bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selection of appropriate preparation techniques
Authors: Feldmann Rodney M.
Published: May 2018

Preparation of fossils, as well as their subsequent study and illustration, can be accomplished utilizing a broad spectrum of techniques. Even though some of the procedures require nothing more complex than hammer and chisel, such work can be extremely demanding. Regardless of the techniques employed, the worker must exercise extreme care and patience in performing this work. A fossil specimen simply cannot be replaced!
An Invariant Rate‐ and State‐Dependent Friction Formulation for Viscoeastoplastic Earthquake Cycle Simulations
Authors: Herrendörfer Robert , Gerya Taras , van Dinther Ylona
Published: May 2018

We present a 2‐D numerical modeling approach for simulating a wide slip spectrum in a viscoelastoplastic continuum. The key new model component is an invariant reformulation of the classical rate‐ and state‐dependent friction equations, which is designed for earthquake simulations along spontaneously evolving faults. Here we describe the methodology and demonstrate that it is accurate and stable in a setup consisting of a mature strike‐slip fault zone. We show that the nucleation and propagation of an earthquake are well resolved, as supported by a good agreement with various analytical approximations, including those of the nucleation and cohesive zone lengths. Results generally converge with respect to grid size, time step, and other numerical parameters. The convergence rate with respect to grid size depends on the internodal averaging scheme, is influenced by wave reflections, and deteriorates for inclined faults. The simulated slip spectrum, ranging from stable sliding at the loading rate to periodic aseismic slip to periodic seismic slip as a function of nucleation size, is in general agreement with the literature. In this simple setup, dynamic pressure does not play a significant role. By analyzing the role of viscous deformation, we identify and confirm by our simulations a theoretical viscosity threshold below which earthquakes cannot nucleate. This threshold is shown to depend on the reference strength of rate‐ and state‐dependent friction and the loading strain rate, which is in agreement with previous work on the brittle‐ductile transition.
Seismological Evidence for a Remnant Oceanic Slab in the Western Junggar, Northwest China
Authors: Wu Shucheng , Huang Rong , Xu Yixian , Yang Yingjie , Jiang Xiaohuan , Zhu Lupei
Published: May 2018

The western Junggar is situated in the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt, and its origin is believed to be related to either intracontinental arc or intraoceanic arc‐related subduction system. However, the mode of subduction is still contentious. In this study, we build a high‐resolution 3‐D model of the crust of the western Junggar to constrain the subduction mode. By deploying a seismic array consisting of 31 portable broadband seismic stations from September 2013 to December 2013, we determine the Moho depth beneath every station using a H‐κ method and the Moho variations along three NW‐SE profiles using a common conversion point stacking method. We also construct a 3‐D crustal S wave velocity model using ambient noise tomography. Our results reveal significant variations of Moho depths across the study region and a pronounced Moho offset between the Zaire mountains and the western Junggar basin. Ambient noise tomography shows that a high shear velocity layer (>3.9 km/s) is observed in the middle/lower crust of the western Junggar Basin, which is overlaid by a low velocity upper crust. The high‐velocity body gradually dips northwestward with depth beneath the Zaire mountains. The speed of this high‐velocity body is consistent with the calculated S wave speed of various metamorphic facies of mid‐ocean ridge basalt under the P/T conditions of middle/lower crust in the western Junggar. Our seismic observations support a northwest paleosubduction model for the evolution of the western Junggar, in which a remnant oceanic slab is still trapped in the western Junggar.
Lunar Orientale Impact Basin Secondary Craters: Spatial Distribution, Size‐Frequency Distribution, and Estimation of Fragment Size
Authors: Guo Dijun , Liu Jianzhong , Head James W. , Kreslavsky M. A.
Published: May 2018

Secondary impact craters, features created by projectiles ejected from a primary impact, contain important information about the primary cratering event and the nature and distribution of its ejecta. The Orientale impact basin (D ~ 930 km) is the youngest and the least degraded large impact basin on the Moon and has the most recognizable secondary impact craters. We identified and mapped 2,728 secondary craters in the investigated area of ~1.66 × 107 km2, covering an area from the rim of Orientale to six radii. Secondary crater diameters range from ~2 to 27 km, and the median diameter decreases as distance increases. Secondary craters are concentrated predominantly in the northwest and southwest. The ejecta deposit pattern inferred from secondary crater distribution suggests that the Orientale basin was formed by an oblique impact in which the downrange direction was 240°–265° in azimuth, and the incidence angle was steeper than 20°. The cumulative size‐frequency distribution of mapped secondary craters steepens as diameter increases and is very well approximated with a Weibull distribution with an exponent 1.32. A widely used crater scaling relationship predicts that the fragments that produced the secondary craters were predominantly in ~0.5–2‐km diameter range over the investigated area; the diameter of the largest fragment, however, decreases with increasing distance from Orientale. On the basis of the diameter of the largest secondary crater of Orientale, and other craters and basins, the largest secondary crater of the South Pole‐Aitken basin is estimated to be ~40 km in diameter. We explore the implications of these findings for the evolution of the megaregolith and future sample return missions.
Challenges of Forecasting Flooding on Coral Reef–Lined Coasts
Authors: Storlazzi Curt
Published: May 2018

Understanding Flooding on Reef-lined Island Coasts Workshop; Honolulu, Hawaii, 5–7 February 2018
Thermal Emission From Saturn's Polar Cyclones
Authors: Achterberg R. K. , Flasar F. M. , Bjoraker G. L. , Hesman B. E. , Gorius N. J. P. , Mamoutkine A. A. , Fletcher L. N. , Segura M. E. , Edgington S. G. , Brooks S. M.
Published: May 2018

