bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secret but Constrained: The Impact of Elite Opposition on Covert Operations
Authors: Smith Gregory L.
Published: August 2019

Recent international relations scholarship has argued that political elites constrain the use of military force by democracies. Despite the persuasiveness of this research, scholars have largely ignored elite dynamics’ ability to constrain the initiation of covert operations. This omission is consequential because scholars of US foreign policy often assume that covert operations serve as a substitute for the overt use of force; secrecy allows leaders to limit information to congressional elites and thus weaken their oversight capabilities. Do elite political dynamics constrain presidents’ ability to act secretly or do they affect the overt use of force only? I argue that elite political constraints—particularly opposition from Congress—extend to the president's ability to initiate covert operations. By examining the trade-off between US military force and CIA-initiated covert operations during the Cold War, I find the likelihood that covert operations are initiated decreases significantly during periods of divided government and that there is no distinguishable trade-off between covert operations and overt military force. The results suggest that constraints on covert operations became more uniform across unified and divided government following congressional oversight reforms in 1975 that reduced the information asymmetry between the majority and minority party. These findings have important ramifications for the nascent literature on back-door bargaining and covert signalling. Because democratic leaders frequently face domestic political costs even when acting in secret, covert operations should allow leaders to credibly convey their resolve.
Age differences in attitudes about older adults with dementia
Authors: Newton Christie , Hadjistavropoulos Thomas , Gallant Natasha L. , MacNab Ying C.
Published: August 2019

Dementia, a term that describes a variety of brain conditions marked by gradual, persistent and progressive cognitive decline, affects a significant proportion of older adults. Older adults with dementia are sometimes perceived less favourably than those without dementia. Furthermore, compared to persons without dementia, those with dementia are often perceived by others as having reduced personhood. This study was aimed at investigating whether differences in attitudes towards dementia and personhood perceptions vary as a function of age group, care-giver status, attitudes towards ageing, dementia knowledge, gender and education. In total 196 younger, middle-aged and older adults were recruited. Findings revealed that being a care-giver as well as having less ageist attitudes were predictive of being more comfortable around persons with dementia, having more knowledge about dementia and ascribing greater personhood to people with dementia. Those with more dementia knowledge (prior to the study) were less comfortable around people with dementia. Finally, when controlling this prior dementia knowledge, older adults were more comfortable around people with dementia compared to younger and middle-aged adults. Gender and education were not associated with any of the variables under study. Findings contribute to a better understanding of the role of age- and care-giver-related factors in the determination of attitudes towards dementia.
When conflict escalates into intimate partner violence: The delicate nature of observed coercion in adolescent romantic relationships
Authors: Ha Thao , Kim Hanjoe , McGill Shannon
Published: August 2019

We investigated how initial conflicts in adolescent romantic relationships escalate into serious forms of conflict, including intimate partner violence (IPV). We focused on whether adolescents’ micro-level interaction patterns, i.e., coercion and positive engagement, mediated between conflict and future IPV. The sample consisted of 91 heterosexual couples, aged 13 to 18 years (M= 16.5,SD= 0.99) from a diverse background (42% Hispanic/Latino, 42% White). Participants completed surveys about conflict at Time 1, and they participated in videotaped conflict and jealousy discussions. At Time 2, participants completed surveys about conflict and IPV, and an average daily conflict score was calculated from ecological momentary assessments. Multilevel hazard models revealed that we did not find support for dyadic coercion as a risk process leading to escalations in conflict. However, a higher likelihood of ending dyadic positive behaviors mediated between earlier levels of conflict and a latent construct of female conflict and IPV. Classic coercive dynamics may not apply to adolescent romantic relationships. Instead, not being able to reinforce levels of positivity during conflict predicted conflict and IPV as reported by females. The implications of these findings for understanding coercion in the escalation from conflict to IPV in adolescent romantic relationships are discussed.
WADEM Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine – 2019 Abstracts of Oral Presentations – ADDENDUM
Authors: Witt Regina , Menegat Robriane
Published: August 2019

Introduction:

When hydrological disasters occur in local rural communities, the demand for health services increases, especially in primary healthcare.1 Health services are essential in the response to a disaster where nurses all over the world play a significant role.

Aim:

To identify nurses’ competencies when responding to disasters caused by floods in the rural area.

Methods:

A descriptive, exploratory, and qualitative study was developed. The Critical Incidents Technique was adopted. Twenty public health nurses who worked during the flood season in the years of 2014 and 2015 in a rural area in Southern Brazil were interviewed. Critical incidents and requirements identified in the empirical data gave rise to the development of the competencies.

Results:

Thirty competencies were identified and classified in the following domains: leadership and management, teamwork, health care, community-oriented, communication, psychological support, health surveillance, and education.

Discussion:

Although the competencies could be related to the established international competencies for the nurse in disasters, some were described only in this study. They can contribute to the education and practice of nurses in primary health care, strengthening its capacity to face disaster situations by flood in the rural area.
Association of dietary habits with restorative dental treatment need and BMI among Finnish conscripts: a cross-sectional epidemiological study
Authors: Tanner Tarja , Moilanen Pernelle , Päkkilä Jari , Patinen Pertti , Tjäderhane Leo , Anttonen Vuokko
Published: August 2019

Objective:

Processed foods and fatty, sugary snacking products, such as fizzy drinks and desserts, have become more popular, causing a desire to replace meals with snacks worldwide. High-sugar and fat-rich food components have been reported to be associated with increased level of dental caries as well as underweight and overweight. The aim of the present cross-sectional population-based study was to analyse the eating behaviours of young, healthy Finnish males in association with oral health and BMI, considering self-reported and residential background factors.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Finnish Defence Forces, Finland.

