bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bridging Commonsense Reasoning and Probabilistic Planning via a Probabilistic Action Language
Authors: WANG YI , ZHANG SHIQI , LEE JOOHYUNG
Published: September 2019

To be responsive to dynamically changing real-world environments, an intelligent agent needs to perform complex sequential decision-making tasks that are often guided by commonsense knowledge. The previous work on this line of research led to the framework calledinterleaved commonsense reasoning and probabilistic planning(icorpp), which used P-log for representing commmonsense knowledge and Markov Decision Processes (MDPs) or Partially Observable MDPs (POMDPs) for planning under uncertainty. A main limitation of icorppis that its implementation requires non-trivial engineering efforts to bridge the commonsense reasoning and probabilistic planning formalisms. In this paper, we present a unified framework to integrate icorpp’s reasoning and planning components. In particular, we extend probabilistic action languagepBC+ to express utility, belief states, and observation as in POMDP models. Inheriting the advantages of action languages, the new action language provides an elaboration tolerant representation of POMDP that reflects commonsense knowledge. The idea led to the design of the systempbcplus2pomdp, which compiles apBC+ action description into a POMDP model that can be directly processed by off-the-shelf POMDP solvers to compute an optimal policy of thepBC+ action description. Our experiments show that it retains the advantages of icorppwhile avoiding the manual efforts in bridging the commonsense reasoner and the probabilistic planner.
An Adversarial Ethics for Campaigns and Elections
Authors: Bagg Samuel , Tranvik Isak
Published: September 2019

Existing approaches to campaign ethics fail to adequately account for the “arms races” incited by competitive incentives in the absence of effective sanctions for destructive behaviors. By recommending scrupulous devotion to unenforceable norms of honesty, these approaches require ethical candidates either to quit or lose. To better understand the complex dilemmas faced by candidates, therefore, we turn first to the tradition of “adversarial ethics,” which aims to enable ethical participants to compete while preventing the most destructive excesses of competition. As we demonstrate, however, elections present even more difficult challenges than other adversarial contexts, because no centralized regulation is available to halt potential arms races. Turning next to recent scholarship on populism and partisanship, we articulate an alternative framework for campaign ethics, which allows candidates greater room to maneuver in their appeals to democratic populations while nevertheless requiring adherence to norms of social and political pluralism.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF GÖDEL’S ONTOLOGICAL PROOF
Authors: KANCKOS ANNIKA , LETHEN TIM
Published: September 2019

Gödel’s ontological proof is by now well known based on the 1970 version, written in Gödel’s own hand, and Scott’s version of the proof. In this article new manuscript sources found in Gödel’s Nachlass are presented. Three versions of Gödel’s ontological proof have been transcribed, and completed from context as true to Gödel’s notes as possible. The discussion in this article is based on these new sources and reveals Gödel’s early intentions of a liberal comprehension principle for the higher order modal logic, an explicit use of second-order Barcan schemas, as well as seemingly defining a rigidity condition for the system. None of these aspects occurs explicitly in the later 1970 version, and therefore they have long been in focus of the debate on Gödel’s ontological proof.
An enquiry into the ontological and logical foundations of sustainability: Toward a conceptual integration of the interface ‘Nature/Humanity’
Authors: Berque Augustin
Published: September 2019

Non-technical summary

Implementing the logical and ontological principles (dualism, mechanicism, reductionism, law of excluded middle, etc.) of modernity has brought forth an unsustainable world. An overcoming of these principles is proposed by mesology (Umweltlehre,fûdoron), centring on the concept oftrajectionand the existential operatoras(als,en tant que).
The Association Between Romantic Rejection and Change in Ideal	Standards, Ideal Flexibility, and Self-Perceived Mate Value
Authors: Charlot Nicolyn H. , Balzarini Rhonda N. , Campbell Lorne J.
Published: September 2019

Abstract. Research has shown that ideal romantic standards predict future partner characteristics and influence existing relationships, but how standards develop and change among single individuals has yet to be explored. Guided by the Ideal Standards Model (ISM), the present study sought to determine whether repeated experiences of romantic rejection and acceptance over time were associated with change in ideal standards, ideal flexibility, and self-perceived mate value ( N = 208). Results suggest repeated experiences of rejection correspond to decreases in ideal standards and self-perceived mate value and increases in ideal flexibility, though no effects emerged for acceptance. Given the predictive nature of ideal standards and the link rejection has with such, findings from this study contribute to a greater understanding of relationship formation processes.
How Teachers Can Empower the Climate Generation
Authors: McCarthy Kelly
Published: September 2019

Dozens of K–12 educators came to D.C.—and AGU headquarters—this summer to learn practical ways to tackle climate change that they can pass along to their students.
The pharmalogical reactivation of p53 function improves breast tumor cell lysis by granzyme B and NK cells through induction of autophagy
Authors: Chollat-Namy Marie , Ben Safta-Saadoun Thouraya , Haferssas Djazia , Meurice Guillaume , Chouaib Salem , Thiery Jerome
Published: September 2019

