-C) to evaluate the effects on bacteria killing and the underlying mechanism is investigated. When TNT-C is charged, post-charging antibacterial effects proportional to the capacitance are observed. This capacitance-based antibacterial system works well with both direct and alternating current (DC, AC) and the higher discharging capacity in the positive DC (DC+) group leads to better antibacterial performance. Extracellular electron transfer observed during early contact contributes to the surface-dependent post-charging antibacterial process. Physiologically, the electrical interaction deforms the bacteria morphology and elevates the intracellular reactive oxygen species level without impairing the growth of osteoblasts. Our finding spurs the design of light-independent antibacterial materials and provides insights into the use of electricity to modify biomaterials to complement other bacteria killing measures such as light irradiation.
Oxygen and Pt(II) self-generating conjugate for synergistic photo-chemo therapy of hypoxic tumor
Authors: Xu Shuting , Zhu Xinyuan , Zhang Chuan , Huang Wei , Zhou Yongfeng , Yan Deyue
Published: May 2018

Cancer cells in hypoxic tumors are remarkably resistant to photodynamic therapy. Here, we hypothesize that an oxygen and Pt(II) self-generating multifunctional nanocomposite could reverse the hypoxia-triggered PDT resistance. The nanocomposite contains Pt(IV) and chlorin e6, in which upconversion nanoparticles are loaded to convert 980 nm near-infrared light into 365 nm and 660 nm emissions. Upon accumulation at the tumor site, a 980 nm laser is used to trigger the nanocomposite to generate O2 for consumption in the PDT process and to produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species. The composite also releases active Pt(II) for synergistic photo-chemo therapy to enhance antitumor efficiency. The oxygen and Pt(II) self-generating prodrug is shown to have high potential to inhibit tumors out of the range of UV light, to overcome the hypoxia-triggered PDT resistance and significantly improve anticancer efficacy by the synergistic PDT-chemotherapy.
Cultural hitchhiking and competition between patrilineal kin groups explain the post-Neolithic Y-chromosome bottleneck
Authors: Zeng Tian Chen , Aw Alan J. , Feldman Marcus W.
Published: May 2018

In human populations, changes in genetic variation are driven not only by genetic processes, but can also arise from cultural or social changes. An abrupt population bottleneck specific to human males has been inferred across several Old World (Africa, Europe, Asia) populations 5000–7000 BP. Here, bringing together anthropological theory, recent population genomic studies and mathematical models, we propose a sociocultural hypothesis, involving the formation of patrilineal kin groups and intergroup competition among these groups. Our analysis shows that this sociocultural hypothesis can explain the inference of a population bottleneck. We also show that our hypothesis is consistent with current findings from the archaeogenetics of Old World Eurasia, and is important for conceptions of cultural and social evolution in prehistory.
In situ edge engineering in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Sang Xiahan , Li Xufan , Zhao Wen , Dong Jichen , Rouleau Christopher M. , Geohegan David B. , Ding Feng , Xiao Kai , Unocic Raymond R.
Published: May 2018

Exerting synthetic control over the edge structure and chemistry of two-dimensional (2D) materials is of critical importance to direct the magnetic, optical, electrical, and catalytic properties for specific applications. Here, we directly image the edge evolution of pores in Mo1−xW
x
Se2 monolayers via atomic-resolution in situ scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and demonstrate that these edges can be structurally transformed to theoretically predicted metastable atomic configurations by thermal and chemical driving forces. Density functional theory calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations explain the observed thermally induced structural evolution and exceptional stability of the four most commonly observed edges based on changing chemical potential during thermal annealing. The coupling of modeling and in situ STEM imaging in changing chemical environments demonstrated here provides a pathway for the predictive and controlled atomic scale manipulation of matter for the directed synthesis of edge configurations in Mo1
−

x
W
x
Se2 to achieve desired functionality.
Cell surface flip-flop of phosphatidylserine is critical for PIEZO1-mediated myotube formation
Authors: Tsuchiya Masaki , Hara Yuji , Okuda Masaki , Itoh Karin , Nishioka Ryotaro , Shiomi Akifumi , Nagao Kohjiro , Mori Masayuki , Mori Yasuo , Ikenouchi Junichi , Suzuki Ryo , Tanaka Motomu , Ohwada Tomohiko , Aoki Junken , Kanagawa Motoi , Toda Tatsushi , Nagata Yosuke , Matsuda Ryoichi , Takayama Yasunori , Tominaga Makoto , Umeda Masato
Published: May 2018

