bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Analysis of a Robotic Fish Propelled by Flexible Folding Pectoral Fins
Authors: Pham Van Anh , Nguyen Tan Tien , Lee Byung Ryong , Vo Tuong Quan
Published: July 2019

Biological fish can create high forward swimming speed due to change of thrust/drag area of pectoral fins between power stroke and recovery stroke in rowing mode. In this paper, we proposed a novel type of folding pectoral fins for the fish robot, which provides a simple approach in generating effective thrust only through one degree of freedom of fin actuator. Its structure consists of two elemental fin panels for each pectoral fin that connects to a hinge base through the flexible joints. The Morison force model is adopted to discover the relationship of the dynamic interaction between fin panels and surrounding fluid. An experimental platform for the robot motion using the pectoral fin with different flexible joints was built to validate the proposed design. The results express that the performance of swimming velocity and turning radius of the robot are enhanced effectively. The forward swimming velocity can reach 0.231 m/s (0.58 BL/s) at the frequency near 0.75 Hz. By comparison, we found an accord between the proposed dynamic model and the experimental behavior of the robot. The attained results can be used to design controllers and optimize performances of the robot propelled by the folding pectoral fins.
TERMINOLOGY CHOICE IN GENERATIVE ACQUISITION RESEARCH
Authors: Domínguez Laura , Hicks Glyn , Slabakova Roumyana
Published: July 2019

Pascual y Cabo and Rothman (2012) and Kupisch and Rothman (2018) argue against the use of termincompleteto characterize the grammars of heritage speakers, claiming that it reflects a negative evaluation of the linguistic knowledge of these bilingual speakers. We examine the reasons for and against the use of “incomplete” across acquisition contexts and argue that its use is legitimate on both theoretical and empirical grounds. Our goal is to present arguments for using the term, not to evaluate the scientific validity of incomplete acquisition over other possible accounts. Although our conclusion is that the term should not be abandoned, we advocate a position whereby researchers consider the possible negative impact of the terminology they use and how they use it. This position aims to resolve the tension between the need to prioritize scientific effectiveness and the need to avoid terminology that can be negatively misconstrued by the general public.
TERMINOLOGY MATTERS ON THEORETICAL GROUNDS TOO!
Authors: Bayram Fatih , Kupisch Tanja , Pascual y Cabo Diego , Rothman Jason
Published: July 2019

Herein, we provide counterargumentation to some of Domínguez, Hicks, and Slabakova's claims that the termincomplete acquisitionis conceptually necessary on theoretical grounds for describing the outcome grammars of heritage language bilingualism. Specifically, we clarify their claim that previous challenging of the term in our and others’ work is primarily based on a misconceived belief that incompleteness is intended to describe heritage speakers. We contextualize and problematize their appropriation of descriptive constructs in the adjacent fields of child L1, child 2L1, and adult L2 acquisition as a basis for supporting their general thesis. Relatedly, we conclude that a fundamental blurring of development and ultimate attainment issues is at the core of what, in our view, is flawed reasoning. While we empathize with the well-intentioned spirit of Domínguez et al.’s article—to provide a forum for respectful discussion—we invite the field to engage more directly with the inherent quandary of labeling the coherent grammars of heritage bilinguals in their own right as “incomplete” on the basis of differences to standard varieties.
EFFECTS OF IMPLICIT VERSUS EXPLICIT CORRECTIVE FEEDBACK ON MANDARIN TONE ACQUISITION IN A SCMC LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Bryfonski Lara , Ma Xue
Published: July 2019

The current study investigates the effects of more explicit versus more implicit corrective feedback on beginner Mandarin learners’ perception and production of Mandarin tones. The effects of oral corrective feedback have been extensively investigated for various domains of second language acquisition (see Mackey & Goo, 2007). For phonological errors, implicit feedback has shown to be particularly salient to learners (Mackey, Gass, & McDonough, 2000) and therefore potentially more effective for tone learning. However, for lower proficiency beginners, explicit corrective feedback has been shown to be more effective (Li, 2009, 2014). Using a mixed methods design, the current study investigated the acquisition of Mandarin tones in beginner, adult learners (n = 41) enrolled in a 14-week, one-on-one, synchronous computer-mediated communication course. Learners were divided into two experimental groups: a more implicit feedback group and a more explicit feedback group. Pretests and posttests assessed changes in tone perception and production. Upon completion of the course, learners in the more implicit feedback group had greater improvement in tone production compared to the more explicit feedback group (d = .75). Both learners and the instructor indicated a preference toward recasts for tone feedback. No statistically significant differences were found for tone perception.
Trends in sugary drinks in Canada, 2004 to 2015: a comparison of market sales and dietary intake data
Authors: Czoli Christine D , Jones Amanda C , Hammond David
Published: July 2019

Objective:

The current study aimed to examine the correspondence between sales data and dietary recall data for sugary drinks in Canada.

Design:

Repeat cross-sectional analysis of sales data for sugary drinks sold in Canada from 2004 to 2015 from two sources: GlobalData (GD) and Euromonitor (EM). Sugary drinks included ten beverage categories containing free sugars. Analyses examined sales volumes over time, with adjustment for population growth. National intake estimates were drawn from the 2004 and 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) Nutrition.

Setting:

Canada.

