bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Choosing Choice: How Gender and Religiosity Shape Abortion Attitudes among Latinos
Authors: Holman Mirya , Podrazik Erica , Silber Mohamed Heather
Published: March 2020

The relationship between religiosity and political attitudes is well established in the United States, particularly around gendered issues like abortion. However, this relationship can be complicated by the highly gendered and racialized nature of social identities. In this paper, we explore how different forms of religiosity (belonging to a denomination, specific religious beliefs, and religious behavior in church and in private) interact with gender to shape Latino abortion preferences. Using two sets of national survey data, we find that Evangelicalism and church attendance are more strongly associated with anti-abortion attitudes among Latino men, while religious beliefs are gender neutral. Our results illustrate the importance of intersectional approaches to studies of social identities and political preferences, as well as the importance of including gender in research on the role of the Evangelical church on immigrant political behavior.
The Quality of Botswana's Environmental Protection Regulatory Framework
Authors: Madebwe Tinashe
Published: March 2020

This article explores why Botswana's environmental protection regulatory framework is failing to stem environmental deterioration. Based on the observation that such deterioration persists despite the fact that there is a framework in place, the discussion draws from experience with successful environmental protection regulatory frameworks around the world. The discussion establishes that successful environmental protection regulatory frameworks incorporate numerical quality and ecological standards, a command and control approach (with context-sensitive alternatives to account for the approach's limitations), and credible enforcement mechanisms. This article measures the extent to which Botswana's environmental protection regulatory framework incorporates these elements; it identifies that the reason why the framework has failed to stem environmental deterioration is that it does not adequately incorporate these qualities and proposes how this could be addressed going forward.
The isotopic nitrogen turnover rate as a proxy to evaluate in the long-term the protein turnover in growing ruminants
Authors: Cantalapiedra-Hijar Gonzalo , Fouillet Hélène , Chantelauze Céline , Khodorova Nadezda , Bahloul Lahlou , Ortigues-Marty Isabelle
Published: March 2020

Protein turnover is an energy-consuming process that is essential for ensuring the maintenance of living organisms. Gold standard methods for whole-body protein turnover (WBPT) measurement have inherent drawbacks precluding their generalization for large farm animals and use during long periods. Here, we proposed a non-invasive proxy for the WBPT over a long period of time and in a large number of beef cattle. The proxy is based on the rate at which urine-N and plasma proteins are progressively depleted in terms of15N after a slight decrease in the isotopic N composition of the diet (i.e. diet switch). We aimed to test the ability of this proxy to adequately discriminate the WBPT of 36 growing-fattening young bulls assigned to different dietary treatments known to impact the WBPT rate, with different protein contents (normalv.high) and amino acid profiles (balancedv.unbalanced in methionine). The15N depletion rate found in plasma proteins represented their fractional synthesis rate, whereas the slow depletion rate found in urine was interpreted as a proxy of the WBPT. The proxy tested in urine suggested different WBPT values between the normal- and high-protein diets but not between the balanced and unbalanced methionine diets. In contrast, the proxy tested in plasma indicated that both dietary conditions affected the fractional synthesis rate of plasma proteins. We considered that the rate at which urine is progressively15N-depleted following an isotopic diet switch could be proposed as a non-invasive proxy of the WBPT rate in large farm animals.
Broilers’ behavioural adjustments when submitted to natural heat stress and fed different maize particle sizes in the diet
Authors: Santos M. M. , Souza-Junior J. B. F. , Queiroz J. P. A. F. , Costa M. K. O. , Lima H. F. F. , Arruda A. M. V. , Costa L. L. M.
Published: March 2020

Since behavioural adjustments are an important line of defence against thermal stress, either due to their energy efficiency or to efficiency at preventing overheating, we aimed to evaluate whether broilers fed different maize particle sizes adjusted their behaviour to deal with heat stress challenges. At several times a day, the behaviour of 220 naked neck broilers was evaluated. These broilers were fed with isonutritive diets containing maize with different geometric mean diameters (GMD): 605 and 2280 μm. The thermal environment was monitored during the experiment. Panting and open wings were the only behaviours that showed differences between the times of day (P < 0.05). However, GMD showed a significant effect on feed intake and panting (P < 0.05). The interaction between GMD and time of day was significant only on panting (P < 0.05). Although no daily variation was observed, the highest feed intake was observed in broilers fed the diet containing maize with a GMD of 2280 μm. Less than 5% of the broilers were observed drinking water during the day. Open wings was the behavioural adjustment most used by broilers from 10:00 h, and remained elevated until 14:00 h for both GMDs. The birds panted more when fed the diet containing maize with a GMD of 2280 μm. In conclusion, broilers adjust their behaviour to dissipate excess body heat from the environment and as a result of feed intake. Coarse particles of maize in the diet increase the thermal challenge of broilers since the environment also provides stressful thermal conditions.
The grammaticalisation ofneverin British English dialects: Quantifying syntactic and functional change
Authors: CHILDS CLAIRE
Published: March 2020

