bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Re-Emerging foci of visceral leishmaniasis in Armenia – first molecular diagnosis of clinical samples
Authors: Sukiasyan Anna , Keshishyan Ara , Manukyan Dezdemonia , Melik-Andreasyan Gayane , Atshemyan Liana , Apresyan Hripsime , Strelkova Margarita , Frohme Marcus , Cortes Sofia , Kuhls Katrin
Published: February 2019

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) was firstly reported in Armenia in 1913. Following a considerable increase of the number of cases until the mid 1950s, the disease disappeared after 1969 and re-emerged in 1999. Scientific literature about VL in Armenia is available only in Russian or Armenian. This paper presents a historical overview about leishmaniasis in Armenia based on this literature as well as an epidemiological update since the re-emergence of the disease. In 1999–2016, 116 indigenous VL cases were recorded mainly in children in 8 of the 11 districts, however, VL is underreported because of lack of trained medical personal and diagnostic facilities. The aim of this work was to apply for the first time molecular diagnosis of VL in Armenia. Out of 25 VL suspected patients, 22 were positive by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Genotyping using internal transcribed spacer 1-PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing identified the causative agent of VL in Armenia as Leishmania infantum. The present work is an important step towards the inclusion of molecular techniques in the current diagnosis of VL in Armenia and the establishment of local molecular diagnostic facilities.
Maternal history of childhood maltreatment and later parenting behavior: A meta-analysis
Authors: Savage Laura-Émilie , Tarabulsy George M. , Pearson Jessica , Collin-Vézina Delphine , Gagné Lisa-Marie
Published: February 2019

Exposure to maltreatment during childhood (CM) can have deleterious effects throughout the life span of an individual. A parent's history of child maltreatment can also impact his or her own parenting behavior. Theoretically, parents who experienced maltreatment as children may have fewer resources to cope with the challenges of childrearing and may adopt more problematic parenting behaviors. However, empirical studies examining the association between CM and later parenting behavior have yielded mixed results. The aim of this study is to conduct a meta-analysis of studies that have examined the association between exposure to CM and the subsequent parenting outcomes of mothers of 0- to 6-year-old children. A secondary aim is to examine the potential impact of both conceptual and methodological moderators. A total of 32 studies (27 samples, 41 effect sizes, 17,932 participants) were retained for analysis. Results revealed that there is a small but statistically significant association between maternal exposure to CM and parenting behavior (r = –.13, p < .05). Moderator analyses revealed that effect sizes were larger when parenting measures involved relationship-based or negative, potentially abusive behaviors, when samples had a greater number of boys compared to girls, and when studies were older versus more recent. Results are discussed as they relate to the intergenerational transmission of maltreatment and abuse.
Intergenerational continuity/discontinuity of child maltreatment among low-income mother–child dyads: The roles of childhood maltreatment characteristics, maternal psychological functioning, and family ecology
Authors: St-Laurent Diane , Dubois-Comtois Karine , Milot Tristan , Cantinotti Michael
Published: February 2019

Despite evidence of some intergenerational continuity of maltreatment, a notable proportion of parents maltreated in childhood do not perpetuate the cycle of maltreatment. The aim of this study was to identify factors that would distinguish mother–child dyads where intergenerational continuity was present from dyads characterized by intergenerational discontinuity. The sample included 193 children and their mothers, drawn from two populations: 74 maltreated children recruited through Child Protection Services and 119 nonmaltreated children recruited among low-income families. Factors investigated included maternal childhood maltreatment, psychological functioning, and family ecology. Compared to maltreated mothers who broke the cycle of maltreatment, those who perpetuated the cycle were more likely to have experienced childhood physical neglect and multitype maltreatment, and to experience sociodemographic risk, intimate partner violence, and lack of family support. Compared to nonmaltreated mothers who maintained a nonmaltreating child-rearing environment: (a) maltreated mothers who broke the cycle were more likely to experience residential instability and lack of family support, and (b) nonmaltreated mothers whose child was maltreated were more likely to experience sociodemographic risk and lack of family support. Maternal psychological functioning did not discriminate maltreatment groups. Lending empirical support to a diathesis-stress model of poor parenting, these findings suggest that family-ecology related stress, but not maternal psychological difficulties, may create additional burden that will precipitate the risk of maltreatment intergenerational continuity.
Randomized control trial report on the effectiveness of Group Attachment-Based Intervention (GABI©): Improvements in the parent–child relationship not seen in the control group
Authors: Steele Howard , Murphy Anne , Bonuck Karen , Meissner Paul , Steele Miriam
Published: February 2019

