bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-Dimensional Culture Reduces Cell Size By Increasing Vesicle Excretion
Authors: Mo Miaohua , Zhou Ying , Li Sen , Wu Yaojiong
Published: October 2017

Our previous study has shown that three-dimensional (3D) culture decreases mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) size, leading to enhanced trafficking ability and reduced lung vascular obstructions. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we proposed that 3D culture reduces MSC size by increasing vesicle excretion. Scanning electron microscope showed that 3D culture markedly increased the amount of membrane-bound vesicles on the cell surface. In consistence, tunable resistive pulse sensing quantifying analysis of vesicles in the culture medium indicated that there were higher levels of vesicles in the 3D culture MSC medium. 3D culture significantly lowered the level of actin polymerization (F-actin), suggestive of lowering actin skeleton tension may facilitate vesicle excretion. Indeed, treatment of MSCs with Cytochalasin D or functional blockade of integrin β1 caused increased vesicle secretion and decreased cell sizes. Thus, our results suggest that 3D culture reduces MSC size by increasing vesicle excretion which is likely mediated by lowering cytoskeleton tension.
Estimating inelastic drift demands for wood portal frame systems considering accumulated damages
Authors: Shu Zhan , He Minjuan , Li Zheng
Published: October 2017

As one key to the implementation of the performance‐based design methodologies for wood structures, the performance objectives and their corresponding limit state criteria are usually correlated with the peak (maximum) interstory drift demands. This paper evaluates the inelastic drift demands including the peak drift and the residual drift for the prototype timber portal frame structural elements. Analytical 2D‐framed model representative of the study‐case were subjected to a suite of 50 pulse‐type earthquake ground motions. In addition, an accumulated damage index is added to the inputs of the nonlinear analyses to account for the damage caused by the previous ground excitations. Larger accumulated damages lead to larger inelastic drifts. Strong correlation is revealed among the drift demands, the peak ground accelerations, and the variables characterizing the nonlinear system behavior. Finally, estimation formulas for the peak and residual drift demands are proposed and validated with the simulated results from nonlinear time‐history analyses. Based on the presented formulas, the resilience ratio and the effective elastic drift are further derived to comprehend the nonlinear behavior of such timber made structures.
Boosting female hatchling production in endangered, male‐biased turtle populations
Authors: Eisemberg Carla C. , Drummond Glaucia M. , Vogt Richard C.
Published: October 2017

In turtle species with temperature‐dependent sex determination, hatchling sex ratios skewed toward males could threaten populations where females are vulnerable to harvest. We tested the efficiency of black plastic covers in producing more female hatchlings from nests of the six‐tubercle Amazon River turtle (Podocnemis sextuberculata) at the Mamirauá Reserve, Amazonas, Brazil, during September to November 2003. Covered nests produced 37% more females and midnest average temperatures were 1° C higher than control nests. Incubation period was 3 days shorter, but survivorship was 12% lower in nests with black plastic. This technique could be an inexpensive, local alternative for short‐term sex‐ratio manipulation in endangered male‐biased populations with temperature‐dependent sex determination. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Classical experiments in whole-body metabolism: open-circuit respirometry—diluted flow chamber, hood, or facemask systems
Authors: Schoffelen P. F. M. , Plasqui G.
Published: October 2017

For over two centuries, scientists have measured gas exchange in animals and humans and linked this to energy expenditure of the body. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of open-circuit diluted flow indirect calorimetry and to help researchers to make the optimal choice for a certain system and its application. A historical perspective shows that ‘open circuit diluted flow’ is a technique first used in the 19th century and applicable today for room calorimeters, ventilated hood systems, and facemasks. Room calorimeters are a classic example of an open-circuit diluted flow system. The broadly applied ventilated hood calorimeters follow the same principle and can be classified as a derivative of these room calorimeters. The basic principle is that the subject breathes freely in a passing airflow that is fully captured and analyzed. Oxygen and CO2 concentrations are measured in inlet ambient air and captured outlet air. The airflow, which is adapted depending on the application (e.g., rest versus exercise), is measured. For a room indirect calorimeter, the dilution in the large room volume is also taken into account, and this is the most complex application of this type of calorimeter. Validity of the systems can be tested by alcohol burns, gas infusions and by performing repeated measurements on subjects. Using the latter, the smallest CV (%) was found for repeated VO2max tests (1.2%) with an SD of approximately 1 kJ min−1. The smallest SD was found for sleeping metabolic rate (0.11 kJ min−1) with a CV (%) of 2.4%.
Copeptin reflects physiological strain during thermal stress
Authors: Stacey Michael John , Delves Simon K. , Britland Sophie E. , Allsopp Adrian J. , Brett Stephen J. , Fallowfield Joanne L. , Woods David R.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

To prevent heat-related illnesses, guidelines recommend limiting core body temperature (Tc) ≤ 38 °C during thermal stress. Copeptin, a surrogate for arginine vasopressin secretion, could provide useful information about fluid balance, thermal strain and health risks. It was hypothesised that plasma copeptin would rise with dehydration from occupational heat stress, concurrent with sympathoadrenal activation and reduced glomerular filtration, and that these changes would reflectTcresponses.