Participants:

Not applicable.

Results:

In 2015, daily per capita sugary drinks consumption was estimated as 356 ml (GD) and 443 ml (EM) from sales data sources, and as 277 ml from dietary recall data. Both sales data sources and dietary recall data indicated that per capita sugary drinks consumption decreased from 2004 to 2015, although the magnitude of this change differed: −23 % (GD), −17 % (EM) and −32 % (CCHS Nutrition). Market sales data showed similar trends among categories of sugary drinks, with decreases in sales of traditional beverage categories (e.g. carbonated soft drinks) and increases in novel categories (e.g. sugar-sweetened coffee).

Conclusions:

All data sources indicate a declining trend in sugary drinks consumption between 2004 and 2015, but with considerable differences in magnitude. Consumption estimates from sales data were substantially higher than estimates from dietary recall data, likely due to under-reporting of beverage intake through dietary recall and the inability of sales data to account for beverages sold but not consumed. Despite the observed decline, sugary drinks sales volumes remain high in Canada.
Does Poverty Undermine Cooperation in Multiethnic Settings? Evidence from a Cooperative Investment Experiment
Authors: Schaub Max , Gereke Johanna , Baldassarri Delia
Published: July 2019

What undermines cooperation in ethnically diverse communities? Scholars have focused on factors that explain the lack of inter-ethnic cooperation, such as prejudice or the difficulty to communicate and sanction across group boundaries. We direct attention to the fact that diverse communities are also often poor and ask whether poverty, rather than diversity, reduces cooperation. We developed a strategic cooperation game where we vary the income and racial identity of the interaction partner. We find that beliefs about how poor people behave have clear detrimental effects on cooperation: cooperation is lower when people are paired with low-income partners, and the effect is particularly strong when low-income people interact among themselves. We observe additional discrimination along racial lines when the interaction partner is poor. These findings imply that poverty and rising inequality may be a serious threat to social cohesion, especially under conditions of high socioeconomic segregation.
Impact of Vegetation on Bed Load Transport Rate and Bedform Characteristics
Authors: Yang J. Q. , Nepf H. M.
Published: July 2019

The impacts of aquatic vegetation on bed load transport rate and bedform characteristics were quantified using flume measurements with model emergent vegetation. First, a model for predicting the turbulent kinetic energy, kt, in vegetated channels from channel average velocity U and vegetation volume fraction ϕ was validated for mobile sediment beds. Second, using data from several studies, the predicted kt was shown to be a good predictor of bed load transport rate, Qs, allowing Qs to be predicted from U and ϕ for vegetated channels. The control of Qs by kt was explained by statistics of individual grain motion recorded by a camera, which showed that the number of sediment grains in motion per bed area was correlated with kt. Third, ripples were observed and characterized in channels with and without model vegetation. For low vegetation solid volume fraction (ϕ ≤ 0.012), the ripple wavelength was constrained by stem spacing. However, at higher vegetation solid volume fraction (ϕ=0.025), distinct ripples were not observed, suggesting a transition to sheet flow, which is sediment transport over a plane bed without the formation of bedforms. The fraction of the bed load flux carried by migrating ripples decreased with increasing ϕ, again suggesting that vegetation facilitated the formation of sheet flow.
Physics and Simulation of Wave Propagation in Linear Thermoporoelastic Media
Authors: Carcione José M. , Cavallini Fabio , Wang Enjiang , Ba Jing , Fu Li‐Yun
Published: July 2019

We develop a numerical algorithm for simulation of wave propagation in linear nonisothermal poroelastic media, based on Biot theory and a generalized Fourier law of heat transport in analogy with Maxwell model of viscoelasticity. A plane wave analysis indicates the presence of the classical P and S waves and two slow waves, namely, the Biot and the thermal slow modes of propagation, which present diffusive behavior under certain conditions, depending on viscosity, frequency, and the thermoelastic constants. The wavefield is computed with a direct meshing method using the Fourier differential operator to calculate the spatial derivatives. We propose two alternative time‐stepping algorithms, namely, a first‐order explicit Crank‐Nicolson method and a second‐order splitting method. The Fourier differential operator provides spectral accuracy in the calculation of the spatial derivatives. Modeling the thermal diffusive mode is relevant for high‐temperature high‐pressure fields and since it leads to mesoscopic attenuation by mode conversion of the fast waves to the thermal waves.
Development of Software‐Defined Multichannel Receiver for EAR
Authors: M. Aris N. A. , Hashiguchi H. , Yamamoto M.
Published: July 2019

The Equatorial Atmosphere Radar (EAR) is a very high frequency Doppler radar operated with an active phased‐array antenna system at 47 MHz. It is located at the equator in Kototabang, West Sumatra, Indonesia (0.20°S, 100.32°E) and was established with a single receiving channel. Here, we present the development of a multichannel receiver system for EAR using a combination of the Universal Software Radio Peripheral X300 (USRP X300) series and GNU Radio software. Two USRP X300 devices, corresponding to four receiving channels, were synchronized using 10‐MHz reference clocks and a one‐pulse per second signal. Received signals were collected by the existing EAR antennas, fed to the USRPs for digital conversion, and then stored on a hard disk drive. Signal postprocessing was carried out to estimate wind velocity profiles. Wind profiles estimated using full correlation analysis indicate that the spaced antenna method from multichannel receivers agrees well with EAR standard observational data.
IFITM3 promotes bone metastasis of prostate cancer cells by mediating activation of the TGF-β signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Xi , Chen Lu , Fan Yinghui , Hong Yi , Yang Xiaoqun , Li Yao , Lu Jianlei , Lv Jianmin , Pan Xiuwu , Qu Fajun , Cui Xingang , Gao Yi , Xu Danfeng
Published: July 2019

