bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rate of gestational weight gain and adverse pregnancy outcomes in rural nulliparous women: a prospective cohort analysis from China
Authors: Zhou Yubo , Li Hongtian , Zhang Yali , Zhang Le , Liu Jufen , Liu Jianmeng
Published: July 2019

Both inadequate and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) have been shown to increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, but the risk profiles of GWG rate are unclear. We aimed to examine the associations between GWG rate in the second/third trimester and a spectrum of pregnancy outcomes. This study consisted of 14 219 Chinese rural nulliparous women who participated in a randomised controlled trial of prenatal micronutrient supplementation during 2006–2009. The outcomes included stillbirth, neonatal and infant death, preterm birth, macrosomia, low birth weight (LBW) and large and small for gestational age (LGA and SGA, respectively). GWG rate was divided into quintiles within each BMI category. Compared with women in the middle quintile, those in the lowest quintile had higher risks of neonatal death (adjusted OR 2·27; 95 % CI 1·03, 5·02), infant death (adjusted OR 1·85; 95 % CI 1·02, 3·37) and early preterm birth (adjusted OR 2·33; 95 % CI 1·13, 4·77), while those in the highest quintile had higher risks of overall preterm birth (adjusted OR 1·28; 95 % CI 1·04, 1·59), late preterm birth (adjusted OR 1·25; 95 % CI 1·00, 1·56), LBW (adjusted OR 1·48; 95 % CI 1·02, 2·15), macrosomia (adjusted OR 1·89; 95 % CI 1·46, 2·45) and LGA (adjusted OR 1·56; 95 % CI 1·31, 1·85). In conclusion, very low and very high GWG rates in the second/third trimester appear to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in Chinese nulliparous women, indicating that an appropriate GWG rate during pregnancy is necessary for neonatal health.
Clinical Relevance of Home Monitoring of Vital Signs and Blood Glucose Levels: A Narrative Review
Authors: Lee Jessica P. , Freeman Georgina , Cheng Michelle , Brown Lauren , De la Hoz Siegler Hector , Conly John
Published: July 2019

Objectives

We sought to assess the presence and reporting quality of peer-reviewed literature concerning the accuracy, precision, and reliability of home monitoring technologies for vital signs and glucose determinations in older adult populations.

Methods

A narrative literature review was undertaken searching the databases Medline, Embase, and Compendex. Peer-reviewed publications with keywords related to vital signs, monitoring devices and technologies, independent living, and older adults were searched. Publications between the years 2012 and 2018 were included. Two reviewers independently conducted title and abstract screening, and four reviewers independently undertook full-text screening and data extraction with all disagreements resolved through discussion and consensus.

Results

Two hundred nine articles were included. Our review showed limited assessment and low-quality reporting of evidence concerning the accuracy, precision, and reliability of home monitoring technologies. Of 209 articles describing a relevant device, only 45 percent (n = 95) provided a citation or some evidence to support their validation claim. Of forty-eight articles that described the use of a comparator device, 65 percent (n = 31) used low-quality statistical methods, 23 percent (n = 11) used moderate-quality statistical methods, and only 12 percent (n = 6) used high-quality statistical methods.

Conclusions

Our review found that current validity claims were based on low-quality assessments that do not provide the necessary confidence needed by clinicians for medical decision-making purposes. This narrative review highlights the need for standardized health technology reporting to increase health practitioner confidence in these devices, support the appropriate adoption of such devices within the healthcare system, and improve health outcomes.
Virtual dissection and endocast three-dimensional reconstructions: maximizing computed tomographic data for procedural planning of an obstructed pulmonary venous baffle
Authors: Schneider Kristin , Ghaleb Stephanie , Morales David L. S. , Tretter Justin T.
Published: July 2019

We present a case of pulmonary venous baffle obstruction in a child with a history of congenitally corrected transposition status post double switch repair. We highlight two forms of volume rendering three-dimensional reconstructions from computed tomographic data which allowed for detailed pre-surgical planning. These reconstructions emphasise the concept of maximizing previously obtained two-dimensional data in a time-efficient and cost-effective manner. The benefits of these reconstructions are reviewed, highlighting the relatively novel virtual dissection reconstruction technique that appeared identical to what the surgeon encountered in the operating theatre. This technique allowed the surgeon to quickly advance a preconceived detailed surgical repair.
THE VANISHING EFFECT OF FINANCE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Gründler Klaus
Published: July 2019

This paper examines the mechanisms that determine the “vanishing effect of finance” on economic growth found in recent studies. Based on both current (171 countries, 1960–2014) and historical (21 OECD countries, 1870–2009) data, the results show that financial development promotes growth in poorer countries by increasing education and investment, and by decreasing fertility. The relevance of these transmission channels declines when countries become richer. The growth effect of the financial sector in high-income countries primarily depends on new ideas and potentials for innovation projects. Consequently, the major decline in factor productivity growth since the early 2000s has contributed to the reduction in the financial sector’s average effect on growth.
Messi, Ronaldo, and the Politics of Celebrity Elections: Voting for the Best Soccer Player in the World
Authors: Anderson Christopher J. , Arrondel Luc , Blais André , Daoust Jean-François , Laslier Jean-François , Van der Straeten Karine
Published: July 2019

