bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating Individuals’ Political Perceptions While Adjusting for Differential Item Functioning
Authors: Jessee Stephen A.
Published: January 2020

Questions about people’s perceptions of politicians or other political actors are of central interest in a wide variety of research areas. But measuring these perceptions is difficult in part because respondents may use survey response scales in different ways. In a classic article, Aldrich and McKelvey (1977) introduce a method adjusting for such differential item functioning by assuming that all respondents perceive political stimuli identically. I propose a modeling approach built on the Aldrich and McKelvey framework but incorporating anchoring vignettes. This approach allows for scale use adjustments without assuming that all respondents perceive a given politician identically. I apply this model to data on Americans’ perceptions of parties, elected officials, and other political actors, showing that, contrary to previous arguments, most variation in ideology ratings is due not to differing scale use, but to differences in underlying perceptions. Specifically, while perceptions of Republican politicians and the Republican party show no significant differences by respondent partisanship, Democratic and Republican respondents differ strongly in their perceptions of the ideology of Democratic political actors as well as the Supreme Court.
AXIOMATISABILITY OF THE CLASS OF MONOLITHIC GROUPS IN A VARIETY OF NILPOTENT GROUPS
Authors: GRICE JOSHUA T.
Published: January 2020

The class of all monolithic (that is, subdirectly irreducible) groups belonging to a variety generated by a finite nilpotent group can be axiomatised by a finite set of elementary sentences.
Changes in macrophage and lymphocyte functions in guinea-pigs after
different amounts of vitamin E ingestion
Authors: De la Fuente M. , Carazo M. , Correa R. , Del Río M.
Published: January 2020

Vitamin E is the main biological lipid-soluble antioxidant and plays a
crucial role in the maintenance of the immune system. In the present work,
twenty-one guinea-pigs (3-weeks-old) were distributed into three groups,
which during 5 weeks ingested different amounts of vitamin E (/kg diet): 15
mg (low vitamin E diet), 150 mg (medium vitamin E diet; control) or 1500 mg
(high vitamin E diet). The function of lymphocytes and macrophages were then
studied. In macrophages obtained from the peritoneum several steps of the
phagocytic process (chemotaxis, ingestion and superoxide anion production)
were assayed, as well as chemotaxis and proliferation of peritoneal and
spleen lymphocytes. The results indicate that with respect to the medium
vitamin E diet, low ingestion of vitamin E causes a decrease in chemotaxis
and production of superoxide anion by macrophages and an increase in the
phagocytic capacity. With the high vitamin E diet an increase in macrophage
and lymphocyte chemotaxis, superoxide anion production and
lymphoproliferative capacity, as well as a decrease in phagocytosis, were
observed. Therefore, diet supplementation with higher than usual levels of
vitamin E appears to be beneficial for the immune system.
Food viscosity as determinant for adaptive growth responses in rat intestine: long-term feeding of different hydroxyethyl celluloses
Authors: Elsenhans Bernd , Caspary Wolfgang F.
Published: January 2020

Carbohydrate gelling agents can be regarded as being representative for the soluble and viscous fractions of dietary fibre. Their dietary concentration affects the consistency of the ingested food as well as the dilution of nutrients and energy. By feeding hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) differing in molecular mass, and thus in its viscosity properties, only the consistency of the diet was modified. Three HEC (of low (LV), medium (MV) and high viscosity (HV)) were employed in a 6-week feeding study with female rats to evaluate the effect of the viscosity on adaptive responses of intestinal growth variables. Each of the HEC was added in three increasing concentrations (8, 16, and 32 %, w/w) to a fibre-free control diet to yield nine test groups besides a fibre-free and an additional, fibre-rich, cereal-based control group. Except for the highest concentration of the high viscosity product (32 % HV-HEC), the dilution of the energy density of the diet was almost completely compensated by an increased food intake. With the same exception, energy utilisation was not impaired and, therefore, body-weight gains in the test groups were not significantly different from that in the control. Most other changes, e.g. increases in small intestinal length, mucosal DNA content, caecal and colonic weight, not only depended on the dietary concentration but also on the viscosity of HEC in a manner that either increasing the viscosity at a given dietary concentration or increasing the dietary concentration at a given viscosity led to the same results. These findings clearly prove the important role of the viscosity of the lumen content, as a mere physico-chemical factor, in determining adaptative growth responses in the intestinal tract of rats.
Parathyroid hormone is elevated but bone markers and density are normal in young female subjects who consume inadequate dietary calcium
Authors: Bonofiglio D. , Maggiolini M. , Catalano S. , Marsico S. , Aquila S. , Giorno A. , Giorno A. , Andò S.
Published: January 2020

Dietary Ca and osteocalcin (OC), parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were assessed simultaneously to bone mineral density (BMD) in 200 adolescent girls (aged 11–15 years) and 100 young women (aged 20–23 years), selected from the lowest and highest end of the Ca intake distribution of a larger population sample. Ca intake was evaluated by food frequency questionnaires, BMD was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry at ultradistal and proximal radius of non-dominant arm, bone age was estimated from x-rays of left hand and wrist according to. Surprisingly, mean Ca intakes were below the dietary reference intakes in the subgroups of girls and women with the highest measured Ca consumption. Postmenarcheal, but not premenarcheal girls showed radial densities as high as the women and in no group was BMD associated with Ca intake. In all adolescents serum PTH was negatively related to dietary Ca. In girls before menarche IGF-I was positively associated with bone age, while in the same subjects the negative relationship between SHBG and BMD pointed to the crucial role of bioavailable sex steroids on bone mass apposition in early puberty. OC levels decreased progressively with age, while serum 25-OH-D significantly increased after menarche. In conclusion, although in adolescents low Ca intake has not been shown to induce any immediate deleterious effect on radial density, the compensatory hypersecretion of PTH supports the need for an adequate Ca intake to achieve peak bone mass.
Prospective evaluation of the DSM-5 persistent complex bereavement disorder criteria in adults: dimensional and diagnostic approaches
Authors: Aoun Elie G. , Porta Giovanna , Melhem Nadine M. , Brent David A.
Published: January 2020