Myotube formation by fusion of myoblasts and subsequent elongation of the syncytia is essential for skeletal muscle formation. However, molecules that regulate myotube formation remain elusive. Here we identify PIEZO1, a mechanosensitive Ca2+ channel, as a key regulator of myotube formation. During myotube formation, phosphatidylserine, a phospholipid that resides in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, is transiently exposed to cell surface and promotes myoblast fusion. We show that cell surface phosphatidylserine inhibits PIEZO1 and that the inward translocation of phosphatidylserine, which is driven by the phospholipid flippase complex of ATP11A and CDC50A, is required for PIEZO1 activation. PIEZO1-mediated Ca2+ influx promotes RhoA/ROCK-mediated actomyosin assemblies at the lateral cortex of myotubes, thus preventing uncontrolled fusion of myotubes and leading to polarized elongation during myotube formation. These results suggest that cell surface flip-flop of phosphatidylserine acts as a molecular switch for PIEZO1 activation that governs proper morphogenesis during myotube formation.
Live-cell single-molecule dynamics of PcG proteins imposed by the DIPG H3.3K27M mutation
Authors: Tatavosian Roubina , Duc Huy Nguyen , Huynh Thao Ngoc , Fang Dong , Schmitt Benjamin , Shi Xiaodong , Deng Yiming , Phiel Christopher , Yao Tingting , Zhang Zhiguo , Wang Haobin , Ren Xiaojun
Published: May 2018

Over 80% of diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) harbor a point mutation in histone H3.3 where lysine 27 is substituted with methionine (H3.3K27M); however, how the mutation affects kinetics and function of PcG proteins remains elusive. We demonstrate that H3.3K27M prolongs the residence time and search time of Ezh2, but has no effect on its fraction bound to chromatin. In contrast, H3.3K27M has no effect on the residence time of Cbx7, but prolongs its search time and decreases its fraction bound to chromatin. We show that increasing expression of Cbx7 inhibits the proliferation of DIPG cells and prolongs its residence time. Our results highlight that the residence time of PcG proteins directly correlates with their functions and the search time of PcG proteins is critical for regulating their genomic occupancy. Together, our data provide mechanisms in which the cancer-causing histone mutation alters the binding and search dynamics of epigenetic complexes.
Soft Coulomb gap and asymmetric scaling towards metal-insulator quantum criticality in multilayer MoS2
Authors: Moon Byoung Hee , Bae Jung Jun , Joo Min-Kyu , Choi Homin , Han Gang Hee , Lim Hanjo , Lee Young Hee
Published: May 2018

Quantum localization–delocalization of carriers are well described by either carrier–carrier interaction or disorder. When both effects come into play, however, a comprehensive understanding is not well established mainly due to complexity and sparse experimental data. Recently developed two-dimensional layered materials are ideal in describing such mesoscopic critical phenomena as they have both strong interactions and disorder. The transport in the insulating phase is well described by the soft Coulomb gap picture, which demonstrates the contribution of both interactions and disorder. Using this picture, we demonstrate the critical power law behavior of the localization length, supporting quantum criticality. We observe asymmetric critical exponents around the metal-insulator transition through temperature scaling analysis, which originates from poor screening in insulating regime and conversely strong screening in metallic regime due to free carriers. The effect of asymmetric scaling behavior is weakened in monolayer MoS2 due to a dominating disorder.
Whole-genome sequencing reveals genomic signatures associated with the inflammatory microenvironments in Chinese NSCLC patients
Authors: Wang Cheng , Yin Rong , Dai Juncheng , Gu Yayun , Cui Shaohua , Ma Hongxia , Zhang Zhihong , Huang Jiaqi , Qin Na , Jiang Tao , Geng Liguo , Zhu Meng , Pu Zhening , Du Fangzhi , Wang Yuzhuo , Yang Jianshui , Chen Liang , Wang Qianghu , Jiang Yue , Dong Lili , Yao Yihong , Jin Guangfu , Hu Zhibin , Jiang Liyan , Xu Lin , Shen Hongbing
Published: May 2018

