bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Second order transport coefficients of nonconformal relativistic fluids in various dimensions from Dp-brane
Authors: Wu Chao
Published: January 2019

Abstract

We derive all the dynamical second order transport coefficients for Dp-brane with p from 1 to 6 within the framework of fluid/gravity correspondence in this paper. The D5 and D6-brane do not have dual relativistic fluids; D3-brane corresponds to 4-dimensional conformal relativistic fluid; D1, D2 and D4-brane separately correspond to nonconformal relativistic fluids of dimensions 2, 3 and 5. The Haack-Yarom relation only exists for Dp-branes with p larger than 2 and is also satisfied by them. We also find that the Romatschke and Kleinert-Probst relations need to be generalized in order to be valid for relativistic fluids of dimensions other than 4.
When things stop falling, chaos is suppressed
Authors: Ageev Dmitry S. , Aref’eva Irina Ya.
Published: January 2019

Abstract

This note is devoted to the investigation of Susskind’s proposal [1] concerning the correspondence between the operator growth in chaotic theories and the radial momenta of the particle falling in the AdS black hole. We study this proposal and consider the simple example of an operator with the global charge described by the charged particle falling to the Reissner-Nordstrom-AdS black hole. Different charges of the particle lead to qualitatively different behavior of the particle momenta and consequently change of the operator size behavior. This holographic result is supported by different examples of chaotic models with a finite chemical potential where the suppression of chaos has been observed.
Contextualizing pubertal development: The combination of sexual partners' age and girls' pubertal development confers risk for externalizing but not internalizing symptoms among girls in therapeutic day schools
Authors: Javdani Shabnam , Sadeh Naomi , White Hope I. , Emerson Erin , Houck Christopher , Brown Larry K. , Donenberg Geri R.
Published: January 2019

Objective

Early pubertal development is associated with negative health and mental health outcomes. Research on the influence of puberty on mental health underscores a need to examine the interplay between puberty and exposure to environmental risk. This study investigates a more rarely studied aspect of girls' environments – romantic relationships with boyfriends. Specifically, this study examined sexual partner age and the timing of girls' pubertal development in relation to externalizing and internalizing symptoms among female students attending therapeutic day schools in the United States, a population at elevated risk for negative mental health outcomes.

Methods

A total of 121 13 to 19‐year‐old adolescent girls (Mean age = 15.4; SD = 1.5) reported on the relative age of their past 3 sexual partners, their age of pubertal onset, and mental health challenges via clinical assessments of externalizing and internalizing symptoms.

Results

Forty‐three percent of participants qualified for at least one mental health diagnosis. Earlier pubertal onset predicted greater internalizing symptoms, and this effect did not depend on the age of girls' sexual partners. However, early‐developing girls who also reported having a sexual partner more than 2 years older than them were at increased risk for externalizing symptoms.

Conclusions

Findings underscore that sexual relationships are an important risk factor for early‐developing girls already at risk for mental health problems. Early developing girls with older partners may experience stronger social pressure to stay in relationships that expose them to partner violence and delinquency‐related pressure, which combine with interpersonal stress to predict externalizing symptoms.
Serum levels of proteins involved in amyloid‐β clearance are related to cognitive decline and neuroimaging changes in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Liu Shan , Suzuki Hideaki , Ito Hitomi , Korenaga Tatsumi , Akatsu Hiroyasu , Meno Kohji , Uchida Kazuhiko
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Amyloid‐β (Aβ) clearance is important for damage prevention in Alzheimer's disease. We investigated the utility of Aβ clearance proteins as biomarkers for mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

Serum apolipoprotein (apo) A‐I, compliment protein C3 (C3), transthyretin, and cholesterol levels were measured in 273 subjects, and we analyzed the relationship between these levels and brain atrophy and cerebral blood flow in 63 clinically diagnosed mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and nondemented disease control subjects.

Results

ApoA‐I and transthyretin levels and the active form of C3:native form of C3 ratio achieved an area under the curve of 0.89 (sensitivity: 83%, specificity: 90%) for detecting late mild cognitive impairment. Atrophy was associated with decreased apoA‐I and high‐density lipoprotein levels. Subjects with reduced cerebral blood flow had lower levels of native form of C3, apoA‐I, high‐density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol. Low native form of C3 and high active form of C3 levels were found in the hippocampi of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Discussion

Aβ clearance proteins in the serum are potential biomarkers for mild cognitive impairment evaluation.
Fake News, Real Problems for Brands: The Impact of Content Truthfulness and Source Credibility on consumers’ Behavioral Intentions toward the Advertised Brands
Authors: Visentin Marco , Pizzi Gabriele , Pichierri Marco
Published: January 2019

The presence of fake news via Internet media compels researchers and practitioners to understand the consequences of this phenomenon on marketing activities. Surprisingly, no marketing study to date has analyzed the effect of fake news on consumers’ evaluations of a brand advertised on the same webpage. To fill this gap, this study empirically investigated whether individuals’ perceptions of fake news transfer to an adjacent brand advertisement. Specifically, we manipulated news truthfulness and source credibility, observing the change in individuals’ responses while distinguishing between objective truthfulness and the perceived credibility of the news.

