bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor‐infiltrating mesenchymal stem cells: Drivers of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in prostate cancer?
Authors: Krueger Timothy E. , Thorek Daniel L. J. , Meeker Alan K. , Isaacs John T. , Brennen W. Nathaniel
Published: November 2018

Background

Prostate cancer is characterized by T‐cell exclusion, which is consistent with their poor responses to immunotherapy. In addition, T‐cells restricted to the adjacent stroma and benign areas are characterized by anergic and immunosuppressive phenotypes. In order for immunotherapies to produce robust anti‐tumor responses in prostate cancer, this exclusion barrier and immunosuppressive microenvironment must first be overcome. We have previously identified mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in primary and metastatic human prostate cancer tissue.

Methods

An Opal Multiplex immunofluorescence assay based on CD73, CD90, and CD105 staining was used to identify triple‐labeled MSCs in human prostate cancer tissue. T‐cell suppression assays and flow cytometry were used to demonstrate the immunosuppressive potential of primary MSCs expanded from human bone marrow and prostate cancer tissue from independent donors.

Results

Endogenous MSCs were confirmed to be present at sites of human prostate cancer. These prostate cancer‐infiltrating MSCs suppress T‐cell proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner similar to their bone marrow‐derived counterparts. Also similar to bone marrow‐derived MSCs, prostate cancer‐infiltrating MSCs upregulate expression of PD‐L1 and PD‐L2 on their cell surface in the presence of IFNγ and TNFα.

Conclusion

Prostate cancer‐infiltrating MSCs suppress T‐cell proliferation similar to canonical bone marrow‐derived MSCs, which have well‐documented immunosuppressive properties with numerous effects on both innate and adaptive immune system function. Thus, we hypothesize that selective depletion of MSCs infiltrating sites of prostate cancer should restore immunologic recognition and elimination of malignant cells via broad re‐activation of cytotoxic pro‐inflammatory pathways.
Sox7 negatively regulates prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) expression through PSMA‐enhancer
Authors: Peng Wei , Guo Lizheng , Tang Ruoyi , Liu Xiuju , Jin Rui , Dong Jin‐Tang , Xing Chun‐gen , Zhou Wei
Published: November 2018

Background

PSMA expression in the prostate epithelium is controlled by a cis‐element, PSMA enhancer (PSME). PSME contains multiple binding sites for Sox proteins, and in this study, we identified Sox7 protein as a negative regulator of PSMA expression through its interaction with PSME.

Methods

The statistical correlation between Sox7 and PSMA mRNA expression was evaluated using five prostate cancer studies from cBioportal. In vitro and in vivo interaction between Sox7 and PSME was evaluated by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), and luciferase reporter assay. Synthetic oligonucleotides were generated to define the sites in PSME that interact with Sox7 protein. Sox7 mutants were generated to identify the region of this protein required to regulate PSMA expression. Sox7 was also stably expressed in LNCaP/C4‐2 and 22Rv1 cells to validate the regulation of PSMA expression by Sox7 in vivo.

Results

Sox7 mRNA expression negatively correlated with PSMA/FOLH1 and PSMAL/FOLH1B mRNA expression in Broad/Cornell, TCGA and MSKCC studies, but not in two studies containing only metastatic prostate tumors. PC‐3 cells mostly expressed the 48.5 KDa isoform 2 of Sox7, and the depletion of this isoform did not restore PSMA expression. Ectopic expression of canonical, wild‐type Sox7 in C4‐2 and 22Rv1 cells suppressed PSMA protein expression. ChIP assay revealed that canonical Sox7 protein preferentially interacts with PSME in vivo, and EMSA identified the SOX box sites #2 and #4 in PSME as required for its interaction. Sox7 was capable of directly binding to PSME and suppressed PSME‐mediated transcription. The NLS regions of Sox7, but not its β‐catenin interacting motif, are essential for this suppressing activity. Furthermore, restoration of wild‐type Sox7 expression but not Sox7‐NLS mutant in Sox7‐null prostate cancer cell lines suppressed PSMA expression.

Conclusions

The inactivation of canonical Sox7 is responsible for the upregulated expression of PSMA in non‐metastatic prostate cancer.
Experimental rat prostatitis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis infection
Authors: Jang Ki‐Seok , Han Ik‐Hwan , Lee Seung‐Ju , Yoo Jin , Kim Ye‐Seul , Sim Seobo , Ryu Jae‐Sook
Published: November 2018

Background

Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) is the most common sexually transmitted parasite. It has been detected in prostatic tissue of patients with prostatitis and reported to be associated with chronic prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia as well as prostate cancer. Recently, experimental rodent models of prostatitis induced by pathogen infection have been developed. However, there have so far been no reports of prostatitis caused by T. vaginalis infection in animals. Here, we investigated whether infection with T. vaginalis via the rat urethra could cause prostatitis.

Methods

T. vaginalis was injected into prostate through urethra of rat (Wistar rats), and the rats were killed 1, 2, or 4 weeks later. The presence of T. vaginalis trophozoites in the rat prostates was examined by immunohistochemistry, and pathological changes of the prostate were observed by hematoxylin‐eosin staining and evaluated by grading from 0 to 5 for inflammatory cell infiltration, acinar changes, and interstitial fibrosis. Infiltrated mast cells were observed by toluidine blue staining of rat prostate tissue. Chemokine C‐C motif ligand 2 (CCL2) levels of the rat prostates were measured by ELISA.