Methods

Volunteers (n = 15) were recruited from a British Army unit deployed to East Africa. During a simulated combat assault (3.5 h, final ambient temperature 27 °C),Tcwas recorded by radiotelemetry to differentiate volunteers with maximumTc > 38 °C versus ≤ 38 °C. Blood was sampled beforehand and afterwards, for measurement of copeptin, cortisol, free normetanephrine, osmolality and creatinine.

Results

There was a significant (P < 0.05) rise in copeptin from pre- to post-assault (10.0 ± 6.3 vs. 16.7 ± 9.6 pmol L−1,P < 0.001). Although osmolality did not increase, copeptin correlated strongly with osmolality after the exposure (r = 0.70,P = 0.004). In volunteers with maximumTc > 38 °C (n = 8) vs ≤ 38 °C (n = 7) there were significantly greater elevations in copeptin (10.4 vs. 2.4 pmol L−1) and creatinine (10 vs. 2 μmol L−1), but no differences in cortisol, free normetanephrine or osmolality.

Conclusions

Changes in copeptin reflectedTcresponse more closely than sympathoadrenal markers or osmolality. Dynamic relationships with tonicity and kidney function may help to explain this finding. As a surrogate for integrated physiological strain during work in a field environment, copeptin assay could inform future measures to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Variation in defensive chemistry within a polyphagous Baikal population of Chrysomela lapponica (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): potential benefits in a multi‐enemy world
Authors: Zverev Vitali , Kozlov Mikhail V. , Zvereva Elena L.
Published: October 2017

Variation in anti‐predator chemical defence is frequently observed in natural populations, but its adaptive significance remains debatable. Most populations of the chemically defended leaf beetle, Chrysomela lapponica, are specialized to their host plants, but some populations are polyphagous. We tested the hypothesis that the use of multiple host plants by a Baikal population of C. lapponica results in variation in the composition of its defensive secretions, leading to variation in defence effectiveness against different natural enemies. The secretions of larvae feeding on local host plants differed both in the origin of major components (sequestered or autogeneous) and in chemical profiles. This variation was at least partly associated with differences in the secondary chemistry among the five most abundant plant species used by this population. Larvae feeding on different hosts in nature suffered similar overall mortality from enemies, but the relative contributions of different enemy species (natural enemy profiles) varied among host plant species. Behavioural experiments with three predators and one parasitoid showed that this variation may result from idiosyncratic responses of the enemy species to the composition of the larval defences. These differences allow part of the polyphagous leaf beetle population to escape from the currently most abundant enemy on the host plant species that provides the best protection against this enemy. In this way, the within‐population variability in chemical defence, associated with feeding on hosts differing in chemistry, can buffer prey populations against fluctuating pressures of specific enemies.
The Genetic Counselor in the Pediatric Arrhythmia Clinic: Review and Assessment of Services
Authors: Helm Benjamin M. , Freeze Samantha L. , Spoonamore Katherine G. , Ware Stephanie M. , Ayers Mark D. , Kean Adam C.
Published: October 2017

There are minimal data on the impact of genetic counselors in subspecialty clinics, including the pediatric arrhythmia clinic. This study aimed to describe the clinical encounters of a genetic counselor integrated into a pediatric arrhythmia clinic. In the 20 months between July 2015 and February 2017, a total of 1914 scheduled patients were screened for indications relevant for assessment by a genetic counselor. Of these, the genetic counselor completed 276 patient encounters, seeing 14.4% of all patients in clinic. The most expected and common indications for genetic counselor involvement were related to suspicion for primary heritable arrhythmia conditions, though patients seen in this clinic display a wide range of cardiac problems and many additional indications for genetic evaluation were identified. Roughly 75% (211/276) of encounters were for personal history of confirmed/suspected heritable disease, including cardiac channelopathies, cardiomyopathies, ventricular arrhythmias, and congenital heart defects, and 25% (65/276) were for family history of disease, including long QT syndrome and sudden unexplained death. Overall, this study shows that about 1 in 7 patients seen in a pediatric arrhythmia clinic have indications that likely benefit from genetic counselor involvement and care. Similar service delivery models embedding genetic counselors in pediatric arrhythmia clinics should be encouraged, and this model could be emulated to increase patient access to genetic counseling services.
Epilepsy: Clinical Review and Surgical Options
Authors: Karasin Beth , Karasin Mark
Published: October 2017

Epilepsy is the fourth leading neurologic disorder in the United States and affects the quality of life of approximately 2.9 million Americans. Despite modern progress in medicine and technology, the disease may prove to be drug resistant, a condition that serves as a primary indication to consider invasive treatment modalities. Current evidence supports the efficacy of early surgical intervention for patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy, although this approach continues to be underused. The positive outcomes of epilepsy surgery are a result of multidisciplinary efforts, and perioperative nurses play a vital role in the continuum of care for this patient population. In the effort to optimize nursing care for patients with epilepsy, this article provides a clinical review of epilepsy as a neurologic disorder and specifically focuses on surgical interventions and perioperative nursing considerations.
miR‐17‐92 ameliorates renal ischemia reperfusion injury
Authors: Song Turun , Chen Mianzhi , Rao Zhengsheng , Qiu Yang , Liu Jinpeng , Jiang Yamei , Huang Zhongli , Wang Xianding , Lin Tao
Published: October 2017