Neveroriginated as a temporal adverb expressing universal quantification over time (‘Type 1’, e.g.he’s never been to Paris). As Lucas & Willis (2012) report, it has developed non-quantificational meanings equivalent todidn’t, starting with the ‘Type 2’ use which depicts an event that could have occurred in a specific ‘window of opportunity’ (e.g.she waited but he never arrived). Subsequently, a non-standard ‘Type 3’ use developed, wherenevercan be used with other predicates (e.g.I never won that competition yesterday). To what extent does variation in the use ofneverin present-day English reflect the proposed historical development of the form? This study addresses this question by integrating syntactic theory into a quantitative variationist approach, analysingnevervs.didn’tin Type 2 and Type 3 contexts using speech corpora from three Northern British communities. The results show how syntactic–semantic constraints onneverin Type 2 contexts persist in its newer, Type 3 uses, e.g. it is used at higher rates in achievement predicates. While Type 2 contexts are associated with the expression of counter-expectation,neverhas become pragmatically strengthened in its Type 3 use, where it is often used to contradict a previously-expressed proposition.
Is Bitcoin a decentralized payment mechanism?
Authors: Luther William J. , Stein Smith Sean
Published: March 2020

We make a distinction between centralized, decentralized, and distributed payment mechanisms. A centralized payment mechanism processes a transaction using a trusted third party. A decentralized payment mechanism processes a transaction between the parties to the transaction. A distributed payment mechanism relies on the network of users to process a transaction on a shared ledger. We maintain that bitcoin is neither a centralized nor a decentralized payment mechanism. It is, instead, a distributed payment mechanism. We then consider decentralized and centralized aspects of the broader bitcoin payment space.
Discovery of Vestige Sedimentary Archives of the India‐Asia Collision in the Eastern Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone
Authors: Wei Zhen , Li Xianghui , Li Yongxiang , Fan Xiaolong , Wang Jingyu , Zhang Chaokai , Jiebu Gongjue
Published: March 2020

The lack of syncollisional sediments in the eastern Yarlung Zangbo suture zone (YZSZ) has impeded our understanding of the India‐Asia collision, particularly as to whether the collision was synchronous or diachronous. In this paper, we present evidence for the vestige sedimentary archives of the initial India‐Asia collision retained in the previously proposed “Cretaceous Langxian Mélange” in the eastern YZSZ, southern Tibet. Field investigations of marbles and intercalated meta‐siliciclastic rocks, together with analyses of petrography, cathodoluminescence image, geochronology, trace elements, and Nd isotopes show that (1) marbles occur as thin‐bedded to massive individual layers consistently dipping to the south at 50–80°, (2) marble and intercalated meta‐siliciclastic rocks exhibit the same deformational (foliations S0 and S1) and metamorphic (green‐schist facies) history with nearly same detrital‐zircon age spectra and εNd(0) values, (3) protoliths of the meta‐sedimentary rocks were sourced from both India and Asia and deposited during the early Eocene, and (4) protoliths of the marbles were probably precipitated in a marine environment. These lines of evidence suggest that the previously proposed mélange is indeed not the Cretaceous mélange, but the vestige of syncollisional sedimentary strata that was originally deposited in situ in a syncollisional foreland basin. The estimated collisional age of prior to ~56 Ma in the eastern YZSZ is almost consistent with the 60–56 Ma age estimated from the western‐central YZSZ and Himalaya, indicating a (quasi‐) synchronous initial India‐Asia collision at ~60–56 Ma.
Near‐Field Effects of Earthquake Rupture Velocity Into Tsunami Runup Heights
Authors: Riquelme S. , Schwarze H. , Fuentes M. , Campos J.
Published: March 2020

Tsunamis have often been treated as an isolated phenomena from the earthquake itself. In tsunami modeling, seafloor deformation is generated from an earthquake. That deformation is copied into the sea surface, and then, the tsunami is propagated over the ocean. On the other hand, rupture velocities from earthquakes are in the span of 1.5–2.5 km/s; therefore, it is safe to approximate the earthquake rupture propagation as an instantaneous phenomena relative to the tsunami propagation. However, this is not necessarily true for all earthquakes. Several types of large slow earthquakes or nonregular earthquakes, such as low frequency earthquakes and very low frequency earthquakes, and tsunami earthquakes have been detected and observed in certain zones around the world. A key question is: Do giant thrust tsunamigenic earthquakes produce slow rupture (0.1–0.5 km/s) velocities? In this study, we model heterogeneous earthquakes sources using very slow rupture velocities (0.1– 2.5 km/s) with the aim of understanding how this parameter affects the tsunami propagation and runup. We compute the amplification due to a very slow moment release in megathrust earthquakes. Our research shows that rupture velocity plays a key role on runup amplification, and the classic instantaneous case might not work as expected for every case.
Hardness and Yield Strength of CO Ice Under Martian Temperature Conditions
Authors: Kaufmann E. , Attree N. , Bradwell T. , Hagermann A.
Published: March 2020

Although ice fracturing and deformation is key to understanding some of the landforms encountered in the high‐latitude regions on Mars and on other icy bodies in the solar system, little is known about the mechanical characteristics of CO
ice. We have measured the hardness of solid CO
ice directly in the laboratory with a Leeb hardness tester and calculated the corresponding yield strength. We have also measured the hardness of water ice by the same method, confirming previous work. Our results indicate that CO
ice is slightly weaker, ranging between Leeb
200 and 400 (
10 and 30 MPa yield strength, assuming only plastic deformation and no strain hardening during the experiment), for typical Martian temperatures. Our results can be used for models of CO
ice rupture (depending on the deformation timescales) explaining surface processes on Mars and solar system icy bodies.
Reconstruction of GRACE Data on Changes in Total Water Storage Over the Global Land Surface and 60 Basins
Authors: Sun Zhangli , Long Di , Yang Wenting , Li Xueying , Pan Yun
Published: March 2020