Results

T. vaginalis trophozoites were observed in acini in the prostates of the injected rats. The prostate tissues had higher pathological scores, and 83% (5/6) and 100% (6/6) of the ventral and dorsolateral lobes (n = 6), respectively, were inflamed. Infiltration and degranulation of mast cells were observed at higher rates in prostate sections of the T. vaginalis‐infected rats. Also, prostate tissues of the injected rats had increased CCL2 levels.

Conclusions

Injection of T. vaginalis in rats caused prostatitis as revealed by pathologic changes, mast cell infiltration and increased CCL2 production. Therefore, this study provides the first evidence that T. vaginalis infection in rats causes prostatitis.
Antifungal activity of a de novo synthetic peptide and derivatives against fungal food contaminants
Authors: Thery Thibaut , Shwaiki Laila N. , O'Callaghan Yvonne C. , O'Brien Nora M. , Arendt Elke K.
Published: November 2018

The development of novel solutions to fight microbial food contaminants rests upon two pillars, which are the development of resistant strains and consumers' desire for a reduced consumption of synthetic drugs. Natural antimicrobial peptides possess the qualities to overcome these issues. De novo synthesis of novel antifungal compounds is a major progress that has been facilitated by the identification of parameters involved in the antimicrobial activity. A 14‐residue peptide named KK14, with the sequence KKFFRAWWAPRFLK‐NH2, was designed and inhibited conidial germination and fungal growth of food contaminants within the range 6.25 to 50 μg/ml and 6.25 to 100 μg/ml, respectively. The study of three analogues of the peptide highlighted the role of some residues in the structural conformation of the peptide and its antifungal activity. The substitution of a Pro residue with Arg increased the helical content of the peptide not only its antifungal activity but also its cytotoxicity. The insertion of an unnatural bulky residue β‐diphenylalanine or a full d‐enantiomerization overall increased the antifungal potency. The four peptides showed similar behaviour towards salt increase, heat treatment, and pH decrease. Interestingly, the denantiomer remained the most active at high pH and after proteolytic digestion. The four peptides did not present haemolytic activity up to 200 μg/ml but had different behaviours of cytotoxicity. These differences could be crucial for potential application as pharmaceutical or food preservatives.
A case of Aspergillus and Nocardia infections after bronchial thermoplasty
Authors: Matsubayashi Sachi , Iikura Motoyasu , Numata Takanori , Izumi Shinyu , Sugiyama Haruhito
Published: November 2018

Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) is a bronchoscopic treatment for severe asthma. A 35‐year‐old woman with uncontrolled severe asthma despite maximal pharmacological treatment underwent BT and started coughing after the first procedure. One month later, during the second BT procedure, there were white ulcerous lesions on the right B9 bronchus. Culture of the bronchial brushing specimen showed Aspergillus fumigatus, for which voriconazole was started for treatment. On the third BT procedure, endobronchial mucus sampling demonstrated Nocardia spp., for which trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole was given for three months. Seven months after the third BT procedure, no particular endobronchial lesions were found, and no abnormal pathogens were obtained by culture. The resulting bronchial infection in this case may be attributed to the use of systemic steroids, which rendered the patient immunocompromised, and to tissue fragility that was caused by the thermal energy from the BT procedure. Culture of endobronchial mucus should be considered during BT.
Influence of river discharge on grass carp occupancy dynamics in south‐eastern Iowa rivers
Authors: Sullivan Christopher J. , Weber Michael J. , Pierce Clay L. , Camacho Carlos A.
Published: November 2018

Despite the longstanding presence of grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella in the Upper Mississippi River (UMR) watershed, information regarding their populations remains largely unknown, in part because capture is difficult. Occupancy models are a popular wildlife assessment tool to account for imperfect detections but have been slow to be adopted in fisheries. Herein, we used occupancy modelling to evaluate the influence of two environmental covariates (river discharge and water temperature) on grass carp occupancy, extinction, colonization, and detection at nine sites within south‐eastern Iowa rivers from April to October 2014 and 2015. Grass carp were detected at least once at all but one site. The most parsimonious model indicated that grass carp colonization probability increased from 0.15 to 0.67 with increases in river discharge. In contrast, occupancy (0.20), extinction (0.29), and detection (0.50) probabilities were temporally constant. Models indicated that water temperatures did not influence grass carp extinction or colonization probabilities relative to river discharge. Cumulative grass carp detection probability approached 1.0, whereas conditional occupancy estimates were less than 0.1 when using five or more sampling transects. The use of a robust design occupancy model allowed us to estimate site occupancy rates of grass carp corrected for imperfect detections, while demonstrating the importance of river discharge for site colonization. These results can be used to assess the distribution of a cryptic fish while helping to guide grass carp sampling and removal efforts.
Assess risk of harassment, stalking escalating to violence
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: November 2018

Stalking incidents are on the rise. In fact, stalking of a former partner more often ends in homicide than does stalking of an acquaintance, celebrity, or stranger. And that should trigger concern among higher ed administrators.
A critical issue of using the variance of the total in the linearization method – In the context of unequal probability sampling
Authors: Yu Jihnhee , Vexler Albert , Jalal Kabir
Published: November 2018

