bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute saddle pulmonary embolism on 18F‐FDG PET/CT: diagnosis by functional imaging
Authors: Singh Dalveer , Foessel Roslyn , Nagra Navjot , Lau Pauline , Brauchli Damian
Published: August 2019

18F‐labelled fluoro‐2‐deoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F‐FDG PET/CT) is used extensively in the setting of cancer staging and in assessing cancer treatment response. Oncology patients have a sevenfold risk of developing pulmonary embolism (PE) due to underlying activation of the haemostatic system and anti‐cancer therapy inducing a hypercoagulable state. The diagnosis of PE on 18F‐FDG PET/CT is challenging, particularly in the absence of intravenous contrast. The case of a female patient undergoing treatment for advanced diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma is presented. The ancillary signs of PE are illustrated on consecutive non‐contrast‐enhanced 18F‐FDG PET/CT scans. The signs include the “rim sign” relating to regions of pulmonary infarction and abnormal cardiac uptake indicating right heart strain. The diagnosis was confirmed on CT pulmonary angiography which demonstrated extensive PE, including a saddle embolus.
Multiscale Plasma‐Catalytic On‐Surface Assembly
Authors: Hartl Hugo , MacLeod Jennifer , O'Mullane Anthony P. , Motta Nunzio , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken)
Published: August 2019

Controlled modification of surfaces is one of the key pursuits of the nanoscience and nanotechnology fields, allowing for the fabrication of bespoke materials with targeted functionalities. However, many surface modifications currently require painstakingly precise and/or energy intensive processing to implement, and are thus limited in scope and scale. Here, a concept which can enhance the capacity for control of surfaces is introduced: plasma‐assisted nucleation and self‐assembly at atomic to nanoscales, scalable at atmospheric pressures.
High risk of long‐term neurodevelopmental impairment in donor twins with spontaneous twin anemia–polycythemia sequence
Authors: Tollenaar L. S. A. , Lopriore E. , Slaghekke F. , Oepkes D. , Middeldorp J. M. , Haak M. C. , Klumper F. J. C. M. , Tan R. N. G. B. , Rijken M. , Van Klink J. M. M.
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the long‐term neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes in surviving infants of pregnancies with spontaneous twin anemia–polycythemia sequence (TAPS), to compare outcome between donors and recipients, and to investigate potential risk factors for neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI).

Methods

This was a retrospective study of a consecutive cohort of spontaneous‐TAPS survivors delivered between 2005 and 2017 at the Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands. Neurological, motor, cognitive and behavioral development were assessed at a median age of 4 years. The primary outcome was NDI, which was a composite outcome of cerebral palsy, deafness, blindness and motor and/or cognitive delay. NDI was subdivided into two grades of severity: mild‐to‐moderate and severe NDI. Outcome was compared between surviving donor and recipient twins. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess risk factors for NDI.

Results

Forty‐nine twin pregnancies complicated by spontaneous TAPS were eligible for inclusion. The perinatal survival rate was 83% (81/98) of twins. Neurodevelopmental assessment was performed in 91% (74/81) of surviving twins. NDI occurred in 30% (22/74) of TAPS survivors, and was found more often in donors (44%; 15/34) than in recipients (18%; 7/40) (odds ratio (OR), 4.1; 95% CI, 1.8–9.1; P = 0.001). Severe NDI was detected in 9% (7/74) of survivors and was higher in donors compared with recipients (18% (6/34) vs 3% (1/40)), although the difference did not reach statistical significance; P = 0.056). Donors demonstrated lower cognitive scores compared with recipients (P = 0.011). Bilateral deafness was identified in 15% (5/34) of donors compared with 0% (0/40) of recipients (P = 0.056). Parental concern regarding development was reported more often for donor than for recipient twins (P = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for NDI were gestational age at delivery (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5–0.9; P = 0.003) and severe anemia (OR, 6.4; 95% CI, 2.4–17.0; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Surviving donor twins of pregnancies complicated by spontaneous TAPS have four‐fold higher odds of NDI compared with recipient cotwins, are at increased risk of cognitive delay and have a high rate of deafness. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Geographies of Schooling: An Introduction
Authors: Kramer Caroline , Jahnke Holger
Published: August 2019

The chapter offers a first introduction to the field of geographies of schooling in the light of current literature from geography and neighboring disciplines. Several dimensions within the complex interrelation between education and space are scrutinized from different disciplinary perspectives. With a clear focus on spatiality and the territoriality of schooling and education this chapter offers an overview over the broad thematic, methodological and disciplinary approaches that have been undertaken in the diverse research projects present in this volume. The authors conclude with a brief outlook on future research in this emerging field.
Schools, Families, and Social Reproduction
Authors: Holloway Sarah L. , Pimlott-Wilson Helena
Published: August 2019

Neoliberal educational discourse across the Global North is marked by an increasing homogeneity, but this masks significant socio-spatial differences in the enactment of policy. The authors focus on four facets of roll-out neoliberalism in English education policy that have expanded the function of primary schools, and redrawn the boundary between state and family responsibilities. Specifically, these are increased state support for: (1) working parenthood through provision of wraparound childcare; (2) parent-child relationships through school-led provision of parenting classes; (3) parental involvement in children’s learning; and (4) child development through schools’ fostering of extracurricular activities. The politics of policies that both enhance state responsibility for, and influence in, matters that were previously within the purview of families are complex. The collective impact of these developments has been both to reform how the work of daily and generational social reproduction is done, and to reshape the social reproduction of a classed and gendered society.
The Relationship Between School and Neighborhood: Child-Oriented Perspectives on Educational Locations
Authors: Reutlinger Christian
Published: August 2019