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer cells (NK)-mediated elimination of tumor cells is mostly dependent on Granzyme B apoptotic pathway, which is regulated by the wild type (wt) p53 protein. Because TP53 inactivating mutations, frequently found in human tumors, could interfere with Granzyme B-mediated cell death, the use of small molecules developed to reactivate wtp53 function in p53-mutated tumor cells could optimize their lysis by CTL or NK cells. Here, we show that the pharmalogical reactivation of a wt-like p53 function in p53-mutated breast cancer cells using the small molecule CP-31398 increases their sensitivity to NK-mediated lysis. This potentiation is dependent on p53-mediated induction of autophagy via the sestrin-AMPK-mTOR pathway and the ULK axis. This CP31398-induced autophagy sequestrates in autophagosomes several anti-apoptotic proteins, including Bcl-XL and XIAP, facilitating Granzyme B-mediated mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, caspase-3 activation and Granzyme B- or NK cell-induced apoptosis. Together, our results define a new way to increase cytotoxic lymphocyte-mediated lysis of p53-mutated breast cancer cell, through a p53-dependent autophagy induction, with potential applications in combined immunotherapeutic approaches.
VAMP8-mediated MUC2 mucin exocytosis from colonic goblet cells maintains innate intestinal homeostasis
Authors: Cornick Steve , Kumar Manish , Moreau France , Gaisano Herbert , Chadee Kris
Published: September 2019

The mucus layer is the first line of innate host defense in the gut that protects the epithelium by spatially separating commensal bacteria. MUC2 mucin is produced and stored by goblet cells that is constitutively exocytosed or hyper secreted upon sensing a threat. How coordinated mucus exocytosis maintains homeostasis in the intestinal epithelium and modulates the immunological landscape remains elusive. Here we describe how the vesicle SNARE protein VAMP8 coordinates mucin exocytosis from goblet cells. Vamp8−/− exhibit a mild pro-inflammatory state basally due to an altered mucus layer and increased encounters with microbial antigens. Microbial diversity shifts to a detrimental microbiota with an increase abundance of pathogenic and mucolytic bacteria. To alleviate the heavy microbial burden and inflammatory state basally, Vamp8−/− skews towards tolerance. Despite this, Vamp8−/− is highly susceptible to both chemical and infectious colitis demonstrating the fragility of the intestinal mucosa without proper mucus exocytosis mechanisms.
Deciphering key processes controlling rainfall isotopic variability during extreme tropical cyclones
Authors: Sánchez-Murillo Ricardo , Durán-Quesada Ana M. , Esquivel-Hernández Germain , Rojas-Cantillano Daniela , Birkel Christian , Welsh Kristen , Sánchez-Llull Minerva , Alonso-Hernández Carlos M. , Tetzlaff Doerthe , Soulsby Chris , Boll Jan , Kurita Naoyuki , Cobb Kim M.
Published: September 2019

The Mesoamerican and Caribbean (MAC) region is characterized by tropical cyclones (TCs), strong El Niño-Southern Oscillation events, and climate variability that bring unique hazards to socio-ecological systems. Here we report the first characterization of the isotopic evolution of a TC (Hurricane Otto, 2016) in the MAC region. We use long-term daily rainfall isotopes from Costa Rica and event-based sampling of Hurricanes Irma and Maria (2017), to underpin the dynamical drivers of TC isotope ratios. During Hurricane Otto, rainfall exhibited a large isotopic range, comparable to the annual isotopic cycle. As Hurricane Otto organized into a Category 3, rapid isotopic depletion coupled with a decrease in d-excess indicates efficient isotopic fractionation within ~200 km SW of the warm core. Our results shed light on key processes governing rainfall isotope ratios in the MAC region during continental and maritime TC tracks, with applications to the interpretation of paleo-hydroclimate across the tropics.
Polarization nano-tomography of tightly focused light landscapes by self-assembled monolayers
Authors: Otte Eileen , Tekce Kemal , Lamping Sebastian , Ravoo Bart Jan , Denz Cornelia
Published: September 2019

Recently, four-dimensional (4D) functional nano-materials have attracted considerable attention due to their impact in cutting-edge fields such as nano-(opto)electronics, -biotechnology or -biomedicine. Prominent optical functionalizations, representing the fourth dimension, require precisely tailored light fields for its optimal implementation. These fields need to be like-wise 4D, i.e., nano-structured in three-dimensional (3D) space while polarization embeds additional longitudinal components. Though a couple of approaches to realize 4D fields have been suggested, their breakthrough is impeded by a lack of appropriate analysis techniques. Combining molecular self-assembly, i.e., nano-chemistry, and nano-optics, we propose a polarization nano-tomography of respective fields using the functional material itself as a sensor. Our method allows a single-shot identification of non-paraxial light fields at nano-scale resolution without any data post-processing. We prove its functionality numerically and experimentally, elucidating its amplitude, phase and 3D polarization sensitivity. We analyze non-paraxial field properties, demonstrating our method’s capability and potential for next generation 4D materials.
Bacterial predator-prey coevolution accelerates genome evolution and selects on virulence-associated prey defences
Authors: Nair Ramith R. , Vasse Marie , Wielgoss Sébastien , Sun Lei , Yu Yuen-Tsu N. , Velicer Gregory J.
Published: September 2019