We have used data from the Cassini Composite Infrared Spectrometer to map the temperatures in Saturn's polar cyclones at the highest spatial resolution obtained during the Cassini mission. We find temperature contrasts of 7 K in the upper troposphere within 1.4° of both poles, roughly 50 percent larger than earlier measurements at lower spatial resolution. The polar hot spots weaken with depth, disappearing near 500 mbar. In the stratosphere, the polar hot spot becomes broader, extending 4° from the poles, and weakens with altitude disappearing near 1 mbar. A thermal relaxation model shows that the tropospheric hot spot is consistent with adiabatic heating from subsidence with a vertical velocity of about −0.05 mm/s above 500 mbar. The observed temperature gradients imply that the winds in the polar cyclone decay with increasing altitude over roughly three pressure scale heights above the 200‐mbar level.
Differentiation of periapical granulomas and cysts by using dental MRI: a pilot study
Authors: Juerchott Alexander , Pfefferle Thorsten , Flechtenmacher Christa , Mente Johannes , Bendszus Martin , Heiland Sabine , Hilgenfeld Tim
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate whether periapical granulomas can be differentiated from periapical cysts in vivo by using dental magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Prior to apicoectomy, 11 patients with radiographically confirmed periapical lesions underwent dental MRI, including fat-saturated T2-weighted (T2wFS) images, non-contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images with and without fat saturation (T1w/T1wFS), and contrast-enhanced fat-saturated T1-weighted (T1wFS+C) images. Two independent observers performed structured image analysis of MRI datasets twice. A total of 15 diagnostic MRI criteria were evaluated, and histopathological results (6 granulomas and 5 cysts) were compared with MRI characteristics. Statistical analysis was performed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Cohen’s kappa (κ), Mann–Whitney U-test and Fisher’s exact test. Lesion identification and consecutive structured image analysis was possible on T2wFS and T1wFS+C MRI images. A high reproducibility was shown for MRI measurements of the maximum lesion diameter (intraobserver ICC = 0.996/0.998; interobserver ICC = 0.997), for the “peripheral rim” thickness (intraobserver ICC = 0.988/0.984; interobserver ICC = 0.970), and for all non-quantitative MRI criteria (intraobserver-κ = 0.990/0.995; interobserver-κ = 0.988). In accordance with histopathological results, six MRI criteria allowed for a clear differentiation between cysts and granulomas: (1) outer margin of lesion, (2) texture of “peripheral rim” in T1wFS+C, (3) texture of “lesion center” in T2wFS, (4) surrounding tissue involvement in T2wFS, (5) surrounding tissue involvement in T1wFS+C and (6) maximum “peripheral rim” thickness (all: P < 0.05). In conclusion, this pilot study indicates that radiation-free dental MRI enables a reliable differentiation between periapical cysts and granulomas in vivo. Thus, MRI may substantially improve treatment strategies and help to avoid unnecessary surgery in apical periodontitis.
Dlx1/2 and Otp coordinate the production of hypothalamic GHRH- and AgRP-neurons
Authors: Lee Bora , Kim Janghyun , An Taekyeong , Kim Sangsoo , Patel Esha M. , Raber Jacob , Lee Soo-Kyung , Lee Seunghee , Lee Jae W.
Published: May 2018

Despite critical roles of the hypothalamic arcuate neurons in controlling the growth and energy homeostasis, the gene regulatory network directing their development remains unclear. Here we report that the transcription factors Dlx1/2 and Otp coordinate the balanced generation of the two functionally related neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, GHRH-neurons promoting the growth and AgRP-neurons controlling the feeding and energy expenditure. Dlx1/2-deficient mice show a loss-of-GHRH-neurons and an increase of AgRP-neurons, and consistently develop dwarfism and consume less energy. These results indicate that Dlx1/2 are crucial for specifying the GHRH-neuronal identity and, simultaneously, for suppressing AgRP-neuronal fate. We further show that Otp is required for the generation of AgRP-neurons and that Dlx1/2 repress the expression of Otp by directly binding the Otp gene. Together, our study demonstrates that the identity of GHRH- and AgRP-neurons is synchronously specified and segregated by the Dlx1/2-Otp gene regulatory axis.
Neuromelanin organelles are specialized autolysosomes that accumulate undegraded proteins and lipids in aging human brain and are likely involved in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Zucca Fabio A. , Vanna Renzo , Cupaioli Francesca A. , Bellei Chiara , De Palma Antonella , Di Silvestre Dario , Mauri Pierluigi , Grassi Sara , Prinetti Alessandro , Casella Luigi , Sulzer David , Zecca Luigi
Published: May 2018

