bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grifola frondosa (Maitake) extract activates PPARδ and improves glucose intolerance in high-fat diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Aoki Hana , Hanayama Motoki , Mori Koichiro , Sato Ryuichiro
Published: June 2018

Grifola frondosa is a mushroom that has anti-obesity effects, but the detailed mechanism is poorly understood. In this study, we found that lipid soluble extracts derived from G. frondosa (GFE) had peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) agonist activity, inducing the expression of PPARδ-target genes in vitro. Furthermore, administration of GFE to high-fat diet-induced obese mice lowered the total blood cholesterol levels, upregulated the expression of PPARδ-target genes in skeletal muscles and improved glucose intolerance. Additionally, analyses of C2C12 myotubes revealed that GFE restored glucose uptake, which was inhibited by sodium palmitate, to normal levels. Unexpectedly, such acceleration was not abolished by a PPARδ antagonist. These results suggest that G. frondosa is a novel functional food that may prevent life-style related diseases like obesity and diabetes, and that these beneficial effects are likely to be mediated through the activation of PPARδ and a PPARδ-independent insulin signaling pathway.
Myosin VI and branched actin filaments mediate membrane constriction and fission of melanosomal tubule carriers
Authors: Ripoll Léa , Heiligenstein Xavier , Hurbain Ilse , Domingues Lia , Figon Florent , Petersen Karl J. , Dennis Megan K. , Houdusse Anne , Marks Michael S. , Raposo Graça , Delevoye Cédric
Published: June 2018

Vesicular and tubular transport intermediates regulate organellar cargo dynamics. Transport carrier release involves local and profound membrane remodeling before fission. Pinching the neck of a budding tubule or vesicle requires mechanical forces, likely exerted by the action of molecular motors on the cytoskeleton. Here, we show that myosin VI, together with branched actin filaments, constricts the membrane of tubular carriers that are then released from melanosomes, the pigment containing lysosome-related organelles of melanocytes. By combining superresolution fluorescence microscopy, correlative light and electron microscopy, and biochemical analyses, we find that myosin VI motor activity mediates severing by constricting the neck of the tubule at specific melanosomal subdomains. Pinching of the tubules involves the cooperation of the myosin adaptor optineurin and the activity of actin nucleation machineries, including the WASH and Arp2/3 complexes. The fission and release of these tubules allows for the export of components from melanosomes, such as the SNARE VAMP7, and promotes melanosome maturation and transfer to keratinocytes. Our data reveal a new myosin VI– and actin-dependent membrane fission mechanism required for organelle function.
Transverse Surgery on Knots in Contact 3-Manifolds
Authors: Conway James
Published: June 2018

We study the effect of surgery on transverse knots in contact 3-manifolds. In particular, we investigate the effect of such surgery on open books, the Heegaard Floer contact invariant, and tightness. One main aim of this paper is to show that in many contexts, transverse surgery is a more natural tool than surgery on Legendrian knots.

We reinterpret contact

(
±
1
)

(\pm 1)

-surgery on Legendrian knots as transverse surgery on transverse push-offs, allowing us to give simpler proofs of known results. We give the first result on the tightness of inadmissible transverse surgery (cf. contact

(
+
1
)

(+1)

-surgery) for contact manifolds with vanishing Heegaard Floer contact invariant. In particular, inadmissible transverse

r
r

-surgery on the connected binding of a genus

g
g

open book that supports a tight contact structure preserves tightness if

r
>
2
g
−
1

r > 2g-1

.
Quandle cohomology is a Quillen cohomology
Authors: Szymik Markus
Published: June 2018

Racks and quandles are fundamental algebraic structures related to the topology of knots, braids, and the Yang–Baxter equation. We show that the cohomology groups usually associated with racks and quandles agree with the Quillen cohomology groups for the algebraic theories of racks and quandles, respectively. This makes available the entire range of tools that comes with a Quillen homology theory, such as long exact sequences (transitivity) and excision isomorphisms (flat base change).
Local protein dynamics during microvesicle exocytosis in neuroendocrine cells
Authors: Somasundaram Agila , Taraska Justin W.
Published: June 2018

Calcium-triggered exocytosis is key to many physiological processes, including neurotransmitter and hormone release by neurons and endocrine cells. Dozens of proteins regulate exocytosis, yet the temporal and spatial dynamics of these factors during vesicle fusion remain unclear. Here we use total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy to visualize local protein dynamics at single sites of exocytosis of small synaptic-like microvesicles in live cultured neuroendocrine PC12 cells. We employ two-color imaging to simultaneously observe membrane fusion (using vesicular acetylcholine ACh transporter tagged to pHluorin) and the dynamics of associated proteins at the moments surrounding exocytosis. Our experiments show that many proteins, including the SNAREs syntaxin1 and VAMP2, the SNARE modulator tomosyn, and Rab proteins, are preclustered at fusion sites and rapidly lost at fusion. The ATPase N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor is locally recruited at fusion. Interestingly, the endocytic Bin-Amphiphysin-Rvs domain–containing proteins amphiphysin1, syndapin2, and endophilins are dynamically recruited to fusion sites and slow the loss of vesicle membrane-bound cargo from fusion sites. A similar effect on vesicle membrane protein dynamics was seen with the overexpression of the GTPases dynamin1 and dynamin2. These results suggest that proteins involved in classical clathrin-mediated endocytosis can regulate exocytosis of synaptic-like microvesicles. Our findings provide insights into the dynamics, assembly, and mechanistic roles of many key factors of exocytosis and endocytosis at single sites of microvesicle fusion in live cells.
Failure to Meet Generative Self-Expectations is Linked to Poorer Cognitive–Affective Well-Being
Authors: Grossman Molli R , Gruenewald Tara L
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Generativity, or concern with contributing to others, is theorized to be an important goal of mid-to-late life. Greater self-perceptions of generativity are associated with better well-being over time. The aim of this study is to examine how generative self-perceptions and failure to meet generative expectations over time are linked to specific cognitive–affective states (feelings of connectedness, self-worth, and positive affect), and consequently, life satisfaction.