Participants:

The used clinical data were gathered from 13 564 Finnish conscripts born in the beginning of the 1990s through clinical check-ups. In addition, about 8700 of the conscripts answered a computer-assisted questionnaire (‘Oral Health of the Conscripts 2011’ data) about their background information and health habits.

Results:

There was distinct variation in dietary patterns. Eating breakfast, regular physical exercise and daily tooth brushing all decreased the odds for restorative dental treatment need (decayed teeth), whereas smoking and drinking fizzy drinks for quenching thirst increased it. Eating breakfast and dinner were each associated with lower BMI, but smoking increased the odds for higher BMI (≥25 kg/m2).

Conclusions:

Regular, proper meals and especially eating breakfast decreased the odds for both dental caries and high BMI (≥25 kg/m2).
Interannual Variability of Upper Ocean Water Masses as Inferred From Argo Array
Authors: Kolodziejczyk Nicolas , Llovel William , Portela Esther
Published: August 2019

Interannual variability of Ocean Heat Content (OHC) is intimately linked to ocean water mass changes. Water mass characteristics are imprinted at the ocean surface and are modulated by climate variability on interannual to decadal time scales. In this study, we investigate the water mass change and their variability using an isopycnal decomposition of the OHC. For that purpose, we address the thickness and temperature changes of these water masses using both individual temperature‐salinity profiles and optimal interpolated products from Argo data. Isopycnal decomposition allows us to characterize the water mass interannual variability and decadal trends of volume and OHC. During the last decade (2006–2015), much of interannual and decadal warming is associated with Southern Hemisphere Subtropical Mode Water and Subantarctic Mode Water, particularly in the South Pacific Eastern Subtropical Mode Water, the Southeastern Indian Subantarctic Mode Water, and the Southern Pacific Subantarctic Mode Water. In contrast, Antarctic Intermediate Water in the Southern Hemisphere and North Atlantic Subtropical Mode Water in the Northern Hemisphere have cooled. This OHC interannual variability is mainly explained by volume (or mass) changes of water masses related to the isopycnal heaving. The forcing mechanisms and interior dynamics of water masses are discussed in the context of the wind stress change and ocean adjustment occurring at interannual time scale.
Distribution of Surface Wave Breaking Fronts
Authors: Romero Leonel
Published: August 2019

This study describes a model of Phillips' Λ(c) distribution, which is the expected length of breaking fronts (per unit surface area) moving with velocity c to c+dc, providing a framework for coupled atmosphere‐wave‐ocean models to explicitly account for wave breaking related air‐sea fluxes. The model of Λ depends on the spectral saturation, based on Gaussian statistics of the lengths of crest exceeding wave slope criteria, and long wave‐short wave modulation. A wave breaking dissipation function based on Λ was implemented in the model WaveWatchIII. The wave solutions are consistent with the observations, including several metrics of the spectrum and Λ(c) distributions. The whitecap coverage derived from Λ reproduces recent parameterizations saturating at high winds. The wave breaking variability due to wave‐current interaction is significant at submesoscales (order 1 km or smaller). The wave breaking model can be further developed to model gas transfer coefficients and aerosol production.
Madden‐Julian Oscillation‐Induced Sea Surface Salinity Variability as Detected in Satellite‐Derived Salinity
Authors: Shoup Casey G. , Subrahmanyam Bulusu , Roman‐Stork Heather L.
Published: August 2019

As a dominant source of tropical variability, the Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO) influences the ocean in many ways. One approach to observe the atmosphere‐ocean relationship is by examining sea surface salinity (SSS) due to direct freshening by MJO precipitation. The convectively enhanced (suppressed) phase of the MJO is associated with negative (positive) SSS anomalies that propagate eastward along the equatorial Indian and Pacific oceans. In this study, primary MJO events are identified, and their SSS signatures are compared for the first time across multiple satellite salinity products (the European Space Agency's Soil Moisture Ocean Salinity; the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Aquarius and Soil Moisture Active Passive) from 2010 to 2017. While all satellite missions are capable of detecting MJO signals and primary events on an unprecedented observational scale, we find that the use of the combined active passive algorithm increases signal robustness, with the strongest signal response in Soil Moisture Active Passive and Soil Moisture Ocean Salinity (±0.2 psu) and the lowest in Aquarius (±0.1 psu).
Field‐Aligned and Horizontal Currents in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres From the Swarm Satellite
Authors: Workayehu A. B. , Vanhamäki H. , Aikio A. T.
Published: August 2019