Launched in May 2018, the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow‐On mission (GRACE‐FO)—the successor of the erstwhile GRACE mission—monitors changes in total water storage, which is a critical state variable of the regional and global hydrologic cycles. However, the gap between data of the two missions is breaking the continuity of the observations and limiting its further application. In this study, we used three learning‐based models, that is, deep neural network, multiple linear regression (MLR), and seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average with exogenous variables, and six GRACE solutions (i.e., Jet Propulsion Laboratory spherical harmonics (JPL‐SH), Center for Space Research SH (CSR‐SH), GeoforschungsZentrum Potsdam SH (GFZ‐SH), JPL mass concentration blocks (mascons) (JPL‐M), CSR mascons (CSR‐M), and Goddard Space Flight Center mascons (GSFC‐M)) to reconstruct the missing monthly data at a grid cell scale. Evaluation showed that the three learning‐based models were reliable for the reconstruction of GRACE data in areas with humid and no/low human interventions. The deep neural network models slightly outperformed the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average with exogenous variables models and significantly outperformed the multiple linear regression models in most of 60 basins studied. The three GRACE mascon data sets performed better than the SH data sets at the basin scale. The models with SH solutions showed similar performance, but the models with the mascon solutions varied markedly in some basins. Results of this study are expected to provide a reference for bridging the data gaps between the GRACE and GRACE‐FO satellites and for selecting suitable GRACE solutions for regional hydrologic studies.
Dual regulation of p53 by the ribosome maturation factor SBDS
Authors: Hao Qian , Wang Jieqiong , Chen Yajie , Wang Shanshan , Cao Mingming , Lu Hua , Zhou Xiang
Published: March 2020

The Shwachman-Bodian Diamond syndrome (SBDS)-associated gene, SBDS, is involved in rRNA synthesis and ribosome maturation, but the role of SBDS in cancer is largely elusive. In this study, we found that SBDS is often overexpressed or amplified in human cancers, and high level of endogenous SBDS is significantly associated with unfavorable prognosis. Conversely, knockdown of SBDS leads to p53 stabilization and activation through the ribosomal stress-RPL5/RPL11-MDM2 pathway, resulting in the repression of cancer cell proliferation and invasion. Interestingly, ectopic SBDS in the nucleoplasm also suppresses tumor cell growth and proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, ectopically expressed SBDS triggered by, for example, ribosomal stress binds to the transactivation domain of p53 and perturbs the MDM2–p53 interaction, consequently leading to impaired p53 ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Altogether, our finding for the first time demonstrates the dual functions of SBDS in cancer development by coordinating ribosome biogenesis and p53 activity.
Signaling networks in immunometabolism
Authors: Saravia Jordy , Raynor Jana L. , Chapman Nicole M. , Lim Seon Ah , Chi Hongbo
Published: March 2020

Adaptive immunity is essential for pathogen and tumor eradication, but may also trigger uncontrolled or pathological inflammation. T cell receptor, co-stimulatory and cytokine signals coordinately dictate specific signaling networks that trigger the activation and functional programming of T cells. In addition, cellular metabolism promotes T cell responses and is dynamically regulated through the interplay of serine/threonine kinases, immunological cues and nutrient signaling networks. In this review, we summarize the upstream regulators and signaling effectors of key serine/threonine kinase-mediated signaling networks, including PI3K–AGC kinases, mTOR and LKB1–AMPK pathways that regulate metabolism, especially in T cells. We also provide our perspectives about the pending questions and clinical applicability of immunometabolic signaling. Understanding the regulators and effectors of immunometabolic signaling networks may uncover therapeutic targets to modulate metabolic programming and T cell responses in human disease.
Predicting densities and elastic moduli of SiO2-based glasses by machine learning
Authors: Hu Yong-Jie , Zhao Ge , Zhang Mingfei , Bin Bin , Del Rose Tyler , Zhao Qian , Zu Qun , Chen Yang , Sun Xuekun , de Jong Maarten , Qi Liang
Published: March 2020

Chemical design of SiO2-based glasses with high elastic moduli and low weight is of great interest. However, it is difficult to find a universal expression to predict the elastic moduli according to the glass composition before synthesis since the elastic moduli are a complex function of interatomic bonds and their ordering at different length scales. Here we show that the densities and elastic moduli of SiO2-based glasses can be efficiently predicted by machine learning (ML) techniques across a complex compositional space with multiple (>10) types of additive oxides besides SiO2. Our machine learning approach relies on a training set generated by high-throughput molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, a set of elaborately constructed descriptors that bridges the empirical statistical modeling with the fundamental physics of interatomic bonding, and a statistical learning/predicting model developed by implementing least absolute shrinkage and selection operator with a gradient boost machine (GBM-LASSO). The predictions of the ML model are comprehensively compared and validated with a large amount of both simulation and experimental data. By just training with a dataset only composed of binary and ternary glass samples, our model shows very promising capabilities to predict the density and elastic moduli for k-nary SiO2-based glasses beyond the training set. As an example of its potential applications, our GBM-LASSO model was used to perform a rapid and low-cost screening of many (~105) compositions of a multicomponent glass system to construct a compositional-property database that allows for a fruitful overview on the glass density and elastic properties.
The Impact of PPARD and PPARG Polymorphisms on Glioma Risk and Prognosis
Authors: Ding Xiaoying , Han Xinsheng , Yuan Haozheng , Zhang Yong , Gao Ya
Published: March 2020

