bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential influence of socioeconomic status on genetic correlations between alcohol consumption measures and mental health
Authors: Marees Andries T. , Smit Dirk J. A. , Ong Jue-Sheng , MacGregor Stuart , An Jiyuan , Denys Damiaan , Vorspan Florence , van den Brink Wim , Derks Eske M.
Published: March 2019

Background.Frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption are metrics commonly used to measure alcohol consumption behaviors. Epidemiological studies indicate that these alcohol consumption measures are differentially associated with (mental) health outcomes and socioeconomic status (SES). The current study aims to elucidate to what extent genetic risk factors are shared between frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption, and how these alcohol consumption measures are genetically associated with four broad phenotypic categories: (i) SES; (ii) substance use disorders; (iii) other psychiatric disorders; and (iv) psychological/personality traits.

Methods.Genome-Wide Association analyses were conducted to test genetic associations with alcohol consumption frequency (N= 438 308) and alcohol consumption quantity (N= 307 098 regular alcohol drinkers) within UK Biobank. For the other phenotypes, we used genome-wide association studies summary statistics. Genetic correlations (rg) between the alcohol measures and other phenotypes were estimated using LD score regression.

Results.We found a substantial genetic correlation between the frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption (rg= 0.52). Nevertheless, both measures consistently showed opposite genetic correlations with SES traits, and many substance use, psychiatric, and psychological/personality traits. High alcohol consumption frequency was genetically associated with high SES and low risk of substance use disorders and other psychiatric disorders, whereas the opposite applies for high alcohol consumption quantity.

Conclusions.Although the frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption show substantial genetic overlap, they consistently show opposite patterns of genetic associations with SES-related phenotypes. Future studies should carefully consider the potential influence of SES on the shared genetic etiology between alcohol and adverse (mental) health outcomes.
Spiritual desire and religious practice
Authors: CARLISLE CLARE
Published: March 2019

This article clarifies the relationship between spiritual desire and religious practice. I outline a philosophical account of practice, and suggest that desire is one of four cornerstones of the concept of practice. I distinguish three kinds of practice – art practice, skill practice, and spiritual practice – which are differentiated by their structures of desire. I argue that ‘spiritual desire’ can be understood as an ‘infinite desire’’, and that spiritual practices offer determinate, embodied, culturally specific ways to express this infinite desire. Within this theoretical framework, I discuss certain salient features of experiences described during my interviews with religious practitioners, showing how these first-person accounts of spiritual desire and religious practice relate to my philosophical analysis.
LE STORIE DELLA PASSIONE DI CRISTO DELLA CAPPELLA «DEGLI ILLUSTRISSIMI» NEL DUOMO DI NAPOLI. RIFLESSIONI SUL TRIANGOLO NAPOLI, SIENA E AVIGNONE
Authors: De Giorgio Teodoro
Published: March 2019

Il saggio analizza in dettaglio, con immagini inedite e di alta qualità (frutto di apposita campagna fotografica), le trecentesche Storie della Passione di Cristo della cappella «degli Illustrissimi», posta all'estremità del braccio settentrionale del transetto del duomo di Napoli. L'opera, realizzata a monocromo, si compone di quattro scene maggiori, leggibili da sinistra a destra, Cristo schernito e spogliato delle vesti, Flagellazione, Andata al Calvario e Deposizione, e di una scena minore, un'Annunciazione con probabile offerente. A dispetto dell'alta qualità esecutiva e del raffinato livello d'invenzione, l'opera è scarsamente conosciuta, e spesso ignorata, da parte della critica moderna. Scopo del contributo è di presentare in dettaglio le Storie della Passione per fornire una corretta e approfondita lettura iconografica dei singoli episodi e per individuare le fonti visive alla base della rappresentazione.
The variety of institutionalised inequalities: Stratificatory interlinkages in interwar international society
Authors: Müller Thomas
Published: March 2019

This article argues that the research on institutionalised inequalities pays too little attention to competing understandings of stratification and the variety of interlinkages between the patterns of stratification and the institutions of international society. Building on the English School and theories of stratification, it develops an analytical framework that conceptualises these ‘stratificatory interlinkages’ as a twofold decision: firstly for a coupling – instead of a decoupling – of institutional characteristics to patterns of stratification and secondly for a specific classification scheme and type of interlinkage. The article draws on empirical examples from the League of Nations and other interwar international institutions to demonstrate that different understandings of stratification and classification schemes were used for different institutional purposes, for example, voting rights and the apportionment of budget expenses. In addition, it proposes four analytical dimensions that allow mapping the variety of classification schemes and types of interlinkages that were chosen for institutionalised inequalities. The dimensions relate to the composition of the reference group, the decision-making about the classification scheme, the institutional purposes, and the institutional form of the interlinkage. The variety of stratificatory interlinkages entails a more variable and diverse relation between stratification and institutions than usually assumed.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Music and Socialism
Authors: BEARD DANIJELA Š. , KELLY ELAINE
Published: March 2019

