bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Private school investments and inequalities: negotiating the future in transnational Dakar
Authors: Grysole Amélie
Published: November 2018

As in many parts of the world, the school system in Senegal has suffered from state budget cuts associated with structural adjustment and neoliberal reform in the 1980s. As a result, the quality of elementary public schools has been compromised; meanwhile a significant private sector developed. This article analyses the proliferation of private schools in Dakar and the ways in which Senegalese parents navigate the multiplicity of school types (French, Franco-Arabic or Franco-English, Catholic or secular), to understand how families struggle to ensure their social and material reproduction in a neoliberal economy. I suggest that educational investments are situated at the intersection of global and intra-family inequalities. International migration has made global inequalities apparent within and between Senegalese families, who are unequally positioned depending on whether they include members living abroad.
Gifts, trips and Facebook families: children and the semiotics of kinship in transnational Senegal
Authors: Yount-André Chelsie
Published: November 2018

Scholarship on transnational families has regularly examined remittances that adults abroad send to children in their country of origin. This article illuminates another permutation of these processes: family members in Senegal who establish relations with and through children in France through gifts and money. Focusing on relationships between children in Paris and their family members in Dakar, it provides an insight into the everyday exchanges through which transnational families attempt to assure the material reproduction of households in Africa. I trace the ways in which children use Facebook to maintain relationships with relatives in Senegal and examine how adults shape these relations. Focusing specifically on innovative forms of ‘cross-cousin’ relationships in the Senegalese diaspora, this article illustrates how adults create cultural scaffolding around children who may be unaware of the kinship terms for the relationships in which they are implicated. I demonstrate how practices that have permitted Africans to weather economic volatility for centuries are now carried out, in part, through social media. Approaching material circulation and the transmission of cultural values as mutually imbricated processes, I demonstrate how Senegalese selectively reinforce links withcertainfamily members, in an attempt to favourably position themselves in socio-economic networks of transnational kin.
Alaroye: political contestation, genres, innovations and audience in a Yoruba-language newspaper
Authors: Fasan Rotimi
Published: November 2018

Nigerian newspapers, like newspapers elsewhere, are often established as part of the apparatus for the extension of personal or group interests, to mobilize and contest meaning in the overall project of constructing hegemony in an ethnically fractious polity. In this article, I trace the emergence ofAlaroye, the best-known Yoruba-language newspaper today, by identifying its survival strategies and stabilization against the changing circumstances of a hostile environment. The article aims to demonstrate that, in challenging the oppressive activities of a military dictatorship led by the Hausa-Fulani and a media market dominated by English-language newspapers,Alaroyehas been able to negotiate its existence within the contested space that is Yorubaland in particular and Nigeria at large. In this state of contestation and fierce competition, tabloidization has been central toAlaroye’s success, making it a leader whose example is being closely emulated by other Yoruba-language newspapers. Following from this, the article discusses the genres ofAlaroyeand the newspaper's genre-blurring innovations, including its oral written style, all of which point to its transformation into a tabloid, against the background of its initial failure at the newsstand and the factors responsible for its revitalization and stabilization after three failed attempts.
Modulation of aquaporin gene expression by n-3 long-chain PUFA lipid structures in white and brown adipose tissue from hamsters
Authors: Lopes Paula A. , Martins Rute , da Silva Inês Vieira , Madeira Marta S. , Prates José A. M. , Soveral Graça
Published: November 2018

EPA (20 : 5n-3) and DHA (22 : 6n-3) fatty acids have weight-reducing properties with physiological activity depending on their molecular structure – that is, as TAG or ethyl esters (EE). Aquaporins (AQP) are membrane protein channels recognised as important players in fat metabolism, but their differential expression in white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT), as well as their modulation by dietary n-3 long-chain PUFA (LCPUFA) such as EPA and DHA, has never been investigated. In this study, the transcriptional profiles of AQP3, AQP5, AQP7 and selected lipid markers of WAT (subcutaneous and visceral) and BAT (interscapular) from hamsters fed diets containing n-3 LCPUFA in different lipid structures such as fish oil (FO, rich in EPA and DHA in the TAG form) and FO-EE (rich in EPA and DHA in the EE form) were used and compared with linseed oil (LSO) as the reference group. A clear effect of fat depot was observed for AQP3 and leptin (LEP), with the lowest values of mRNA found in BAT relative to WAT. The opposite occurred for PPARα. AQP7 was affected by diet, with FO-fed hamsters having higher mRNA levels compared with LSO-fed hamsters. The relative gene expression of AQP5, adiponectin (ADIPO), GLUT4 and PPARγ was influenced by both fat tissue and diet. Taken together, our results revealed a differential expression profile of AQP and some markers of lipid metabolism in both WAT and BAT in response to feeding n-3 LCPUFA in two different structural formats: TAG v. EE.
The potential anti-inflammatory role of adiponectin in food allergy: a case–control study on children
Authors: Sirjani Mahshid , Shokouhi Shoormasti Raheleh , Sabetkish Nastaran , Ayazi Maryam , Khodayari Namini Nazanin , Tayebi Behnoosh , Pourpak Zahra
Published: November 2018