Advanced-stage prostate cancer (PCa) is often diagnosed with bone metastasis, for which there are limited therapies. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is known to induce epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and abundance of TGF-β in the bone matrix is one of the important growth factors contributing to bone metastasis. TGF-β is reported as a key mediator of bone metastasis, but the underlying mechanism has not been elucidated. It was found in our study that Interferon-inducible Transmembrane Protein 3 (IFITM3) played a key role in the regulation of malignant tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and bone migration by binding to Smad4, thus activating the TGF-β-Smads Signaling Pathway. Lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown of IFITM3 inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation, induced apoptosis and inhibited migration by reversing EMT and downregulating the expression of metastasis-related molecules including FGFs and PTHrP. Microarray analysis showed that IFITM3 knockdown could alter the MAPK pathway associated with TGF-β-Smads signaling. By knocking down and overexpressing IFITM3, we demonstrated that IFITM3 expression level had an effect on MAPK pathway activation, and this change was more pronounced upon exogenous TGF-β stimulation. These results suggest that IFITM3 played an oncogenic role in PCa progression and bone metastasis via a novel TGF-β-Smads-MAPK pathway.
Real-time manipulation of intestinal peristalsis by enteric-encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles & wearable 3D-printed devices
Authors: Yu Fen , Cui Xiao , Lang Yuanyuan , Huang Fei , Wang Lingfang , Miao Xinxin , Ai Fanrong , Xie Caifeng , Xin Hongbo , Yang Cheng , Wang Xiaolei
Published: July 2019

The present study introduced a new biomedical engineering concept to realize the real-time adjustment of nutrient absorption. With the aid of a 3D-printed wearable external magnet device, both the location and vibration of enteric-coated magnetic nanoparticles (EMNPs) in the small intestine could be controlled directly. Through a facile mobile app, gastrointestinal motility could be monitored directly in real time. Further tests revealed that this technology could be an attractive way to adjust one’s weight without diet or exercise modification.
Multi-immersion open-top light-sheet microscope for high-throughput imaging of cleared tissues
Authors: Glaser Adam K. , Reder Nicholas P. , Chen Ye , Yin Chengbo , Wei Linpeng , Kang Soyoung , Barner Lindsey A. , Xie Weisi , McCarty Erin F. , Mao Chenyi , Halpern Aaron R. , Stoltzfus Caleb R. , Daniels Jonathan S. , Gerner Michael Y. , Nicovich Philip R. , Vaughan Joshua C. , True Lawrence D. , Liu Jonathan T. C.
Published: July 2019

Recent advances in optical clearing and light-sheet microscopy have provided unprecedented access to structural and molecular information from intact tissues. However, current light-sheet microscopes have imposed constraints on the size, shape, number of specimens, and compatibility with various clearing protocols. Here we present a multi-immersion open-top light-sheet microscope that enables simple mounting of multiple specimens processed with a variety of clearing protocols, which will facilitate wide adoption by preclinical researchers and clinical laboratories. In particular, the open-top geometry provides unsurpassed versatility to interface with a wide range of accessory technologies in the future.
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 antagonizes DNA resection at double-strand breaks
Authors: Caron Marie-Christine , Sharma Ajit K. , O’Sullivan Julia , Myler Logan R. , Ferreira Maria Tedim , Rodrigue Amélie , Coulombe Yan , Ethier Chantal , Gagné Jean-Philippe , Langelier Marie-France , Pascal John M. , Finkelstein Ilya J. , Hendzel Michael J. , Poirier Guy G. , Masson Jean-Yves
Published: July 2019

PARP-1 is rapidly recruited and activated by DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Upon activation, PARP-1 synthesizes a structurally complex polymer composed of ADP-ribose units that facilitates local chromatin relaxation and the recruitment of DNA repair factors. Here, we identify a function for PARP-1 in DNA DSB resection. Remarkably, inhibition of PARP-1 leads to hyperresected DNA DSBs. We show that loss of PARP-1 and hyperresection are associated with loss of Ku, 53BP1 and RIF1 resection inhibitors from the break site. DNA curtains analysis show that EXO1-mediated resection is blocked by PARP-1. Furthermore, PARP-1 abrogation leads to increased DNA resection tracks and an increase of homologous recombination in cellulo. Our results, therefore, place PARP-1 activation as a critical early event for DNA DSB repair activation and regulation of resection. Hence, our work has direct implications for the clinical use and effectiveness of PARP inhibition, which is prescribed for the treatment of various malignancies.
Bone-targeting AAV-mediated silencing of Schnurri-3 prevents bone loss in osteoporosis
Authors: Yang Yeon-Suk , Xie Jun , Wang Dan , Kim Jung-Min , Tai Phillip W. L. , Gravallese Ellen , Gao Guangping , Shim Jae-Hyuck
Published: July 2019