Chinese lung cancer patients have distinct epidemiologic and genomic features, highlighting the presence of specific etiologic mechanisms other than smoking. Here, we present a comprehensive genomic landscape of 149 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases and identify 15 potential driver genes. We reveal that Chinese patients are specially characterized by not only highly clustered EGFR mutations but a mutational signature (MS3, 33.7%), that is associated with inflammatory tumor-infiltrating B lymphocytes (P = 0.001). The EGFR mutation rate is significantly increased with the proportion of the MS3 signature (P = 9.37 × 10−5). TCGA data confirm that the infiltrating B lymphocyte abundance is significantly higher in the EGFR-mutated patients (P = 0.007). Additionally, MS3-high patients carry a higher contribution of distant chromosomal rearrangements >1 Mb (P = 1.35 × 10−7), some of which result in fusions involving genes with important functions (i.e., ALK and RET). Thus, inflammatory infiltration may contribute to the accumulation of EGFR mutations, especially in never-smokers.
Author Correction: Small-molecule TFEB pathway agonists that ameliorate metabolic syndrome in mice and extend C. elegans lifespan
Authors: Wang Chensu , Niederstrasser Hanspeter , Douglas Peter M. , Lin Rueyling , Jaramillo Juan , Li Yang , Oswald Nathaniel W. , Zhou Anwu , McMillan Elizabeth A. , Mendiratta Saurabh , Wang Zhaohui , Zhao Tian , Lin Zhiqaing , Luo Min , Huang Gang , Brekken Rolf A. , Posner Bruce A. , MacMillan John B. , Gao Jinming , White Michael A.
Published: May 2018

The originally published version of this Article contained an error in the spelling of the author Nathaniel W. Oswald, which was incorrectly given as Nathaniel W. Olswald. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Mitigation of severe urban haze pollution by a precision air pollution control approach
Authors: Yu Shaocai , Li Pengfei , Wang Liqiang , Wu Yujie , Wang Si , Liu Kai , Zhu Tong , Zhang Yuanhang , Hu Min , Zeng Liming , Zhang Xiaoye , Cao Junji , Alapaty Kiran , Wong David C. , Pleim Jon , Mathur Rohit , Rosenfeld Daniel , Seinfeld John H.
Published: May 2018

Severe and persistent haze pollution involving fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations reaching unprecedentedly high levels across many cities in China poses a serious threat to human health. Although mandatory temporary cessation of most urban and surrounding emission sources is an effective, but costly, short-term measure to abate air pollution, development of long-term crisis response measures remains a challenge, especially for curbing severe urban haze events on a regular basis. Here we introduce and evaluate a novel precision air pollution control approach (PAPCA) to mitigate severe urban haze events. The approach involves combining predictions of high PM2.5 concentrations, with a hybrid trajectory-receptor model and a comprehensive 3-D atmospheric model, to pinpoint the origins of emissions leading to such events and to optimize emission controls. Results of the PAPCA application to five severe haze episodes in major urban areas in China suggest that this strategy has the potential to significantly mitigate severe urban haze by decreasing PM2.5 peak concentrations by more than 60% from above 300 μg m−3 to below 100 μg m−3, while requiring ~30% to 70% less emission controls as compared to complete emission reductions. The PAPCA strategy has the potential to tackle effectively severe urban haze pollution events with economic efficiency.
Adaptive Group-combined P-values Test for Two-sample Location Problem with Applications to Microarray Data
Authors: Zhang Shenghu , Zhu Jiayan , Li Zhengbang
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this article is to propose a test for two-sample location problem in high-dimensional data. In general highdimensional case, the data dimension can be much larger than the sample size and the underlying distribution may be far from normal. Existing tests requiring explicit relationship between the data dimension and sample size or designed for multivariate normal distributions may lose power significantly and even yield type I error rates strayed from nominal levels. To overcome this issue, we propose an adaptive group p-values combination test which is robust against both high dimensionality and normality. Simulation studies show that the proposed test controls type I error rates correctly and outperforms some existing tests in most situations. An Ageing Human Brain Microarray data are used to further exemplify the method.
Robustness of STDP to spike timing jitter
Authors: Cui Yihui , Prokin Ilya , Mendes Alexandre , Berry Hugues , Venance Laurent
Published: May 2018