For organizational reasons, school administrators tend to classify pupils based on the neighborhood they live in. The residential area is therefore an important indicator of the composition of different school classes—at least in the case of Swiss primary schools. Due to this logic, teachers are confronted with the characteristics of the neighborhood in which their schools are situated. Because pupils carry their everyday problems with them, the social situation in the neighborhood is also reflected in the classroom. In areas with a high concentration of social problems, this poses an especially big challenge for teachers. But what do we know about the children’s perspective? How do they see their neighborhood? What do they expect from school? How do they view the relation between neighborhood and school? The author discusses these questions on the basis of findings of a research project about lived spaces in a medium-sized Swiss town.
Feminization of Teaching: Female Teachers at Primary and Lower Secondary Schools in Baden-Württemberg, Germany: From Its Beginnings to the Present
Authors: Schmude Jürgen , Jackisch Sascha
Published: August 2019

The teaching profession was one of the first in which women were allowed to practice and from today’s perspective is understood as a feminized profession. The process of feminization in teaching developed differently at various levels of school education and reached different levels of feminization over time. Primary and lower secondary schools are suitable for an empirical case study because the process of feminization first began on this level and the proportion of women here now exceeds that of all other teaching professions. We identify a variety of factors in connection with central-peripheral disparities of female participation in teaching. Some of the factors have lost importance (e.g., size of teaching staff), whereas the influence of other factors has increased (in particular part-time employment). We conclude with a short discussion of the impact of feminization on pupils’ role models.
Comparing America: Reflections on Democracy across Subfields
Authors: Kuo Didi
Published: August 2019

Is America in a period of democratic decline? I argue that there is an urgent need to consider the United States in comparative perspective, and that doing so is necessary to contextualize and understand the quality of American democracy. I describe two approaches to comparing the United States: the first shows how the United States stacks up to other countries, while the second uses the theories and tools of comparative politics to examine relationships between institutions, actors, and democratic outcomes. I then draw on research in three literatures—clientelism and corruption, capitalism and redistribution, and race and ethnic politics and American Political Development—to lay out a research agenda for closing the gap between the subfields of American and comparative politics. In doing so, I also argue for richer engagement between academics and the public sphere, as opportunities for scholars to provide commentary and analysis about contemporary politics continue to expand.
A Discussion of Kathryn Sikkink's Evidence for Hope: Making Human Rights Work in the 21st Century
Authors: Brysk Alison
Published: August 2019

Since their emergence in the late eighteenth century, doctrines of universal individual rights have been variously criticized as philosophically confused, politically inefficacious, ideologically particular, and Eurocentric. Nevertheless, today the discourse of universal human rights is more internationally widespread and influential than ever. In Evidence for Hope, leading international relations scholar Kathryn Sikkink argues that this is because human rights laws and institutions work. Sikkink rejects the notion that human rights are a Western imposition and points to a wide range of evidence that she claims demonstrates the effectiveness of human rights in bringing about a world that is appreciably improved in many ways from what it was previously. We have invited a broad range of scholars to assess Sikkink’s challenging claims.
When Too Few Is Bad for the Environment
Authors: Kühne Swen Jonas , Reijnen Ester , Crameri Aureliano
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Defaults are an effective tool in shaping consumers’ decisions. However, only a few studies have investigated the role of defaults regarding consumers’ choices of electricity products. Moreover, each of these studies used binary choice sets (gray vs. green electricity). Notably, decision-making research has shown that consumer choice patterns are considerably influenced by the size of the choice set (e.g., adding a third option). The question is, does this also hold for defaults, that is, do they function differently depending on the choice set size? In our experimental study, participants could choose between three electricity products (gray, green, and eco), which varied in their environmental friendliness and price, the default randomly being one of the three products. In addition, we had a no-default condition. Contrary to the other studies, we found not only a default effect for the least environmentally friendly gray product, but also for the environmentally friendlier products green and eco electricity. Moreover, the popularity of the middle option – the green electricity product – was not reduced by adding a third product. The results indicate that increasing the set size by adding an eco-product and by intelligently setting the default could increase the number of consumers buying environmentally friendly electricity products.
Ousted Head of Science Agency Criticizes Brazil’s Denial of Deforestation Data
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: August 2019

Ricardo Galv�o was fired from the institute that monitors deforestation in the Amazon. Now he and other scientists are speaking out against attacks on science.
Age-specific reference values for carotid arterial stiffness estimated by ultrasonic wall tracking
Authors: Uejima Tokuhisa , Dunstan Frank D. , Arbustini Eloisa , Łoboz-Grudzień Krystyna , Hughes Alun D. , Carerj Scipione , Favalli Valentina , Antonini-Canterin Francesco , Vriz Olga , Vinereanu Dragos , Zamorano Jose L. , Popescu Bogdan A. , Evangelista Arturo , Lancellotti Patrizio , Lefthériotis Georges , Kozakova Michaela , Palombo Carlo , Fraser Alan G. ,   for the E-Tracking International Collaboration Group (ETIC)
Published: August 2019