RNAi-based bone anabolic gene therapy has demonstrated initial success, but many practical challenges are still unmet. Here, we demonstrate that a recombinant adeno-associated virus 9 (rAAV9) is highly effective for transducing osteoblast lineage cells in the bone. The adaptor protein Schnurri-3 (SHN3)is a promising therapeutic target for osteoporosis, as deletion ofshn3prevents bone loss in osteoporotic mice and short-term inhibition ofshn3in adult mice increases bone mass. Accordingly, systemic and direct joint administration of an rAAV9 vector carrying an artificial-microRNA that targetsshn3(rAAV9-amiR-shn3) in mice markedly enhanced bone formation via augmented osteoblast activity. Additionally, systemic delivery of rAAV9-amiR-shn3in osteoporotic mice counteracted bone loss and enhanced bone mechanical properties. Finally, we rationally designed a capsid that exhibits improved specificity to bone by grafting the bone-targeting peptide motif (AspSerSer)6onto the AAV9-VP2 capsid protein. Collectively, our results identify a bone-targeting rAAV-mediated gene therapy for osteoporosis.
Astrocytic p38α MAPK drives NMDA receptor-dependent long-term depression and modulates long-term memory
Authors: Navarrete Marta , Cuartero María I. , Palenzuela Rocío , Draffin Jonathan E. , Konomi Ainoa , Serra Irene , Colié Sandra , Castaño-Castaño Sergio , Hasan Mazahir T. , Nebreda Ángel R. , Esteban José A.
Published: July 2019

NMDA receptor-dependent long-term depression (LTD) in the hippocampus is a well-known form of synaptic plasticity that has been linked to different cognitive functions. The core mechanism for this form of plasticity is thought to be entirely neuronal. However, we now demonstrate that astrocytic activity drives LTD at CA3-CA1 synapses. We have found that LTD induction enhances astrocyte-to-neuron communication mediated by glutamate, and that Ca2+ signaling and SNARE-dependent vesicular release from the astrocyte are required for LTD expression. In addition, using optogenetic techniques, we show that low-frequency astrocytic activation, in the absence of presynaptic activity, is sufficient to induce postsynaptic AMPA receptor removal and LTD expression. Using cell-type-specific gene deletion, we show that astrocytic p38α MAPK is required for the increased astrocytic glutamate release and astrocyte-to-neuron communication during low-frequency stimulation. Accordingly, removal of astrocytic (but not neuronal) p38α abolishes LTD expression. Finally, this mechanism modulates long-term memory in vivo.
Mutations in SMARCB1 and in other Coffin–Siris syndrome genes lead to various brain midline defects
Authors: Filatova Alina , Rey Linda K. , Lechler Marion B. , Schaper Jörg , Hempel Maja , Posmyk Renata , Szczaluba Krzysztof , Santen Gijs W. E. , Wieczorek Dagmar , Nuber Ulrike A.
Published: July 2019

Mutations in genes encoding components of BAF (BRG1/BRM-associated factor) chromatin remodeling complexes cause neurodevelopmental disorders and tumors. The mechanisms leading to the development of these two disease entities alone or in combination remain unclear. We generated mice with a heterozygous nervous system-specific partial loss-of-function mutation in a BAF core component gene, Smarcb1. These Smarcb1 mutant mice show various brain midline abnormalities that are also found in individuals with Coffin–Siris syndrome (CSS) caused by SMARCB1, SMARCE1, and ARID1B mutations and in SMARCB1-related intellectual disability (ID) with choroid plexus hyperplasia (CPH). Analyses of the Smarcb1 mutant animals indicate that one prominent midline abnormality, corpus callosum agenesis, is due to midline glia aberrations. Our results establish a novel role of Smarcb1 in the development of the brain midline and have important clinical implications for BAF complex-related ID/neurodevelopmental disorders.
Facilitating the transmetalation step with aryl-zincates in nickel-catalyzed enantioselective arylation of secondary benzylic halides
Authors: Huang Weichen , Hu Mei , Wan Xiaolong , Shen Qilong
Published: July 2019

Nickel-catalyzed asymmetric cross-coupling of secondary alkyl electrophiles with different nucleophiles represents a powerful strategy for the construction of chiral tertiary carbon centers. Yet, the use of aryl Grignard reagents or aryl zinc halides in many reactions typically resulted in low enantioselectivity, mainly due to their slow transmetalation step in the catalytical cycle and consequently the requirement of relatively high temperature. Here we report that the use of lithium aryl zincate [Ph2ZnBr]Li facilitates the transmetalation step of the nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction. Based on this discovery, a highly enantioselective construction of fluoroalkyl-substituted stereogenic center by a nickel-catalyzed asymmetric Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of α-bromobenzyl trifluoro-/difluoro-/mono- fluoromethanes with a variety of lithium aryl zincates [Ph2ZnBr]Li that  were in situ generated from the reaction of lithium organoboronate with 1.0 equivalent of ZnBr2 was described.
miR-103/107 prolong Wnt/β-catenin signaling and colorectal cancer stemness by targeting Axin2
Authors: Chen Hsin-Yi , Lang Yaw-Dong , Lin Han-Nan , Liu Yun-Ru , Liao Chun-Chieh , Nana André Wendindondé , Yen Yun , Chen Ruey-Hwa
Published: July 2019