Background

We examine the performance of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-fifth edition (DSM-5) persistent complex bereavement-related disorder (PCBD) criteria in bereaved adults to identify prolonged grief cases determined prospectively.

Methods

Bereaved adults (n= 138) were assessed at 8, 21, 32, 67, and 90 months after the sudden death of a spouse or close relative. We used latent class growth analysis to identify the longitudinal trajectories of grief assessed using the Inventory for Complicated Grief. To validate the trajectory that corresponded to prolonged grief, we examined the baseline predictors of these trajectories and their relationship with functional impairment.

Results

We found three distinct trajectories of grief reactions. One of these trajectories (13.8%) showed high and sustained grief reactions that persisted for almost 7.5 years after the death. Participants with prolonged grief showed greater functional impairment [relative risk ratio (RRR) = 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.70 to −0.97;p= 0.02] and higher self-reported depression (RRR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.96;p= 0.001) than participants whose grief reactions subsided over time. The original PCBD (requiring 6 criterion C symptoms) criteria correctly identified cases (57.9–94.7%) with perfect specificity (100%) but low to high sensitivity (5.6–81.3%); however, its sensitivity increased when revising criterion C to require ⩾3 (45.5–94.1%). The dimensional approach showed high sensitivity (0.50–1) and specificity (0.787–0.97).

Conclusions

We recommend revisions to the PCBD criteria, which are overly restrictive and may exclude cases with clinically significant grief-related distress and impairment. In the meantime, clinicians need to monitor grief symptoms over time using available dimensional approaches to reduce the burden of grief.
Recurrent coarctation in Williams syndrome: novel approach of drug-eluting stent implantation
Authors: Tzifa Aphrodite , Mylonas Konstantinos S. , Halapas Antonios
Published: January 2020

Patients with Williams syndrome often present with abnormalities of the vascular wall of the aorta and/or the pulmonary artery. Surgery may result in restenosis of the affected vessel. Herein, we report a case of an infant with multiple recurrences of aortic coarctation successfully treated with Zotarolimus drug-eluting stent.
Inequality and Growth in a Developing Economy: Evidence from Regional Data (Spain, 1860–1930)
Authors: Beltrán Tapia Francisco J. , Martinez-Galarraga Julio
Published: January 2020

This article measures inequality at the provincial level in Spain for different benchmark years between 1860 and 1930. It then empirically assesses the relationship between economic growth and inequality. The results confirm that, although growing incomes did not directly contribute to reducing inequality, at least during the early stages of modern economic growth, other processes associated with economic growth such as the rural exodus to urban and industrial centers, the demographic transition, and the spread of literacy, among others, notably improved the situation of the bottom part of the population.
Drugs in Our Water Can Leave Even More Toxic By-Products
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: January 2020

The chemicals in our pharmaceuticals and personal care products quickly transform into different compounds when they enter the environment. Their toxic effects are relatively unknown.
Human Brains Have Tiny Bits of Magnetic Material
Authors: Duncombe Jenessa
Published: January 2020

Here’s the first map of the magnetic mineral magnetite in the human brain. Turns out that our brain stem may be full of it.
Are Beavers Nature’s “Little Firefighters”?
Authors: Duncombe Jenessa
Published: January 2020

It’s about dam time: Beavers are acknowledged for their firefighting skills in five recent blazes.
Bipartisan Focus on Energy Innovation Emerges
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: January 2020

A trio of bills making their way through Congress would boost research and development for technologies that could contribute substantially to future U.S. energy production and consumption.
The Shape of the World
Authors: Goss Heather
Published: January 2020

From new techniques in geodesy to the scientific culture we want to create, let’s start our next century together by assessing how we measure what’s most important.
Moho Beneath Tibet Based on a Joint Analysis of Gravity and Seismic Data
Authors: Zhao Guangdong , Liu Jianxin , Chen Bo , Kaban Mikhail.K. , Zheng Xuanyu
Published: January 2020