It is widely assumed that celebrities are imbued with political capital and the power to move opinion. To understand the sources of that capital in the specific domain of sports celebrity, we investigate the popularity of global soccer superstars. Specifically, we examine players’ success in the Ballon d’Or—the most high-profile contest to select the world’s best player. Based on historical election results as well as an original survey of soccer fans, we find that certain kinds of players are significantly more likely to win the Ballon d’Or. Moreover, we detect an increasing concentration of votes on these kinds of players over time, suggesting a clear and growing hierarchy in the competition for soccer celebrity. Further analyses of support for the world’s two best players in 2016 (Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo) show that, if properly adapted, political science concepts like partisanship have conceptual and empirical leverage in ostensibly non-political contests.
The Cult of First Ladyhood: Controlling Images of White Womanhood in the Role of the First Lady
Authors: Handau Megan , Simien Evelyn M.
Published: July 2019

In recent decades, scholars have begun to analyze the role of the first lady in American society. Though the relationship between gender ideologies and this identity has been analyzed, little attention has been paid to how other aspects of the first ladies’ identities could shape the way the public and the first ladies themselves view their role. In this article, we offer an intersectional analysis that considers historical notions of hegemonic femininity in relation to race. We assert that the role of the first lady is a raced-gendered institution that produces a controlling image of white womanhood that simultaneously privileges white femininity and subordinates black womanhood. We conduct an analysis of the autobiographies of six first ladies: Edith Wilson, Eleanor Roosevelt, “Lady Bird” Johnson, Rosalynn Carter, Hillary Clinton, and Michelle Obama.
Relationship between prenatal and postnatal conditions and accelerated postnatal growth. Impact on the rigidity of the arterial wall and obesity in childhood
Authors: Mora-Urda A. I. , Acevedo P. , Montero López M. P.
Published: July 2019

Restricted growthin uteroand accelerated postnatal growth (APG) in the postnatal period have been associated with the development of overweight, obesity and an increased cardiovascular risk in childhood. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the influence of prenatal and perinatal conditions on APG and to evaluate the influence of this APG on different cardiovascular risk factors such as body mass index (BMI), body fat mass index (FMI), blood pressure (BP) and arterial wall stiffness [carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV)]. All measurements were performed in 355 children (185 boys and 170 girls; 8–11 years). Data on mother weight before and during pregnancy, gestational age (weeks), birth weight (g) and breastfeeding of children were obtained through interviews with families. Children who presented APG were born of mothers with lower BMIs before pregnancy and who gained less weight during the second trimester of pregnancy. They also have a lower gestational age and birth weight, a shorter duration of breastfeeding and a longer duration of artificial feeding (AF). Later in childhood, they had higher values of cf-PWV, BMI, FMI and higher prevalence of hypertension. Low maternal gestational weight gain, inadequate fetal development (low birth weight, shorter gestational age) and reduced breastfeeding duration favor APG. Infants with such APG had higher values of cf-PWV, BP, BMI and FMI later in childhood, along with a higher risk of hypertension and obesity. The interaction between APG and a longer duration of AF had a negative effect on cf-PWV (arterial stiffness) and FMI.
The Jail That Keeps Oxygen in the Air
Authors: Joel Lucas
Published: July 2019

Oxygen shouldn’t be in the air we breathe. But it is, and the reason why is almost criminal.
Literal Buckets of Science and Other Things We Read This Week
Authors:   AGU
Published: July 2019

What Earth and space science stories are Eos staffers recommending this week?
Targeting metabolic driving and intermediate influx in lysine catabolism for high-level glutarate production
Authors: Li Wenna , Ma Lin , Shen Xiaolin , Wang Jia , Feng Qi , Liu Lexuan , Zheng Guojun , Yan Yajun , Sun Xinxiao , Yuan Qipeng
Published: July 2019

Various biosynthetic pathways have been designed to explore sustainable production of glutarate, an attractive C5 building block of polyesters and polyamides. However, its efficient production has not been achieved inEscherichia coli. Here, we useE. colinative lysine catabolic machinery for glutarate biosynthesis. This endogenous genes-only design can generate strong metabolic driving force to maximize carbon flux toward glutarate biosynthesis by replenishing glutamate and NAD(P)H for lysine biosynthesis, releasing lysine feedback inhibition, and boosting oxaloacetate supply. We use native transporters to overcome extracellular accumulation of cadaverine and 5-aminovalerate. With these efforts, both high titer (54.5 g L−1) and high yield (0.54 mol mol−1glucose) of glutarate production are achieved under fed-batch conditions. This work demonstrates the power of redirecting carbon flux and the role of transporters to decrease intermediate accumulation.
Spiculogenesis and biomineralization in early sponge animals
Authors: Tang Qing , Wan Bin , Yuan Xunlai , Muscente A. D. , Xiao Shuhai
Published: July 2019