During aging, neuronal organelles filled with neuromelanin (a dark-brown pigment) and lipid bodies accumulate in the brain, particularly in the substantia nigra, a region targeted in Parkinson’s disease. We have investigated protein and lipid systems involved in the formation of these organelles and in the synthesis of the neuromelanin of human substantia nigra. Membrane and matrix proteins characteristic of lysosomes were found in neuromelanin-containing organelles at a lower number than in typical lysosomes, indicating a reduced enzymatic activity and likely impaired capacity for lysosomal and autophagosomal fusion. The presence of proteins involved in lipid transport may explain the accumulation of lipid bodies in the organelle and the lipid component in neuromelanin structure. The major lipids observed in lipid bodies of the organelle are dolichols with lower amounts of other lipids. Proteins of aggregation and degradation pathways were present, suggesting a role for accumulation by this organelle when the ubiquitin-proteasome system is inadequate. The presence of proteins associated with aging and storage diseases may reflect impaired autophagic degradation or impaired function of lysosomal enzymes. The identification of typical autophagy proteins and double membranes demonstrates the organelle’s autophagic nature and indicates that it has engulfed neuromelanin precursors from the cytosol. Based on these data, it appears that the neuromelanin-containing organelle has a very slow turnover during the life of a neuron and represents an intracellular compartment of final destination for numerous molecules not degraded by other systems.
Microfluidic cell sorting: Towards improved biocompatibility of extracorporeal lung assist devices
Authors: Bleilevens Christian , Lölsberg Jonas , Cinar Arne , Knoben Maren , Grottke Oliver , Rossaint Rolf , Wessling Matthias
Published: May 2018

Extracorporeal lung assist technology is one of the last options in critical care medicine to treat patients suffering from severe oxygenation and decarboxylation disorders. Platelet activation along with the consequent thrombus formation is a potentially life-threatening complication of this technique. To avoid platelet-dependent clot formation, this study aims at developing a microfluidic cell sorting chip that can bypass platelets prior to the membrane oxygenator of the extracorporeal lung assist device. The cell sorting chips were produced by maskless dip-in laser lithography, followed by soft lithography replication using PDMS. Citrated porcine whole blood with a clinically relevant haematocrit of 17% was used for the cell sorting experiments involving three different blood flow rates. The joint effects of flow focusing and hydrodynamic lifting forces within the cell sorting chip resulted in a reduction of up to 57% of the baseline platelet count. This cell sorting strategy is suitable for the continuous and label-free separation of red blood cells and platelets and is potentially applicable for increasing the biocompatibility and lifetime of current extracorporeal lung assist devices.
Identification of the miRNAome of early mesoderm progenitor cells and cardiomyocytes derived from human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Garate Ximena , La Greca Alejandro , Neiman Gabriel , Blüguermann Carolina , Santín Velazque Natalia Lucía , Moro Lucía Natalia , Luzzani Carlos , Scassa Maria Elida , Sevlever Gustavo Emilio , Romorini Leonardo , Miriuka Santiago Gabriel
Published: May 2018

MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression related to many cellular functions. We performed a small-RNAseq analysis of cardiac differentiation from pluripotent stem cells. Our analyses identified some new aspects about microRNA expression in this differentiation process. First, we described a dynamic expression profile of microRNAs where some of them are clustered according to their expression level. Second, we described the extensive network of isomiRs and ADAR modifications. Third, we identified the microRNAs families and clusters involved in the establishment of cardiac lineage and define the mirRNAome based on these groups. Finally, we were able to determine a more accurate miRNAome associated with cardiomyocytes by comparing the expressed microRNAs with other mature cells. MicroRNAs exert their effect in a complex and interconnected way, making necessary a global analysis to better understand their role. Our data expands the knowledge of microRNAs and their implications in cardiomyogenesis.
Relationship between agro-environmental variables and breeding Hylids in rice paddies
Authors: Borzée Amaël , Heo Kyongman , Jang Yikweon
Published: May 2018

When natural wetlands are destroyed, many anuran species are forced to breed in alternative habitats such as rice paddies. We conducted field surveys for the endangeredDryophytes suweonensisand the numerousD. japonicus, from the beginning of the breeding season until two weeks after its peak. We recorded the presence, number of individuals and calling indices for each species. We hypothesized thatD. japonicuswould start breeding earlier thanD. suweonensis, which would have originally been breeding solely in floodplains. The results of our analyses demonstrate that the rice cultivation phase was the most important factor in predicting the calling activities of both species. Furthermore, peak calling activities of both species matched the optimal hydroperiod in rice paddies. In addition,D. japonicusbreeding behaviour was influenced by environmental variables such as temperature, whereasD. suweonensisseemed to require the planting of rice seedlings to initiate breeding. Therefore, as bothDryophytesspecies’ breeding activities are influenced by agro-environmental variables, this study highlights the importance of also preserving anthropogenically modified landscapes for the conservation of species.
Vitamin D Metabolism-Related Gene Haplotypes and Their Association with Metabolic Disturbances Among African-American Urban Adults
Authors: Beydoun May A. , Hossain Sharmin , Tajuddin Salman M. , Canas Jose A. , Kuczmarski Marie , Beydoun Hind A. , Evans Michele K. , Zonderman Alan B.
Published: May 2018

Epidemiological studies have confirmed associations of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and vitamin D-related gene polymorphisms with adiposity and other metabolic disturbances. Those associations may be sex-specific. We evaluated the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between metabolic disturbances and haplotypes constructed from single nucleotide polymorphisms of VDR (BsmI:G/A: rs1544410; ApaI:A/C: rs7975232; and TaqI:G/A: rs731236) and MEGALIN (rs3755166:G/A; rs2075252:C/T and rs2228171:C/T) genes, in a sample of African-American adults. From 1,024 African Americans participating in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS, 2004–2013, Baltimore, MD), our analyses included 539 participants with complete genetic, baseline covariate and metabolic outcome data (at baseline and follow-up). Mean ± SD period of follow-up was 4.64 ± 0.93 y. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models were conducted. Among key findings, in men, incident hypertension was inversely related to MEGALIN1 (GCC), [HR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.23–0.90, p = 0.024]. Overall, there was a direct, linear dose-response association between VDR2 (AAG: BAt) and MetS at baseline [OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.11–2.31, p = 0.012], while among men, VDR3 (GAA: bAT) was inversely related to baseline MetS [OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.19–0.81, p = 0.011]. In conclusion, VDR and MEGALIN gene variations can affect prevalent MetS and the incidence rate of hypertension, respectively, among African-American urban adults.
Assessment of Central Visual Function in Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Fujiwara Kohta , Ikeda Yasuhiro , Murakami Yusuke , Tachibana Takashi , Funatsu Jun , Koyanagi Yoshito , Nakatake Shunji , Yoshida Noriko , Nakao Shintaro , Hisatomi Toshio , Yoshida Shigeo , Yoshitomi Takeshi , Ishibashi Tatsuro , Sonoda Koh-Hei
Published: May 2018