The end of the twentieth century was marked by a sense of closure for many in the West. The Cold War was over, Western democracy had triumphed, and the future of neoliberalist capitalism seemed secure. The ‘end of history’, as Francis Fukuyama prematurely called it was, of course, short lived.1The new century ushered in a series of economic and political crises that have shakenfin-de-sièclecomplacency to its core. Events ranging from the banking crisis of 2008 and the economic collapse of countries such as Greece to recent scandals surrounding ‘fake news’ and the activities of organizations like Cambridge Analytica have posed serious challenges to the primacy of neoliberalism, capitalism, and contemporary democratic processes. At the same time, the rise of far-right extremism and populism has resulted in bewildering shifts to the political discourses of both Europe and the United States. One response to these unsettling changes has been a resurgence of leftist politics. Over a century after the Russian Revolution of 1917 and fifty years on from the protests of 1968, socialist ideals have found a renewed impetus in the rise of movements such as Occupy, Podemos, Syriza, and grassroots support for politicians such as Bernie Sanders and Jeremy Corbyn.
An Algorithm Differentiating Sunlit and Shaded Leaves for Improving Canopy Conductance and Vapotranspiration Estimates
Authors: Li Jing , Ju Weimin , He Wei , Wang Hengmao , Zhou Yanlian , Xu Mingzhu
Published: March 2019

Surface conductance (Gs) is a key parameter in estimating land surface evapotranspiration (ET) and difficult to determine. Here we proposed an approach for determining Gs according to the stomatal conductance of sunlit and shaded leaves that is estimated from their respective gross primary production (GPP) with the Ball‐Berry model. Central to this approach, GPP is separately simulated for sunlit and shaded leaves with a revised two‐leaf light use efficiency model. We tested the approach at 17 FLUXNET sites with seven different vegetation types. The revised two‐leaf light use efficiency model outperforms its predecessor in estimating GPP at most sites. As to Gs estimation, although our proposed algorithm has higher Akaike information criterion values than has the model estimating Gs using vegetation indices, it was able to capture Gs variations at all sites, while models estimating Gs using leaf area index and vegetation indices performed poor at some sites. The proposed algorithm also improves ET estimation, indicated by lower Akaike information criterion, higher determination coefficient (R2), and lower root mean square error of simulated daily ET for both calibration and validation data sets. This study demonstrates the usefulness of differentiating sunlit and shaded leaves in improving canopy conductance and ET estimates.
New Antenna Design Could Improve Satellite Communications
Authors: Shultz David
Published: March 2019

A novel antenna design promises to improve bandwidth and allow for better communication between Earth stations and satellites.
Youth Call for Action with Climate Strikes
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: March 2019

Climate scientists show their support for protests in the United States and around the world on 15 March.
Regional default mode network connectivity in major depressive disorder: modulation by acute intravenous citalopram
Authors: Dutta Arpan , McKie Shane , Downey Darragh , Thomas Emma , Juhasz Gabriella , Arnone Danilo , Elliott Rebecca , Williams Steve , Deakin J. F. William , Anderson Ian M.
Published: March 2019

The relationship between altered default mode network (DMN) connectivity and abnormal serotonin function in major depressive disorder (MDD) has not been investigated. Using intravenous citalopram and resting-state fMRI, we investigated DMN intra-network connectivity and serotonin function in 77 healthy controls and patients with MDD. There were no significant main effects of MDD or citalopram on DMN intra-network connectivity; however, significant interactions indicated that group differences under saline were modified by citalopram. In MDD patients during saline infusion, in contrast with controls, the DMN (i) did not include the precuneus that was instead part of an anti-correlated network but (ii) did include amygdala that was part of the anti-correlated network in controls. Citalopram infusion in MDD patients restored the pattern seen in controls under saline. In healthy controls, citalopram infusion disengaged the precuneus from the DMN and engaged the amygdala, partially reproducing the abnormalities seen under saline in MDD. In exploratory analyses within the MDD group, greater rumination self-ratings were associated with greater intra-network connectivity of the anterior cingulate cortex with the DMN. We hypothesise that, in MDD, disengagement of the precuneus from the DMN relates to overgeneral memory bias in rumination. The opposite effect, with greater engagement of the amygdala in the DMN, reflects the negative valence of rumination. Reversal of these abnormalities by citalopram suggests that they may be related to impaired serotonin function. That citalopram engaged the amygdala in the DMN in controls may relate to the paradoxical effects on aversive processing seen with acute SSRIs in healthy subjects.
AID modulates carcinogenesis network via DNA demethylation in bladder urothelial cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Haoyong , Li Qi , Ma Zhe , Zhou Zhiyan , Fan Jinfeng , Jin Yingxia , Wu Yaoxi , Cheng Fan , Liang Peiyu
Published: March 2019