Most sponges have biomineralized spicules. Molecular clocks indicate sponge classes diverged in the Cryogenian, but the oldest spicules are Cambrian in age. Therefore, sponges either evolved spiculogenesis long after their divergences or Precambrian spicules were not amenable to fossilization. The former hypothesis predicts independent origins of spicules among sponge classes and presence of transitional forms with weakly biomineralized spicules, but this prediction has not been tested using paleontological data. Here, we report an early Cambrian sponge that, like several other early Paleozoic sponges, had weakly biomineralized and hexactine-based siliceous spicules with large axial filaments and high organic proportions. This material, along with Ediacaran microfossils containing putative non-biomineralized axial filaments, suggests that Precambrian sponges may have had weakly biomineralized spicules or lacked them altogether, hence their poor record. This work provides a new search image for Precambrian sponge fossils, which are critical to resolving the origin of sponge spiculogenesis and biomineralization.
How conflict shapes evolution in poeciliid fishes
Authors: Furness Andrew I. , Pollux Bart J. A. , Meredith Robert W. , Springer Mark S. , Reznick David N.
Published: July 2019

In live-bearing animal lineages, the evolution of the placenta is predicted to create an arena for genomic conflict during pregnancy, drive patterns of male sexual selection, and increase the rate of speciation. Here we test these predictions of the viviparity driven conflict hypothesis (VDCH) in live-bearing poecilid fishes, a group showing multiple independent origins of placentation and extreme variation in male sexually selected traits. As predicted, male sexually selected traits are only gained in lineages that lack placentas; while there is little or no influence of male traits on the evolution of placentas. Both results are consistent with the mode of female provisioning governing the evolution of male attributes. Moreover, it is the presence of male sexually selected traits (pre-copulatory), rather than placentation (post-copulatory), that are associated with higher rates of speciation. These results highlight a causal interaction between female reproductive mode, male sexual selection and the rate of speciation, suggesting a role for conflict in shaping diverse aspects of organismal biology.
Regulatory mechanisms underlying coordination of amino acid and glucose catabolism in Escherichia coli
Authors: Zampieri Mattia , Hörl Manuel , Hotz Florian , Müller Nicola F. , Sauer Uwe
Published: July 2019

How microbes dynamically coordinate uptake and simultaneous utilization of nutrients in complex nutritional ecosystems is still an open question. Here, we develop a constraint-based modeling approach that exploits non-targeted exo-metabolomics data to unravel adaptive decision-making processes in dynamic nutritional environments. We thereby investigate metabolic adaptation of Escherichia coli to continuously changing conditions during batch growth in complex medium. Unexpectedly, model-based analysis of time resolved exo-metabolome data revealed that fastest growth coincides with preferred catabolism of amino acids, which, in turn, reduces glucose uptake and increases acetate overflow. We show that high intracellular levels of the amino acid degradation metabolites pyruvate and oxaloacetate can directly inhibit the phosphotransferase system (PTS), and reveal their functional role in mediating regulatory decisions for uptake and catabolism of alternative carbon sources. Overall, the proposed methodology expands the spectrum of possible applications of flux balance analysis to decipher metabolic adaptation mechanisms in naturally occurring habitats and diverse organisms.
Ab initio vibrational free energies including anharmonicity for multicomponent alloys
Authors: Grabowski Blazej , Ikeda Yuji , Srinivasan Prashanth , Körmann Fritz , Freysoldt Christoph , Duff Andrew Ian , Shapeev Alexander , Neugebauer Jörg
Published: July 2019

The unique and unanticipated properties of multiple principal component alloys have reinvigorated the field of alloy design and drawn strong interest across scientific disciplines. The vast compositional parameter space makes these alloys a unique area of exploration by means of computational design. However, as of now a method to compute efficiently, yet with high accuracy the thermodynamic properties of such alloys has been missing. One of the underlying reasons is the lack of accurate and efficient approaches to compute vibrational free energies—including anharmonicity—for these chemically complex multicomponent alloys. In this work, a density-functional-theory based approach to overcome this issue is developed based on a combination of thermodynamic integration and a machine-learning potential. We demonstrate the performance of the approach by computing the anharmonic free energy of the prototypical five-component VNbMoTaW refractory high entropy alloy.
Modeling the effect of insoluble corrosion products on pitting corrosion kinetics of metals
Authors: Ansari Talha Qasim , Luo Jing-Li , Shi San-Qiang
Published: July 2019

Most metals naturally corrode in an engineering environment and form corrosion products. The corrosion products can be either soluble or insoluble in the aqueous solution. The insoluble corrosion products (ICP) could have profound effects on the corrosion kinetics of the concerned metal. In this study, a multi-phase-field formulation is proposed to investigate the effects of ICP formation on pitting corrosion kinetics. The Gibbs free energy of the metal-electrolyte-insoluble corrosion product system consists of chemical, gradient, and electromigration free energy. The model is validated with experimental results and several representative cases are presented, including the effect of the porosity of ICP, under-deposit corrosion, corrosion of sensitized alloys, and microstructure-dependent pitting corrosion. It is observed that corrosion rate and pit morphology significantly depend on ICP and its porosity for the same applied potential.
Gastric dysmotility in Parkinson's disease is not caused by alterations of the gastric pacemaker cells
Authors: Heimrich Konstantin G. , Jacob Veit Y. P. , Schaller Denise , Stallmach Andreas , Witte Otto W. , Prell Tino
Published: July 2019