Recent studies showed that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) had effects on the progression of multiple tumors, but the role of PPARD and PPARG in glioma remains poorly understand. We conducted a case-control study to investigate the association of polymorphisms in PPARD and PPARG with glioma risk and prognosis in the Chinese Han population. Seven polymorphisms (PPARD: rs2016520, rs67056409, rs1053049 and rs2206030; PPARG: rs2920503, rs4073770 and rs1151988) were genotyped using the Agena MassARRAY system in 568 glioma patients and 509 healthy controls. The odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the association of PPARD and PPARG polymorphisms with glioma risk. The Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) method was used to analysis interactions of genetic polymorphisms on glioma risk. Then, we conducted log-rank test, Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression model to evaluate the relationship of PPARD and PPARG polymorphisms with glioma prognosis. We found PPARD polymorphisms (rs2016520, rs67056409, rs1053049) were significantly associated with glioma risk in multiple models (P < 0.05). Stratified analysis showed rs2016520, rs67056409, rs1053049 of PPARD significantly decreased risk of glioma in the subgroup of age > 40 and astrocytoma (P < 0.05). For male, PPARD rs1053049 had a strong relationship with glioma risk in allele (P = 0.041), dominant (P = 0.040) and additive (P = 0.040) models. The effect of PPARG rs2920503 on glioma risk was related to glioma grade (P < 0.05). MDR showed that a seven-locus model was the best polymorphisms interaction pattern. Moreover, surgery and chemotherapy had strongly impact on overall survival and progression free survival of glioma patients. Our findings suggested that PPARD and PPARG polymorphisms were associated with glioma risk and prognosis in the Chinese Han population, and further studies are need to confirm our results.
Quantitative real-time imaging of intracellular FRET biosensor dynamics using rapid multi-beam confocal FLIM
Authors: Levitt James A. , Poland Simon P. , Krstajic Nikola , Pfisterer Karin , Erdogan Ahmet , Barber Paul R. , Parsons Maddy , Henderson Robert K. , Ameer-Beg Simon M.
Published: March 2020

Fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) is a quantitative, intensity-independent microscopical method for measurement of diverse biochemical and physical properties in cell biology. It is a highly effective method for measurements of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), and for quantification of protein-protein interactions in cells. Time-domain FLIM-FRET measurements of these dynamic interactions are particularly challenging, since the technique requires excellent photon statistics to derive experimental parameters from the complex decay kinetics often observed from fluorophores in living cells. Here we present a new time-domain multi-confocal FLIM instrument with an array of 64 visible beamlets to achieve parallelised excitation and detection with average excitation powers of ~ 1–2 μW per beamlet. We exemplify this instrument with up to 0.5 frames per second time-lapse FLIM measurements of cAMP levels using an Epac-based fluorescent biosensor in live HeLa cells with nanometer spatial and picosecond temporal resolution. We demonstrate the use of time-dependent phasor plots to determine parameterisation for multi-exponential decay fitting to monitor the fractional contribution of the activated conformation of the biosensor. Our parallelised confocal approach avoids having to compromise on speed, noise, accuracy in lifetime measurements and provides powerful means to quantify biochemical dynamics in living cells.
Floods and rivers: a circular causality perspective
Authors: Sofia G. , Nikolopoulos E. I.
Published: March 2020

An improved understanding of changes in flood hazard and the underlying driving mechanisms is critical for predicting future changes for better adaptation strategies. While recent increases in flooding across the world have been partly attributed to a range of atmospheric or landscape drivers, one often-forgotten driver of changes in flood properties is the variability of river conveyance capacity. This paper proposes a new framework for connecting flood changes to longitudinal variability in river conveyance, precipitation climatology, flows and sediment connectivity. We present a first step, based on a regional analysis, towards a longer-term research effort that is required to decipher the circular causality between floods and rivers. The results show how this system of interacting units in the atmospheric, hydrologic and geomorphological realm function as a nonlinear filter that fundamentally alters the frequency of flood events. To revise and refine our estimation of future flood risk, this work highlights that multidriver attribution studies are needed, that include boundary conditions such as underlying climate, water and sediment connectivity, and explicit estimations of river conveyance properties.
Glioblastoma infiltration of both tumor- and virus-antigen specific cytotoxic T cells correlates with experimental virotherapy responses
Authors: Alayo Quazim A. , Ito Hirotaka , Passaro Carmela , Zdioruk Mykola , Mahmoud Ahmad Bakur , Grauwet Korneel , Zhang Xiaoli , Lawler Sean E. , Reardon David A. , Goins William F. , Fernandez Soledad , Chiocca E. Antonio , Nakashima Hiroshi
Published: March 2020