The results confirmed that the news’ objective truthfulness exerts no direct effect on behavioral intentions toward the brand (i.e., intention to purchase, spread word-of-mouth, or visit the brand's store). However, we did uncover a chain of effects whereby the impact of fake news on behavioral intentions was fully mediated by people's perceptions of the news’ credibility, which affected the perceived credibility of the sources, which then influenced brand trust, which finally translated into brand attitudes. From a managerial perspective, this study's results can partially reassure brand managers that their brand advertisements will not suffer from appearing next to fake news when the source itself is credible.
Slow‐Slip Recurrent Pattern Changes: Perturbation Responding and Possible Scenarios of Precursor toward a Megathrust Earthquake
Authors: Luo Yingdi , Liu Zhen
Published: January 2019

Advances in geodetic techniques enable us to detect “slow‐earthquake” transients (e.g., slow‐slip events, SSEs) with improving accuracy and coverage. Recent observations reveal intriguing changes of SSE behavior before and/or after earthquakes. However, the physics behind these observations remain largely unknown. How does SSE pattern change during megathrust earthquake super‐cycle? How do SSEs respond to “external” tectonic perturbations such as stress perturbation from earthquakes, or nontectonic forces such as tidal modulation and seasonal loading? Can SSE pattern changes shed light on the onset of a large earthquake? To address these questions, we employ laboratory‐based rate‐and‐state frictional law on subduction zone faults with realistic frictional properties incorporating megathrust earthquake and SSE regions. We conduct 2‐D/3‐D quasi‐dynamic earthquake cycle simulations to study the “intrinsic” SSE pattern changes as how it evolves at different stages of the earthquake cycle, versus the changes in SSE pattern responding to external stress perturbations. Our results suggest that, despite both intrinsic and perturbation models are capable to introduce large variability in SSE pattern, there are considerable observable characteristics that can be used to differentiate these two models. Without external perturbation the SSE patterns change intrinsically during the super‐cycle. The recurrence interval and peak slip rate of SSEs decrease significantly right before megathrust earthquake and could be used as a potential warning sign. Whereas SSE patterns can vary significantly when perturbed by an earthquake or other tectonic/nontectonic sources. Recurring SSEs can be advanced or delayed by external perturbations, and multiple SSEs can be affected if perturbation is long‐lasting.
Dynamic Plasma Interaction at Io: Multispecies Hybrid Simulations
Authors: Šebek Ondřej , Trávníček Pavel M. , Walker Raymond J. , Hellinger Petr
Published: January 2019

The interaction between the Io plasma torus and Io exhibits significant dynamics resulting from temporal variations of both external conditions in the plasma torus and local conditions in Io's environment. We present analysis of an extensive simulation campaign of the Io plasma interaction under varying interaction conditions performed by using a hybrid multispecies simulation model. We test two models of electron impact ionization, one resulting in plasma production constrained to the upstream hemisphere of Io and the other producing a more symmetric distribution of the plasma with nonnegligible plasma production on the downstream side of Io. In the latter case, the simulation model provides high level of agreement with Galileo measurements of magnetic field obtained during the I0 flyby, where the model captures even smaller‐scale features of the magnetic field profile. Our simulated results provide strong support for the existence of Io's induced dipole field. In this model we assume that induced dipole field moment is antiparallel to the direction of the inducing magnetic field, equivalent to induction in a highly conductive Io. Our results further support the idea that Io's atmosphere collapsed during the Galileo I27 flyby, which manifests itself in the lack of ion heating due to pickup processes in the extended atmosphere. Our results show that the dominant torus species, O+ and S++, are depleted around Io and may exhibit temperature anisotropy, T⊥/T‖ < 1, resulting from merging of ion populations coming from opposite sides of Io along the magnetic field.
Tectonic Controls on Gas Hydrate Distribution Off SW Taiwan
Authors: Berndt C. , Chi W.‐C. , Jegen M. , Lebas E. , Crutchley G. , Muff S. , Hölz S. , Sommer M. , Lin S. , Liu C.‐S. , Lin A. T. , Klaeschen D. , Klaucke I. , Chen L. , Hsu H.‐H. , Kunath P. , Elger J. , McIntosh K. D. , Feseker T.
Published: January 2019

The northern part of the South China Sea is characterized by widespread occurrence of bottom simulating reflectors indicating the presence of marine gas hydrate. Because the area covers both a tectonically inactive passive margin and the termination of a subduction zone, the influence of tectonism on the dynamics of gas hydrate systems can be studied in this region. Geophysical data show that there are multiple thrust faults on the active margin while much fewer and smaller faults exist in the passive margin. This tectonic difference matches with a difference in the geophysical characteristics of the gas hydrate systems. High hydrate saturation derived from ocean bottom seismometer data and controlled source electromagnetic data and conspicuous high‐amplitude reflections in P‐Cable 3‐D seismic data above the bottom simulating reflector are found in the anticlinal ridges of the active margin. In contrast, all geophysical evidence for the passive margin points to normal to low hydrate saturations. Geochemical analyses of gas samples collected at seep sites on the active margin show methane with heavy δ13C isotope composition, while gas collected at the passive margin shows light carbon isotope composition. Thus, we interpret the passive margin as a typical gas hydrate province fueled by biogenic production of methane and the active margin gas hydrate system as a system that is fueled not only by biogenic gas production but also by additional advection of thermogenic methane from the subduction system.
Neumann Receives 2018 Charles S. Falkenberg Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: January 2019

