bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Black pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil demonstrates tissue remodeling and metabolism modulating potential in human cells
Authors: Han Xuesheng , Beaumont Cody , Rodriguez Damian , Bahr Tyler
Published: May 2018

Very few studies have investigated the biological activities of black pepper essential oil (BPEO) in human cells. Therefore, in the current study, we examined the biological activities of BPEO in cytokine‐stimulated human dermal fibroblasts by analyzing the levels of 17 important protein biomarkers pertinent to inflammation and tissue remodeling. BPEO exhibited significant antiproliferative activity in these skin cells and significantly inhibited the production of Collagen I, Collagen III, and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1. In addition, we studied the effect of BPEO on the regulation of genome‐wide expression and found that BPEO diversely modulated global gene expression. Further analysis showed that BPEO affected many important genes and signaling pathways closely related to metabolism, inflammation, tissue remodeling, and cancer signaling. This study is the first to provide evidence of the biological activities of BPEO in human dermal fibroblasts. The data suggest that BPEO possesses promising potential to modulate the biological processes of tissue remodeling, wound healing, and metabolism. Although further research is required, BPEO appears to be a good therapeutic candidate for a variety of health conditions including wound care and metabolic diseases. Research into the biological and pharmacological mechanisms of action of BPEO and its major active constituents is recommended.
Liver enzyme abnormalities of inpatients with rheumatic diseases: A 10‐year retrospective study in a Korean medicine hospital
Authors: Lee Hyeonhoon , Lee Seunghoon , Kang Jung Won , Lee Jae‐Dong
Published: May 2018

Herbal medicines have been used as a treatment option for rheumatic disease (RD), but they often produce liver enzyme abnormality. This study examines the incidence of herb‐induced liver injury (HILI) and the relationship between risk factors and liver enzyme abnormality (LEA) in inpatients with RD. HILI was analyzed using the Roussel Uclaf causality assessment method liver injury criteria and causality assessment. Multivariable analysis was performed to assess the relationship between patient characteristics and LEA in RD. The features of LEA were also examined in each RD. Among 352 patients included in this study, 105 patients showed LEA on admission, of which 6 had fulfilled the Roussel Uclaf causality assessment method criteria. The incidence risks of LEA and HILI were 12.55% and 0.58%, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that LEA on admission and occasional use of alcohol could be risk factors for LEA on follow‐up. In an additional analysis with each RD, all rheumatoid arthritis patients with LEA were taking nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, steroids, and disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs, and 4 out of 5 gout patients with LEA were taking steroids. The use of herbal medicine in RD is relatively safe. However, regular monitoring of liver enzyme tests and examination of alcohol consumption are required.
Event‐triggered dissipative synchronization for Markovian jump neural networks with general transition probabilities
Authors: Liu Yajuan , Park Ju H. , Guo Bao‐Zhu , Fang Fang , Zhou Funa
Published: May 2018

In this paper, dissipative synchronization problem for the Markovian jump neural networks with time‐varying delay and general transition probabilities is investigated. An event‐triggered communication scheme is introduced to trigger the transmission only when the variation of the sampled vector exceeds a prescribed threshold condition. The transition probabilities of the Markovian jump delayed neural networks are allowed to be known, or uncertain, or unknown. By employing delay system approach, a new model of synchronization error system is proposed. Applying the Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional and integral inequality combining with reciprocal convex technique, a delay‐dependent criterion is developed to guarantee the stochastic stability of the errors system and achieve strict (Q,S,R)−α dissipativity. The event‐triggered parameters can be derived by solving a set of linear matrix inequalities. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed design method.
The diameter of inhomogeneous random graphs
Authors: Fraiman Nicolas , Mitsche Dieter
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we study the diameter of inhomogeneous random graphs that are induced by irreducible kernels . The kernels we consider act on separable metric spaces and are almost everywhere continuous. We generalize results known for the Erdős–Rényi model G(n, p) for several ranges of p. We find upper and lower bounds for the diameter of in terms of the expansion factor and two explicit constants that depend on the behavior of the kernel over partitions of the metric space.
The Alphasat Aldo Paraboni propagation experiment: Measurement campaign at the Italian ground stations
Authors: Riva C. , Luini L. , D'Amico M. , Nebuloni R. , Marziani A. , Consalvi F. , Marzano F.S.
Published: May 2018

Terabit capacity and very high data rates are required for the near‐future broadband satellite communication systems, mainly for multimedia services. The increased capacity can be obtained by using the larger bandwidth available at higher frequency bands, like Ka and Q/V. However, severe detrimental atmospheric effects impair radio waves at these bands, which require the extensive use of fade mitigation techniques, such as link power control, site diversity, or on‐board adaptive power allocation. The Alphasat Aldo Paraboni propagation experiment was designed and supported by the Italian Space Agency, and implemented by the European Space Agency, to better characterize the atmospheric propagation channel at Ka band and Q band, to support the design of future satellite systems. In Italy, 3 ground stations have been installed and are acquiring the Alphasat beacon signals: the 2 ASI main ground stations in Tito Scalo (Southern Italy) and Spino d'Adda (Northern Italy) and the La Sapienza‐FUB station in Roma (Central Italy). The 3 stations cover quite distant locations in Italy, with different climatic characteristics. This paper describes the main features of the experimental setup in the above stations and presents some examples of measurements and results.
Introduction
Authors: Tarlow Sarah , Battell Lowman Emma
Published: May 2018