Bladder cancer is one of the most common malignant diseases in the urinary system, with poor survival after metastasis. Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), a versatile enzyme involved in antibody diversification, is an oncogenic gene that induces somatic hypermutation and class-switch recombination (CSR). However, the contribution of AID-mediated DNA demethylation to bladder urothelial cell carcinoma (BUCC) remains unclear. Herein, we evaluated the impact on BUCC caused by AID and explored the gene network downstream of AID by using a proteomic approach. Lentiviral vector containing AID-specific shRNA significantly reduced AID expression in T24 and 5637 cells. Silencing AID expression remarkably inhibited tumour malignancies, including cell proliferation, invasion and migration. We used Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based proteomics analysis technology to study the underpinning mechanism in monoclonal T24 cells, with or without AID knockdown. Among the 6452 proteins identified, 99 and 142 proteins in shAICDA-T24 cells were significantly up- or downregulated, respectively (1.2-fold change) compared with the NC-T24 control. After a pipeline of bioinformatics analyses, we identified three tumour-associated factors, namely, matrix metallopeptidase 14 (MMP14), C–X–C motif chemokine ligand 12 and wntless Wnt ligand secretion mediator, which were further confirmed in human BUCC tissues. Nonetheless, only MMP14 was sensitive to the DNA demethylation molecule 5-aza-2’-deoxycytidine (5-azadC; 5 μM), which reversed the inhibition of carcinogenesis by AID silence in T24 and 5637 cells. Overall, AID is an oncogene that mediates tumourigenesis via DNA demethylation. Our findings provide novel insights into the clinical treatment for BUCC.
Lnc SMAD5-AS1 as ceRNA inhibit proliferation of diffuse large B cell lymphoma via Wnt/β-catenin pathway by sponging miR-135b-5p to elevate expression of APC
Authors: Zhao Chen-Chen , Jiao Yang , Zhang Yi-Yin , Ning Jie , Zhang Yi-Ruo , Xu Jing , Wei Wei , Kang-Sheng Gu
Published: March 2019

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a common and fatal hematological malignancy. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as crucial biomarkers and regulators in many cancers. Novel lncRNA biomarker in DLBCL needs to be investigated badly, as well as its function and molecular mechanism. To further explore, microarray analysis was performed to identify the differentially expressed lncRNAs in DLBCL tissues. To investigate the biological functions of SMAD5-AS1, we performed gain- and loss-of-function experiments in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assays, Argonaute 2-RNA immunoprecipitation (AGO2-RIP), RNA pull-down assay, quantitative PCR arrays, western blot assay, TOPFlash/FOPFlash reporter assay, and rescue experiments were conducted to explore the underlying mechanisms of competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). We found that SMAD5-AS1 was down-regulated in DLBCL tissues and cell lines. Functionally, SMAD5-AS1 downregulation promoted cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, whereas SMAD5-AS1 overexpression could lead to the opposite effects in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assays revealed that miR-135b-5p was a direct target of SMAD5-AS1, which was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assays, AGO2-RIP, RNA pull-down assay, and rescue experiments. Also, dual-luciferase reporter assays and rescue experiments demonstrated that miR-135b-5p targeted the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene directly. SMAD5-AS1/miR-135b-5p inhibits the cell proliferation via inactivating the classic Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the form of APC dependency. Our results indicated that SMAD5-AS1 inhibits DLBCL proliferation by sponging miR-135b-5p to up-regulate APC expression and inactivate classic Wnt/β-catenin pathway, suggesting that SMAD5-AS1 may act as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for DLBCL.
Restoration of high-sensitivity and adapting vision with a cone opsin
Authors: Berry Michael H. , Holt Amy , Salari Autoosa , Veit Julia , Visel Meike , Levitz Joshua , Aghi Krisha , Gaub Benjamin M. , Sivyer Benjamin , Flannery John G. , Isacoff Ehud Y.
Published: March 2019

Inherited and age-related retinal degenerative diseases cause progressive loss of rod and cone photoreceptors, leading to blindness, but spare downstream retinal neurons, which can be targeted for optogenetic therapy. However, optogenetic approaches have been limited by either low light sensitivity or slow kinetics, and lack adaptation to changes in ambient light, and not been shown to restore object vision. We find that the vertebrate medium wavelength cone opsin (MW-opsin) overcomes these limitations and supports vision in dim light. MW-opsin enables an otherwise blind retinitis pigmenotosa mouse to discriminate temporal and spatial light patterns displayed on a standard LCD computer tablet, displays adaption to changes in ambient light, and restores open-field novel object exploration under incidental room light. By contrast, rhodopsin, which is similar in sensitivity but slower in light response and has greater rundown, fails these tests. Thus, MW-opsin provides the speed, sensitivity and adaptation needed to restore patterned vision.
Automating multimodal microscopy with NanoJ-Fluidics
Authors: Almada Pedro , Pereira Pedro M. , Culley Siân , Caillol Ghislaine , Boroni-Rueda Fanny , Dix Christina L. , Charras Guillaume , Baum Buzz , Laine Romain F. , Leterrier Christophe , Henriques Ricardo
Published: March 2019

Combining and multiplexing microscopy approaches is crucial to understand cellular events, but requires elaborate workflows. Here, we present a robust, open-source approach for treating, labelling and imaging live or fixed cells in automated sequences. NanoJ-Fluidics is based on low-cost Lego hardware controlled by ImageJ-based software, making high-content, multimodal imaging easy to implement on any microscope with high reproducibility. We demonstrate its capacity on event-driven, super-resolved live-to-fixed and multiplexed STORM/DNA-PAINT experiments.
Life habits and evolutionary biology of new two-winged long-proboscid scorpionflies from mid-Cretaceous Myanmar amber
Authors: Lin Xiaodan , Labandeira Conrad C. , Shih Chungkun , Hotton Carol L. , Ren Dong
Published: March 2019