We aimed to assess the possible relationship between food allergy and two key adipokines – leptin and adiponectin – in children with food allergy. A total of forty patients with definite diagnosis of food allergy according to clinical history and specific IgE (sIgE) for food allergens (group I) were enrolled in this pilot study. The control group (group II) included thirty children with no evidence of allergic symptoms. Serum levels of leptin and adiponectin were measured by ELISA. Meanwhile, sIgE was measured for the eight most common food allergens by the immunoblot method in all participants. The median ages in groups I and II were 18·5 and 23·5 months, respectively. The respective Caesarean section rate was 64·9 and 16·7 % in groups I and II (P<0·001). Serum levels of adiponectin were significantly higher in the patient group compared with controls (24·11 (sd12·14)v. 10·67 (sd12·23) μg/ml,P<0·001), whereas no statistically meaningful difference was detected in serum leptin concentrations (P=0·92). There was a significant inverse relationship between age and adiponectin levels in group I (P=0·002,r–0·479) and group II (P=0·04,r–0·365), and it was more significant in group I. The most common allergens in the patient group were wheat (52·5 %), hazelnut (52·5 %), cow’s milk (50 %) and egg white (30 %). The results of this study suggest an essential link between adiponectin and food allergy that is probably unlikely to be affected by obesity as a confounding factor.
Energy restriction in renal protection
Authors: Wang Si-Yang , Cai Guang-Yan , Chen Xiang-Mei
Published: November 2018

Energy restriction (ER) has been widely studied as a novel intervention, and its ability to prolong life has been fully demonstrated. For example, ER can significantly extend the lifespans of model flies, worms, rodents and other mammals. The role of ER in renal protection has also been elucidated. In preclinical studies, adjusting total energy intake or consumption of specific nutrients has prophylactic or therapeutic effects on ageing-related kidney disease and acute and chronic kidney injury. Amino acid restriction has gradually attracted attention. ER mimetics have also been studied in depth. The protective mechanisms of ER and ER mimetics for renal injury include increasing AMP-activated protein kinase and sirtuin type 1 (Sirt1) levels and autophagy and reducing mammalian target of rapamycin, inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the renal protective effect of ER has mostly been investigated in rodent models, and the role of ER in patients cannot be determined due to the lack of large randomised controlled trials. To protect the kidney, the mechanism of ER must be thoroughly researched, and more accurate diet or drug interventions need to be identified.
Neuroticism and Somatic Complaints: Concomitant Effects of Rumination and Worry
Authors: Denovan Andrew , Dagnall Neil , Lofthouse George
Published: November 2018

Background:Neuroticism is associated with inflated somatic symptom reporting. Worry and rumination are a cognitive concomitant of neuroticism and potentially mediate the neuroticism–somatic complaint relationship.Aims:The present study examined the degree to which worry and rumination mediated the relationship between neuroticism and somatic complaints.Method:A sample of 170 volunteers, recruited via convenience sampling, took part. Participants completed a series of self-report measures: the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised-Short Form, Penn State Worry Questionnaire, the Ruminative Response Scale and the Somatic Symptom Scale-8.Results:Analysis revealed significant positive correlations between neuroticism, rumination and worry. Neuroticism, rumination and worry also correlated positively with somatic complaints. Using structural equation modelling, a mediational model indicated that rumination fully mediated the relationship between neuroticism and somatic complaints.Conclusions:Findings are consistent with the symptom perception hypothesis and have implications for healthcare in terms of managing individuals who present with multiple somatic complaints. Future research would benefit from adopting a longitudinal approach to test how rumination interacts with neuroticism and somatic complaints over time.
A Review and Integration of Three Key Components of Identity	Development
Authors: van Doeselaar Lotte , Becht Andrik I. , Klimstra Theo A. , Meeus Wim H. J.
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Studies on identity formation focus on various components of identity. However, these components have mainly been studied separately, and researchers in different fields are not always aware of each other’s work. Therefore, this systematic review provides an overview of theories and empirical studies on three key components of identity: distinctiveness (seeing the self as unique and distinct from others), coherence (perceiving the self as similar across life domains), and continuity (perceiving the self as the same person over time). This systematic review focused on the development of these components and linkages with psychosocial functioning. Findings suggest important differences between the three identity components. Therefore, we propose an integrative developmental framework of identity, including all three identity components and their linkages.
The Interplay of Personal and Social Identity
Authors: Crocetti Elisabetta , Prati Francesca , Rubini Monica
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Personal and social identity have generally been considered as separate components of individual’s self-concept. In this review, after addressing classical models of personal and social identity, we focus on recent theoretical advancements. We propose possible interconnections, focusing on communalities between personal and social identity and outline how these processes, fed by social factors, can interact and influence one another. In addition, we advance the role of personal and social identity as a fundamental symbolic tool with which individuals can adapt to reality. Finally, we address the implications of identity for personal and social adjustment and inclusiveness.
Identity Development Among Ethnic Minority Youth
Authors: Erentaitė Rasa , Lannegrand-Willems Lyda , Negru-Subtirica Oana , Vosylis Rimantas , Sondaitė Jolanta , Raižienė Saulė
Published: November 2018

