bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the Constitutional Theory of Money: Governance, Power, and Instability
Authors: MOUDUD JAMEE K.
Published: March 2018

At the heart of the constitutional theory of money is the argument that money is central to governance. This article explores the ways in which the core mechanism of the publicly undergirded monetary system, involving the incentivization and disciplining of private investors in the money creation process, creates its ‘fiscal value’ and generates both power struggles and possible instability in the unit of account. This twin dynamic of power and instability is intrinsic to alongue duréeanalysis of money. It is argued that since the current jural relations allocate money and power in particular ways, the basis is created for potential future political challenges to the status quoante, thereby creating instability. Further, the article emphasizes the centrality of the indeterminacy criterion which is at the core of the critical legal studies (CLS) framework, and its intimate connection to Keynes's notion of uncertainty. The indeterminacy/uncertainty nexus is used to explore how currency stability is determined or undermined by expectations, power struggles, tax contestations, and broader policy frameworks. Finally, the article relates this monetary theory to the literature on state-led industrialization and shows how such a constitutional money theory of industrialization is an alternative to the New Institutionalist perspective which emphasizes the centrality of ‘clear and well-defined’ property and contracts in order to create an ‘efficient’ economy.
Seedling emergence of 144 subalpine meadow plants: effects of phylogeny, life cycle type and seed mass
Authors: Cao Suzhen , Liu Kun , Du Guozhen , Baskin Jerry M. , Baskin Carol C. , Bu Haiyan , Qi Wei
Published: March 2018

Timing of seedling emergence is a critical aspect of a plant's life cycle, and it may influence the expression of other plant life history traits. However, most studies have been conducted at the population level, and thus little is known about timing of seedling emergence at the community level. In the field, we determined the peak emergence season for seedlings of 144 species collected from a subalpine meadow on the eastern Tibet Plateau in China. The proportion of species with seedlings emerging in autumn, spring and summer, seedling field emergence percentage (FE) and mean emergence time (MET) were analysed in relation to seed mass, life cycle type (annual/biennial and perennial) and phylogeny. The results showed that (1) the proportion of species with seedlings emerging in autumn (33%), spring (44%) and summer (23%) differed significantly; (2) overall, species with seedlings emerging in autumn had higher FE than those emerging during spring/summer; (3) there was a positive relationship between log-seed mass and log-MET, but log-seed mass had no significant effect on log-FE; (4) life cycle type did not affect seedling emergence; and (5) phylogeny significantly explained peak emergence season. These results suggest that seed mass and phylogenetic position are the main determinants of seedling emergence season. However, seedling peak emergence season affected FE, growing season length and resource utilization, and thus may be related to the importance of a species in the community.
Preoperative bioelectrical impedance predicts intensive care length of stay in children following cardiac surgery
Authors: Marino Luise V. , Griksaitis Michael J. , Pappachan John V.
Published: March 2018

We have previously shown that children with a bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy phase angle at 50° (PA 50°) of <2.7 on postoperative day 2 had a four-fold increase in the risk of prolonged paediatric intensive care length of stay. In this study, we demonstrate a relationship between a baseline measure of phase angle 200/5° and postoperative length of stay.
Expressing conditionality in earlier English
Authors: LINKS META
Published: March 2018

This article traces the diachronic development of English conditionals with clause-initial subclauses (If you hurt the cat, (then) she will bite you) by means of (frequency) data from three corpora (YCOE, PPCME2 and PPCEME). It investigates the division of labour between(g)if,and(meaning ‘if, suppose/provided that, on condition that’) and verb-initial conditionals from Old to Early Modern English. It is shown that conjunctional conditionals (e.g.ifconditionals) have always been most frequent. The limitations on verb-initial conditionals (as they exist in Present-day English) develop diachronically and are related to restrictions on verb movement and choice of verb, and not frequency. Genre preferences, however, seem to exist. The use ofthenintroducing the main clause will be shown to be a reflex of an earlier paratactic structure. Its use over time is influenced by mood and length, the latter being of influence especially in later periods.
Physical activity-equivalent label reduces consumption of discretionary snack foods
Authors: Hartley Isabella E , Keast Russell SJ , Liem Dijn G
Published: March 2018

Objective

The present research aimed to investigate the impact of the physical activity calorie equivalent (PACE) front-of-pack label on consumption, prospective consumption and liking of familiar and unfamiliar discretionary snack foods.

Design

In a within-subject randomised design, participants tasted and rated liking (9-point hedonic scale) and prospective consumption (9-point category scale) of four different snack foods with four different labels (i.e. blank, fake, PACE, PACE doubled) and four control snack foods. The twenty snack foods were presented during two 45 min sessions (i.e. ten snack foods per session) which were separated by one week. The amount participants sampled of each snack food was measured.

Setting

The study was conducted in the Centre for Advanced Sensory Sciences laboratory at Deakin University, Australia.

Subjects

The participants were 153 university students (126 females, twenty-seven males, mean age 24·3 (sd 4·9) years) currently enrolled in an undergraduate nutrition degree at Deakin University.

Results

When the PACE label was present on familiar snack foods, participants sampled 9·9 % (22·8 (sem 1·4) v. 25·3 (sem 1·5) g, P=0·03) less than when such label was not present. This was in line with a decreased prospective snack food consumption of 9·1 % (3·0 (sem 0·2) v. 3·3 (sem 0·2) servings, P=0·03). Such pattern was not seen in unfamiliar snacks.