This paper reports on a randomized control trial involving children less than 3 years old and their mothers who were regarded at risk of maltreating their children by referral agencies. Mothers’ risk status derived from a heavy trauma burden (average exposure over the first 18 years of their lives to 10 possible adverse childhood experiences [ACEs] was >5), mental health challenges (15%–28% had experienced a prior psychiatric hospitalization), and prior removal of a child to foster care (20%). Mothers were randomly assigned to either a widely used parenting class known as Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP) or the Group Attachment-Based Intervention (GABI), a multifamily 26-week treatment. The resulting mother–child pairs available for consideration in this baseline versus end-of-treatment report were 35 families in the STEP arm and 43 families in the GABI arm. The focus of this paper is the outcome measure of observed parent–child relationship assessed with the Coding of Interactive Behavior (Feldman, 1998) collected at baseline and end of treatment. In comparison to STEP, results indicated that GABI was linked to significant improvements in maternal supportive presence and dyadic reciprocity, and significant declines in maternal hostility and dyadic constriction (proxies for risk of child maltreatment). These medium-to large-sized effects remained significant even after controlling for mothers’ prior ACEs in analysis of covariance procedures. In addition, two small interaction effects of ACEs by treatment type were found, underlining the need for, and value of, treatments that are sensitive to parents’ traumatic histories.
Determinants of voice recognition in monolingual and bilingual listeners
Authors: Theodore Rachel M. , Flanagan Erin G.
Published: February 2019

Recent findings demonstrate a bilingual advantage for voice processing in children, but the mechanism supporting this advantage is unknown. Here we examined whether a bilingual advantage for voice processing is observed in adults and, if so, if it reflects enhanced pitch perception or inhibitory control. Voice processing was assessed for monolingual and bilingual adults using an associative learning identification task and a discrimination task in English (a familiar language) and French (an unfamiliar language). Participants also completed pitch perception, flanker, and auditory Stroop tasks. Voice processing was improved for the familiar compared to the unfamiliar language and reflected individual differences in pitch perception (both tasks) and inhibitory control (identification task). However, no bilingual advantage was observed for either voice task, suggesting that the bilingual advantage for voice processing becomes attenuated during maturation, with performance in adulthood reflecting knowledge of linguistic structure in addition to general auditory and inhibitory control abilities.
Simplified Sample Embedding and Polishing Methods for Preparing Hydrophilic, Fragile, or Solvent-Susceptible Materials for Thin Sections for Microscopic Analyses
Authors: Ueshima Masato , Sakanakura Hirofumi
Published: February 2019

In the preparation of thin sections for microscopy, embedding and polishing processes in particular can change the composition and morphologies of samples. Soils and ashes are very fragile and solvent-susceptible, and appropriate sample preparation procedures have not been well-established. To improve the existing preparation methods and make them easier and faster, we embedded freeze-dried blocks, polished, and then examined these thin-section samples using polarization microscopy, laser microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). Appropriate thin-section samples can be prepared by: (1) rinsing with acetone and then embedding with Spurr resin along with repeated evacuation and ventilation, rather than conventional dehydration/replacement; (2) polishing using silicon carbide paper and diamond slurries, and then wiping with a cloth and a synthetic oil; and (3) slightly rinsing with 100% ethanol to remove the oil. The preparation method minimized contamination and pores, and showed flat surfaces and sometimes EBSD patterns. Freeze-drying has been claimed to cause the development of cracks due to ice crystal formation upon freezing, however, our method not only overcomes such problems for microscopic observation but saves substantial time, taking only 2 days in total to process a specimen, and requiring less than 1 g of resin and ~1 g of sample.
A Place at the Table? Parliamentary Committees, Witnesses and the Scrutiny of Government Actions and Legislation
Authors: Bochel Hugh , Berthier Anouk
Published: February 2019

Issues of diversity in elected bodies have been highlighted in recent years, both with regard to elected representatives themselves, and, more recently, in respect of the treatment of those working in such institutions, especially women. This article focuses on another aspect of diversity, inequality and representation, the voices heard by parliamentary committees in their scrutiny of government actions and legislation.

The article discusses the current position in the Scottish Parliament (and other UK legislatures) with, for example, around three-fifths of witnesses at Holyrood being male, and highlights both ‘demand’ and ‘supply’ factors that influence the make-up of committee witnesses. It also identifies a number of functions that witnesses can play for committees, and how these relate to diversity and representation, and suggests that there may be benefits to committees and legislatures in hearing from a wider range of voices.
Make federal food assistance rights-based
Authors: Anderson Molly D.
Published: February 2019

Federal food assistance in the USA is an agglomeration of programs, the legacy of charitable and needs-based approaches that have been in place since the 1930s. Moving toward a rights-based approach would overcome many of the problems of these programs, such as the stigma attached to receiving assistance, the fragmentation of different programs with different eligibilities and the disconnect between monitoring and strategies to reduce food insecurity. Although the USA has not accepted its obligations to respect, protect, promote and fulfill the right to adequate food and nutrition, steps can be taken regardless toward a rights-based approach at the federal, state and municipal levels. With federal recognition of the right to adequate food and nutrition and incorporation within the Nutrition Title, however, a complete reshaping of federal food policy would be possible.
MODAL LOGIC WITHOUT CONTRACTION IN A METATHEORY WITHOUT CONTRACTION
Authors: GIRARD PATRICK , WEBER ZACH
Published: February 2019