In order to clarify the disease progression in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and its related factors, reliable data on the changes in central visual function in RP are needed. In this longitudinal study, we examined 118 patients who were diagnosed with typical RP. Visual acuity (VA), visual field using a Humphrey Field Analyzer with the central 10-2 SITA-Standard program, and optical coherence tomography measurements were obtained. The slopes, which were derived from serial values of mean deviation (MD), macular sensitivity (MS), or foveal sensitivity (FS) obtained for each eye by a linear mixed model, were used for analysis. MS and FS were calculated as the average retinal sensitivity of 12 and 4 central points respectively. There were statistically significant interactions of times with levels of the central subfield thickness (CST) on the slopes of MS and FS. Compared to the eyes without macular complications, the eyes with macular complications had steeper MD, MS and FS slopes, and this interaction was no significant, but marginal trend for the MS or FS slope (P = 0.10, 0.05, respectively). The central retinal sensitivity (i.e., MS and FS) slopes calculated were effective indices of the progression of central visual function in RP.
A 2-transcript host cell signature distinguishes viral from bacterial diarrhea and it is influenced by the severity of symptoms
Authors: Barral-Arca R. , Pardo-Seco J. , Martinón-Torres F. , Salas A.
Published: May 2018

Recently, a biomarker signature consisting of 2-transcript host RNAs was proposed for discriminating bacterial from viral infections in febrile children. We evaluated the performance of this signature in a different disease scenario, namely a cohort of Mexican children (n = 174) suffering from acute diarrhea of different infectious etiologies. We first examined the admixed background of the patients, indicating that most of them have a predominantly Native American genetic ancestry with a variable amount of European background (ranging from 0% to 57%). The results confirm that the RNA test can discriminate between viral and bacterial causes of infection (t-test; P-value = 6.94×10−11; AUC = 80%; sensitivity: 68% [95% CI: 55%–79%]; specificity: 84% [95% CI: 78%–90%]), but the strength of the signal differs substantially depending on the causal pathogen, with the stronger signal being that of Shigella (P-value = 3.14 × 10−12; AUC = 89; sensitivity: 70% [95% CI: 57%–83%]; specificity: 100% [95% CI: 100%–100%]). The accuracy of this test improves significantly when excluding mild cases (P-value = 2.13 × 10−6; AUC = 85%; sensitivity: 79% [95% CI: 58%–95%]; specificity: 78% [95% CI: 65%–88%]). The results broaden the scope of previous studies by incorporating different pathogens, variable levels of disease severity, and different ancestral background of patients, and add confirmatory support to the clinical utility of these 2-transcript biomarkers.
Hematopoietic Stem Cells as a Novel Source of Dental Tissue Cells
Authors: Wilson Katie R. , Kang In-Hong , Baliga Uday , Xiong Ying , Chatterjee Shilpak , Moore Emily , Parthiban Beneta , Thyagarajan Krishnamurthy , Borke James L. , Mehrotra Shikhar , Kirkwood Keith L. , LaRue Amanda C. , Ogawa Makio , Mehrotra Meenal
Published: May 2018

While earlier studies have suggested that cells positive for hematopoietic markers can be found in dental tissues, it has yet to be confirmed. To conclusively demonstrate this, we utilized a unique transgenic model in which all hematopoietic cells are green fluorescent protein+ (GFP+). Pulp, periodontal ligament (PDL) and alveolar bone (AvB) cell culture analysis demonstrated numerous GFP+ cells, which were also CD45+ (indicating hematopoietic origin) and co-expressed markers of cellular populations in pulp (dentin matrix protein-1, dentin sialophosphoprotein, alpha smooth muscle actin [ASMA], osteocalcin), in PDL (periostin, ASMA, vimentin, osteocalcin) and in AvB (Runx-2, bone sialoprotein, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin). Transplantation of clonal population derived from a single GFP+ hematopoietic stem cell (HSC), into lethally irradiated recipient mice, demonstrated numerous GFP+ cells within dental tissues of recipient mice, which also stained for markers of cell populations in pulp, PDL and AvB (used above), indicating that transplanted HSCs can differentiate into cells in dental tissues. These hematopoietic-derived cells deposited collagen and can differentiate in osteogenic media, indicating that they are functional. Thus, our studies demonstrate, for the first time, that cells in pulp, PDL and AvB can have a hematopoietic origin, thereby opening new avenues of therapy for dental diseases and injuries.
Extraction and quantification of biofilm bacteria: Method optimized for urinary catheters
Authors: Mandakhalikar Kedar Diwakar , Rahmat Juwita Norasmara , Chiong Edmund , Neoh Koon Gee , Shen Liang , Tambyah Paul Anantharajah
Published: May 2018