Interaction between arterial stiffness and hypertension plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular disease. Accordingly, assessment of arterial stiffness may provide a tool for estimating cardiovascular risk and monitoring therapy in hypertensive patients. Radiofrequency-based vascular ultrasound allows accurate noninvasive assessment of local mechanical properties of large arteries, but for its use in clinical practice, reference values according to age and sex are mandatory for each vascular site. To provide reference values for common carotid artery stiffness as assessed by an echo-tracking imaging system Hitachi-Aloka, we pooled measurements collected in 1847 healthy subjects aged 3–74 years (1008 males and 839 females) recruited in 14 European centers in the E-tracking International Collaboration (ETIC). Statistical models were developed to describe relationships of different stiffness indices with age and to calculate median values and Z-scores corresponding to ± 1 and ± 2 standard deviations. In our apparently healthy population, age accounted for 53% of variability in the elastic modulus (epsilon), 39% in arterial compliance, 47% in stiffness index (β), and 56% in local pulse wave velocity; on average, blood pressure accounted for a further 7.5% of variability. Dependence on age was not linear; changes in mean values increased at older ages, especially for epsilon and β. There was an interaction between age and gender for arterial compliance, which was higher in males. We present nomograms and a software that can be used for the automated calculation of Z-scores for local carotid stiffness in individual patients. These tools can be used to establish prognostic indicators or surrogate targets for treatment monitoring.
Correction: Mechanism of Snhg8/miR-384/Hoxa13/FAM3A axis regulating neuronal apoptosis in ischemic mice model
Authors: Liu Jie , An Ping , Xue Yixue , Che Dongfang , Liu Xiaobai , Zheng Jian , Liu Yunhui , Yang Chunqing , Li Zhen , Yu Bo
Published: August 2019

Following the publication of this article, the authors realized there was an error in Figure 6H in which two versions of the figure appear.

This does not impact the conclusions of the article.
Using X-ray tomoscopy to explore the dynamics of foaming metal
Authors: García-Moreno Francisco , Kamm Paul Hans , Neu Tillmann Robert , Bülk Felix , Mokso Rajmund , Schlepütz Christian Matthias , Stampanoni Marco , Banhart John
Published: August 2019

The complex flow of liquid metal in evolving metallic foams is still poorly understood due to difficulties in studying hot and opaque systems. We apply X-ray tomoscopy –the continuous acquisition of tomographic (3D) images– to clarify key dynamic phenomena in liquid aluminium foam such as nucleation and growth, bubble rearrangements, liquid retraction, coalescence and the rupture of films. Each phenomenon takes place on a typical timescale which we cover by obtaining 208 full tomograms per second over a period of up to one minute. An additional data processing algorithm provides information on the 1 ms scale. Here we show that bubble coalescence is not only caused by gravity-induced drainage, as experiments under weightlessness show, and by stresses caused by foam growth, but also by local pressure peaks caused by the blowing agent. Moreover, details of foam expansion and phenomena such as rupture cascades and film thinning before rupture are quantified. These findings allow us to propose a way to obtain foams with smaller and more equally sized bubbles.
Activating newborn neurons suppresses depression and anxiety-like behaviors
Authors: Tunc-Ozcan Elif , Peng Chian-Yu , Zhu Yiwen , Dunlop Sara R. , Contractor Anis , Kessler John A.
Published: August 2019

The etiology of major depressive disorder (MDD), the leading cause of worldwide disability, is unknown. The neurogenic hypothesis proposes that MDD is linked to impairments of adult neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), while the effects of antidepressants are mediated by increased neurogenesis. However, alterations in neurogenesis and endophenotypes are not always causally linked, and the relationship between increased neurogenesis and altered behavior is controversial. To address causality, we used chemogenetics in transgenic mice to selectively manipulate activity of newborn DG neurons. Suppressing excitability of newborn neurons without altering neurogenesis abolish the antidepressant effects of fluoxetine. Remarkably, activating these neurons is sufficient to alleviate depression-like behavior and reverse the adverse effects of unpredictable chronic mild stress. Our results demonstrate a direct causal relationship between newborn neuronal activity and affective behavior. Thus, strategies that target not only neurogenesis but also activity of newborn neurons may lead to more effective antidepressants.
Metabolic landscape of the tumor microenvironment at single cell resolution
Authors: Xiao Zhengtao , Dai Ziwei , Locasale Jason W.
Published: August 2019

The tumor milieu consists of numerous cell types each existing in a different environment. However, a characterization of metabolic heterogeneity at single-cell resolution is not established. Here, we develop a computational pipeline to study metabolic programs in single cells. In two representative human cancers, melanoma and head and neck, we apply this algorithm to define the intratumor metabolic landscape. We report an overall discordance between analyses of single cells and those of bulk tumors with higher metabolic activity in malignant cells than previously appreciated. Variation in mitochondrial programs is found to be the major contributor to metabolic heterogeneity. Surprisingly, the expression of both glycolytic and mitochondrial programs strongly correlates with hypoxia in all cell types. Immune and stromal cells could also be distinguished by their metabolic features. Taken together this analysis establishes a computational framework for characterizing metabolism using single cell expression data and defines principles of the tumor microenvironment.
Ballistic superconductivity and tunable π–junctions in InSb quantum wells
Authors: Ke Chung Ting , Moehle Christian M. , de Vries Folkert K. , Thomas Candice , Metti Sara , Guinn Charles R. , Kallaher Ray , Lodari Mario , Scappucci Giordano , Wang Tiantian , Diaz Rosa E. , Gardner Geoffrey C. , Manfra Michael J. , Goswami Srijit
Published: August 2019