Standard reasoning about Kripke semantics for modal logic is almost always based on a background framework of classical logic. Can proofs for familiar definability theorems be carried out using anonclassical substructural logicas the metatheory? This article presents a semantics for positive substructural modal logic and studies the connection between frame conditions and formulas, via definability theorems. The novelty is that all the proofs are carried out with anoncontractive logicin the background. This sheds light on which modal principles are invariant under changes of metalogic, and provides (further) evidence for the general viability of nonclassical mathematics.
Naval robots and rescue
Authors: Sparrow Robert , McLaughlin Rob , Howard Mark
Published: February 2019

The development of unmanned systems (UMS) for naval combat poses a profound challenge to existing conventions regarding the treatment of the shipwrecked and wounded in war at sea. Article 18 of the 1949 Geneva Convention II states that warring parties are required to take “all possible measures” to search for and collect seamen left in the water after each engagement. The authors of the present paper analyze the ethical basis of this convention and argue that the international community should demand that UMS intended for roles in war at sea be provided with the capacity to make some contribution to search and rescue operations.
Energy Budget of Intermediate‐Depth Earthquakes in Northern Chile: Comparison With Shallow Earthquakes and Implications of Rupture Velocity Models Used
Authors: Derode B. , Campos J.
Published: February 2019

We calculate well‐resolved corner frequencies and radiated energies for a set of 96 earthquakes divided into two clusters located in the same tectonic setting but with different depths in northern Chile. Fifty‐three shallow events with a mean depth of 20 km are analyzed, along with 43 intermediate‐depth earthquakes with a mean depth of 110 km. We deduce and compare their static (stress drop Δσ) and dynamic (rupture energy EG and radiation efficiency ηR) source parameters and test the implications of different common assumptions on their depth dependence, such as stress drop invariance, strain drop invariance, or constant rupture velocities. Our data show that, in this zone of Chile, most of these models imply higher rupture velocities at depth than for shallow earthquakes. In these cases, high stress drop, high fracture energy release rate, and higher radiation efficiency are observed for intermediate‐depth earthquakes, suggesting short and impulsive ruptures.
Decoupled Freshwater Transport and Meridional Overturning in the South Atlantic
Authors: Mignac D. , Ferreira D. , Haines K.
Published: February 2019

Freshwater transports (Fov) by the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) are sensitive to salinity distributions and may determine AMOC stability. However, climate models show large salinity biases, distorting the relation between Fov and the AMOC. Using free‐running models and ocean reanalyses with realistic salinities but quite different AMOCs, we show that the fresh Antarctic Intermediate Water layer eliminates salinity differences across the AMOC branches at ~1,200 m, ∆S1200m, which decouples Fov from the AMOC south of ~10°N. As the Antarctic Intermediate Water disappears north of ~10°N, a large ∆S1200m allows the AMOC to drive substantial southward Fov in the North Atlantic. In the South Atlantic the 0–300 m zonal salinity contrasts control the gyre freshwater transports Fgyre, which also determine the total freshwater transports. This decoupling makes the southern Fov unlikely to play any role in AMOC stability, leaving indirect Fgyre feedbacks or Fov in the north, as more relevant factors.
On the Relationship Between the Rate of Change of Total Electron Content Index (ROTI), Irregularity Strength (CkL), and the Scintillation Index (S4)
Authors: Carrano Charles S. , Groves Keith M. , Rino Charles L.
Published: February 2019

We present a new quantitative theory for the rate of change of total electron content index (ROTI) by noting its straightforward relationship to the phase structure function of ionospheric turbulence. The theory provides the dependence of ROTI on the sampling interval, satellite motion, propagation geometry, and the spectral shape, strength, anisotropy, and drift of the irregularities. We also present useful approximations to the full theory that elucidate the principal dependencies. We show, for example, that ROTI varies with the effective scan velocity (Veff) to the power ν − 1/2, where 2ν + 1 is the spectral index of the 3‐D irregularities. This dependence on Veff persists in the ratio of ROTI to the intensity scintillation index (S4), which thus depends on the particular viewing geometry for each satellite. While irregularity strength cancels when forming this ratio, the dependence on Fresnel scale remains. We validate the theory by comparing predictions of irregularity strength (CkL) and S4 from 1‐Hz ROTI measurements with calculations derived from 20‐Hz intensity samples collected at Ascension Island. The theory explains the observations well, except when the scan is directed nearly along the field‐aligned irregularities (within 20° of meridional). For cross‐field scans the standard deviations of the error in predicting S4 from 1‐Hz ROTI were 0.05, 0.11, and 0.14 for weak, moderate, and strong scintillation, respectively. These encouraging results suggest the possibility of using dense networks of inexpensive total electron content monitors to provide quantitative diagnostics of ionospheric scintillation and the irregularities that cause them.
Noneruptive Unrest at the Caldera of Alcedo Volcano (Galápagos Islands) Revealed by InSAR Data and Geodetic Modeling
Authors: Galetto Federico , Bagnardi Marco , Acocella Valerio , Hooper Andrew
Published: February 2019