Rebecca B. Neumann received the Charles S. Falkenberg Award at the 2018 AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held 12 December 2018 in Washington, D. C. The award honors “an early- to middle-career scientist who has contributed to the quality of life, economic opportunities, and stewardship of the planet through the use of Earth science information and to the public awareness of the importance of understanding our planet.”
Invisible Wildfire Smoke Has Visible Health Impacts
Authors: Garcia de Jesus Erin
Published: January 2019

Wildfires in the Pacific Northwest were linked to upticks in respiratory problems in Colorado, a new study shows.
Advancing Science for 100 Years
Authors: Goss Heather
Published: January 2019

All year long, AGU and Eos will be celebrating our Centennial by highlighting the Earth and space science discoveries from the past 100 years and the new research that is being built upon them.
Magnetic Surveying Reveals Hidden Ancient Buildings and Streets
Authors: Bedford Bailey
Published: January 2019

Buried buildings subtly distort natural magnetic fields, providing a magnetic surveying team with clues that helped archaeologists map an ancient city.
Negative cross-resistance between structurally different Bacillus thuringiensis toxins may favor resistance management of soybean looper in transgenic Bt cultivars
Authors: Rodrigues-Silva Nilson , Canuto Afonso F. , Oliveira Diogo F. , Teixeira André F. , Santos-Amaya Oscar F. , Picanço Marcelo C. , Pereira Eliseu J. G.
Published: January 2019

High adoption rates of single-gene Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1Ac soybean impose selection pressure for resistance in the soybean looper, Chrysodeixis includens, a major defoliator in soybean and cotton crops. To anticipate and characterize resistance profiles that can evolve, soybean looper larvae collected from field crops in Brazil in 2013 were selected for resistance to Cry1Ac. Using two methods of selection viz., chronic exposure to Cry1Ac cotton leaves and the seven-day larval exposure to purified Cry1Ac on the artificial diet, 31 and 127-fold resistance was obtained in 11 and 6 generations of selection, respectively. The resistance trait had realized heritability of 0.66 and 0.72, respectively, indicating that most of the phenotypic variation in Cry1Ac susceptibility of the soybean looper larvae was due to additive genetic variation. The Cry1Ac-selected populations showed positive cross-resistance to Cry1Ab (6.7–8.7 fold), likely because these Bt toxins have a very similar molecular structure. Importantly, the Cry1Ac-selected populations became more susceptible to Cry2Aa and Cry1Fa, showing negative cross-resistance (up to 6-fold, P < 0.05). These results indicate that Cry1Ac, Cry1Fa, and Cry2A are compatible in a multi-toxin approach to minimize the risk of rapid adaptation of the soybean looper to Bt toxins.
Crystal structure of the multidrug resistance regulator RamR complexed with bile acids
Authors: Yamasaki Suguru , Nakashima Ryosuke , Sakurai Keisuke , Baucheron Sylvie , Giraud Etienne , Doublet Benoît , Cloeckaert Axel , Nishino Kunihiko
Published: January 2019

During infection, Salmonella senses and responds to harsh environments within the host. Persistence in a bile-rich environment is important for Salmonella to infect the small intestine or gallbladder and the multidrug efflux system AcrAB-TolC is required for bile resistance. The genes encoding this system are mainly regulated by the ramRA locus, which is composed of the divergently transcribed ramA and ramR genes. The acrAB and tolC genes are transcriptionally activated by RamA, whose encoding gene is itself transcriptionally repressed by RamR. RamR recognizes multiple drugs; however, the identity of the environmental signals to which it responds is unclear. Here, we describe the crystal structures of RamR in complexes with bile components, including cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid, determined at resolutions of 2.0 and 1.8 Å, respectively. Both cholic and chenodeoxycholic acids form four hydrogen bonds with Tyr59, Thr85, Ser137 and Asp152 of RamR, instead of π–π interactions with Phe155, a residue that is important for the recognition of multiple compounds including berberine, crystal violet, dequalinium, ethidium bromide and rhodamine 6 G. Binding of these compounds to RamR reduces its DNA-binding affinity, resulting in the increased transcription of ramA and acrAB-tolC. Our results reveal that Salmonella senses bile acid components through RamR and then upregulates the expression of RamA, which can lead to induction of acrAB-tolC expression with resulting tolerance to bile-rich environments.
Budding and Division of Giant Vesicles Linked to Phospholipid Production
Authors: Castro Juan M. , Sugiyama Hironori , Toyota Taro
Published: January 2019

The self-reproduction of supramolecular assemblies based on the synthesis and self-assembly of building blocks is a critical step towards the construction of chemical systems with autonomous, adaptive, and propagation properties. In this report, we demonstrate that giant vesicles can grow and produce daughter vesicles by synthesizing and incorporating phospholipids in situ from ad-hoc precursors. Our model involves acyl chain elongation via copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction and the ensuing production of synthetic phospholipids to induce budding and division. In addition, the growth and budding of giant vesicles were compatible with the encapsulation and transfer of macromolecules as large as lambda phage DNA to the buds. This chemical system provides a useful model towards the implementation of cell-like compartments capable of propagation and transport of biological materials.
Natural Halloysites-Based Janus Platelet Surfactants for the Formation of Pickering Emulsion and Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Zhang Lecheng , Lei Qun , Luo Jianhui , Zeng Minxiang , Wang Ling , Huang Dali , Wang Xuezhen , Mannan Sam , Peng Baoliang , Cheng Zhengdong
Published: January 2019