Conclusions

The PACE label appears to be a promising way to decrease familiar discretionary snack food consumption in young, health-minded participants.
Identification of iron deficiency chlorosis tolerant sources from mini-core collection of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Pattanashetti Santosh K. , Naidu Gopalakrishna K. , K.V. Prakyath Kumar , Singh Omprakash Kumar , Biradar Basavaraj D.
Published: March 2018

Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) is common among groundnut grown in calcareous and alkaline soils in India, China and Pakistan and causes considerable reduction in pod yield. To identify genetically diverse IDC tolerant accessions, the mini-core collection of groundnut representing geographical diversity was evaluated for IDC response over 2 years in iron-deficient calcareous soils. Enormous genetic variability was evident in the mini-core collection for IDC tolerance-related traits such as a visual chlorotic rating (VCR) and SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR) across five growth stages. Several IDC tolerant sources belonging to different botanical varieties such as hypogaea bunch (ICG # 5051, 6766, 5286, 6667, 4538, 14008, 5663, 9842, 11855), hypogaea runner (ICG 10479), fastigiata (ICG 10890) and vulgaris (ICG # 11651, 118) were identified. Among the six botanical varieties of groundnut, hypogaea bunch types were found most tolerant to IDC and this is the first report in groundnut. The IDC tolerant sources identified were irrespective of their country of origin. The principal component analysis based on VCR, SCMR, pod yield and its related traits revealed five major principal components that explained 80% of the total variation. The biplot generated using PC1 and PC2 revealed a distinct separation of IDC tolerant genotypes from the susceptible ones. The hierarchical clustering using five major principal components revealed seven major clusters that were mainly based on IDC response of the accessions.
Role of Surprise in the Discrimination of the Facial Expression of Fear
Authors: Gordillo Fernando , Mestas Lilia , Pérez Miguel Ángel , Arana José M. , Escotto Eduardo Alejandro
Published: March 2018

The facilitating role of the facial expression of surprise in the discrimination of the facial expression of fear was analyzed. The sample consisted of 202 subjects that undertook a forced-choice test in which they had to decide as quickly as possible whether the facial expression displayed on-screen was one of fear, anger or happiness. Variations were made to the prime expression (neutral expression, or one of surprise); the target expression (facial expression of fear, anger or happiness), and the prime duration (50 ms, 150 ms or 250 ms). The results revealed shorter reaction times in the response to the expression of fear when the prime expression was one of surprise, with a prime duration of 50 ms (p = .009) and 150 ms (p = .001), compared to when the prime expression was a neutral one. By contrast, the reaction times were longer in the discrimination of an expression of fear when the prime expression was one of surprise with a prime duration of 250 ms (p < .0001), compared to when the prime expression was a neutral one. This pattern of results was obtained solely in the discrimination of the expression of fear. The discussion focuses on these findings and the possible functional continuity between surprise and fear.
Comparative genomics sheds light on niche differentiation and the evolutionary history of comammox Nitrospira
Authors: Palomo Alejandro , Pedersen Anders G , Fowler S Jane , Dechesne Arnaud , Sicheritz-Pontén Thomas , Smets Barth F
Published: March 2018

The description of comammox Nitrospira spp., performing complete ammonia-to-nitrate oxidation, and their co-occurrence with canonical β-proteobacterial ammonia oxidizing bacteria (β-AOB) in the environment, calls into question the metabolic potential of comammox Nitrospira and the evolutionary history of their ammonia oxidation pathway. We report four new comammox Nitrospira genomes, constituting two novel species, and the first comparative genomic analysis on comammox Nitrospira. Unlike canonical Nitrospira, comammox Nitrospira genomes lack genes for assimilatory nitrite reduction, suggesting that they have lost the potential to use external nitrite nitrogen sources. By contrast, compared to canonical Nitrospira, comammox Nitrospira harbor a higher diversity of urea transporters and copper homeostasis genes and lack cyanate hydratase genes. Additionally, the two comammox clades differ in their ammonium uptake systems. Contrary to β-AOB, comammox Nitrospira genomes have single copies of the two central ammonia oxidation pathway operons. Similar to ammonia oxidizing archaea and some oligotrophic AOB strains, they lack genes involved in nitric oxide reduction. Furthermore, comammox Nitrospira genomes encode genes that might allow efficient growth at low oxygen concentrations. Regarding the evolutionary history of comammox Nitrospira, our analyses indicate that several genes belonging to the ammonia oxidation pathway could have been laterally transferred from β-AOB to comammox Nitrospira. We postulate that the absence of comammox genes in other sublineage II Nitrospira genomes is the result of subsequent loss.
Vangl2 regulates spermatid planar cell polarity through microtubule (MT)-based cytoskeleton in the rat testis
Authors: Chen Haiqi , Xiao Xiang , Lui Wing-yee , Lee Will M. , Cheng C. Yan
Published: March 2018