We use the improved Parker‐Oldenburg's formulas that include a reference depth into the exponential term and employ the Gauss‐fast Fourier transform method to determine Moho depth beneath the Tibetan Plateau. The synthetic models demonstrate that the improved Parker's formula has high accuracy with the maximum absolute error less than 0.25 mGal compared to the analytical solution. Two inversion parameters, that is, the reference depth and the density contrast, are essential for the Moho estimation based on the gravity field, and they need to be determined in advance to obtain correct results. Therefore, the Moho estimates derived from existing seismic studies are used to reduce the nonuniqueness of the gravity inversion and to determine these parameters by searching for the maximum correlation between the gravity‐inverted and seismic‐derived Moho depths. Another critical issue is to remove beforehand the gravity effects of other factors, which affect the observed gravity field besides Moho variations. In addition to the topography, the gravity effects of the sedimentary layer and crystalline crust are removed based on existing crustal models, while the upper mantle impact is determined based on the seismic tomography model. The inversion results show that the Moho structure under the Tibetan plateau is very complex with the depths varying from about 30–40 km in the surrounding basins (e.g., Ganges basin, Sichuan basin, and Tarim basin) to 60–80 km within the plateau. This considerable difference up to 40 km on the Moho depth reveals the substantial uplift and thickening of the crust in the Tibetan Plateau. Furthermore, two visible “Moho depression belts” are observed within the plateau with the maximum Moho deepening along the Indus‐Tsangpo Suture and along the northern margin of Tibet bounding the Tarim basin with the relatively shallow Moho in central Tibet between them. The southern “belt” is likely formed in compressional environment, where the Indian plate underthrusts northward beneath the Tibetan Plateau, while the northern one could be formed by the southward underthrust of the Asian lithosphere beneath Tibet.
Measuring Greenland Ice Sheet Melt Using Spaceborne GNSS Reflectometry From TechDemoSat‐1
Authors: Li Weiqiang , Cardellach Estel , Fabra Fran , Ribó Serni , Rius Antonio
Published: January 2020

The capability of spaceborne Global Navigation Satellite System‐reflectometry (GNSS‐R) for Greenland ice sheet melt detection is investigated using the TechDemoSat‐1 satellite (TDS‐1) data. The melt detection is based on the sensitivity of GNSS‐R signal to the presence of liquid water in snow pack. Statistical analysis during the 2018 melt season shows melt detection using GNSS‐R is possible with an agreement of 90% comparing to the microwave radiometer (MWR) data. In 37% of the cases GNSS‐R detects melting when MWR does not. The inconsistency observed between GNSS‐R and MWR is mainly due to the different features of the two observation concepts and the limitations of currently available GNSS‐R data. Furthermore, the large penetration depth of the GNSS signal can potentially provide complementary information on melt occurrence in ice sheet subsurface. These results show the potential of future GNSS‐R missions for ice sheet melt detection.
Shear Velocity Model of Alaska Via Joint Inversion of Rayleigh Wave Ellipticity, Phase Velocities, and Receiver Functions Across the Alaska Transportable Array
Authors: Berg Elizabeth M. , Lin Fan‐Chi , Allam Amir , Schulte‐Pelkum Vera , Ward Kevin M. , Shen Weisen
Published: January 2020

Through the Alaska Transportable Array deployment of over 200 stations, we create a 3‐D tomographic model of Alaska with sensitivity ranging from the near surface (<1 km) into the upper mantle (~140 km). We perform a Markov chain Monte Carlo joint inversion of Rayleigh wave ellipticity and phase velocities, from both ambient noise and earthquake measurements, along with receiver functions to create a shear wave velocity model. We also use a follow‐up phase velocity inversion to resolve interstation structure. By comparing our results to previous tomography, geology, and geophysical studies we are able to validate our findings and connect localized near‐surface studies with deeper, regional models. Specifically, we are able to resolve shallow basins, including the Copper River, Cook Inlet, Yukon Flats, Nenana, and a variety of other shallower basins. Additionally, we gain insight on the interaction between the upper mantle wedge, asthenosphere, and active and nonactive volcanism along the Aleutians and Denali volcanic gap, respectively. We observe thicker crust beneath the Brooks Range and south of the Denali fault within the Wrangellia Composite Terrane and thinner crust in the Yukon Composite Terrane in interior Alaska. We also gain new perspective on the Wrangell Volcanic Field and its interaction between surrounding asthenosphere and the Yakutat Terrane.
Shale Anisotropy Model Building Based on Deep Neural Networks
Authors: You Nan , Li Yunyue Elita , Cheng Arthur
Published: January 2020

Seismic anisotropy parameters are essential in the processing and interpretation of modern array data with multicomponent, long offsets and wide azimuth acquisitions. Traditional well logs do not measure anisotropy in a vertical well and thus cannot provide the needed information. Conventional calibration‐based as well as recent inversion‐based rock physics modeling methods involve tuning parameters and subjective choices that are largely empirical and difficult to generalize. Here we present a machine learning approach to alleviate these problems. Since it is impossible to collect massive labeled field well log data, we generate paired synthetic data of features (porosity, density, vertical
and
wave velocities,
wave and shear moduli) and labels (bulk and shear moduli of rock matrices and aspect ratio of ellipsoidal cracks). By tuning hyperparameters we obtain an optimal fully connected neural network with four hidden layers that fits well with the synthetic data. The neural network is applied to published laboratory measurements and field well log data from a Chinese well and a U.S. well without any modification. We show that anisotropy models estimated by the deep neural network agree well with the inversion results and with the laboratory measurements. The neural network optimized by extensive training based on massive synthetic data removes the subjectivity in parameter selection, generalizes to different geological environments, and has the potential to provide real‐time anisotropy estimation while logging.
Seasonal Variability of the CO2 System in a Large Coastal Plain Estuary
Authors: Friedman Jaclyn R. , Shadwick Elizabeth H. , Friedrichs Marjorie A.M. , Najjar Raymond G. , De Meo Olivia A. , Da Fei , Smith Juliette L.
Published: January 2020