Understanding volcanic unrest is crucial to forecasting eruptions. At active mafic calderas unrest culminates in eruption more frequently than at felsic calderas. However, the mafic caldera of Alcedo Volcano (Ecuador) has experienced repeated episodes of unrest without erupting, since at least 1992, when geodetic monitoring began. Here we investigate the unrest that occurred between 2007 and 2011 using interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data and geodetic modeling. We observe an initial asymmetric uplift of the southern caldera floor (~30 cm of vertical motion) from 2007 to 2009, followed by subsidence of the uplifted area and contemporary uplift of the northwestern caldera rim between January and June 2010. Finally, from June 2010 through March 2011, caldera uplift resumed. The first uplift episode is best explained by inflation of a sill and the activation of an inner ring fault. Successive caldera subsidence and rim uplift are compatible with the withdrawal of magma from the previously inflated sill and its northwestern migration. The resumption of uplift is consistent with the repressurization of the sill. This evolution suggests episodic magma emplacement in a shallow reservoir beneath the caldera, with aborted lateral magma migration, probably due to the discontinuous supply from depth. This short‐term deformation pattern matches well geological observations showing a longer‐term (hundreds of years at least) asymmetric uplift of the caldera floor, culminating in a weak resurgence of ~30 m. We propose that the monitored episodes of uplift represent short‐term stages of the rarely observed incremental growth of a resurgent basaltic caldera.
Seasonal Precipitation Legacy Effects Determine the Carbon Balance of a Semiarid Grassland
Authors: Delgado‐Balbuena J. , Arredondo J. T. , Loescher H. W. , Pineda‐Martínez L. F. , Carbajal J. N. , Vargas R.
Published: February 2019

Semiarid grasslands are water‐limited ecosystems where precipitation (PPT) controls the onset and duration of the growing season; however, this variable does not fully explain interannual variability of productivity at temporal scales. We examined the relationship between PPT and carbon (C) fluxes in a semiarid grassland at both seasonal and interannual scales, as well as the role of lagged effects of PPT and asymmetric sensitivities of net ecosystem carbon exchange to PPT and its components (gross ecosystem exchange [GEE] and ecosystem respiration [ER]). Six years of continuous net ecosystem C exchange data measured with the eddy covariance technique and GEE estimated with 15 years of enhanced vegetation index and the gross primary productivity of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer were used. The semiarid grassland was a C source and a C sink among contrasting PPT years (114 to −107 g C·m−2·year−1). At seasonal scale, PPT relationship with the 15 years of GEE derived from enhanced vegetation index and gross primary productivity was sigmoidal. Moreover, PPT legacies of the previous dry season determined the C balance of the grassland by affecting the C uptake and ecosystem respiration of the following growing season, but productivity was more sensitive to PPT changes than respiration. Models of climate change for semiarid grasslands in North America predict up to 30% reduction of winter‐spring PPT and slight summer PPT decrease. Thus, our results suggest that future changes in PPT may have a strong impact on the C uptake capacity of this ecosystem due to weakened legacy effects in summer C uptake.
Different Responses of Dissolved Black Carbon and Dissolved Lignin to Seasonal Hydrological Changes and an Extreme Rain Event
Authors: Bao Hongyan , Niggemann Jutta , Huang Dekun , Dittmar Thorsten , Kao Shuh‐Ji
Published: February 2019

Hydrology, especially extreme hydrological events, has been recognized as an important driver of the land‐to‐ocean export of terrigenous dissolved organic matter (tDOM). Nevertheless, how various types of tDOM that differ in source and reactivity respond to changes in hydrology is not known. Seasonal and event exports of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved black carbon (DBC), and dissolved lignin were studied in a small subtropical river. We found that seasonal variations in DBC concentration were significantly related to hydrology, while DOC and dissolved lignin were not. In contrast, DOC, DBC, and dissolved lignin changed similarly during an extreme rain event. The variation magnitudes of DOC, DBC, and dissolved lignin concentrations were in the lower end compared to other rivers, which may be related to the limited coverage of wetlands and riparian vegetation and poor development of organic‐rich soil. Dilution effects were observed when the runoff exceeded 0.4 mm/hr, and the fluxes of both DBC and dissolved lignin decreased during the runoff peak, which was caused by surface flow and potentially by removal processes during peak discharge. Our results suggest that the influence of hydrology varies with tDOM source and reactivity and that high enough runoff (e.g., 0.7 mm/hr in the Jiulong River) may not enhance the export rate of tDOM. However, our study was carried out in a small watershed with limited wetlands and riparian vegetation, and more studies are needed to verify whether this trend is consistent among global rivers.
Strengthening Our Science: AGU Launches Ethics and Equity Center
Authors: Bell Robin
Published: February 2019

The AGU Ethics and Equity Center is a new hub for resources and tools to support all members of the Earth and space science community and encourage workplace excellence.
Tyler Prize Awarded to Climate Scientists Washington and Mann
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: February 2019

Prestigious award recognizes Warren Washington and Michael Mann for efforts to advance climate change knowledge through their research and in public policy.
Statistical Occurrence and Distribution of High‐Amplitude Whistler Mode Waves in the Outer Radiation Belt
Authors: Tyler E. , Breneman A. , Cattell C. , Wygant J. , Thaller S. , Malaspina D.
Published: February 2019