The enteric nervous system is involved in the pathology of Parkinson´s disease and patients frequently have symptoms related to delayed gastric emptying. However, the pathophysiology of gastric dysmotility is yet not well understood. The objective of this study was to assess interdigestive gastric motility in Parkinson´s disease. Using an electromagnetic capsule system, the dominant gastric contraction frequency (primary outcome measure) and the gastric transit time were assessed in 16 patients with Parkinson´s disease and 15 young healthy controls after a fasting period of 8 h. Motor and non-motor symptoms were assessed using the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson´s Disease Rating Scale III (MDS-UPDRS III), the Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire (NMS-Quest), and Hoehn & Yahr staging. The Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index was used to record symptoms related to delayed gastric emptying. In healthy controls and patients with Parkinson's disease, the dominant contraction frequency was 3.0 cpm indicating normal function of interstitial cells of Cajal. In patients with Parkinson's disease, the gastric transit time was longer than in younger controls (56 vs. 21 min). The dominant contraction frequency and gastric transit time did not correlate with age, disease duration, Hoehn & Yahr stage, levodopa equivalent daily dose, MDS-UPDRS III, NMS-Quest, and Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index. Changes of gastric motility in Parkinson´s disease are not caused by functional deficits of the gastric pacemaker cells, the interstitial cells of Cajal. Therefore, gastroparesis in Parkinson's disease can be attributed to disturbances in neurohumoral signals via the vagus nerve and myenteric plexus.
Ghost imaging using entanglement-swapped photons
Authors: Bornman Nicholas , Agnew Megan , Zhu Feng , Vallés Adam , Forbes Andrew , Leach Jonathan
Published: July 2019

Traditional ghost imaging requires correlated but spatially separated photons and has been observed in many physical situations, spanning both the quantum and classical regimes. Here we observe ghost imaging in a new system—a system based on entanglement swapping, the key feature of a quantum network. We detail how the exact form of quantum interference between independent photons dictates the precise nature of the ghost imaging, for example, for an anti-symmetric projection, the recorded image is the contrast-reversed version of the object—where the object is bright, the image is dark, and vice versa. The results highlight the importance of state projection in this ghost-imaging process and provide a pathway for the teleportation of two-dimensional spatial states across a quantum network. Our results also indicate that ghost images with new image properties could be achieved in conventional settings through a variety of new signal processing procedures.
Sleep, napping and alertness during an overwintering mission at Belgrano II Argentine Antarctic station
Authors: Folgueira Agustín , Simonelli Guido , Plano Santiago , Tortello Camila , Cuiuli Juan Manuel , Blanchard Abel , Patagua Alejandro , Brager Allison J. , Capaldi Vincent F. , Aubert André E. , Barbarito Marta , Golombek Diego A. , Vigo Daniel E.
Published: July 2019

During Antarctic isolation personnel are exposed to extreme photoperiods. A frequent observation is a sleep onset phase delay during winter. It is not known if, as a result, daytime sleeping in the form of naps increases. We sought to assess sleep patterns - with focus on daytime sleeping - and alertness in a Latin American crew overwintering in Argentine Antarctic station Belgrano II. Measurements were collected in 13 males during March, May, July, September and November, and included actigraphy and psychomotor vigilance tasks. Sleep duration significantly decreased during winter. A total of eight participants took at least one weekly nap across all measurement points. During winter, the nap onset was delayed, its duration increased and its efficiency improved. We observed a significant effect of seasonality in the association of evening alertness with sleep onset. Our results replicate previous findings regarding sleep during overwintering in Antarctica, adding the description of the role of napping and the report of a possible modulatory effect of seasonality in the relation between sleep and alertness. Napping should be considered as an important factor in the scheduling of activities of multicultural crews that participate in Antarctica.
Association of tagSNPs at lncRNA MALAT-1 with HCC Susceptibility in a Southern Chinese Population
Authors: Ji Xiaohui , Zhang Junguo , Liu Li , Lin Ziqiang , Pi Lucheng , Lin Zhifeng , Tian Nana , Lin Xinqi , Chen Sidong , Yu Xinfa , Gao Yanhui
Published: July 2019

As a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and a transcriptional regulator, Metastasis associated lung adenocarcioma transcript-1 (MALAT-1) has been reported to be associated with proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the effects of MALAT-1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on HCC remains poorly understood. This study, including 624 HCC cases and 618 controls, aimed to explore the potential associations between three common tagSNPs at MALAT-1 and HCC risk in a Southern Chinese population. No significant associations were observed between the three tagSNPs and HCC risk under any genetic models after adjusting for potential confounders. Additionally, there were no any significant associations in the stratified analysis, combined effect analysis, and multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) analysis. Unification analysis of mediation and interaction on HCC risk further showed that four decomposition of total effects ((controlled direct effect (CDE), the reference interaction effect (INTref), the mediated interaction effect (INTmed), or the pure indirect effect (PIE)) were also not significant. Neither was the association between the MALAT-1 SNPs and progression factors of HCC, including TNM staging, metastasis, and cancer embolus; Overall, this study suggested that tagSNPs rs11227209, rs619586, and rs3200401 at MALAT-1 were not significantly associated with HCC susceptibility. Nevertheless, large population-based studies are warranted to further explore the role of MALAT-1 SNPs in HCC incidence and development.
Early-life factors are associated with waist circumference and type 2 diabetes among Ghanaian adults: The RODAM Study
Authors: Danquah Ina , Addo Juliet , Boateng Daniel , Klipstein-Grobusch Kerstin , Meeks Karlijn , Galbete Cecilia , Beune Erik , Bahendeka Silver , Spranger Joachim , Mockenhaupt Frank P. , Stronks Karien , Agyemang Charles , Schulze Matthias B. , Smeeth Liam
Published: July 2019