During spermatogenesis, developing elongating/elongated spermatids are highly polarized cells, displaying unique apico-basal polarity. For instance, the heads of spermatids align perpendicular to the basement membrane with their tails pointing to the tubule lumen. Thus, the maximal number of spermatids are packed within the limited space of the seminiferous epithelium to support spermatogenesis.  Herein, we reported findings that  elongating/elongated spermatids displayed planar cell polarity (PCP) in adult rat testes in which the proximal end of polarized spermatid heads were aligned uniformly across the plane of the seminiferous epithelium based on studies  using confocal microscopy and 3-dimensional (D) reconstruction of the seminiferous tubules.  We also discovered  that spermatid PCP was regulated by PCP protein Vangl2 (Van Gogh-like protein 2) since Vangl2 knockdown by RNAi was found to perturb spermatid PCP. More important, Vangl2 exerted its regulatory effects through changes in the organization of the microtubule (MT)-based cytoskeleton in the seminiferous epithelium. These changes were mediated via the downstream signaling proteins atypical protein kinase C ξ (PKCζ) and MT-associated protein (MAP)/microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 2 (MARK2). These findings thus provide new insights regarding the biology of spermatid PCP during spermiogenesis.
Cellular regeneration strategies for macular degeneration: past, present and future
Authors: Chichagova Valeria , Hallam Dean , Collin Joseph , Zerti Darin , Dorgau Birthe , Felemban Majed , Lako Majlinda , Steel David H.
Published: March 2018

Despite considerable effort and significant therapeutic advances, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains the commonest cause of blindness in the developed world. Progressive late-stage AMD with outer retinal degeneration currently has no proven treatment. There has been significant interest in the possibility that cellular treatments may slow or reverse visual loss in AMD. A number of modes of action have been suggested, including cell replacement and rescue, as well as immune modulation to delay the neurodegenerative process. Their appeal in this enigmatic disease relate to their generic, non-pathway-specific effects. The outer retina in particular has been at the forefront of developments in cellular regenerative therapies being surgically accessible, easily observable, as well as having a relatively simple architecture. Both the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors have been considered for replacement therapies as both sheets and cell suspensions. Studies using autologous RPE, and to a lesser extent, foetal retina, have shown proof of principle. A wide variety of cell sources have been proposed with pluripotent stem cell-derived cells currently holding the centre stage. Recent early-phase trials using these cells for RPE replacement have met safety endpoints and hinted at possible efficacy. Animal studies have confirmed the promise that photoreceptor replacement, even in a completely degenerated outer retina may restore some vision. Many challenges, however, remain, not least of which include avoiding immune rejection, ensuring long-term cellular survival and maximising effect. This review provides an overview of progress made, ongoing studies and challenges ahead.
A transcriptome-wide association study identifies PALMD as a susceptibility gene for calcific aortic valve stenosis
Authors: Thériault Sébastien , Gaudreault Nathalie , Lamontagne Maxime , Rosa Mickael , Boulanger Marie-Chloé , Messika-Zeitoun David , Clavel Marie-Annick , Capoulade Romain , Dagenais François , Pibarot Philippe , Mathieu Patrick , Bossé Yohan
Published: March 2018

Calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS) is a common and life-threatening heart disease and the current treatment options cannot stop or delay its progression. A GWAS on 1009 cases and 1017 ethnically matched controls was combined with a large-scale eQTL mapping study of human aortic valve tissues (n = 233) to identify susceptibility genes for CAVS. Replication was performed in the UK Biobank, including 1391 cases and 352,195 controls. A transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) reveals PALMD (palmdelphin) as significantly associated with CAVS. The CAVS risk alleles and increasing disease severity are both associated with decreased mRNA expression levels of PALMD in valve tissues. The top variant identified shows a similar effect and strong association with CAVS (P = 1.53 × 10−10) in UK Biobank. The identification of PALMD as a susceptibility gene for CAVS provides insights into the genetic nature of this disease, opens avenues to investigate its etiology and to develop much-needed therapeutic options.
Flexibility in motor timing constrains the topology and dynamics of pattern generator circuits
Authors: Pehlevan Cengiz , Ali Farhan , Ölveczky Bence P.
Published: March 2018

Temporally precise movement patterns underlie many motor skills and innate actions, yet the flexibility with which the timing of such stereotyped behaviors can be modified is poorly understood. To probe this, we induce adaptive changes to the temporal structure of birdsong. We find that the duration of specific song segments can be modified without affecting the timing in other parts of the song. We derive formal prescriptions for how neural networks can implement such flexible motor timing. We find that randomly connected recurrent networks, a common approximation for how neocortex is wired, do not generally conform to these, though certain implementations can approximate them. We show that feedforward networks, by virtue of their one-to-one mapping between network activity and time, are better suited. Our study provides general prescriptions for pattern generator networks that implement flexible motor timing, an important aspect of many motor skills, including birdsong and human speech.
Enumeration, functional responses and cytotoxic capacity of MAIT cells in newly diagnosed and relapsed multiple myeloma
Authors: Gherardin Nicholas A. , Loh Liyen , Admojo Lorenztino , Davenport Alexander J. , Richardson Kelden , Rogers Amy , Darcy Phillip K. , Jenkins Misty R. , Prince H. Miles , Harrison Simon J. , Quach Hang , Fairlie David P. , Kedzierska Katherine , McCluskey James , Uldrich Adam P. , Neeson Paul J. , Ritchie David S. , Godfrey Dale I.
Published: March 2018