The Chesapeake Bay, a large coastal plain estuary, has been studied extensively in terms of its water quality, and yet, comparatively less is known about its carbonate system. Here we present discrete observations of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total alkalinity from four seasonal cruises in 2016–2017. These new observations are used to characterize the regional CO2 system and to construct a DIC budget of the mainstem. In all seasons, elevated DIC concentrations were observed at the mouth of the bay associated with inflowing Atlantic Ocean waters, while minimum concentrations of DIC were associated with fresher waters at the head of the bay. Significant spatial variability of the partial pressure of CO2 was observed throughout the mainstem, with net uptake of atmospheric CO2 during each season in the upper mainstem and weak seasonal outgassing of CO2 near the outflow to the Atlantic Ocean. During the time frame of this study, the Chesapeake Bay mainstem was (1) net autotrophic in the mixed layer (net community production of 0.31‐mol C m−2·year−1) and net heterotrophic throughout the water column (net community production of −0.48‐mol C m−2·year−1), (2) a sink of 0.38‐mol C m−2·year−1 for atmospheric CO2, and (3) significantly seasonally and spatially variable with respect to biologically driven changes in DIC.
Assessment of Climate Change Impacts on Reservoir Storage Reliability, Resilience, and Vulnerability Using a Multivariate Frequency Bias Correction Approach
Authors: Nguyen Ha , Mehrotra Rajeshwar , Sharma Ashish
Published: January 2020

Raw simulations of global or regional climate models are rarely used in catchment scale hydrological impact assessment or subsequent reservoir storage change assessment studies. Keeping this in mind, this study uses a frequency bias correction alternative for multiple variables to evaluate the impact of climate change on reservoir storage reliability, resilience, and vulnerability across Australia. The bias‐corrected time series of daily rainfall and temperature are used as inputs to a hydrological model to derive flows and assess change to reservoir storage attributes. A total of six fifth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project climate models dynamically downscaled using the Conformal Cubic Atmospheric Model are used. Streamflow data of 222 high‐quality catchments in near‐natural conditions across Australia are used and change ascertained. The results for the historical climate show that the multivariate frequency bias correction approach outperforms the traditional quantile matching alternative in representing the runoff characteristics related to reservoir storage. For the future climate, the results suggest decrease in the annual mean runoff for most catchments. The proposed approach leads to a smaller decrease in the standard deviation of annual runoff and a reduction in the water supply capability, as indicated by a reduction in reliability and resilience and an increase in vulnerability, to meet the demand in comparison to both raw and quantile matching‐based climate simulations across for most catchments. Overall, a reduction in water supply capability to meet a given demand in the future for most regional climate models and catchments is projected.
Here’s What Your Favorite Ski Resort May Look Like in 2085
Authors: Duncombe Jenessa
Published: January 2020

Ski seasons at many of North America’s western resorts might melt away by 2085 because of warming temperatures.
Rare Earthquake Swarm Strikes Puerto Rico
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: January 2020

Puerto Rico hasn’t seen this many strong quakes in a single sequence since seismic monitoring began 46 years ago. The last earthquake to damage the island this badly occurred in 1918.
Translating the international scientific spinal cord injury exercise guidelines into community and clinical practice guidelines: a Canadian evidence-informed resource
Authors: Hoekstra Femke , McBride Christopher B. , Borisoff Jaimie , Fetterly Mary-Jo , Ginis Spero , Latimer-Cheung Amy E. , Ma Jasmin K. , Maffin Jocelyn , Mah Lorne , West Christopher R. , Willms Rhonda , Martin Ginis Kathleen A.
Published: January 2020

Study design

Knowledge translation (KT) study.

Objectives

To demonstrate how to use systematic, community-engaged methods to (1) translate the international scientific spinal cord injury (SCI) exercise guidelines into community and clinical practice guidelines, and (2) develop supporting resources.

Setting

Canada.

Methods

An expert panel of SCI researchers and stakeholders translated the guidelines and developed a supporting resource, using a KT process guided by an adapted version of the Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II Instrument. Pilot tests with end-users were conducted throughout.

Results

The panel recommended (1) the two scientific exercise guidelines be combined and presented in a single message titled “The Canadian SCI physical activity guidelines”; (2) development of an online supporting resource, with educational and motivational information presented in “layers” to address the needs and preferences of diverse end-users. The top layer presents and explains the Canadian SCI physical activity guidelines. The deeper layers include information on benefits, overcoming barriers, activity examples, safety tips, and links to existing resources. Interviews with adults with SCI (n = 8) and survey-data from end-users (n = 90) showed that the guidelines and supporting resource were perceived as clear, useful, and appropriate.

Conclusion

Using community-engaged methods, the two scientific SCI exercise guidelines were combined into one single physical activity guideline message. This KT process provides a template for groups in other countries to translate the scientific SCI exercise guidelines to their local settings using a similar systematic, community-engaged approach.

Sponsorship

Rick Hansen Institute; Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
MYC regulates fatty acid metabolism through a multigenic program in claudin-low triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Casciano Jessica C. , Perry Caroline , Cohen-Nowak Adam J. , Miller Katelyn D. , Vande Voorde Johan , Zhang Qifeng , Chalmers Susan , Sandison Mairi E. , Liu Qin , Hedley Ann , McBryan Tony , Tang Hsin-Yao , Gorman Nicole , Beer Thomas , Speicher David W. , Adams Peter D. , Liu Xuefeng , Schlegel Richard , McCarron John G. , Wakelam Michael J. O. , Gottlieb Eyal , Kossenkov Andrew V. , Schug Zachary T.
Published: January 2020

Background

Recent studies have suggested that fatty acid oxidation (FAO) is a key metabolic pathway for the growth of triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs), particularly those that have high expression of MYC. However, the underlying mechanism by which MYC promotes FAO remains poorly understood.