Cancer stemness drives tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, recurrence, and therapy resistance. However, mechanisms that potentiate the acquisition and maintenance of stemness fate of cancer cells remain incompletely understood. Here, we show that miR-103/107 stimulate multiple stem-like features in colorectal cancer, including expression of stem-like markers, appearance of side-population cells, and capabilities in self-renewal, tumor initiation, recurrence, and chemoresistance. Mechanistically, these stemness-promoting functions are mediated by miR-103/107-dependent repression of Axin2, a negative feedback regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Through inhibiting Axin2, miR-103/107 trigger a prolonged duration of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and a sustained induction of Wnt responsive genes. In colorectal cancer patients, miR-103/107 expression correlates inversely with Axin2 expression and a signature of miR-103/107 high and Axin2 low expression profile correlates with poor prognosis. Together, our study identifies a novel function of miR-103/107 in promoting colorectal cancer stemness by targeting Axin2 and elucidates the clinical relevance and prognostic value of this axis in colorectal cancer.
Author Correction: Electrospun nerve guide conduits have the potential to bridge peripheral nerve injuries in vivo
Authors: Frost Hanna K. , Andersson Tomas , Johansson Sebastian , Englund-Johansson U. , Ekström Per , Dahlin Lars B. , Johansson Fredrik
Published: July 2019

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.
All-Male Groups in Asian Elephants: A Novel, Adaptive Social Strategy in Increasingly Anthropogenic Landscapes of Southern India
Authors: Srinivasaiah Nishant , Kumar Vinod , Vaidyanathan Srinivas , Sukumar Raman , Sinha Anindya
Published: July 2019

Male Asian elephants are known to adopt a high-risk high-gain foraging strategy by venturing into agricultural areas and feeding on nutritious crops in order to improve their reproductive fitness. We hypothesised that the high risks to survival posed by increasingly urbanising and often unpredictable production landscapes may necessitate the emergence of behavioural strategies that allow male elephants to persist in such landscapes. Using 1445 photographic records of 248 uniquely identified male Asian elephants over a 23-month period, we show that male Asian elephants display striking emergent behaviour, particularly the formation of stable, long-term all-male groups, typically in non-forested or human-modified and highly fragmented areas. They remained solitary or associated in mixed-sex groups, however, within forested habitats. These novel, large all-male associations, may constitute a unique life history strategy for male elephants in the high-risk but resource-rich production landscapes of southern India. This may be especially true for the adolescent males, which seemed to effectively improve their body condition by increasingly exploiting anthropogenic resources when in all-male groups. This observation further supports our hypothesis that such emergent behaviours are likely to constitute an adaptive strategy for male Asian elephants that may be forced to increasingly confront anthropogenically intrusive environments.
Drought modulates interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal diversity and barley genotype diversity
Authors: Sendek Agnieszka , Karakoç Canan , Wagg Cameron , Domínguez-Begines Jara , do Couto Gabriela Martucci , van der Heijden Marcel G. A. , Naz Ali Ahmad , Lochner Alfred , Chatzinotas Antonis , Klotz Stefan , Gómez-Aparicio Lorena , Eisenhauer Nico
Published: July 2019

Droughts associated with climate change alter ecosystem functions, especially in systems characterized by low biodiversity, such as agricultural fields. Management strategies aimed at buffering climate change effects include the enhancement of intraspecific crop diversity as well as the diversity of beneficial interactions with soil biota, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). However, little is known about reciprocal relations of crop and AMF diversity under drought conditions. To explore the interactive effects of plant genotype richness and AMF richness on plant yield under ambient and drought conditions, we established fully crossed diversity gradients in experimental microcosms. We expected highest crop yield and drought tolerance at both high barley and AMF diversity. While barley richness and AMF richness altered the performance of both barley and AMF, they did not mitigate detrimental drought effects on the plant and AMF. Root biomass increased with mycorrhiza colonization rate at high AMF richness and low barley richness. AMF performance increased under higher richness of both barley and AMF. Our findings indicate that antagonistic interactions between barley and AMF may occur under drought conditions, particularly so at higher AMF richness. These results suggest that unexpected alterations of plant-soil biotic interactions could occur under climate change.
Validity of pervasive computing based continuous physical activity assessment in community-dwelling old and oldest-old
Authors: Schütz Narayan , Saner Hugo , Rudin Beatrice , Botros Angela , Pais Bruno , Santschi Valérie , Buluschek Philipp , Gatica-Perez Daniel , Urwyler Prabitha , Marchal-Crespo Laura , Müri René M. , Nef Tobias
Published: July 2019