Janus colloidal surfactants with opposing wettabilities are receiving attention for their practical application in industry. Combining the advantages of molecular surfactants and particle-stabilized Pickering emulsions, Janus colloidal surfactants generate remarkably stable emulsions. Here we report a straightforward and cost-efficient strategy to develop Janus nanoplate surfactants (JNPS) from an aluminosilicate nanoclay, halloysite, by stepwise surface modification, including an innovative selective surface modification step. Such colloidal surfactants are found to be able to stabilize Pickering emulsions of different oil/water systems. The microstructural characterization of solidified polystyrene emulsions indicates that the emulsion interface is evenly covered by JNPS. The phase behaviors of water/oil emulsion generated by these novel platelet surfactants were also investigated. Furthermore, we demonstrate the application of JNPS for enhanced oil recovery with a microfluidic flooding test, showing a dramatic increase of oil recovery ratio. This research provides important insights for the design and synthesis of two-dimensional Janus colloidal surfactants, which could be utilized in biomedical, food and mining industries, especially for circumstances where high salinity and high temperature are involved.
Circulating Transforming Growth Factor-β and Aortic Dilation in Patients with Repaired Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Cheung Yiu-fai , Chow Pak-Cheong , So Edwina Kam-fung , Chan Koon-wing
Published: January 2019

This study determined the circulating levels of TGF-β1 and its association with aortic dilation and elastic properties in congenital heart patients. Forty-six patients after tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair, 21 patients post arterial switch and 15 patients post atrial switch for transposition of the great arteries (TGA), 27 patients post Fontan procedure, and 36 controls were studied. Aortic dimensions and elastic properties and ventricular function were assessed by echocardiography. Serum TGF-β1, metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 levels were quantified. Compared with controls, all groups of patients had significantly larger ascending aortic dimensions and worse elastic properties (all p < 0.05). Aortic stiffness correlated positively with sinus dimension (r = 0.48, p < 0.001) and negatively with indices of ventricular deformation (all p < 0.001). Patients with repaired TOF had significantly higher levels of TGF-β1 (p = 0.005), MMP-2 (p = 0.001) and MMP-9 (p < 0.001) than controls, while patients after atrial switch operation (p = 0.034) and Fontan procedures (p < 0.001) had higher MMP-2 levels. In patients as a group, circulating TGF-β1 levels correlated with MMP-9 (r = 0.44, p < 0.001) and aortic sinus dimension (r = 0.22, p = 0.035). In conclusion, increased circulating TGF-β1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 levels were found in patients with repaired TOF, and increased circulating MMP-2 levels were also evident in patients after atrial switch operation and Fontan procedure.
Methylation of LINE-1 in cell-free DNA serves as a liquid biopsy biomarker for human breast cancers and dog mammary tumors
Authors: Lee Kang-Hoon , Shin Tae-Jin , Kim Wan-Hee , Cho Je-Yoel
Published: January 2019

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers in both women and female dogs. Methylation changes of LINE-1 have been reported in human cancers. The aim of this study was to determine the hypomethylation of canine LINE-1 in liquid biopsies for canine mammary tumors (CMT) and to assess its diagnostic performance in human plasma. BC associated LINE-1 methylation was measured by methylation sensitive (HpaII) and insensitive (MspI) restriction enzyme digestion followed by real-time PCR using the cfDNA isolated from 300 µl of plasma. The relative level of methylated canine LINE-1 was less than 0.4 in the benign and malignant CMTs (0.29 ± 0.061 and 0.39 ± 0.066, respectively) when it was 0.92 ± 0.067 in the healthy controls. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was significantly high in both benign and malignant tumors (0.97 and 0.93). Furthermore, this approach was also successfully implemented in a set of 26 human BCs with 10 healthy controls (AUC = 0.78). Altogether, our data suggest that the comparative approach using a dog model might be helpful to rapidly develop a new diagnostic biomarker and that the methylation of LINE-1 in cfDNA may be a good target as a diagnostic marker of both human BC and CMT.
Tupanvirus-infected amoebas are induced to aggregate with uninfected cells promoting viral dissemination
Authors: Oliveira Graziele , Silva Lorena , Leão Thiago , Mougari Said , da Fonseca Flávio Guimarães , Kroon Erna Geessien , La Scola Bernard , Abrahão Jônatas Santos
Published: January 2019

The discovery of giant viruses in the last years has fascinated the scientific community due to virus particles size and genome complexity. Among such fantastic discoveries, we have recently described tupanviruses, which particles present a long tail, and has a genome that contains the most complete set of translation-related genes ever reported in the known virosphere. Here we describe a new kind of virus-host interaction involving tupanvirus. We observed that tupanvirus-infected amoebas were induced to aggregate with uninfected cells, promoting viral dissemination and forming giant host cell bunches. Even after mechanical breakdown of bunches, amoebas reaggregated within a few minutes. This remarkable interaction between infected and uninfected cells seems to be promoted by the expression of a mannose receptor gene. Our investigations demonstrate that the pre-treatment of amoebas with free mannose inhibits the formation of bunches, in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting that amoebal-bunch formation correlates with mannose receptor gene expression. Finally, our data suggest that bunch-forming cells are able to interact with uninfected cells promoting the dissemination and increase of tupanvirus progeny.
CBX6 is negatively regulated by EZH2 and plays a potential tumor suppressor role in breast cancer
Authors: Deng Houliang , Guan Xiaowen , Gong Longcai , Zeng Jianming , Zhang Hongjie , Chen Mike Y. , Li Gang
Published: January 2019