Methods

We used a combination of metabolomics, transcriptomics, bioinformatics, and microscopy to elucidate a potential mechanism by which MYC regulates FAO in TNBC.

Results

We propose that MYC induces a multigenic program that involves changes in intracellular calcium signalling and fatty acid metabolism. We determined key roles for fatty acid transporters (CD36), lipases (LPL), and kinases (PDGFRB, CAMKK2, and AMPK) that each contribute to promoting FAO in human mammary epithelial cells that express oncogenic levels of MYC. Bioinformatic analysis further showed that this multigenic program is highly expressed and predicts poor survival in the claudin-low molecular subtype of TNBC, but not other subtypes of TNBCs, suggesting that efforts to target FAO in the clinic may best serve claudin-low TNBC patients.

Conclusion

We identified critical pieces of the FAO machinery that have the potential to be targeted for improved treatment of patients with TNBC, especially the claudin-low molecular subtype.
Holographic detection of nanoparticles using acoustically actuated nanolenses
Authors: Ray Aniruddha , Khalid Muhammad Arslan , Demčenko Andriejus , Daloglu Mustafa , Tseng Derek , Reboud Julien , Cooper Jonathan M. , Ozcan Aydogan
Published: January 2020

The optical detection of nanoparticles, including viruses and bacteria, underpins many of the biological, physical and engineering sciences. However, due to their low inherent scattering, detection of these particles remains challenging, requiring complex instrumentation involving extensive sample preparation methods, especially when sensing is performed in liquid media. Here we present an easy-to-use, high-throughput, label-free and cost-effective method for detecting nanoparticles in low volumes of liquids (25 nL) on a disposable chip, using an acoustically actuated lens-free holographic system. By creating an ultrasonic standing wave in the liquid sample, placed on a low-cost glass chip, we cause deformations in a thin liquid layer (850 nm) containing the target nanoparticles (≥140 nm), resulting in the creation of localized lens-like liquid menisci. We also show that the same acoustic waves, used to create the nanolenses, can mitigate against non-specific, adventitious nanoparticle binding, without the need for complex surface chemistries acting as blocking agents.
Microglial activation increases cocaine self-administration following adolescent nicotine exposure
Authors: Linker K. E. , Gad M. , Tawadrous P. , Cano M. , Green K. N. , Wood M. A. , Leslie F. M.
Published: January 2020

With the rise of e-cigarette use, teen nicotine exposure is becoming more widespread. Findings from clinical and preclinical studies show that the adolescent brain is particularly sensitive to nicotine. Animal studies have demonstrated that adolescent nicotine exposure increases reinforcement for cocaine and other drugs. However, the mechanisms that underlie these behaviors are poorly understood. Here, we report reactive microglia are critical regulators of nicotine-induced increases in adolescent cocaine self-administration. Nicotine has dichotomous, age-dependent effects on microglial morphology and immune transcript profiles. A multistep signaling mechanism involving D2 receptors and CX3CL1 mediates nicotine-induced increases in cocaine self-administration and microglial activation. Moreover, nicotine depletes presynaptic markers in a manner that is microglia-, D2- and CX3CL1-dependent. Taken together, we demonstrate that adolescent microglia are uniquely susceptible to perturbations by nicotine, necessary for nicotine-induced increases in cocaine-seeking, and that D2 receptors and CX3CL1 play a mechanistic role in these phenomena.
Assessing electron transfer reactions and catalysis in multicopper oxidases with operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Macedo Lucyano J. A. , Hassan Ayaz , Sedenho Graziela C. , Crespilho Frank N.
Published: January 2020

Here we propose an experimental setup based on operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to understand why copper-containing oxidoreductase enzymes show exceptional performance as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). An electrode based on carbon nanoparticles organized in mesoporous structures with bilirubin oxidase (BOD) was developed to be used in a home-made operando XAS electrochemical cell, and we probed the electron transfer under ORR regime. In the presence of molecular oxygen, the BOD cofactor containing 4 copper ions require an overpotential about 150 mV to be reduced as compared to that in the absence of oxygen. A second electron transfer step, which occurs faster than the cofactor reduction, suggests that the cooper ions act as a tridimensional redox active electronic bridges for the electron transfer reaction.
Crystal structures of fukutin-related protein (FKRP), a ribitol-phosphate transferase related to muscular dystrophy
Authors: Kuwabara Naoyuki , Imae Rieko , Manya Hiroshi , Tanaka Tomohiro , Mizuno Mamoru , Tsumoto Hiroki , Kanagawa Motoi , Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Toda Tatsushi , Senda Toshiya , Endo Tamao , Kato Ryuichi
Published: January 2020