We present statistical investigation of the high‐latitude ionospheric current systems in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) and Southern Hemisphere (SH) during low (Kp < 2) and high (Kp ≥ 2) geomagnetic activity levels. Nearly 4 years of vector magnetic field measurements are analyzed from the two parallel flying Swarm A and C satellites using the spherical elementary current system method. The ionospheric horizontal and field‐aligned currents (FACs) for each auroral oval crossing are calculated. The distributions of the mean values of FACs as well as the horizontal curl‐free and divergence‐free currents in magnetic latitude and magnetic local time for each hemisphere and activity level are presented. To estimate the NH/SH current ratios for the two activity levels, we remove seasonal bias in the number of samples and in the Kp distribution by bootstrap resampling. This is done in such a manner that there are equal number of samples from each season in each Kp bin. We find that for the low activity level, the currents in the NH are stronger than in the SH by 12±4% for FAC, 9±2% for the horizontal curl‐free current, and 8±2% for the horizontal divergence‐free current. During the high activity level, the hemispheric differences are not statistically significant. This suggests that the local ionospheric conditions, such as magnetic field strength or daily variations in insolation, may be important and play a larger role during quiet than disturbed periods. This issue must be studied further.
Mars Dust Storm Effects in the Ionosphere and Magnetosphere and Implications for Atmospheric Carbon Loss
Authors: Fang Xiaohua , Ma Yingjuan , Lee Yuni , Bougher Stephen , Liu Guiping , Benna Mehdi , Mahaffy Paul , Montabone Luca , Pawlowski David , Dong Chuanfei , Dong Yaxue , Jakosky Bruce
Published: August 2019

Mars regional and global dust storms are able to impact the lower/upper atmospheres through dust aerosol radiative heating and cooling and atmospheric circulation. Here we present the first attempt to globally investigate how the dust impact transfers from the neutral upper atmosphere to the ionosphere and the induced magnetosphere above 100‐km altitude. This is achieved by running a multifluid magnetohydrodynamic model under nondusty and dusty atmospheric conditions for the 2017 late‐winter regional storm and the 1971–1972 global storm. Our results show that the dayside main ionospheric layer (below ∼250‐km altitude) undergoes an overall upwelling, where photochemical reactions dominate. The peak electron density remains unchanged, and the peak altitude shift is in accordance with the upper atmospheric expansion (∼5 and ∼15 km for the regional and global storms, respectively). Controlled by the day‐to‐night transport, the nightside ionosphere responds to the dust storms in a close connection with what happens on the dayside but not apparently with the ambient atmospheric change. At higher altitudes, dust‐induced perturbations propagate upward from the ionosphere to the magnetosphere and extend from the dayside to the nightside, within a broad region bounded by the induced magnetospheric boundary. It is found that the global dust storm is able to dramatically enhance the CO
loss by a factor of ∼3, which amounts to an increase of ∼20% or more for total carbon loss (in the forms of neutrals and ions). Strong dust storms are a potentially important factor in atmospheric evolution at Mars.
Complex Conductivity of Graphitic Schists and Sandstones
Authors: Abdulsamad F. , Revil A. , Ghorbani A. , Toy V. , Kirilova M. , Coperey A. , Duvillard P.A. , Ménard G. , Ravanel L.
Published: August 2019

Spectral induced polarization spectra were carried out on three graphitic schists and two graphitic sandstones. The microstructural arrangement of graphite of two graphitic schists was studied with thin sections using transmitted and reflected light optical and electron microscopic methods. Chemical maps of selected areas confirm the presence of carbon. The complex conductivity spectra were measured in the frequency range 10 mHz to 45 kHz and in the temperature range +20 °C down to −15 °C. The measured spectra are fitted with a double Cole‐Cole complex conductivity model with one component associated with the polarization of graphite and the second component associated with the Maxwell‐Wagner polarization. The Cole‐Cole exponent and the chargeability are observed to be almost independent of temperature including in freezing conditions. The conductivity and relaxation time are dependent on the temperature in a predictable way. As long as the temperature decreases, the electrical conductivity decreases and the relaxation time increases. A finite element model is able to reproduce the observed results. In this model, we consider an intragrain polarization mechanism for the graphite and a change of the conductivity of the background material modeled with an exponential freezing curve. One of the core sample (a black schist), very rich in graphite, appears to be characterized by a very high conductivity (approximately 30 S/m). Two induced polarization profiles are discussed in the area of Thorens. The model is applied to the chargeability data to map the volumetric content of graphite.
The Crust in the Pamir: Insights From Receiver Functions
Authors: Schneider F.M. , Yuan X. , Schurr B. , Mechie J. , Sippl C. , Kufner S.‐K. , Ratschbacher L. , Tilmann F. , Oimahmadov I. , Gadoev M. , Minaev V. , Abdybachaev U. , Orunbaev S. , Ischuk A. , Murodkulov S.
Published: August 2019

The Cenozoic convergence between India and Asia has created Earth's thickest crust in the Pamir‐Tibet Plateau by extreme crustal shortening. Here we study the crustal structure of the Pamir and western Tian Shan, the adjacent margins of the Tajik, Tarim, and Ferghana Basins, and the Hindu Kush, using data collected by temporary seismic experiments. We derive, compare, and combine independent observations from P and S receiver functions. The obtained Moho depth varies from ~40 km below the basins to a double‐normal thickness of 65–75 km underneath the Pamir and Hindu Kush. A Moho doublet—with the deeper interface down to a depth of ~90 km—coincides with the arc of intermediate‐depth seismicity underneath the Pamir, where Asian continental lower crust delaminates and rolls back. The crust beneath most of the Central and South Pamir has a low Vp/Vs ratio (<1.70), suggesting a dominantly felsic composition, probably a result of delamination/foundering of the mafic rocks of the lower crust. Beneath the Cenozoic gneiss domes of the Central and South Pamir, which represent extensional core complexes, the Vp/Vs ratios are moderate to high (~1.75), consistent with the previously observed, midcrustal low‐velocity zones, implying the presence of crustal partial melts. Even higher crustal average Vp/Vs ratios up to 1.90 are found in the sedimentary basins and along the Main Pamir Thrust. The ratios along the latter—the active thrust front of the Pamir—may reflect fluid accumulations within a strongly fractured fault system.
Constraining Crustal Properties Using Receiver Functions and the Autocorrelation of Earthquake‐Generated Body Waves
Authors: Delph Jonathan R. , Levander Alan , Niu Fenglin
Published: August 2019