We present the first statistical analysis with continuous data coverage and nonaveraged amplitudes of the prevalence and distribution of high‐amplitude (>5 mV/m) whistler mode waves in the outer radiation belt using 5 years of Van Allen Probes data. These waves are most common above L = 3.5 and between magnetic local time of 0–7 where they are present 1–4% of the time. During high geomagnetic activity, high‐amplitude whistler mode wave occurrence rises above 30% in some regions. During these active times the plasmasphere erodes to lower L and high‐amplitude waves are observed at all L outside of it, with the highest occurrence at low L (3.5–4) in the predawn sector. These results have important implications for modeling radiation belt particle interactions with chorus, as large‐amplitude waves interact nonlinearly with electrons. Results also may provide clues regarding the mechanisms which result in growth to large amplitudes.
Polygenic predictors of age-related decline in cognitive ability
Authors: Ritchie Stuart J. , Hill W. David , Marioni Riccardo E. , Davies Gail , Hagenaars Saskia P. , Harris Sarah E. , Cox Simon R. , Taylor Adele M. , Corley Janie , Pattie Alison , Redmond Paul , Starr John M. , Deary Ian J.
Published: February 2019

Polygenic scores can be used to distil the knowledge gained in genome-wide association studies for prediction of health, lifestyle, and psychological factors in independent samples. In this preregistered study, we used fourteen polygenic scores to predict variation in cognitive ability level at age 70, and cognitive change from age 70 to age 79, in the longitudinal Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 study. The polygenic scores were created for phenotypes that have been suggested as risk or protective factors for cognitive ageing. Cognitive abilities within older age were indexed using a latent general factor estimated from thirteen varied cognitive tests taken at four waves, each three years apart (initialn = 1091 age 70; finaln = 550 age 79). The general factor indexed over two-thirds of the variance in longitudinal cognitive change. We ran additional analyses using an age-11 intelligence test to index cognitive change from age 11 to age 70. Several polygenic scores were associated with the level of cognitive ability at age-70 baseline (range of standardizedβ-values = –0.178 to 0.302), and the polygenic score for education was associated with cognitive change from childhood to age 70 (standardizedβ = 0.100). No polygenic scores were statistically significantly associated with variation in cognitive change between ages 70 and 79, and effect sizes were small. However,APOEe4 status made a significant prediction of the rate of cognitive decline from age 70 to 79 (standardizedβ = –0.319 for carriers vs. non-carriers). The results suggest that the predictive validity for cognitive ageing of polygenic scores derived from genome-wide association study summary statistics is not yet on a par withAPOEe4, a better-established predictor.
MiR-210-3p protects endometriotic cells from oxidative stress-induced cell cycle arrest by targeting BARD1
Authors: Dai Yongdong , Lin Xiang , Xu Wenzhi , Lin Xiaona , Huang Qianmeng , Shi Libing , Pan Yibin , Zhang Yinli , Zhu Yunshan , Li Chao , Liu Lulu , Zhang Songying
Published: February 2019

Endometriosis is associated with benign but adversely developed cysts in the extrauterine environment. The oxidative imbalanced environment induces DNA damage and affects cell cycle progression of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and endometrial epithelial cells, but how endometriotic cells maintain proliferation in the presence of oxidative stress is not clear. Growing evidence has indicated that the ectopic hypoxic microenvironment and oxidative stress can stimulate the growth of endometriotic cells, which is mainly due to the increase of HIF-1α. We found that the master hypoxia-associated miRNA miR-210-3p was increased in stromal and glandular cells of ectopic lesions compared with that of eutopic and normal endometria and was consistent with the expression of HIF-1α and the local oxidative stress-induced DNA damage predictor 8-OHdG. Moreover, miR-210-3p was upregulated in ESCs and Ishikawa cells under hypoxic conditions but not in normoxic culture. Knockdown of miR-210-3p induced a G2/M arrest of ESCs and Ishikawa cells under hypoxia, while no effect was found under normoxia. BARD1 was identified as a target of miR-210-3p. BARD1 expression was decreased in endometriotic tissues compared with eutopic and normal endometria and negatively correlated with the expression of miR-210-3p. Multivariate regression analysis showed that BARD1 downregulation could serve as an indicator for endometriotic severity. Our results suggest that miR-210-3p attenuates the G2/M cell cycle checkpoint by inactivating BRCA1 complex function in response to DNA damage under hypoxia via targeting the 3′ untranslated region of BARD1 mRNA. Endometriotic mouse model experiments showed that intraperitoneal injection of the miR-210-3p inhibitor or vitamin C suppressed the growth of endometriotic lesions. Together, our results demonstrate that endometriotic cells inhibit BARD1/BRCA1 function by upregulating miR-210-3p, which might be the underlying mechanism for endometriotic cell maintenance of growth in oxidative stress. Furthermore, inhibition of miR-210-3p and administration of vitamin C are promising approaches for the treatment of endometriosis.
Evolution of the electrochemical interface in sodium ion batteries with ether electrolytes
Authors: Li Kaikai , Zhang Jun , Lin Dongmei , Wang Da-Wei , Li Baohua , Lv Wei , Sun Sheng , He Yan-Bing , Kang Feiyu , Yang Quan-Hong , Zhou Limin , Zhang Tong-Yi
Published: February 2019