Early-life experiences may fuel the emergence of obesity and type 2 diabetes among African populations. We evaluated childhood socio-economic status (SES) and childhood nutritional status as risk factors for increased waist circumference and type 2 diabetes among Ghanaian adults. In the multi-center, cross-sectional Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) Study, we calculated associations (adjusted for demographics and lifestyle) of parental education and anthropometric markers of childhood nutrition [leg length, leg length-to-height ratio (LHR)] with waist circumference and type 2 diabetes, respectively. Among 5,575 participants (mean age: 46.2 years; 62% female), lower education of either parent (vs. higher) was consistently associated with higher waist circumference (∆: 1.6–3.4 cm). Lower father’s education tended to increase the odds of type 2 diabetes by 50% in women (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0, 2.4). Reduced leg length and LHR were associated with higher waist circumference. But only in men, leg length was inversely related to type 2 diabetes (OR per 1 standard deviation decrease: 1.1; 95% CI: 1.0, 1.3). In this study, markers of poor childhood SES and early-life nutritional status relate to abdominal obesity in men and women and to type 2 diabetes in men. Thus, prevention efforts should start in early childhood.
3D-Imaging of Whole Neuronal and Vascular Networks of the Human Dental Pulp via CLARITY and Light Sheet Microscopy
Authors: França Cristiane Miranda , Riggers Rachelle , Muschler John L. , Widbiller Matthias , Lococo Peter Manning , Diogenes Anibal , Bertassoni Luiz Eduardo
Published: July 2019

Direct visualization of the spatial relationships of the dental pulp tissue at the whole-organ has remained challenging. CLARITY (Clear Lipid-exchanged Acrylamide Tissue hYdrogel) is a tissue clearing method that has enabled successful 3-dimensional (3D) imaging of intact tissues with high-resolution and preserved anatomic structures. We used CLARITY to study the whole human dental pulp with emphasis on the neurovascular components. Dental pulps from sound teeth were CLARITY-cleared, immunostained for PGP9.5 and CD31, as markers for peripheral neurons and blood vessels, respectively, and imaged with light sheet microscopy. Visualization of the whole dental pulp innervation and vasculature was achieved. Innervation comprised 40% of the dental pulp volume and the vasculature another 40%. Marked innervation morphological differences between uni- and multiradicular teeth were found, also distinct neurovascular interplays. Quantification of the neural and vascular structures distribution, diameter and area showed that blood vessels in the capillary size range was twice as high as that of nerve fibers. In conclusion whole CLARITY-cleared dental pulp samples revealed 3D-morphological neurovascular interactions that could not be visualized with standard microscopy. This represents an outstanding tool to study the molecular and structural intricacies of whole dental tissues in the context of disease and treatment methods.
Newcastle disease virus mediated apoptosis and migration inhibition of human oral cancer cells: A probable role of β-catenin and matrix metalloproteinase-7
Authors: Morla Sudhir , Kumar Ajay , Kumar Sachin
Published: July 2019

Cancer cell metastasis and its dissemination are most enigmatic and challenging aspects in the development of its therapeutics. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a well-studied avian paramyxovirus frequently isolated from birds and rarely from mammals. Since the first report of its oncolytic property, many NDV strains were studied for its effect in various cancer cells. In the present study, NDV strain Bareilly was characterized for its apoptotic potential and migration inhibition in human oral cancer cells. The NDV mediated apoptosis was confirmed by flow cytometry, DNA laddering, and immunoblotting. Moreover, NDV decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential suggesting an intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in oral cancer cells. NDV infection in oral cancer cells results in migration inhibition by a reduction in levels of MMP-7. MMP-7 is one of the key target genes of β-catenin. While overexpression of MMP-7 reversed the inhibitory effect of NDV mediated migration suggested its possible involvement. Wnt/β-catenin is an essential pathway for cell growth, differentiation, and metastasis. The involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in NDV infection has never been reported. Our results showed that NDV dysregulates Wnt/β-catenin by down-regulation of p-Akt and p-GSK3β leading to degradation of β-catenin. Furthermore, NDV infection leads to a reduction in cytoplasmic and nuclear levels of β-catenin. The study will provide us with a better insight into the molecular mechanism of NDV mediated oncolysis and the key cellular partners involved in the process.
Clean interface without any intermixed state between ultra-thin P3 polymer and CH3NH3PbI3 hybrid perovskite thin film
Authors: Jung Min-Cherl , Matsuyama Asuka , Kobori Sora , Maeng Inhee , Lee Young Mi , Song Myungkwan , Jin Sung-Ho , Nakamura Masakazu
Published: July 2019

Hole transport layers (HTL) are crucial materials to improve the power conversion efficiency in organohalide hybrid perovskite-based solar-cell applications. Two important physical properties are required in HTL materials: good hole mobility and air-protection. After HTL solution-based deposition, an intermixed chemical state at the interface between HTL and hybrid perovskite is key to confirming the physical property of HTL. We performed high-resolution x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to investigate the chemical states at the interface between an ultra-thin P3 polymer and CH3NH3PbI3 hybrid perovskite thin film. At the interface, we found no apparent intermixed chemical state. Furthermore, we confirmed that the P3 HTL with the ultra-thin layer (7 nm) protected the hybrid perovskite material against air-exposure for 2 weeks.
Strong links promote the emergence of cooperative elites
Authors: Gallo Edoardo , Riyanto Yohanes E. , Teh Tat-How , Roy Nilanjan
Published: July 2019