Chromobox 6 (CBX6) is a subunit of Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) that mediates epigenetic gene repression and acts as an oncogene or tumor suppressor in a cancer type-dependent manner. The specific function of CBX6 in breast cancer is currently undefined. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset led to the identification of CBX6 as a consistently downregulated gene in breast cancer. We provided evidence showing enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) negatively regulated CBX6 expression in a Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2)-dependent manner. Exogenous overexpression of CBX6 inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation, and induced cell cycle arrest along with suppression of migration and invasion of breast cancer cells in vitro. Microarray analyses revealed that CBX6 governs a complex gene expression program. Moreover, CBX6 induced significant downregulation of bone marrow stromal cell antigen-2 (BST2), a potential therapeutic target, via interactions with its promoter region. Our collective findings support a tumor suppressor role of CBX6 in breast cancer.
Selective detection of volatile organic compounds in microfluidic gas detectors based on “like dissolves like”
Authors: Paknahad Mohammad , Mcintosh Carmen , Hoorfar Mina
Published: January 2019

This paper studies the effect of channel coating hydrophobicity and analyte polarity on the gas detection capability of a microfluidic-based gas detector. Two detectors with two different channel surface coating combinations (resulting in different levels of hydrophobicity) are fabricated and tested against seven analytes with different polarities (methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-pentanol, acetone, pentane, and hexane). A feature extraction method is utilized to compare the discrimination capability of each of the fabricated detector. The analysis of the combined feature space presented for both detectors reveals that the Euclidean distance, which is an indicator of the device discrimination capability between different gases, between the feature vectors of the two sensors are greater for non-polar gases compared to those obtained for the polar ones. This shows that the analyte discrimination in microfluidic gas detectors is not a purely diffusion-based process, and there are analyte/channel surface interaction parameters involved in enhancing/impeding sensor selectivity. To understand these effects, the surface free energy of each fabricated channel was determined. It is shown that the difference between the solid-liquid surface tension values estimated for the two channel surfaces is higher for the non-polar analytes as compared to the polar analytes. This effect along with the low diffusion coefficients of non-polar analyte magnifies adsorption of the analytes in the diffusion-physisorption process, resulting in a greater difference in Euclidean distances between the features obtained from the two detectors responses against non-polar analytes as compared to the polar ones. This shows that the choice of the detector’s channel coating material plays a key role in the selectivity of the device between different gases. As a result, non-polar channel coating surfaces are suggested for better classification of the non-polar gases, and it is shown in the cases of polar gases changing the coating surface has less effect.
The circadian E3 ligase complex SCFFBXL3+CRY targets TLK2
Authors: Correia Stephanie Papp , Chan Alanna B. , Vaughan Megan , Zolboot Norjin , Perea Valerie , Huber Anne-Laure , Kriebs Anna , Moresco James J. , Yates John R. , Lamia Katja A.
Published: January 2019

We recently demonstrated that the circadian clock component CRY2 is an essential cofactor in the SCFFBXL3-mediated ubiquitination of c-MYC. Because our demonstration that CRY2 recruits phosphorylated substrates to SCFFBXL3 was unexpected, we investigated the scope of this role by searching for additional substrates of FBXL3 that require CRY1 or CRY2 as cofactors. Here, we describe an affinity purification mass spectrometry (APMS) screen through which we identified more than one hundred potential substrates of SCFFBXL3+CRY1/2, including the cell cycle regulated Tousled-like kinase, TLK2. Both CRY1 and CRY2 recruit TLK2 to SCFFBXL3, and TLK2 kinase activity is required for this interaction. Overexpression or genetic deletion of CRY1 and/or CRY2 decreases or enhances TLK2 protein abundance, respectively. These findings reinforce the idea that CRYs function as co-factors for SCFFBXL3, provide a resource of potential substrates, and establish a molecular connection between the circadian and cell cycle oscillators via CRY-modulated turnover of TLK2.
ENSO-induced co-variability of Salinity, Plankton Biomass and Coastal Currents in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Gomez Fabian A. , Lee Sang-Ki , Hernandez Frank J. , Chiaverano Luciano M. , Muller-Karger Frank E. , Liu Yanyun , Lamkin John T.
Published: January 2019

The northern Gulf of Mexico (GoM) is a region strongly influenced by river discharges of freshwater and nutrients, which promote a highly productive coastal ecosystem that host commercially valuable marine species. A variety of climate and weather processes could potentially influence the river discharges into the northern GoM. However, their impacts on the coastal ecosystem remain poorly described. By using a regional ocean-biogeochemical model, complemented with satellite and in situ observations, here we show that El Niño - Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a main driver of the interannual variability in salinity and plankton biomass during winter and spring. Composite analysis of salinity and plankton biomass anomalies shows a strong asymmetry between El Niño and La Niña impacts, with much larger amplitude and broader areas affected during El Niño conditions. Further analysis of the model simulation reveals significant coastal circulation anomalies driven by changes in salinity and winds. The coastal circulation anomalies in turn largely determine the spatial extent and distribution of the ENSO-induced plankton biomass variability. These findings highlight that ENSO-induced changes in salinity, plankton biomass, and coastal circulation across the northern GoM are closely interlinked and may significantly impact the abundance and distribution of fish and invertebrates.
Mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes provide insights into the evolutionary origins of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)
Authors: Maughan Peter J. , Chaney Lindsay , Lightfoot Damien J. , Cox Brian J. , Tester Mark , Jellen Eric N. , Jarvis David E.
Published: January 2019