There is limited information on the role of miR‐17‐92 in renal tubular pathophysiology. Therefore, the present study was performed to determine whether miR‐17‐92 plays a role in ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI)‐induced acute kidney injury. We originally demonstrated that miR‐17‐92 is up‐regulated following IRI in vivo. To explore the roles of miR‐17‐92 in the IRI process, we first generated a renal proximal tubule‐specific miR‐17‐92 deletion (PT‐miR‐17‐92−/−) knockout mouse model with Cre driven by the Kap promoter. We found that PT‐deficient miR‐17‐92 mice had more severe renal dysfunction and renal structures than their littermates. Compared with sham‐operated mice, both wide‐type (WT) mice and PT‐miR‐17‐92−/− mice showed increased serum levels of creatinine and urea. However, the levels of serum urea and creatinine in PT‐miR‐17‐92−/− mice after the IRI operation were significantly higher than the levels in WT mice. In addition, PT‐miR‐17‐92−/− mice showed higher levels of serum potassium and phosphonium after the IRI operation. Histological analysis revealed that PT‐miR‐17‐92−/− mice had substantial histopathologic changes, such as tubular dilation and tubular necrosis. Overexpression of miR‐17‐92 could partially reverse the side‐effects of IRI on the proximal tubules in vivo. Furthermore, we employed a quantitative proteomic strategy and identified 16 proteins as potential targets of miR‐17‐92. Taken together, our findings suggested that miR‐17‐92 may ameliorates IRI‐induced acute kidney injury. Our results indicate that pharmacologic modulation of these miRNAs may have therapeutic potential for acute kidney injury.
Anxiety and Insomnia in Young and Middle‐Aged Adult Hip Pain Patients With and Without Femoroacetabular Impingement and Developmental Hip Dysplasia
Authors: Prather Heidi , Creighton Andrew , Sorenson Chris , Simpson Scott , Reese Maria , Hunt Devyani , Rho Monica
Published: October 2017

Background

In young and middle‐aged adults with and without hip deformity, hip pain receives treatment focused primarily related to hip structure. Because this hip pain may be chronic, these patients develop other coexisting, modifiable disorders related to pain that may go undiagnosed in this young and active population, including insomnia and anxiety.

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare assessments of insomnia and anxiety in young and middle‐aged adults presenting with hip pain with no greater than minimal osteoarthritis (OA) compared to asymptomatic healthy controls. Comparisons between types of hip deformity and no hip deformity in hip pain patients were performed to assess whether patients with specific hip deformities were likely to have insomnia or anxiety as a cofounding disorder to their hip pain.

Design

Prospective case series with control comparison.

Setting

Two tertiary university physiatry outpatient clinics.

Participants

A total of 50 hip pain patients aged 18‐40 years and 50 gender‐ and age‐matched healthy controls.

Methods

Patients were enrolled if 2 provocative hip tests were found on physical examination and hip radiographs had no or minimal OA. Radiographic hip deformity measurements were completed by an independent examiner. Comparisons of insomnia and anxiety were completed between 50 hip pain patients and 50 controls and between patients with different types of hip deformity.

Main Outcome Measures

Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale (PASS).

Results

A total of 50 hip pain patients (11 male and 39 female) with mean age of 31.2 ± 8.31 years enrolled. Hip pain patients slept significantly less (P = .001) per night than controls. Patients experienced significantly greater insomnia (P = .0001) and anxiety (P = .0001) compared to controls. No differences were found in insomnia and anxiety scores between hip pain patients with and without hip deformity or between different types of hip deformity.

Conclusion

Hip pain patients with radiographs demonstrating minimal to no hip arthritis with and without hip deformity experience significant cofounding yet modifiable disorders of sleep and anxiety. If recognized early in presentation, treatment of insomnia and anxiety ultimately will improve outcomes for hip patients treated either conservatively or surgically for their hip disorder.

Level of Evidence

II
Good Living as a Living Law
Authors: Gallegos Anda Carlos E.
Published: October 2017

In 2008, Ecuador reformed its Constitution after a prolonged period of economic, social and political crises. The momentary rupturing of power structures, that had limited political participation to small clusters of elites, opened participatory spaces for historically marginalised social groups to engage in the process of constitutional drafting. As a result of this unprecedented political shift in participation and inclusiveness, alternative notions of cultural, social and economic rights surfaced. This progressive constitutionalism is thus a novel attempt at overcoming legal formalism in favour of a Living Law, a law that embraces the contextual settings where it will be applied by scrutinising the historic power structures that have moulded it. Good Living as a legal principle underlines the enactment of a Living Law.
AN ETHNOARCHAEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE ON GROUND STONE PRODUCTION AT THE SANTIAGO QUARRY IN THE CASAS GRANDES REGION OF CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO
Authors: Searcy Michael T. , Pitezel Todd
Published: October 2017

Researchers have noted and studied the finely formed manos and metates of the Casas Grandes region of northern Mexico, but little is known about how and where they were produced. During a survey project in 2013, we located a quarry, the first discovered in this region, where grinding stones were manufactured using a suite of stone tools. We report the morphology of the site, the tool kit of themetateros(metate makers), and ethnoarchaeological implications resulting from the study of modernmetaterosthat can aid in the interpretation of prehistoric ground stone quarries.
Neurodegeneration of brain networks in the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis–frontotemporal lobar degeneration (ALS–FTLD) continuum: evidence from MRI and MEG studies
Authors: Trojsi Francesca , Sorrentino Pierpaolo , Sorrentino Giuseppe , Tedeschi Gioacchino
Published: October 2017