Abstract. In the context of increasing ethnic diversity in many European countries, a successful development and integration of ethnic minority youth becomes a central concern for the future of Europe. It is particularly important to understand specific challenges and opportunities related to identity development among ethnic minority youth. The aim of this review is to integrate recent findings on identity development among ethnic minority youth in Europe. We identified three crosscutting themes in the literature. The “intensified identity work” approach suggests that ethnic minority youth are more engaged in identity work compared to their mainstream peers. The “diverging identity outcomes” themes represents a discussion on the opposite outcomes of identity development among ethnic minority youth. The “third way or hybrid identity” approach suggests that ethnic minority youth can build on globalization and other cultural resources, as well as on their own developmental flexibility to form novel, adaptive patterns of identity. We discuss the complementarity of the three approaches and suggest directions for further studies with ethnic minority youth. We also show how the findings of this review can help practitioners and policy makers in Europe to support ethnic minority youth in their identity development.
Correlated Relative and Absolute Geomagnetic Paleointensities From a Pliocene N‐R Polarity Reversal Record in Basaltic Lava Flows on Kauai, Hawaii
Authors: Bogue S. W.
Published: November 2018

New paleomagnetic results from basaltic lava flows erupted 4 Myr ago on Kauai (Hawaii) reveal how the geomagnetic intensity changed as the field switched from normal to reverse (N‐R) polarity. Following stepwise alternating field demagnetization of each sample's natural remanent magnetization, an anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM) was imparted in a 50 μT bias field and then alternating field demagnetized. Very similar behavior of the 35 to 90 mT coercivity fractions suggest that the natural remanent magnetization (interpreted to be a primary thermoremanent magnetization, TRM) and ARM reside in the same subpopulation of magnetic grains. With the ARM intensity serving as an analog for TRM susceptibility, the ratio TRM/ARM provides a measure of relative paleointensity. Flow‐averaged TRM/ARM ratios correlate with a small set of double‐heating paleointensities determined on companion samples, allowing a scaling of the ratios to absolute ancient field intensities. During the N‐R transition, the field strength dropped by 91% compared to the maximum recorded by the flows. This decrease is comparable to that observed in other paleomagnetic studies and numerical simulations. During an interval of NE down directional stasis recorded by 10 flows in the lower half of the section, the geomagnetic intensity rose to over 20 μT and then decreased to near 5 μT. This distinctive behavior could mark the waxing and waning of a stationary, inward directed flux patch on the core‐mantle boundary centered NE of Kauai.
Broadband achromatic dielectric metalenses
Authors: Shrestha Sajan , Overvig Adam C. , Lu Ming , Stein Aaron , Yu Nanfang
Published: November 2018

Metasurfaces offer a unique platform to precisely control optical wavefronts and enable the realization of flat lenses, or metalenses, which have the potential to substantially reduce the size and complexity of imaging systems and to realize new imaging modalities. However, it is a major challenge to create achromatic metalenses that produce a single focal length over a broad wavelength range because of the difficulty in simultaneously engineering phase profiles at distinct wavelengths on a single metasurface. For practical applications, there is a further challenge to create broadband achromatic metalenses that work in the transmission mode for incident light waves with any arbitrary polarization state. We developed a design methodology and created libraries of meta-units—building blocks of metasurfaces—with complex cross-sectional geometries to provide diverse phase dispersions (phase as a function of wavelength), which is crucial for creating broadband achromatic metalenses. We elucidated the fundamental limitations of achromatic metalens performance by deriving mathematical equations that govern the tradeoffs between phase dispersion and achievable lens parameters, including the lens diameter, numerical aperture (NA), and bandwidth of achromatic operation. We experimentally demonstrated several dielectric achromatic metalenses reaching the fundamental limitations. These metalenses work in the transmission mode with polarization-independent focusing efficiencies up to 50% and continuously provide a near-constant focal length over λ = 1200–1650 nm. These unprecedented properties represent a major advance compared to the state of the art and a major step toward practical implementations of metalenses.
More than two decades trapped
Authors: Qiu Cheng-Wei , Zhou Lei-Ming
Published: November 2018

Optical tweezers, crowned by Nobel Prize the first time in 1990s, have widely impacted the research landscape of atom cooling, particle manipulation/sorting, and biology. After more than two decades of steady development, it received the deserving recognition once again in 2018. Unprecedented advancements across various disciplines are believed to be spurred furthermore by this important tool of optical manipulation.
A plant-based diet in overweight individuals in a 16-week randomized clinical trial: metabolic benefits of plant protein
Authors: Kahleova Hana , Fleeman Rebecca , Hlozkova Adela , Holubkov Richard , Barnard Neal D.
Published: November 2018

Background and objectives

A plant-based diet is an effective strategy in the treatment of obesity. In this 16-week randomized clinical trial, we tested the effect of a plant-based diet on body composition and insulin resistance. As a part of this trial, we investigated the role of plant protein on these outcomes.

Subjects and methods

Overweight participants (n = 75) were randomized to follow a plant-based (n = 38) or a control diet (n = 37). Dual X-ray Absorptiometry assessed body composition, Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA-IR) assessed insulin resistance, and a linear regression model was used to test the relationship between protein intake, body composition, and insulin resistance.