α-Dystroglycan (α-DG) is a highly-glycosylated surface membrane protein. Defects in the O-mannosyl glycan of α-DG cause dystroglycanopathy, a group of congenital muscular dystrophies. The core M3 O-mannosyl glycan contains tandem ribitol-phosphate (RboP), a characteristic feature first found in mammals. Fukutin and fukutin-related protein (FKRP), whose mutated genes underlie dystroglycanopathy, sequentially transfer RboP from cytidine diphosphate-ribitol (CDP-Rbo) to form a tandem RboP unit in the core M3 glycan. Here, we report a series of crystal structures of FKRP with and without donor (CDP-Rbo) and/or acceptor [RboP-(phospho-)core M3 peptide] substrates. FKRP has N-terminal stem and C-terminal catalytic domains, and forms a tetramer both in crystal and in solution. In the acceptor complex, the phosphate group of RboP is recognized by the catalytic domain of one subunit, and a phosphate group on O-mannose is recognized by the stem domain of another subunit. Structure-based functional studies confirmed that the dimeric structure is essential for FKRP enzymatic activity.
Hominin-specific regulatory elements selectively emerged in oligodendrocytes and are disrupted in autism patients
Authors: Castelijns Bas , Baak Mirna L. , Timpanaro Ilia S. , Wiggers Caroline R. M. , Vermunt Marit W. , Shang Peng , Kondova Ivanela , Geeven Geert , Bianchi Valerio , de Laat Wouter , Geijsen Niels , Creyghton Menno P.
Published: January 2020

Speciation is associated with substantial rewiring of the regulatory circuitry underlying the expression of genes. Determining which changes are relevant and underlie the emergence of the human brain or its unique susceptibility to neural disease has been challenging. Here we annotate changes to gene regulatory elements (GREs) at cell type resolution in the brains of multiple primate species spanning most of primate evolution. We identify a unique set of regulatory elements that emerged in hominins prior to the separation of humans and chimpanzees. We demonstrate that these hominin gains perferentially affect oligodendrocyte function postnatally and are preferentially affected in the brains of autism patients. This preference is also observed for human-specific GREs suggesting this system is under continued selective pressure. Our data provide a roadmap of regulatory rewiring across primate evolution providing insight into the genomic changes that underlie the emergence of the brain and its susceptibility to neural disease.
Sleep/Wake Regularity Associated with Default Mode Network Structure among Healthy Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Lunsford-Avery Jessica R. , Damme Katherine S. F. , Engelhard Matthew M. , Kollins Scott H. , Mittal Vijay A.
Published: January 2020

Sleep deprivation and disorders are linked to reduced DMN connectivity. Less is known about how naturalistic sleep patterns – specifically sleep irregularity - relate to the DMN, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Additionally, no studies have utilized graph theory analysis to clarify whether sleep-related decreases in connectivity reflect global or local DMN changes. Twenty-five healthy adolescents and young adults (age range = 12–22; mean = 18.08; SD = 2.64, 56% female) completed 7 days of actigraphy and resting-state fMRI. Sleep regularity was captured by the Sleep Regularity Index (SRI) and the relationship between the SRI and DMN was examined using graph theory analysis. Analogous analyses explored relationships between the SRI and additional resting-state networks. Greater sleep regularity related to decreased path length (increased network connectivity) in DMN regions, particularly the right and left lateral parietal lobule, and the Language Network, including the left inferior frontal gyrus and the left posterior superior frontal gyrus. Findings were robust to covariates including sex and age. Sleep and DMN function may be tightly linked during adolescence and young adulthood, and reduced DMN connectivity may reflect local changes within the network. Future studies should assess how this relationship impacts cognitive development and neuropsychiatric outcomes in this age group.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic, Thermodynamics and Kinetics Analysis Study of Novel Polymers Containing Various Azo Chromophore
Authors: Çanakçı Dilek
Published: January 2020

Two novel polymers containing azo and ether groups were synthesized by oxidative polycondensation in an aqueous alkaline medium by NaOCI oxidants. The azo dye monomers that were polymerized were synthesized by diazotization of 2-amino-4-chlorophenyl phenyl ether and coupling reaction with 2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene and 1,3-benzenediol. Structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic studies such as FT-IR, UV-vis, 1H-NMR. Gel permeation chromatography was used to evaluate the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of the azo polymers. Furthermore, the surface morphology of the azo monomers and polymers were scrutinized by using scanning electron microscope. To investigate the effect of solvent on absorption, the electronic absorption spectra of the synthesized compounds were measured in six solvents with different polarity. The thermal behaviors of the monomers and polymers were identified by the TG, DTG and DTA techniques. In addition, the Coats-Redfern, Horowitz-Metzger and Broido methods for the determination of the kinetic parameters were used in the kinetic analysis of thermal decomposition of the compounds.
Flavanomarein inhibits high glucose-stimulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HK-2 cells via targeting spleen tyrosine kinase
Authors: Zhang Nan-nan , Kang Jin-sen , Liu Shuai-Shuai , Gu Si-Meng , Song Zhi-peng , Li Feng-xiang , Wang Li-feng , Yao Lan , Li Tian , Li Lin-lin , Wang Ye , Li Xue-jun , Mao Xin-min
Published: January 2020

Flavanomarein (FM) is a major natural compound of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt with protective effects against diabetic nephropathy (DN). In this study, we investigated the effects of FM on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in high glucose (HG)-stimulated human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) and the underlying mechanisms, including both direct targets and downstream signal-related proteins. The influence of FM on EMT marker proteins was evaluated via western blot. Potential target proteins of FM were searched using Discovery Studio 2017 R2. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was conducted to enrich the proteins within the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network for biological processes. Specific binding of FM to target proteins was examined via molecular dynamics and surface plasmon resonance analyses (SPR). FM promoted the proliferation of HK-2 cells stimulated with HG and inhibited EMT through the Syk/TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) was predicted to be the most likely directly interacting protein with FM. Combined therapy with a Syk inhibitor and FM presents significant potential as an effective novel therapeutic strategy for DN.
Neurosurgical lesions to sensorimotor cortex do not impair action verb processing
Authors: Argiris Georgette , Budai Riccardo , Maieron Marta , Ius Tamara , Skrap Miran , Tomasino Barbara
Published: January 2020