Long-proboscid scorpionflies are enigmatic, mid-Mesozoic insects associated with gymnosperm pollination. One major lineage, Aneuretopsychina, consists of four families plus two haustellate clades, Diptera and Siphonaptera. One clade, Pseudopolycentropodidae, from mid-Cretaceous Myanmar amber, containsParapolycentropus. Here, we newly establishDualula, assigned to Dualulidae, constituting the fifth lineage.ParapolycentropusandDualulalineages are small, two-winged, with unique siphonate mouthparts for imbibing pollination drops. A cibarial pump provides siphonal food inflow; inDualula, the siphon base surrounds a hypopharynx housing a small, valved pump constricted to a narrow salivary duct supplying outgoing enzymes for food fluidization. Indirect evidence links long-proboscid mouthpart structure with contemporaneous tubulate ovulate organs. Direct evidence of gymnospermousCycadopitespollen is associated with oneParapolycentropusspecimen.ParapolycentropusandDualulaexhibit hind-wing reduction that would precede haltere formation, likely caused byUltrabithorax. Distinctive, male Aneuretopsychina genitalia are evident from specimens in copulo, supplemented by mixed-sex individuals of likely male mating swarms.
Interplay between intra- and inter-nanowires dynamic dipolar interactions in the spin wave band structure of Py/Cu/Py nanowires
Authors: Gubbiotti G. , Zhou X. , Haghshenasfard Z. , Cottam M. G. , Adeyeye A. O. , Kostylev M.
Published: March 2019

We have studied both experimentally and theoretically the reprogrammable spin wave band structure in Permalloy(10 nm)/Cu(5 nm)/Permalloy(30 nm) nanowire arrays of width w = 280 nm and inter-wire separation in the range from 80 to 280 nm. We found that, depending on the inter-wire separation, the anti-parallel configuration, where the magnetizations of the two Permalloy layers point in opposite directions, is stabilized over specific magnetic field ranges thus enabling us to directly compare the band structure with that of the parallel alignment. We show that collective spin waves of the Bloch type propagate through the arrays with different magnonic bandwidths as a consequence of the interplay between the intra- and inter-nanowire dynamic dipolar interactions. A detailed understanding, e.g. whether they have a stationary or propagating character, is achieved by considering the phase relation (in-phase or out-of-phase) between the dynamic magnetizations in the two ferromagnetic layers and their average value. This work opens the path to magnetic field-controlled reconfigurable layered magnonic crystals that can be used for future nanoscale magnon spintronic devices.
Publisher Correction: Neural measures of the role of affective prosody in empathy for pain
Authors: Meconi Federica , Doro Mattia , Schiano Lomoriello Arianna , Mastrella Giulia , Sessa Paola
Published: March 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Fear conditioning and extinction induce opposing changes in dendritic spine remodeling and somatic activity of layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the mouse motor cortex
Authors: Xu Zhiwei , Adler Avital , Li Hong , Pérez-Cuesta Luis M. , Lai Baoling , Li Wei , Gan Wen-Biao
Published: March 2019

Multiple brain regions including the amygdala and prefrontal cortex are crucial for modulating fear conditioning and extinction. The primary motor cortex is known to participate in the planning, control, and execution of voluntary movements. Whether and how the primary motor cortex is involved in modulating freezing responses related to fear conditioning and extinction remains unclear. Here we show that inactivation of the mouse primary motor cortex impairs both the acquisition and extinction of freezing responses induced by auditory-cued fear conditioning. Fear conditioning significantly increases the elimination of dendritic spines on apical dendrites of layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the motor cortex. These eliminated spines are further apart from each other than expected from random distribution along dendrites. On the other hand, fear extinction causes the formation of new spines that are located near the site of spines eliminated previously after fear conditioning. We further show that fear conditioning decreases and fear extinction increases somatic activities of layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the motor cortex respectively. Taken together, these findings indicate fear conditioning and extinction induce opposing changes in synaptic connections and somatic activities of layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the primary motor cortex, a cortical region important for the acquisition and extinction of auditory-cued conditioned freezing responses.
Tunable Superconducting Cavity using Superconducting Quantum Interference Device Metamaterials
Authors: Kim Samuel , Shrekenhamer David , McElroy Kyle , Strikwerda Andrew , Alldredge Jacob
Published: March 2019

Here we consider a tunable superconducting cavity that can be used either as a tunable coupler to a qubit inside the cavity or as a tunable low noise, low temperature, RF filter. Our design consists of an array of radio-frequency superconducting quantum interference devices (rf SQUIDs) inside a superconducting cavity. This forms a tunable metamaterial structure which couples to the cavity through its magnetic plasma frequency. By tuning the resonant frequency of the metamaterial through an applied magnetic flux, one can tune the cavity mode profile. This allows us to detune the cavity initially centered at 5.593 GHz by over 200 MHz. The maximum quality factor approaches that of the empty cavity, which is 4.5 × 106. The metamaterial electromagnetic response is controlled via a low-frequency or dc magnetic flux bias, and we present a control line architecture that is capable of applying sufficient magnetic flux bias with minimal parasitic coupling. Together this design allows for an in-situ tunable cavity which enables low-temperature quantum control applications.
Applications and limitations of fitting of the operational model to determine relative efficacies of agonists
Authors: Jakubík Jan , Randáková Alena , Rudajev Vladimír , Zimčík Pavel , El-Fakahany Esam E. , Doležal Vladimír
Published: March 2019