Results

The plant-based vegan diet proved to be superior to the control diet in improving body weight, fat mass, and insulin resistance markers. Only the vegan group showed significant reductions in body weight (treatment effect −6.5 [95% CI −8.9 to −4.1] kg; Gxt, p < 0.001), fat mass (treatment effect −4.3 [95% CI −5.4 to −3.2] kg; Gxt, p < 0.001), and HOMA-IR (treatment effect −1.0 [95% CI −1.2 to −0.8]; Gxt, p = 0.004). The decrease in fat mass was associated with an increased intake of plant protein and decreased intake of animal protein (r = -0.30, p = 0.011; and r = +0.39, p = 0.001, respectively). In particular, decreased % leucine intake was associated with a decrease in fat mass (r = +0.40; p < 0.001), in both unadjusted and adjusted models for changes in BMI and energy intake. In addition, decreased % histidine intake was associated with a decrease in insulin resistance (r = +0.38; p = 0.003), also independent of changes in BMI and energy intake.

Conclusions

These findings provide evidence that plant protein, as a part of a plant-based diet, and the resulting limitation of leucine and histidine intake are associated with improvements in body composition and reductions in both body weight and insulin resistance.
Association and cis-mQTL analysis of variants in serotonergic genes associated with nicotine dependence in Chinese Han smokers
Authors: Han Haijun , Liu Qiang , Yang Zhongli , Wang Mu , Ma Yunlong , Cao Liyu , Cui Wenyan , Yuan Wenji , Payne Thomas J. , Li Lanjuan , Li Ming D.
Published: November 2018

Variants in serotonergic genes are implicated in nicotine dependence (ND) in subjects of European and African origin, but their involvement with smoking in Asians is largely unknown. Moreover, mechanisms underlying the ND risk-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these genes are rarely investigated. The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) score was used to assess ND in 2616 male Chinese Han smokers. Both association and interaction analysis were used to examine the association of variants in the serotonergic genes with FTND. Further, expression and methylation quantitative trait loci (cis-mQTL) analysis was employed to determine the association of individual SNPs with the extent of methylation of each CpG locus. Individual SNP-based association analysis revealed that rs1176744 in HTR3B was marginally associated with FTND (p = 0.042). Haplotype-based association analysis found that one major haplotype, T-T-A-G, formed by SNPs rs3758987-rs4938056-rs1176744-rs2276305, located in the 5′ region of HTR3B, showed a significant association with FTND (p = 0.00025). Further, a significant genetic interactive effect affecting ND was detected among SNPs rs10160548 in HTR3A, and rs3758987, rs2276305, and rs1672717 in HTR3B (p = 0.0074). Finally, we found four CpG sites (CpG_4543549, CpG_4543464, CpG_4543682, and CpG_4546888) to be significantly associated with three cis-mQTL SNPs (i.e., rs3758987, rs4938056, and rs1176744) located in our detected haplotype within HTR3B. In sum, we showed SNP rs1176744 (Tyr129Ser) to be associated with ND. Together with the SNPs rs3758987 and rs4938056 in HTR3B, they formed a major haplotype, which had significant association with ND. We further showed these SNPs contribute to ND through four methylated sites in HTR3B. All these findings suggest that variants in the serotonergic system play an important role in ND in the Chinese Han population. More importantly, these findings demonstrated that the involvement of this system in ND is through gene-by-gene interaction and methylation.
Longer procoagulant phospholipid-dependent clotting time, lower endogenous thrombin potential and higher tissue factor pathway inhibitor concentrations are associated with increased VTE occurrence in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: results of the prospective ROADMAP-MM-CAT study
Authors: Fotiou Despina , Sergentanis Theodoros N. , Papageorgiou Loula , Stamatelopoulos Kimon , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Kastritis Efstathios , Psaltopoulou Theodora , Salta Stella , Van Dreden Patrick , Sangare Rabiatou , Larsen Annette K. , Terpos Evangelos , Elalamy Ismail , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Gerotziafas Grigoris T.
Published: November 2018

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication in newly diagnosed symptomatic multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients. We explored cellular and plasma hypercoagulability in NDMM patients to identify relevant biomarkers that can be used in combination with clinical factors in the development of a risk assessment model (RAM) for VTE. Untreated patients (n = 144) with NDMM were prospectively enrolled, baseline biomarkers prior to anti-myeloma treatment and thromboprophylaxis initiation were obtained. These were compared against values in a group of healthy individuals with similar age and sex distribution. The primary study end point was symptomatic VTE occurrence. At 12-month follow-up cumulative VTE rate was 10.4%. NDMM patients showed biological signs of cellular and plasma hypercoagulability and endothelial cell activation. Procoagulant phospholipid clotting time (Procoagulant-PPL) was shorter, P-selectin levels lower and thrombin generation attenuated overall compared to healthy subjects. Longer Procoag-PPL®, lower endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), and higher levels of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) were associated with VTE occurrence. Multivariate analysis showed that Procoag-PPL® and ETP were independent risk factors for VTE. We conclude that Procoag-PPL® and ETP can be prospectively incorporated into a RAM for VTE in MM in combination with clinical and disease risk factors.
Publisher Correction: Unravelling the structure of glycosyl cations via cold-ion infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Mucha Eike , Marianski Mateusz , Xu Fei-Fei , Thomas Daniel A. , Meijer Gerard , von Helden Gert , Seeberger Peter H. , Pagel Kevin
Published: November 2018