Planar Josephson junctions (JJs) made in semiconductor quantum wells with large spin-orbit coupling are capable of hosting topological superconductivity. Indium antimonide (InSb) two-dimensional electron gases (2DEGs) are particularly suited for this due to their large Landé g-factor and high carrier mobility, however superconducting hybrids in these 2DEGs remain unexplored. Here we create JJs in high quality InSb 2DEGs and provide evidence of ballistic superconductivity over micron-scale lengths. A Zeeman field produces distinct revivals of the supercurrent in the junction, associated with a 0−π transition. We show that these transitions can be controlled by device design, and tuned in-situ using gates. A comparison between experiments and the theory of ballistic π-Josephson junctions gives excellent quantitative agreement. Our results therefore establish InSb quantum wells as a promising new material platform to study the interplay between superconductivity, spin-orbit interaction and magnetism.
Author Correction: Dynamical nonlinear memory capacitance in biomimetic membranes
Authors: Najem Joseph S. , Hasan Md Sakib , Williams R. Stanley , Weiss Ryan J. , Rose Garrett S. , Taylor Graham J. , Sarles Stephen A. , Collier C. Patrick
Published: August 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Wilm’s tumor 1 promotes memory flexibility
Authors: Mariottini Chiara , Munari Leonardo , Gunzel Ellen , Seco Joseph M. , Tzavaras Nikos , Hansen Jens , Stern Sarah A. , Gao Virginia , Aleyasin Hossein , Sharma Ali , Azeloglu Evren U. , Hodes Georgia E. , Russo Scott J. , Huff Vicki , Birtwistle Marc R. , Blitzer Robert D. , Alberini Cristina M. , Iyengar Ravi
Published: August 2019

Under physiological conditions, strength and persistence of memory must be regulated in order to produce behavioral flexibility. In fact, impairments in memory flexibility are associated with pathologies such as post-traumatic stress disorder or autism; however, the underlying mechanisms that enable memory flexibility are still poorly understood. Here, we identify transcriptional repressor Wilm’s Tumor 1 (WT1) as a critical synaptic plasticity regulator that decreases memory strength, promoting memory flexibility. WT1 is activated in the hippocampus following induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) or learning. WT1 knockdown enhances CA1 neuronal excitability, LTP and long-term memory whereas its overexpression weakens memory retention. Moreover, forebrain WT1-deficient mice show deficits in both reversal, sequential learning tasks and contextual fear extinction, exhibiting impaired memory flexibility. We conclude that WT1 limits memory strength or promotes memory weakening, thus enabling memory flexibility, a process that is critical for learning from new experiences.
Tuberculous meningitis in children is characterized by compartmentalized immune responses and neural excitotoxicity
Authors: Rohlwink Ursula K. , Figaji Anthony , Wilkinson Katalin A. , Horswell Stuart , Sesay Abdul K. , Deffur Armin , Enslin Nico , Solomons Regan , Van Toorn Ronald , Eley Brian , Levin Michael , Wilkinson Robert J. , Lai Rachel P. J.
Published: August 2019

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most severe form of TB with high rates of mortality and morbidity. Here we conduct RNA-sequencing on whole blood as well as on ventricular and lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of pediatric patients treated for TBM. Differential transcript expression of TBM cases are compared with healthy controls in whole blood and with non-TB cerebral infection controls in CSF. Whole blood RNA-Seq analysis demonstrates a distinct immune response pattern in TBM, with significant increase in both canonical and non-canonical inflammasome activation and decrease in T-cell activation. In ventricular CSF, a significant enrichment associated with neuronal excitotoxicity and cerebral damage is detected in TBM. Finally, compartmental comparison in TBM indicates that the ventricular profile represents brain injury whereas the lumbar profile represents protein translation and cytokine signaling. Together, transcriptomic analysis shows that disease processes differ between the periphery and the central nervous system, and within brain compartments.
Programmable biomolecular switches for rewiring flux in Escherichia coli
Authors: Gao Cong , Hou Jianshen , Xu Peng , Guo Liang , Chen Xiulai , Hu Guipeng , Ye Chao , Edwards Harley , Chen Jian , Chen Wei , Liu Liming
Published: August 2019

Synthetic biology aims to develop programmable tools to perform complex functions such as redistributing metabolic flux in industrial microorganisms. However, development of protein-level circuits is limited by availability of designable, orthogonal, and composable tools. Here, with the aid of engineered viral proteases and proteolytic signals, we build two sets of controllable protein units, which can be rationally configured to three tools. Using a protease-based dynamic regulation circuit to fine-tune metabolic flow, we achieve 12.63 g L−1 shikimate titer in minimal medium without inducer. In addition, the carbon catabolite repression is alleviated by protease-based inverter-mediated flux redistribution under multiple carbon sources. By coordinating reaction rate using a protease-based oscillator in E. coli, we achieve d-xylonate productivity of 7.12 g L−1 h−1 with a titer of 199.44 g L−1. These results highlight the applicability of programmable protein switches to metabolic engineering for valuable chemicals production.
A rapid access to aliphatic sulfonyl fluorides
Authors: Xu Ruting , Xu Tianxiao , Yang Mingcheng , Cao Tianpeng , Liao Saihu
Published: August 2019