How can a dead human body actively affect the world? This book examines the history of executed bodies of criminals, especially those executed during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The genesis of the research project on which the book is based is discussed, and some historical context to the Murder Act is presented. This book will challenge some widespread narratives about the changing nature of punishment, so we briefly discuss those, before moving on to consider whether criminal bodies are born or made, and what makes the dead body such a symbolically powerful object.
The Power of the Criminal Corpse in the Medieval World
Authors: Tarlow Sarah , Battell Lowman Emma
Published: May 2018

Taking a long-term view of the history of crime and punishment problematises any straightforwardly progressive narrative of the history of punishment as one of increasingly humane attitudes. Punishment in the Middle Ages was about retribution, but also about compensation and the restoration of social order. The strong parallels between sin and crime and between punishment and penance affected much of the practice and discourse about punishment throughout both early and later medieval periods, and indeed extended into modernity. The dying and dead body was an important locus in both religious and secular discourses of power.
Probing 6D operators at future e−e+ colliders
Authors: Chiu Wen Han , Leung Sze Ching , Liu Tao , Lyu Kun-Feng , Wang Lian-Tao
Published: May 2018

Abstract

We explore the sensitivities at future e
−
e
+ colliders to probe a set of six-dimensional operators which can modify the SM predictions on Higgs physics and electroweak precision measurements. We consider the case in which the operators are turned on simultaneously. Such an analysis yields a “conservative” interpretation on the collider sensitivities, complementary to the “optimistic” scenario where the operators are individually probed. After a detail analysis at CEPC in both “conservative” and “optimistic” scenarios, we also considered the sensitivities for FCC-ee and ILC. As an illustration of the potential of constraining new physics models, we applied sensitivity analysis to two benchmarks: holographic composite Higgs model and littlest Higgs model.
Point-of-care ultrasound to diagnose appendicitis in a Canadian emergency department
Authors: Sharif Sameer , Skitch Steven , Vlahaki Dean , Healey Andrew
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Appendicitis is a common surgical condition that frequently requires diagnostic imaging. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for diagnosing appendicitis. Ultrasound offers a radiation-free modality; however, its availability outside business hours is limited in many emergency departments (EDs). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the test characteristics of emergency physician-performed point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to diagnose appendicitis in a Canadian ED.

Methods

A health records review was performed on all ED patients who underwent POCUS to diagnose appendicitis from December 1, 2010 to December 4, 2015. The sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios were calculated. The gold standard used for diagnosis was pathology, laparoscopy, CT scans, and a radiologist-performed ultrasound.

Results

Ninety patients were included in the study, and 24 were diagnosed with appendicitis on POCUS. Ultimately, 18 were confirmed to have appendicitis through radiologist-performed imaging, laparoscopy, and pathology. The sensitivity and specificity of POCUS to diagnose appendicitis were 69.2% (95% CI, 48.1%-84.9%) and 90.6% (95% CI, 80.0%-96.1%), respectively.

Conclusion

POCUS has a high specificity for diagnosing acute appendicitis and has very similar characteristics to those of a radiologist-performed ultrasound. These findings are consistent with the current literature and have the potential to decrease patient morbidity, diagnostic delays, ED length of stay, and need for additional imaging.
Changing Epidemiology of Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections in Cancer Patients
Authors: Chaftari Anne Marie , Hachem Ray , Jiang Ying , Shah Pankil , Hussain Alawami , Hamal Zainab Al , Yousif Ammar , Jordan Mary , Michael Majd , Raad Issam
Published: May 2018

We compared the etiologic organisms of bloodstream infections (BSIs) in cancer patients with central venous catheters (CVCs) between 2 cohorts separated by more than a decade.

Gram-negative organisms have become the predominant etiologic organisms of BSIs (52%); they now contribute to 41% of catheter-related BSIs (CRBSIs).

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:727–729
How to Approach the Ancient Chinese Wisdom? A Commentary Concerning Sun Tzu's The Art of War—CORRIGENDUM
Authors: Li Peter Ping , Yang Monsol
Published: May 2018

In the original publication of this article, co-author Monsol Yang's surname was incorrect. The original has since been updated.

The author and publisher regret this error.
Body composition during early infancy and developmental progression from 1 to 5 years of age: the Infant Anthropometry and Body Composition (iABC) cohort study among Ethiopian children
Authors: Abera Mubarek , Tesfaye Markos , Admassu Bitiya , Hanlon Charlotte , Ritz Christian , Wibaek Rasmus , Michaelsen Kim F. , Friis Henrik , Wells Jonathan C. , Andersen Gregers S. , Girma Tsinuel , Kæstel Pernille
Published: May 2018