The original version of this Article contained an error in Fig. 1, in which an oxygen atom was missing from the ‘Acetoxonium type’ structure. This has been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Proteome-wide analysis of USP14 substrates revealed its role in hepatosteatosis via stabilization of FASN
Authors: Liu Bin , Jiang Shangwen , Li Min , Xiong Xuelian , Zhu Mingrui , Li Duanzhuo , Zhao Lei , Qian Lili , Zhai Linhui , Li Jing , Lu Han , Sun Shengnan , Lin Jiandie , Lu Yan , Li Xiaoying , Tan Minjia
Published: November 2018

Ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USP14) is one of the major proteasome-associated deubiquitinating enzymes critical for proteome homeostasis. However, substrates of USP14 remain largely unknown, hindering the understanding of its functional roles. Here we conduct a comprehensive proteome, ubiquitinome and interactome analysis for USP14 substrate screening. Bioinformatics analysis reveals broad new potential roles of USP14, especially in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Among the potential substrates identified, we show that fatty acid synthase (FASN), a key enzyme involved in hepatic lipogenesis, is a bona fide substrate of USP14. USP14 directly interacts with and increases FASN stability. As a result, overexpression of USP14 promotes liver triglyceride accumulation in C57BL/6 mice, whereas genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of USP14 ameliorates hepatosteatosis, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in obese mice. In conclusion, our findings reveal for the first time an indispensable role of USP14 in hepatosteatosis through FASN stabilization.
Unmasking GluN1/GluN3A excitatory glycine NMDA receptors
Authors: Grand Teddy , Abi Gerges Sarah , David Mélissa , Diana Marco A. , Paoletti Pierre
Published: November 2018

GluN3A and GluN3B are glycine-binding subunits belonging to the NMDA receptor (NMDAR) family that can assemble with the GluN1 subunit to form unconventional receptors activated by glycine alone. Functional characterization of GluN1/GluN3 NMDARs has been difficult. Here, we uncover two modalities that have transformative properties on GluN1/GluN3A receptors. First, we identify a compound, CGP-78608, which greatly enhances GluN1/GluN3A responses, converting small and rapidly desensitizing currents into large and stable responses. Second, we show that an endogenous GluN3A disulfide bond endows GluN1/GluN3A receptors with distinct redox modulation, profoundly affecting agonist sensitivity and gating kinetics. Under reducing conditions, ambient glycine is sufficient to generate tonic receptor activation. Finally, using CGP-78608 on P8-P12 mouse hippocampal slices, we demonstrate that excitatory glycine GluN1/GluN3A NMDARs are functionally expressed in native neurons, at least in the juvenile brain. Our work opens new perspectives on the exploration of excitatory glycine receptors in brain function and development.
Experimental heatwaves compromise sperm function and cause transgenerational damage in a model insect
Authors: Sales Kris , Vasudeva Ramakrishnan , Dickinson Matthew E. , Godwin Joanne L. , Lumley Alyson J. , Michalczyk Łukasz , Hebberecht Laura , Thomas Paul , Franco Aldina , Gage Matthew J. G.
Published: November 2018

Climate change is affecting biodiversity, but proximate drivers remain poorly understood. Here, we examine how experimental heatwaves impact on reproduction in an insect system. Male sensitivity to heat is recognised in endotherms, but ectotherms have received limited attention, despite comprising most of biodiversity and being more influenced by temperature variation. Using a flour beetle model system, we find that heatwave conditions (5 to 7 °C above optimum for 5 days) damaged male, but not female, reproduction. Heatwaves reduce male fertility and sperm competitiveness, and successive heatwaves almost sterilise males. Heatwaves reduce sperm production, viability, and migration through the female. Inseminated sperm in female storage are also damaged by heatwaves. Finally, we discover transgenerational impacts, with reduced reproductive potential and lifespan of offspring when fathered by males, or sperm, that had experienced heatwaves. This male reproductive damage under heatwave conditions provides one potential driver behind biodiversity declines and contractions through global warming.
Development of novel antibodies for detection of mobile colistin-resistant bacteria contaminated in meats
Authors: He Xiaohua , Mavrici Daniela , Patfield Stephanie , Rubio Fernando M.
Published: November 2018

The recent discovery and rapid spread of mobile colistin-resistant gene, mcr-1, among bacteria isolated from a broad range of sources is undermining our ability to treat bacterial infections and threatening human health and safety. To prevent further transfer of colistin resistance, practical and reliable methods for mcr-1-containing bacteria are need. In this study, standards and novel polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against MCR-1 were developed. Among nine mAbs, three were MCR-1 specific and six cross-reacted with both MCR-1 and MCR-2. A sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was established using the polyclonal antibody as a capturer and the mAb MCR-1-7 as a detector. The assay had a limit of detection of 0.01 ng/mL for MCR-1 and 0.1 ng/mL for MCR-2 in buffer with coefficients of variation (CV) less than 15%. When applied to ground beef, chicken and pork, this ELISA identified samples inoculated with less than 0.4 cfu/g of meat, demonstrating its strong tolerance to complex food matrices. To our knowledge, this is the first immunoassay developed for MCR-1 and MCR-2. It should be useful for prompt and reliable screening of meat samples contaminated with plasmid-borne colistin-resistant bacteria, thus reducing human risk of foodborne infections with possibly no antibiotic treatment options.
Association of Serum Aluminum Levels with Mortality in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis
Authors: Tsai Ming-Hsien , Fang Yu-Wei , Liou Hung-Hsiang , Leu Jyh-Gang , Lin Bing-Shi
Published: November 2018