Brain imaging techniques, especially those based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG), have been increasingly applied to study multiple large-scale distributed brain networks in healthy people and neurological patients. With regard to neurodegenerative disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), clinically characterized by the predominant loss of motor neurons and progressive weakness of voluntary muscles, and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), the second most common early-onset dementia, have been proven to share several clinical, neuropathological, genetic, and neuroimaging features. Specifically, overlapping or mildly diverging brain structural and functional connectivity patterns, mostly evaluated by advanced MRI techniques—such as diffusion tensor and resting-state functional MRI (DT–MRI, RS–fMRI)—have been described comparing several ALS and FTLD populations. Moreover, though only pioneering, promising clues on connectivity patterns in the ALS–FTLD continuum may derive from MEG investigations. We will herein overview the current state of knowledge concerning the most advanced neuroimaging findings associated with clinical and genetic patterns of neurodegeneration across the ALS–FTLD continuum, underlying the possibility that network-based approaches may be useful to develop novel biomarkers of disease for adequately designing and monitoring more appropriate treatment strategies.
Relations between vocabulary and executive functions in Spanish–English dual language learners
Authors: KALIA VRINDA , DANERI M. PAULA , WILBOURN MAKEBA PARRAMORE
Published: October 2017

The role of dual language exposure in children's cognitive development continues to be debated. The majority of the research with bilingual children in the US has been conducted with children becoming literate in onlyoneof their languages. Dual language learners who are becoming literate in both their languages are acutely understudied. We compared dual language learners (n = 61) in a Spanish–English dual language immersion program to monolingual English speaking children (n = 55) who were in a traditional English only school. Children (kindergarten to 3rdgrade) completed standardized vocabulary tasks and two measures of executive functions. Despite having significantly smaller English vocabularies, the dual language learners outperformed the monolingual children on the executive function measures. Implications for our understanding of the relations between oral language development and executive function in bilingual children are discussed.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptomatology in People affected by Home Eviction in Spain
Authors: Robles-Ortega Humbelina , Guerra Pedro , González-Usera Isis , Mata-Martín José Luis , Fernández-Santaella M. Carmen , Vila Jaime , Bolívar-Muñoz Julia , Bernal-Solano Mariola , Mateo-Rodríguez Inmaculada , Daponte-Codina Antonio
Published: October 2017

Despite the higher proportion of foreclosures and home evictions executed in Spain, compared to other countries, and the known link between social exclusion and mental health problems, studies exploring this association in Spain remain scarce. This study investigated the link between the process of home eviction and the appearance of symptomatology of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and perceived stress. Two hundred and five people affected by the process of home eviction were assessed using a structured interview that included three validated assessment instruments for PTSD, perceived stress, anxiety and depression. Analysis involved comparison with the normative groups that formed the validation studies together with regression analysis to determine the major psychological and socio-demographic predictors of perceived stress. Of the participants, 95.1% reported that they were experiencing the process of home eviction with fear, helplessness, or horror. In PTSD symptomatology, they scored higher than the normative PTSD group in symptoms of avoidance (t = 5.01; p < .05), activation (t = 5.48; p < .01), and total score (t = 4.15; p < .05). Of this subgroup, 72.5% fulfilled the DSM-IV symptom criteria for PTSD. The major predictor of perceived stress was PTSD symptomatology (B = .09; p < .001). The process of home eviction in Spain is having an alarming impact on mental health of affected people calling for effective measures to provide psychological and social support.
Burney, Campbell, Gentine, and Lin Receive 2017 Global Environmental Change Early Career Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: October 2017

Jennifer Burney, Elliott Campbell, Pierre Gentine, and Jintai Lin will receive the 2017 Global Environmental Change Early Career Award at the 2017 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, to be held 11–15 December in New Orleans, La. The award recognizes an early-career scientist “for outstanding contributions in research, educational, or societal impacts in the area of global environmental change, especially through interdisciplinary approach.”
Randerson Receives 2017 Piers J. Sellers Global Environmental Change Mid-Career Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: October 2017

James Randerson is the inaugural honoree of the Piers J. Sellers Global Environmental Change Mid-Career Award of the American Geophysical Union's Global Environmental Change focus group. He will receive the award at the 2017 AGU Fall Meeting, to be held 11–15 December in New Orleans, La. The award recognizes a scientist or team of midcareer scientists “for outstanding contributions in research, educational, or societal impacts in the area of global environmental change, especially through interdisciplinary approaches.”
Planktic foraminifera form their shells via metastable carbonate phases
Authors: Jacob D. E. , Wirth R. , Agbaje O. B. A. , Branson O. , Eggins S. M.
Published: October 2017