Proper determination of agonist efficacy is essential in the assessment of agonist selectivity and signalling bias. Agonist efficacy is a relative term that is dependent on the system in which it is measured, especially being dependent on receptor expression level. The operational model (OM) of functional receptor agonism is a useful means for the determination of agonist functional efficacy using the maximal response to agonist and ratio of agonist functional potency to its equilibrium dissociation constant (KA) at the active state of the receptor. However, the functional efficacy parameter τ is inter-dependent on two other parameters of OM; agonist’s KA and the highest response that could be evoked in the system by any stimulus (EMAX). Thus, fitting of OM to functional response data is a tricky process. In this work we analyse pitfalls of fitting OM to experimental data and propose a rigorous fitting procedure where KA and EMAX are derived from half-efficient concentration of agonist and apparent maximal responses obtained from a series of functional response curves. Subsequently, OM with fixed KA and EMAX is fitted to functional response data to obtain τ. The procedure was verified at M2 and M4 muscarinic receptors fused with the G15 G-protein α-subunit. The procedure, however, is applicable to any receptor-effector system.
High intensity endurance training is associated with better quality of life, but not with improved cognitive functions in elderly marathon runners
Authors: Batmyagmar D. , Kundi M. , Ponocny-Seliger E. , Lukas I. , Lehrner J. , Haslacher H. , Winker R.
Published: March 2019

Impairment of cognitive functions in advanced age leads to a reduced quality of life and impaired ability to perform everyday tasks. The positive impact of physical exercise on the quality of life and well-being, also at a later age, is well established. However, the effect of endurance exercises, including long distance running and cycling, on cognitive function and mental health within the elderly population has still to be elucidated. To this end, elderly active marathoners (N = 50) aged over 60 years and non-athlete controls (N = 49) were followed for four years. Cognitive function was assessed using the CERAD test battery. In addition, the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was applied to assess self-reported physical, mental, and emotional health. Except for age, sex and education-corrected z-values of the test “Word list recall”, with marathon runners showing a decline compared to an improvement in controls (p < 0.05), there was no statistically significant difference in time trend between groups. In contrast, concerning self-reported health, scores in all eight domains of the SF-36 remained stable over time and, in nearly all of them, marathon runners showed higher self-reported health than controls. The results indicated that extensive endurance exercise is associated with improved subjective health but does not lead to better scores in cognitive performance tests in elderly persons.
Estrogen deficiency impairs integrin αvβ3-mediated mechanosensation by osteocytes and alters osteoclastogenic paracrine signalling
Authors: Geoghegan Ivor P. , Hoey David A. , McNamara Laoise M.
Published: March 2019

The integrin αvβ3has been shown to play an important role in osteocyte mechanotransduction. It has been reported that there are fewer β3integrin-containing cells in osteoporotic bone cells. Osteocytes culturedin vitrounder estrogen deficient conditions demonstrate altered mechanotransduction. However, it is unknown whether the altered mechanotransduction in estrogen deficient osteocytes is directly associated with defective αvβ3expression or signalling. The objective of this study is to investigate the role of estrogen deficiency for regulating MLO-Y4 cell morphology, αvβ3expression, focal adhesion formation and mechanotransduction by osteocytes. Here, we report that estrogen withdrawal leads to a smaller focal adhesion area and reduced αvβ3localisation at focal adhesion sites, resulting in an increasedRankl/Opgratio and defectiveCox-2responses to oscillatory fluid flow. Interestingly, αvβ3antagonism had a similar effect on focal adhesion assembly,Rankl/Opgratio, andCox-2responses to oscillatory fluid flow. Taken together, our results provide the first evidence for a relationship between estrogen withdrawal and defective αvβ3-mediated signalling. Specifically, this study implicates estrogen withdrawal as a putative mechanism responsible for altered αvβ3expression and resultant changes in downstream signalling in osteocytes during post-menopausal osteoporosis, which might provide an important, but previously unidentified, contribution to the bone loss cascade.
Mutations in the PKM2 exon-10 region are associated with reduced allostery and increased nuclear translocation
Authors: Chen Tsan-Jan , Wang Hung-Jung , Liu Jai-Shin , Cheng Hsin-Hung , Hsu Sheng-Chieh , Wu Meng-Chen , Lu Chien-Hung , Wu Yu-Fang , Wu Jing-Wen , Liu Ying-Yuan , Kung Hsing-Jien , Wang Wen-Ching
Published: March 2019