Publicly available national survey data are useful for the evidence‐based research to advance our understanding of important questions in the health and biomedical sciences. Appropriate variance estimation is a crucial step to evaluate the strength of evidence in the data analysis. In survey data analysis, the conventional linearization method for estimating the variance of a statistic of interest uses the variance estimator of the total based on linearized variables. We warn that this common practice may result in undesirable consequences such as susceptibility to data shift and severely inflated variance estimates, when unequal weights are incorporated into variance estimation. We propose to use the variance estimator of the mean (mean‐approach) instead of the variance estimator of the total (total‐approach). We show a superiority of the mean‐approach through analytical investigations. A real data example (the National Comorbidity Survey Replication) and simulation‐based studies strongly support our conclusion.
Production of N‐doped Reduced Graphene Oxide/Fe3O4 Hybrids and Effect of Order of Production Steps on Electrocatalytic Performances for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Shin Yunseok , Lee Seungjun , Park Sunghee , Jang Dawoon , Lim Donggyu , Park Gilsoo , Seok Sujin , Park Sungjin
Published: November 2018

Oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) occur at cathodes in fuel cells and require efficient electrocatalysts. Because of the cost and limited durability and stability of commercial Pt/C catalysts, the development of efficient Pt‐free electrocatalysts is an active research topic. Here, we describe the solution‐based production of Fe3O4 nanoparticles/N‐doped graphene‐based materials from FeCl2, graphene oxide (G−O), and hydrazine. Orders of production steps were varied by; i) reacting FeCl2 and G−O first and then adding hydrazine (Fe/G−N), ii) reacting G−O, FeCl2, and hydrazine at the same time (Fe/G/N), or iii) reacting G−O and hydrazine first and then adding FeCl2 (G/N−Fe). The hybrids produced showed better ORR electrocatalytic activity in alkaline media than single components such as N‐doped graphene‐based materials or Fe3O4. Furthermore, the electrocatalytic properties of the resulting hybrids were found to depend on orders of addition. Fe/G/N was found to be the best electrocatalyst and had better onset and half‐wave potentials, thermodynamic current density, and 4‐electron selectivity. All three hybrids show good cyclic durability and methanol tolerance.
Semisynthesis and Biological Evaluation of Platensimycin Analogues with Varying Aminobenzoic Acids
Authors: Tian Kai , Deng Youchao , Qiu Lin , Zhu Xiangcheng , Shen Ben , Duan Yanwen , Huang Yong
Published: November 2018

Platensimycin (PTM) is an excellent natural product drug lead against various gram‐positive pathogens, including methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin‐resistant enterococci. In this study, twenty PTM derivatives with varying aminobenzoic acids were semisynthesized. In contrast to all the previous reported inactive aminobenzaote analogues, a few of them showed moderate antibacterial activities against S. aureus. Our study suggested that modification of the conserved aminobenzoic acid remains a viable approach to diversify the PTM scaffold.
Catalytic Performance and Kinetics Study over Novel Ni/Activated Carbon‐FSM‐16 Catalysts in the BTX Mixture for Benzene Selective Hydrogenation
Authors: Mohammadian Zahra , Peyrovi Mohammad Hasan , Parsafard Nastaran
Published: November 2018

Nickel catalysts supported on activated carbon/FSM‐16 nanoparticles were prepared by wet impregnation method and tested for vapor phase selective hydrogenation of benzene in the mixture of aromatics as benzene, toluene and xylene. The textural and physico‐chemical properties of nickel catalysts were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Uv‐visible diffuse reflectance spectra, field emission scanning electron microscope and nitrogen adsorption‐desorption analysis. The catalytic evaluation revealed that the best activity (>94%) and high selectivity (>99%) are related to Ni/AC−F(50) at 150 °C and Ni/AC−F(75) at 130 °C and 150 °C, respectively. In summary, by calculating the yield of benzene, in order to evaluate the performance (activity, stability, and selectivity) of the catalysts, it was found that the performance of Ni/AC−F(75) is very appropriate.
Interface‐Engineered Nickel Cobaltite Nanowires through NiO Atomic Layer Deposition and Nitrogen Plasma for High‐Energy, Long‐Cycle‐Life Foldable All‐Solid‐State Supercapacitors
Authors: Chodankar Nilesh R. , Selvaraj Seenivasan , Ji Su‐Hyeon , Kwon Yongchai , Kim Do‐Heyoung
Published: November 2018

The large‐scale application of supercapacitors (SCs) for portable electronics is restricted by low energy density and cycling stability. To alleviate the limitations, a unique interface engineering strategy is suggested through atomic layer deposition (ALD) and nitrogen plasma. First, commercial carbon cloth (CC) is treated with nitrogen plasma and later inorganic NiCo2O4 (NCO)/NiO core–shell nanowire arrays are deposited on nitrogen plasma–treated CC (NCC) to fabricate the ultrahigh stable SC. An ultrathin layer of NiO deposited on the NCO nanowire arrays via conformal ALD plays a vital role in stabilizing the NCO nanowires for thousands of electrochemical cycles. The optimized NCC/NCO/NiO core–shell electrode exhibits a high specific capacitance of 2439 F g−1 with a remarkable cycling stability (94.2% over 20 000 cycles). Benefiting from these integrated merits, the foldable solid‐state SCs are fabricated with excellent NCC/NCO/NiO core–shell nanowire array electrodes. The fabricated SC device delivers a high energy density of 72.32 Wh kg−1 at a specific capacitance of 578 F g−1, with ultrasmall capacitance decline rate of 0.0003% per cycle over 10 000 charge–discharge cycles. Overall, this strategy offers a new avenue for developing a new‐generation high‐energy, ultrahigh stable supercapacitor for real‐life applications.
Cellular Internalization–Induced Aggregation of Porous Silicon Nanoparticles for Ultrasound Imaging and Protein‐Mediated Protection of Stem Cells
Authors: Qi Shengcai , Zhang Pengfei , Ma Ming , Yao Minghua , Wu Jinjin , Mäkilä Ermei , Salonen Jarno , Ruskoaho Heikki , Xu Yuanzhi , Santos Hélder A. , Zhang Hongbo
Published: November 2018