The calcium carbonate shells of planktic foraminifera provide our most valuable geochemical archive of ocean surface conditions and climate spanning the last 100 million years, and play an important role in the ocean carbon cycle. These shells are preserved in marine sediments as calcite, the stable polymorph of calcium carbonate. Here, we show that shells of living planktic foraminifers Orbulina universa and Neogloboquadrina dutertrei originally form from the unstable calcium carbonate polymorph vaterite, implying a non-classical crystallisation pathway involving metastable phases that transform ultimately to calcite. The current understanding of how planktic foraminifer shells record climate, and how they will fare in a future high-CO2 world is underpinned by analogy to the precipitation and dissolution of inorganic calcite. Our findings require a re-evaluation of this paradigm to consider the formation and transformation of metastable phases, which could exert an influence on the geochemistry and solubility of the biomineral calcite.
The asparagus genome sheds light on the origin and evolution of a young Y chromosome
Authors: Harkess Alex , Zhou Jinsong , Xu Chunyan , Bowers John E. , Van der Hulst Ron , Ayyampalayam Saravanaraj , Mercati Francesco , Riccardi Paolo , McKain Michael R. , Kakrana Atul , Tang Haibao , Ray Jeremy , Groenendijk John , Arikit Siwaret , Mathioni Sandra M. , Nakano Mayumi , Shan Hongyan , Telgmann-Rauber Alexa , Kanno Akira , Yue Zhen , Chen Haixin , Li Wenqi , Chen Yanling , Xu Xiangyang , Zhang Yueping , Luo Shaochun , Chen Helong , Gao Jianming , Mao Zichao , Pires J. Chris , Luo Meizhong , Kudrna Dave , Wing Rod A. , Meyers Blake C. , Yi Kexian , Kong Hongzhi , Lavrijsen Pierre , Sunseri Francesco , Falavigna Agostino , Ye Yin , Leebens-Mack James H. , Chen Guangyu
Published: October 2017

Sex chromosomes evolved from autosomes many times across the eukaryote phylogeny. Several models have been proposed to explain this transition, some involving male and female sterility mutations linked in a region of suppressed recombination between X and Y (or Z/W, U/V) chromosomes. Comparative and experimental analysis of a reference genome assembly for a double haploid YY male garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) individual implicates separate but linked genes as responsible for sex determination. Dioecy has evolved recently within Asparagus and sex chromosomes are cytogenetically identical with the Y, harboring a megabase segment that is missing from the X. We show that deletion of this entire region results in a male-to-female conversion, whereas loss of a single suppressor of female development drives male-to-hermaphrodite conversion. A single copy anther-specific gene with a male sterile Arabidopsis knockout phenotype is also in the Y-specific region, supporting a two-gene model for sex chromosome evolution.
Genome-scale single-cell mechanical phenotyping reveals disease-related genes involved in mitotic rounding
Authors: Toyoda Yusuke , Cattin Cedric J. , Stewart Martin P. , Poser Ina , Theis Mirko , Kurzchalia Teymuras V. , Buchholz Frank , Hyman Anthony A. , Müller Daniel J.
Published: October 2017

To divide, most animal cells drastically change shape and round up against extracellular confinement. Mitotic cells facilitate this process by generating intracellular pressure, which the contractile actomyosin cortex directs into shape. Here, we introduce a genome-scale microcantilever- and RNAi-based approach to phenotype the contribution of > 1000 genes to the rounding of single mitotic cells against confinement. Our screen analyzes the rounding force, pressure and volume of mitotic cells and localizes selected proteins. We identify 49 genes relevant for mitotic rounding, a large portion of which have not previously been linked to mitosis or cell mechanics. Among these, depleting the endoplasmic reticulum-localized protein FAM134A impairs mitotic progression by affecting metaphase plate alignment and pressure generation by delocalizing cortical myosin II. Furthermore, silencing the DJ-1 gene uncovers a link between mitochondria-associated Parkinson’s disease and mitotic pressure. We conclude that mechanical phenotyping is a powerful approach to study the mechanisms governing cell shape.
Blood meal acquisition enhances arbovirus replication in mosquitoes through activation of the GABAergic system
Authors: Zhu Yibin , Zhang Rudian , Zhang Bei , Zhao Tongyan , Wang Penghua , Liang Guodong , Cheng Gong
Published: October 2017

Mosquitoes are hematophagous insects that carry-on and transmit many human viruses. However, little information is available regarding the common mechanisms underlying the infection of mosquitoes by these viruses. In this study, we reveal that the hematophagous nature of mosquitoes contributes to arboviral infection after a blood meal, which suppresses antiviral innate immunity by activating the GABAergic pathway. dsRNA-mediated interruption of the GABA signaling and blockage of the GABAA receptor by the specific inhibitors both significantly impaired arbovirus replication. Consistently, inoculation of GABA enhanced arboviral infection, indicating that GABA signaling facilitates the arboviral infection of mosquitoes. The ingestion of blood by mosquitoes resulted in robust GABA production from glutamic acid derived from blood protein digestion. The oral introduction of glutamic acid increased virus acquisition by mosquitoes via activation of the GABAergic system. Our study reveals that blood meals enhance arbovirus replication in mosquitoes through activation of the GABAergic system.
Sequence and entropy-based control of complex coacervates
Authors: Chang Li-Wei , Lytle Tyler K. , Radhakrishna Mithun , Madinya Jason J. , Vélez Jon , Sing Charles E. , Perry Sarah L.
Published: October 2017