In Hebbian plasticity, neural circuits adjust their synaptic weights depending on patterned firing. Spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP), a synaptic Hebbian learning rule, relies on the order and timing of the paired activities in pre- and postsynaptic neurons. Classically, in ex vivo experiments, STDP is assessed with deterministic (constant) spike timings and time intervals between successive pairings, thus exhibiting a regularity that differs from biological variability. Hence, STDP emergence from noisy inputs as occurring in in vivo-like firing remains unresolved. Here, we used noisy STDP pairings where the spike timing and/or interval between pairings were jittered. We explored with electrophysiology and mathematical modeling, the impact of jitter on three forms of STDP at corticostriatal synapses: NMDAR-LTP, endocannabinoid-LTD and endocannabinoid-LTP. We found that NMDAR-LTP was highly fragile to jitter, whereas endocannabinoid-plasticity appeared more resistant. When the frequency or number of pairings was increased, NMDAR-LTP became more robust and could be expressed despite strong jittering. Our results identify endocannabinoid-plasticity as a robust form of STDP, whereas the sensitivity to jitter of NMDAR-LTP varies with activity frequency. This provides new insights into the mechanisms at play during the different phases of learning and memory and the emergence of Hebbian plasticity in in vivo-like activity.
Enhanced ZnR/GPR39 Activity in Breast Cancer, an Alternative Trigger of Signaling Leading to Cell Growth
Authors: Ventura-Bixenshpaner Hila , Asraf Hila , Chakraborty Moumita , Elkabets Moshe , Sekler Israel , Taylor Kathryn M. , Hershfinkel Michal
Published: May 2018

Acquired resistance to the estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist tamoxifen, is a major obstacle in treatment of breast cancer. Changes in Zn2+ accumulation and distribution are associated with tamoxifen-resistance and breast cancer progression. The Zn2+-sensing G-protein coupled receptor, ZnR/GPR39, triggers signaling leading to cell growth, but a role for this receptor in breast cancer in unknown. Using fluorescence imaging, we found Zn2+-dependent Ca2+ release, mediated by ZnR/GPR39 activity, in TAMR tamoxifen-resistant cells derived from MCF-7 cells, but not in ER-expressing MCF-7 or T47D cells. Furthermore, ZnR/GPR39 signaling was monitored in ER negative BT20, MDA-MB-453 and JIMT-1 cells. Expression of ZnR/GPR39 was increased in grade 3 human breast cancer biopsies compared to grade 2. Consistently, analysis of two breast cancer patient cohorts, GDS4057 and TCGA, indicated that in ER-negative tumors higher ZnR/GPR39 mRNA levels are associated with more aggressive tumors. Activation of ZnR/GPR39 in TAMR cells triggered MAPK, mTOR and PI3K signaling. Importantly, enhanced cell growth and invasiveness was observed in the ER negative breast cancer cells, TAMR, MDA-MB-453 and BT20 cells but not in the ER expressing MCF-7 cells. Thus, we suggest ZnR/GPR39 as a potential therapeutic target for combination treatment in breast cancer, particularly relevant in ER negative tumors.
Interfacial engineering of graphene for highly efficient blue and white organic light-emitting devices
Authors: Chen Shufen , Zhang Qin , Shang Wenjuan , Liu Lihui , Yu Hongtao , Zhang Shuai , Deng Lingling , Wang Min , Wang Minghao , Li Xue , Mi Baoxiu , Huang Wei
Published: May 2018

Graphene as anodes of flexible organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) has intrinsic drawbacks of a low work function and a high sheet resistance although it can eliminate the brittle feature of ITO. Chemical doping as a conventional approach is universally used to decrease the sheet resistance and adjust the work function of graphene electrodes, but it suffers from instability problems due to the volatility of chemical species. Here, an insulated poly(4-styrenesulphonate) (PSS) modification layer is firstly coated on the graphene surface along with improved air-stability and hole-injection ability via interfacial dipoles. Besides, the utilization of PSS is beneficial to reduce the leakage current of OLEDs. Then a gradient injection layer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):PSS (PEDOT:PSS)/tetrafluoroethyleneperfluoro-3,6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octenesulphonic acid copolymer-doped PEDOT:PSS is covered onto the PSS-modified graphene to further promote hole injection and improve carrier balance inside OLEDs. With above interfacial modification technique, very high efficiencies of 201.9 cd A−1 (76.1 lm W−1, 45.2%) and 326.5 cd A−1 (128.2 lm W−1, 99.5%) for blue and white emissions are obtained, which are comparable to the most efficient display and lighting technologies so far.
OCT-Angiography reveals reduced vessel density in the deep retinal plexus of CADASIL patients
Authors: Nelis Pieter , Kleffner Ilka , Burg Matthias C. , Clemens Christoph R. , Alnawaiseh Maged , Motte Jeremias , Marziniak Martin , Eter Nicole , Alten Florian
Published: May 2018