Bacterial biofilms are responsible for the failure of many medical devices such as urinary catheters and are associated with many infectious and non-infectious complications. Preclinical and clinical evaluation of novel catheter coatings to prevent these infections needs to accurately quantify the bacterial load in the biofilm in vitro and ex vivo. There is currently no uniform gold standard for biofilm quantification for different surfaces and established biofilms. We have tried to establish a simple, accurate and reproducible method for extraction and measurement of biofilm bacteria on indwelling catheters, using a combination of vortexing and sonication. We demonstrate the usefulness of this method for catheters of different sizes – 3 Fr to 14 Fr – in vitro, in murine and porcine models, and indwelling in human clinical subjects. We also demonstrate consistent results with complex and polymicrobial biofilms. We believe that this standardized reproducible method will assist the assessment of biofilms in general and urological devices in particular in efforts to harness novel technologies to prevent healthcare associated infections.
Neuromolecular basis of faded perception associated with unreality experience
Authors: Yokokawa Keita , Ito Takehito , Takahata Keisuke , Takano Harumasa , Kimura Yasuyuki , Ichise Masanori , Ikoma Yoko , Isato Ayako , Zhang Ming-Rong , Kawamura Kazunori , Ito Hiroshi , Takahashi Hidehiko , Suhara Tetsuya , Yamada Makiko
Published: May 2018

Perceptual changes in shape, size, or color are observed in patients with derealization symptoms; however, the underlying neural and molecular mechanisms are not well understood. The current study explored the relationship between neural activity associated with altered colorfulness perception assessed by fMRI and striatal dopamine D2receptor availability measured by [11C]raclopride PET in healthy participants. Inside an fMRI scanner, participants performed the saturation adaptation task, where they rated how much vivid/faded visual objects looked like real/unreal ones using a visual analog scale. We found that participants experienced greater unreality when they perceived fadedness than vividness despite physically identical saturation. The combined fMRI and PET analyses revealed that the faded perception-related activities of the dorsolateral prefrontal and parietal cortex were positively correlated with striatal D2receptor availability. This finding may help to understand the neuromolecular mechanisms of faded perception associated with feeling unreal in derealization symptoms.
Brain APOE expression quantitative trait loci-based association study identified one susceptibility locus for Alzheimer’s disease by interacting with APOE ε4
Authors: Zhang Aiqian , Zhao Qingnan , Xu Dabao , Jiang Shan
Published: May 2018

Some studies have demonstrated interactions of AD-risk single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in non-APOEregions withAPOEgenotype. Nevertheless, no study reported interactions of expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) forAPOEwithAPOEgenotype. In present study, we included 9286 unrelated AD patients and 8479 normal controls from 12 cohorts of NIA Genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease Data Storage Site (NIAGADS) and Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). 34 unrelated brain eQTLs forAPOEwere compiled from BRAINEAC and GTEx. We used multi-covariate logistic regression analysis to identify eQTLs interacted withAPOEε4. Adjusted for age and gender, substantia nigra eQTL rs438811 forAPOEshowed significantly strong interaction withAPOEε4 status (OR, 1.448; CI, 1.124–1.430;P-value = 7.94 × 10−6).APOEε4-based sub-group analyses revealed that carrying one minor allele T of rs438811 can increase the opportunity of developing to AD by 26.75% inAPOEε4 carriers but not in non-carriers. We revealed substantia nigra eQTL rs438811 forAPOEcan interact withAPOEε4 and confers risk inAPOEε4 carriers only.
Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial Investigating The Impact of Implementation Planning on Behaviour Related to The Diet
Authors: O’Toole S. , Newton T. , Moazzez R. , Hasan A. , Bartlett D.
Published: May 2018

There is a perceived gap between dietary advice given by health practitioners and adherence to the advice by patients. We investigated whether a behaviour change technique (implementation-planning) was more effective than standard-of-care diet advice at reducing dietary acid intake using quantitative erosive tooth wear progression as an objective clinical outcome. This study was a randomised controlled, double-blind, single-centre clinical trial in the UK. Participants (n = 60) with high dietary acid intake (≥2 daily), were recruited and randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either implementation-planning or standard-of-care diet advice in a single clinical session. Questionnaires and impressions were taken at baseline and 6 months later. Dental casts were scanned using laser profilometry and superimposed using surface-matching software. Data were analysed per protocol and intention-to-treat using independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney tests. The intervention group reduced their dietary acid intake between meals to 1 intake per day compared to 2 intakes per day for the controls and demonstrated reduced dental hard tissue volume loss (−0.00 mm3 (SD = 0.01)) compared to controls (−0.07 mm3 (SD 0.17)), p = 0.049. This paper supports the use of implementation planning in clinical practice and presents a non-invasive method of intervention assessment in behaviour change. Larger trials are needed to confirm the generalisability of results.
Transcriptomic response of breast cancer cells to anacardic acid
Authors: Schultz David J. , Krishna Abirami , Vittitow Stephany L. , Alizadeh-Rad Negin , Muluhngwi Penn , Rouchka Eric C. , Klinge Carolyn M.
Published: May 2018