Ether based electrolytes have surfaced as alternatives to conventional carbonates allowing for enhanced electrochemical performance of sodium-ion batteries; however, the primary source of the improvement remains poorly understood. Here we show that coupling titanium dioxide and other anode materials with diglyme does enable higher efficiency and reversible capacity than those for the combination involving ester electrolytes. Importantly, the electrolyte dependent performance is revealed to be the result of the different structural evolution induced by a varied sodiation depth. A suit of characterizations show that the energy barrier to charge transfer at the interface between electrolyte and electrode is the factor that dominates the interfacial electrochemical characteristics and therefore the energy storage properties. Our study proposes a reliable parameter to assess the intricate sodiation dynamics in sodium-ion batteries and could guide the design of aprotic electrolytes for next generation rechargeable batteries.
Genomic characterization of genes encoding histone acetylation modulator proteins identifies therapeutic targets for cancer treatment
Authors: Hu Zhongyi , Zhou Junzhi , Jiang Junjie , Yuan Jiao , Zhang Youyou , Wei Xuepeng , Loo Nicki , Wang Yueying , Pan Yutian , Zhang Tianli , Zhong Xiaomin , Long Meixiao , Montone Kathleen T. , Tanyi Janos L. , Fan Yi , Wang Tian-Li , Shih Ie-Ming , Hu Xiaowen , Zhang Lin
Published: February 2019

A growing emphasis in anticancer drug discovery efforts has been on targeting histone acetylation modulators. Here we comprehensively analyze the genomic alterations of the genes encoding histone acetylation modulator proteins (HAMPs) in the Cancer Genome Atlas cohort and observe that HAMPs have a high frequency of focal copy number alterations and recurrent mutations, whereas transcript fusions of HAMPs are relatively rare genomic events in common adult cancers. Collectively, 86.3% (63/73) of HAMPs have recurrent alterations in at least 1 cancer type and 16 HAMPs, including 9 understudied HAMPs, are identified as putative therapeutic targets across multiple cancer types. For example, the recurrent focal amplification of BRD9 is observed in 9 cancer types and genetic depletion of BRD9 inhibits tumor growth. Our systematic genomic analysis of HAMPs across a large-scale cancer specimen cohort may facilitate the identification and prioritization of potential drug targets and selection of suitable patients for precision treatment.
Loss of BCL9/9l suppresses Wnt driven tumourigenesis in models that recapitulate human cancer
Authors: Gay David M. , Ridgway Rachel A. , Müller Miryam , Hodder Michael C. , Hedley Ann , Clark William , Leach Joshua D. , Jackstadt Rene , Nixon Colin , Huels David J. , Campbell Andrew D. , Bird Thomas G. , Sansom Owen J.
Published: February 2019

Different thresholds of Wnt signalling are thought to drive stem cell maintenance, regeneration, differentiation and cancer. However, the principle that oncogenic Wnt signalling could be specifically targeted remains controversial. Here we examine the requirement of BCL9/9l, constituents of the Wnt-enhanceosome, for intestinal transformation following loss of the tumour suppressor APC. Although required for Lgr5+ intestinal stem cells and regeneration, Bcl9/9l deletion has no impact upon normal intestinal homeostasis. Loss of BCL9/9l suppressed many features of acute APC loss and subsequent Wnt pathway deregulation in vivo. This resulted in a level of Wnt pathway activation that favoured tumour initiation in the proximal small intestine (SI) and blocked tumour growth in the colon. Furthermore, Bcl9/9l deletion completely abrogated β-catenin driven intestinal and hepatocellular transformation. We speculate these results support the just-right hypothesis of Wnt–driven tumour formation. Importantly, loss of BCL9/9l is particularly effective at blocking colonic tumourigenesis and mutations that most resemble those that occur in human cancer.
A three-dimensional ratiometric sensing strategy on unimolecular fluorescence–thermally activated delayed fluorescence dual emission
Authors: Li Xuping , Baryshnikov Gleb , Deng Chao , Bao Xiaoyan , Wu Bin , Zhou Yunyun , Ågren Hans , Zhu Liangliang
Published: February 2019

Visualized sensing through fluorescence signals is a powerful method for chemical and physical detection. However, the utilization of fluorescent molecular probes still suffers from lack of precise signal self-calibration in practical use. Here we show that fluorescence and thermally activated delayed fluorescence can be simultaneously produced at the single-molecular level. The thermally activated delayed fluorescence serves as a sensing signal with its wavelength and lifetime both altered correlating to polarity, whereas the fluorescence always remains unchanged as an internal reference. Upon the establishment of a three-dimensional working curve upon the ratiometric wavelength and photoluminescence lifetime vs. polarity, disturbance factors during a relevant sensing process can be largely minimized by such a multiple self-calibration. This strategy was further applied into a precise detection of the microenvironmental polarity variation in complex phospholipid systems, towards providing new insights for convenient and accurate diagnosis of membrane lesions.
Inactive Tlk associating with Tak1 increases p38 MAPK activity to prolong the G2 phase
Authors: Liaw Gwo-Jen , Chiang Chuen-Sheue
Published: February 2019