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are T cells that recognise vitamin-B derivative Ag presented by the MHC-related-protein 1 (MR1) antigen-presenting molecule. While MAIT cells are highly abundant in humans, their role in tumour immunity remains unknown. Here we have analysed the frequency and function of MAIT cells in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. We show that MAIT cell frequency in blood is reduced compared to healthy adult donors, but comparable to elderly healthy control donors. Furthermore, there was no evidence that MAIT cells accumulated at the disease site (bone marrow) of these patients. Newly diagnosed MM patient MAIT cells had reduced IFNγ production and CD27 expression, suggesting an exhausted phenotype, although IFNγ-producing capacity is restored in relapsed/refractory patient samples. Moreover, immunomodulatory drugs Lenalidomide and Pomalidomide, indirectly inhibited MAIT cell activation. We further show that cell lines can be pulsed with vitamin-B derivative Ags and that these can be presented via MR1 to MAIT cells in vitro, to induce cytotoxic activity comparable to that of natural killer (NK) cells. Thus, MAIT cells are reduced in MM patients, which may contribute to disease in these individuals, and moreover, MAIT cells may represent new immunotherapeutic targets for treatment of MM and other malignancies.
Author Correction: Immune system deregulation in hypertensive patients chronically RAS suppressed developing albuminuria
Authors: Martin-Lorenzo Marta , Gonzalez-Calero Laura , Martinez Paula J. , Baldan-Martin Montserrat , Lopez Juan Antonio , Ruiz-Hurtado Gema , de la Cuesta Fernando , Segura Julián , Vazquez Jesús , Vivanco Fernando , Barderas Maria G. , Ruilope Luis M. , Alvarez-Llamas Gloria
Published: March 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Author Correction: Isothermal Amplification of Long, Discrete DNA Fragments Facilitated by Single-Stranded Binding Protein
Authors: Zhang Yinhua , Tanner Nathan A.
Published: March 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Species replacement dominates megabenthos beta diversity in a remote seamount setting
Authors: Victorero Lissette , Robert Katleen , Robinson Laura F. , Taylor Michelle L. , Huvenne Veerle A. I.
Published: March 2018

Seamounts are proposed to be hotspots of deep-sea biodiversity, a pattern potentially arising from increased productivity in a heterogeneous landscape leading to either high species co-existence or species turnover (beta diversity). However, studies on individual seamounts remain rare, hindering our understanding of the underlying causes of local changes in beta diversity. Here, we investigated processes behind beta diversity using ROV video, coupled with oceanographic and quantitative terrain parameters, over a depth gradient in Annan Seamount, Equatorial Atlantic. By applying recently developed beta diversity analyses, we identified ecologically unique sites and distinguished between two beta diversity processes: species replacement and changes in species richness. The total beta diversity was high with an index of 0.92 out of 1 and was dominated by species replacement (68%). Species replacement was affected by depth-related variables, including temperature and water mass in addition to the aspect and local elevation of the seabed. In contrast, changes in species richness component were affected only by the water mass. Water mass, along with substrate also affected differences in species abundance. This study identified, for the first time on seamount megabenthos, the different beta diversity components and drivers, which can contribute towards understanding and protecting regional deep-sea biodiversity.
In silico screening for human norovirus antivirals reveals a novel non-nucleoside inhibitor of the viral polymerase
Authors: Ferla Salvatore , Netzler Natalie E. , Ferla Sebastiano , Veronese Sofia , Tuipulotu Daniel Enosi , Guccione Salvatore , Brancale Andrea , White Peter A. , Bassetto Marcella
Published: March 2018

Human norovirus causes approximately 219,000 deaths annually, yet there are currently no antivirals available. A virtual screening of commercially available drug-like compounds (~300,000) was performed on the suramin and PPNDS binding-sites of the norovirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Selected compounds (n = 62) were examined for inhibition of norovirus RdRp activity using an in vitro transcription assay. Eight candidates demonstrated RdRp inhibition (>25% inhibition at 10 µM), which was confirmed using a gel-shift RdRp assay for two of them. The two molecules were identified as initial hits and selected for structure-activity relationship studies, which resulted in the synthesis of novel compounds that were examined for inhibitory activity. Five compounds inhibited human norovirus RdRp activity (>50% at 10 µM), with the best candidate, 54, demonstrating an IC50 of 5.6 µM against the RdRp and a CC50 of 62.8 µM. Combinational treatment of 54 and the known RdRp site-B inhibitor PPNDS revealed antagonism, indicating that 54 binds in the same binding pocket. Two RdRps with mutations (Q414A and R419A) previously shown to be critical for the binding of site-B compounds had no effect on inhibition, suggesting 54 interacts with distinct site-B residues. This study revealed the novel scaffold 54 for further development as a norovirus antiviral.
Probe-caught spontaneous and deliberate mind wandering in relation to self-reported inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive traits in adults
Authors: Arabacı Gizem , Parris Benjamin A.
Published: March 2018