PKM2 is a key metabolic enzyme central to glucose metabolism and energy expenditure. Multiple stimuli regulate PKM2’s activity through allosteric modulation and post-translational modifications. Furthermore, PKM2 can partner with KDM8, an oncogenic demethylase and enter the nucleus to serve as a HIF1α co-activator. Yet, the mechanistic basis of the exon-10 region in allosteric regulation and nuclear translocation remains unclear. Here, we determined the crystal structures and kinetic coupling constants of exon-10 tumor-related mutants (H391Y and R399E), showing altered structural plasticity and reduced allostery. Immunoprecipitation analysis revealed increased interaction with KDM8 for H391Y, R399E, and G415R. We also found a higher degree of HIF1α-mediated transactivation activity, particularly in the presence of KDM8. Furthermore, overexpression of PKM2 mutants significantly elevated cell growth and migration. Together, PKM2 exon-10 mutations lead to structure-allostery alterations and increased nuclear functions mediated by KDM8 in breast cancer cells. Targeting the PKM2-KDM8 complex may provide a potential therapeutic intervention.
Understanding the molecular orientation growth on a nanometer scale and adjustable electron transition performance of a terpyridyl derivative under different external environments
Authors: Wang Hai-Yan , Kong Lin , Zhu Shu-Juan , Zhou Hong-Ping , Yang Jia-Xiang
Published: March 2019

TD-DFT calculation is used to forecast the aggregation style of PYTPY under different external conditions and predict the related morphology and electron transition performance.
Al solubility in (Ti1−cAlc)NiSn half-Heusler alloy
Authors: Rabin Daniel , Fuks David , Gelbstein Yaniv
Published: March 2019

A combination of CALPHAD andab initioDFT calculations with an experimental validation was carried out to study the Al solubility in TiNiSn.
Evaluation of attractive interactions in the second coordination sphere of iron complexes containing pendant amines
Authors: Liao Qian , Liu Tianbiao , Johnson Samantha I. , Klug Christina M. , Wiedner Eric S. , Morris Bullock R. , DuBois Daniel L.
Published: March 2019

The ability of different ligands to attract a pendant amine is studied in a series of iron complexes.
Performance enhancement of perovskite solar cells via material quality improvement assisted by MAI/IPA solution post-treatment
Authors: Chen Dazheng , Li Xueyi , Su Aixue , Dong Hang , Pang Shangzheng , Zhu Weidong , Xi He , Zhang Jincheng , Zhang Chunfu , Hao Yue
Published: March 2019

Improved perovskite film quality by MAI/IPA solution post-treatment.
Mycelial pellet-derived heteroatom-doped carbon nanosheets with a three-dimensional hierarchical porous structure for efficient capacitive deionization
Authors: Huang Yajing , Yang Jingling , Hu Lingling , Xia Dehua , Zhang Qing , Liao Yuhong , Li Haoyue , Yang Wenjing , He Chun , Shu Dong
Published: March 2019

The mycelial pellet-derived hierarchical porous carbon nanosheets were fabricated facilely and showed high electrosorption capacity of 18.71 mg g−1 for capacitive deionization.
Hydrodynamic shuttling for deterministic high-efficiency multiple single-cell capture in a microfluidic chip
Authors: He Cheng-Kun , Chen Ya-Wen , Wang Ssu-Han , Hsu Chia-Hsien
Published: March 2019

A new microfluidics technique for high-efficiency paring and analyzing multiple single cells can facilitate cellular heterogeneity studies important for biological and biomedical research.
Inhibition of acid-sensing ion channels reduces the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis activity and ameliorates depression-like behavior in rats
Authors: Zhou Wenjie , Ye Shandong , Luo Rong , Wu Li-Min , Wang Wei
Published: March 2019

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and its treatment represents a major clinical challenge.
Synergistic combination of amorphous indium oxide with tantalum pentoxide for efficient electron transport in low-power electronics
Authors: Park Song Yi , Heo Jungwoo , Yoon Yung Jin , Kim Jae Won , Jang Hyungsu , Walker Bright , Kim Jin Young
Published: March 2019

High-quality amorphous indium oxide thin films are obtained by exploiting a synergistic interaction with an underlying tantalum pentoxide layer.
Yeast epigenetics: the inheritance of histone modification states
Authors: O’Kane Callum J. , Hyland Edel M.
Published: March 2019

Saccharomyces cerevisiae (budding yeast) and Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast) are two of the most recognised and well-studied model systems for epigenetic regulation and the inheritance of chromatin states. Their silent loci serve as a proxy for heterochromatic chromatin in higher eukaryotes, and as such both species have provided a wealth of information on the mechanisms behind the establishment and maintenance of epigenetic states, not only in yeast, but in higher eukaryotes. This review focuses specifically on the role of histone modifications in governing telomeric silencing in S. cerevisiae and centromeric silencing in S. pombe as examples of genetic loci that exemplify epigenetic inheritance. We discuss the recent advancements that for the first time provide a mechanistic understanding of how heterochromatin, dictated by histone modifications specifically, is preserved during S-phase. We also discuss the current state of our understanding of yeast nucleosome dynamics during DNA replication, an essential component in delineating the contribution of histone modifications to epigenetic inheritance.
Synthesis of CoTiO3 nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic degradation
Authors: Cui Danfeng , Li Yanfang , Chen Yi , Li Yuankai , Hai Zhenyin , Xu Hongyan , Xue Chenyang
Published: March 2019