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) represents the most recent tool in ophthalmic imaging. It allows for a non-invasive, depth-selective and quantitative visualization of blood flow in central retinal vessels and it has an enormous diagnostic potential not only in ophthalmology but also with regards to neurologic and systemic diseases. Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a hereditary vascular small-vessel disease caused by Notch3 mutations and represents the most common form of hereditary stroke disorder. In this study, CADASIL patients prospectively underwent OCT-A imaging to evaluate retinal and choriocapillaris blood flow as well as blood flow at the optic nerve head. The vessel density of the macular region and the size of the foveal avascular zone in the superficial and deep retinal plexus were determined as well as the vessel density at the optic nerve head and in the choriocapillaris. Additionally, cerebral magnetic resonance images were evaluated. The main finding was that vessel density of the deep retinal plexus was significantly decreased in CADASIL patients compared to healthy controls which may reflect pericyte dysfunction in retinal capillaries.
Author Correction: Strong associations between chromosomal aberrations in blood lymphocytes and the risk of urothelial and squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder
Authors: Wang Hongkun , Wang Ying , Kota Krishna K. , Sun Bing , Kallakury Bhaskar , Mikhail Nabiel N. , Sayed Douaa , Mokhtar Ahmed , Maximous Doaa , Yassin Etemad H. , Sun Scarlett X. , Chen Xiaofei , Loffredo Christopher A. , Zheng Yun-Ling
Published: May 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Defects, Dopants and Lithium Mobility in Li
9
V
3
(P
2
O
7
)
3
(PO
4
)
2
Authors: Kuganathan Navaratnarajah , Ganeshalingam Sashikesh , Chroneos Alexander
Published: May 2018

Layered Li9V3(P2O7)3(PO4)2 has attracted considerable interest as a novel cathode material for potential use in rechargeable lithium batteries. The defect chemistry, doping behavior and lithium diffusion paths in Li9V3(P2O7)3(PO4)2 are investigated using atomistic scale simulations. Here we show that the activation energy for Li migration via the vacancy mechanism is 0.72 eV along the c-axis. Additionally, the most favourable intrinsic defect type is Li Frenkel (0.44 eV/defect) ensuring the formation of Li vacancies that are required for Li diffusion via the vacancy mechanism. The only other intrinsic defect mechanism that is close in energy is the formation of anti-site defect, in which Li and V ions exchange their positions (1.02 eV/defect) and this can play a role at higher temperatures. Considering the solution of tetravalent dopants it is calculated that they require considerable solution energies, however, the solution of GeO2 will reduce the activation energy of migration to 0.66 eV.
Linearly polarized photoluminescence of InGaN quantum disks embedded in GaN nanorods
Authors: Park Youngsin , Chan Christopher C. S. , Nuttall Luke , Puchtler Tim J. , Taylor Robert A. , Kim Nammee , Jo Yongcheol , Im Hyunsik
Published: May 2018

We have investigated the emission from InGaN/GaN quantum disks grown on the tip of GaN nanorods. The emission at 3.21 eV from the InGaN quantum disk doesn’t show a Stark shift, and it is linearly polarized when excited perpendicular to the growth direction. The degree of linear polarization is about 39.3% due to the anisotropy of the nanostructures. In order to characterize a single nanostructure, the quantum disks were dispersed on a SiO2substrate patterned with a metal reference grid. By rotating the excitation polarization angle from parallel to perpendicular relative to the nanorods, the variation of overall PL for the 3.21 eV peak was recorded and it clearly showed the degree of linear polarization (DLP) of 51.5%.