Early nutrition and growth have been found to be important early exposures for later development. Studies of crude growth in terms of weight and length/height, however, cannot elucidate how body composition (BC) might mediate associations between nutrition and later development. In this study, we aimed to examine the relation between fat mass (FM) or fat-free mass (FFM) tissues at birth and their accretion during early infancy, and later developmental progression. In a birth cohort from Ethiopia, 455 children who have BC measurement at birth and 416 who have standardised rate of BC growth during infancy were followed up for outcome variable, and were included in the statistical analysis. The study sample was restricted to mothers living in Jimma town who gave birth to a term baby with a birth weight ≥1500 g and no evident congenital anomalies. The relationship between the exposure and outcome variables was examined using linear-mixed regression model. The finding revealed that FFM at birth was positively associated with global developmental progression from 1 to 5 years (β=1·75; 95 % CI 0·11, 3·39) and from 4 to 5 years (β=1·34; 95 % CI 0·23, 2·44) in the adjusted model. Furthermore, the rate of postnatal FFM tissue accretion was positively associated with development at 1 year of age (β=0·50; 95 % CI 0·01, 0·99). Neither fetal nor postnatal FM showed a significant association. In conclusion, fetal, rather than postnatal, FFM tissue accretion was associated with developmental progression. Intervention studies are needed to assess whether nutrition interventions increasing FFM also increase cognitive development.
Morphological and molecular characterization of an enigmatic clinostomid trematode (Digenea: Clinostomidae) parasitic as metacercariae in the body cavity of freshwater fishes (Cichlidae) across Middle America
Authors: Briosio-Aguilar R. , García-Varela M. , Hernández-Mena D.I , Rubio-Godoy M. , Pérez-Ponce de León G.
Published: May 2018

The family Clinostomidae Lühe, 1901 contains 29 species allocated to seven genera, of whichClinostomumLeidy, 1856 is the most diverse, withc.14 valid species. The diversity ofClinostomumhas been assessed, combining morphological and molecular data. The genetic library for species in this genus has increased steadily, although there is little or no information for the other genera included in the family. Molecular phylogenetic relationships among the genera of clinostomids have not been assessed, and their classification is still based on morphological traits. The monotypicIthyoclinostomumwas described from a fish-eating bird in Brazil, and its metacercariae have been found in several locations in South America, parasitizing erythrinid freshwater fishes. We collected unusually large metacercariae from the body cavity of cichlids in several locations across Middle America. These metacercariae exhibited some resemblance toIthyoclinostomum, although several differences prevent their inclusion inIthyoclinostomum dimorphum, casting doubt on their taxonomic identification. The main objective of this paper was to characterize the metacercariae collected in cichlids using both morphology and molecular data from three molecular markers, and to assess the molecular phylogenetic relationships among the genera of Clinostomidae to establish the position of the newly generated sequences. We took a conservative position and tentatively placed the metacercariae as belonging toIthyoclinostomum.
Moral externalization and normativity: The errors of our ways
Authors: Stanford P. Kyle
Published: May 2018

I respond to the many thoughtful suggestions and concerns of my commentators on a wide variety of questions. These include whether moral norms form a unified category, whether they have a distinctive phenomenology, and/or whether moral normativity is a cultural construct; whether moral externalization is necessary for correlated interaction or human prosociality; precisely how such externalization generates correlated interactions among prosocial agents; and whether there are any convincing alternative explanations for it.
Moral cues from ordinary behaviour
Authors: Allidina Suraiya , Cunningham William A.
Published: May 2018

People want to form impressions of others based on their moral behaviours, but the most diagnostic behaviours are rarely seen. Therefore, societies develop symbolic forms of moral behaviour such as conventional rituals and games, which are used to predict how others are likely to act in more serious moral situations. This framework helps explain why everyday behaviours are often moralized.
The brighter the light, the deeper the shadow: Morality also fuels aggression, conflict, and violence
Authors: Böhm Robert , Thielmann Isabel , Hilbig Benjamin E.
Published: May 2018

We argue that, in addition to the positive effects and functionality of morality for interactions among in-group members as outlined in the target article, morality may also fuel aggression and conflict in interactions between morality-based out-groups. We summarize empirical evidence showing that negative cognitions, emotions, and behaviors are particularly likely to appear between out-groups with opposing moral convictions.
Coordination, conflict, and externalization
Authors: Bruner Justin P.
Published: May 2018

I argue that the set of moralized norms and beliefs is more expansive than Stanford appears to suggest. In particular, I contend that norms governing behavior in conflictual coordination problems are likely to be moralized.
Moral externalisation fails to scale
Authors: Brusse Carl Joseph , Sterelny Kim
Published: May 2018

We argue that Stanford's picture of the evolution of externalised norms is plausible mostly because of the idealisations implicit in his defence of it. Once we take into account plausible amounts of normative disagreement, plausible amounts of error and misunderstanding, and the knock-on consequences of shunning, it is plausible that Stanford under-counts the costs of externalisation.
How does moral objectification lead to correlated interactions?
Authors: Goodwin Geoffrey P.
Published: May 2018

The objectification of moral norms is purported to occur because it enables correlated interactions between individuals who share the same cooperative norms. But how does this process take place? I suggest two mechanisms beyond those Stanford identifies. I also ask whether there is predictable variation in which moral norms engender the strongest coupling between objectification and discomfort with disagreement.
Green beards and signaling: Why morality is not indispensable
Authors: Handfield Toby , Thrasher John , García Julian
Published: May 2018

We argue that although objectivist moral attitudes may facilitate cooperation, they are not necessary for the high levels of cooperation in humans. This is implied by evolutionary models that articulate a mechanism underlying Stanford's account, and is also suggested by the ability of merely conventional social norms to explain extreme human behaviors.
Moral demands truly are externally imposed
Authors: van Prooijen Jan-Willem
Published: May 2018