Despite reported evidence on the relationship between higher serum aluminum levels and poor outcomes in patients on chronic hemodialysis (CHD), the acceptable cutoff value of serum aluminum for mortality remains unclear. A retrospective observational cohort study with 636 Taiwanese patients on CHD was conducted to investigate the impact of serum aluminum levels on mortality. The predictors were bivariate serum aluminum level (<6 and ≥6 ng/mL) and the Outcomes were all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality. During the mean follow-up of 5.3 ± 2.9 years, 253 all-cause and 173 CV deaths occurred. Crude analysis showed that a serum aluminum level of ≥6 ng/mL was a significant predictor of all-cause [hazard ratio (HR), 1.80; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.40–2.23] and CV (HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.36–2.50) mortality. After multivariable adjustment, the serum aluminum level of ≥6 ng/mL remained a significant predictor of all-cause mortality (HR, 1.37, 95% CI, 1.05–1.81) but became insignificant for CV mortality (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.92–1.81). Therefore, our study revealed that a serum aluminum level of ≥6 ng/mL was independently associated with all-cause death in patients on CHD, suggesting that early intervention for aluminum level in patients on CHD might be beneficial even in the absence of overt aluminum toxicity.
Characterization of coumarin-6 polycrystalline films growth from vacuum deposition at various substrate temperatures
Authors: Chen Ko-Lun , Liu Hui-Ting , Yu Jang-Hung , Tung Yung-Hsiang , Chou Yun-Syuan , Yang Chun-Chuen , Wang Jyh-Shyang , Shen Ji-Lin , Chiu Kuan-Cheng
Published: November 2018

Coumarin-6 polycrystalline films were fabricated from vacuum deposition at various substrate temperatures Tsub from 106 to 178 °C with a fixed source temperature of 185 °C. Because of its slenderer and more asymmetric structure, the adhered coumarin-6 molecule on top of the growing interface encounters a larger steric energetic barrier of 0.92 eV as estimated from the Arrhenius plot of growth rate versus 1/Tsub. From top-view SEM pictures, the as-deposited coumarin-6 thin films exhibit a twisted pattern and a kinematic roughness for Tsub < 150 °C; while clear facets emerge for Tsub ≥ 150 °C due to the increase of surface diffusion energy of the adhered molecules. From XRD analysis, besides the confirmation of the triclinic structure two anomalous peaks observed at 2θ ~ 9.007° and 7.260° are explained due to the co-existence of N- and S-coumarin-6-isomers within the crystalline grains. Furthermore, for coumarin-6 polycrystalline films deposited at Tsub = 150 °C with high crystallinity of the constituent grains, the bandgap determined from optical transmission is around 2.392 eV; and from photoluminescence spectra, the fitted four emission components are assigned to the Frenkel and charge transfer excitons recombination with participation of molecular vibrational states.
Single-Crystal MoO3 Micrometer and Millimeter Belts Prepared from Discarded Molybdenum Disilicide Heating Elements
Authors: Hou Xiaolong , Huang Juntong , Liu Mingqiang , Li Xibao , Hu Zhihui , Feng Zhijun , Zhang Meng , Luo Junming
Published: November 2018

Single-crystal MoO3 micrometer to millimeter even centimeter belts were prepared via a novel route of oxidizing a discarded molybdenum disilicide heating element at 1000 °C for 3 h. The morphology and structure features, and growth mechanism of the products were evidently investigated by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicated that the powdery and fibrous products were typical α-MoO3 belt-like structures which size could develop from micrometer to several millimeter even centimeter in length and up to 0.5 mm in width. It should be formed preferentially along the [001] direction via layer by layer growth to form 1-D single MoO3 belts by vapor-solid mechanism. Thermal and luminescence properties of the products were revealed by thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis and photoluminescence spectra that the resultant α-MoO3 belts had good thermal stability and characteristics of luminescence with a central peak at 481 nm. The MoO3 belts are of good potential being applied to luminescent and high temperature devices.
Mobilisation Mechanism of Pathogenicity Islands by Endogenous Phages in Staphylococcus aureus clinical strains
Authors: Cervera-Alamar Mercedes , Guzmán-Markevitch Katerina , Žiemytė Miglė , Ortí Leticia , Bernabé-Quispe Patricia , Pineda-Lucena Antonio , Pemán Javier , Tormo-Mas María Ángeles
Published: November 2018