Passive seismic methods for imaging the discontinuity structure of Earth have primarily focused on differences in vertically and radially polarized energy in the coda of earthquake‐generated body waves (e.g., receiver functions). To convert the timing of scattered wave arrivals to depth, three parameters must be known or inferred: depth or layer thickness (H),P‐wave velocity (VP), andS‐wave velocity (VS). A common way to solve for these parameters is throughH‐κstacking analysis, in which layer thickness and the ratio betweenVPandVS(κ) is calculated while holding one of the velocity parameters constant. However, this assumption biases estimates of layer properties and leads to uncertainties that are not appropriately quantified. As these results are commonly used as starting models for more complex seismic or geodynamic analyses, these assumptions can propagate much further than the initial study. In this study, we introduce independent observations from body‐wave autocorrelations that can help constrain this underdetermined problem.P‐wave autocorrelation allows for the recovery of the Moho‐reflectedP‐wave phase from teleseismic earthquakes, which is removed during deconvolution in the calculation of receiver functions. As the Moho‐reflectedP‐wave is independent ofVS, this constraint allows us to create a system of equations that better quantifies the thickness,VP, andVSof a layer and produces a more appropriate estimation of associated uncertainties. We apply this to 88 seismic stations that are spatially distributed throughout the United States to obtain a model of crustal variability that is unbiased by a priori assumptions of velocity structure.
A Three‐Dimensional Array for the Study of Infrasound Propagation Through the Atmospheric Boundary Layer
Authors: Smink Madelon M. E. , Assink Jelle D. , Bosveld Fred C. , Smets Pieter S. M. , Evers Läslo G.
Published: August 2019

The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) operates a three‐dimensional microbarometer array at the Cabauw Experimental Site for Atmospheric Research observatory. The array consists of five microbarometers on a meteorological tower up to an altitude of 200 m. Ten ground‐based microbarometers surround the tower with an array aperture of 800 m. This unique setup allows for the study of infrasound propagation in three dimensions. The added value of the vertical dimension is the sensitivity to wind and temperature in the atmospheric boundary layer over multiple altitudes. In this study, we analyze infrasound generated by an accidental chemical explosion at the Moerdijk petrochemical plant on 3 June 2014. The recordings of the tower microbarometers show two sequential arrivals, whereas the recordings on the ground show one wavefront. This arrival structure is interpreted to be the upgoing and downgoing wavefronts. The observations are compared with propagation modeling results using global‐scale and mesoscale atmospheric models. Independent temperature and wind measurements, which are available at the Cabauw Experimental Site for Atmospheric Research, are used for comparison with model output. The modeling results explain the signal arrival times; however, the tower wavefront arrivals are not explained. This study is important for understanding the influence of the atmospheric boundary layer on infrasound detections and propagation.
Toward an Energetically Consistent, Resolution Aware Parameterization of Ocean Mesoscale Eddies
Authors: Jansen Malte F. , Adcroft Alistair , Khani Sina , Kong Hailu
Published: August 2019

A subgrid‐scale eddy parameterization is developed, which makes use of an explicit eddy kinetic energy budget and can be applied at both “non‐eddying” and “eddy‐permitting” resolutions. The subgrid‐scale eddies exchange energy with the resolved flow in both directions via a parameterization of baroclinic instability (based on the established formulation of Gent and McWilliams) and biharmonic and negative Laplacian viscosity terms. This formulation represents the turbulent cascades of energy and enstrophy consistent with our current understanding of the turbulent eddy energy cycle. At the same time, the approach is simple and general enough to be readily implemented in ocean climate models, without adding significant computational cost. The closure has been implemented in the Modular Ocean Model Version 6 and tested in the “Neverworld” configuration, which employs an idealized analytically defined topography designed as a testbed for mesoscale eddy parameterizations. The parameterization performs well over a range of resolutions, seamlessly connecting non‐eddying and eddy‐resolving regimes.
Correction: H19 lncRNA alters methylation and expression of Hnf4α in the liver of metformin-exposed fetuses
Authors: Deng Jie , Mueller Martin , Geng Tingting , Shen Yuanyuan , Liu Ya , Hou Peng , Mamillapalli Ramanaiah , Taylor Hugh S. , Paidas Michael , Huang Yingqun
Published: August 2019

Since publication of this article, Dr Ramanaiah Mamillapalli reported that his last name had published incorrectly as Ramillapalli. The publisher apologizes to the authors and to readers for this error, which has not been fixed in the original article.
Late-stage peptide C–H alkylation for bioorthogonal C–H activation featuring solid phase peptide synthesis
Authors: Schischko Alexandra , Kaplaneris Nikolaos , Rogge Torben , Sirvinskaite Giedre , Son Jongwoo , Ackermann Lutz
Published: August 2019