The maintenance of cooperative behavior is fundamental for the prosperity of human societies. Empirical studies show that high cooperation is frequently associated with the presence of strong social ties, but they are silent on whether a causal mechanism exists, how it operates, and what features of the social environment are conducive to its emergence. Here we show experimentally that strong ties increase cooperation and welfare by enabling the emergence of a close-knit and strongly bound cooperative elite. Crucially, this cooperative elite is more prevalent in social environments characterized by a large payoff difference between weak and strong ties, and no gradation in the process of strengthening a tie. These features allow cooperative individuals to adopt an all or nothing strategy to tie strengthening based on the well-known mechanism of direct reciprocity: participants become very selective by forming strong ties only with other cooperative individuals and severing ties with everyone else. Once formed, these strong ties are persistent and enhance cooperation. A dichotomous society emerges with cooperators prospering in a close-knit, strongly bound elite, and defectors earning low payoffs in a weakly connected periphery. Methodologically, our set-up provides a framework to investigate the role of the strength of ties in an experimental setting.
Methylmercury exposure, genetic variation in metabolic enzymes, and the risk of glioma
Authors: Creed Jordan H. , Peeri Noah C. , Anic Gabriella M. , Thompson Reid C. , Olson Jeffrey J. , LaRocca Renato V. , Chowdhary Sajeel A. , Brockman John D. , Gerke Travis A. , Nabors Louis B. , Egan Kathleen M.
Published: July 2019

Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental neurotoxin with human exposure mainly from dietary intake of contaminated fish. Exposure to MeHg has been implicated in neurological damage, but research on its role in cancers, specifically glioma, is limited. In a glioma case-control study, we examined associations between toenail mercury (Hg) and glioma risk. We also examined genetic polymorphisms in 13 genes related to MeHg metabolism for association with glioma risk; genetic associations were also studied in the UK Biobank cohort. Median toenail Hg in cases and controls, respectively, was 0.066 μg/g and 0.069 μg/g (interquartile range (IQR): 0.032–0.161 and 0.031–0.150 μg/g). Toenail Hg was not found to be significantly associated with glioma risk (Odds Ratio: 1.02; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.91, 1.14; p = 0.70 in analysis for ordinal trend with increasing quartile of toenail MeHg). No genetic variant was statistically significant in both of the studies; one variant, rs11859163 (MMP2) had a combined p-value of 0.02 though it was no longer significant after adjustment for multiple testing (Bonferroni corrected p = 1). This study does not support the hypothesis that exposure to MeHg plays a role in the development of glioma at levels of exposure found in this study population.
Intensification of hot Eurasian summers by climate change and land–atmosphere interactions
Authors: Sato Tomonori , Nakamura Tetsu
Published: July 2019

Persistent abnormal hot weather can cause considerable damage to human society and natural environments. In northern Eurasia, the recent change in summer surface air temperature exhibits a heterogeneous pattern with accelerated warming around the Eastern European Plain and Central Siberia, forming a wave train-like structure. However, the key factors that determine the magnitude and spatial distribution of this summer temperature trend remain unclear. Here, a huge ensemble of general circulation model (GCM) simulations show that the recent summer temperature trend has been intensified by two factors: steady warming induced by external forcing and inhomogeneous warming induced by internal atmosphere–land interactions that amplify quasi-stationary waves. The latter is sensitive to both snow cover and soil moisture anomalies in the spring, suggesting the potential of land surface monitoring for better seasonal prediction of summer temperatures. Dramatic changes in the circumpolar environment, characterised by Eurasian snow variation and Arctic Ocean warming, collectively affect summertime climate via memory effects of the land surface.
High frequency of the exoU+/exoS+ genotype associated with multidrug-resistant “high-risk clones” of Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates from Peruvian hospitals
Authors: Horna Gertrudis , Amaro Catherine , Palacios Aida , Guerra Humberto , Ruiz Joaquim
Published: July 2019

The type III secretion system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important virulence factor contributing to the cytotoxicity and the invasion process of this microorganism. The current study aimed to determine the presence of the exoU+/exoS+ genotype in P. aeruginosa clinical isolates. The presence of exoS, exoT, exoU and exoY was determined in 189 P. aeruginosa by PCR, and the presence/absence of exoU was analysed according to source infection, clonal relationships, biofilm formation, motility and antimicrobial susceptibility. The gyrA, parC, oprD, efflux pump regulators and β-lactamases genes were also analysed by PCR/sequencing. The exoS, exoT and exoY genes were found in 100% of the isolates. Meanwhile, exoU was present in 43/189 (22.8%) of the isolates, being significantly associated with multidrug resistance, extensively drug resistance as well as with higher level quinolone resistance. However, the presence of β-lactamases, mutations in gyrA and parC, and relevant modifications in efflux pumps and OprD were not significantly associated with exoU+ isolates. MLST analysis of a subset of 25 isolates showed 8 different STs displaying the exoU+/exoS+ genotype. The MDR basis of the exoU+ isolates remain to be elucidated. Furthermore, the clinical implications and spread of exoU+/exoS+ P. aeruginosa isolates need to be established.
Adding an anaerobic step can rapidly inhibit sludge bulking in SBR reactor
Authors: Yao Junqin , Liu Jiaqi , Zhang Yanjiang , Xu Shuang , Hong Ying , Chen Yinguang
Published: July 2019