Method

Analyses used data from Waves 2 and 3 of the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS). Multiple mediation was utilized to assess whether these cognitive–affective states linked generative failure to decreased life satisfaction. A Johnson–Neyman moderation analysis determined whether these associations vary with age.

Results

In demographically adjusted regressions, generative contributions and expectations were associated with greater perceived social connectedness, self-worth, and positive effect. Generative failure was associated with lower life satisfaction, a link that was strongest in the middle-aged and young-old and mediated by the cognitive–affective states.

Discussion

Greater feelings of generativity, and more positive expectations for future contributions, are associated cross-sectionally and over time with better affective well-being. Positive affect, social connectedness, and self-worth may partially explain why generative failure over time is linked to decreased life satisfaction.
Spatio-temporal patterns and reproductive costs of abnormal clutches of female American lobster, Homarus americanus, in eastern Canada
Authors: Tang Feng , Haarr Marthe Larsen , Sainte-Marie Bernard , Comeau Michel , Tremblay M John , Gaudette Julien , Rochette Rémy
Published: June 2018

Previous studies have documented female American lobster, Homarus americanus, carrying “abnormal clutches”, i.e. with eggs covering less than half of their abdomen. From 2011 to 2014, we worked alongside harvesters to quantify spatio-temporal patterns and reproductive costs of abnormal clutches among 138 738 egg-bearing female lobsters sampled from 193 homeports spread across eastern Canada. Females with abnormal clutches were ubiquitous, being found in 90% of homeports. Their incidence was, however, relatively low, averaging 6% across sampling times and locations. The incidence decreased between spawning and 7–9 months after spawning, potentially due to cases of complete brood failure caused by sperm limitation, and it then increased toward the end of the brooding period, potentially due to repeated catch and release of ovigerous females during the fishery. In most regions, small females were more likely to carry abnormal clutches than larger females. We estimated population-level egg loss between late oogenesis and hatching of embryos at 47–51%, with approximately half being associated with normal clutches and half with abnormal clutches and complete brood failure.
Learning to Become a Taste Expert
Authors: Latour Kathryn A , Deighton John A
Published: June 2018

Evidence suggests that consumers seek to become more expert about hedonic products to enhance their enjoyment of future consumption occasions. Current approaches to becoming expert center on cultivating an analytic mind-set. In the present research the authors explore the benefit to enthusiasts of moving beyond analytics to cultivate a holistic style of processing. In the taste context the authors define holistic processing as nonverbal, imagery-based, and involving narrative processing. The authors conduct qualitative interviews with taste experts (Master Sommeliers) to operationalize the holistic approach to hedonic learning, and then test it against traditional analytic methods in a series of experiments across a range of hedonic products. The results suggest that hedonic learning follows a sequence of stages whose order matters, and that the holistic stage is facilitated by attending to experience as a narrative event and by employing visual imagery. The results of this multimethod investigation have implications for both managers and academics interested in how consumers learn to become expert in hedonic product categories.
Open data for better science
Authors: Zhao Weijie
Published: June 2018

The past two decades have seen increasing interests in open data. Many scientists believe that the original research data should be properly organized and opened to the public and researchers throughout the world, and, once the open-data strategies are put into practice, the entire scientific research enterprise could be transformed. Driven by the trend of data sharing many platforms and repositories have been established. Universities, funding agencies and academic journals are also taking an active role in facilitating data sharing.

In this forum discussion organized by National Science Review and chaired by Jianhui Li, panelists from diverse backgrounds who have all participated in the development of open data gathered together and talked about the recent progress and future directions of open data.