The past few years have witnessed a fast-growing research interest on the study of sulfonyl fluorides as reactive probes in chemical biology and molecular pharmacology, which raises an urgent need for the development of effective synthetic methods to expand the toolkit. Herein, we present the invention of a facile and general approach for the synthesis of aliphatic sulfonyl fluorides via visible-light-mediated decarboxylative fluorosulfonylethylation. The method is based on abundant carboxylic acid feed stock, applicable to various alkyl carboxylic acids including primary, secondary, and tertiary acids, and is also suitable for the modification of natural products like amino acids, peptides, as well as drugs, forging a rapid, metal-free approach to build sulfonyl fluoride compound libraries of considerable structural diversity. Further diversification of the SO2F-containing products is also demonstrated, which allows for access to a range of pharmaceutically important motifs such as sultam, sulfonate, and sulfonamide.
High possibility of hepatocarcinogenesis in HBV genotype C1 infected Cambodians is indicated by 340 HBV C1 full-genomes analysis from GenBank
Authors: Chuon Channarena , Takahashi Kazuaki , Matsuo Junko , Katayama Keiko , Yamamoto Chikako , Ko Ko , Hok Sirany , Nagashima Shintaro , Akbar Sheikh Mohammad Fazle , Tanaka Junko
Published: August 2019

Approximately 75% of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) occur in Asia; core promoter mutations are associated with HCC in HBV genotype C, the dominant genotype in Cambodia. We analyzed these mutations in Cambodian residents and compared them with HBV full genomes registered in GenBank. We investigated the characteristics of 26 full-length HBV genomes among 35 residents positive for hepatitis B surface antigen in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. Genotype C1 was dominant (92.3%, 24/26), with one case of B2 and B4 each. Multiple mutations were confirmed in 24 Cambodian C1 isolates, especially double mutation at A1762T/G1764A in 18 isolates (75.0%), and combination mutation at C1653T and/or T1753V and A1762T/G1764A in 14 isolates (58.3%). In phylogenetic analysis, 16 of 24 isolates were located in the cluster with Laos, Thailand, and Malaysia. In 340 GenBank-registered C1 strains, 113 (33.2%) had combination mutation amongst which 16.5%, 34.2%, and 95.2% were found in ASC, chronic hepatitis, and liver cirrhosis (LC)/HCC respectively (P < 0. 001). Mutations were abundantly found in 24 Cambodian C1 isolates, and 340 C1 strains from GenBank showed mutation in genotype C1 brings high possibility of LC/HCC occurrence. Therefore, we suggest that Cambodian people infected with HBV genotype C1 have high possibility of hepatocarcinogenesis.
Sexual experience has no effect on male mating or reproductive success in house mice
Authors: Thonhauser Kerstin E. , Raffetzeder Alexandra , Penn Dustin J.
Published: August 2019

The ability to learn from experience can improve Darwinian fitness, but few studies have tested whether sexual experience enhances reproductive success. We conducted a study with wild-derived house mice (Mus musculus musculus) in which we manipulated male sexual experience and allowed females to choose between (1) a sexually experienced versus a virgin male, (2) two sexually experienced males, or (3) two virgin males (n = 60 females and 120 males). This design allowed us to test whether females are more likely to mate multiply when they encounter more virgin males, which are known to be infanticidal. We recorded females’ preference and mating behaviours, and conducted genetic paternity analyses to determine male reproductive success. We found no evidence that sexual experience influenced male mating or reproductive success, and no evidence that the number of virgin males influenced female multiple mating. Females always copulated with both males and 58% of the litters were multiple-sired. Females’ initial attraction to a male correlated with their social preferences, but neither of these preference behaviours predicted male reproductive success – raising caveats for using mating preferences as surrogates for mate choice. Male reproductive success was predicted by mating order, but unexpectedly, males that copulated first sired fewer offspring.
Regulation of PDE5 expression in human aorta and thoracic aortic aneurysms
Authors: Cesarini Valeriana , Pisano Calogera , Rossi Gabriele , Balistreri Carmela Rita , Botti Flavia , Antonelli Giorgio , Ruvolo Giovanni , Jannini Emmanuele A. , Dolci Susanna
Published: August 2019

Aneurysms and dissections affecting thoracic aorta are associated with smooth muscle cell (SMC) dysfunction. NO/cGMP signaling pathway in smooth muscle cells has been shown to be affected in sporadic thoracic aortic aneurysms. We analyzed the mRNA levels of PDE5, a cGMP-hydrolyzing enzyme highly expressed in aortic SMCs, that regulates arterious vascular tone by lowering cGMP levels. We found that aortic tissue obtained from Marfan, tricuspid and bicuspid thoracic aneurysms expressed lower levels of PDE5 mRNA compared to control aortas. In particular, we found that affected aortas showed lower levels of all the PDE5A isoforms, compared to control aortas. Transfection of vascular SMCs (VSMCs) with NOTCH3 activated domain (NICD3) induced the expression of PDE5A1 and A3 protein isoforms, but not that of the corresponding mRNAs. VSMC stimulation with GSNO, a nitric oxide analogue or with 8-br-cGMP, but not with 8-br-cAMP, up-regulated PDE5 and NOTCH-3 protein levels, indicating a negative feedback loop to protect the arterial wall from excessive relaxation. Finally, we found that PDE5 is expressed early during human aorta development, suggesting that if loss of function mutations of PDE5 occur, they might potentially affect aortic wall development.
Reconstruction of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network based on competitive endogenous RNA reveal functional lncRNAs in Cerebral Infarction
Authors: Zou Jun-Bo , Chai Hong-Bo , Zhang Xiao-Fei , Guo Dong-Yan , Tai Jia , Wang Yu , Liang Yu-Lin , Wang Fang , Cheng Jiang-Xue , Wang Jing , Shi Ya-Jun
Published: August 2019