There is ongoing debate regarding the role that sensorimotor regions play in conceptual processing, with embodied theories supporting their direct involvement in processing verbs describing body part movements. Patient lesion studies examining a causal role for sensorimotor activation in conceptual task performance have suffered the caveat of lesions being largely diffuse and extensive beyond sensorimotor cortices. The current study addresses this limitation in reporting on 20 pre-operative neurosurgical patients with focal lesion to the pre- and post-central area corresponding to somatotopic representations. Patients were presented with a battery of neuropsychological tests and experimental tasks tapping into motor imagery and verbal conceptual verb processing in addition to neurophysiological measures including DTI, fMRI, and MEP being measured. Results indicated that left tumor patients who presented with a lesion at or near somatotopic hand representations performed significantly worse on the mental rotation hand task and that performance correlated with MEP amplitudes in the upper limb motor region. Furthermore, performance on tasks of verbal processing was within the normal range. Taken together, while our results evidence the involvement of the motor system in motor imagery processes, they do not support the embodied view that sensorimotor regions are necessary to tasks of action verb processing.
A novel method for biosynthesis of different polymorphs of TiO2 nanoparticles as a protector for Bacillus thuringiensis from Ultra Violet
Authors: Jalali Elham , Maghsoudi Shahab , Noroozian Ebrahim
Published: January 2020

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) were used for biosynthesis of amorphous TiO2 converted to distinct polymorphs (anatase, rutile, mix) under different temperature conditions. Characterizations of TiO2 nanoparticles were performed by using X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. Stability of five formulations under ultraviolet (UV) radiation with spore viability and mortality test on Ephestia kuehniella Zeller larvae were investigated. TiO2(mix) showed the highest viabilities of 79.76% after exposure to ultraviolet (UVA385 nm), while viabilities of non-protected spores under these conditions were 41.32%. The mortality of TiO2(mix), TiO2(anatase), TiO2(rutile), TiO2(amorphous) and free spore formulations on second-instar larvae of Ephestia kuehniella were 73.76%, 71.24%, 57.12%, 51.32%, and 50.32%, respectively on the 10th day of the experiment. The obtained results suggest that TiO2(amorphous) does not increase Bt resistance, but both phases of TiO2 nanoparticles synthesized (anatase and rutile) through the Bacillus thuringiensis and phase mixture can increase the persistence of Bt to the UV light. Furthermore, the combination of both crystalline phases of TiO2(mix) has the highest performance in improving the Bt resistance.
Effects of image distortion and Hounsfield unit variations on radiation treatment plans: An extended field-of-view reconstruction in a large bore CT scanner
Authors: Bae Yong-Ki , Lee Jeong-Woo , Hong Semie
Published: January 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of image distortion and Hounsfield unit (HU) variation due to the extended field-of-view (eFOV) of the large-bore (LB) computed tomography (CT) on dose distribution. Both home-made inhomogeneity and breast phantoms were scanned at the geometric center position and four different offset positions. We also performed dose optimizations based on different breast phantom CT sets for evaluating the effects of image artifacts on the intensity-modulated radiation techniques. The volume changes were 0.0% to 0.5% in the air, −0.5% to 3.0% in the water, and 4.0% to 5.0% in the high-density material of the inhomogeneity phantom. Both phantoms scanning results indicate that more distortions occurred in the eFOV area due to the biased scanning center. The gamma index differences ranged from 0.87% to 4.87% for the FIF plan and from 0.52% to 6.26% for the VMAT plan. This resulted in decrease of the minimum (7.3–13.1%), maximum (−0.8–2.2%), and mean doses (−0.2–4.4%). We recommend that it should be evaluated whether the applied CT would have an appropriate eFOV range for clinical radiation treatment planning for patients.
Dinuclear metal complexes: multifunctional properties and applications
Authors: Li Guangfu , Zhu Dongxia , Wang Xinlong , Su Zhongmin , Bryce Martin R.
Published: January 2020

Dinuclear metal complexes have enabled breakthroughs in OLEDs, photocatalytic water splitting and CO2reduction, DSPEC, chemosensors, biosensors, PDT and smart materials.
Branch migration-based polymerase chain reaction combined with endonuclease IV-assisted target recycling probe/blocker system for detection of low-abundance point mutations
Authors: Chen Na , Zhang Wei , Tang Xiaofeng , Ming Zhihao , Xiao Xianjin
Published: January 2020

Branch migration-based PCR combined with endonuclease IV-assisted target recycling probe/blocker system for highly selective detection of low-abundance mutations.
Effect of disulphide loop length on mechanochemical structural stability of macromolecules
Authors: Wang Feng , Diesendruck Charles E.
Published: January 2020

Polymer chains folded with a single disulphide loop are shown to present distinct rates of mechanochemical fragmentation.
Asymmetric Si-rhodamine scaffolds: rational design of pH-durable protease-activated NIR probes in vivo
Authors: Li Min , Wang Chuanfeng , Wang Ting , Fan Mengting , Wang Ning , Ma Danying , Hu Ting , Cui Xiaoyan
Published: January 2020

A group of asymmetric Si-rhodamine scaffolds was designed for protease-activated NIR probes.
(Isocyano group)⋯lone pair interactions involving coordinated isocyanides: experimental, theoretical and CSD studies
Authors: Mikherdov Alexander S. , Katkova Svetlana A. , Novikov Alexander S. , Efremova Mariia M. , Reutskaya Elena Yu. , Kinzhalov Mikhail A.
Published: January 2020