Generalist bacterial predators are likely to strongly shape many important ecological and evolutionary features of microbial communities, for example by altering the character and pace of molecular evolution, but investigations of such effects are scarce. Here we report how predator-prey interactions alter the evolution of fitness, genomes and phenotypic diversity in coevolving bacterial communities composed of Myxococcus xanthus as predator and Escherichia coli as prey, relative to single-species controls. We show evidence of reciprocal adaptation and demonstrate accelerated genomic evolution specific to coevolving communities, including the rapid appearance of mutator genotypes. Strong parallel evolution unique to the predator-prey communities occurs in both parties, with predators driving adaptation at two prey traits associated with virulence in bacterial pathogens—mucoidy and the outer-membrane protease OmpT. Our results suggest that generalist predatory bacteria are important determinants of how complex microbial communities and their interaction networks evolve in natural habitats.
Spontaneous shrinking of soft nanoparticles boosts their diffusion in confined media
Authors: Latreille Pierre-Luc , Adibnia Vahid , Nour Antone , Rabanel Jean-Michel , Lalloz Augustine , Arlt Jochen , Poon Wilson C. K. , Hildgen Patrice , Martinez Vincent A. , Banquy Xavier
Published: September 2019

Improving nanoparticles (NPs) transport across biological barriers is a significant challenge that could be addressed through understanding NPs diffusion in dense and confined media. Here, we report the ability of soft NPs to shrink in confined environments, therefore boosting their diffusion compared to hard, non-deformable particles. We demonstrate this behavior by embedding microgel NPs in agarose gels. The origin of the shrinking appears to be related to the overlap of the electrostatic double layers (EDL) surrounding the NPs and the agarose fibres. Indeed, it is shown that screening the EDL interactions, by increasing the ionic strength of the medium, prevents the soft particle shrinkage. The shrunken NPs diffuse up to 2 orders of magnitude faster in agarose gel than their hard NP counterparts. These findings provide valuable insights on the role of long range interactions on soft NPs dynamics in crowded environments, and help rationalize the design of more efficient NP-based transport systems.
Homomeric GluA2(R) AMPA receptors can conduct when desensitized
Authors: Coombs Ian D. , Soto David , McGee Thomas P. , Gold Matthew G. , Farrant Mark , Cull-Candy Stuart G.
Published: September 2019

Desensitization is a canonical property of ligand-gated ion channels, causing progressive current decline in the continued presence of agonist. AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs), which mediate fast excitatory signaling throughout the brain, exhibit profound desensitization. Recent cryo-EM studies of AMPAR assemblies show their ion channels to be closed in the desensitized state. Here we present evidence that homomeric Q/R-edited AMPARs still allow ions to flow when the receptors are desensitized. GluA2(R) expressed alone, or with auxiliary subunits (γ-2, γ-8 or GSG1L), generates large fractional steady-state currents and anomalous current-variance relationships. Our results from fluctuation analysis, single-channel recording, and kinetic modeling, suggest that the steady-state current is mediated predominantly by conducting desensitized receptors. When combined with crystallography this unique functional readout of a hitherto silent state enabled us to examine cross-linked cysteine mutants to probe the conformation of the desensitized ligand binding domain of functioning AMPAR complexes.
Tet inactivation disrupts YY1 binding and long-range chromatin interactions during embryonic heart development
Authors: Fang Shaohai , Li Jia , Xiao Yang , Lee Minjung , Guo Lei , Han Wei , Li Tingting , Hill Matthew C. , Hong Tingting , Mo William , Xu Rang , Zhang Ping , Wang Fen , Chang Jiang , Zhou Yubin , Sun Deqiang , Martin James F. , Huang Yun
Published: September 2019

Tet-mediated DNA demethylation plays an important role in shaping the epigenetic landscape and chromatin accessibility to control gene expression. While several studies demonstrated pivotal roles of Tet in regulating embryonic development, little is known about their functions in heart development. Here we analyze DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation dynamics during early cardiac development in both human and mice. We find that cardiac-specific deletion of Tet2 and Tet3 in mice (Tet2/3-DKO) leads to ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (NCC) with embryonic lethality. Single-cell RNA-seq analyses reveal a reduction in cardiomyocyte numbers and transcriptional reprogramming in cardiac tissues upon Tet2/3 depletion. Impaired DNA demethylation and reduced chromatin accessibility in Tet2/3-DKO mice further compromised Ying-yang1 (YY1) binding to its genomic targets, and perturbed high-order chromatin organization at key genes involved in heart development. Our studies provide evidence of the physiological role of Tet in regulating DNA methylation dynamics and chromatin organization during early heart development.
Externalizing Behaviors Buffer the Effects of Early Life Adversity on Physiologic Dysregulation
Authors: Doan Stacey N. , Dich Nadya , Fuller-Rowell Thomas E. , Evans Gary W.
Published: September 2019

The present study examined the counterintuitive hypothesis that externalizing behaviors such as aggression, although in many respects detrimental, may be functional and protect against the detrimental health consequences of early life adversity. In particular, in line with evolutionary models of development, we argue that externalizing problems moderate the association between chronic stress exposure and allostatic load, a biological marker of chronic physiological dysregulation. Prospective interactive effects of externalizing behaviors and cumulative risk (a confluence of multiple risk factors) on children’s allostatic load were assessed in 260 children (46% female, baseline age = 9). Exposure to early life adversity was assessed at baseline using a cumulative risk index. Externalizing behaviors were reported by parents at baseline. Allostatic load was measured at baseline and at ages 13 and 17, using endocrine, cardiovascular and metabolic parameters. Results of linear-mixed effects models indicated that the association between cumulative risk and allostatic load was attenuated for adolescents who scored high on externalizing behaviors. Further examination of sex differences indicated that the findings were more pronounced among males than females.
Acoustic coordinated reset therapy for tinnitus with perceptually relevant frequency spacing and levels
Authors: Tass Peter A. , Silchenko Alexander N. , Popelka Gerald R.
Published: September 2019