Biomacromolecules rely on the precise placement of monomers to encode information for structure, function, and physiology. Efforts to emulate this complexity via the synthetic control of chemical sequence in polymers are finding success; however, there is little understanding of how to translate monomer sequence to physical material properties. Here we establish design rules for implementing this sequence-control in materials known as complex coacervates. These materials are formed by the associative phase separation of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes into polyelectrolyte dense (coacervate) and polyelectrolyte dilute (supernatant) phases. We demonstrate that patterns of charges can profoundly affect the charge–charge associations that drive this process. Furthermore, we establish the physical origin of this pattern-dependent interaction: there is a nuanced combination of structural changes in the dense coacervate phase and a 1D confinement of counterions due to patterns along polymers in the supernatant phase.
Inflating hollow nanocrystals through a repeated Kirkendall cavitation process
Authors: Tianou He , Wang Weicong , Yang Xiaolong , Cao Zhenming , Kuang Qin , Wang Zhao , Shan Zhiwei , Jin Mingshang , Yin Yadong
Published: October 2017

The Kirkendall effect has been recently used to produce hollow nanostructures by taking advantage of the different diffusion rates of species involved in the chemical transformations of nanoscale objects. Here we demonstrate a nanoscale Kirkendall cavitation process that can transform solid palladium nanocrystals into hollow palladium nanocrystals through insertion and extraction of phosphorus. The key to success in producing monometallic hollow nanocrystals is the effective extraction of phosphorus through an oxidation reaction, which promotes the outward diffusion of phosphorus from the compound nanocrystals of palladium phosphide and consequently the inward diffusion of vacancies and their coalescence into larger voids. We further demonstrate that this Kirkendall cavitation process can be repeated a number of times to gradually inflate the hollow metal nanocrystals, producing nanoshells of increased diameters and decreased thicknesses. The resulting thin palladium nanoshells exhibit enhanced catalytic activity and high durability toward formic acid oxidation.
Spermine synthase deficiency causes lysosomal dysfunction and oxidative stress in models of Snyder-Robinson syndrome
Authors: Li Chong , Brazill Jennifer M. , Liu Sha , Bello Christofer , Zhu Yi , Morimoto Marie , Cascio Lauren , Pauly Rini , Diaz-Perez Zoraida , Malicdan May Christine V. , Wang Hongbo , Boccuto Luigi , Schwartz Charles E. , Gahl William A. , Boerkoel Cornelius F. , Zhai R. Grace
Published: October 2017

Polyamines are tightly regulated polycations that are essential for life. Loss-of-function mutations in spermine synthase (SMS), a polyamine biosynthesis enzyme, cause Snyder-Robinson syndrome (SRS), an X-linked intellectual disability syndrome; however, little is known about the neuropathogenesis of the disease. Here we show that loss of dSms in Drosophila recapitulates the pathological polyamine imbalance of SRS and causes survival defects and synaptic degeneration. SMS deficiency leads to excessive spermidine catabolism, which generates toxic metabolites that cause lysosomal defects and oxidative stress. Consequently, autophagy–lysosome flux and mitochondrial function are compromised in the Drosophila nervous system and SRS patient cells. Importantly, oxidative stress caused by loss of SMS is suppressed by genetically or pharmacologically enhanced antioxidant activity. Our findings uncover some of the mechanisms underlying the pathological consequences of abnormal polyamine metabolism in the nervous system and may provide potential therapeutic targets for treating SRS and other polyamine-associated neurological disorders.
Hedgehog mediated degradation of Ihog adhesion proteins modulates cell segregation in Drosophila wing imaginal discs
Authors: Hsia Elaine Y. C. , Zhang Ya , Tran Hai Son , Lim Agnes , Chou Ya-Hui , Lan Ganhui , Beachy Philip A. , Zheng Xiaoyan
Published: October 2017

The Drosophila Hedgehog receptor functions to regulate the essential downstream pathway component, Smoothened, and to limit the range of signaling by sequestering Hedgehog protein signal within imaginal disc epithelium. Hedgehog receptor function requires both Patched and Ihog activity, the latter interchangeably encoded by interference hedgehog (ihog) or brother of ihog (boi). Here we show that Patched and Ihog activity are mutually required for receptor endocytosis and degradation, triggered by Hedgehog protein binding, and causing reduced levels of Ihog/Boi proteins in a stripe of cells at the anterior/posterior compartment boundary of the wing imaginal disc. This Ihog spatial discontinuity may contribute to classically defined cell segregation and lineage restriction at the anterior/posterior wing disc compartment boundary, as suggested by our observations that Ihog activity mediates aggregation of otherwise non-adherent cultured cells and that loss of Ihog activity disrupts wing disc cell segregation, even with downstream genetic rescue of Hedgehog signal response.
Evolution of Weyl orbit and quantum Hall effect in Dirac semimetal Cd3As2
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Narayan Awadhesh , Lu Shiheng , Zhang Jinglei , Zhang Huiqin , Ni Zhuoliang , Yuan Xiang , Liu Yanwen , Park Ju-Hyun , Zhang Enze , Wang Weiyi , Liu Shanshan , Cheng Long , Pi Li , Sheng Zhigao , Sanvito Stefano , Xiu Faxian
Published: October 2017