Functioning as miRNA sponges, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) exert its pharmacological action via regulating expression of protein-coding genes. However, the lncRNA-mediated ceRNA in cerebral Infarction (CI) remains unclear. In this study, the expression recordsets of mRNA, lncRNA and miRNA of CI samples were obtained from the NCBI GEO datasets separately. The differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs), miRNAs (DEMis) and mRNAs (DEMs) were identified by limma package in R platform. A total of 267 DELs, 26 DEMis, and 760 DEMs were identified as differentially expressed profiles, with which we constructed the ceRNA network composed of DELs-DEMis-DEMs. Further, clusterProfiler package in R platform is employed for performing Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analysis. An aberrant ceRNA network was constructed according to node degrees in CI, including 28 DELs, 19 DEMs and 12 DEMis, from which we extracted the core network, in which 9 nodes were recognized as kernel genes including Tspan3, Eif4a2, rno-miR-208a-3p, rno-miR-194-5p, Pdpn, H3f3b, Stat3, Cd63 and Sdc4. Finally, with the DELs-DEMis-DEMs ceRNA network provided above, we can improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of CI mediated by lncRNA.
Binding of the protein ICln to α-integrin contributes to the activation of IClswell current
Authors: Schedlbauer Andreas , Tamma Grazia , Rodighiero Simona , Civello Davide Antonio , Tamplenizza Margherita , Ledolter Karin , Nofziger Charity , Patsch Wolfgang , Konrat Robert , Paulmichl Markus , Dossena Silvia
Published: August 2019

IClswell is the chloride current induced by cell swelling, and plays a fundamental role in several biological processes, including the regulatory volume decrease (RVD). ICln is a highly conserved, ubiquitously expressed and multifunctional protein involved in the activation of IClswell. In platelets, ICln binds to the intracellular domain of the integrin αIIb chain, however, whether the ICln/integrin interaction plays a role in RVD is not known. Here we show that a direct molecular interaction between ICln and the integrin α-chain is not restricted to platelets and involves highly conserved amino acid motifs. Integrin α recruits ICln to the plasma membrane, thereby facilitating the activation of IClswell during hypotonicity. Perturbation of the ICln/integrin interaction prevents the transposition of ICln towards the cell surface and, in parallel, impedes the activation of IClswell. We suggest that the ICln/integrin interaction interface may represent a new molecular target enabling specific IClswell suppression in pathological conditions when this current is deregulated or plays a detrimental role.
Vertical distribution and radiological risk assessment of 137Cs and natural radionuclides in soil samples
Authors: Ahmad Ayesha Y. , Al-Ghouti Mohammad A. , AlSadig Ibrahim , Abu-Dieyeh Mohammed
Published: August 2019

The aims of this study were to investigate the vertical distributions of natural radionuclides 232Th, 226Ra and 40K as well as anthropogenic radionuclide 137Cs in soil samples and to analyze the correlation among the radioactivity of these radionuclides and the physiochemical characteristics of soil samples namely pH, grain size, carbonate content and organic matter. Risk assessment of the radiological hazard has also been estimated. Forty-four soil samples were collected from eleven locations in Qatar at four depth levels from 0 to 16 cm. The average concentrations of 232Th, 226Ra, 40K and 137Cs in the soil depth of 16 cm were 10, 17, 201 and 4 Bq/kg, respectively, which were within the reported world mean. The external absorbed gamma dose rate, the annual effective dose, the mean radium equivalent activity, the external hazard index and the lifetime cancer risk were 22 nGy/h, 0.027 mSv/y, 47 Bq/kg, 0.125 and 0.096 × 10−3, respectively. These values were far below the minimum recommended international values. The level of radioactivity concentrations in the soil was affected by the physiochemical characteristics of the soil. The positive correlation with highest R2 value was found among the radioactivity concentrations of 232Th and 40K and the soil clay content. Total organic carbon was also positively correlated for 226Ra and 137Cs activity concentrations, whereas, carbonate content was negatively correlated with the radioactivity concentrations of 232Th and 40K. As far as soil moisture content is concerned, the positive correlation with highest R2 value was obtained for 226Ra activity concentrations.
How to Hide One’s Relationships from Link Prediction Algorithms
Authors: Waniek Marcin , Zhou Kai , Vorobeychik Yevgeniy , Moro Esteban , Michalak Tomasz P. , Rahwan Talal
Published: August 2019