The mode of action for oncolytic viruses (OVs) in cancer treatment is thought to depend on a direct initial cytotoxic effect against infected tumor cells and subsequent activation of immune cell responses directed against the neoplasm. To study both of these effects in a mouse model of glioblastoma (GBM), we employed murine GBM cells engineered to constitutively express the type I Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV1) HSV-1 receptor, nectin-1, to allow for more efficient infection and replication by oncolytic HSV (oHSV). These cells were further engineered with a surrogate tumor antigen to facilitate assays of T cell activity. We utilized MRI-based volumetrics to measure GBM responses after injection with the oHSV and bioluminescent imaging (BLI) to determine oHSV replicative kinetics in the injected tumor mass. We found increased infiltration of both surrogate tumor antigen- and oHSV antigen-specific CD8+ T cells within 7 days after oHSV injection. There was no increase in tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells expressing “exhaustion” markers, yet oHSV infection led to a reduction in PD-1+ CD8+ T cells in injected GBMs and an increase in IFNγ+ CD8+ T cells. There was a significant direct correlation between oHSV-mediated reduction in GBM volume and increased infiltration of both viral and tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells, as well as oHSV intratumoral gene activity. These findings imply that CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity against both tumor and viral antigens as well as intratumoral oHSV gene expression are important in oHSV-mediated GBM therapy.
The unprecedented membrane deformation of the human nuclear envelope, in a magnetic field, indicates formation of nuclear membrane invaginations
Authors: Dazzoni Régine , Grélard Axelle , Morvan Estelle , Bouter Anthony , Applebee Christopher J. , Loquet Antoine , Larijani Banafshé , Dufourc Erick J.
Published: March 2020

Human nuclear membrane (hNM) invaginations are thought to be crucial in fusion, fission and remodeling of cells and present in many human diseases. There is however little knowledge, if any, about their lipid composition and dynamics. We therefore isolated nuclear envelope lipids from human kidney cells, analyzed their composition and determined the membrane dynamics after resuspension in buffer. The hNM lipid extract was composed of a complex mixture of phospholipids, with high amounts of phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylinositols (PI) and cholesterol. hNM dynamics was determined by solid-state NMR and revealed that the lamellar gel-to-fluid phase transition occurs below 0 °C, reflecting the presence of elevated amounts of unsaturated fatty acid chains. Fluidity was higher than the plasma membrane, illustrating the dual action of Cholesterol (ordering) and PI lipids (disordering). The most striking result was the large magnetic field-induced membrane deformation allowing to determine the membrane bending elasticity, a property related to hydrodynamics of cells and organelles. Human Nuclear Lipid Membranes were at least two orders of magnitude more elastic than the classical plasma membrane suggesting a physical explanation for the formation of nuclear membrane invaginations.
Resistance of seagrass habitats to ocean acidification via altered interactions in a tri-trophic chain
Authors: Martínez-Crego Begoña , Vizzini Salvatrice , Califano Gianmaria , Massa-Gallucci Alexia , Andolina Cristina , Gambi Maria Cristina , Santos Rui
Published: March 2020

Despite the wide knowledge about prevalent effects of ocean acidification on single species, the consequences on species interactions that may promote or prevent habitat shifts are still poorly understood. Using natural CO2vents, we investigated changes in a key tri-trophic chain embedded within all its natural complexity in seagrass systems. We found that seagrass habitats remain stable at vents despite the changes in their tri-trophic components. Under highpCO2, the feeding of a key herbivore (sea urchin) on a less palatable seagrass and its associated epiphytes decreased, whereas the feeding on higher-palatable green algae increased. We also observed a doubled density of a predatory wrasse under acidified conditions. Bottom-up CO2effects interact with top-down control by predators to maintain the abundance of sea urchin populations under ambient and acidified conditions. The weakened urchin herbivory on a seagrass that was subjected to an intense fish herbivory at vents compensates the overall herbivory pressure on the habitat-forming seagrass. Overall plasticity of the studied system components may contribute to prevent habitat loss and to stabilize the system under acidified conditions. Thus, preserving the network of species interactions in seagrass ecosystems may help to minimize the impacts of ocean acidification in near-future oceans.
Publisher Correction: Accurate Detection of Dobutamine-induced Haemodynamic Changes by Kino-Cardiography: A Randomised Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Validation Study
Authors: Hossein Amin , Mirica Daniela Corina , Rabineau Jérémy , Del Rio José Ignacio , Morra Sofia , Gorlier Damien , Nonclercq Antoine , van de Borne Philippe , Migeotte Pierre-François
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Insulin activates hepatic Wnt/β-catenin signaling through stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 and Porcupine
Authors: Cabrae Régine , Dubuquoy Céline , Caüzac Michèle , Morzyglod Lucille , Guilmeau Sandra , Noblet Bénédicte , Fève Bruno , Postic Catherine , Burnol Anne-Françoise , Moldes Marthe
Published: March 2020