Methods for the late-stage diversification of structurally complex peptides hold enormous potential for advances in drug discovery, agrochemistry and pharmaceutical industries. While C–H arylations emerged for peptide modifications, they are largely limited to highly reactive, expensive and/or toxic reagents, such as silver(I) salts, in superstoichiometric quantities. In sharp contrast, we herein establish the ruthenium(II)-catalyzed C–H alkylation on structurally complex peptides. The additive-free ruthenium(II)carboxylate C–H activation manifold is characterized by ample substrate scope, racemization-free conditions and the chemo-selective tolerance of otherwise reactive functional groups, such as electrophilic ketone, bromo, ester, amide and nitro substituents. Mechanistic studies by experiment and computation feature an acid-enabled C–H ruthenation, along with a notable protodemetalation step. The transformative peptide C–H activation regime sets the stage for peptide ligation in solution and proves viable in a bioorthogonal fashion for C–H alkylations on user-friendly supports by means of solid phase peptide syntheses.
Sulfenamide-enabled ortho thiolation of aryl iodides via palladium/norbornene cooperative catalysis
Authors: Li Renhe , Zhou Yun , Yoon Ki-Young , Dong Zhe , Dong Guangbin
Published: August 2019

Poly-substituted aromatic sulfur compounds are widely found in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and organic materials. However, the position that a sulfur moiety can be introduced to is largely restricted to a pre-functionalized site; otherwise, use of electronically biased substrates or auxiliary groups that direct catalysis is required. Here we report a general ortho thiolation of common aryl and heteroaryl iodides via palladium-norbornene cooperative catalysis. Using this approach, an aryl or alky sulfur moiety can be site-selectively introduced at the arene ortho position without using sterically or electronically biased substrates. The arene ipso functionalization is simultaneously achieved through Heck, Suzuki or Sonogashira termination. The reaction is enabled by a unique class of electrophiles in palladium-norbornene cooperative catalysis, which are sulfenamides derived from seven-membered lactams. The broad substrates scope and high chemoselectivity could make this method attractive for synthesis of complex sulfur-containing aromatic compounds.
ARID1A and PI3-kinase pathway mutations in the endometrium drive epithelial transdifferentiation and collective invasion
Authors: Wilson Mike R. , Reske Jake J. , Holladay Jeanne , Wilber Genna E. , Rhodes Mary , Koeman Julie , Adams Marie , Johnson Ben , Su Ren-Wei , Joshi Niraj R. , Patterson Amanda L. , Shen Hui , Leach Richard E. , Teixeira Jose M. , Fazleabas Asgerally T. , Chandler Ronald L.
Published: August 2019

ARID1A and PI3-Kinase (PI3K) pathway alterations are common in neoplasms originating from the uterine endometrium. Here we show that monoallelic loss of ARID1A in the mouse endometrial epithelium is sufficient for vaginal bleeding when combined with PI3K activation. Sorted mutant epithelial cells display gene expression and promoter chromatin signatures associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We further show that ARID1A is bound to promoters with open chromatin, but ARID1A loss leads to increased promoter chromatin accessibility and the expression of EMT genes. PI3K activation partially rescues the mesenchymal phenotypes driven by ARID1A loss through antagonism of ARID1A target gene expression, resulting in partial EMT and invasion. We propose that ARID1A normally maintains endometrial epithelial cell identity by repressing mesenchymal cell fates, and that coexistent ARID1A and PI3K mutations promote epithelial transdifferentiation and collective invasion. Broadly, our findings support a role for collective epithelial invasion in the spread of abnormal endometrial tissue.
Blockade of miR-140-3p prevents functional deterioration in afterload-enhanced engineered heart tissue
Authors: Werner Tessa R. , Kunze Ann-Cathrin , Stenzig Justus , Eschenhagen Thomas , Hirt Marc N.
Published: August 2019

Afterload enhancement (AE) of rat engineered heart tissue (EHT) in vitro leads to a multitude of changes that in vivo are referred to as pathological cardiac hypertrophy: e.g., cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, contractile dysfunction, reactivation of fetal genes and fibrotic changes. Moreover AE induced the upregulation of 22 abundantly expressed microRNAs. Here, we aimed at evaluating the functional effect of inhibiting 7 promising microRNAs (miR-21-5p, miR-146b-5p, miR-31a-5p, miR-322-5p, miR-450a-5p, miR-140-3p and miR-132-3p) in a small-range screen. Singular transfection of locked nucleic acid (LNA)-based anti-miRs at 100 nM (before the one week AE-procedure) led to a powerful reduction of the targeted microRNAs. Pretreatment with anti-miR-146b-5p, anti-miR-322-5p or anti-miR-450a-5p did not alter the AE-induced contractile decline, while anti-miR-31a-5p-pretreatment even worsened it. Anti-miR-21-5p and anti-miR-132-3p partially attenuated the AE-effect, confirming previous reports. LNA-anti-miR against miR-140-3p, a microRNA recently identified as a prognostic biomarker of cardiovascular disease, also attenuated the AE-effect. To simplify future in vitro experiments and to create an inhibitor for in vivo applications, we designed shorter miR-140-3p-inhibitors and encountered variable efficiency. Only the inhibitor that effectively repressed miR-140-3p was also protective against the AE-induced contractile decline. In summary, in a small-range functional screen, miR-140-3p evolved as a possible new target for the attenuation of afterload-induced pathological cardiac hypertrophy.
Correlations between obstructive sleep apnea and adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children of different weight status
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhao Yu , Yang Wen , Shen Tian , Xue Pei , Yan Xiaohong , Chen Danni , Qiao Yixin , Chen Min , Ren Rong , Ren Jianjun , Xu Yang , Zheng Yongbo , Zou Jian , Tang Xiangdong
Published: August 2019