Acoustic coordinated reset (CR) therapy based on neuromodulation and neuroplasticity principles has been proposed for the treatment of tonal tinnitus. The original therapy involved periodic delivery of randomly ordered sequences of four low-level tones centered around the frequency of a tone that matched the tinnitus pitch, fT, with fixed ratios relative to fT and delivered several hours/day over several weeks. Here we transform the original CR tone selection method to a more perceptually-relevant equivalent rectangular bandwidth (ERB) frequency scale, the ERBN-number scale. Specifically, we provide a mathematical model that enables calculation of CR tones that accounts for fT- and hearing loss-related ERB widening and ERB overlaps and gaps of CR tone alignments. Further, the model ensures symmetric CR tone alignments based on modelling studies that indicate the effect is optimal if the CR stimuli are symmetrically spaced relative to the tinnitus-related population of abnormally synchronized cortical neurons to activate the adjacent sub-populations. We also present experimentally testable ERB-based CR tone alignment strategies and explain how to use the ERB-based model in experiments, clinical studies, other types of tinnitus sound treatment such as tailor-made notch music training and limitations of our approach.
Haploinsufficiency of Transferrin Receptor 1 Impairs Angiogenesis with Reduced Mitochondrial Complex I in Mice with Limb Ischemia
Authors: Okuno Keisuke , Naito Yoshiro , Yasumura Seiki , Sawada Hisashi , Asakura Masanori , Masuyama Tohru , Ishihara Masaharu
Published: September 2019

Limb ischemia (LI) is a major consequence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) with a high mortality rate. Iron is an essential mineral to maintain physiological function of multiple organs. Intracellular iron transport is regulated by transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1). Although increase in serum ferritin levels has been reported in PAD patients, the mechanism of iron metabolism in LI is still unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate whether TfR1 deletion attenuates LI formation. To generate LI, the left femoral artery of 8–10 week-old C57BL6/J male mice was ligated. Adductor muscles were harvested at 28 days after surgery to investigate iron metabolism. The level of ferritin, intracellular iron storage protein, was higher in ischemic adductor muscles compared to non-ischemic adductor muscles. Level of intracellular iron transport protein, TfR1, was decreased in ischemic adductor muscles. LI was then generated in TfR1 heterozygous deleted mice (TfR1+/−) to examine whether TfR1 contributes to the pathophysiology of LI. Laser Doppler blood flowmetry revealed that blood flow recovery was attenuated in TfR1+/− mice compared to wild type (WT) littermates, along with decreased expression of ferritin and CD31 in ischemic adductor muscles. Since iron is used for energy production in mitochondria, we then assessed mitochondrial complexes in the ischemic adductor muscle. Of interest, expression of mitochondrial complex I, but not complexes II, III, and V in ischemic adductor muscles was significantly reduced in TfR1+/− mice compared to WT mice. Haploinsufficiency of TfR1 attenuated angiogenesis via reduction of mitochondrial complex I in LI in mice.
Early animal evolution and highly oxygenated seafloor niches hosted by microbial mats
Authors: Ding Weiming , Dong Lin , Sun Yuanlin , Ma Haoran , Xu Yihe , Yang Runyu , Peng Yongbo , Zhou Chuanming , Shen Bing
Published: September 2019

The earliest unambiguous evidence for animals is represented by various trace fossils in the latest Ediacaran Period (550–541 Ma), suggesting that the earliest animals lived on or even penetrated into the seafloor. Yet, the O2 fugacity at the sediment-water interface (SWI) for the earliest animal proliferation is poorly defined. The preferential colonization of seafloor as a first step in animal evolution is also unusual. In order to understand the environmental background, we employed a new proxy, carbonate associated ferrous iron (Fecarb), to quantify the seafloor oxygenation. Fecarb of the latest Ediacaran Shibantan limestone in South China, which yields abundant animal traces, ranges from 2.27 to 85.43 ppm, corresponding to the seafloor O2 fugacity of 162 μmol/L to 297 μmol/L. These values are significantly higher than the oxygen saturation in seawater at the contemporary atmospheric pO2 levels. The highly oxygenated seafloor might be attributed to O2 production of the microbial mats. Despite the moderate atmospheric pO2 level, microbial mats possibly provided highly oxygenated niches for the evolution of benthic metazoans. Our model suggests that the O2 barrier could be locally overcome in the mat ground, questioning the long-held belief that atmospheric oxygenation was the key control of animal evolution.
The association between plasma proneurotensin and glucose regulation is modified by country of birth
Authors: Fawad A. , Nilsson P. M. , Struck J. , Bergmann A. , Melander O. , Bennet L.
Published: September 2019