Nanotechnology employs multifunctional engineered materials in the nanoscale range that provides many opportunities for translational stem cell research and therapy. Here, a cell‐penetrating peptide (virus‐1 transactivator of transcription)–conjugated, porous silicon nanoparticle (TPSi NP) loaded with the Wnt3a protein to increase both the cell survival rate and the delivery precision of stem cell transplantation via a combinational theranostic strategy is presented. The TPSi NP with a pore size of 10.7 nm and inorganic framework enables high‐efficiency loading of Wnt3a, prolongs Wnt3a release, and increases antioxidative stress activity in the labeled mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are highly beneficial properties for cell protection in stem cell therapy for myocardial infarction. It is confirmed that the intracellular aggregation of TPSi NPs can highly amplify the acoustic scattering of the labeled MSCs, resulting in a 2.3‐fold increase in the ultrasound (US) signal compared with that of unlabeled MSCs. The translational potential of the designed nanoagent for real‐time US imaging–guided stem cell transplantation is confirmed via intramyocardial injection of labeled MSCs in a nude mouse model. It is proposed that the intracellular aggregation of protein drug–loaded TPSi NPs could be a simple but robust strategy for improving the therapeutic effect of stem cell therapy.
Tacrines as Therapeutic Agents for Alzheimer's Disease. IV. The Tacripyrines and Related Annulated Tacrines
Authors: Bartolini Manuela , Marco‐Contelles José
Published: November 2018

Notwithstanding the clinical use of tacrine was hampered by severe hepatotoxicity, tacrine still remains a reference scaffold in the search for new efficient drugs for Alzheimer's disease therapy. In this account we summarize the efforts toward the development and characterization of non‐hepatotoxic tacripyrines and related tacrine analogues resulting from the substitution of the benzene ring by a 1,4‐dihydropyridine, a 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydropyrimidine or a pyridone nucleus. These efforts have successfully led to the identification of a number of promising hits endowed with interesting multifunctional profiles. These include the 4′‐metoxytacripyrine (S)‐ITH122, able to target cholinesterases (ChEs), beta‐amyloid (Aβ) and Ca2+ channels, the racemic 3′‐methoxytacripyrimidine EB65F2, the first fully balanced micromolar inhibitor of ChEs and Ca2+ channels, and tacripyrine (−)‐SCR1693 a GSK‐3β (enzyme involved in tau phosphorylation) inhibitor able to also lower Aβ production in N2a cells.
“Psychic Degenerate”: Why G. Was Interned
Authors: Romano Gabriella
Published: November 2018

This chapter explains how homosexuality was pathologised: to do this, it traces the origins of the “effeminate male” stereotype, explaining how the socio-cultural concept of degeneration was extended to include “sexual inversion”. Through the doctors’ words, G.’s biography starts to take shape and it becomes clear how it matched the “degenerate” and “effeminate pederast” stereotypical description.
“He and I”: G’.s Voice
Authors: Romano Gabriella
Published: November 2018

This chapter analyses the autobiographical piece of writing that G. deposited at his lawyer’s office before being arrested and interned. In this unique and precious document, he recounted his version of the story, narrating his life and describing the discrimination he had to endure. He accused his brother of persecuting him and attempted to reveal what lay beneath his hypocrisy. This document, that G. entitled memoriale, reveals the level of pressure and persecution a homosexual had to face under the fascist regime. Ahead of his time, G. highlighted the socio-economic consequences of homophobia and felt entitled to compensation.
“I’ll Have you Sent to Confino”: How the Fascist Regime Punished and Repressed Homosexuality
Authors: Romano Gabriella
Published: November 2018

This chapter explains the extent to which liberties of every individual had been restricted by the regime. It focuses on censorship and the so-called moralisation campaign to show how the regime had managed to invade its citizens’ private lives. The situation in Turin is used to exemplify what went on at a national level in terms of repression. The second part concentrates on repression of sexuality and homosexuality: although homosexuality was not mentioned by the Code of Laws, a number of legal measures existed and were deployed to repress and punish it. The intention is to depict the climate that surrounded G. in the last days of his “freedom”, as his world was shrinking and becoming increasingly dangerous.
“House of Sorrow”: The Collegno Asylum in 1928–1931
Authors: Romano Gabriella
Published: November 2018

This chapter concentrates on the Collegno asylum where G. was interned. It brings evidence to show how psychiatric institutions had become a place of detention for “deviants” and those who had committed actions against current morality, against Fascism and its values. Collegno asylum’s detention, rather than medical, role clearly emerges and this research also shows, through several patients’ cases, how families, psychiatrists and public security forces collaborated in ensuring that “unfit” individuals could be removed from society. The chapter reconstructs the Collegno mental health hospital routine while G. was interned there: through patients’ files, it proves that morality constituted an increasingly decisive element in mental health diagnosis and care.
“My Untamed, Alone, Naked Will”: Freedom
Authors: Romano Gabriella
Published: November 2018