Most moral demands indeed are externally imposed, as violations are subject to social condemnation. While in modern society objectified moral demands may serve as a cue for desirable interaction partners, human morality evolved in small tribes that offered little choice regarding with whom to cooperate. Instead, it was adaptive to objectify moral demands to avoid the costs of social exclusion.
SWEATSHOPS AND CONSUMER CHOICES
Authors: Ferguson Benjamin , Ostmann Florian
Published: May 2018

We consider a case where consumers are faced with a choice between sweatshop-produced clothing and identical clothing produced in high-income countries. We argue that it is morally better for consumers to purchase clothing produced in sweatshops and then to compensate sweatshop workers for the difference between their actual wage and a fair wage than it is for them either to purchase the sweatshop clothing without this compensatory transfer or to purchase clothing produced in high-income countries.
Cross-border outbreak of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis linked to a university in Romania
Authors: Popovici O. , Monk Ph. , Chemtob D. , Chiotan D. , Freidlin P.J. , Groenheit R. , Haanperä M. , Homorodean D. , Mansjö M. , Robinson E. , Rorman E. , Smith G. , Soini H. , Van Der Werf M. J.
Published: May 2018

Extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis (TB) poses a threat to public health due to its complicated, expensive and often unsuccessful treatment. A cluster of three XDR TB cases was detected among foreign medical students of a Romanian university. The contact investigations included tuberculin skin testing or interferon gamma release assay, chest X-ray, sputum smear microscopy, culture, drug susceptibility testing, genotyping and whole-genome sequencing (WGS), and were addressed to students, personnel of the university, family members or other close contacts of the cases. These investigations increased the total number of cases to seven. All confirmed cases shared a very similar WGS profile. Two more cases were epidemiologically linked, but no laboratory confirmation exists. Despite all the efforts done, the source of the outbreak was not identified, but the transmission was controlled. The investigation was conducted by a team including epidemiologists and microbiologists from five countries (Finland, Israel, Romania, Sweden and the UK) and from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Our report shows how countries can collaborate to control the spread of XDR TB by exchanging information about cases and their contacts to enable identification of additional cases and transmission and to perform the source investigation.
Numerical determination of anomalies in multifrequency electrical impedance tomography
Authors: AMMARI HABIB , TRIKI FAOUZI , TSOU CHUN-HSIANG
Published: May 2018

The multifrequency electrical impedance tomography consists in retrieving the conductivity distribution of a sample by injecting a finite number of currents with multiple frequencies. In this paper, we consider the case where the conductivity distribution is piecewise constant, takes a constant value outside a single smooth anomaly, and a frequency dependent function inside the anomaly itself. Using an original spectral decomposition of the solution of the forward conductivity problem in terms of Poincaré variational eigenelements, we retrieve the Cauchy data corresponding to the extreme case of a perfect conductor, and the conductivity profile. We then reconstruct the anomaly from the Cauchy data. The numerical experiments are conducted using gradient descent optimization algorithms.
A global stability estimate for the photo-acoustic inverse problem in layered media
Authors: REN KUI , TRIKI FAOUZI
Published: May 2018

This paper is concerned with the stability issue in determining absorption and diffusion coefficients in photoacoustic imaging. Assuming that the medium is layered and the acoustic wave speed is known, we derive global Hölder stability estimates of the photoacoustic inversion. These results show that the reconstruction is stable in the region close to the optical illumination source, and deteriorate exponentially far away. Several experimental pointed out that the resolution depth of the photoacoustic modality is about tens of millimeters. Our stability estimates confirm these observations and give a rigorous quantification of this depth resolution.
The Concept of Essence of Fundamental Rights in the EU Legal Order: Peeling the Onion to its Core
Authors: Brkan Maja
Published: May 2018

Essence of fundamental rights – Article 52(1) of the Charter – Multi-level protection of fundamental rights in Europe – Sources of essence – European Court of Justice case law on ‘very substance’ of fundamental rights – Constitutional traditions common to the Member States – European Court of Human Rights – Court of Justice of the EU –Schrems– Principle of proportionality – Absolute theory – Relative theory – Classification of interferences with essence – Objective interference – Subjective interference – Absolute rights – EU methodology for determination of interference with essence
Adipose tissue uncoupling protein 1 levels and function are increased in a mouse model of developmental obesity induced by maternal exposure to high-fat diet
Authors: Bytautiene Prewit E. , Porter C. , La Rosa M. , Bhattarai N. , Yin H. , Gamble P. , Kechichian T. , Sidossis L. S.
Published: May 2018