Chenzhou Cui

Chief Information Officer of the National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China

Xiangdong Fang

Professor at Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China

Mark Musen

Director of the Stanford Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Stanford University, California, USA

Lydia Pintscher

Product manager of Wikidata, Wikimedia Deutschland, Berlin, Germany

Beth Plale

Director of Data to Insight Center, Professor of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA

Paul Uhlir

Consultant, Information Policy and Management, New York, USA; Formerly Director of the Board on Research Data and Information, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, USA

Jianhui Li (Chair)

Professor at Computer Network Information Centre, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
The Power Context of Police Reform in Belgium—The Brussels Case: A Shift in the Style of Policing after the Terrorist Attacks
Authors: Devroe Elke , Ponsaers Paul
Published: June 2018

After the Paris and Brussels terrorist attacks, the political debate on the organization of the Brussels police force exploded again. The mayor acquired greater discretion to formulate local policy responses in this field. Brussels holds a very complex situation, with 19 Mayors steering 19 different Brussels Dutch-speaking and French-speaking municipalities that are divided in 6 local police ‘zones’. The divided police organization leads to fragmentation, malfunctioning, limited information sharing and political conflicts. In this article we seek for an answer to the central question “How do politics matter?” (Clegg, 1989) in shaping answers to problems of security?” more specificly after the Brussels terroristic attacks.
Internet and Politics: Evidence from U.K. Local Elections and Local Government Policies
Authors: Gavazza Alessandro , Nardotto Mattia , Valletti Tommaso
Published: June 2018

We empirically study the effects of broadband internet diffusion on local election outcomes and on local government policies using rich data from the U.K. Our analysis shows that the internet has displaced other media with greater news content (i.e. radio and newspapers), thereby decreasing voter turnout, most notably among less-educated and younger individuals. In turn, we find suggestive evidence that local government expenditures and taxes are lower in areas with greater broadband diffusion, particularly expenditures targeted at less-educated voters. Our findings are consistent with the idea that voters’ information plays a key role in determining electoral participation, government policies, and government size.
Effect of restricted feed intake in broiler breeder hens on their stress levels and the growth and immunology of their offspring1
Authors: Bowling Mandy , Forder Rebecca , Hughes Robert J , Weaver Sarah , Hynd Philip Ian
Published: June 2018

The prenatal environment has been shown to have significant effects on the lifelong health of offspring in humans and other species. Such effects have not been studied extensively in avian species but could prove important, especially in the case of severe feed restriction imposed on broiler breeder hens to prevent obesity and reduce rate of lay. Feed restriction can potentially affect not only nutrient supply to the embryo but stress hormone levels within the hen. This study investigated the impact of nutrient restriction of the breeder hen on growth rate and immune responses in the progeny with the objective to measure the impact of feed restriction of broiler breeder hens on growth and immune response of the progeny. Broiler breeder hens were feed restricted from 24 wk of age and maintained at three bodyweights; 3.4, 3.6, and 4.0 kg until 43 wk of age and behavioral and physiological measures of stress recorded. Chicks were hatched from each hen treatment and at day 7 vaccinated for infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and at 16, 18, and 20 d old given an immune challenge of lipopolysaccharide. Growth and immune responses of these birds were then recorded. Sex ratio was affected by hen bodyweight, with a significantly increased proportion of males hatched from heavy hens. Growth rate from 35 to 42 d of age was reduced in male progeny from low bodyweight hens. Female progeny from heavy hens responded to an immune challenge by reduced live weight and increased heterophil: lymphocyte ratio, suggesting a more robust immune response in these birds than in the progeny from lower bodyweight hens. Overall, progeny from heavy hens had increased antibodies at day 35 to the vaccination of IBV compared with progeny of low bodyweight hens, also suggesting an improved immune response in these birds. Breeder hens restricted to the lowest feed level showed behaviors indicative of increased stress (object pecking) and an increased heterophil: lymphocyte ratio. Feed restriction of broiler breeder hens increased indices of stress in hens and resulted in offspring that have reduced growth rate and immune response in a sex-dependent way.
Diagnostic Guide: Wheat Soil-Borne Mosaic
Authors: Kroese Duncan R. , Bag Sudeep , Frost Ken E. , Murray Tim D. , Hagerty Christina H.
Published: June 2018

Wheat soil-borne mosaic is caused by the rod-shaped Soil-borne wheat mosaic virus (SBWMV), which is in the genus Furovirus. SBWMV is vectored by Polymyxa graminis. Economic hosts of SBWMV include wheat, barley, and rye. Winter wheat is the most economically important host; spring wheat infections are possible but rare owing to unfavorable soil temperatures slowing virus replication. Yield loss owing to SBWMV infection is variable among season and geographic location.
Medical-Surgical Clinical Student Error and Near-Miss Event Reporting
Authors: Rudolphi Diane M. , Madiraca Jessica , Wheeler Erlinda C.
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study was to identify medical-surgical clinical error near-miss events (ENME) and causative factors as reported by senior-level nursing students. Qualitative and quantitative ENME data were obtained using a survey tool during clinical courses. Students identified cognitive and behavioral/performance issues, human factors, system issues, and communication as contributing factors, with 97 percent of the errors reported as preventable. Identifying ENMEs with causative factors may ultimately increase patient safety. The data provide feedback contributing to student and faculty growth while also identifying opportunities for programmatic and curricular change.
Social Media Ratings of Minimally Invasive Fat Reduction Procedures: Benchmarking Against Traditional Liposuction
Authors: Talasila Sreya , Evers-Meltzer Rachel , Xu Shuai
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive fat reduction procedures are rapidly growing in popularity.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate online patient reviews to inform practice management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from RealSelf.com, a popular online aesthetics platform, were reviewed for all minimally invasive fat reduction procedures. Reviews were also aggregated based on the primary method of action (e.g., laser, radiofrequency, ultrasound, etc.) and compared with liposuction. A chi-square test was used to assess for differences with the Marascuilo procedure for pairwise comparisons.