This chapter sheds light on the last part of G.’s internment and tries to explain why he was released. It is based on archival evidence found in the Racconigi asylum, where he was sent for a second psychiatric assessment. The chapter further sketches G.’s personality, as it emerged from this last series of events and from his writings, and draws a hypothesis on the likely conclusions of the family saga that had brought him to an asylum in the first place.
Conclusions
Authors: Romano Gabriella
Published: November 2018

This chapter highlights how families had a large responsibility in the decision to have someone interned, but at the same time it shows how psychiatry was, at least in this case, fairly reluctant to collaborate with relatives and security forces in implementing the repression of homosexuals. G. demonstrated that he knew the system, its rhetoric and its methods, and was willing to compromise and adapt, in order to obtain his freedom. However, he was, in certain respects, a pioneer, showing that he had an awareness of his rights and the courage to fight a fierce battle to obtain compensation for the injustices he had endured. This ambiguity is in many ways representative of the survival strategies implemented by many Italians under the pressure of the dictatorship.
Scalar and fermionic Unruh Otto engines
Authors: Gray Finnian , Mann Robert B.
Published: November 2018

Abstract

We investigate the behaviour of quantum heat engines, in which a qubit is put through the quantum equivalent of the Otto cycle and the heat reservoirs are due to the Unruh effect. The qubit is described by an Unruh-DeWitt detector model coupled quadratically to a scalar field and alternately to a fermion field. In the cycle, the qubit undergoes two stages of differing constant acceleration corresponding to thermal contact with a hot and cold reservoir. Explicit conditions are derived on the accelerations required for this cycle to have positive work output. By analytically calculating the detector response functions, we show that the dimensionality of the quadratic and fermionic coupling constants introduces qualitatively different behaviour of the work output from this cycle as compared to the case in which the qubit linearly couples to a scalar field.
Probing axial quark generalized parton distributions through exclusive photoproduction of a γπ± pair with a large invariant mass
Authors: Duplančić G. , Passek-Kumerički K. , Pire B. , Szymanowski L. , Wallon S.
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Exclusive photoproduction of aγπ±pair in the kinematics where the pair has a large invariant mass and the final nucleon has a small transverse momentum is described in the collinear factorization framework. The scattering amplitude is calculated at leading order inαsand the differential cross sections for the process are estimated in the kinematics of the JLab 12-GeV experiments. The order of magnitude of the predicted cross-sections seems sufficient for a dedicated experiment to be performed. The process turns out to be very sensitive to the axial generalized parton distribution combination$$ {\tilde{H}}_u-{\tilde{H}}_d $$H˜u−H˜d.
A note on D0-branes and instantons in 5d supersymmetric gauge theories
Authors: Avraham Eran , Bergman Oren
Published: November 2018

Abstract

We refine a previous proposal for obtaining the multi-instanton partition function from the supersymmetric index of the 1d supersymmetric gauge theory on the worldline of D0-branes. We provide examples where the refinements are crucial for obtaining the correct result.
Optimal disturbances and large-scale energetic motions in turbulent boundary layers
Authors: Davis Timothy B. , Uzun Ali , Alvi Farrukh S.
Published: November 2018

We examine disturbances leading to optimal energy growth in a spatially developing, zero-pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layer. The slow development of the turbulent mean flow in the streamwise direction is modelled through a parabolized formulation to enable a spatial marching procedure. In the present framework, conventional spatial optimal disturbances arise naturally as the homogeneous solution to the linearized equations subject to a turbulent forcing at particular wavenumber combinations. A wave-like decomposition for the disturbance is considered to incorporate both conventional stationary modes as well as propagating modes formed by non-zero frequency/streamwise wavenumber and representative of convective structures naturally observed in wall turbulence. The optimal streamwise wavenumber, which varies with the spatial development of the turbulent mean flow, is computed locally via an auxiliary optimization constraint. The present approach can then be considered, in part, as an extension of the resolvent-based analyses for slowly developing flows. Optimization results reveal highly amplified disturbances for both stationary and propagating modes. Stationary modes identify peak amplification of structures residing near the centre of the logarithmic layer of the turbulent mean flow. Inner-scaled disturbances reminiscent of near wall streaks, and amplified over short streamwise distances, are identified in the computed streamwise energy spectra. In all cases, however, propagating modes surpass their stationary counterpart in both energy amplification and relative contribution to total fluctuation energy. We identify two classes of large-scale energetic modes associated with the logarithmic and wake layers of the turbulent mean flow. The outer-scaled wake modes agree well with the large-scale motions that populate the wake layer. For high Reynolds numbers, the log modes increasingly dominate the energy spectra with the predicted streamwise and wall-normal scales in agreement with superstructures observed in turbulent boundary layers.
The Spectra of Algebras of Group-Symmetric Functions
Authors: García Domingo , Maestre Manuel , Zalduendo Ignacio
Published: November 2018