With brown adipose tissue (BAT) becoming a possible therapeutic target to counteract obesity, the prenatal environment could represent a critical window to modify BAT function and browning of white AT. We investigated if levels of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and UCP1-mediated thermogenesis are altered in offspring exposed to prenatal obesity. Female CD-1 mice were fed a high-fat (HF) or standard-fat (SF) diet for 3 months before breeding. After weaning, all pups were placed on SF. UCP1 mRNA and protein levels were quantified using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively, in brown (BAT), subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) adipose tissues at 6 months of age. Total and UCP1-dependent mitochondrial respiration were determined by high-resolution respirometry. A Student’st-test and Mann–Whitney test were used (significance:P<0.05). UCP1 mRNA levels were not different between the HF and SF offspring. UCP1 protein levels, total mitochondrial respiration and UCP1-dependent respiration were significantly higher in BAT from HF males (P=0.02,P=0.04,P=0.005, respectively) and females (P=0.01,P=0.04,P=0.02, respectively). In SAT, the UCP1 protein was significantly lower in HF females (P=0.03), and the UCP1-dependent thermogenesis was significantly lower from HF males (P=0.04). In VAT, UCP1 protein levels and UCP1-dependent respiration were significantly lower only in HF females (P=0.03,P=0.04, respectively). There were no differences in total respiration in SAT and VAT. Prenatal exposure to maternal obesity leads to significant increases in UCP1 levels and function in BAT in offspring with little impact on UCP1 levels and function in SAT and VAT.
Empirical evidence for definitions of episode, remission, recovery, relapse and recurrence in depression: a systematic review
Authors: de Zwart P. L. , Jeronimus B. F. , de Jonge P.
Published: May 2018

Aims.

For the past quarter of a century, Franket al.’s (1991) consensus-based definitions of major depressive disorder (MDD) episode, remission, recovery, relapse and recurrence have been the paramount driving forces for consistency in MDD research as well as in clinical practice. This study aims to review the evidence for the empirical validation of Franket al.’s proposed concept definitions and to discuss evidence-based modifications.

Methods.

A literature search of Web of Science and PubMed from 1/1/1991 to 08/30/2017 identified all publications which referenced Franket al.’s request for definition validation. Publications with data relevant for validation were included and checked for referencing other studies providing such data.

Results.

A total of 56 studies involving 39 315 subjects were included, mainly presenting data to validate the severity and duration thresholds for defining remission and recovery. Most studies indicated that the severity threshold for defining remission should decrease. Additionally, specific duration thresholds to separate remission from recovery did not add any predictive value to the notion that increased remission duration alleviates the risk of reoccurrence of depressive symptoms. Only limited data were available to validate the severity and duration criteria for defining a depressive episode.

Conclusions.

Remission can best be defined as a less symptomatic state than previously assumed (Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, 17-item version (HAMD-17) ⩽4 instead of ⩽7), without applying a duration criterion. Duration thresholds to separate remission from recovery are not meaningful. The minimal duration of depressive symptoms to define a depressive episode should be longer than 2 weeks, although further studies are required to recommend an exact duration threshold. These results are relevant for researchers and clinicians aiming to use evidence-based depression outcomes.
Fostering Career Awareness in Elementary Schools: Evaluation of an Intervention Proposal
Authors: Carvalho Renato Gomes , Pocinho Margarida , Fernandes Débora
Published: May 2018

Research literature has been increasingly focusing on children’s career development, especially when school contexts are considered. In the present study, we evaluate the efficacy of a short-term intervention program designed to foster career awareness in elementary school. The sample consisted of 155 Portuguese fifth- and sixth-grade students, aged nine to fifteen years old (M= 11,SD= 1). With a quasi-experimental design, the sample was divided into two groups, namely, the participants in the program and the controls. We used the Career Awareness Scale for Children and a sociodemographic survey. Analyses of covariance indicated a moderate effect of the participation in the program in students’ career awareness (ηp2= .06,p= .003). The results are discussed considering the school as a key context for career education aiming at promoting students’ adaptability and involvement in the construction of their life pathways.
The Interplay Between the Eruption and Weathering of Large Igneous Provinces and the Deep‐Time Carbon Cycle
Authors: Johansson Louis , Zahirovic Sabin , Müller R. Dietmar
Published: May 2018

Although many sources of atmospheric CO2 have been estimated, the major sinks are poorly understood in a deep‐time context. Here we combine plate reconstructions, the eruption ages and outlines of Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs), and the atmospheric CO2 proxy record to investigate how their eruptions and weathering within the equatorial humid zone impacted global atmospheric CO2 since 400 Ma. Wavelet analysis reveals significant correlations between the eruption of the Emeishan LIP (259 Ma), the Siberian Traps (251 Ma), the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (201 Ma), the second pulse of the North Atlantic Igneous Province (55 Ma), the High Arctic LIP (130 Ma), and the Deccan Traps (65 Ma) and perturbations in atmospheric CO2. Our analysis also reveals a clear relationship between the weathering of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (~200–100 Ma), the Deccan Traps (50–35 Ma), and the Afar Arabian LIP (30–0 Ma) and a significant atmospheric CO2 drawdown. Our results illustrate the significant role of subaerial LIP emplacement and weathering in modulating atmospheric CO2 and Earth's surface environments.
Silicon-oriented regio- and enantioselective rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation
Authors: You Cai , Li Xiuxiu , Yang Yuhong , Yang Yu-Sheng , Tan Xuefeng , Li Shuailong , Wei Biao , Lv Hui , Chung Lung-Wa , Zhang Xumu
Published: May 2018