Activated sludge from wastewater treatment plants was seeded into a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) in which synthetic wastewater was used as the influent. The sludge was bulked by decreasing the concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO). By adding a 30 min step of anaerobic stirring after the water inflow, the sludge bulking was rapidly inhibited after 10 running cycles, and the sludge volume index (SVI) decreased from 222 to 74 mL·g−1. The results of high-throughput sequencing showed that the relative abundance of bacteria Thiothrix, bacteria norank_o_Sphingobacteriales and fungi Trichosporon was increased by 6.3, 4.3 and 81.2%, after initial SBR stages, but these bacteria were inhibited by the addition of an anaerobic step, as their relative abundances decreased by 0.7, 0.8 and 14.7%, respectively. The proliferation of Thiothrix, norank_o_Sphingobacteriales and Trichosporon was the primary reason for the observed sludge bulking in the reactor. After the anaerobic step was added, the sludge extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) concentration was increased from 84.4 to 104.0 mg·(gMLSS)−1 (grams of mixed liquor suspended solids). Thus, the addition of an anaerobic step can inhibit the growth of filamentous bacteria, increasing the sludge EPS concentration and promoting the precipitation of activated sludge.
Genetic comparison of sickle cell anaemia cohorts from Brazil and the United States reveals high levels of divergence
Authors: Cruz Pedro R. S. , Ananina Galina , Gil-da-Silva-Lopes Vera Lucia , Simioni Milena , Menaa Farid , Bezerra Marcos A. C. , Domingos Igor F. , Araújo Aderson S. , Pellegrino Renata , Hakonarson Hakon , Costa Fernando F. , de Melo Mônica Barbosa
Published: July 2019

Genetic analysis of admixed populations raises special concerns with regard to study design and data processing, particularly to avoid population stratification biases. The point mutation responsible for sickle cell anaemia codes for a variant hemoglobin, sickle hemoglobin or HbS, whose presence drives the pathophysiology of disease. Here we propose to explore ancestry and population structure in a genome-wide study with particular emphasis on chromosome 11 in two SCA admixed cohorts obtained from urban populations of Brazil (Pernambuco and São Paulo) and the United States (Pennsylvania). Ancestry inference showed different proportions of European, African and American backgrounds in the composition of our samples. Brazilians were more admixed, had a lower African background (43% vs. 78% on the genomic level and 44% vs. 76% on chromosome 11) and presented a signature of positive selection and Iberian introgression in the HbS region, driving a high differentiation of this locus between the two cohorts. The genetic structures of the SCA cohorts from Brazil and US differ considerably on the genome-wide, chromosome 11 and HbS mutation locus levels.
Postoperative brain volumes are associated with one-year neurodevelopmental outcome in children with severe congenital heart disease
Authors: Meuwly Eliane , Feldmann Maria , Knirsch Walter , von Rhein Michael , Payette Kelly , Dave Hitendu , Tuura Ruth O’ Gorman , Kottke Raimund , Hagmann Cornelia , Latal Beatrice , Jakab András ,   on behalf of the Research Group Heart and Brain*, Liamlahi Rabia , Hackenberg Annette , Kretschmar Oliver , Kellenberger Christian , Bürki Christoph , Weiss Markus
Published: July 2019

Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) remain at risk for neurodevelopmental impairment despite improved perioperative care. Our prospective cohort study aimed to determine the relationship between perioperative brain volumes and neurodevelopmental outcome in neonates with severe CHD. Pre- and postoperative cerebral MRI was acquired in term born neonates with CHD undergoing neonatal cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Brain volumes were measured using an atlas prior-based automated method. One-year neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed with the Bayley-III. CHD infants (n = 77) had lower pre- and postoperative total and regional brain volumes compared to controls (n = 44, all p < 0.01). CHD infants had poorer cognitive and motor outcome (p ≤ 0.0001) and a trend towards lower language composite score compared to controls (p = 0.06). Larger total and selected regional postoperative brain volumes were found to be associated with better cognitive and language outcomes (all p < 0.04) at one year. This association was independent of length of intensive care unit stay for total, cortical, temporal, frontal and cerebellar volumes. Therefore, reduced cerebral volume in CHD neonates undergoing bypass surgery may serve as a biomarker for impaired outcome.
A mathematical model of combined CD8 T cell costimulation by 4-1BB (CD137) and OX40 (CD134) receptors
Authors: Konstorum Anna , Vella Anthony T. , Adler Adam J. , Laubenbacher Reinhard C.
Published: July 2019