Both carbon and nitrogen centers in the coordinated isocyano group are capable of acting as a π-hole donor toward lone pairs.
Exciton transfer free energy from Car–Parrinello molecular dynamics
Authors: Schwermann Christian , Doltsinis Nikos L.
Published: January 2020

Free energies profiles for exciton transfer processes are calculated withinab initiomolecular dynamics by applying restraining potentials to the Wannier centres of molecular orbitals corresponding to an electron-hole pair.
A more sustainable and highly practicable synthesis of aliphatic isocyanides
Authors: Waibel K. A. , Nickisch R. , Möhl N. , Seim R. , Meier M. A. R.
Published: January 2020

A more sustainable and easier applicable synthesis of aliphatic isocyanides in DMC is introduced using non-hazardousp-toluenesulfonyl chloride as dehydration reagent.
Studies on continuous selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol over supported Cu–Co bimetallic catalysts
Authors: Raju Narsinga , Rekha Voggu , Abhishek Burri , Kumar Peddagolla Mahesh , Sumana Chenna , Lingaiah Nakka
Published: January 2020

Alumina supported copper–cobalt catalysts were made and screened for continuous hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,2-propanediol at atmospheric pressure.
Chemical repair mechanisms of damaged tyrosyl and tryptophanyl residues in proteins by the superoxide radical anion
Authors: Muñoz-Rugeles Leonardo , Galano Annia , Alvarez-Idaboy Juan Raúl
Published: January 2020

Even though reaction of the superoxide anion radical/hydroperoxide radical could lead to oxidation of biomolecules, it can repair oxidized tyrosyl and tryptophanyl residues in proteins at diffusion-controlled rates.
An efficient one-pot synthesis of industrially valuable primary organic carbamates and N-substituted ureas by a reusable Merrifield anchored iron(ii)-anthra catalyst [FeII(Anthra-Merf)] using urea as a sustainable carbonylation source
Authors: Basu Priyanka , Dey Tusar Kanto , Ghosh Aniruddha , Biswas Surajit , Khan Aslam , Islam Sk. Manirul
Published: January 2020

A Merrifield anchored iron(ii)-anthra catalyst [FeII(Anthra-Merf)] has been synthesized for the production of primary carbamates and N-substituted ureas using a carbonylation source.
Peculiar piezoelectricity of atomically thin planar structures
Authors: Ghasemian Mohammad B. , Daeneke Torben , Shahrbabaki Zahra , Yang Jiong , Kalantar-Zadeh Kourosh
Published: January 2020

The real realm and recent advances of piezoelectricity after thinning down to two-dimensional materials have been introduced.
Carboxylated gold nanoparticles inhibit bone erosion by disturbing the acidification of an osteoclast absorption microenvironment
Authors: Bai Xue , Gao Yuan , Zhang Mingyi , Chang Ya-nan , Chen Kui , Li Juan , Zhang Jiaxin , Liang Yuelan , Kong Jianglong , Wang Yujiao , Liang Wei , Xing Gengyan , Li Wei , Xing Gengmei
Published: January 2020

Schematic of the mechanism by which a gold nanoparticle inhibits bone erosion.
Synthesis and study ofC-substituted methylthio derivatives of cobalt bis(dicarbollide)
Authors: Stogniy Marina Yu. , Kazheva Olga N. , Chudak Denis M. , Shilov Gennady V. , Filippov Oleg A. , Sivaev Igor B. , Kravchenko Andrey V. , Starodub Vladimir A. , Buravov Lev I. , Bregadze Vladimir I. , Dyachenko Oleg A.
Published: January 2020

TheC-methylthio derivatives of cobalt bis(dicarbollide)rac-[1,1′-(MeS)2-3,3′-Co(1,2-C2B9H10)2]−andmeso-[1,2′-(MeS)2-3,3′-Co(1,2-C2B9H10)2]−were synthesized and studied by DFT calculations and X-ray diffraction.
The efficient biogeneration of Ag and NiO nanoparticles from VPLE and a study of the anti-diabetic properties of the extract
Authors: Gao Hongying , Tayebee Reza , Abdizadeh Mojtaba Fattahi , Mansouri Esrafil , Latifnia Maryam , Pourmojahed Zahra
Published: January 2020

Vitex pseudo-negundoleaf extract (VPLE) is a mediator for the green biosynthesis of Ag and NiO nanoparticles, and its protective effects are assessed in the livers of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
Novel fluorescein polymer-based nanoparticles: facile and controllable one-pot synthesis, assembly, and immobilization of biomolecules for application in a highly sensitive biosensor
Authors: Woo Jiseob , Park Heesun , Na Yoonhee , Kim Sunghyun , Choi Won Il , Lee Jin Hyung , Seo Hyemi , Sung Daekyung
Published: January 2020

We report a facile approach for the development of novel fluorescein polymeric nanoparticles (FPNPs) with immobilization of specific biomolecules for application in a highly sensitive optical biosensor.
Rational synthesis of 10GDC electrolyte through a microwave irradiation GNP facile route for SOFC applications
Authors: Shaikh S. P. S. , Rode Chandrashekhar V.
Published: January 2020

The gadolinium-doped ceria Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95(10GDC) powder was synthesized using a microwave-synthesized glycine nitrate process (MS-GNP).