The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a pivotal role in liver structural and metabolic homeostasis. Wnt activity is tightly regulated by the acyltransferase Porcupine through the addition of palmitoleate. Interestingly palmitoleate can be endogenously produced by the stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), a lipogenic enzyme transcriptionally regulated by insulin. This study aimed to determine whether nutritional conditions, and insulin, regulate Wnt pathway activity in liver. An adenoviral TRE-Luciferase reporter was used as a readout of Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity, in vivo in mouse liver and in vitro in primary hepatocytes. Refeeding enhanced TRE-Luciferase activity and expression of Wnt target genes in mice liver, revealing a nutritional regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This effect was inhibited in liver specific insulin receptor KO (iLIRKO) mice and upon wortmannin or rapamycin treatment. Overexpression or inhibition of SCD1 expression regulated Wnt/β-catenin activity in primary hepatocytes. Similarly, palmitoleate added exogenously or produced by SCD1-mediated desaturation of palmitate, induced Wnt signaling activity. Interestingly, this effect was abolished in the absence of Porcupine, suggesting that both SCD1 and Porcupine are key mediators of insulin-induced Wnt/β-catenin activity in hepatocytes. Altogether, our findings suggest that insulin and lipogenesis act as potential novel physiological inducers of hepatic Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Current era outcomes of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect: A single center cohort in Thailand
Authors: Lertsakulpiriya Kanthalas , Vijarnsorn Chodchanok , Chanthong Prakul , Chungsomprasong Paweena , Kanjanauthai Supaluck , Durongpisitkul Kritvikrom , Soongswang Jarupim , Subtaweesin Thaworn , Sriyoschati Somchai
Published: March 2020

Pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA/VSD) is a complex cyanotic congenital heart disease with a wide-range of presentations and treatment strategies, depending on the source of pulmonary circulation, anatomy of pulmonary arteries (PAs), and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs). Data about the outcomes in developing countries is scarce. We therefore conducted a retrospective study to assess survival rates and mortality risks of 90 children with PA/VSD at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand during 2005–2016. Patients with single ventricle were excluded. Survival and mortality risks were analyzed at the end of 2018. The median age of diagnosis was 0.5 (0–13.8) years. The patients’ PAs were categorized into four groups: 1) PA/VSD with confluent PAs (n = 40), 2) PA/VSD with confluent PAs and MAPCAs (n = 21), 3) PA/VSD with non-confluent PAs and MAPCAs (n = 12), and 4) PA/VSD with small native PAs and MAPCAs (n = 17). Of the 88 patients who underwent operations, 32 patients had complete repair at 8.4 ± 4.6 years old. During the follow-up [median time of 5.7 years (7 days-13.6 years)], 17 patients (18.9%) died. The survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years of age were 95%, 83.7%, and 79.6%, respectively. Significant mortality risks were the presence of associated anomalies and non-confluent PAs.
Dynamic changes of innate lymphoid cells in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and its association with clinical outcomes
Authors: Li Jing , Wu Jing , Zhang Mingyou , Zheng Yang
Published: March 2020

An increasing body of evidence has implicated the innate immune system in the causation of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are newly identified members of the lymphoid lineage that are important effectors of innate immunity. The role of ILCs in STEMI has not been explored. We characterized the ILCs present in peripheral blood of 176 STEMI patients and 52 controls. Patients were followed up for up to 23 months. Flow cytometry showed that the proportion of total ILCs and ILC1s were significantly increased compared with controls; contrary to ILC1s, the proportion of ILC2s among total ILCs decreased significantly during the acute phase of STEMI. ILC1s percentage was an independent predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). On multivariate Cox regression, the 3rd tertile of ILC1s was associated with a higher MACE rate compared with the 1st tertile (hazard ratio: 2.26; 95% confidence interval 1.56–3.27; P = 0.014). RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) revealed increased expressions of interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), and matrix metallopeptidase 9. Moreover, as active factors secreted by ILC1s, levels of interleukin (IL)−12 and IL-18 were significantly increased in STEMI patients. Increased ILC1s in patients with STEMI was associated with poor outcomes. Our findings suggest that ILC1s may play an important role in STEMI.
Fungal secretome profile categorization of CAZymes by function and family corresponds to fungal phylogeny and taxonomy: Example Aspergillus and Penicillium
Authors: Barrett Kristian , Jensen Kristian , Meyer Anne S. , Frisvad Jens C. , Lange Lene
Published: March 2020

Fungi secrete an array of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), reflecting their specialized habitat-related substrate utilization. Despite its importance for fitness, enzyme secretome composition is not used in fungal classification, since an overarching relationship between CAZyme profiles and fungal phylogeny/taxonomy has not been established. For 465 Ascomycota and Basidiomycota genomes, we predicted CAZyme-secretomes, using a new peptide-based annotation method, Conserved-Unique-Peptide-Patterns, enabling functional prediction directly from sequence. We categorized each enzyme according to CAZy-family and predicted molecular function, hereby obtaining a list of “EC-Function;CAZy-Family” observations. These “Function;Family”-based secretome profiles were compared, using a Yule-dissimilarity scoring algorithm, giving equal consideration to the presence and absence of individual observations. Assessment of “Function;Family” enzyme profile relatedness (EPR) across 465 genomes partitioned Ascomycota from Basidiomycota placing Aspergillus and Penicillium among the Ascomycota. Analogously, we calculated CAZyme “Function;Family” profile-similarities among 95 Aspergillus and Penicillium species to form an alignment-free, EPR-based dendrogram. This revealed a stunning congruence between EPR categorization and phylogenetic/taxonomic grouping of the Aspergilli and Penicillia. Our analysis suggests EPR grouping of fungi to be defined both by “shared presence“ and “shared absence” of CAZyme “Function;Family” observations. This finding indicates that CAZymes-secretome evolution is an integral part of fungal speciation, supporting integration of cladogenesis and anagenesis.
Tenascin-C inactivation impacts lung structure and function beyond lung development
Authors: Gremlich Sandrine , Roth-Kleiner Matthias , Equey Lucile , Fytianos Kleanthis , Schittny Johannes C. , Cremona Tiziana P.
Published: March 2020