Our private connections can be exposed by link prediction algorithms. To date, this threat has only been addressed from the perspective of a central authority, completely neglecting the possibility that members of the social network can themselves mitigate such threats. We fill this gap by studying how an individual can rewire her own network neighborhood to hide her sensitive relationships. We prove that the optimization problem faced by such an individual is NP-complete, meaning that any attempt to identify an optimal way to hide one’s relationships is futile. Based on this, we shift our attention towards developing effective, albeit not optimal, heuristics that are readily-applicable by users of existing social media platforms to conceal any connections they deem sensitive. Our empirical evaluation reveals that it is more beneficial to focus on “unfriending” carefully-chosen individuals rather than befriending new ones. In fact, by avoiding communication with just 5 individuals, it is possible for one to hide some of her relationships in a massive, real-life telecommunication network, consisting of 829,725 phone calls between 248,763 individuals. Our analysis also shows that link prediction algorithms are more susceptible to manipulation in smaller and denser networks. Evaluating the error vs. attack tolerance of link prediction algorithms reveals that rewiring connections randomly may end up exposing one’s sensitive relationships, highlighting the importance of the strategic aspect. In an age where personal relationships continue to leave digital traces, our results empower the general public to proactively protect their private relationships.
Rapid decrease in titer and breadth of neutralizing anti-HCV antibodies in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients who achieved SVR
Authors: Vigón Lorena , Vázquez-Morón Sonia , Berenguer Juan , González-García Juan , Jiménez-Sousa Ma Ángeles , Guardiola Josep M. , Crespo Manuel , de Los Santos Ignacio , Von Wichmann Miguel A. , Carrero Ana , Yélamos María Belén , Gómez Julián , Resino Salvador , Martínez Isidoro ,   The GESIDA 3603b Cohort Study Group, Miralles P. , López J. C. , Parras F. , Padilla B. , Aldamiz-Echevarría T. , Tejerina F. , Díez C. , Pérez-Latorre L. , Fanciulli C. , Gutiérrez I. , Ramírez M. , Carretero S. , Bellón J. M. , Bermejo J. , Hontañón V. , Arribas J. R. , Montes M. L. , Bernardino I. , Pascual J. F. , Zamora F. , Peña J. M. , Arnalich F. , Díaz M. , Domingo P. , Sanz J. , Bustinduy M. J. , Iribarren J. A. , Rodríguez-Arrondo F. , Eynde E Van den , Pérez M. , Ribera E. , Casado J. L. , Dronda F. , Moreno A. , Pérez-Elías M. J. , Sanfrutos M. A. , Moreno S. , Quereda C. , Arranz A. , Casas E. , Miguel J. de , Schroeder S. , Vergas J. , Téllez M. J. , Vinuesa D. , Muñoz L. , Hernández-Quero J. , Ferrer A. , Galindo M. J. , Ortiz L. , Ortega E. , Montero M. , Blanes M. , Cuellar S. , Lacruz J. , Salavert M. , López-Aldeguer J. , Pérez G. , Gaspar G. , Yllescas M. , Crespo P. , Aznar E. , Esteban H.
Published: August 2019

The main targets for neutralizing anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies (HCV-nAbs) are the E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins. We have studied the characteristics of HCV-nAbs through a retrospective study involving 29 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients who achieved sustained virological response (SVR) with peg-IFNα + ribavirin anti-HCV therapy. Plasma samples at baseline and week 24 after SVR were used to perform neutralization assays against five JFH1-based HCV recombinant viruses coding for E1 and E2 from genotypes 1a (H77), 1b (J4), 2a (JFH1), 3a (S52) and 4a (ED43). At baseline, the majority of plasma samples neutralized 1a, 1b, 2a, and 4a, but not 3a, genotypes. Twenty-four weeks following SVR, most neutralizing titers declined substantially. Furthermore, titers against 3a and 2a were not detected in many patients. Plasma samples with high HCV-nAb titers neutralized all genotypes, and the highest titers at the starting point correlated with the highest titers at week 24 after SVR. In conclusion, high titers of broad-spectrum HCV-nAbs were detected in HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals, however, those titers declined soon after SVR.
Nano-plasmonic Bundt Optenna for broadband polarization-insensitive and enhanced infrared detection
Authors: Awad Ehab
Published: August 2019

Infrared detection devices are becoming miniature with micro or nano-scale size. The advantages of downsizing come on the expense of insufficient collection of infrared radiation. Therefore, utilizing nano-plasmonic optical antennas becomes mandatory. However, it is desirable to develop antennas with broad bandwidth, polarization insensitivity, wide field-of-view, and reasonable plasmonic losses in order to collect most of incident infrared radiation and enhance power absorption efficiency. Here, an innovative optical antenna (optenna) is proposed and demonstrated for the first time. It has a novel shape of Bundt baking-pan. The gold Bundt is arranged in a periodic array that can be placed on top of a thin-film infrared absorbing layer. The developed optenna can squeeze infrared electric and magnetic fields to 50 nm-wide area in order to enhance material absorption efficiency. It demonstrates polarization insensitivity and ultra-broad bandwidth with a large fractional-bandwidth within the near, shortwave, and midwave infrared bands. It shows a remarkable enhanced power absorption efficiency up to 8 orders of magnitude with a reasonable average power loss of −3 dB and 80° field-of-view. It can be promising for future applications in solar-cells, telecommunication photodetectors, shortwave cameras, and midwave microbolometers.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Pinus densiflora Following Inoculation with Pathogenic (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) or Non-pathogenic Nematodes (B. thailandae)
Authors: Lee Il Hwan , Han Hyerim , Koh Young Ho , Kim In Sik , Lee Seok-Woo , Shim Donghwan
Published: August 2019