RESULTS

A total of 13 minimally invasive fat reduction procedures were identified encompassing 11,871 total reviews. Liposuction had 4,645 total reviews and a 66% patient satisfaction rate. Minimally invasive fat reduction procedures had 7,170 aggregate reviews and a global patient satisfaction of 58%. Liposuction had statistically significantly higher patient satisfaction than cryolipolysis (55% satisfied, n = 2,707 reviews), laser therapies (61% satisfied, n = 3,565 reviews), and injectables (49% satisfied, n = 319 reviews) (p < .05). Injectables and cryolipolysis had statistically significantly lower patient satisfaction than radiofrequency therapies (63% satisfied, n = 314 reviews) and laser therapies. Ultrasound therapies had 275 reviews and a 73% patient satisfaction rate.

CONCLUSION

A large number of patient reviews suggest that minimally invasive fat reduction procedures have high patient satisfaction, although liposuction still had the highest total patient satisfaction score. However, there are significant pitfalls in interpreting patient reviews, as they do not provide important data such as a patient's medical history or physician experience and skill.
Goldmann Applanation Tonometer Versus Ocular Response Analyzer for Measuring Intraocular Pressure After Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Feizi Sepehr , Faramarzi Amir , Masoudi Ali , Azari Amir A. , Veisi Amirreza
Published: June 2018

Purpose:

To evaluate agreement between IOP measured using the ocular response analyzer (ORA) versus using the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) in patients treated by Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK).

Methods:

This prospective, case–control study comprised 38 normal eyes and 37 post-DSAEK eyes. IOP was measured using the GAT (IOPGAT). The ORA was used to measure corneal biomechanics and cornea-compensated IOP (IOPCC). Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor, and IOP measurements of the 2 groups were compared. Intertonometer agreement was evaluated in each study group using Bland–Altman plots and 95% limits of agreement. Univariate analysis was used to evaluate the effect of independent factors on the difference between the 2 IOP readings (ΔIOP).

Results:

The IOPCC and IOPGAT readings showed no significant intergroup differences. IOPCC was significantly higher than IOPGAT, with a mean difference of 3.0 ± 3.3 mm Hg in the normal group (P < 0.001) and 4.5 ± 3.1 mm Hg in the DSAEK group (P < 0.001). The 95% limits of agreement for the IOPCC and IOPGAT was between −3.4 and 9.5 mm Hg and between −1.6 and 10.6 mm Hg in the normal and DSAEK groups, respectively. CH (r = −0.57, P < 0.001) and donor thickness (r = 0.81, P = 0.04) were identified as the main predictors of ΔIOP after DSAEK. ΔIOP did not vary significantly with the central corneal thickness or corneal resistance factor.

Conclusions:

The IOPGAT and IOPCC were significantly different, which indicates that the GAT and ORA cannot be used interchangeably for measuring IOP after DSAEK. The difference between these 2 measurements was primarily affected by the variations in CH and donor thickness.
Using an Augmented Reality Device as a Distance-based Vision Aid—Promise and Limitations
Authors: Kinateder Max , Gualtieri Justin , Dunn Matt J. , Jarosz Wojciech , Yang Xing-Dong , Cooper Emily A.
Published: June 2018

SIGNIFICANCE

For people with limited vision, wearable displays hold the potential to digitally enhance visual function. As these display technologies advance, it is important to understand their promise and limitations as vision aids.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to test the potential of a consumer augmented reality (AR) device for improving the functional vision of people with near-complete vision loss.

METHODS

An AR application that translates spatial information into high-contrast visual patterns was developed. Two experiments assessed the efficacy of the application to improve vision: an exploratory study with four visually impaired participants and a main controlled study with participants with simulated vision loss (n = 48). In both studies, performance was tested on a range of visual tasks (identifying the location, pose and gesture of a person, identifying objects, and moving around in an unfamiliar space). Participants' accuracy and confidence were compared on these tasks with and without augmented vision, as well as their subjective responses about ease of mobility.

RESULTS

In the main study, the AR application was associated with substantially improved accuracy and confidence in object recognition (all P < .001) and to a lesser degree in gesture recognition (P < .05). There was no significant change in performance on identifying body poses or in subjective assessments of mobility, as compared with a control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Consumer AR devices may soon be able to support applications that improve the functional vision of users for some tasks. In our study, both artificially impaired participants and participants with near-complete vision loss performed tasks that they could not do without the AR system. Current limitations in system performance and form factor, as well as the risk of overconfidence, will need to be overcome.
Muscle Mass and Mortality After Cardiac Transplantation
Authors: Bibas Lior , Saleh Eli , Al-Kharji Samah , Chetrit Jessica , Mullie Louis , Cantarovich Marcelo , Cecere Renzo , Giannetti Nadia , Afilalo Jonathan
Published: June 2018

Background

Frailty assessment is recommended to evaluate the candidacy of adults referred for orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). Psoas muscle area (PMA) is an easily measured biomarker for frailty. There has yet to be a study examining the prognostic impact of PMA in OHT patients.