The mesoporous CoTiO3 nanoparticles, which have been successfully prepared by a fast, simple and low‐cost hydrothermal method, show good decolourisation and degradation of methylene blue (MB). The synthesised samples can be recovered easily from solution by a magnetic mass. Surface morphology, structure, composition, and optical characteristics of the prepared CoTiO3 were determined using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and ultraviolet–visible absorption measurements. The degradation percentage of MB was nearly 95% at an initial concentration of 10 ppm in 90 min. Such enhanced photocatalytic activities of synthesised CoTiO3 were attributed to a large specific surface area (54.22 m2 g−1) and defects density, which was useful for restraining surface recombination of photo‐generated charge carriers. The recovery of CoTiO3 nanoparticles was about 85% and the degradation rate of MB remained 80% after five cycles. As a whole, the CoTiO3 nanocomposites give a synergistic effect in photocatalytic and magnetic behaviour and indicate that the synthesised samples have a promising potential particularly for water purification and environmental remediation.
Modeling sulfur depletion in interstellar clouds
Authors: Laas Jacob C. , Caselli Paola
Published: March 2019

Context. The elemental depletion of interstellar sulfur from the gas phase has been a recurring challenge for astrochemical models. Observations show that sulfur remains relatively non-depleted with respect to its cosmic value throughout the diffuse and translucent stages of an interstellar molecular cloud, but its atomic and molecular gas-phase constituents cannot account for this cosmic value toward lines of sight containing higher-density environments.

Aims. We have attempted to address this issue by modeling the evolution of an interstellar cloud from its pristine state as a diffuse atomic cloud to a molecular environment of much higher density, using a gas-grain astrochemical code and an enhanced sulfur reaction network.

Methods. A common gas-grain astrochemical reaction network has been systematically updated and greatly extended based on previous literature and previous sulfur models, with a focus on the grain chemistry and processes. A simple astrochemical model was used to benchmark the resulting network updates, and the results of the model were compared to typical astronomical observations sourced from the literature.

Results. Our new gas-grain astrochemical model is able to reproduce the elemental depletion of sulfur, whereby sulfur can be depleted from the gas-phase by two orders of magnitude, and that this process may occur under dark cloud conditions if the cloud has a chemical age of at least 106 years. The resulting mix of sulfur-bearing species on the grain ranges across all the most common chemical elements (H/C/N/O), not dissimilar to the molecules observed in cometary environments. Notably, this mixture is not dominated simply by H2S, unlike all other current astrochemical models.

Conclusions. Despite our relatively simple physical model, most of the known gas-phase S-bearing molecular abundances are accurately reproduced under dense conditions, however they are not expected to be the primary molecular sinks of sulfur. Our model predicts that most of the “missing” sulfur is in the form of organo-sulfur species that are trapped on grains.
Evaluation of notional loads magnitude to three calibration concentric braced frames subjected to seismic loads in Indonesia
Authors: Purnomo Heru , Orientilize Mulia , A Rahim Sjahril , A Zaki Firdaus
Published: March 2019

The changing of SNI 03-1729 from 2002 to 2015 which refer to AISC 2010 change the method of steel stability analysis from effective length method (ELM) to direct analysis method (DAM). DAM use second order elastic analysis, accommodate strength reduction, geometric imperfection presented as notional load, and take buckling factor (K) equal to 1. Numerical study has been conducted to find out the appropriate magnitude of notional loads on concentric braced frame subjected to seismic load in Indonesia. Experimental results from three different calibration frames from previous research were used as reference. The frames consisted of 1-story, 3-stories, and 5-stories were reanalyzed by using SAP software with four different methods: ELM first order elastic analysis, ELM second order elastic analysis, and DAM with different notional loads coefficient as 0.002 and 0.003. Seismic loads according SNI 1726:2012 in three seismic regions were considered.
Strengthening of seismically deficient exterior beam-column connections using embedded steel bars
Authors: Ridwan  , Dirar Samir , Jemaa Yaser , Theofanous Marios , Elshafie Mohammed
Published: March 2019

Several techniques for improving performance of reinforced concrete (RC) beam-column (BC) connections have been developed in last two decades, but these techniques have been criticized for being labourintensive and susceptible to premature de-bonding. To overcome these shortcomings, a novel technique utilising embedded steel bars has been developed in this study for strengthening seismically deficient RC BC connections. This technique involves drilling holes within the joint core. After the drilled holes are cleaned, they are partially filled with epoxy. Finally, steel bars are inserted in the epoxy-filled holes. Two exterior BC connections were constructed and loaded under displacement-controlled cyclic loading. The first specimen was a control specimen designed in accordance with the pre-1970s building codes to represent BC connections requiring strengthening. The second specimen was strengthened with eight 8 mm steel bars embedded within the concrete core in the joint area and epoxied to maintain the bond between the concrete and the steel bars. The strengthened specimen had superior performance compared to that of the control specimen in terms of joint shear stress, normalised principal tensile stress demand and stiffness degradation. The results show that shear stress of the joint was enhanced by about 8% whereas the enhancement in the principal tensile stress demand was 24% compared to that of the control specimen. The results showed that the proposed technique is capable in upgrading the seismic performance of seismically deficient RC BC connections.
Flexural tests of masonry beam with and without reinforced bar
Authors: Made Budiwati Ida Ayu , Sudarsana I Ketut
Published: March 2019