Owing to the coupling between open Fermi arcs on opposite surfaces, topological Dirac semimetals exhibit a new type of cyclotron orbit in the surface states known as Weyl orbit. Here, by lowering the carrier density in Cd3As2 nanoplates, we observe a crossover from multiple-frequency to single-frequency Shubnikov–de Haas (SdH) oscillations when subjected to out-of-plane magnetic field, indicating the dominant role of surface transport. With the increase of magnetic field, the SdH oscillations further develop into quantum Hall state with non-vanishing longitudinal resistance. By tracking the oscillation frequency and Hall plateau, we observe a Zeeman-related splitting and extract the Landau level index as well as sub-band number. Different from conventional two-dimensional systems, this unique quantum Hall effect may be related to the quantized version of Weyl orbits. Our results call for further investigations into the exotic quantum Hall states in the low-dimensional structure of topological semimetals.
Calculating with light using a chip-scale all-optical abacus
Authors: Feldmann J. , Stegmaier M. , Gruhler N. , Ríos C. , Bhaskaran H. , Wright C. D. , Pernice W. H. P.
Published: October 2017

Machines that simultaneously process and store multistate data at one and the same location can provide a new class of fast, powerful and efficient general-purpose computers. We demonstrate the central element of an all-optical calculator, a photonic abacus, which provides multistate compute-and-store operation by integrating functional phase-change materials with nanophotonic chips. With picosecond optical pulses we perform the fundamental arithmetic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, including a carryover into multiple cells. This basic processing unit is embedded into a scalable phase-change photonic network and addressed optically through a two-pulse random access scheme. Our framework provides first steps towards light-based non-von Neumann arithmetic.
Impact of diet-derived signaling molecules on human cognition: exploring the food–brain axis
Authors: Rodriguez Raymond L. , Albeck John G. , Taha Ameer Y. , Ori-McKenney Kassandra M. , Recanzone Gregg H. , Stradleigh Tyler W. , Hernandez Bronte C. , Tang Feng-Yao Vincent , Chiang En-Pei Isabel , Cruz-Orengo Lillian
Published: October 2017

The processes that define mammalian physiology evolved millions of years ago in response to ancient signaling molecules, most of which were acquired by ingestion and digestion. In this way, evolution inextricably linked diet to all major physiological systems including the nervous system. The importance of diet in neurological development is well documented, although the mechanisms by which diet-derived signaling molecules (DSMs) affect cognition are poorly understood. Studies on the positive impact of nutritive and non-nutritive bioactive molecules on brain function are encouraging but lack the statistical power needed to demonstrate strong positive associations. Establishing associations between DSMs and cognitive functions like mood, memory and learning are made even more difficult by the lack of robust phenotypic markers that can be used to accurately and reproducibly measure the effects of DSMs. Lastly, it is now apparent that processes like neurogenesis and neuroplasticity are embedded within layers of interlocked signaling pathways and gene regulatory networks. Within these interdependent pathways and networks, the various transducers of DSMs are used combinatorially to produce those emergent adaptive gene expression responses needed for stimulus-induced neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Taken together, it appears that cognition is encoded genomically and modified by epigenetics and epitranscriptomics to produce complex transcriptional programs that are exquisitely sensitive to signaling molecules from the environment. Models for how DSMs mediate the interplay between the environment and various neuronal processes are discussed in the context of the food–brain axis.
Genome expansion and lineage-specific genetic innovations in the forest pathogenic fungi Armillaria
Authors: Sipos György , Prasanna Arun N. , Walter Mathias C. , O’Connor Eoin , Bálint Balázs , Krizsán Krisztina , Kiss Brigitta , Hess Jaqueline , Varga Torda , Slot Jason , Riley Robert , Bóka Bettina , Rigling Daniel , Barry Kerrie , Lee Juna , Mihaltcheva Sirma , LaButti Kurt , Lipzen Anna , Waldron Rose , Moloney Nicola M. , Sperisen Christoph , Kredics László , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Patrignani Andrea , Fitzpatrick David , Nagy István , Doyle Sean , Anderson James B. , Grigoriev Igor V. , Güldener Ulrich , Münsterkötter Martin , Nagy László G.
Published: October 2017

Armillaria species are both devastating forest pathogens and some of the largest terrestrial organisms on Earth. They forage for hosts and achieve immense colony sizes via rhizomorphs, root-like multicellular structures of clonal dispersal. Here, we sequenced and analysed the genomes of four Armillaria species and performed RNA sequencing and quantitative proteomic analysis on the invasive and reproductive developmental stages of A. ostoyae. Comparison with 22 related fungi revealed a significant genome expansion in Armillaria, affecting several pathogenicity-related genes, lignocellulose-degrading enzymes and lineage-specific genes expressed during rhizomorph development. Rhizomorphs express an evolutionarily young transcriptome that shares features with the transcriptomes of both fruiting bodies and vegetative mycelia. Several genes show concomitant upregulation in rhizomorphs and fruiting bodies and share cis-regulatory signatures in their promoters, providing genetic and regulatory insights into complex multicellularity in fungi. Our results suggest that the evolution of the unique dispersal and pathogenicity mechanisms of Armillaria might have drawn upon ancestral genetic toolkits for wood-decay, morphogenesis and complex multicellularity.
GP73 regulates Hepatic Steatosis by enhancing SCAP-SREBPs interaction
Authors: Yang Xiaoli , Wu Feixiang , Chen Jiankang , Wang Cui , Zhu Yongjie , Li Feng , Hao Qinfang , Duan Cuijuan , Wang Li , Ma Xueping , Zou Deyong , Luo Li , Zhao Yiwen , Guan Kai , Cao Yuan , Zhang Pingping , Zhou Pengyu , Ma Shengli , Yan Zhifeng , Li Jia , Zhang Yanhong , Wei Congwen , Zhong Hui
Published: October 2017