Methods

In this retrospective study, preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were retrieved for adults transplanted between 2000 and 2015 at a tertiary care hospital. Psoas muscle area was measured on a single axial image. Outcomes of interest were all-cause mortality over 6 years and a composite of in-hospital mortality or major morbidity (prolonged ventilation, stroke, dialysis, mediastinitis, or reoperation).

Results

Of 161 adult patients transplanted, 82 had at least 1 abdominal CT scan. At baseline, mean PMA was 25.7 ± 5.8 cm2in men and 16.0 ± 3.6 cm2in women, and decreased by 8% from the first to the last available CT scan. Adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and cardiomyopathy etiology, every 1-cm2increase in PMA was found to be associated with a 9% reduction in long-term mortality (hazard ratio, 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83-0.99;P= 0.031) and a 17% reduction in in-hospital mortality or major morbidity (odds ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.72-0.96;P= 0.014). When PMA was smaller than the sex-specific median, the risk of mortality or major morbidity increased fourfold (odds ratio, 4.29; 95% CI, 1.19-15.46;P= 0.026).

Conclusions

Muscle mass is an independent predictor of mortality and major morbidity after OHT. Further research is needed to determine whether frail OHT patients with low PMA may benefit from muscle-building interventions to improve outcomes.
Therapeutic Human IgG Preparations Contain Mixture of HLA Antibodies to Native HLA Antigens and Cryptic Epitopes With Little Clinical Significance
Authors: Mangiola Massimo , Marrari Marilyn , Ensor Christopher , Spycher Martin O. , Berger Mel , Zeevi Adriana
Published: June 2018

Background

Human immunoglobulins (H-Ig) are widely used in solid organ transplantation for immunoglobulin G (IgG) replacement and for desensitization and treatment of antibody-mediated rejection. They are obtained from plasma pools and may contain HLA antibodies that can be detrimental to transplant recipients. The goal of this study was to evaluate HLA antibodies in multiple lots of 2 commercial H-Ig preparations by Luminex single-antigen bead (SAB) and cell-based crossmatch assays.

Methods

Thirty lots of 2 commercial H-Ig products (CSL Behring, King of Prussia, PA) were evaluated: 6 Hizentra and 24 Privigen. All were adsorbed and diluted 1:10 before testing. HLA IgG antibodies were determined by 2 Luminex SAB kits and C1q screen for complement-binding capability. Lots were tested for the presence of antibody to denatured vs. intact class I HLA alleles using acid-treated SAB. Surrogate T and B-cell flow cytometry crossmatches (FCXM) were performed with peripheral blood lymphocytes from 2 healthy donors.

Results

Twenty-two (73%) lots at 1:10 showed SAB reactivity with mean fluorescent intensity of 2000 or greater for HLA class I, 67% (20/30 lots) for class II. The reactivity pattern was similar using both SAB kits. Acid treatment revealed antibodies to denatured class I: the majority of HLA-C, half of HLA-B and few HLA-A alleles. No C1q reactivity was observed. Surrogate flow cytometry crossmatch results were positive (>150 median channel shift), but were fourfold to eightfold lower than expected.

Conclusions

The H-Ig products tested consisted of low titer, non–complement-binding HLA class I and class II antibodies; most of the observed class I HLA reactivity was toward denatured HLA antigens.
Passenger mutations can accelerate tumour suppressor gene inactivation in cancer evolution
Authors: Wodarz Dominik , Newell Alan C. , Komarova Natalia L.
Published: June 2018

Carcinogenesis is an evolutionary process whereby cells accumulate multiple mutations. Besides the ‘driver mutations’ that cause the disease, cells also accumulate a number of other mutations with seemingly no direct role in this evolutionary process. They are called passenger mutations. While it has been argued that passenger mutations render tumours more fragile due to reduced fitness, the role of passenger mutations remains understudied. Using evolutionary computational models, we demonstrate that in the context of tumour suppressor gene inactivation (and hence fitness valley crossing), the presence of passenger mutations can accelerate the rate of evolution by reducing overall population fitness and increasing the relative fitness of intermediate mutants in the fitness valley crossing pathway. Hence, the baseline rate of tumour suppressor gene inactivation might be faster than previously thought. Conceptually, parallels are found in the field of turbulence and pattern formation, where instabilities can be driven by perturbations that are damped (disadvantageous), but provide a richer set of pathways such that a system can achieve some desired goal more readily. This highlights, through a number of novel parallels, the relevance of physical sciences in oncology.
Epichromatin and chromomeres: a ‘fuzzy’ perspective
Authors: Olins Donald E. , Olins Ada L.
Published: June 2018