Research has revealed a positive relationship between types of mind wandering and ADHD at clinical and subclinical levels. However, this work did not consider the relationship between mind wandering and the core symptoms of ADHD: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Given that the DMS-V attributes mind wandering to inattention only, and that only inattention is thought to result from impairment to the executive function linked to mind wandering, the present research sought to examine this relationship in 80 undiagnosed adults. Using both standard and easy versions of the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) we measured both spontaneous and deliberate mind wandering. We found that spontaneous mind wandering was related to self-reported inattentive traits when the task was cognitively more challenging (standard SART). However, hyperactive and impulsive traits were related to spontaneous mind wandering independent of task difficulty. The results suggest inattentive traits are not uniquely related to mind wandering; indeed, adults with hyperactive/impulsive traits were more likely to experience mind wandering, suggesting that mind wandering might not be useful diagnostic criteria for inattention.
Long-term regeneration and remodeling of the pig esophagus after circumferential resection using a retrievable synthetic scaffold carrying autologous cells
Authors: La Francesca Saverio , Aho Johnathon M. , Barron Matthew R. , Blanco Ellen W. , Soliman Sherif , Kalenjian Lena , Hanson Ariel D. , Todorova Elisaveta , Marsh Matthew , Burnette KaLia , DerSimonian Harout , Odze Robert D. , Wigle Dennis A.
Published: March 2018

Treatment of esophageal disease can necessitate resection and reconstruction of the esophagus. Current reconstruction approaches are limited to utilization of an autologous conduit such as stomach, small bowel, or colon. A tissue engineered construct providing an alternative for esophageal replacement in circumferential, full thickness resection would have significant clinical applications. In the current study, we demonstrate that regeneration of esophageal tissue is feasible and reproducible in a large animal model using synthetic polyurethane electro-spun grafts seeded with autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (aMSCs) and a disposable bioreactor. The scaffolds were not incorporated into the regrown esophageal tissue and were retrieved endoscopically. Animals underwent adipose tissue biopsy to harvest and expand autologous aMSCs for seeding on electro-spun polyurethane conduits in a bioreactor. Anesthetized pigs underwent full thickness circumferential resection of the mid-lower thoracic esophagus followed by implantation of the cell seeded scaffold. Results from these animals showed gradual structural regrowth of endogenous esophageal tissue, including squamous esophageal mucosa, submucosa, and smooth muscle layers with blood vessel formation. Scaffolds carrying autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells may provide an alternative to the use of a gastro-intestinal conduit for some patients following resection of the esophagus.
Biogeographic patterns of aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria reveal an ecological consistency of phylogenetic clades in different oceanic biomes
Authors: Lehours Anne-Catherine , Enault François , Boeuf Dominique , Jeanthon Christian
Published: March 2018

In marine environments, aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic (AAP) bacterial assemblages vary in space and along environmental gradients but the factors shaping their diversity and distribution at different taxonomic levels remain poorly identified. Using sets of sequences encoding the M sub-unit of the photosynthetic apparatus from different oceanic regions, we prioritized the processes underlying AAP bacterial biogeographical patterns. The present analysis offers novel insights into the ecological distribution of marine AAP bacteria and highlights that physiological constraints play a key role in structuring AAP bacterial assemblages at a global scale. Salinity especially seems to favor lineage-specific adaptations. Moreover, by inferring the evolutionary history of habitat transitions, a substantial congruence between habitat and evolutionary relatedness was highlighted. The identification of ecological cohesive clades for AAP bacteria suggests that prediction of AAP bacterial assemblages is possible from marine habitat properties.
DNA damage induces a SAMHD1-mediated block to the infection of macrophages by HIV-1
Authors: Jáuregui Paula , Landau Nathaniel R.
Published: March 2018

Monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) are an important target for HIV-1 despite SAMHD1, a myeloid restriction factor for which HIV-1 lacks a counteracting accessory protein. The antiviral activity of SAMHD1 is modulated by phosphorylation of T592 by cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK). We show that treatment of MDMs with neocarzinostatin, a compound that introduces double strand breaks (DBS) in genomic DNA, results in the decrease of phosphorylated SAMHD1, activating its antiviral activity and blocking HIV-1 infection. The effect was specific for DSB as DNA damage induced by UV light irradiation did not affect SAMHD1 phosphorylation and did not block infection. The block to infection was at reverse transcription and was counteracted by Vpx, demonstrating that it was caused by SAMHD1. Neocarzinostatin treatment also activated an innate immune response that induced interferon-stimulated genes but this was not involved in the block to HIV-1 infection, as it was not relieved by an interferon-blocking antibody. In response to Neocarzinostatin-induced DNA damage, the level of the CDK inhibitor p21cip1 increased which could account for the decrease of phosphorylated SAMHD1. The results show that the susceptibility of MDMs to HIV-1 infection can be affected by stimuli that alter the phosphorylation state of SAMHD1, one of which is the DNA damage response.
Mechanistic insights of Li+ diffusion within doped LiFePO4 from Muon Spectroscopy
Authors: Johnson Ian D. , Ashton Thomas E. , Blagovidova Ekaterina , Smales Glen J. , Lübke Mechthild , Baker Peter J. , Corr Serena A. , Darr Jawwad A.
Published: March 2018