Hydroformylation of 1,2-disubstituted alkenes usually occurs at the α position of the directing heteroatom such as oxygen atom and nitrogen atom. By contrast, to achieve hydroformylation on the β position of the heteroatom is a tough task. Herein, we report the asymmetric rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation of 1,2-disubstituted alkenylsilanes with excellent regioselectivity at the β position (relative to the silicon heteroatom) and enantioselectivity. In a synthetic sense, we achieve the asymmetric hydroformylation on the β position of the oxygen atom indirectly by using the silicon group as a surrogate for the hydroxyl. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are carried out to examine energetics of the whole reaction path for Rh/YanPhos-catalyzed asymmetric hydroformylation and understand its regioselectivity and enantioselectivity. Our computational study suggests that the silicon group can activate the substrate and is critical for the regioselectivity.
Probing the pathways of free charge generation in organic bulk heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Kurpiers Jona , Ferron Thomas , Roland Steffen , Jakoby Marius , Thiede Tobias , Jaiser Frank , Albrecht Steve , Janietz Silvia , Collins Brian A. , Howard Ian A. , Neher Dieter
Published: May 2018

The fact that organic solar cells perform efficiently despite the low dielectric constant of most photoactive blends initiated a long-standing debate regarding the dominant pathways of free charge formation. Here, we address this issue through the accurate measurement of the activation energy for free charge photogeneration over a wide range of photon energy, using the method of time-delayed collection field. For our prototypical low bandgap polymer:fullerene blends, we find that neither the temperature nor the field dependence of free charge generation depend on the excitation energy, ruling out an appreciable contribution to free charge generation though hot carrier pathways. On the other hand, activation energies are on the order of the room temperature thermal energy for all studied blends. We conclude that charge generation in such devices proceeds through thermalized charge transfer states, and that thermal energy is sufficient to separate most of these states into free charges.
Trait paranoia shapes inter-subject synchrony in brain activity during an ambiguous social narrative
Authors: Finn Emily S. , Corlett Philip R. , Chen Gang , Bandettini Peter A. , Constable R. Todd
Published: May 2018

Individuals often interpret the same event in different ways. How do personality traits modulate brain activity evoked by a complex stimulus? Here we report results from a naturalistic paradigm designed to draw out both neural and behavioral variation along a specific dimension of interest, namely paranoia. Participants listen to a narrative during functional MRI describing an ambiguous social scenario, written such that some individuals would find it highly suspicious, while others less so. Using inter-subject correlation analysis, we identify several brain areas that are differentially synchronized during listening between participants with high and low trait-level paranoia, including theory-of-mind regions. Follow-up analyses indicate that these regions are more active to mentalizing events in high-paranoia individuals. Analyzing participants’ speech as they freely recall the narrative reveals semantic and syntactic features that also scale with paranoia. Results indicate that a personality trait can act as an intrinsic “prime,” yielding different neural and behavioral responses to the same stimulus across individuals.
Probing the gating mechanism of the mechanosensitive channel Piezo1 with the small molecule Yoda1
Authors: Lacroix Jerome J. , Botello-Smith Wesley M. , Luo Yun
Published: May 2018

Piezo proteins are transmembrane ion channels which transduce many forms of mechanical stimuli into electrochemical signals. Their pore, formed by the assembly of three identical subunits, opens by an unknown mechanism. Here, to probe this mechanism, we investigate the interaction of Piezo1 with the small molecule agonist Yoda1. By engineering chimeras between mouse Piezo1 and its Yoda1-insensitive paralog Piezo2, we first identify a minimal protein region required for Yoda1 sensitivity. We next study the effect of Yoda1 on heterotrimeric Piezo1 channels harboring wild type subunits and Yoda1-insensitive mutant subunits. Using calcium imaging and patch-clamp electrophysiology, we show that hybrid channels harboring as few as one Yoda1-sensitive subunit exhibit Yoda1 sensitivity undistinguishable from homotrimeric wild type channels. Our results show that the Piezo1 pore remains fully open if only one subunit remains activated. This study sheds light on the gating and pharmacological mechanisms of a member of the Piezo channel family.
Complete microtubule–kinetochore occupancy favours the segregation of merotelic attachments
Authors: Dudka Damian , Noatynska Anna , Smith Chris A. , Liaudet Nicolas , McAinsh Andrew D. , Meraldi Patrick
Published: May 2018

Kinetochores are multi-protein complexes that power chromosome movements by tracking microtubules plus-ends in the mitotic spindle. Human kinetochores bind up to 20 microtubules, even though single microtubules can generate sufficient force to move chromosomes. Here, we show that high microtubule occupancy at kinetochores ensures robust chromosome segregation by providing a strong mechanical force that favours segregation of merotelic attachments during anaphase. Using low doses of the microtubules-targeting agent BAL27862 we reduce microtubule occupancy and observe that spindle morphology is unaffected and bi-oriented kinetochores can still oscillate with normal intra-kinetochore distances. Inter-kinetochore stretching is, however, dramatically reduced. The reduction in microtubule occupancy and inter-kinetochore stretching does not delay satisfaction of the spindle assembly checkpoint or induce microtubule detachment via Aurora-B kinase, which was so far thought to release microtubules from kinetochores under low stretching. Rather, partial microtubule occupancy slows down anaphase A and increases incidences of lagging chromosomes due to merotelically attached kinetochores.
Synthetic cytokine receptors transmit biological signals using artificial ligands
Authors: Engelowski Erika , Schneider Artur , Franke Manuel , Xu Haifeng , Clemen Ramona , Lang Alexander , Baran Paul , Binsch Christian , Knebel Birgit , Al-Hasani Hadi , Moll Jens M. , Floß Doreen M. , Lang Philipp A. , Scheller Jürgen
Published: May 2018