Anacardic acid (AnAc), a potential dietary agent for preventing and treating breast cancer, inhibited the proliferation of estrogen receptor α (ERα) positive MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cells. To characterize potential regulators of AnAc action, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were treated for 6 h with purified AnAc 24:1n5 congener followed by next generation transcriptomic sequencing (RNA-seq) and network analysis. We reported that AnAc-differentially regulated miRNA transcriptomes in each cell line and now identify AnAc-regulated changes in mRNA and lncRNA transcript expression. In MCF-7 cells, 80 AnAc-responsive genes were identified, including lncRNA MIR22HG. More AnAc-responsive genes (886) were identified in MDA-MB-231 cells. Only six genes were commonly altered by AnAc in both cell lines: SCD, INSIG1, and TGM2 were decreased and PDK4, GPR176, and ZBT20 were increased. Modeling of AnAc-induced gene changes suggests that AnAc inhibits monounsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis in both cell lines and increases endoplasmic reticulum stress in MDA-MB-231 cells. Since modeling of downregulated genes implicated NFκB in MCF-7, we confirmed that AnAc inhibited TNFα-induced NFκB reporter activity in MCF-7 cells. These data identify new targets and pathways that may account for AnAc’s anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activity.
Fetal growth and incidence of atopic dermatitis in early childhood: Results of the Ulm SPATZ Health Study
Authors: Logan Chad A. , Weiss Johannes M. , Reister Frank , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Genuneit Jon
Published: May 2018

Fetal growth may be a precursory factor in observed association between birthweight and atopic dermatitis (AD), however, recent studies utilizing fetal ultrasound-based data have reported contradictory results. This study aims to clarify previous findings through comprehensive investigation of association between several trimester-specific ultrasound-based anthropometric measures with AD diagnosis by age 3 years. Measurements of 386 newborns in the Ulm SPATZ Health Study were converted into adjusted z-scores categorized as “low” (≤1 SD below mean), “normal,” or “high” (≥1 SD above mean). AD cases were defined using parent- or pediatrician-report of physician-diagnosis or clinical diagnosis. Adjusted risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using modified Poisson regression. Compared to normal, both low and high 2nd trimester abdominal circumference [RR 1.51, (95% CI 1.01; 2.24) and 1.83 (1.21; 2.76)], high 2nd trimester head- abdominal circumference ratio [1.69 (1.16; 2.48)], and faltering 2nd to 3rd trimester [1.59 (1.04; 2.43)] head circumference were associated with greater AD risk. High 3rd trimester femur length [0.54 (0.31; 0.94)] was associated with lower risk. Using more inclusive exposure cut-points (0.8 SD), lower 1st trimester crown-rump length was also associated with greater AD risk. Our data suggest several different patterns of fetal growth may be differentially associated with AD.
TGF-β concentrations and activity are down-regulated in the aqueous humor of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Tosi Gian Marco , Neri Giovanni , Caldi Elena , Fusco Fiorella , Bacci Tommaso , Tarantello Antonio , Nuti Elisabetta , Marigliani Davide , Baiocchi Stefano , Traversi Claudio , Barbarino Marcella , Eandi Chiara M. , Parolini Barbara , Mundo Lucia , Santucci Annalisa , Orlandini Maurizio , Galvagni Federico
Published: May 2018

Controversy still exists regarding the role of the TGF-β in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), a major cause of severe visual loss in the elderly in developed countries. Here, we measured the concentrations of active TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3 by ELISA in the aqueous humor of 20 patients affected by nAMD, who received 3 consecutive monthly intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF-A antibody. Samples were collected at baseline (before the first injection), month 1 (before the second injection), and month 2 (before the third injection). The same samples were used in a luciferase-based reporter assay to test the TGF-β pathway activation. Active TGF-β1 concentrations in the aqueous humor were below the minimum detectable dose. Active TGF-β2 concentrations were significantly lower at baseline and at month 1, compared to controls. No significant differences in active TGF-β3 concentration were found among the sample groups. Moreover, TGF-β pathway activation was significantly lower at baseline compared to controls. Our data corroborate an anti-angiogenic role for TGF-β2 in nAMD. This should be considered from the perspective of a therapy using TGF-β inhibitors.
Novel human microbe-disease associations inference based on network consistency projection
Authors: Zou Shuai , Zhang Jingpu , Zhang Zuping
Published: May 2018

Increasing evidence shows that microbes are closely related to various human diseases. Obtaining a comprehensive and detailed understanding of the relationships between microbes and diseases would not only be beneficial to disease prevention, diagnosis and prognosis, but also would lead to the discovery of new drugs. However, because of a lack of data, little effort has been made to predict novel microbe-disease associations. To date, few methods have been proposed to solve the problem. In this study, we developed a new computational model based on network consistency projection to infer novel human microbe-disease associations (NCPHMDA) by integrating Gaussian interaction profile kernel similarity of microbes and diseases, and symptom-based disease similarity. NCPHMDA is a non-parametric and global network based model that combines microbe space projection and disease space projection to achieve the final prediction. Experimental results demonstrated that the integrated space projection of microbes and diseases, and symptom-based disease similarity played roles in the model performance. Cross validation frameworks and case studies further illustrated the superior predictive performance over other methods.
Antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of hexadentated macrocyclic complex of copper (II) derived from thiosemicarbazide against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Brahma Umarani , Kothari Richa , Sharma Paresh , Bhandari Vasundhra
Published: May 2018