In older adults, physical activity is crucial for healthy aging and associated with numerous health indicators and outcomes. Regular assessments of physical activity can help detect early health-related changes and manage physical activity targeted interventions. The quantification of physical activity, however, is difficult as commonly used self-reported measures are biased and rather unprecise point in time measurements. Modern alternatives are commonly based on wearable technologies which are accurate but suffer from usability and compliance issues. In this study, we assessed the potential of an unobtrusive ambient-sensor based system for continuous, long-term physical activity quantification. Towards this goal, we analysed one year of longitudinal sensor- and medical-records stemming from thirteen community-dwelling old and oldest old subjects. Based on the sensor data the daily number of room-transitions as well as the raw sensor activity were calculated. We did find the number of room-transitions, and to some degree also the raw sensor activity, to capture numerous known associations of physical activity with cognitive, well-being and motor health indicators and outcomes. The results of this study indicate that such low-cost unobtrusive ambient-sensor systems can provide an adequate approximation of older adults’ overall physical activity, sufficient to capture relevant associations with health indicators and outcomes.
Demography of avian scavengers after Pleistocene megafaunal extinction
Authors: Perrig Paula L. , Fountain Emily D. , Lambertucci Sergio A. , Pauli Jonathan N.
Published: July 2019

The late Quaternary megafauna extinctions reshaped species assemblages, yet we know little about how extant obligate scavengers responded to this abrupt ecological change. To explore whether obligate scavengers persisted by depending on contemporary community linkages or via foraging flexibility, we tested the importance of the trophic interaction between pumas (Puma concolor) and native camelids (Vicugna vicugnaandLama guanicoe) for the persistence of Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) in southern South America, and compared the demographic history of three vultures in different continents. We sequenced and compiled mtDNA to reconstruct past population dynamics. Our results suggest that Andean condors increased in population size >10 KYA, whereas vicuñas and pumas showed stable populations and guanacos a recent (<10 KYA) demographic expansion, suggesting independent trajectories between species. Further, vultures showed positive demographic trends: white-backed vultures (Gyps africanus) increased in population size, matching attenuated community changes in Africa, and California condors (Gymnogyps californianus) exhibited a steep demographic expansion ~20 KYA largely concurrent with North American megafaunal extinctions. Our results suggest that dietary plasticity of extant vulture lineages allowed them to thrive despite historical environmental changes. This dietary flexibility, however, is now detrimental as it enhances risk to toxicological compounds harbored by modern carrion resources.
A unique ~12 ka subaerial record of rift-transform triple-junction tectonics, NE Iceland
Authors: Rust Derek , Whitworth Malcolm
Published: July 2019

In northern Iceland the European-North American plate boundary is broad and complex but includes a remarkable subaerial triple-junction intersection between the Husavik-Flatey Fault (HFF) dextral transform and rifting in the Northern Volcanic Zone. Fortuitously, the triple junction occurs in a sheet of ~12 ka pahoehoe lavas; a tabula rasa recording innumerable fault features displayed in exquisite detail. High-resolution drone imagery, coupled with 120 field measurements of fault slip directions and opening amounts, made possible the mapping and analysis of this detail and, importantly, enabled recognition and exclusion of potentially misleading primary deformation features associated with emplacement of the lavas. Rift-transform interactions in this natural laboratory have remained spatially stable throughout post-glacial time, although with transform-affinity faults reactivated to accommodate rift extension and transform ‘encroachment’ into the rift domain. First-order en-echelon Riedel fault complexes are recognised, linked by transpressional faulting and compressional strike-slip relay ramps, as well as second-order R shears, R’ and P shears, and previously undescribed R’ Riedel-in-Riedel relationships. A pahoehoe flow front offset along a first-order Riedel fault complex records slip at ~3.8 mm a−1, which may be consistent with the published GPS-based current slip-rate estimate of ~6.8 mm a−1 across the HFF as a whole.
Intra- and inter-individual metabolic profiling highlights carnitine and lysophosphatidylcholine pathways as key molecular defects in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Diamanti Klev , Cavalli Marco , Pan Gang , Pereira Maria J. , Kumar Chanchal , Skrtic Stanko , Grabherr Manfred , Risérus Ulf , Eriksson Jan W. , Komorowski Jan , Wadelius Claes
Published: July 2019

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) mellitus is a complex metabolic disease commonly caused by insulin resistance in several tissues. We performed a matched two-dimensional metabolic screening in tissue samples from 43 multi-organ donors. The intra-individual analysis was assessed across five key metabolic tissues (serum, visceral adipose tissue, liver, pancreatic islets and skeletal muscle), and the inter-individual across three different groups reflecting T2D progression. We identified 92 metabolites differing significantly between non-diabetes and T2D subjects. In diabetes cases, carnitines were significantly higher in liver, while lysophosphatidylcholines were significantly lower in muscle and serum. We tracked the primary tissue of origin for multiple metabolites whose alterations were reflected in serum. An investigation of three major stages spanning from controls, to pre-diabetes and to overt T2D indicated that a subset of lysophosphatidylcholines was significantly lower in the muscle of pre-diabetes subjects. Moreover, glycodeoxycholic acid was significantly higher in liver of pre-diabetes subjects while additional increase in T2D was insignificant. We confirmed many previously reported findings and substantially expanded on them with altered markers for early and overt T2D. Overall, the analysis of this unique dataset can increase the understanding of the metabolic interplay between organs in the development of T2D.
Crystal Protein of a Novel Bacillus thuringiensis Strain Inducing Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptotic Cell Death in Human Leukemic Cells
Authors: Beena V. , Ramnath V. , Sreekumar K. P. , Karthiayini K. , Philomina P. T. , Girija D.
Published: July 2019