Tenascin-C (TNC) is an extracellular matrix protein expressed at high levels during lung organogenesis. Later, TNC is only transiently de novo expressed to orchestrate tissue repair in pathological situations. We previously showed that TNC inactivation affects lung development and thus evaluated here the implications on lung function in newborn/adult mice. Respiratory function parameters were measured in anesthetized and mechanically ventilated wild-type (WT) and TNC-deficient mice at 5 (P5) and 90 (P90) days of age under basal conditions, as well as following high tidal volume (HTV) ventilation. At P5, TNC-deficient mice showed an increased static compliance (Cst) and inspiratory capacity (IC) relative to WT at baseline and throughout HTV. At P90, however, Cst and IC were only elevated at baseline. Control non-ventilated newborn and adult TNC-deficient mice showed similar lung morphology, but less alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) around small airways. SMA + cells were decreased by 50% in adult TNC-deficient lungs and collagen layer thickened around small airways. Increased surfactant protein C (SP-C) and altered TGFβ and TLR4 signaling pathways were also detected. Thus, TNC inactivation-related defects during organogenesis led to persisting functional impairment in adulthood. This might be of interest in the context of pulmonary diseases with thickened airway smooth muscle layer or ventilation heterogeneity, like asthma and COPD.
Preparation of graphene nanocomposites from aqueous silver nitrate using graphene oxide’s peroxidase-like and carbocatalytic properties
Authors: Garg Kunal , Papponen Petri , Johansson Andreas , Puttaraksa Nitipon , Gilbert Leona
Published: March 2020

The present study evaluates the role of graphene oxide’s (GO’s) peroxidase-like and inherent/carbocatalytic properties in oxidising silver nitrate (AgNO3) to create graphene nanocomposites with silver nanoparticles (GO/Ag nanocomposite). Activation of peroxidase-like catalytic function of GO required hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ammonia (NH3) in pH 4.0 disodium hydrogen phosphate (Na2HPO4). Carbocatalytic abilities of GO were triggered in pH 4.0 deionised distilled water (ddH2O). Transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and UV-Vis spectroscopy aided in qualitatively and quantitatively assessing GO/Ag nanocomposites. TEM and SEM analysis demonstrated the successful use of GO’s peroxidase-like and carbocatalytic properties to produce GO/Ag nanocomposite. UV-Vis analysis indicated a higher yield in optical density values for GO/Ag nanocomposites created using GO’s carbocatalytic ability rather than its peroxidase-like counterpart. Additionally, CV demonstrated that GO/Ag nanocomposite fabricated here is a product of an irreversible electrochemical reaction. Our study outcomes show new opportunities for GO as a standalone catalyst in biosensing. We demonstrate a sustainable approach to obtain graphene nanocomposites exclusive of harmful chemicals or physical methods.
Optical Fredkin gate assisted by quantum dot within optical cavity under vacuum noise and sideband leakage
Authors: Kang Min-Sung , Heo Jino , Choi Seong-Gon , Moon Sung , Han Sang-Wook
Published: March 2020

We propose a deterministic Fredkin gate which can accomplish controlled-swap operation between three-qubit states. The proposed Fredkin gate consists of a photonic system (single photon) and quantum dots (QDs) confined in single-sided cavities (two electron spin states). In our scheme, the control qubit is the polarization state of the single photon, and two electron spin states in QDs play the role of target qubits (swapped states by control qubit). The interaction between a photon and an electron of QD within the cavity (QD-cavity system) significantly affects the performance of Fredkin gate. Thus, through the analysis of the QD-cavity system under vacuum noise and sideband leakage, we demonstrate that reliable interaction and performance of the QD-cavity system with photonic state (photon) can be acquired in our scheme. Consequently, the Fredkin gate proposed in this paper can be experimentally implemented with high feasibility and efficiency.
Contact forces in roughness discrimination
Authors: Roberts Roberta D. , Loomes Aldrin R. , Allen Harriet A. , Di Luca Massimiliano , Wing Alan M.
Published: March 2020

Roughness perception through fingertip contact with a textured surface can involve spatial and temporal cues from skin indentation and vibration respectively. Both types of cue may be affected by contact forces when feeling a surface and we ask whether, on a given trial, discrimination performance relates to contact forces. We examine roughness discrimination performance in a standard psychophysical method (2-interval forced choice, in which the participant identifies which of two spatial textures formed by parallel grooves feels rougher) while continuously measuring the normal and tangential forces applied by the index finger. Fourteen participants discriminated spatial gratings in fine (spatial period of 320–580 micron) and coarse (1520–1920 micron) ranges using static pressing or sliding contact of the index finger. Normal contact force (mean and variability) during pressing or sliding had relatively little impact on accuracy of roughness judgments except when pressing on surfaces in the coarse range. Discrimination was better for sliding than pressing in the fine but not the coarse range. In contrast, tangential force fluctuations during sliding were strongly related to roughness judgment accuracy.
Identification of non-invasive biomarkers for predicting the radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma from serum microRNAs
Authors: Li Kaiguo , Zhu Xiaodong , Li Ling , Ning Ruiling , Liang Zhongguo , Zeng Fanyan , Su Fang , Huang Shiting , Yang Xiaohui , Qu Song
Published: March 2020