Quinoa has recently gained international attention because of its nutritious seeds, prompting the expansion of its cultivation into new areas in which it was not originally selected as a crop. Improving quinoa production in these areas will benefit from the introduction of advantageous traits from free-living relatives that are native to these, or similar, environments. As part of an ongoing effort to characterize the primary and secondary germplasm pools for quinoa, we report the complete mitochondrial and chloroplast genome sequences of quinoa accession PI 614886 and the identification of sequence variants in additional accessions from quinoa and related species. This is the first reported mitochondrial genome assembly in the genus Chenopodium. Inference of phylogenetic relationships among Chenopodium species based on mitochondrial and chloroplast variants supports the hypotheses that 1) the A-genome ancestor was the cytoplasmic donor in the original tetraploidization event, and 2) highland and coastal quinoas were independently domesticated.
Overexpression of Trypanosoma cruzi High Mobility Group B protein (TcHMGB) alters the nuclear structure, impairs cytokinesis and reduces the parasite infectivity
Authors: Tavernelli Luis Emilio , Motta Maria Cristina M. , Gonçalves Camila Silva , da Silva Marcelo Santos , Elias Maria Carolina , Alonso Victoria Lucia , Serra Esteban , Cribb Pamela
Published: January 2019

Kinetoplastid parasites, included Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas disease, present a unique genome organization and gene expression. Although they control gene expression mainly post-transcriptionally, chromatin accessibility plays a fundamental role in transcription initiation control. We have previously shown that High Mobility Group B protein from Trypanosoma cruzi (TcHMGB) can bind DNA in vitro. Here, we show that TcHMGB also acts as an architectural protein in vivo, since the overexpression of this protein induces changes in the nuclear structure, mainly the reduction of the nucleolus and a decrease in the heterochromatin:euchromatin ratio. Epimastigote replication rate was markedly reduced presumably due to a delayed cell cycle progression with accumulation of parasites in G2/M phase and impaired cytokinesis. Some functions involved in pathogenesis were also altered in TcHMGB-overexpressing parasites, like the decreased efficiency of trypomastigotes to infect cells in vitro, the reduction of intracellular amastigotes replication and the number of released trypomastigotes. Taken together, our results suggest that the TcHMGB protein is a pleiotropic player that controls cell phenotype and it is involved in key cellular processes.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated one step bi-allelic change of genomic DNA in iPSCs and human RPE cells in vitro with dual antibiotic selection
Authors: Supharattanasitthi Wasu , Carlsson Emil , Sharif Umar , Paraoan Luminita
Published: January 2019

CRISPR/Cas9 causes double-stranded DNA breaks that can undergo DNA repair either via non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or, in the presence of a template, homology-directed repair (HDR). HDR is typically used to insert a specific genetic modification into the genome but has low efficiency compared to NHEJ, which is lowered even further when trying to create a homozygous change. In this study we devised a novel approach for homozygous single base editing based on utilising simultaneously two donor DNA templates cloned in plasmids with different antibiotic resistant genes. The donor templates were co-transfected alongside the CRISPR/Cas9 machinery into cells and a double antibiotic selection was optimised and allowed the isolation of viable desired clones. We applied the method for obtaining isogenic cells homozygous for variant B cystatin C, a recessive risk factor for age-related macular degeneration and Alzheimer’s disease, in both induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) and a human RPE cell line. Bi-allelic gene edited clones were validated by sequencing, demonstrating that the double antibiotic templates approach worked efficiently for both iPSCs and human differentiated cells. We propose that this one step gene editing approach can be used to improve the specificity and frequency of introducing homozygous modifications in mammalian cells.
On the Z1-dependence of electronic stopping in TiN
Authors: Sortica Mauricio A. , Paneta Valentina , Bruckner Barbara , Lohmann Svenja , Nyberg Tomas , Bauer Peter , Primetzhofer Daniel
Published: January 2019

We present a thorough experimental study of electronic stopping of H, He, B, N, Ne and Al ions in TiN with the aim to learn about the energy loss mechanisms of slow ions. The energy loss was measured by means of time-of-flight medium-energy ion scattering. Thin films of TiN on silicon with a δ-layer of W at the TiN/Si interface were used as targets. We compare our results to non-linear density functional theory calculations, examining electron-hole pair excitations by screened ions in a free electron gas in the static limit, with a density equivalent to the expected value for TiN. These calculations predict oscillations in the electronic stopping power for increasing atomic number Z1 of the projectile. An increasing discrepancy between our experimental results and predictions by theory for increasing Z1 was observed. This observation can be attributed to contributions from energy loss channels different from electron-hole pair excitation in binary Coulomb collisions.
Dietary emulsifiers consumption alters anxiety-like and social-related behaviors in mice in a sex-dependent manner
Authors: Holder Mary K. , Peters Nicole V. , Whylings Jack , Fields Christopher T. , Gewirtz Andrew T. , Chassaing Benoit , de Vries Geert J.
Published: January 2019