Staphylococcus aureus pathogenicity islands (SaPIs) are a type of mobile genetic element that play a significant role in the pathogenesis and virulence of this microorganism. SaPIs are integrated in the chromosome under the control of the master repressor Stl, but they can be horizontally transferred at a high frequency due to certain bacteriophages. Thus, a phage protein can bind to the SaPI Stl and induce the SaPI cycle, spreading the SaPI virulence factors to other bacterial populations. We report the dissemination mechanism of SaPIs mediated by endogenous prophages in S. aureus clinical strains. We reveal the induction of SaPIs by a co-resident prophage in seven clinically relevant strains, and we further study this mechanism in MW2, a community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus strain that contains two bacteriophages (ɸSa2mw and ɸSa3mw) and one SaPI (SaPImw2) encoding for three enterotoxins (sec, sel and ear). ɸSa2mw was identified as responsible for SaPImw2 induction, and the specific phage derepressor protein DUF3113 was determined. The Stl-DUF3113 protein interaction was demonstrated, along with the existence of variants of this protein in S. aureus phages with different abilities to induce SaPI. Both Stl and DUF3113 are present in other Staphylococcus species, which indicates that this is a generalised mechanism.
Patterns and drivers of movement for a coastal benthopelagic fish, Pseudocaranx georgianus, on Australia’s southeast coast
Authors: Fowler Ashley M. , Chick Rowan C. , Stewart John
Published: November 2018

Knowledge of connectivity and population structure is integral to the sustainable management of fished populations, yet such information is unavailable for many species over scales relevant to their exploitation. We examined broad-scale patterns and drivers of adult movement for a putatively mobile carangid (Pseudocaranx georgianus) on Australia’s southeast coast using an angler tag-recapture dataset. More than 6300 individuals were tagged and released across 1007 km of coastline, with anglers recapturing 157 (2.48%) individuals during a 14-year period. Median distance moved was 5 km and a substantial proportion of individuals (19%) were recaptured at their release location. Recapture latitude was also strongly predicted by release latitude (r2 = 0.87). However, a broad range of movements were observed (0–508 km), with 6% of individuals moving further than 100 km. Most individuals recaptured in areas now designated as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) were originally released in the same area (79.2%). Larger body size, longer periods at liberty, and releases during Spring all positively influenced distance moved. Results support restricted movement over an intermediate scale, punctuated by occasional large movements. Our findings suggest adult movement of P. georgianus in southeastern Australia primarily occurs over smaller distances than the current spatial scale of management.
Modulating Fundamental Resonance in Capacitive Coupled Asymmetric Terahertz Metamaterials
Authors: Rao S. Jagan Mohan , Srivastava Yogesh Kumar , Kumar Gagan , Roy Chowdhury Dibakar
Published: November 2018

In this work, we experimentally investigate near-field capacitive coupling between a pair of single-gap split ring resonators (SRRs) in a terahertz metamaterial. The unit cell of our design comprises of two coupled SRRs with the split gaps facing each other. The coupling between two SRRs is examined by changing the gap of one resonator with respect to the other for several inter resonator separations. When split gap size of one resonator is increased for a fixed inter-resonator distance, we observe a split in the fundamental resonance mode. This split ultimately results in the excitation of narrow band low frequency resonance mode along with a higher frequency mode which gets blue shifted when the split gap increases. We attribute resonance split to the excitation of symmetric and asymmetric modes due to strong capacitive or electric interaction between the near-field coupled resonators, however blue shift of the higher frequency mode occurs mainly due to the reduced capacitance. The ability of near-field capacitive coupled terahertz metamaterials to excite split resonances could be significant in the construction of modulator and sensing devices beside other potential applications for terahertz domain.
Proteomics reveals ablation of PlGF increases antioxidant and neuroprotective proteins in the diabetic mouse retina
Authors: Saddala Madhu Sudhana , Lennikov Anton , Grab Dennis J. , Liu Guei-Sheung , Tang Shibo , Huang Hu
Published: November 2018

Placental growth factor (PlGF or PGF), a member of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) sub-family, plays a crucial role in pathological angiogenesis and inflammation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that PlGF mediates regarding the complications of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR) remain elusive. Using an LC-MS/MS-based label-free quantification proteomic approach we characterized the alterations in protein expression caused by PlGF ablation in the retinas obtained from C57BL6, Akita, PlGF−/− and Akita.PlGF−/− mice. After extraction and enzymatic digestion with Trypsin/LysC, the retinal proteins were analyzed by Q-Exactive hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in four comparisons based on Z-score normalization and reproducibility by Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The gene ontology (GO), functional pathways, and protein-protein network interaction analysis suggested that several proteins involved in insulin resistance pathways (Gnb1, Gnb2, Gnb4, Gnai2, Gnao1, Snap2, and Gngt1) were significantly down-regulated in PlGF ablated Akita diabetic mice (Akita.PlGF−/− vs. Akita) but up-regulated in Akita vs. C57 and PlGF−/− vs. C57 conditions. Two proteins involved in the antioxidant activity and neural protection pathways, Prdx6 and Map2 respectively, were up-regulated in the Akita.PlGF−/− vs. Akita condition. Overall, we predict that down-regulation of proteins essential for insulin resistance, together with the up-regulation of antioxidant and neuroprotection proteins highlight and epitomize the potential mechanisms important for future anti-PlGF therapies in the treatment of DR.
Chemically modified hCFTR mRNAs recuperate lung function in a mouse model of cystic fibrosis
Authors: Haque A. K. M. Ashiqul , Dewerth Alexander , Antony Justin S. , Riethmüller Joachim , Schweizer Georg R. , Weinmann Petra , Latifi Ngadhnjim , Yasar Hanzey , Pedemonte Nicoletta , Sondo Elvira , Weidensee Brian , Ralhan Anjali , Laval Julie , Schlegel Patrick , Seitz Christian , Loretz Brigitta , Lehr Claus-Michael , Handgretinger Rupert , Kormann Michael S. D.
Published: November 2018