Serum microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported as novel biomarkers for various diseases. But circulating biomarkers for predicting the radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) have not been used in clinical practice. To screen out of differently expressed serum miRNAs from NPC patients with different radiosensitivity may be helpful for its individual therapy. NPC patients with different radiosensitivity were enrolled according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RNA was isolated from serum of these NPC patients before treatment. We investigated the differential miRNA expression profiles using microarray test (GSE139164), and the candidate miRNAs were validated by reverse transcription-quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) experiments. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis has been applied to estimate the diagnostic value. In this study, 37 serum-specific miRNAs were screened out from 12 NPC patients with different radiosensitivity by microarray test. Furthermore, RT-qPCR analysis confirmed that hsa-miR-1281 and hsa-miR-6732-3p were significantly downregulated in the serum of radioresistant NPC patients (P < 0.05), which was consistent with the results of microarray test. ROC curves demonstrated that the AUC for hsa-miR-1281 was 0.750 (95% CI: 0.574–0.926, SE 87.5%, SP 57.1%). While the AUC for hsa-miR-6732-3p was 0.696 (95% CI: 0.507–0.886, SE 56.3%, SP 78.6%). These results suggested that hsa-miR-1281 and hsa-miR-6732-3p in serum might serve as potential biomarkers for predicting the radiosensitivity of NPC.
Structural analysis of TIFA: Insight into TIFA-dependent signal transduction in innate immunity
Authors: Nakamura Teruya , Hashikawa Chie , Okabe Kohtaro , Yokote Yuya , Chirifu Mami , Toma-Fukai Sachiko , Nakamura Narushi , Matsuo Mihoko , Kamikariya Miho , Okamoto Yoshinari , Gohda Jin , Akiyama Taishin , Semba Kentaro , Ikemizu Shinji , Otsuka Masami , Inoue Jun-ichiro , Yamagata Yuriko
Published: March 2020

TRAF-interacting protein with a forkhead-associated (FHA) domain (TIFA), originally identified as an adaptor protein of TRAF6, has recently been shown to be involved in innate immunity, induced by a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP). ADP-β-D-manno-heptose, a newly identified PAMP, binds to alpha-kinase 1 (ALPK1) and activates its kinase activity to phosphorylate TIFA. Phosphorylation triggers TIFA oligomerisation and formation of a subsequent TIFA–TRAF6 oligomeric complex for ubiquitination of TRAF6, eventually leading to NF-κB activation. However, the structural basis of TIFA-dependent TRAF6 signalling, especially oligomer formation of the TIFA–TRAF6 complex remains unknown. In the present study, we determined the crystal structures of mouse TIFA and two TIFA mutants—Thr9 mutated to either Asp or Glu to mimic the phosphorylation state—to obtain the structural information for oligomer formation of the TIFA–TRAF6 complex. Crystal structures show the dimer formation of mouse TIFA to be similar to that of human TIFA, which was previously reported. This dimeric structure is consistent with the solution structure obtained from small angle X-ray scattering analysis. In addition to the structural analysis, we examined the molecular assembly of TIFA and the TIFA–TRAF6 complex by size-exclusion chromatography, and suggested a model for the TIFA–TRAF6 signalling complex.
Effects of lipid metabolism on mouse incisor dentinogenesis
Authors: Kurotaki Yutaro , Sakai Nobuhiro , Miyazaki Takuro , Hosonuma Masahiro , Sato Yurie , Karakawa Akiko , Chatani Masahiro , Myers Mie , Suzawa Tetsuo , Negishi-Koga Takako , Kamijo Ryutaro , Miyazaki Akira , Maruoka Yasubumi , Takami Masamichi
Published: March 2020

Tooth formation can be affected by various factors, such as oral disease, drug administration, and systemic illness, as well as internal conditions including dentin formation. Dyslipidemia is an important lifestyle disease, though the relationship of aberrant lipid metabolism with tooth formation has not been clarified. This study was performed to examine the effects of dyslipidemia on tooth formation and tooth development. Dyslipidemia was induced in mice by giving a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. Additionally, LDL receptor-deficient (Ldlr−/−) strain mice were used to analyze the effects of dyslipidemia and lipid metabolism in greater detail. In the HFD-fed mice, incisor elongation was decreased and pulp was significantly narrowed, while histological findings revealed disappearance of predentin. In Ldlr−/− mice fed regular chow, incisor elongation showed a decreasing trend and pulp a narrowing trend, while predentin changes were unclear. Serum lipid levels were increased in the HFD-fed wild-type (WT) mice, while Ldlr−/− mice given the HFD showed the greatest increase. These results show important effects of lipid metabolism, especially via the LDL receptor, on tooth homeostasis maintenance. In addition, they suggest a different mechanism for WT and Ldlr−/− mice, though the LDL receptor pathway may not be the only factor involved.