‘Epichromatin’, the surface of chromatin beneath the interphase nuclear envelope (NE) or at the surface of mitotic chromosomes, was discovered by immunostaining with a specificbivalentmouse monoclonal anti-nucleosome antibody (mAb PL2-6). ‘Chromomeres’, punctate chromatin particles approximately 200–300 nm in diameter, identified throughout the interphase chromatin and along mitotic chromosomes, were observed by immunostaining with themonovalentpapain-derived Fab fragments of bivalent PL2-6. The specific target for PL2-6 appears to include the nucleosome acidic patch. Thus, within the epichromatin and chromomeric regions, this epitope is ‘exposed’. Considering that histones possess unstructured ‘tails’ (i.e. intrinsically disordered peptide regions, IDPR), our perception of these chromatin regions becomes more ‘fuzzy’ (less defined). We suggest that epichromatin cationic tails facilitate interactions with anionic components of NE membranes. We also suggest that the unstructured histone tails (especially, histone H1 tails), with their presumed promiscuous binding, establish multivalent binding that stabilizes each chromomere as a unit of chromatin higher order structure. We propose an ‘unstructured stability’ hypothesis, which postulates that the stability of epichromatin and chromomeres (as well as other nuclear chromatin structures) is a consequence of thecollectivecontributions of numerous weak histone IDPR binding interactions arising from the multivalent nucleosome, analogous to antibody avidity.
One-step synthesis of OH-TiO
2
/TiOF
2
nanohybrids and their enhanced solar light photocatalytic performance
Authors: Hou Chentao , Liu Wenli
Published: June 2018

TiO
2
/TiOF
2
nanohybrids were quickly synthesized through a hydrothermal process using titanium n-butoxide (TBOT), ethanol (C
2
H
5
OH) and hydrofluoric acid as precursors. The prepared nanohybrids underwent additional NaOH treatment (OH-TiO
2
/TiOF
2
) to enhance their photocatalytic performance. In this paper, the mechanism of NaOH affecting the pathway of transformation from TBOT (Ti precursor) to TiO
2
nanosheets was discussed. The synthesized TiO
2
/TiOF
2
and OH-TiO
2
/TiOF
2
were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), Fourier infrared spectroscopic analysis (FT-IR), Photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra and UV–visible diffuse reflection spectra (UV–vis DRS). The photocatalytic activity and stability of synthesized samples were evaluated by degradation of methylene blue (MB) under the simulated solar light. The results showed that a larger ratio of TiO
2
to TiOF
2
in TiO
2
/TiOF
2
and OH-TiO
2
/TiOF
2
nanohybrids could allow for even higher MB conversion compared with only TiO
2
nanosheets. NaOH treatment can wash off the F ions from TiOF
2
and induce this larger ratio. The highest efficiency of MB removal was just above 90% in 1 h. Lower electron–hole pairs recombination rate is the dominant factor that induces the photocatalytic performance enhancement of TiO
2
/TiOF
2
nanohybrids. The synthesized OH-TiO
2
/TiOF
2
nanohybrids exhibit great potential in the abatement of organic pollutants.
Solutions for the problems of silicon–carbon anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Xuyan , Zhu Xinjie , Pan Deng
Published: June 2018

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in various industries, such as portable electronic devices, mobile phones, new energy car batteries, etc., and show great potential for more demanding applications like electric vehicles. Among advanced anode materials applied to lithium-ion batteries, silicon–carbon anodes have been explored extensively due to their high capacity, good operation potential, environmental friendliness and high abundance. Silicon–carbon anodes have demonstrated great potential as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries because they have perfectly improved the problems that existed in silicon anodes, such as the particle pulverization, shedding and failures of electrochemical performance during lithiation and delithiation. However, there are still some problems, such as low first discharge efficiency, poor conductivity and poor cycling performance, which need to be improved. This paper mainly presents some methods for solving the existing problems of silicon–carbon anode materials through different perspectives.
Effects of dimming light-emitting diode street lights on light-opportunistic and light-averse bats in suburban habitats
Authors: Rowse Elizabeth G. , Harris Stephen , Jones Gareth
Published: June 2018

Emerging lighting technologies provide opportunities for reducing carbon footprints, and for biodiversity conservation. In addition to installing light-emitting diode street lights, many local authorities are also dimming street lights. This might benefit light-averse bat species by creating dark refuges for these bats to forage and commute in human-dominated habitats. We conducted a field experiment to determine how light intensity affects the activity of the light-opportunisticPipistrellus pipistrellusand light-averse bats in the genusMyotis.We used four lighting levels controlled under a central management system at existing street lights in a suburban environment (0, 25, 50 and 100% of the original output). Higher light intensities (50 and 100% of original output) increased the activity of light-opportunistic species but reduced the activity of light-averse bats. Compared to the unlit treatment, the 25% lighting level did not significantly affect eitherP. pipistrellusorMyotisspp. Our results suggest that it is possible to achieve a light intensity that provides both economic and ecological benefits by providing sufficient light for human requirements while not deterring light-averse bats.
Tuberculosis-like respiratory infection in 245-million-year-old marine reptile suggested by bone pathologies
Authors: Surmik Dawid , Szczygielski Tomasz , Janiszewska Katarzyna , Rothschild Bruce M.
Published: June 2018