Cytokine-induced signal transduction is executed by natural biological switches, which among many others control immune-related processes. Here, we show that synthetic cytokine receptors (SyCyRs) can induce cytokine signaling using non-physiological ligands. High-affinity GFP- and mCherry-nanobodies were fused to transmembrane and intracellular domains of the IL-6/IL-11 and IL-23 cytokine receptors gp130 and IL-12Rβ1/IL-23R, respectively. Homo- and heterodimeric GFP:mCherry fusion proteins as synthetic cytokine-like ligands were able to induce canonical signaling in vitro and in vivo. Using SyCyR ligands, we show that IL-23 receptor homodimerization results in its activation and IL-23-like signal transduction. Moreover, trimeric receptor assembly induces trans-phosphorylation among cytokine receptors with associated Janus kinases. The SyCyR technology allows biochemical analyses of transmembrane receptor signaling in vitro and in vivo, cell-specific activation through SyCyR ligands using transgenic animals and possible therapeutic regimes involving non-physiological targets during immunotherapy.
Deep 2-photon imaging and artifact-free optogenetics through transparent graphene microelectrode arrays
Authors: Thunemann Martin , Lu Yichen , Liu Xin , Kılıç Kıvılcım , Desjardins Michèle , Vandenberghe Matthieu , Sadegh Sanaz , Saisan Payam A. , Cheng Qun , Weldy Kimberly L. , Lyu Hongming , Djurovic Srdjan , Andreassen Ole A. , Dale Anders M. , Devor Anna , Kuzum Duygu
Published: May 2018

Recent advances in optical technologies such as multi-photon microscopy and optogenetics have revolutionized our ability to record and manipulate neuronal activity. Combining optical techniques with electrical recordings is of critical importance to connect the large body of neuroscience knowledge obtained from animal models to human studies mainly relying on electrophysiological recordings of brain-scale activity. However, integration of optical modalities with electrical recordings is challenging due to generation of light-induced artifacts. Here we report a transparent graphene microelectrode technology that eliminates light-induced artifacts to enable crosstalk-free integration of 2-photon microscopy, optogenetic stimulation, and cortical recordings in the same in vivo experiment. We achieve fabrication of crack- and residue-free graphene electrode surfaces yielding high optical transmittance for 2-photon imaging down to ~ 1 mm below the cortical surface. Transparent graphene microelectrode technology offers a practical pathway to investigate neuronal activity over multiple spatial scales extending from single neurons to large neuronal populations.
One-dimensional quantum computing with a ‘segmented chain’ is feasible with today’s gate fidelities
Authors: Li Ying , Benjamin Simon C.
Published: May 2018

Building a quantum computer with a one-dimensional (1D) architecture, instead of the typical two-dimensional (2D) layout, could be significantly less difficult experimentally. However such a restricted topology necessitates a large overhead for shuffling qubits and consequently the fault tolerance threshold is far lower than in 2D architectures. Here we identify a middle ground: a 1D segmented chain which is a linear array of segments, each of which is a well-connected zone with all-to-all connectivity. The architecture is relevant to both ion trap and solid-state systems. We establish that fault tolerance can be achieved either by a surface code alone, or via an additional concatenated four-qubit gauge code. We find that the fault tolerance threshold is 0.12%, a feasible error rate with today’s technology, using 15-qubit segments, while larger segments are superior. For 35 or more qubits per segment one can achieve computation on a meaningful scale with today’s state-of-the-art fidelities without the use of the upper concatenation layer, thus minimising the overall device size.
Distribution of tetraether lipids in sulfide chimneys at the Deyin hydrothermal field, southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge: Implication to chimney growing stage
Authors: Li Huaiming , Lü Xiaoxia , Tao Chunhui , Han Tianwei , Hu Pengju , Zhang Guoyin , Yu Zenghui , Dong Chunming , Shao Zongze
Published: May 2018

This study presents analysis of four chimney samples in terms of glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraether lipids (GDGTs), representing different growing stages of sulfide chimneys at the Deyin hydrothermal field, the southern mid-Atlantic ridge. The modified Bligh-Dyer method was used for lipid extraction and purification. GDGTs were analyzed with an Agilent 1200 series liquid chromatograph and 6460A triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Our results showed that the intact polar GDGTs were more abundant than the core GDGTs in the 4 samples. The intact polar isoprenoidal GDGT-0 was the dominant composition (>70% of isoprenoidal GDGTs), indicating input of thermophilic Euryarchaeota. Most branched GDGTs were likely originated from the in situ thermophilic bacteria. However, the intact polar GDGTs in the sample at the late growing stage was similar to that in normal marine sediments, suggesting that the archaea mainly came from the planktonic Thaumarchaeota input. Our results suggested that the ratio of H-GDGTs to iGDGTs could be considered as a proxy to differentiated growing stages of a chimney. This study shed light on how to assess hydrothermal venting and sulfide chimneys in deep marine environments with a biomarker method in terms of different groups of GDGTs.
Identification of small molecule compounds targeting the interaction of HIV-1 Vif and human APOBEC3G by virtual screening and biological evaluation
Authors: Ma Ling , Zhang Zhixin , Liu Zhenlong , Pan Qinghua , Wang Jing , Li Xiaoyu , Guo Fei , Liang Chen , Hu Laixing , Zhou Jinming , Cen Shan
Published: May 2018