To guard genome integrity, response mechanisms coordinately execute the G2/M checkpoint in responding to stress. p38 MAPK is activated to prolong the G2 phase for completion of damage repair. Tlk activity is required for DNA repair, chromosome segregation and G2 recovery. However, the involvement of Tlk in G2 recovery differs from previous findings that Tlk overexpression delays the G2/M transition. To clarify this difference, genetic interaction experiments were performed using the second mitotic wave as model system. The results indicate that Tlk overexpression prolongs the G2 phase through p38 MAPK activation, independent of Tlk kinase activity. The results of co-immunoprecipitation, database search and RNAi screening suggest that eEF1α1 and Hsc70-5 links Tlk to Tak1. Reduced gene activities of Tlk, Hsc70-5, eEF1α1 and/or Tak1 couldn’t prolong the G2 phase induced by heat shock, indicating that these proteins work together to elevate p38 MAPK activity. In contrast, a high level of wild type Tlk decreases phosphorylated p38 MAPK levels. Thus, the difference is explained by a dual function of Tlk. When under stress, inactive Tlk increases p38 MAPK activity to prolong the G2 phase, and then activated Tlk modulates activities of p38 MAPK and Asf1 to promote G2 recovery afterwards.
In-situ behavioural and physiological responses of Antarctic microphytobenthos to ocean acidification
Authors: Black James G. , Stark Jonathan S. , Johnstone Glenn J. , McMinn Andrew , Boyd Philip , McKinlay John , Wootherspoon Simon , Runcie John W.
Published: February 2019

Ocean acidification (OA) is predicted to alter benthic marine community structure and function, however, there is a paucity of field experiments in benthic soft sediment communities and ecosystems. Benthic diatoms are important components of Antarctic coastal ecosystems, however very little is known of how they will respond to ocean acidification. Ocean acidification conditions were maintained by incremental computer controlled addition of high fCO2 seawater representing OA conditions predicted for the year 2100. Respiration chambers and PAM fluorescence techniques were used to investigate acute behavioural, photosynthetic and net production responses of benthic microalgae communities to OA in in-situ field experiments. We demonstrate how OA can modify behavioural ecology, which changes photo-physiology and net production of benthic microalgae. Ocean acidification treatments significantly altered behavioural ecology, which in turn altered photo-physiology. The ecological trends presented here have the potential to manifest into significant ecological change over longer time periods.
Association of Hepatitis C and B Virus Infection with CKD and Impact of Hepatitis C Treatment on CKD
Authors: Zhang Hui , Xu Hongqin , Wu Ruihong , Yu Ge , Sun Haibo , Lv Juan , Wang Xiaomei , Chi Xiumei , Gao Xiuzhu , Kong Fei , Zhang Mingyuan , Hang Lei , Jiang Jing , Pan Yu , Niu Junqi
Published: February 2019

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection greatly increases the risk of nephropathy. In this observational study, we aimed to explore the relationship between viral hepatitis infection and chronic kidney disease (CKD), identify risk factors, and determine the effect of antiviral treatment on CKD in Chinese patients with chronic HCV infection. A total of 2,435 study subjects were enrolled and divided into four groups: the HCV infection, HBV infection, HBV and HCV co-infection, and uninfected control groups. Of these, 207 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) were given standard dual therapy [subcutaneous injection of recombinant interferon (IFN)-α2b and oral ribavirin (RBV)] for 48 weeks. We found that the prevalence of CKD gradually increased with age in all groups and was significantly increased in patients 60 years or older. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that persistent HCV infection was significantly associated with CKD [odds ratio (OR), 1.33; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06–1.66; P = 0.013], whereas there was no significant link between CKD and spontaneous HCV clearance (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.79–1.90; P = 0.364), HBV infection (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.44–1.19; P = 0.201), or HBV/HCV co-infection (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 0.81–2.40; P = 0.234). Notably, after anti-HCV therapy, the serum creatinine concentration was significantly decreased (76.0, 75.5–79.4 μmol/L) from the pretreatment level (95.0, 93.0–97.2 μmol/L), both in patients who showed an end of treatment virological response (ETVR) and those who did not (P < 0.001). Also, in both the ETVR and non-ETVR groups, the percentages of patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥90 ml/min/1.73 m2 increased significantly (P < 0.001), whereas the percentages of those with an eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 significantly decreased (P < 0.001). In conclusion, persistent HCV infection was independently associated with CKD, and antiviral treatment with IFN plus RBV can improve renal function and reverse CKD in HCV-infected patients.
Web-based display of protein surface and pH-dependent properties for assessing the developability of biotherapeutics
Authors: Hebditch Max , Warwicker Jim
Published: February 2019