In the study of the spectra of algebras of holomorphic functions on a Banach space E, the bidual E″ has a central role, and the spectrum is often shown to be locally homeomorphic to E″. In this paper we consider the problem of spectra of subalgebras invariant under the action of a group (functions f such that f ○ g = f). It is natural to attempt a characterization in terms of the space of orbits E″/~ obtained from E″ through the action of the group, so we pursue this approach here and introduce an analytic structure on the spectrum in some situations. In other situations we encounter some obstacles: in some cases, the lack of structure of E″/~ itself; in others, problems of weak continuity and non-approximability of functions in the algebra. We also define a convolution operation related to the spectrum.
Alterations of the erythrocyte membrane by in vitro action of Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae
Authors: Ponce de León P. , Bellini M. , Castellini H. , Riquelme B.
Published: November 2018

The complex life cycle of Trichinella spiralis includes the migration of newborn larvae through the bloodstream to their encystment in muscle. The parasite establishes an intimate contact with the erythrocytes of the host both during the migration of the newborn larvae and when encysting, as this parasite causes intense vascularization in the muscle cell. The goal of this work was to study the effects of various concentrations of T. spiralis muscle larvae (ML) on erythrocyte membranes. The treatment was performed by incubating human erythrocytes with equal volume of different concentrations of ML for 30 minutes, with controlled agitation (37°C). The control erythrocytes (with no contact with the larvae) were incubated in the same way with an equal volume of physiological solution. To evaluate the alterations to the erythrocytes by the action of the larvae and in the respective controls, an Erythrocyte Rheometer and a Digital Image Analysis technique were used. The results indicated that when the larval concentration was higher, the aggregation and erythrocyte membrane alterations were also higher. Also, the erythrocyte deformability index and the erythrocyte elasticity increased. The values of isolated cell coefficient varied from 0.51 in the treatment with 100 larvae/ml to 0.91 in the incubation with 1000 larvae/ml. This experiment shows that T. spiralis muscle larvae affect significantly the red blood cell aggregation and the erythrocyte viscoelastic properties.
Host species influence on flea (Siphonaptera) infection parameters of terrestrial micromammals in a temperate forest of Mexico
Authors: Aguilar Montiel Fernando , Estrada-Torres Arturo , Acosta Roxana , Rubio-Godoy Miguel , Vázquez Jorge
Published: November 2018

Studies of abundance and distribution of organisms are fundamental to ecology. The identity of host species is known to be one of the major factors influencing ectoparasitic flea abundance, but explanations are still needed regarding how host taxa influence abundance parameters of different flea species. This study was carried out at La Malinche National Park (LMNP), Tlaxcala, Mexico, where previously 11 flea species had been recorded on 8 host species. Our aims were to list micromammal flea species, to determine flea infection parameters [flea prevalence (FP) and flea mean abundance (FMA)] and to analyse the influence of host species on these parameters. A total of 16 species of fleas were identified from 1178 fleas collected from 14 species of 1274 micromammals captured with Sherman®traps from March 2014 to December 2015 in 18 sites at LMNP. Some host species influence FP and FMA, in particular,Microtus mexicanusandPeromyscus melanotisshowed particularly higher infection values than other host species.Plusaetis aztecusandPlusaetis sibynuswere identified as the most abundant flea species.
Posttraumatic stress disorder and incidence of thyroid dysfunction in women
Authors: Jung Sun Jae , Kang Jae H. , Roberts Andrea L. , Nishimi Kristen , Chen Qixuan , Sumner Jennifer A. , Kubzansky Laura , Koenen Karestan C.
Published: November 2018

Background

Abnormal thyroid function is prevalent among women and has been linked to increased risk of chronic disease. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked to thyroid dysfunction in some studies; however, the results have been inconsistent. Thus, we evaluated trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms in relation to incident thyroid dysfunction in a large longitudinal cohort of civilian women.

Methods

We used data from 45 992 women from the ongoing Nurses’ Health Study II, a longitudinal US cohort study that began in 1989. In 2008, history of trauma and PTSD were assessed with the Short Screening Scale for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, PTSD, and incident thyroid dysfunction was determined by participants’ self-report in biennial questionnaires of physician-diagnosed hypothyroidism and Graves’ hyperthyroidism. The study period was from 1989 to 2013. Proportional hazard models were used to estimate multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident hypothyroidism and Graves’ hyperthyroidism.

Results

In multivariable-adjusted models, we found significant associations for PTSD only with hypothyroidism [p-trend <0.001; trauma with no PTSD symptoms, 1.08 (95% CI 1.02–1.15); 1–3 PTSD symptoms, 1.12 (95% CI 1.04–1.21); 4–5 PTSD symptoms, 1.23 (95% CI 1.13–1.34); and 6–7 PTSD symptoms, 1.26 (95% CI 1.14–1.40)]. PTSD was not associated with risk of Graves’ hyperthyroidism (p-trend = 0.34). Associations were similar in sensitivity analyses restricted to outcomes with onset after 2008, when PTSD was assessed.