Elevated Golgi phosphoprotein 2 (GP73, also known as GOLPH2 or GOLM1) expression in serum and liver, which can be induced by viral infection and cytokine treatments, is intimately connected with liver disease, including acute hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its pathogenic roles in hepatic diseases have never been clarified in detail. Here, we showed that the upregulated GP73 is indispensable for SREBPs activation and lipogenesis. Notably, GP73 overexpression enhanced SCAP-SREBPs binding and its Golgi trafficking even under cholesterol sufficiency. Consistent with these functional findings, GP73 blockage could alleviate tunicamycin-induced liver steatosis by reducing SREBPs activation. A significant positive correlation of GP73 with genes in lipid metabolism pathway was also identified in liver cancer based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Our findings revealed previously unrecognized role of GP73 in lipid metabolism.
Using phage display technology to obtain Crybodies active against non-target insects
Authors: Domínguez-Flores Tania , Romero-Bosquet María Dolores , Gantiva-Díaz Diana Marcela , Luque-Navas María José , Berry Colin , Osuna Antonio , Vílchez Susana
Published: October 2017

The insecticidal Cry toxins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are increasingly important in the biological control of insect pests and vectors of human disease. Markets for Bt products and transgenic plants expressing their toxins are driven by their specificity, safety and the move away from chemical control agents. However, the high specificity of Cry toxins can also prove to be a limitation when there is no known Cry toxin active against a particular target. Novel activities can be discovered by screening natural Bt isolates or through modifications of the Cry proteins. Here we demonstrate the use of λ-phage displaying Cry1Aa13 toxin variants modified in domain II loop 2 (Crybodies) to select retargeted toxins. Through biopanning using gut tissue from larvae of the non-target insect Aedes aegypti, we isolated a number of phage for further testing. Two of the overexpressed Cry toxin variants showed significant activity against A. aegypti larvae while another induced mortality at the pupal stage. We present the first report of the use of phage display to identify novel activities toward insects from distant taxonomic Orders and establish this technology based on the use of Crybodies as a powerful tool for developing tailor-made insecticides against new target insects.
Wavelength-tunable passively mode-locked mid-infrared Er3+-doped ZBLAN fiber laser
Authors: Shen Yanlong , Wang Yishan , Chen Hongwei , Luan Kunpeng , Tao Mengmeng , Si Jinhai
Published: October 2017

A passively mode-locked Er3+-doped ZBLAN fiber laser around 3 μm with a wide wavelength tuning range is proposed and demonstrated. The laser cavity was comprised of a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror and a blazed grating to provide a wavelength tunable feedback. The central wavelength of the mode-locked fiber laser can be continuously tuned from 2710 to 2820 nm. The pulse train had a maximum average power of higher than 203 mW, a repetition rate of 28.9 MHz and a pulse duration of 6.4 ps, yielding a peak power of exceeding 1.1 kW. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a wavelength-tunable passively mode-locked mid-infrared fiber laser at 3 μm.
Long-latency interhemispheric interactions between motor-related areas and the primary motor cortex: a dual site TMS study
Authors: Fiori Francesca , Chiappini Emilio , Candidi Matteo , Romei Vincenzo , Borgomaneri Sara , Avenanti Alessio
Published: October 2017

The primary motor cortex (M1) is highly influenced by premotor/motor areas both within and across hemispheres. Dual site transcranial magnetic stimulation (dsTMS) has revealed interhemispheric interactions mainly at early latencies. Here, we used dsTMS to systematically investigate long-latency causal interactions between right-hemisphere motor areas and the left M1 (lM1). We stimulated lM1 using a suprathreshold test stimulus (TS) to elicit motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) in the right hand. Either a suprathreshold or a subthreshold conditioning stimulus (CS) was applied over the right M1 (rM1), the right ventral premotor cortex (rPMv), the right dorsal premotor cortex (rPMd) or the supplementary motor area (SMA) prior to the TS at various CS-TS inter-stimulus intervals (ISIs: 40–150 ms). The CS strongly affected lM1 excitability depending on ISI, CS site and intensity. Inhibitory effects were observed independently of CS intensity when conditioning PMv, rM1 and SMA at a 40-ms ISI, with larger effects after PMv conditioning. Inhibition was observed with suprathreshold PMv and rM1 conditioning at a 150-ms ISI, while site-specific, intensity-dependent facilitation was detected at an 80-ms ISI. Thus, long-latency interhemispheric interactions, likely reflecting indirect cortico-cortical/cortico-subcortical pathways, cannot be reduced to nonspecific activation across motor structures. Instead, they reflect intensity-dependent, connection- and time-specific mechanisms.