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has increased dramatically in Middle Eastern populations that represent the largest non-European immigrant group in Sweden today. As proneurotensin predicts T2D, the aim of this study was to investigate differences in proneurotensin levels across populations of Middle Eastern and Caucasian origin and to study its associations with indices of glucose regulation. Participants in the age 30 to 75 years, living in Malmö, Sweden, and born in Iraq or Sweden, were recruited from the census register. Anthropometrics and fasting samples were collected and oral glucose tolerance tests conducted assessing insulin secretion (DIo) as well as insulin sensitivity (ISI). A total of 2155 individuals participated in the study, 1398 were Iraqi-born and 757 were Swedish-born participants. Higher fasting proneurotensin levels were observed in Iraqi- compared to Swedish-born participants (137.5 vs. 119.8 pmol/L; p < 0.001) data adjusted for age, sex and body mass index. In Iraqi participants only, plasma proneurotensin was associated with impaired glucose regulation assessed as ISI, DIo and HbA1c, and significant interactions between country of birth and proneurotensin were observed (Pinteraction ISI = 0.048; Pinteraction DIo = 0.014; PinteractionHbA1c = 0.029). We report higher levels of proneurotensin in the general Middle Eastern population. The finding that Middle Eastern origin modifies the relationship of proneurotensin with indices of glucose regulation suggests that proneurotensin may be a stronger determinant of T2D in Middle Eastern as compared to Caucasian populations. These findings may explain part of the excess T2D risk in the Middle Eastern population but needs to be explored further.
Cell-free nuclear, but not mitochondrial, DNA concentrations correlate with the early host inflammatory response after severe trauma
Authors: Stortz Julie A. , Hawkins Russell B. , Holden David C. , Raymond Steven L. , Wang Zhongkai , Brakenridge Scott C. , Cuschieri Joseph , Moore Frederick A. , Maier Ronald V. , Moldawer Lyle L. , Efron Philip A.
Published: September 2019

Severe blunt trauma is associated with an early ‘genomic storm’ which causes simultaneous up- and down-regulation of host protective immunity. Excessive inflammation can lead to organ injury. In the absence of infection, the inflammatory response is presumably driven by release of endogenous alarmins called danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which initiate immune responses through pattern-recognition receptors (PRR). Here we examined the relationship between concentrations of cell-free (cf) nuclear DNA (ncDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) within 24 hours post trauma with circulating leukocyte transcriptomics and plasma IL-6 concentrations, as well as the patients’ clinical trajectories. In 104 patients enrolled from two level-1 trauma centers, ncDNA and mtDNA concentrations were increased within 24 hours of severe trauma, but only ncDNA concentrations correlated with leukocyte gene expression and outcomes. Surprisingly, ncDNA, not mtDNA concentrations, were significantly elevated in trauma patients who developed chronic critical illness versus rapid clinical recovery. Plasma IL-6 and leukocyte transcriptomics were better predictors of outcomes than cfDNA levels. Although mtDNA and ncDNA are significantly increased in the immediate post-trauma period, the dramatic inflammatory and gene expression changes seen after severe trauma are only weakly correlated with ncDNA concentrations, and more importantly, mtDNA concentrations are not associated with adverse clinical trajectories.
Disrupted brain structural connectivity in Pediatric Bipolar Disorder with psychosis
Authors: Fernandes Henrique M. , Cabral Joana , van Hartevelt Tim J. , Lord Louis-David , Gleesborg Carsten , Møller Arne , Deco Gustavo , Whybrow Peter C. , Petrovic Predrag , James Anthony C. , Kringelbach Morten L.
Published: September 2019

Bipolar disorder (BD) has been linked to disrupted structural and functional connectivity between prefrontal networks and limbic brain regions. Studies of patients with pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) can help elucidate the developmental origins of altered structural connectivity underlying BD and provide novel insights into the aetiology of BD. Here we compare the network properties of whole-brain structural connectomes of euthymic PBD patients with psychosis, a variant of PBD, and matched healthy controls. Our results show widespread changes in the structural connectivity of PBD patients with psychosis in both cortical and subcortical networks, notably affecting the orbitofrontal cortex, frontal gyrus, amygdala, hippocampus and basal ganglia. Graph theoretical analysis revealed that PBD connectomes have fewer hubs, weaker rich club organization, different modular fingerprint and inter-modular communication, compared to healthy participants. The relationship between network features and neurocognitive and psychotic scores was also assessed, revealing trends of association between patients’ IQ and affective psychotic symptoms with the local efficiency of the orbitofrontal cortex. Our findings reveal that PBD with psychosis is associated with significant widespread changes in structural network topology, thus strengthening the hypothesis of a reduced capacity for integrative processing of information across brain regions. Localised network changes involve core regions for emotional processing and regulation, as well as memory and executive function, some of which show trends of association with neurocognitive faculties and symptoms. Together, our findings provide the first comprehensive characterisation of the alterations in local and global structural brain connectivity and network topology, which may contribute to the deficits in cognition and emotion processing and regulation found in PBD.
Globally elevating the AGE clearance receptor, OST48, does not protect against the development of diabetic kidney disease, despite improving insulin secretion
Authors: Zhuang Aowen , Yap Felicia Y. T. , McCarthy Domenica , Leung Chris , Sourris Karly C. , Penfold Sally A. , Thallas-Bonke Vicki , Coughlan Melinda T. , Schulz Benjamin L. , Forbes Josephine M.
Published: September 2019

The accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have been implicated in the development and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). There has been interest in investigating the potential of AGE clearance receptors, such as oligosaccharyltransferase-48 kDa subunit (OST48) to prevent the detrimental effects of excess AGE accumulation seen in the diabetic kidney. Here the objective of the study was to increase the expression of OST48 to examine if this slowed the development of DKD by facilitating the clearance of AGEs. Groups of 8-week-old heterozygous knock-in male mice (n = 9–12/group) over-expressing the gene encoding for OST48, dolichyl-diphosphooligosaccharide-protein glycosyltransferase (DDOST+/−) and litter mate controls were randomised to either (i) no diabetes or (ii) diabetes induced via multiple low-dose streptozotocin and followed for 24 weeks. By the study end, global over expression of OST48 increased glomerular OST48. This facilitated greater renal excretion of AGEs but did not affect circulating or renal AGE concentrations. Diabetes resulted in kidney damage including lower glomerular filtration rate, albuminuria, glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. In diabetic mice, tubulointerstitial fibrosis was further exacerbated by global increases in OST48. There was significantly insulin effectiveness, increased acute insulin secretion, fasting insulin concentrations and AUCinsulin observed during glucose tolerance testing in diabetic mice with global elevations in OST48 when compared to diabetic wild-type littermates. Overall, this study suggested that despite facilitating urinary-renal AGE clearance, there were no benefits observed on kidney functional and structural parameters in diabetes afforded by globally increasing OST48 expression. However, the improvements in insulin secretion seen in diabetic mice with global over-expression of OST48 and their dissociation from effects on kidney function warrant future investigation.
Quantitative comparative analysis of human erythrocyte surface proteins between individuals from two genetically distinct populations
Authors: Ravenhill Benjamin J. , Kanjee Usheer , Ahouidi Ambroise , Nobre Luis , Williamson James , Goldberg Jonathan M. , Antrobus Robin , Dieye Tandakha , Duraisingh Manoj T. , Weekes Michael P.
Published: September 2019

Red blood cells (RBCs) play a critical role in oxygen transport, and are the focus of important diseases including malaria and the haemoglobinopathies. Proteins at the RBC surface can determine susceptibility to disease, however previous studies classifying the RBC proteome have not used specific strategies directed at enriching cell surface proteins. Furthermore, there has been no systematic analysis of variation in abundance of RBC surface proteins between genetically disparate human populations. These questions are important to inform not only basic RBC biology but additionally to identify novel candidate receptors for malarial parasites. Here, we use ‘plasma membrane profiling’ and tandem mass tag-based mass spectrometry to enrich and quantify primary RBC cell surface proteins from two sets of nine donors from the UK or Senegal. We define a RBC surface proteome and identify potentialPlasmodiumreceptors based on either diminished protein abundance, or increased variation in RBCs from West African individuals.
A target analyte induced fluorescence band shift of piperazine modified carbon quantum dots: a specific visual detection method for oxytetracycline
Authors: Yang Lei , Zhao Haitong , Liu Ning , Wang Wei
Published: September 2019

A visual and specific assay of oxytetracycline is realized by inducing a fluorescence band shift of piperazine modified carbon quantum dots.
A gold-nanodot-decorated hollow carbon nanosphere based nanoplatform for intracellular miRNA imaging in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Xiao Heng , Fan Huiling , Xu Luming , Pei Zhiyin , Lei Shijun , Xu Jinglei , Xi Jiangbo , Wang Guobin , Wang Lin , Wang Zheng
Published: September 2019

We report a new biofunctionalized nanoplatform based on hyaluronic acid-coated gold-nano-dot-decorated hollow carbon nanospheres (AuHCNs-HA) for microRNA imaging in living cells.
Kerr gated Raman spectroscopy of LiPF6salt and LiPF6-based organic carbonate electrolyte for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Cabo-Fernandez Laura , Neale Alex R. , Braga Filipe , Sazanovich Igor V. , Kostecki Robert , Hardwick Laurence J.
Published: September 2019

Kerr gated Raman spectroscopy is demonstrated as an effective technique for the measurement of highly fluorescing Li-ion battery electrolyte materials.
On the applicability of functional-group symmetry-adapted perturbation theory and other partitioning models for chiral recognition – the case of popular drug molecules interacting with chiral phases
Authors: Chojecki Michał , Rutkowska-Zbik Dorota , Korona Tatiana
Published: September 2019

The F-SAPT partitioning of the intermolecular interaction energy, supported with the Interacting-Quantum-Atoms analysis, is a powerful tool for studies of the origin of chiral discrimination within diastereoisomeric complexes of the RR and RS types.
The good, the neutral, and the positive: buffer identity impacts CO2 reduction activity by nickel(ii) cyclam
Authors: Schneider Camille R. , Lewis Luke C. , Shafaat Hannah S.
Published: September 2019

Electrocatalytic and light-driven CO2 reduction by nickel cyclam is strongly dependent on the nature of the buffering agent.
Cyclotriveratrylene-tethered trinuclear palladium(ii)–NHC complexes; reversal of site selectivity in Suzuki–Miyaura reactions
Authors: Fowler Jonathan M. , Britton Edward , Pask Christopher M. , Willans Charlotte E. , Hardie Michaele J.
Published: September 2019

Trimetallic Pd–NHCs with a cyclotriguaiacylene scaffold display variable host–guest interactions and, along with monomeric analogues, catalyse cross-coupling reactions with a switch in the normal regioselectivity.
Theoretical investigation of the mechanism, kinetics and subsequent degradation products of the NO3 radical initiated oxidation of 4-hydroxy-3-hexanone
Authors: Zhang Ning , Bai Fengyang , Pan Xiumei
Published: September 2019

We reported the H-abstraction reactions of 4-hydroxy-3-hexanone with NO3 with respect to thermodynamics, kinetics, temperature dependence and the subsequent mechanism.
How reversible are the effects of silver nanoparticles on macrophages? A proteomic-instructed view
Authors: Dalzon Bastien , Torres Anaelle , Diemer Hélène , Ravanel Stéphane , Collin-Faure Véronique , Pernet-Gallay Karin , Jouneau Pierre-Henri , Bourguignon Jacques , Cianférani Sarah , Carrière Marie , Aude-Garcia Catherine , Rabilloud Thierry
Published: September 2019