Behaviour of reinforced masonry has been studied experimentally to determine its strength potential. The increase in either compressive or tensile strength of masonry is possible due to the existence of rebar or wire mesh. The research is carried out to determine the effect of steel rebar on flexural strength of reinforced masonry beam using local brick. The square hollow masonry beams of 330x330mm with and without reinforced bar were tested in the laboratory to determine the load and deflection curves and bending strength. The rebar was located at the centre of beam’s cross section and left unbounded. Mechanical properties of masonry’s constitute were also determined. It was found that the flexural strength of beams with rebar of 22 mm diameter was greater 11 times than that of beam without rebar. However, that strength was only 1.6 times due to the weaker end connections of the beam to the rebar. Flexural strength of reinforced masonry beam with 22 mm rebar was greater 2.7 times compared to the beam using a rebar diameter of 16 mm.
The significance of concrete slab flexural strength inference variation based on its compression strength characteristics in apron pavement analysis and design
Authors: Dodiek Wirya Ardana Made , Agus Ariawan I Made
Published: March 2019

Rigid pavement of apron in the airport is a complex structure which is designed based on the sense of balance of sub-grade strength, pavement aggregates, applied load characteristics, and climate. Various sub-grade condition and concrete slab flexural strength values results on the pavement design thickness that have a direct impact on the cost construction. In this study, the rigid pavement design of an apron with various sub-grade condition and concrete flexural strength values are presented. As a reference, the Federal Aviation and Administration (FAA) method is used. Dynamic Cone Penetration (DCP) test value is used to estimate California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values to determine the sub-grade reaction modulus (k). The flexural strength of concrete slab analyzed by several empirical models with constant values range of 0.72-0.9. The pavement structure analysis conducted by FAARFIELD. The CBR values from DCP’s test vary between 6-10% which equal to k values between 31.4-46.8 MN/m3. Concrete slab flexural strength of 4.6 MPa results on the concrete slab thickness of 550-510 mm. Based on k value of 46.8 MN/m3 and K400 concrete strength, the calculated flexural strength varies between 4.15-5.17 MPa and the concrete slab thickness is 570-540 cm. The inference variation of flexural strength based on the same value of concrete compression strength characteristics will produce different concrete slab thickness. The concrete slab thickness tends to increase with the smaller values of inference of flexural strength.
Determination of the serviceability of bridge upper structures (Case study: Sangsang River bridge at Tohpati-Kusamba highway, Bali)
Authors: Sutarja I Nyoman , Rai Widiarsa Ida Bagus , Alit Karyawan Salain I Made
Published: March 2019

The serviceability of upper structures of the Sangsang River Bridge during the designed period has decreased due to several factors such as environmental influences affecting the physical condition of the bridge, as well as the load that exceeds the designed capacity. Sangsang River Bridge needs to be maintained during the serviceability period in order to function optimally, safely and comfortably. The maintenance of the bridge begins with the examination of the existing condition of the bridge by utilizing Non-Destructive Test method using UPV Pundit PLLink 500 Digital tool. The data collected was then analysed to find out the serviceability of bridge structure. The analysed results showed that the value of concrete slab density was 17.8 MPa and of the concrete girder was 18.1 MPa. This values were classified as a deficient criterion and therefore the serviceability needs to be increased. Recommendations for enhancing the bridge serviceability was strengthening using Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP). Using 2 Layer SEH-51A or equivalent 2 Layer of E-glass fibre was suggested for concrete slab, meanwhile the use of 2 Layer SCH-41 or equal to 2 Layer Carbon fibre was suggested for concrete girder.
Community involvement analysis for sustainable rural infrastructure development
Authors: Maulida Lydia , Dita Rarasati Ayomi
Published: March 2019

Rural infrastructure affects agricultural growth, economic development, and village poverty alleviation. The development of sustainable rural infrastructure can be achieved optimally by involving villagers. This study aims to identify the aspects within such involvement. Data collection is conducted through survey, case study and archival analysis. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistical analysis. The results of this study show that community involvement in rural infrastructure development comes in the form of wealth, whereas the factors that influence their participation are age and occupation. This study shows that community involvement can indeed support sustainable rural infrastructure development.
Social capital factors in disaster risk reduction on West Sumatera non-engineered house
Authors: Hesna Yervi , Hidayat Benny
Published: March 2019

The increasing of earthquake vulnerability in Padang City based on earthquake zoning map demanded preparedness from the community. To ensure that the house is built in accordance with the concept of the non-engineered house, so it is more secure and minimizes the risk of casualties and losses caused by the earthquake. For the people who live in disaster-prone regions, it is important to build social capital in disaster preparedness, not just on technical issues. Technical factors are not enough to educate the community, besides it requires non-technical factors that may play a significant role in disaster reduction in the community. This study intends to identify the social capital factor that is needed in the application of earthquake-resistant housing concept in the implementation of non-engineered house construction as an effort to reduce disaster risks by the community. Social capital is identified from the relationship of homeowners with builders implementing the construction of the non-engineered house. The research location was conducted in Padang city of West Sumatera Province. Through this research, it is hoped that in the future, it will produce social-related policies that help local governments to encourage the increase of public awareness in realizing the construction of non-engineered houses.