An absence of ancient archaeological and palaeontological evidence of pneumonia contrasts with its recognition in the more recent archaeological record. We document an apparent infection-mediated periosteal reaction affecting the dorsal ribs in a Middle Triassic eosauropterygian historically referred to as ‘Proneusticosaurus’silesiacus. High-resolution X-ray microtomography and histological studies of the pathologically altered ribs revealed the presence of a continuous solid periosteal reaction with multiple superficial blebs (protrusions) on the visceral surfaces of several ribs. Increased vascularization and uneven lines of arrested growth document that the pathology was the result of a multi-seasonal disease. While visceral surface localization of this periosteal reaction represents the earliest identified evidence for pneumonia, the blebs may have an additional implication: they have only been previously recognized in humans with tuberculosis (TB). Along with this diagnosis is the presence of focal vertebral erosions, parsimoniously compared to vertebral manifestation of TB in humans.
The strength of the biodiversity–ecosystem function relationship depends on spatial scale
Authors: Thompson Patrick L. , Isbell Forest , Loreau Michel , O'Connor Mary I. , Gonzalez Andrew
Published: June 2018

Our understanding of the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (BEF) applies mainly to fine spatial scales. New research is required if we are to extend this knowledge to broader spatial scales that are relevant for conservation decisions. Here, we use simulations to examine conditions that generate scale dependence of the BEF relationship. We study scale by assessing how the BEF relationship (slope and
R
2
) changes when habitat patches are spatially aggregated. We find three ways for the BEF relationship to be scale-dependent: (i) variation among local patches in local (α) diversity, (ii) spatial variation in the local BEF relationship and (iii) incomplete compositional turnover in species composition among patches. The first two cause the slope of the BEF relationship to increase moderately with spatial scale, reflecting nonlinear averaging of spatial variation in diversity or the BEF relationship. The third mechanism results in much stronger scale dependence, with the BEF relationship increasing in the rising portion of the species area relationship, but then decreasing as it saturates. An analysis of data from the Cedar Creek grassland BEF experiment revealed a positive but saturating slope of the relationship with scale. Overall, our findings suggest that the BEF relationship is likely to be scale dependent.
Linking locomotor performance to morphological shifts in urban lizards
Authors: Winchell Kristin M. , Maayan Inbar , Fredette Jason R. , Revell Liam J.
Published: June 2018

Urban habitats are drastically modified from their natural state, creating unique challenges and selection pressures for organisms that reside in them. We compared locomotor performance ofAnolislizards from urban and forest habitats on tracks differing in angle and substrate, and found that using artificial substrates came at a cost: lizards ran substantially slower and frequently lost traction on man-made surfaces compared to bark. We found that various morphological traits were positively correlated with sprint speed and that these same traits were significantly larger in urban compared to forest lizards. We found that urban lizards ran faster on both man-made and natural surfaces, suggesting similar mechanisms improve locomotor performance on both classes of substrate. Thus, lizards in urban areas may be under selection to run faster on all flat surfaces, while forest lizards face competing demands of running, jumping and clinging to narrow perches. Novel locomotor challenges posed by urban habitats likely have fitness consequences for lizards that cannot effectively use man-made surfaces, providing a mechanistic basis for observed phenotypic shifts in urban populations of this species.
Phagocytic intracellular digestion in amphioxus (
Branchiostoma
)
Authors: He Chunpeng , Han Tingyu , Liao Xin , Zhou Yuxin , Wang Xiuqiang , Guan Rui , Tian Tian , Li Yixin , Bi Changwei , Lu Na , He Ziyi , Hu Bing , Zhou Qiang , Hu Yue , Lu Zuhong , Chen J.-Y.
Published: June 2018

The digestive methods employed by amphioxus (
Branchiostoma
)—both intracellular phagocytic digestion and extracellular digestion—have been discussed since 1937. Recent studies also show that epithelial cells lining the
Branchiostoma
digestive tract can express many immune genes. Here, in
Branchiostoma belcheri
, using a special tissue fixation method, we show that some epithelial cells, especially those lining the large diverticulum protruding from the gut tube, phagocytize food particles directly, and
Branchiostoma
can rely on this kind of phagocytic intracellular digestion to obtain energy throughout all stages of its life. Gene expression profiles suggest that diverticulum epithelial cells have functional features of both digestive cells and phagocytes. In starved
Branchiostoma
, these cells accumulate endogenous digestive and hydrolytic enzymes, whereas, when sated, they express many kinds of immune genes in response to stimulation by phagocytized food particles. We also found that the distal hindgut epithelium can phagocytize food particles, but not as many. These results illustrate phagocytic intercellular digestion in
Branchiostoma
, explain why
Branchiostoma
digestive tract epithelial cells express typical immune genes and suggest that the main physiological function of the
Branchiostoma
diverticulum is different from that of the vertebrate liver.
Interaction between static visual cues and force-feedback on the perception of mass of virtual objects
Authors: Bi Wenyan , Newport Jonathan , Xiao Bei
Published: June 2018

We use force-feedback device and a game engine to measure the effects of material appearance on the perception of mass of virtual objects. We discover that the perceived mass is mainly determined by the ground-truth mass output by the force-feedback device. Different from the classic Material Weight Illusion (MWI), however, heavy-looking objects (e.g. steel) are consistently rated heavier than light-looking ones (e.g. fabric) with the same ground-truth mass. Analysis of the initial accelerated velocity of the movement trajectories of the virtual probe shows greater acceleration for materials with heavier rated mass. This effect is diminished when the participants lift the object for the second time, meaning that the influence of visual appearance disappears in the movement trajectories once it is calibrated by the force-feedback. We also show how the material categories are affected by both the visual appearance and the weight of the object. We conclude that visual appearance has a significant interaction with haptic force-feedback on the perception of mass and also affects the kinematics of how participants manipulate the object.