Parasporal inclusions of a native non haemolytic Bacillus thuringiensis strain KAU 59 was screened for its cytotoxicity against human lymphocytic leukemic cell line jurkat and normal human lymphocytes. The cytotoxicity of proteinase activated and non activated solubilised parasporal inclusions against both cell lines was assessed by Cell Titer 96 Aqueous Non Radioactive Cell Proliferation Assay Kit using MTS. The 50 per cent effective concentration (EC50) values were deduced from log probit analysis at 48 h. Morphological changes associated with cytotoxicity were evaluated and molecular mechanisms of cell death were elucidated by TUNEL assay at 48 h post-inoculation. The fluorescence assisted cell sorting was done in the flow cytometer to assess the stage of cell cycle arrest. Relative quantification of caspase-3 expression in Jurkat cells treated with parasporal inclusion protein of KAU 59 was done by qRTPCR The results indicated that the protein was cytotoxic to jurkat cells at the same time non toxic to normal lymphocytes. Cytotoxicity was evident only after proteolytic activation. Apoptotic cell death was confirmed in the protein treated cells by TUNEL Assay and also up regulated caspase-3 gene expression (P < 0.001). S phase cell cycle arrest was confirmed by and fluorescence associated cell sorting.
Associations between serum and plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor and influence of storage time and centrifugation strategy
Authors: Gejl Anne Kær , Enevold Christian , Bugge Anna , Andersen Marianne Skovsager , Nielsen Claus Henrik , Andersen Lars Bo
Published: July 2019

The aims of the study were to clarify the impact of storage time and centrifugation strategy on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in human serum and plasma samples. In addition, we analyzed associations between BDNF levels, cardiorespiratory fitness and waist circumference. Seventeen healthy males (25.2 (4.1) years) were included in the study. Blood samples were drawn after an overnight fast and treated to different protocols, varying in time before centrifugation and centrifugation strategy. BDNF was analyzed in serum, normal plasma (NP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP). Also, waist circumference and cardiorespiratory fitness were measured. A large increase was observed in serum BDNF levels during the first hour of clotting. BDNF in NP correlated with PPP, whereas no correlations were found between BDNF in serum and plasma. Though not statistical significant, correlations between fitness and BDNF in serum changed from positive at 30 min. to negative when clotting time was ≥60 min. In conclusion, BDNF levels in serum were affected by clotting time, whereas BDNF levels in plasma were influenced by centrifugation strategy. Importantly, BDNF in serum and plasma appears to reflect two different pools of BDNF. The biological relevance of the velocity of BDNF release during clotting and its dependence upon fitness must be investigated further.
ABO blood group A transferase and its codon 69 substitution enzymes synthesize FORS1 antigen of FORS blood group system
Authors: Yamamoto Miyako , Tarasco Maria Cristina , Cid Emili , Kobayashi Hidetomo , Yamamoto Fumiichiro
Published: July 2019

Human histo-blood group A transferase (AT) catalyzes the biosynthesis of oligosaccharide A antigen important in blood transfusion and cell/tissue/organ transplantation. This enzyme may synthesize Forssman antigen (FORS1) of the FORS blood group system when exon 3 or 4 of the AT mRNA is deleted and/or the LeuGlyGly tripeptide at codons 266–268 of AT is replaced by GlyGlyAla. The Met69Ser/Thr substitutions also confer weak Forssman glycolipid synthase (FS) activity. In this study, we prepared the human AT derivative constructs containing any of the 20 amino acids at codon 69 with and without the GlyGlyAla substitution, transfected DNA to newly generated COS1(B3GALNT1 + A4GALT) cells expressing an enhanced level of globoside (Gb4), the FS acceptor substrate, and immunologically examined the FORS1 expression. Our results showed that all those substitution constructs at codon 69 exhibited FS activity. The combination with GlyGlyAla significantly increased the activity. The conserved methionine residue in theABO, but notGBGT1, gene-encoded proteins may implicate its contribution to the separation of these genes in genetic evolution. Surprisingly, with increased Gb4 availability, the original human AT with the methionine residue at codon 69 was also demonstrated to synthesize FORS1, providing another molecular mechanism of FORS1 appearance in cancer of ordinary FORS1-negative individuals.
Assessing radiomic feature robustness to interpolation in 18F-FDG PET imaging
Authors: Whybra Philip , Parkinson Craig , Foley Kieran , Staffurth John , Spezi Emiliano
Published: July 2019

Radiomic studies link quantitative imaging features to patient outcomes in an effort to personalise treatment in oncology. To be clinically useful, a radiomic feature must be robust to image processing steps, which has made robustness testing a necessity for many technical aspects of feature extraction. We assessed the stability of radiomic features to interpolation processing and categorised features based on stable, systematic, or unstable responses. Here, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET images for 441 oesophageal cancer patients (split: testing = 353, validation = 88) were resampled to 6 isotropic voxel sizes (1.5 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.7 mm) and 141 features were extracted from each volume of interest (VOI). Features were categorised into four groups with two statistical tests. Feature reliability was analysed using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and patient ranking consistency was assessed using a Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (ρ). We categorised 93 features robust and 6 limited robustness (stable responses), 34 potentially correctable (systematic responses), and 8 not robust (unstable responses). We developed a correction technique for features with potential systematic variation that used surface fits to link voxel size and percentage change in feature value. Twenty-nine potentially correctable features were re-categorised to robust for the validation dataset, after applying corrections defined by surface fits generated on the testing dataset. Furthermore, we found the choice of interpolation algorithm alone (spline vs trilinear) resulted in large variation in values for a number of features but the response categorisations remained constant. This study attempted to quantify the diverse response of radiomics features commonly found in 18F-FDG PET clinical modelling to isotropic voxel size interpolation.
Associated clinical factors for serious infections in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Jung Ju-Yang , Yoon Dukyong , Choi Young , Kim Hyoun-Ah , Suh Chang-Hee
Published: July 2019