The Li+ ion diffusion characteristics of V- and Nb-doped LiFePO4 were examined with respect to undoped LiFePO4 using muon spectroscopy (µSR) as a local probe. As little difference in diffusion coefficient between the pure and doped samples was observed, offering DLi values in the range 1.8–2.3 × 10−10 cm2 s−1, this implied the improvement in electrochemical performance observed within doped LiFePO4 was not a result of increased local Li+ diffusion. This unexpected observation was made possible with the µSR technique, which can measure Li+ self-diffusion within LiFePO4, and therefore negated the effect of the LiFePO4 two-phase delithiation mechanism, which has previously prevented accurate Li+ diffusion comparison between the doped and undoped materials. Therefore, the authors suggest that µSR is an excellent technique for analysing materials on a local scale to elucidate the effects of dopants on solid-state diffusion behaviour.
Detailed ecological associations of triatomines revealed by metabarcoding and next-generation sequencing: implications for triatomine behavior and Trypanosoma cruzi transmission cycles
Authors: Dumonteil Eric , Ramirez-Sierra Maria-Jesus , Pérez-Carrillo Silvia , Teh-Poot Christian , Herrera Claudia , Gourbière Sébastien , Waleckx Etienne
Published: March 2018

Trypanosoma cruzi is the agent of Chagas disease, transmitted by hematophagous triatomine vectors. Establishing transmission cycles is key to understand the epidemiology of the disease, but integrative assessments of ecological interactions shaping parasite transmission are still limited. Current approaches also lack sensitivity to assess the full extent of this ecological diversity. Here we developed a metabarcoding approach based on next-generation sequencing to identify triatomine gut microbiome, vertebrate feeding hosts, and parasite diversity and their potential interactions. We detected a dynamic microbiome in Triatoma dimidiata, including 23 bacterial orders, which differed according to blood sources. Fourteen vertebrate species served as blood sources, corresponding to domestic, synantropic and sylvatic species, although four (human, dog, cow and mice) accounted for over 50% of blood sources. Importantly, bugs fed on multiple hosts, with up to 11 hosts identified per bug, indicating very frequent host-switching. A high clonal diversity of T. cruzi was detected, with up to 20 haplotypes per bug. This analysis provided much greater sensitivity to detect multiple blood meals and multiclonal infections with T. cruzi, which should be taken into account to develop transmission networks, and characterize the risk for human infection, eventually leading to a better control of disease transmission.
Sex differentials in relationships between functional fitness and cognitive performance in older adults: a canonical correlation analysis
Authors: Guo Yan , Yang Mei , Yan Yaqiong , Wang Liang , Gong Jie
Published: March 2018

This study aimed to explore the sex differentials in correlations between functional fitness (FF) and cognitive impairment (CI) in older adults without dementia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using 2096 adults more than 65 years of age. The Senior Fitness test and Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) were used to measure FF and cognitive performance. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) was performed to evaluate the relationships between FF and MMSE. Our results confirmed the relationships between FF and CI, furthermore FF and MMSE were significantly different between men and women (P < 0.05). CCA results showed overall FF was positively correlated with overall MMSE in both men (canonical coefficient = 0.37, P < 0.0001) and women (first canonical coefficient = 0.42, P < 0.0001; second canonical coefficient = 0.17, P = 0.004). Among men, 30s-arm curl and language were most highly correlated with FF and MMSE, respectively. Whereas among women, 30s-arm curl and eight-foot up-and-go were most highly correlated with FF, and orientation and recall were most highly correlated with MMSE. In conclusion, there was a sex difference in the relationships between FF and MMSE, which facilitated generating insight into cognitive performance improvement from the perspective of FF enhancement by sex. Prospective studies are needed to explore the causality between FF and cognitive performance.
Results of the national organised colorectal cancer screening program with FIT in Paris
Authors: Pellat Anna , Deyra Jacques , Coriat Romain , Chaussade Stanislas
Published: March 2018

In France, colorectal cancer (CRC) benefits from a nationwide screening program. The faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is being used since April 2015. The test is recommended in asymptomatic patients followed by a colonoscopy if positive for identification and treatment of colorectal lesions. We investigate the CRC national organised screening program using FIT in Paris. We performed a retrospective observational study, collecting data from the screening program in Paris using the ADECA75 database. Rates of participation, numbers of positive FIT, detection rates and positive predictive values (PPV) for advanced adenomas (AA) and/or CRC were determined. Between 01/01/2016 and 30/06/2017, 620.227 Parisians were eligible and 409.340 were invited to participate to the program. A total of 88.796 participants (23%) performed the test with 3.839 positive tests (4.3%). In the positive test population, 2.706 out of 3.839 individuals (70.5%) performed the required colonoscopy with available reports. Histology reports were only available for 2.401 participants (88,7%). Regarding lesions, 733 (30,5%) and 205 patients (8.5%) had AA and CRC, respectively. Over 18 months of screening with FIT in Paris, the PPV is in line with expected results while the participation rate is below European recommendations.
Emergence of Different Recombinant Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Viruses, China
Authors: Liu Yanyan , Li Jianda , Yang Jie , Zeng Hao , Guo Lihui , Ren Sufang , Sun Wenbo , Chen Zhi , Cong Xiaoyan , Shi Jianli , Chen Lei , Du Yijun , Li Jun , Wang Jinbao , Wu Jiaqiang , Yu Jiang
Published: March 2018