Multidrug-resistant pathogens causing nosocomial and community acquired infections delineate a significant threat to public health. It had urged to identify new antimicrobials and thus, generated interest in studying macrocyclic metal complex, which has been studied in the past for their antimicrobial activity. Hence, in the present study, we have evaluated the antimicrobial activity of the hexadentated macrocyclic complex of copper (II) (Cu Complex) derived from thiosemicarbazide against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. We observed increased susceptibility against standard isolates of Staphylococcus aureus with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range of 6.25 to 12.5 μg/mL. Similar activity was also observed towards methicillin resistant and sensitive clinical isolates of S. aureus from human (n = 20) and animal (n = 20) infections. The compound has rapid bactericidal activity, and we did not observe any resistant mutant of S. aureus. The compound also exhibited antibiofilm activity and was able to disrupt pre-formed biofilms. Cu complex showed increased susceptibility towards intracellular S. aureus and was able to reduce more than 95% of the bacterial load at 10 μg/mL. Overall, our results suggest that Cu complex with its potent anti-microbial and anti-biofilm activity can be used to treat MRSA infections and evaluated further clinically.
New bioactive cyclopeptide alkaloids with rare terminal unit from the root bark ofZiziphus cambodiana
Authors: Lomchoey Natthakaln , Panseeta Panomwan , Boonsri Pornthip , Apiratikul Nuttapon , Prabpai Samran , Kongsaeree Palangpon , Suksamrarn Sunit
Published: May 2018

Six new 14-membered ring cyclopeptide alkaloids, cambodines A–F (1–6), and two known compounds, frangufoline (7) and lotusanine B (8), were isolated from the root bark extract ofZiziphus cambodianaPierre.
Synthesis of distorted nanographenes containing seven- and eight-membered carbocycles
Authors: Márquez Irene R. , Castro-Fernández Silvia , Millán Alba , Campaña Araceli G.
Published: May 2018

We highlight recent progress in bottom-up synthesis of well-defined distorted polyaromatic hydrocarbons with saddle shapes containing heptagonal and octagonal carbocycles.
Oxidative nitrene transfer from azides to alkynes via Ti(ii)/Ti(iv) redox catalysis: formal [2+2+1] synthesis of pyrroles
Authors: Pearce Adam J. , See Xin Yi , Tonks Ian A.
Published: May 2018

Catalytic oxidative nitrene transfer from azides with the early transition metals is rare, and has not been observed without the support of redox noninnocent spectator ligands.
Beyond natural antibodies – a new generation of synthetic antibodies created by post-imprinting modification of molecularly imprinted polymers
Authors: Takeuchi Toshifumi , Sunayama Hirobumi
Published: May 2018

Post-imprinting modification (PIM) is an innovative strategy for generating MIPs analogous to biosynthesising proteins to introduce new functionalities in a site-directed manner.
Study on the cracking of a KDP seed crystal caused by temperature nonuniformity
Authors: Huang Pingping , Wang Shenglai , Wang Duanliang , Liu Hui , Liu Guangxia , Xu Longyun
Published: May 2018

The phenomenon of the cracking of KDP z-cut seed crystals with a series of sizes due to the temperature difference of the growth solution was explored in detail.
Langevin behavior of the dielectric decrement in ionic liquid water mixtures
Authors: Heid Esther , Docampo-Álvarez Borja , Varela Luis M. , Prosenz Konstantin , Steinhauser Othmar , Schröder Christian
Published: May 2018

Large scale polarizable simulations of ionic liquid water mixtures reveal an universal Langevin behavior of the dielectric decrement.
Boosted CO2 photoreduction to methane via Co doping in bismuth vanadate atomic layers
Authors: Wang Kefu , Zhang Ling , Su Yang , Sun Songmei , Wang Qianqian , Wang Haipeng , Wang Wenzhong
Published: May 2018

Boosted CO2 photoreduction and high CH4 selectivity on Co-doped BiVO4.
Luminescent copper(i) complexes with bisphosphane and halogen-substituted 2,2′-bipyridine ligands
Authors: Keller Sarah , Prescimone Alessandro , Bolink Henk , Sessolo Michele , Longo Giulia , Martínez-Sarti Laura , Junquera-Hernández José M. , Constable Edwin C. , Ortí Enrique , Housecroft Catherine E.
Published: May 2018

Light-emitting electrochemical cells with Cu(i) emitters with halo-substituted 2,2′-bipyridine ligands display orange electroluminescence and short turn-on times.
Composed in the f-block: solution structure and function of kinetically inert lanthanide(iii) complexes
Authors: Nielsen Lea Gundorff , Junker Anne Kathrine R. , Sørensen Thomas Just
Published: May 2018

An induction to the wonders of lanthanides, and a call for standardised methods for characterisation of lanthanide complexes in solution.
Co-detection of ALDH1A1, ABCG2, ALCAM and CD133 in three A549 subpopulations at the single cell level by one-step digital RT-PCR
Authors: Xu Yanan , Hu Jiumei , Zhu Qiangyuan , Song Qi , Mu Ying
Published: May 2018

Single cancer stem cell analysis of four biomarker genes by microfluidic one-step digital RT-PCR.
Degradation of tri(2-chloroethyl)phosphate by a microwave enhanced heterogeneous Fenton process using iron oxide containing waste
Authors: Du Lingzhi , Wang Xianli , Wu Junfeng
Published: May 2018

Tri(2-chloroethyl)phosphate was degraded by a microwave enhanced heterogeneous Fenton process using iron oxide containing waste.
Self-assembly of convex particles on spherocylindrical surfaces
Authors: Lázaro Guillermo R. , Dragnea Bogdan , Hagan Michael F.
Published: May 2018