Infection occurs frequently in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and has been a major cause of morbidity and mortality. However, no large-scale comprehensive studies have estimated the effect of clinical characteristics on serious infection in actual clinical practice yet. We investigated the influence of clinical characteristics on serious infections using electronic medical records data. We conducted a nested case-control study. Patients with SLE who developed serious infection which needs hospitalization or intravenous antibiotics (n = 120) were matched to controls (n = 240) who didn’t. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for infection associated with clinical features were obtained by conditional logistic regression analyses. The conditional logistic regression analysis with adjustment showed that serositis (OR, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.33–5.74), hematologic involvement (OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.32–4.87), and use of higher than the low dose of glucocorticoids (GCs; >7.5 mg/d prednisolone-equivalent) (OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.31–5.34) were related to serious infections in SLE. Serositis, hematologic involvement, and use of higher than the low dose of GCs were associated with serious infections in patients with SLE.
Role of keratan sulfate expression in human pancreatic cancer malignancy
Authors: Leiphrakpam Premila D. , Patil Prathamesh P. , Remmers Neeley , Swanson Benjamin , Grandgenett Paul M. , Qiu Fang , Yu Fang , Radhakrishnan Prakash
Published: July 2019

Keratan sulfate (KS) is a sulfated linear polymer of N-acetyllactosamine. Proteoglycans carrying keratan sulfate epitopes were majorly observed in cornea, cartilage and brain; and mainly involved in embryonic development, cornea transparency, and wound healing process. Recently, expression of KS in cancer has been shown to be highly associated with advanced tumor grade and poor prognosis. Therefore, we aimed to identify the expression of KS epitope in human pancreatic cancer primary and metastatic tumor lesions. Immunohistochemical analysis of KS expression was performed on primary pancreatic tumors and metastatic tissues. We observed an increased expression of KS epitope on primary tumor tissues compared to uninvolved normal and tumor stroma; and is associated with worse overall survival. Moreover, lung metastatic tumors show a higher-level expression of KS compared to primary tumors. Interestingly, KS biosynthesis specific glycosyltransferases expression was differentially regulated in metastatic pancreatic tumors. Taken together, these results indicate that aberrant expression of KS is predictive of pancreatic cancer progression and metastasis and may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker for pancreatic cancer.
Yellow River water rebalanced by human regulation
Authors: Wang Yaping , Zhao Wenwu , Wang Shuai , Feng Xiaoming , Liu Yanxu
Published: July 2019

The streamflow of major global rivers changes under the influences of climate change and human activities and varies greatly in different regions. The Yellow River has undergone a dramatic shift during the last six decades. Its streamflow gradually dwindled away and even dried-up severely in the late 20th century, but in recent years it has recovered and remains stable. Comprehensive understanding of the river streamflow change and its driving forces promotes effective water resource management within this complex human-natural system. Here, we develop a runoff identity attribution approach to analyze 61 years of streamflow observations from the Yellow River. We find that between the 1950s and the 1980s, human water consumption contributed more than 90% to streamflow reduction, but from the 1970s onwards, land cover change became the major factor to decrease streamflow. Since 2000, government management schemes have prevented streamflow from declining further and guarantee its stability. Based on the analysis framework we propose, persistent droughts, which are related to abrupt streamflow abatement, may be the most uncontrollable factor in the future. A more resilient management system should be therefore built to grapple with the expected increased frequency of such extreme climate events in the future.
A comparative study of the radial pulse between primary dysmenorrhea patients and healthy subjects during the menstrual phase
Authors: Kim Jihye , Bae Jang-Han , Ku Boncho , Yim Mi Hong , Ang Lin , Kim Hyunho , Jeon Young Ju
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study was to compare radial pulse characteristics between primary dysmenorrhea (PD) patients and healthy subjects throughout the menstrual cycle. A total of 48 females aged 20 to 29 years participated, and all subjects were assigned to two groups according to their visual analogue scale scores. The radial pulse of each subject was obtained using a pulse tonometric device during menstrual, follicular, and luteal phases. In addition, various pulse analysis indices were used to estimate the pulse characteristics. The pulse tension index (PTI) and pulse depth index (PDI) in the patient group were significantly lower than those in the healthy group during the menstrual phase (P < 0.01 and <0.001, respectively). According to univariate logistic regression results, the PTI, PDI and optimal applied pressure (OAP) were significantly correlated with PD, and the model based on the PTI and OAP performed best (AUC = 0.828). This study is the first to analyze pulse tension inferred from the PTI and to apply this parameter to clinical practice. The results of this study confirmed the possibility of quantitatively measuring pulse tension and suggest that the PTI and OAP can serve as potential clinical indicators for pain disorders.