Epidemiological investigations were conducted on recently emerging porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) strains in Shandong province in 2014–2015. The proportion of the NADC30 strain identified by ORF7 sequence alignment has been gradually increasing. Three emerging PRRSV strains were successfully isolated, and the complete genomic sequences were determined. Our results indicate the importance of recombinant strains in Shandong province, China. There was a varied degree of recombination of two or three strains (classical, HP-PRRSV and/or NADC30). Moreover, the recombination strains affected the pathogenicity of newly emerged strains.
Mechanism of the Escherichia coli MltE lytic transglycosylase, the cell-wall-penetrating enzyme for Type VI secretion system assembly
Authors: Byun Byungjin , Mahasenan Kiran V. , Dik David A. , Marous Daniel R. , Speri Enrico , Kumarasiri Malika , Fisher Jed F. , Hermoso Juan A. , Mobashery Shahriar
Published: March 2018

Lytic transglycosylases (LTs) catalyze the non-hydrolytic cleavage of the bacterial cell wall by an intramolecular transacetalization reaction. This reaction is critically and broadly important in modifications of the bacterial cell wall in the course of its biosynthesis, recycling, manifestation of virulence, insertion of structural entities such as the flagellum and the pili, among others. The first QM/MM analysis of the mechanism of reaction of an LT, that for the Escherichia coli MltE, is undertaken. The study reveals a conformational itinerary consistent with an oxocarbenium-like transition state, characterized by a pivotal role for the active-site glutamic acid in proton transfer. Notably, an oxazolinium intermediate, as a potential intermediate, is absent. Rather, substrate-assisted catalysis is observed through a favorable dipole provided by the N-acetyl carbonyl group of MurNAc saccharide. This interaction stabilizes the incipient positive charge development in the transition state. This mechanism coincides with near-synchronous acetal cleavage and acetal formation.
Cortactin regulates endo-lysosomal sorting of AMPARs via direct interaction with GluA2 subunit
Authors: Parkinson Gabrielle T. , Chamberlain Sophie E. L. , Jaafari Nadia , Turvey Matthew , Mellor Jack R. , Hanley Jonathan G.
Published: March 2018

AMPA receptor (AMPAR) trafficking is a key determinant of synaptic strength and synaptic plasticity. Under basal conditions, constitutive trafficking maintains surface AMPARs by internalization into the endosomal system, where the majority are sorted and targeted for recycling back to the plasma membrane. NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-dependent Long-Term Depression (LTD) is characterised by a reduction in synaptic strength, and involves endosomal sorting of AMPARs away from recycling pathways to lysosomes. The mechanisms that determine whether AMPARs are trafficked to lysosomes or to recycling endosomes, especially in response to NMDAR stimulation, are unclear. Here, we define a role for the actin-regulatory protein cortactin as a mediator of AMPAR endosomal sorting by direct interaction with the GluA2 subunit. Disrupting GluA2-cortactin binding in neurons causes the targeting of GluA2/A3-containing receptors to lysosomes and their consequent degradation, resulting in a loss of surface and synaptic GluA2 under basal conditions and an occlusion of subsequent LTD expression. Furthermore, we show that NMDAR stimulation causes a dissociation of endogenous cortactin from GluA2 via tyrosine phosphorylation of cortactin. These results demonstrate that cortactin maintains GluA2/A3 levels by directing receptors away from lysosomes, and that disrupting GluA2-cortactin interactions to target GluA2/A3 to lysosomes is an essential component of LTD expression.
Unexpectedly high piezoelectricity of Sm-doped lead zirconate titanate in the Curie point region
Authors: Seshadri Shruti B. , Nolan Michelle M. , Tutuncu Goknur , Forrester Jennifer S. , Sapper Eva , Esteves Giovanni , Granzow Torsten , Thomas Pam A. , Nino Juan C. , Rojac Tadej , Jones Jacob L.
Published: March 2018

Large piezoelectric coefficients in polycrystalline lead zirconate titanate (PZT) are traditionally achieved through compositional design using a combination of chemical substitution with a donor dopant and adjustment of the zirconium to titanium compositional ratio to meet the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB). In this work, a different route to large piezoelectricity is demonstrated. Results reveal unexpectedly high piezoelectric coefficients at elevated temperatures and compositions far from the MPB. At temperatures near the Curie point, doping with 2 at% Sm results in exceptionally large piezoelectric coefficients of up to 915 pm/V. This value is approximately twice those of other donor dopants (e.g., 477 pm/V for Nb and 435 pm/V for La). Structural changes during the phase transitions of Sm-doped PZT show a pseudo-cubic phase forming ≈50 °C below the Curie temperature. Possible origins of these effects are discussed and the high piezoelectricity is posited to be due to extrinsic effects. The enhancement of the mechanism at elevated temperatures is attributed to the coexistence of tetragonal and pseudo-cubic phases, which enables strain accommodation during electromechanical deformation and interphase boundary motion. This work provides insight into possible routes for designing high performance piezoelectrics which are alternatives to traditional methods relying on MPB compositions.
ZnFeAl-layered double hydroxides/TiO2 composites as photoanodes for photocathodic protection of 304 stainless steel
Authors: Wang Xiu-tong , Ning Xiao-bo , Shao Qian , Ge Sheng-song , Fei Zhi-ying , Lei Jing , Hou Bao-rong
Published: March 2018