Silver nanoparticles are known to have profounds effects on living cells, but little is known on how and to which extent cells recover after an acute exposure to silver nanoparticles. This is studied on macrophages in this work.
Efficient transformation of CO2 into quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-diones at room temperature catalyzed by a ZnI2/NEt3 system
Authors: Chen Shangqing , Wang Zheng , Hu Jiayin , Guo Yafei , Deng Tianlong
Published: September 2019

The readily available ZnI2/NEt3 system promotes the efficient transformation of CO2 and 2-aminobenzonitriles into quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-diones at room temperature and low CO2 pressure.
Application of copper(i) salt and fluoride promoted Stille coupling reactions in the synthesis of bioactive molecules
Authors: Lee Victor
Published: September 2019

This review summarises the synthesis of bioactive molecules through the use of Cu(i) salt and fluoride promoted Stille coupling reactions.
Iodine mediated in situ generation of R-Se–I: application towards the construction of pyrano[4,3-b]quinoline heterocycles and fluorescence properties
Authors: Win Khin Myat Noe , Sonawane Amol D. , Koketsu Mamoru
Published: September 2019

Iodine mediated in situ generation of R-Se–I and its application towards the construction of pyrano[4,3-b]quinolin-1-one derivatives.
Semitransparent solar cells with over 12% efficiency based on a new low bandgap fluorinated small molecule acceptor
Authors: Luo Mei , Zhao Chunyan , Yuan Jun , Hai Jiefeng , Cai Fangfang , Hu Yunbin , Peng Hongjian , Bai Yiming , Tan Zhan'ao , Zou Yingping
Published: September 2019

Y14-based single-junction semitransparent inverted OSCs achieved a high power conversion efficiency of 12.67%.
An ultrasensitive Fano resonance biosensor using two dimensional hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets: theoretical analysis
Authors: Li Yongping , Yuan Yufeng , Peng Xiao , Song Jun , Liu Junxian , Qu Junle
Published: September 2019

This paper proposed an ultrasensitive FR biosensor with multiple-order characteristics using two dimensional hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets in the visible region.
Relationship between dynamic fatigue crack propagation properties and viscoelasticity of natural rubber/silicone rubber composites
Authors: Han Qingyuan , Zhang Liqun , Wu Youping
Published: September 2019

The successfully established relationship between dynamic fatigue crack propagation behaviour and viscoelasticity of NR/VMQ composites.
To beat the heat – engineering of the most thermostable pyruvate decarboxylase to date
Authors: Sutiono Samuel , Satzinger Katharina , Pick André , Carsten Jörg , Sieber Volker
Published: September 2019

Pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) is a key enzyme for the production of ethanol at high temperatures and for cell-free butanol synthesis.
Progress and prospects for accelerating materials science with automated and autonomous workflows
Authors: Stein Helge S. , Gregoire John M.
Published: September 2019

Integrating automation with artificial intelligence will enable scientists to spend more time identifying important problems and communicating critical insights, accelerating discovery and development of materials for emerging and future technologies.
Hierarchically porous Fe/N–C hollow spheres derived from melamine/Fe-incorporated polydopamine for efficient oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysis
Authors: Feng Bomin , Wu Xiuju , Niu Yanli , Li Wei , Yao Yunxi , Hu Weihua , Li Chang Ming
Published: September 2019

A hollow sphere Fe/N–C catalyst with excellent activity is synthesizedviapyrolysis of melamine/Fe-incorporated PDA nanospheres.
Beating to rotational transition of a clamped active ribbon-like filament
Authors: Anand Shalabh K. , Chelakkot Raghunath , Singh Sunil P.
Published: September 2019

We present a detailed study of a clamped ribbon-like filament under a compressive active force using Brownian dynamics simulations.
Review of high entropy ceramics: design, synthesis, structure and properties
Authors: Zhang Rui-Zhi , Reece Michael J.
Published: September 2019

Design models, synthesis methods, atomic scale structure characterization, properties and applications of high entropy ceramics are reviewed.
Ex vivo toxicological evaluation of experimental anticancer gold(i) complexes with lansoprazole-type ligands
Authors: Estrada-Ortiz Natalia , Lopez-Gonzales Elena , Woods Ben , Stürup Stefan , de Graaf Inge A. M. , Groothuis Geny M. M. , Casini Angela
Published: September 2019

Gold-based compounds are of great interest in the field of medicinal chemistry as novel therapeutic (anticancer) agents due to their peculiar reactivity and mechanisms of action with respect to organic drugs. Despite their promising pharmacological properties, the possible toxic effects of gold compounds need to be carefully evaluated in order to optimize their design and applicability. This study reports on the potential toxicity of three experimental gold-based anticancer compounds featuring lansoprazole ligands (1–3) studied in an ex vivo model, using rat precision cut kidney and liver slices (PCKS and PCLS, respectively). The results showed a different toxicity profile for the tested compounds, with the neutral complex 2 being the least toxic, even less toxic than cisplatin, followed by the cationic complex 1. The dinuclear cationic gold complex 3 was the most toxic in both liver and kidney slices. This result correlated with the metal uptake of the different compounds assessed by ICP-MS, where complex 3 showed the highest accumulation of gold in liver and kidney slices. Interestingly compound 1 showed the highest selectivity towards cancer cells compared to the healthy tissues. Histomorphology evaluation showed a similar pattern for all three Au(i) complexes, where the distal tubular cells suffered the most extensive damage, in contrast to the damage in the proximal tubules induced by cisplatin. The binding of representative gold compounds with the model ubiquitin was also studied by ESI-MS, showing that after 24 h incubation only ‘naked’ Au ions were bound to the protein following ligands’ loss. The mRNA expression of stress response genes appeared to be similar for both evaluated organs, suggesting oxidative stress as the possible mechanism of toxicity. The obtained results open new perspectives towards the design and testing of bifunctional gold complexes with chemotherapeutic applications.
Signatures of diffuse interstellar gas in the Galaxy Evolution Explorer all-sky survey
Authors: Armengot Marcelo , Gómez de Castro Ana I.
Published: September 2019