Conclusions

PTSD was associated with higher risk of hypothyroidism in a dose-dependent fashion. Highlighted awareness for thyroid dysfunction may be especially important in women with PTSD.
A morpheme-based approach to subtractive pluralisation in German dialects
Authors: Köhnlein Björn
Published: November 2018

Various German dialects delete certain word-final plosives in plural forms (e.g. [hʊnt] ‘dog’vs.[hʊn] ‘dogs’). I claim that this type of subtractive pluralisation is best analysed as an epiphenomenon resulting from the affixation of a disyllabic trochaic foot. This metrical template can create word-final empty-headed syllables; subtraction targets the onset of these syllables. Independent evidence comes from related phenomena, for the first time unified in a comprehensive account. Firstly, all varieties with word-final consonant subtraction delete the same consonants in the onset of post-tonic syllables containing a vowel. Additionally, some dialects display predictable interactions of consonant subtraction with either vowel shortening or the assignment of tonal accent. The proposal in this paper supports the idea that morphology is generally additive, and that subtraction can be derived from prosodic affixation. I thus argue that using more sophisticated independently motivated phonological representations can help to simplify the morphological grammar.
ZERO-LOCI OF BRAUER GROUP ELEMENTS ON SEMI-SIMPLE ALGEBRAIC GROUPS
Authors: Loughran Daniel , Takloo-Bighash Ramin , Tanimoto Sho
Published: November 2018

We consider the problem of counting the number of rational points of bounded height in the zero-loci of Brauer group elements on semi-simple algebraic groups over number fields. We obtain asymptotic formulae for the counting problem for wonderful compactifications using the spectral theory of automorphic forms. Applications include asymptotic formulae for the number of matrices over$\mathbb{Q}$whose determinant is a sum of two squares. These results provide a positive answer to some cases of a question of Serre concerning such counting problems.
If Rain Falls in India and No One Reports It, Are Historical Trends in Monsoon Extremes Biased?
Authors: Lin Marena , Huybers Peter
Published: November 2018

With two thirds of the total Indian population employed by the agriculture sector, changes in Indian monsoon precipitation have widespread implications for human welfare. Increased extreme precipitation since 1950 has been widely reported for central India. Major studies have relied upon the gridded daily precipitation observations provided by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which assimilate observations from a variable network of weather stations. Replicating the IMD's interpolation method on satellite‐based precipitation observations, however, indicates that temporal changes in the observing weather station network introduce a jump in the record toward more extreme rainfall after 1975. Trends evaluated across this jump are suspect, and trends evaluated subsequent to it are insignificant (p > 0.1). This positive bias may also mask declines in average monsoon rainfall. Greater accuracy in these trends may resolve distinctions between climate model simulations of future changes. Access to the underlying data from IMD rain‐gauges would facilitate improved rainfall reconstruction.
The Lithospheric Structure of the Solonker Suture Zone and Adjacent Areas: Crustal Anisotropy Revealed by a High‐Resolution Magnetotelluric Study
Authors: Ye Gaofeng , Unsworth Martyn , Wei Wenbo , Jin Sheng , Liu Zhilong
Published: November 2018

The closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean along the Solonker Suture Zone (SSZ) during the Late Permian and Triassic represented the final stage in the formation of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt between the Siberian Craton and the North China Craton. In order to better understand the structure and formation of this ancient plate boundary, a high‐resolution magnetotelluric (MT) profile was collected in 2010–2012 with both broadband and long‐period MT data. Dimensionality analysis showed that a 2‐D analysis was valid. Both 2‐D isotropic and anisotropic resistivity models were derived from the joint inversion of MT and tipper data. The high‐resolution mapping achieved in this study is due to the closely spaced MT stations (2–3 km). The major south dipping conductive layer was detected beneath the SSZ and found to be electrically anisotropic with the highest conductivity in the down dip direction. This feature was interpreted as evidence for southward subduction forming the suture. Previous studies of electrical anisotropy in Paleoproterozoic orogens have reported electrical anisotropy with the maximum conductivity in the strike direction. The high conductivity has been interpreted as being due to graphite or sulfides concentrated in fold hinges. In contrast to these studies, the Solonker Suture conductor shows an enhanced conductivity in the dip direction. The difference between these situations could be explained if the Solonker Suture has the fold axes rotated by high strain into the strike direction. This would result in the highest conductivity being parallel to the dip direction.
New Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous Paleomagnetic Results From North China and Southern Mongolia and Their Implications for the Evolution of the Mongol‐Okhotsk Suture
Authors: Ren Qiang , Zhang Shihong , Wu Yuqi , Yang Tianshui , Gao Yangjun , Turbold Sukhbaatar , Zhao Hanqing , Wu Huaichun , Li Haiyan , Fu Hairuo , Xu Bei , Zhang Jinjiang , Tomurtogoo Onongoo
Published: November 2018

To better constrain the evolution of the Mongol‐Okhotsk suture, we carried out new paleomagnetic studies on Sharilyn Formation (~155 Ma) and Tsagantsav Formation (~130 Ma) in southern Mongolia, Amuria Block (AMU), and Tuchengzi Formation (~140 Ma) and Dadianzi/Yixian Formation (~130 Ma) in the Yanshan belt, North China Block (NCB). A total of 719 collected samples (from 100 sites) were subjected to stepwise thermal demagnetization. After a low‐temperature component of viscous magnetic remanence acquired in the recent field was removed, the stable high‐temperature components were isolated from most samples. The high‐temperature components from each rock unit passed a fold test and a reversal test, indicating their primary origins. The corresponding paleomagnetic poles were thus calculated. For AMU, the ~155 Ma pole is at 74.7°N/232.5°E (A95 = 3.7°), the ~130 Ma pole at 74.6°N/194.7°E (A95 = 2.9°); for the NCB, the ~140 Ma pole is at 82.7°N/208.6°E (A95 = 4.3°), the ~130 Ma pole at 80.5°N/197.4°E (A95 = 2.3°). By combining our new results with the published data, we refined the 155–100 Ma segment of the apparent polar wander paths for AMU and NCB, which can demonstrate that these two blocks have been tectonically coherent (AMU‐NCB) during 155–100 Ma. Comparison of the apparent polar wander paths, however, revealed a latitudinal plate convergence of 14.3° ± 6.9° and ~19.0° relative rotation between Siberia and the AMU‐NCB after ~155 Ma. Large‐scale latitudinal convergence likely ceased by ~130 Ma, although some relative rotation between them continued along the Mongol‐Okhotsk suture until ~100 Ma.
PPD ACT: an app-based genetic study of postpartum depression
Authors: Guintivano Jerry , Krohn Holly , Lewis Carol , Byrne Enda M. , Henders Anjali K. , Ploner Alexander , Kirk Katherine , Martin Nicholas G. , Milgrom Jeannette , Wray Naomi R. , Sullivan Patrick F. , Meltzer-Brody Samantha
Published: November 2018

Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most frequent complications of childbirth and particularly is suited to genetic investigation as it is more homogenous than major depression outside of the perinatal period. We developed an iOS app (PPD ACT) to recruit, consent, screen, and enable DNA collection from women with a lifetime history of PPD to sufficiently power genome-wide association studies. In 1 year, we recruited 7344 women with a history of PPD and have biobanked 2946 DNA samples from the US. This sample of PPD cases was notably severely affected and within 2 years of their worst episode of PPD. Clinical validation was performed within a hospital setting on a subset of participants and recall validity assessed 6–9 months after initial assessment to ensure reliability of screening tools. Here we detail the creation of the PPD ACT mobile app including design, ethical, security, and deployment considerations. We emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration to correctly implement such a research project. Additionally, we describe our ability to customize the PPD ACT platform to deploy internationally in order to collect a global sample of women with PPD.
Maternal smoking during pregnancy and autism: using causal inference methods in a birth cohort study
Authors: Caramaschi Doretta , Taylor Amy E. , Richmond Rebecca C. , Havdahl Karoline Alexandra , Golding Jean , Relton Caroline L. , Munafò Marcus R. , Davey Smith George , Rai Dheeraj
Published: November 2018

An association between maternal smoking in pregnancy and autism may be biologically plausible, but the evidence to date is inconsistent. We aimed to investigate the causal relationship between maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring autism using conventional analysis and causal inference methods. In the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children we investigated the association of maternal smoking during pregnancy (exposure) with offspring autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or possible ASD diagnosis (n = 11,946) and high scores on four autism-related traits (outcomes) (n = 7402–9152). Maternal smoking was self-reported and also measured using an epigenetic score (n = 866–964). Partner’s smoking was used as a negative control for intrauterine exposure (n = 6616–10,995). Mendelian randomisation (n = 1002–2037) was carried out using a genetic variant at the CHRNA3 locus in maternal DNA as a proxy for heaviness of smoking. In observational analysis, we observed an association between smoking during pregnancy and impairments in social communication [OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.29, 1.87] and repetitive behaviours, but multivariable adjustment suggested evidence for confounding. There was weaker evidence of such association for the other traits or a diagnosis of autism. The magnitude of association for partner’s smoking with impairments in social communication was similar [OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.30, 1.87] suggesting potential for shared confounding. There was weak evidence for an association of the epigenetic score or genetic variation at CHRNA3 with ASD or any of the autism-related traits. In conclusion, using several analytic methods, we did not find enough evidence to support a causal association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring autism or related traits.
Prebiotic chemistry and human intervention
Authors: Richert Clemens
Published: November 2018

Experimentalists in the field of prebiotic chemistry strive to re-enact what may have happened when life arose from inanimate material. How often human intervention was needed to obtain a specific result in their studies is worth reporting.
Life as a guide to prebiotic nucleotide synthesis
Authors: Harrison Stuart A. , Lane Nick
Published: November 2018

Synthesis of activated nucleotides has been accomplished under ‘prebiotically plausible’ conditions, but bears little resemblance to the chemistry of life as we know it. Here we argue that life is an indispensable guide to its own origins.
Therapeutic faecal microbiota transplantation controls intestinal inflammation through IL10 secretion by immune cells
Authors: Burrello Claudia , Garavaglia Federica , Cribiù Fulvia Milena , Ercoli Giulia , Lopez Gianluca , Troisi Jacopo , Colucci Angelo , Guglietta Silvia , Carloni Sara , Guglielmetti Simone , Taverniti Valentina , Nizzoli Giulia , Bosari Silvano , Caprioli Flavio , Rescigno Maria , Facciotti Federica
Published: November 2018

Alteration of the gut microbiota has been associated with different gastrointestinal disorders. Normobiosis restoration by faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is considered a promising therapeutic approach, even if the mechanisms underlying its efficacy are at present largely unknown. Here we sought to elucidate the functional effects of therapeutic FMT administration during experimental colitis on innate and adaptive immune responses in the intestinal mucosa. We show that therapeutic FMT reduces colonic inflammation and initiates the restoration of intestinal homeostasis through the simultaneous activation of different immune-mediated pathways, ultimately leading to IL-10 production by innate and adaptive immune cells, including CD4+ T cells, iNKT cells and Antigen Presenting Cells (APC), and reduces the ability of dendritic cells, monocytes and macrophages to present MHCII-dependent bacterial antigens to colonic T cells. These results demonstrate the capability of FMT to therapeutically control intestinal experimental colitis and poses FMT as a valuable therapeutic option in immune-related pathologies.