A series of ZnFeAl-layered double hydroxides/TiO2 (ZnFeAl-LDHs/TiO2) composites are synthesized by a combined anodization and hydrothermal method. The structure, surface morphology, photo absorption and photocathodic protection properties of these samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS) and electrochemical tests. The unique structure of the ZnFeAl-LDHs reduces the charge carriers recombination, and the visible photoresponse property increase the light harvesting. The XPS study reveals that the electrons in the ZnFeAl-LDHs travel to TiO2, and the ZnFeAl-LDHs/TiO2 composites generate and transfer more electrons to 304 stainless steel (304SS), and exhibits a better photocathodic protection performance than pure TiO2. In addition, after intermittent visible-light illumination for four days, the photoanode still exhibits good stability and durability.
Author Correction: Distinct arsenic metabolites following seaweed consumption in humans
Authors: Taylor Vivien F. , Li Zhigang , Sayarath Vicki , Palys Thomas J. , Morse Kevin R. , Scholz-Bright Rachel A. , Karagas Margaret R.
Published: March 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Accuracy of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry for Identification of Mycobacteria: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cao Yan , Wang Lei , Ma Ping , Fan Wenting , Gu Bing , Ju Shaoqing
Published: March 2018

Mycobacterium species are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The present study was carried out to systematically evaluate the accuracy of Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF MS) for the identification of clinical pathogenic mycobacteria. After a rigid selection process, 19 articles involving 2,593 mycobacteria isolates were included. The pooled result agreed with the reference method identification for 85% of the isolates to genus level, with 71% (95% CI of 69% to 72%) correct to the species level. The MALDI-TOF MS correctly identified 92% of the M.tuberculosis isolates (95% CI of 0.87 to 0.96), and 68% of M. bovisisolates (95% CI of 27% to 100%) to the species level. Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in solid media with reference strains using augmented database showing more accurate identification. The identifying accuracy rate of bioMérieuxVitek MS was slight higher than Bruker MALDI Biotyper (75% vs 72%). However, opposite results were obtained in identifications of M. fortuitum, M. kansasii, M. marinum, and M. terrae with these two systems. In summary, our results demonstrate that application of MALDI-TOF MS in clinical pathogenic mycobacteria identification is less satisfactory to date. Increasing need for improvement is important especially at species level.
Correction: Corrigendum: Benefit-cost Trade-offs of Early Learning in Foraging Predatory Mites Amblyseius Swirskii
Authors: Christiansen Inga C. , Szin Sandra , Schausberger Peter
Published: March 2018

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 23571; published online: 23 March 2016; updated: 01 March 2018 This Article contains an error in Figure 1 where the labelling within the ‘matching prey’ bars were inverted. The correct Figure 1 appears below.
Fluorescence quantum yields of dye aggregates: a showcase example based on self-assembled perylene bisimide dimers
Authors: Fennel Franziska , Gershberg Jana , Stolte Matthias , Würthner Frank
Published: March 2018

Two measurement approaches for the precise quantum yield determination of supramolecular aggregates in highly concentrated solutions are presented and experimentally tested for an emissive perylene bisimide H-type aggregate with a quantum yield of 28%.
Positive and negative nano-electrospray mass spectrometry of ruthenated serum albumin supported by docking studies: an integrated approach towards defining metallodrug binding sites on proteins
Authors: Nišavić Marija , Janjić Goran V. , Hozić Amela , Petković Marijana , Milčić Miloš K. , Vujčić Zoran , Cindrić Mario
Published: March 2018

Negative mode nanoLC/nano ESI MS was used for determing Ru(ii) binding sites on protein.
CO oxidation activity of Pt, Zn and ZnPt nanocatalysts: a comparative study by in situ near-ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Naitabdi Ahmed , Boucly Anthony , Rochet François , Fagiewicz Robert , Olivieri Giorgia , Bournel Fabrice , Benbalagh Rabah , Sirotti Fausto , Gallet Jean-Jacques
Published: March 2018

NAP-XPS allows the monitoring of chemical reactions on nanocatalysts.
Size and surface controllable metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for fluorescence imaging and cancer therapy
Authors: Gao Xuechuan , Cui Ruixue , Ji Guanfeng , Liu Zhiliang
Published: March 2018

This work presents a novel size and surface controllable metal–organic framework, UIO-66-NH2-FA-5-FAM/5-FU, which possesses the superior characteristics of targeted identification of cancer cells, bioimaging and obvious anti-cancer effects in vivo.
Growth modes and chiral selectivity of single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: He Maoshuai , Magnin Yann , Jiang Hua , Amara Hakim , Kauppinen Esko I. , Loiseau Annick , Bichara Christophe
Published: March 2018

Carbon nanotube intramolecular junctions form during growth by alternating carbon sources which tune the carburization degree of catalyst particles.
Improving the cycling stability of lithium–sulfur batteries by hollow dual-shell coating
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Zou Rujia , Liu Qian , He Shu-ang , Xu Kaibing , Hu Junqing
Published: March 2018

The S@MnO2@C hybrid nanospheres-based cathode was designed by a simple template method and exhibited improved lithium–sulfur battery properties, including the good cycling stability and high specific capacity.
Comprehensive exploration of the anticancer activities of procaine and its binding with calf thymus DNA: a multi spectroscopic and molecular modelling study
Authors: Ali Mohd. Sajid , Farah Mohammad Abul , Al-Lohedan Hamad A. , Al-Anazi Khalid Mashay
Published: March 2018

DNA demethylating agent procaine binds at the minor groove of ct-DNA and increases the anticancer activity of doxorubicin.