Gene therapy has always been a promising therapeutic approach for Cystic Fibrosis (CF). However, numerous trials using DNA or viral vectors encoding the correct protein resulted in a general low efficacy. In the last years, chemically modified messenger RNA (cmRNA) has been proven to be a highly potent, pulmonary drug. Consequently, we first explored the expression, function and immunogenicity of human (h)CFTR encoded by cmRNAhCFTRin vitro and ex vivo, quantified the expression by flow cytometry, determined its function using a YFP based assay and checked the immune response in human whole blood. Similarly, we examined the function of cmRNAhCFTRin vivo after intratracheal (i.t.) or intravenous (i.v.) injection of the assembled cmRNAhCFTR together with Chitosan-coated PLGA (poly-D, L-lactide-co-glycolide 75:25 (Resomer RG 752 H)) nanoparticles (NPs) by FlexiVent. The amount of expression of human hCFTR encoded by cmRNAhCFTR was quantified by hCFTR ELISA, and cmRNAhCFTR values were assessed by RT-qPCR. Thereby, we observed a significant improvement of lung function, especially in regards to FEV0.1, suggesting NP-cmRNAhCFTR as promising therapeutic option for CF patients independent of their CFTR genotype.
Efficient silica synthesis from tetra(glycerol)orthosilicate with cathepsin- and silicatein-like proteins
Authors: Povarova Natalia V. , Barinov Nikolay A. , Baranov Mikhail S. , Markina Nadezhda M. , Varizhuk Anna M. , Pozmogova Galina E. , Klinov Dmitry V. , Kozhemyako Valery B. , Lukyanov Konstantin A.
Published: November 2018

Silicateins play a key role in biosynthesis of spicules in marine sponges; they are also capable to catalyze formation of amorphous silica in vitro. Silicateins are highly homologous to cathepsins L – a family of cysteine proteases. Molecular mechanisms of silicatein activity remain controversial. Here site-directed mutagenesis was used to clarify significance of selected residues in silica polymerization. A number of mutations were introduced into two sponge proteins – silicatein A1 and cathepsin L from Latrunculia oparinae, as well as into human cathepsin L. First direction was alanine scanning of the proposed catalytic residues. Also, reciprocal mutations were introduced at selected positions that differ between cathepsins L and silicateins. Surprisingly, all the wild type and mutant proteins were capable to catalyze amorphous silica formation with a water-soluble silica precursor tetra(glycerol)orthosilicate. Some mutants possessed several-fold enhanced silica-forming activity and can potentially be useful for nanomaterial synthesis applications. Our findings contradict to the previously suggested mechanisms of silicatein action via a catalytic triad analogous to that in cathepsins L. Instead, a surface-templated biosilification by silicateins and related proteins can be proposed.
Empirical Dynamic Modelling Identifies different Responses of Aedes Polynesiensis Subpopulations to Natural Environmental Variables
Authors: Grziwotz Florian , Strauß Jakob Friedrich , Hsieh Chih-hao , Telschow Arndt
Published: November 2018

To control mosquito populations for managing vector-borne diseases, a critical need is to identify and predict their response to causal environmental variables. However, most existing attempts rely on linear approaches based on correlation, which cannot apply in complex, nonlinear natural systems, because correlation is neither a necessary nor sufficient condition for causation. Applying empirical dynamic modelling that acknowledges nonlinear dynamics on nine subpopulations of tiger mosquitos from three neighbouring reef islets of the Raiatea atoll, we identified temperature, precipitation, dew point, air pressure, and mean tide level as causal environmental variables. Interestingly, responses of subpopulations in close proximity (100–500 m) differed with respect to their causal environmental variables and the time delay of effect, highlighting complexity in mosquito-environment causality network. Moreover, we demonstrated how to explore the effects of changing environmental variables on number and strength of mosquito outbreaks, providing a new framework for pest control and disease vector ecology.
Testing bio-efficacy of insecticide-treated nets with fewer mosquitoes for enhanced malaria control
Authors: Boyer Sebastien , Pothin Emilie , Randriamaherijaona Sanjiarizaha , Rogier Christophe , Kesteman Thomas
Published: November 2018

Malaria control programs implementing Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) are encouraged to conduct field monitoring of nets’ survival, fabric integrity and insecticidal bio-efficacy. The reference method for testing the insecticide activity of LLINs needs 100 two-to-five-day-old female mosquitoes per net, which is highly resource-intensive. We aimed at identifying an alternative protocol, using fewer mosquitos, while ensuring a precision in the main indicator of ±5 percentage points (pp). We compared different laboratory methods against the probability of the LLIN to fail the test as determined by a hierarchical Bayesian model. When using 50 mosquitoes per LLIN and considering mortality only instead of mortality or knock-down as validity criteria, the average error in the measure of the proportion of nets considered as valid was 0.40 pp. The 95% confidence interval of this value never exceed 5 pp when the number of LLIN tested was ≥40. This method slightly outperforms the current recommendations. As a conclusion, testing the bio-efficacy of LLINs with half as many mosquitoes provides a valid evaluation of the proportion of valid LLINs. This approach could increase entomology labs’ testing capacity and decrease costs, with no impact in the decision process for public health purposes.