CCS CONCEPTS

• Human-centered computing → Empirical studies in HCI; Empirical studies in interaction design; Empirical studies in visualization;

ACM Reference Format

Wenyan Bi, Jonathan Newport, and Bei Xiao. 2018. Interaction between static visual cues and force-feedback on the perception of mass of virtual objects. In Proceedings of. ACM, New York, NY, USA, 5 pages.
Diet-based assortative mating through sexual imprinting
Authors: Delaney E.K. , Hoekstra H.E.
Published: June 2018

Speciation is facilitated when traits subject to divergent selection also contribute to non-random mating—so-called ‘magic traits.’ Diet is a potential magic trait in animal populations because selection for divergence in consumed food may contribute to assortative mating and therefore sexual isolation. However, the mechanisms causing positive diet-based assortment are largely unknown. Here, using diet manipulations in a sexually imprinting species of mouse,Peromyscus gossypinus(the cotton mouse), we tested the hypothesis that sexual imprinting on a divergent diet could be a mechanism that generates rapid and significant sexual isolation. We provided breeding pairs with novel garlic- or orange-flavored water and assessed whether their offspring, exposed to these flavorsin uteroand in the nest before weaning, later preferred mates that consumed the same flavored water as their parents. While males showed no preference, females preferred males of their parental diet, which generated significant sexual isolation. Thus, our experiment demonstrates that sexual imprinting on dietary cues learnedin uteroand/or postnatally can facilitate reproductive isolation and potentially speciation.
Next-Generation Sequencing Could be a Promising Diagnostic Approach for Pathogen Detection: Pathogenic Analysis of Pediatric Bacterial Meningitis by Next-Generation Sequencing Technology Directly from Cerebrospinal Fluid Specimens
Authors: Guo Ling-yun , Li Yong-jun , Liu Lin-lin , Wu Hong-long , Zhou Jia-li , Zhang Ye , Feng Wen-ya , Zhu Liang , Hu Bing , Hu Hui-li , Chen Tian-ming , Guo Xin , Chen He-ying , Yang Yong-hong , Liu Gang
Published: June 2018

Background

Bacterial meningitis remains one of the major challenges in infectious diseases, leading to sequel in many cases. A prompt diagnosis of the causative microorganism is critical to significantly improve outcome of bacterial meningitis. Although various targeted tests for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples are available, it is a big problem for the identification of etiology of bacterial meningitis.

Methods

Here we describe the use of unbiased sequence analyses by next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology for the identification of infectious microorganisms from CSF samples of pediatric bacterial meningitis patients in the Department of Infectious Diseases from Beijing Children’s Hospital.

Results

In total, we had 99 bacterial meningitis patients in our study, 55 (55.6%) of these were etiologically confirmed by clinical microbiology methods. Combined with NGS, 68 cases (68.7%) were etiologically confirmed. The main pathogens identified in this study were Streptococcus pneumoniae (n=29), group B streptococcus (n=15), Staphylococcus aureus (n=7), Escherichia coli (n=7). In addition, two cases with cytomegalovirus infection and one with Taenia saginata asiatica were confirmed by NGS.

Conclusions

NGS could be a promising alternative diagnostic approach for critically ill patients suffering from bacterial meningitis in pediatric population.

We conducted the study for the identification of microorganisms by next-generation sequencing directly from CSF samples of pediatric bacterial meningitis patients. And the study showed that NGS could be a promising alternative diagnostic approach for bacterial meningitis in pediatric population.
Validation of an ultra-fast CNV calling tool for Next Generation Sequencing data using MLPA-verified copy number alterations
Authors: Tolhuis Bas , Karten Hans
Published: June 2018

DNA Copy Number Variations (CNVs) are an important source for genetic diversity and pathogenic variants. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) methods have become increasingly more popular for CNV detection, but its data analysis is a growing bottleneck. Genalice CNV is a novel tool for detection of CNVs. It takes care of turnaround time, scalability and cost issues associated with NGS computational analysis. Here, we validate Genalice CNV with MLPA-verified exon CNVs and genes with normal copy numbers. Genalice CNV detects 61 out of 62 exon CNVs and its false positive rate is less than 1%. It analyzes 96 samples from a targeted NGS assay in less than 45 minutes, including read alignment and CNV detection, using a single node. Furthermore, we describe data quality measures to minimize false discoveries. In conclusion, Genalice CNV is highly sensitive and specific, as well as extremely fast, which will be beneficial for clinical detection of CNVs.