The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between OSA and adenotonsillar size in children of different weight status. A total of 451 patients aged 2–13 years with suspected OSA were retrospectively enrolled in the study. Correlations between the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and adenotonsillar size in different weight status were investigated. The adenoidal/nasopharyngeal (A/N) ratio of underweight children was significantly higher than that of normal-weight children (P = 0.027). Both adenoid and tonsil size were positively correlated with logAHI in children of normal weight (r = 0.210, P = 0.001; and r = 0.212, P = 0.001) but uncorrelated in the other groups. Gender (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.01–2.20, P = 0.043), obese (OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.10–3.40, P = 0.012), A/N ratio (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.28–1.88, P < 0.001) and tonsil size (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.18–1.57, P < 0.001) were all associated with the severity of OSA. Adenotonsillar hypertrophy contributed to OSA in normal-weight children. In children of abnormal weight, instead of treatment for adenotonsillar hypertrophy, appropriate treatments for other factors are required.
The genetic ancestry of American Creole cattle inferred from uniparental and autosomal genetic markers
Authors: Ginja Catarina , Gama Luis Telo , Cortés Oscar , Burriel Inmaculada Martin , Vega-Pla Jose Luis , Penedo Cecilia , Sponenberg Phil , Cañón Javier , Sanz Arianne , do Egito Andrea Alves , Alvarez Luz Angela , Giovambattista Guillermo , Agha Saif , Rogberg-Muñoz Andrés , Lara Maria Aparecida Cassiano ,   BioBovis Consortium, Afonso Sónia , Aguirre Lenin , Armstrong Eileen , Vallejo Maria Esperanza Camacho , Canales Amado , Cassamá Bernardo , Contreras Gloria , Cordeiro J. M. Moras , Dunner Susana , Elbeltagy Ahmed , Fioravanti Maria Clorinda Soares , Carpio Mayra Gómez , Gómez Mariano , Hernández Antonio , Hernandez Darwin , Juliano Raquel Soares , Landi Vincenzo , Marques Ribamar , Martínez Rubén D. , Martínez O. Roberto , Melucci Lilia , Flores Baldomero Molina , Mújica Fernando , Parés i Casanova Pere-Miquel , Quiroz Jorge , Rodellar Clementina , Tjon Gerald , Adebambo Tumininu , Uffo Odalys , Vargas Julio César , Villalobos Axel , Zaragoza Pilar , Delgado Juan Vicente , Martinez Amparo
Published: August 2019

Cattle imported from the Iberian Peninsula spread throughout America in the early years of discovery and colonization to originate Creole breeds, which adapted to a wide diversity of environments and later received influences from other origins, including zebu cattle in more recent years. We analyzed uniparental genetic markers and autosomal microsatellites in DNA samples from 114 cattle breeds distributed worldwide, including 40 Creole breeds representing the whole American continent, and samples from the Iberian Peninsula, British islands, Continental Europe, Africa and American zebu. We show that Creole breeds differ considerably from each other, and most have their own identity or group with others from neighboring regions. Results with mtDNA indicate that T1c-lineages are rare in Iberia but common in Africa and are well represented in Creoles from Brazil and Colombia, lending support to a direct African influence on Creoles. This is reinforced by the sharing of a unique Y-haplotype between cattle from Mozambique and Creoles from Argentina. Autosomal microsatellites indicate that Creoles occupy an intermediate position between African and European breeds, and some Creoles show a clear Iberian signature. Our results confirm the mixed ancestry of American Creole cattle and the role that African cattle have played in their development.
Predator-induced fear causes PTSD-like changes in the brains and behaviour of wild animals
Authors: Zanette Liana Y. , Hobbs Emma C. , Witterick Lauren E. , MacDougall-Shackleton Scott A. , Clinchy Michael
Published: August 2019

Predator-induced fear is both, one of the most common stressors employed in animal model studies of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a major focus of research in ecology. There has been a growing discourse between these disciplines but no direct empirical linkage. We endeavoured to provide this empirical linkage by conducting experiments drawing upon the strengths of both disciplines. Exposure to a natural cue of predator danger (predator vocalizations), had enduring effects of at least 7 days duration involving both, a heightened sensitivity to predator danger (indicative of an enduring memory of fear), and elevated neuronal activation in both the amygdala and hippocampus – in wild birds (black-capped chickadees,Poecile atricapillus), exposed to natural environmental and social experiences in the 7 days following predator exposure. Our results demonstrate enduring effects on the brain and behaviour, meeting the criteria to be considered an animal model of PTSD – in awildanimal, which are of a nature and degree which can be anticipated could affect fecundity and survival in free-living wildlife. We suggest our findings support both the proposition that PTSD is not unnatural, and that long-lasting effects of predator-induced fear, with likely effects on fecundity and survival, are the norm in nature.
Interneuronal correlations at longer time scales predict decision signals for bistable structure-from-motion perception
Authors: Wasmuht D. F. , Parker A. J. , Krug K.
Published: August 2019