Dietary emulsifiers carboxylmethylcellulose (CMC) and polysorbate 80 (P80) alter the composition of the intestinal microbiota and induce chronic low-grade inflammation, ultimately leading to metabolic dysregulations in mice. As both gut microbiota and intestinal health can influence social and anxiety-like behaviors, we investigated whether emulsifier consumption would detrimentally influence behavior. We confirmed that emulsifier exposure induced chronic intestinal inflammation, increased adiposity, and altered gut microbiota composition in both male and female mice, although the specific microboal taxa altered following emulsifier consumption occurred in a sex-dependent manner. Importantly, emulsifier treatment altered anxiety-like behaviors in males and reduced social behavior in females. It also changed expression of neuropeptides implicated in the modulation of feeding as well as social and anxiety-related behaviors. Multivariate analyses revealed that CMC and P80 produced distinct clustering of physiological, neural, and behavioral effects in male and female mice, suggesting that emulsifier treatment leads to a syndrome of sex-dependent changes in microbiota, physiology, and behavior. This study reveals that these commonly used food additives may potentially negatively impact anxiety-related and social behaviors and may do so via different mechanisms in males and females.
A novel emulsion PCR method coupled with fluorescence spectrophotometry for simultaneous qualitative, quantitative and high-throughput detection of multiple DNA targets
Authors: Du Yanan , Zhao Xiao , Zhao Binan , Xu Yan , Shi Wei , Ren Fangfang , Wu Yangyang , Hu Ruili , Fan Xiaorui , Zhang Qi , Zhang Xiaoxia , Zhang Wanjing , Wu Wenjing , Shi Bin , Zhao Huanzhen , Zhao Kai
Published: January 2019

We constructed and validated a novel emulsion PCR method combined with fluorescence spectrophotometry (EPFS) for simultaneous qualitative, quantitative and high-throughput detection of multiple DNA targets. In a single reaction set, each pair of primers was labeled with a specific fluorophore. Through emulsion PCR, a target DNA was amplified in droplets that functioned as micro-reactors. After product purification, different fluorescent-labeled DNA products were qualitatively analyzed by the fluorescent intensity determination. The sensitivity and specificity of the system was examined using four kinds of genetically modified (GM) maize. The qualitative results revealed high specificity and sensitivity of 0.5% (w/w). In addition, the quantitative results revealed that the absolute limit of detection was 103 copies, showing good repeatability. Moreover, the reproducibility assays were further performed using four foodborne pathogenic bacteria to further evaluate the applicability of the system. Consequently, the same qualitative, quantitative and high-throughput results were confirmed with the four GM maize. To sum up, the new EPFS system is the first analytical technology of this kind that enables simultaneous qualitative, quantitative and high-throughput analysis of multiple genes.
Trigeminal nociceptive function and oral somatosensory functional and structural assessment in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Costa Y. M. , Karlsson P. , Bonjardim L. R. , Conti P. C. R. , Tankisi H. , Jensen T. S. , Nyengaard J. R. , Svensson P. , Baad-Hansen L.
Published: January 2019

This case-control study primarily compared the trigeminal nociceptive function, the intraoral somatosensory profile and possible structural nerve changes between diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN, n = 12) patients and healthy participants (n = 12). The nociceptive blink reflex (nBR) was recorded applying an electrical stimulation over the entry zone of the right supraorbital (V1R), infraorbital (V2R) and mental (V3R) and left infraorbital (V2L) nerves. The outcomes were: individual electrical sensory (I0) and pain thresholds (IP); root mean square (RMS), area-under-the-curve (AUC) and onset latencies of R2 component of the nBR. Furthermore, a standardized full battery of quantitative sensory testing (QST) and intraepidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD) or  nerve fibre length density (NFLD) assessment were performed, respectively, on the distal leg and oral mucosa. As expected, all patients had altered somatosensory sensitivity and lower IENFD in the lower limb. DPN patients presented higher I0, IP, RMS and AUC values (p < 0.050), lower warm detection thresholds (WDT) (p = 0.004), higher occurrence of paradoxical heat sensation (PHS) (p = 0.040), and a lower intraoral NFLD (p = 0.048) than the healthy participants. In addition, the presence of any abnormal intraoral somatosensory finding was more frequent in the DPN patients when compared to the reference group (p = 0.013). Early signs of trigeminal nociceptive facilitation, intraoral somatosensory abnormalities and loss of intraoral neuronal tissue can be detected in DPN patients.
Tibio-Femoral Contact Force Distribution is Not the Only Factor Governing Pivot Location after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Trepczynski A. , Kutzner I. , Schütz P. , Dymke J. , List R. , von Roth P. , Moewis P. , Bergmann G. , Taylor W. R. , Duda G. N.
Published: January 2019

Total knee arthroplasty aims to mimic the natural knee kinematics by optimizing implant geometry, but it is not clear how loading relates to tibio-femoral anterior-posterior translation or internal-external pivoting. We hypothesised that the point of pivot in the transverse plane is governed by the location of the highest axial force. Tibio-femoral loading was measured using an instrumented tibial component in six total knee arthroplasty patients (aged 65–80y, 5–7y post-op) during 5–6 squat repetitions, while knee kinematics were captured using a mobile video-fluoroscope. In the range of congruent tibio-femoral contact the medial femoral condyle remained approximately static while the lateral condyle translated posteriorly by 4.1 mm (median). Beyond the congruent range, the medial and lateral condyle motions both abruptly changed to anterior sliding by 4.6 mm, and 2.6 mm respectively. On average, both the axial loading and pivot position were more medial near extension, and transferred to the lateral side in flexion. However, no consistent relationship between pivoting and load distribution was found across all patients throughout flexion, with R2 values ranging from 0.00 to 0.65. Tibio-femoral kinematics is not related to the load distribution alone: medial loading of the knee does not necessarily imply a medial pivot location.
Identification of selective inhibitors of Helicobacter pylori IMPDH as a targeted therapy for the infection
Authors: Juvale Kapil , Purushothaman Gayathri , Singh Vijay , Shaik Althaf , Ravi Srimadhavi , Thiruvenkatam Vijay , Kirubakaran Sivapriya
Published: January 2019