Pinus densiflora (Korean red pine) is a species of evergreen conifer that is distributed in Korea, Japan, and China, and of economic, scientific, and ecological importance. Korean red pines suffer from pine wilt disease (PWD) caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the pinewood nematode (PWN). To facilitate diagnosis and prevention of PWD, studies have been conducted on the PWN and its beetle vectors. However, transcriptional responses of P. densiflora to PWN have received less attention. Here, we inoculated Korean red pines with pathogenic B. xylophilus, or non-pathogenic B. thailandae, and collected cambium layers 4 weeks after inoculation for RNA sequencing analysis. We obtained 72,864 unigenes with an average length of 869 bp (N50 = 1,403) from a Trinity assembly, and identified 991 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Biological processes related to phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, oxidation–reduction, and plant-type hypersensitive response were significantly enriched in DEGs found in trees inoculated with B. xylophilus. Several transcription factor families were found to be involved in the response to B. xylophilus inoculation. Our study provides the first evidence of transcriptomic differences in Korean red pines inoculated with B. xylophilus and B. thailandae, and might facilitate early diagnosis of PWD and selection of PWD-tolerant Korean red pines.
A study of the context in which compact intracloud discharges occur
Authors: Leal Adonis F. R. , Rakov Vladimir A.
Published: August 2019

The occurrence context of compact intracloud discharges (CIDs) is examined using their electric field waveforms and corresponding NLDN data. A total of 1096 CIDs transporting negative charge upward and 8 CIDs transporting positive charge upward were analyzed. The CIDs were categorized based on whether they were isolated or were followed, preceded, or both followed and preceded by other NLDN-reported lightning events. The percentages of isolated CIDs transporting negative charge upward decreased from 92% for 5 km search radius and ±10 ms time window to 31% for 10 km and ±1000 ms, this decrease being accompanied by an increase of the percentage of CIDs preceding (initiating) normal lightning events from 6.8% to 43%. GM NLDN-reported peak currents for isolated CIDs (33 kA) were similar to those initiating normal lightning events (34 kA). Some of our isolated CIDs could be viewed as precursors, because they apparently initiated normal lightning events at essentially the same location after time intervals measured in seconds. CIDs transporting positive charge upward (a) occurred at heights ranging from 16 to 19 km vs. 6 to 16 km for CIDs transporting negative charge upward and (b) had considerably higher NLDN-reported peak currents: 113 kA vs. 33 kA (GM values).
Connective tissue growth factor is correlated with peritoneal lymphangiogenesis
Authors: Kinashi Hiroshi , Toda Naohiro , Sun Ting , Nguyen Tri Q. , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Katsuno Takayuki , Yokoi Hideki , Aten Jan , Mizuno Masashi , Maruyama Shoichi , Yanagita Motoko , Goldschmeding Roel , Ito Yasuhiko
Published: August 2019

Lymphatic absorption in the peritoneal cavity may contribute to ultrafiltration failure in peritoneal dialysis (PD). Lymphatic vessels develop during PD-related peritoneal fibrosis. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, also called CCN2) is an important determinant of fibrotic tissue remodeling, but little is known about its possible involvement in lymphangiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the relationship between CTGF and peritoneal lymphangiogenesis. A positive correlation was observed between vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C), a major lymphangiogenic growth factor, and the CTGF concentration in human PD effluents. CTGF expression was positively correlated with expression of lymphatic markers and VEGF-C in human peritoneal biopsies. We found a positive correlation between the increase in CTGF and the increase in VEGF-C in cultured human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) treated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). The diaphragm is a central player in peritoneal lymphatic absorption. CTGF expression was also correlated with expression of VEGF-C and lymphatics in a rat diaphragmatic fibrosis model induced by chlorhexidine gluconate (CG). Furthermore, CTGF gene deletion reduced VEGF-C expression and peritoneal lymphangiogenesis in the mouse CG model. Inhibition of CTGF also reduced VEGF-C upregulation in HPMCs treated with TGF-β1. Our results suggest a close relationship between CTGF and PD-associated lymphangiogenesis.
Implementation of an experimental isolated lung perfusion model on surgically resected human lobes
Authors: Slama Alexis , Raber Christian , Hedderich Celia , Stockhammer Paul , Hegedüs Balazs , Koch Achim , Theegarten Dirk , Ploenes Till , Aigner Clemens
Published: August 2019

Isolated lung perfusion (ILP) is an ideal model to study treatment effects on a variety of pathologies. As published research mostly relies on rejected donor lungs or animal organs, this study investigates the use of surgically resected human lobes as an alternative and novel model for personalized experimental research. Ten surgically resected lobes were perfused in acellular and normothermic condition. The indication for surgery was lung cancer. Perfusion and ventilation were adapted to the size of the lobes and both functional and metabolic parameters were assessed during ILP. Patients (age 67.5 y (59–81)|♀n = 3|♂n = 7) underwent anatomic pulmonary lobectomy. Ischemic time between arterial ligation and ILP was 226 minutes (161–525). Median duration of ILP was 135 (87–366) minutes. Gas exchange and mechanical respiratory parameters remained steady during ILP (pulmonary venous pO2 196(151–219) mmHg | peak AWP: 14.5(11–22) cmH2O). Metabolism stayed constant during ILP (Glucose consumption: 1.86 mg/min/LTLC (95%CI: −2.09 to −1.63) | lactate production: 0.005 mmol/min/ LTLC (95%CI: 0.004 to 0.007)). ILP of surgically resected human lobes is a feasible and promising method. By maintaining a near physiological setting, this model may pave the way for future experimental lung research including cancer research, transplantation, physiology, pharmacology and mechanical ventilation.