Simulations and continuum theory of self-assembly of conical subunits around a spherocylindrical template show the tuning the template mean curvature, Gaussian curvature, and curvature anisotropy enables the controlled formation of a rich array of assembly geometries.
Coupling of charge carriers with magnetic entropy for power factor enhancement in Mn doped Sn1.03Te for thermoelectric applications
Authors: Acharya Somnath , Anwar Sharmistha , Mori Takao , Soni Ajay
Published: May 2018

An approach for utilizing magnetism to try to enhance thermoelectric properties of Mn doped self-compensated Sn1.03Te in context of its dilute magnetic nature.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor-794 CATT microsatellite polymorphism and risk of tuberculosis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Mingbiao , Tao Lvyan , Liu Aihua , Liang Zhang , Yang Jiaru , Peng Yun , Dai Xiting , Bai Ruolan , Ji Zhenhua , Jian Miaomiao , Bao Fukai
Published: May 2018

Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease that has been threatening public health for many years. Several studies have shown the relationship between the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-794 CATT (MIF-794 CATT) microsatellite polymorphism and susceptibility to TB. However, the results remain inconclusive. Therefore, we aim to find out the impact of MIF-794 CATT microsatellite polymorphism on risk of TB by a comprehensive meta-analysis. We conducted a systematic study search in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) up to October 2017. Five studies involving 836 cases and 678 controls were included in the current meta-analysis. We calculated the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to estimate the association between the MIF-794 CATT microsatellite polymorphism and risk of TB. The reliability of the results were evaluated with trial sequential analysis (TSA). The results suggested that the MIF-794 CATT microsatellite polymorphism was significantly associated with the susceptibility of TB in all comparisons for allele (7 + 8 compared with 5 + 6, OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.31–1.87, P<0.00001) and genotype (7/X + 8/X compared with 5/X + 6/X, OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.39–2.36, P<0.0001). Therefore, the meta-analysis indicated the MIF-794 allele CATT7 and CATT8 may be a risk factor to increase the susceptibility of TB, which was confirmed by TSA.
Comparative proteomic analysis reveals the regulatory network of theveAgene during asexual and sexual spore development ofAspergillus cristatus
Authors: Liu Hui , Sang Shilei , Wang Hui , Ren Xiyi , Tan Yumei , Chen Wei , Liu Zuoyi , Liu Yongxiang
Published: May 2018

Aspergillus cristatus is the predominant fungal population during fermentation of Chinese Fuzhuan brick tea, and belongs to the homothallic fungal group that undergoes a sexual stage without asexual conidiation under hypotonic conditions, while hypertonic medium induces initiation of the asexual stage and completely blocks sexual development. However, the veA deletion mutant only produces conidia in hypotonic medium after a 24-h culture, but both asexual and sexual spores are observed after 72 h. The veA gene is one of the key genes that positively regulates sexual and negatively regulates asexual development in A. cristatus. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of how VeA regulates asexual and sexual spore development in A. cristatus, 2D electrophoresis (2-DE) combined with MALDI-tandem ToF MS analysis were applied to identify 173 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) by comparing the agamotype (24 h) and teleomorph (72 h) with wild-type (WT) A. cristatus strains. Further analysis revealed that the changed expression pattern of Pmk1-MAPK and Ser/Thr phosphatase signaling, heat shock protein (Hsp) 90 (HSP90), protein degradation associated, sulphur-containing amino acid biosynthesis associated, valine, leucine, isoleucine, and arginine biosynthesis involved, CYP450 and cytoskeletal formation associated proteins were involved in the production of conidia in agamotype of A. cristatus. Furthermore, the deletion of veA in A. cristatus resulted in disturbed process of transcription, translation, protein folding, amino acid metabolism, and secondary metabolism. The carbohydrate and energy metabolism were also greatly changed, which lied in the suppression of anabolism through pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) but promotion of catabolism through glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. The energy compounds produced in the agamotype were mainly ATP and NADH, whereas they were NADPH and FAD in the teleomorph. These results will contribute to the existing knowledge on the complex role of VeA in the regulation of spore development in Aspergillus and provide a framework for functional investigations on the identified proteins.
Extending the Application of Tense and Agreement Measures: A Reply to Rispoli and Hadley (2018)
Authors: Leonard Laurence B. , Haebig Eileen , Deevy Patricia , Brown Barbara
Published: May 2018

Purpose

In this reply, we respond to comments on our article “Tracking the Growth of Tense and Agreement in Children With Specific Language Impairment: Differences Between Measures of Accuracy, Diversity, and Productivity.”

Conclusion

The finite verb morphology composite can be disproportionately affected by frequently occurring grammatical forms produced through direct activation. This assumption was one of the reasons we wished to compare this measure to the tense marker total and the tense/agreement productivity score. The latter two measures provide valuable developmental information that is not available from the finite morphology composite. Yet, the finite verb morphology composite shows good diagnostic accuracy and an interpretable pattern of growth and is relatively stable across different sample sizes.
Active contours driven by harmonic mean based KL divergence fitting energies for image segmentation
Authors: Han Bin , Wu Yiquan
Published: May 2018

A new active contour model driven by harmonic mean based Kullback–Leibler (KL) fitting energies is presented to achieve accurate segmentation of various kinds of images. Firstly, the global fitted image is defined by global harmonic mean region fitting centres and the piece‐wise smooth function and then the global fitting term can be constructed based on KL divergence. Secondly, the local fitted image is defined by local harmonic mean region fitting centres and the piece‐wise smooth function and then the local fitting term is also constructed based on KL divergence. Moreover, the regularising term is incorporated into the energy functional. Experimental results of real‐world images verify the effectiveness and superiority of the presented model.