Context. The all-sky survey run by the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX AIS) mapped about 85% of the Galaxy at ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths and detected the diffuse UV background produced by the scattering of the radiation from OBA stars by interstellar dust grains. Against this background, diffuse weak structures were detected as well as the UV counterparts to nebulae and molecular clouds.

Aims. To make full profit of the survey, unsupervised and semi-supervised procedures need to be implemented. The main objective of this work is to implement and analyze the results of the method developed by us for the blind detection of ISM features in the GALEX AIS.

Methods. Most ISM features are detected at very low signal levels (dark filaments, globules) against the already faint UV background. We have defined an index, the UV background fluctuations index (or UBF index), to identify areas of the sky where these fluctuations are detected. The algorithm is applied to the images obtained in the far-UV (1344–1786 Å) band since this is less polluted by stellar sources, facilitating the automated detection.

Results. The UBF index is shown to be sensitive to the main star forming regions within the Gould’s Belt, and to some prominent loops like Loop I or the Eridanus and Monogem areas. The catalog with the UBF index values is made available online to the community.
Discovery of a 21 Myr old stellar population in the Orion complex
Authors: Kos Janez , Bland-Hawthorn Joss , Asplund Martin , Buder Sven , Lewis Geraint F. , Lin Jane , Martell Sarah L. , Ness Melissa K. , Sharma Sanjib , De Silva Gayandhi M. , Simpson Jeffrey D. , Zucker Daniel B. , Zwitter Tomaž , Čotar Klemen , Spina Lorenzo
Published: September 2019

Context. The Orion complex is arguably the most studied star-forming region in the Galaxy. While stars are still being born in the Orion nebula, the oldest part was believed to be no more than 13 Myr old.

Aims. In order to study the full hierarchy of star formation across the Orion complex, we perform a clustering analysis of the Ori OB1a region using new stellar surveys and derive robust ages for each identified stellar aggregate.

Methods. We use Gaia DR2 parameters supplemented with radial velocities from the GALAH and APOGEE surveys to perform clustering of the Ori OB1a association. Five overdensities are resolved in a six-dimensional parameter space (positions, distance, proper motions, and radial velocity). Most correspond to previously known structures (ASCC 16, 25 Orionis, ASCC 20, ASCC 21). We use Gaia DR2, Pan-STARRS1 and 2MASS photometry to fit isochrones to the colour-magnitude diagrams of the identified clusters. The ages of the clusters can thus be measured with ∼10% precision.

Results. While four of the clusters have ages between 11 and 13 Myr, the ASCC 20 cluster stands out at an age of 21 ± 3 Myr. This is significantly greater than the age of any previously known component of the Orion complex. To some degree, all clusters overlap in at least one of the six phase-space dimensions.

Conclusions. We argue that the formation history of the Orion complex, and its relation to the Gould belt, must be reconsidered. A significant challenge in reconstructing the history of the Ori OB1a association is to understand the impact of the newly discovered 21 Myr old population on the younger parts of the complex, including their formation.
On closed-loop equilibrium strategies for mean-field stochastic linear quadratic problems
Authors: Wang Tianxiao
Published: September 2019

This article is concerned with linear quadratic optimal control problems of mean-field stochastic differential equations (MF-SDE) with deterministic coefficients. To treat the time inconsistency of the optimal control problems, linear closed-loop equilibrium strategies are introduced and characterized by variational approach. Our developed methodology drops the delicate convergence procedures in Yong [Trans. Amer. Math. Soc.369(2017) 5467–5523]. When the MF-SDE reduces to SDE, our Riccati system coincides with the analogue in Yong [Trans. Amer. Math. Soc.369(2017) 5467–5523]. However, these two systems are in general different from each other due to the conditional mean-field terms in the MF-SDE. Eventually, the comparisons with pre-committed optimal strategies, open-loop equilibrium strategies are given in details.
Influence of Fiber Distribution and Interfacial Strength on Transverse Compressive Strength of Unidirectional Composites
Authors: Wan Xiaopeng , Yang Guangmeng , Zhao Meiying
Published: September 2019

The representative volume element(RVE) of the computational micromechanics is established with random fiber distribution being generated by random sequential expansion algorithm. The plasticity of matrix and interfacial decohesion are simulated by using Drucker-Prager model and cohesive zone model respectively. The effects of the random fiber distribution and interfacial strength on the transverse compressive strength of unidirectional composites are analyzed. The results show that the random fiber distribution is a factor to cause the instability of the transverse compressive strength. Meanwhile, the matrix plastic shear damage and non interfacial damage is dominated in compression failure. Therefore, the RVE model without interface element adopted can clearly predict the compressive strength and the damage process of unidirectional composites, which contributes to simplify the modeling without considering the value of interfacial parameters.