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), the major cause of several gastric disorders has been recognied as a type I carcinogen. By virtue of resistance developed by H. pylori strains, currently used antibiotic based treatments rather demonstrate high failure rates. Hence, there is an emerging need for identification of new targets to treat H. pylori infection. Inosine-5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) has been studied as a potential target to treat H. pylori infection. Here, a detailed enzyme kinetic study of recombinant expressed H. pylori inosine-5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase (HpIMPDH) is presented. A new in-house synthesized indole-based scaffold is identified as an inhibitor for HpIMPDH. These indole-based compounds showed non-competitive inhibition against IMP and NAD+ whereas the benzimidazole compounds were found be uncompetitive inhibitors. The new indole scaffold ensures specificity due to its high selectivity for bacterial IMPDH over human IMPDH II. Our work aims to overcome the drawback of existing inhibitors by introducing new indole scaffold for targeting bacterial IMPDH.
The clock components Period2, Cryptochrome1a, and Cryptochrome2a function in establishing light-dependent behavioral rhythms and/or total activity levels in zebrafish
Authors: Hirayama Jun , Alifu Yikelamu , Hamabe Rin , Yamaguchi Sho , Tomita Jun , Maruyama Yusuke , Asaoka Yoichi , Nakahama Ken-ichi , Tamaru Teruya , Takamatsu Ken , Takamatsu Nobuhiko , Hattori Atsuhiko , Nishina Sachiko , Azuma Noriyuki , Kawahara Atsuo , Kume Kazuhiko , Nishina Hiroshi
Published: January 2019

The circadian clock generates behavioral rhythms to maximize an organism’s physiological efficiency. Light induces the formation of these rhythms by synchronizing cellular clocks. In zebrafish, the circadian clock components Period2 (zPER2) and Cryptochrome1a (zCRY1a) are light-inducible, however their physiological functions are unclear. Here, we investigated the roles of zPER2 and zCRY1a in regulating locomotor activity and behavioral rhythms. zPer2/zCry1a double knockout (DKO) zebrafish displayed defects in total locomotor activity and in forming behavioral rhythms when briefly exposed to light for 3-h. Exposing DKO zebrafish to 12-h light improved behavioral rhythm formation, but not total activity. Our data suggest that the light-inducible circadian clock regulator zCRY2a supports rhythmicity in DKO animals exposed to 12-h light. Single cell imaging analysis revealed that zPER2, zCRY1a, and zCRY2a function in synchronizing cellular clocks. Furthermore, microarray analysis of DKO zebrafish showed aberrant expression of genes involved regulating cellular metabolism, including ATP production. Overall, our results suggest that zPER2, zCRY1a and zCRY2a help to synchronize cellular clocks in a light-dependent manner, thus contributing to behavioral rhythm formation in zebrafish. Further, zPER2 and zCRY1a regulate total physical activity, likely via regulating cellular energy metabolism. Therefore, these circadian clock components regulate the rhythmicity and amount of locomotor behavior.
A sensitive and regenerative electrochemical immunosensor for quantitative detection ofEscherichia coliO157:H7 based on stable polyaniline coated screen-printed carbon electrode and rGO-NR-Au@Pt
Authors: Mo Xiaoyan , Wu Zunyi , Huang Jianfeng , Zhao Guangying , Dou Wenchao
Published: January 2019

An electrochemical immunosensor was constructed for the detection ofE. coliO157:H7 using Au@Pt, rGO and regenerative leucoemeraldine PANI/AuNPs.
Modeling effects of H2S on electron competition among nitrogen oxide reduction and N2O accumulation during denitrification
Authors: Pan Yuting , Liu Yiwen , Wang Dongbo , Ni Bing-Jie
Published: January 2019

A novel model was developed to describe electron competition during three-step denitrification through linking nitrogen reduction and carbon oxidation with electron carriers.
Atomistic understanding of structural evolution, ion transport and oxygen stability in layered NaFeO2
Authors: Gao Yurui , Wang Zhaoxiang , Lu Gang
Published: January 2019

We provide atomistic understanding of structural evolution, ion transport and oxygen stability in layered NaFeO2, and reveal how strains can be used to enhance ion transport and oxygen stability.
Exquisite modulation of ZnO nanoparticle electron transporting layer for high-performance fullerene-free organic solar cell with inverted structure
Authors: Zheng Zhong , Zhang Shaoqing , Wang Jianqiu , Zhang Jianqi , Zhang Dongyang , Zhang Yuan , Wei Zhixiang , Tang Zhiyong , Hou Jianhui , Zhou Huiqiong
Published: January 2019

An inverted organic solar cell with finely tuned ZnO : PFN-Br electron transporting layer shows 13.8% power conversion efficiency and 78.8% fill factor.