Protein instability leads to reversible self-association and irreversible aggregation which is a major concern for developing new biopharmaceutical leads. Protein solution behaviour is dictated by the physicochemical properties of the protein and the solution. Optimising protein solutions through experimental screens and targeted protein engineering can be a difficult and time consuming process. Here, we describe development of the protein-sol web server, which was previously restricted to protein solubility prediction from amino acid sequence. Tools are presented for calculating and mapping patches of hydrophobicity and charge on the protein surface. In addition, predictions of folded state stability and net charge are displayed as a heatmap for a range of pH and ionic strength conditions. Tools are evaluated in the context of antibodies, their fragments and interactions. Surprisingly, antibody-antigen interfaces are, on average, at least as polar as Fab surfaces. This benchmarking process provides the user with thresholds with which to assess non-polar surface patches, and possible solubility implications, in proteins of interest. Stability heatmaps compare favourably with experimental data for CH2 and CH3 domains. Display and quantification of surface polarity and pH/ionic strength dependence will be useful generally for investigation of protein biophysics.
The oxytocinergic system mediates synchronized interpersonal movement during dance
Authors: Josef Liad , Goldstein Pavel , Mayseless Naama , Ayalon Liat , Shamay-Tsoory Simone G.
Published: February 2019

Because the oxytocinergic (OT) system has previously been linked to regulation of complex social cognition and behavior, we examined whether intranasal administration of OT would modulate synchronization during a real-life dance paradigm. The current study examined pairs of friends while dancing after intranasal administration of OT or placebo. Motion tracking software and a computational model were utilized to measure synchrony between the partners as manifested in the velocity of their movements. In line with our predictions, OT increased synchrony between partners. This effect was stronger for individuals with higher trait empathy scores. We concluded that the OT system plays an important role in promoting interpersonal synchrony during dance, suggesting that OT underlies the kinesthetic dimension of empathy. Although the biological mechanisms underlying empathy have been studied extensively, scientifically validated knowledge about the kinesthetic dimension of empathy is still lacking. The current study supports the hypothesis that interpersonal synchronization in body movement could be a marker of kinesthetic empathy.
Beech Wood Pyrolysis in Polyethylene Melt as a Means of Enhancing Levoglucosan and Methoxyphenol Production
Authors: Kumagai Shogo , Fujita Kohei , Takahashi Yusuke , Nakai Yumi , Kameda Tomohito , Saito Yuko , Yoshioka Toshiaki
Published: February 2019

Recycling wood/plastic composites in municipal and industrial wastes currently represents a challenge which needs to be overcome. In this work, we considered the concept of independent pyrolysis of wood and plastic in wood/plastic mixtures for enabling a versatile catalytic process design which is capable of producing recoverable final products from both components. In order to reveal the influence of plastic on wood pyrolysis, the pyrolysis of beech wood (BW, wood material) in a polyethylene (PE) melt (polyolefin material) was performed at 350 °C. The combined use of thermogravimetric analysis, product recovery studies, in situ radical characterisations, and microscopic analysis revealed the influence of the PE melt on the BW pyrolysis. More specifically, a physical prevention of the intermolecular condensation and hydrogen abstraction from PE pyrolysates in the liquid/solid phase was observed. These interactions enhanced the production of levoglucosan and methoxyphenols by factors of 1.7 and 1.4, respectively, during the BW pyrolysis in the PE melt. Based on these results, we concluded that the observed synergistic effects could potentially control the yield and quality of useful products, as well as the utilisation of mixed wood/plastic wastes, which cannot be effectively recycled otherwise.
Stronger responses in the visual cortex of sighted compared to blind individuals during auditory space representation
Authors: Campus Claudio , Sandini Giulio , Amadeo Maria Bianca , Gori Monica
Published: February 2019

It has been previously shown that the interaction between vision and audition involves early sensory cortices. However, the functional role of these interactions and their modulation due to sensory impairment is not yet understood. To shed light on the impact of vision on auditory spatial processing, we recorded ERPs and collected psychophysical responses during space and time bisection tasks in sighted and blind participants. They listened to three consecutive sounds and judged whether the second sound was either spatially or temporally further from the first or the third sound. We demonstrate that spatial metric representation of sounds elicits an early response of the visual cortex (P70) which is different between sighted and visually deprived individuals. Indeed, only in sighted and not in blind people P70 is strongly selective for the spatial position of sounds, mimicking many aspects of the visual-evoked C1. These results suggest that early auditory processing associated with the construction of spatial maps is mediated by visual experience. The lack of vision might impair the projection of multi-sensory maps on the retinotopic maps used by the visual cortex.
Scaling the productivity of laser structuring processes using picosecond laser pulses at average powers of up to 420 W to produce superhydrophobic surfaces on stainless steel AISI 316L
Authors: Faas Sebastian , Bielke Uwe , Weber Rudolf , Graf Thomas
Published: February 2019

We investigate the approach to scale up the productivity of the laser-based generation of superhydrophobic surfaces by means of increased average laser powers to enhance the surface structuring rates. Polished surfaces (mean roughness depth SRz = 0.076 μm) of stainless steel AISI 316L were processed with a laser delivering 8 ps long pulses with a constant pulse energy of 1.4 mJ at pulse repetition rates of 100 kHz or 300 kHz corresponding to average laser powers of 140 W or 420 W, respectively. When the feed rate for the corresponding pulse repetition rate is adjusted in a way to result in a similar temperature increase due to heat accumulation effects and the re-deposition of nanoparticles formed during processing is avoided, comparable surface structures with similar wetting behavior are obtained.