Human APOBEC3G (hA3G) is a restriction factor that inhibits human immunodeficiency 1 virus (HIV-1) replication. The virally encoded protein Vif binds to hA3G and induces its degradation, thereby counteracting the antiviral activity of hA3G. Vif-mediated hA3G degradation clearly represents a potential target for anti-HIV drug development. Herein, we have performed virtual screening to discover small molecule inhibitors that target the binding interface of the Vif/hA3G complex. Subsequent biochemical studies have led to the identification of a small molecule inhibitor, IMB-301 that binds to hA3G, interrupts the hA3G-Vif interaction and inhibits Vif-mediated degradation of hA3G. As a result, IMB-301 strongly inhibits HIV-1 replication in a hA3G-dependent manner. Our study further demonstrates the feasibility of inhibiting HIV replication by abrogating the Vif-hA3G interaction with small molecules.
Kondo effect and enhanced magnetic properties in gadolinium functionalized carbon nanotube supramolecular complex
Authors: Ncube S. , Coleman C. , Strydom A. , Flahaut E. , de Sousa A. , Bhattacharyya S.
Published: May 2018

We report on the enhancement of magnetic properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) functionalized with a gadolinium based supramolecular complex. By employing a newly developed synthesis technique we find that the functionalization method of the nanocomposite enhances the strength of magnetic interaction leading to a large effective moment of 15.79 µBand non-superparamagnetic behaviour unlike what has been previously reported. Saturating resistance at low temperatures is fitted with the numerical renormalization group formula verifying the Kondo effect for magnetic impurities on a metallic electron system. Magnetoresistance shows devices fabricated from aligned gadolinium functionalized MWNTs (Gd-Fctn-MWNTs) exhibit spin-valve switching behaviour of up to 8%. This study highlights the possibility of enhancing magnetic interactions in carbon systems through chemical modification, moreover we demonstrate the rich physics that might be useful for developing spin based quantum computing elements based on one-dimensional (1D) channels.
Optimization of Photosensitized Tryptophan Oxidation in the Presence of Dimegin-Polyvinylpyrrolidone-Chitosan Systems
Authors: Solovieva Anna B. , Kardumian Valeria V. , Aksenova Nadezhda A. , Belovolova Lyudmila V. , Glushkov Mikhail V. , Bezrukov Evgeny A. , Sukhanov Roman B. , Kotova Svetlana L. , Timashev Peter S.
Published: May 2018

By the example of a model process of tryptophan photooxidation in the aqueous medium in the presence of a three-component photosensitizing complex (porphyrin photosensitizer-polyvinylpyrrolidone- chitosan, PPS-PVP-CT) in the temperature range of 20–40 °С, we have demonstrated a possibility of modification of such a process by selecting different molar ratios of the components in the reaction mixture. The actual objective of this selection is the formation of a certain PPS-PVP-CT composition in which PVP macromolecules would coordinate with PPS molecules and at the same time practically block the complex binding of PPS molecules with chitosan macromolecules. Such blocking allows utilization of the bactericidal properties of chitosan to a greater extent, since chitosan is known to depress the PPS photosensitizing activity in PPS-PVP-CT complexes when using those in photodynamic therapy (PDT). The optimal composition of photosensitizing complexes appears to be dependent on the temperature at which the PDT sessions are performed. We have analyzed the correlations of the effective rate constants of tryptophan photooxidation with the photophysical characteristics of the formed complexes.
Erratum: BRAID: A Unifying Paradigm for the Analysis of Combined Drug Action
Authors: Twarog Nathaniel R. , Stewart Elizabeth , Hammill Courtney Vowell , Shelat Anang A.
Published: May 2018

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 25523; published online: 10 May 2016; updated: 17 May 2018 The original version of this Article contained an error in the indexing of the author Anang A. Shelat. This error has now been corrected.
Correction: Corrigendum: A liquid-crystal-based DNA biosensor for pathogen detection
Authors: Khan Mashooq , Khan Abdur Rahim , Shin Jae-Ho , Park Soo-Young
Published: May 2018

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 22676; published online: 04 March 2016; updated: 17 May 2018 In this Article, the authors neglected to cite related relevant studies investigating the detection of target DNA at LC/aqueous interface. These references should have been listed in the original reference list as Ref 35-38 and should appear in the text as follows.
Correction: Corrigendum: Identification and Characterisation of a pH-stable GFP
Authors: Roberts Tania Michelle , Rudolf Fabian , Meyer Andreas , Pellaux Rene , Whitehead Ellis , Panke Sven , Held Martin
Published: May 2018

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 28166; published online: 21 June 2016; updated: 17 May 2018 This Article contains errors in the Results section under the subheading ‘Development of a pH-stable GFP variant for use as biomarker’, “To create a monomeric GFP variant, we created a construct comprised of two sfGFP-N149Y/Q204H separated by a flexible 25 amino acid linker, termed pH-stable tandem dimer GFP (pH-tdGFP).