Combined agonist stimulation of the TNFR costimulatory receptors 4-1BB (CD137) and OX40(CD134) has been shown to generate supereffector CD8 T cells that clonally expand to greater levels, survive longer, and produce a greater quantity of cytokines compared to T cells stimulated with an agonist of either costimulatory receptor individually. In order to understand the mechanisms for this effect, we have created a mathematical model for the activation of the CD8 T cell intracellular signaling network by mono- or dual-costimulation. We show that supereffector status is generated via downstream interacting pathways that are activated upon engagement of both receptors, and in silico simulations of the model are supported by published experimental results. The model can thus be used to identify critical molecular targets of T cell dual-costimulation in the context of cancer immunotherapy.
Novel high-coverage targeted metabolomics method (SWATHtoMRM) for exploring follicular fluid metabolome alterations in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion undergoing in vitro fertilization
Authors: Song Jingyan , Wang Xiaoming , Guo Ying , Yang Yi , Xu Kaiyue , Wang Tianqi , Sa Yuanhong , Yuan Lihua , Jiang Huaying , Guo Jiayin , Sun Zhengao
Published: July 2019

The complexity of follicular fluid metabolome presents a significant challenge for qualitative and quantitative metabolite profiling, and for discovering the comprehensive biomarkers. In order to address this challenge, a novel SWATHtoMRM metabolomics method was used for providing broad coverage and excellent quantitative capability to discover the human follicular fluid metabolites related to recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, and to evaluate their relationship with pregnancy outcome. The follicular fluid samples from the spontaneous abortion group (n = 22) and the control group (n = 22) were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry. A novel, high-coverage, targeted metabolomics method (SWATH to MRM) and a targeted metabolomics method were used to find and validate the differential metabolites between the two groups. A total of 18 follicular fluid metabolites, including amino acids, cholesterol, vitamins, fatty acids, cholic acid, lysophosphatidylcholine and other metabolites, were identified. In the RSA group, 8 metabolites, namely dehydroepiandrosterone, lysoPC(16:0), lysoPC(18:2), lysoPC(18:1), lysoPC(18:0), lysoPC(20:5), lysoPC(20:4), and lysoPC(20:3), were up-regulated, and 10 metabolites, namely phenylalanine, linoleate, oleic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, lithocholic acid, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, hydroxycholesterol, 13-hydroxy-alpha-tocopherol, leucine, and tryptophan, were down-regulated. These differential metabolites related to RSA may provide a possible diagnostic basis and therapeutic target for RSA, as well as a scientific basis for elucidating the mechanism of RSA.
Performance of a glucose-reactive enzyme-based biofuel cell system for biomedical applications
Authors: Jeon Won-Yong , Lee Jung-Hwan , Dashnyam Khandmaa , Choi Young-Bong , Kim Tae-Hyun , Lee Hae-Hyoung , Kim Hae-Won , Kim Hyug-Han
Published: July 2019

A glucose-reactive enzyme-based biofuel cell system (EBFC) was recently introduced in the scientific community for biomedical applications, such as implantable artificial organs and biosensors for drug delivery. Upon direct contact with tissues or organs, an implanted EBFC can exert effects that damage or stimulate intact tissue due to its byproducts or generated electrical cues, which have not been investigated in detail. Here, we perform a fundamental cell culture study using a glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) as an anode enzyme and bilirubin oxidase (BOD) as a cathode enzyme. The fabricated EBFC had power densities of 15.26 to 38.33 nW/cm2 depending on the enzyme concentration in media supplemented with 25 mM glucose. Despite the low power density, the GDH-based EBFC showed increases in cell viability (~150%) and cell migration (~90%) with a relatively low inflammatory response. However, glucose oxidase (GOD), which has been used as an EBFC anode enzyme, revealed extreme cytotoxicity (~10%) due to the lethal concentration of H2O2 byproducts (~1500 µM). Therefore, with its cytocompatibility and cell-stimulating effects, the GDH-based EBFC is considered a promising implantable tool for generating electricity for biomedical applications. Finally, the GDH-based EBFC can be used for introducing electricity during cell culture and the fabrication of organs on a chip and a power source for implantable devices such as biosensors, biopatches, and artificial organs.
Salpingitis Impairs Bovine Tubal Function and Sperm-Oviduct Interaction
Authors: Owhor Loveth E. , Reese Sven , Kölle Sabine
Published: July 2019

Salpingitis is a common cause for subfertility and infertility both in humans and animals. However, the effects of salpingitis on tubal function and reproductive success are largely unknown. Therefore we set out to investigate the effects of inflammation on sperm and oocyte transport and gameto-maternal interaction in the oviduct using the bovine as a model. For this purpose, oviducts revealing mild (n = 45), moderate (n = 55) and severe (n = 45) inflammation were obtained from cows immediately after slaughter and investigated by live cell imaging, histochemistry and scanning electron microscopy. Our studies showed that endometritis was always correlated with salpingitis. Moderate and severe inflammation caused a significant increase in the thickness of tubal folds (p < 0.05). Severe inflammation was characterized by luminal accumulations of mucus and glycoproteins, increased apoptosis, loss of tight junctions and shedding of tubal epithelial cells. The mean ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in the ampulla was significantly reduced as compared to the controls (p < 0.05). The higher the grade of inflammation, the lower was the CBF (p < 0.001). In severe inflammation, spermatozoa were stuck in mucus resulting in decreased sperm motility. Our results imply that tubal inflammation impairs proper tubal function and leads to reduced sperm fertilizing capacity.