Perceptual decisions are thought to depend on the activation of task-relevant neurons, whose activity is often correlated in time. Here, we examined how the temporal structure of shared variability in neuronal firing relates to perceptual choices. We recorded stimulus-selective neurons from visual area V5/MT while two monkeys (Macaca mulatta) made perceptual decisions about the rotation direction of structure-from-motion cylinders. Interneuronal correlations for a perceptually ambiguous cylinder stimulus were significantly higher than those for unambiguous cylinders or for random 2D motion during passive viewing. Much of the difference arose from correlations at relatively long timescales (hundreds of milliseconds). Choice-related neural activity (quantified as choice probability; CP) for ambiguous cylinders was positively correlated with interneuronal correlations and was specifically associated with their long timescale component. Furthermore, the slope of the long timescale - but not the instantaneous - component of the correlation predicted higher CPs towards the end of the trial i.e. close to the decision. Our results suggest that the perceptual stability of structure-from-motion cylinders may be controlled by enhanced interneuronal correlations on longer timescales. We propose this as a potential signature of top-down influences onto V5/MT processing that shape and stabilize the appearance of 3D-motion percepts.
Real-Time Selective Sequencing with RUBRIC: Read Until with Basecall and Reference-Informed Criteria
Authors: Edwards Harrison S. , Krishnakumar Raga , Sinha Anupama , Bird Sara W. , Patel Kamlesh D. , Bartsch Michael S.
Published: August 2019

The Oxford MinION, the first commercial nanopore sequencer, is also the first to implement molecule-by-molecule real-time selective sequencing or “Read Until”. As DNA transits a MinION nanopore, real-time pore current data can be accessed and analyzed to provide active feedback to that pore. Fragments of interest are sequenced by default, while DNA deemed non-informative is rejected by reversing the pore bias to eject the strand, providing a novel means of background depletion and/or target enrichment. In contrast to the previously published pattern-matching Read Until approach, our RUBRIC method is the first example of real-time selective sequencing where on-line basecalling enables alignment against conventional nucleic acid references to provide the basis for sequence/reject decisions. We evaluate RUBRIC performance across a range of optimizable parameters, apply it to mixed human/bacteria and CRISPR/Cas9-cut samples, and present a generalized model for estimating real-time selection performance as a function of sample composition and computing configuration.
Multifunctionalizing the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum for sustainable co-production of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and recombinant phytase
Authors: Pudney Alex , Gandini Chiara , Economou Chloe K. , Smith Richard , Goddard Paul , Napier Johnathan A. , Spicer Andrew , Sayanova Olga
Published: August 2019

There is an urgent requirement for sustainable sources of food and feed due to world population growth. Aquaculture relies heavily on the fish meal and fish oils derived from capture fisheries, challenging sustainability of the production system. Furthermore, substitution of fish oil with vegetable oil and fish meal with plant seed meals in aquaculture feeds reduces the levels of valuable omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids, and lowers the nutritional value due to the presence of phytate. Addition of exogenous phytase to fish feed is beneficial for enhancing animal health and reducing phosphorus pollution. We have engineered the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, accumulating high levels of EPA and DHA together with recombinant proteins: the fungal Aspergillus niger PhyA or the bacterial Escherichia coli AppA phytases. The removal of the N-terminal signal peptide further increased phytase activity. Strains engineered with fcpA and CIP1 promoters showed the highest level of phytase activity. The best engineered strain achieved up to 40,000 phytase activity units (FTU) per gram of soluble protein, thus demonstrating the feasibility of development of multifunctionalized microalgae to simultaneously produce industrially useful proteins and fatty acids to meet the demand of intensive fish farming activity.
Ruthenium(II) complexes with 6-methyl-2-thiouracil selectively reduce cell proliferation, cause DNA double-strand break and trigger caspase-mediated apoptosis through JNK/p38 pathways in human acute promyelocytic leukemia cells
Authors: Bomfim Larissa M. , de Araujo Fênix A. , Dias Rosane B. , Sales Caroline B. S. , Rocha Clarissa A. Gurgel , Correa Rodrigo S. , Soares Milena B. P. , Batista Alzir A. , Bezerra Daniel P.
Published: August 2019

Ruthenium(II) complexes with 6-methyl-2-thiouracil cis-[Ru(6m2tu)2(PPh3)2] (1) and [Ru(6m2tu)2(dppb)] (2) (where PPh3 = triphenylphosphine; dppb = 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane; and 6m2tu = 6-methyl-2-thiouracil) are potent cytotoxic agents and able to bind DNA. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro cellular underlying mechanism and in vivo effectiveness of these ruthenium(II) complexes in human acute promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. Both complexes displayed potent and selective cytotoxicity in myeloid leukemia cell lines, and were detected into HL-60 cells. Reduction of the cell proliferation and augmented phosphatidylserine externalization, caspase-3, -8 and -9 activation and loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential were observed in HL-60 cells treated with both complexes. Cotreatment with Z-VAD(OMe)-FMK, a pan-caspase inhibitor, reduced Ru(II) complexes-induced apoptosis. In addition, both metal complexes induced phosphorylation of histone H2AX (S139), JNK2 (T183/Y185) and p38α (T180/Y182), and cotreatment with JNK/SAPK and p38 MAPK inhibitors reduced complexes-induced apoptosis, indicating DNA double-strand break and activation of caspase-mediated apoptosis through JNK/p38 pathways. Complex 1 also reduced HL-60 cell growth in xenograft model. Overall, the outcome indicated the ruthenium(II) complexes with 6-methyl-2-thiouracil as a novel promising antileukemic drug candidates.
Short Interruptions of Imposed Hyperopic Defocus Earlier in Treatment are More Effective at Preventing Myopia Development
Authors: Benavente-Perez Alexandra , Nour Ann , Troilo David
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of interrupting negative lens wear for short periods early or late during the development of lens-induced myopia in marmosets. Sixteen marmosets were reared with a −5D contact lens on their right eye (plano on contralateral eye) for 8 weeks. Eight marmosets had lenses removed for 30 mins twice/day during the first four weeks (early interruption) and eight during the last four weeks (late interruption). Data were compared to treated controls that wore lenses continuously (N = 12) and untreated controls (N = 10). Interocular differences (IOD) in vitreous chamber (VC) depth and central and peripheral mean spherical refractive error (MSE) were measured at baseline and after four (T4) and eight (T8) weeks of treatment. Visual experience during the interruptions was monitored by measuring refraction while marmosets were seated at the center of a 1 m radius viewing cylinder. At T4 the eyes that were interrupted early were not different from untreated controls (p = 0.10) and at T8 had grown less and were less myopic than those interrupted later (IOD change from baseline, VC: +0.07 ± 0.04 mm vs +0.20 ± 0.03 mm, p < 0.05; MSE: −1.59 ± 0.26D vs −2.63 ± 0.60D, p = 0.13). Eyes interrupted later were not different from treated controls (MSE, p = 0.99; VC, p = 0.60) and grew at the same rate as during the first four weeks of uninterrupted lens wear (T4 − T0: 3.67 ± 1.1 µm/day, T8 − T4: 3.56 ± 1.3 µm/day p = 0.96). Peripheral refraction was a predictive factor for the amount of myopia developed only when the interruption was not effective. In summary, interrupting hyperopic defocus with short periods of myopic defocus before compensation occurs prevents axial myopia from developing. After myopia develops, interruption is less effective.
A DFT study on the effect of oxygen vacancies and H2O in Mn-MOF-74 on SCR reactions
Authors: Zhang Minhua , Gu Kun , Huang Xuewei , Chen Yifei
Published: August 2019

The carboxyl and hydroxyl oxygen vacancies in Mn-MOF-74 can not only activate the reaction species, but also promote the desorption of NO2molecules from metal sites for the subsequent rapid SCR reactions.
Structural properties of the evolution of CTAB/NaSal micelles investigated by SANS and rheometry
Authors: Lam Christopher N. , Do Changwoo , Wang Yangyang , Huang Guan-Rong , Chen Wei-Ren
Published: August 2019

SANS and rheometry characterize the phase behaviour of CTAB/NaSal micelles at low surfactant concentrations where nascent wormlike micelles transition into long and entangled structures.
Deductive molecular mechanics of four-coordinated carbon allotropes
Authors: Popov Ilya V. , Slavin Victor V. , Tchougréeff Andrei L. , Dronskowski Richard
Published: August 2019

We propose a semi-quantitative quantum-chemical model ranging the energies of four-coordinated carbon allotropes on the energy scale and providing efficient and precise estimates of their structure and elastic properties (hardness).
Cm3+/Eu3+induced structural, mechanistic and functional implications for calmodulin
Authors: Drobot Björn , Schmidt Moritz , Mochizuki Yuji , Abe Takaya , Okuwaki Koji , Brulfert Florian , Falke Sven , Samsonov Sergey A. , Komeiji Yuto , Betzel Christian , Stumpf Thorsten , Raff Johannes , Tsushima Satoru
Published: August 2019

Trivalent lanthanide and actinide can strongly bind to calmodulin (CaM). The global structure of Ln/An-bound CaM were found to be similar to Ca-CaM but the local environment around Ln/An is distorted giving less structural rigidity to Ln/An-CaM.
Towards rational catalyst design: boosting the rapid prediction of transition-metal activity by improved scaling relations
Authors: Wang Yalan , Xiao Ling , Qi Yanying , Mahmoodinia Mehdi , Feng Xiang , Yang Jia , Zhu Yi-An , Chen De
Published: August 2019

The improved UBI-QEP+BEP are utilized to rapidly estimate surface energetics, which satisfactorily fit the DFT (BEEF-vdW) values. These energetics are then applied in microkinetic modeling to predict catalyst activity and perform catalyst screening.
Accessing γ-Ga2S3 by solventless thermolysis of gallium xanthates: a low-temperature limit for crystalline products
Authors: Alderhami Suliman A. , Collison David , Lewis David J. , McNaughter Paul D. , O'Brien Paul , Spencer Ben F. , Vitorica-Yrezabal Inigo , Whitehead George
Published: August 2019

Alkyl-xanthato gallium(iii) complexes, [Ga(S2COR)3] where R = Me, Et, iPr, nPr, nBu, sBu and iBu, have been synthesized and examined as potential precursors for gallium sulfides.
Assessing thermodynamic parameter sensitivity for simulating temperature responses of soil nitrification
Authors: Mukhtar Hussnain , Lin Yu-Pin , Lin Chiao-Ming , Petway Joy R.
Published: August 2019

The sensitivity of SQRT model-estimated parameters varied over a temperature gradient whereas no variation in MMRT model-estimated parameters, in simulating temperature responses of soil nitrification over the temperature range, was observed.
Transesterification of soybean oil using a switchable-hydrophilicity solvent, 2-(dibutylamino)ethanol
Authors: Viner Kelsey J. , Roy Hannah M. , Lee Roland , He Ouwen , Champagne Pascale , Jessop Philip G.
Published: August 2019

Employing 2-dibutylaminoethanol as both base and solvent for transesterification produces biodiesel and glycerol uncontaminated with metal salts and allows the base/solvent to be easily re-used.