bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Mortality of Post Office Pensioners
Authors: Cox P. R. , Martin L. V.
Published: June 2019

Most of the 350,000 persons who are actively engaged in the service of the General Post Office are established civil servants to whom the provisions of the Superannuation Acts, 1834–1957, apply. Arrangements for pensioning civil servants when they retire are of long standing, and the number of former Post Office employees drawing pension has now risen to about 70,000, most of whom are men.
Installing Electronic Procedures—A Progress Report
Authors: Finelli J. J.
Published: June 2019

It is now June 1959—only eight years after the first magnetic tape computer was put to work in the U.S. Bureau of the Census. But it was not until mid-1954 that the appropriate auxiliary machines needed to complement this computer became available. In a very real sense, magnetic tape data processing facilities suitable for business operations are only five years old at this time.

Yet, in so short a time, possibly 300 or more tape-operated data processing systems have already been installed in the United States. A great deal has been written and said regarding the use of this equipment and its impact on current practices. There is much yet to be said. As we come to grips with the immediate and difficult job of putting it to work we can be encouraged by the very substantial progress already achieved by both manufacturers and users. In just a few years, the initial approach to computers has changed so much that the key question ‘Can electronic computers be relied upon?’ has become for many ‘Which one should I get?’
Neuromuscular activity in sea anemoneCalliactis parasitica(Couch)
Authors: Needler Mary , Ross D. M.
Published: June 2019

In a recent study (Ross, 1957) isolated marginal sphincter preparations of the sea anemone,Calliactis parasitica, showed two distinct responses to stimulation: (1) a quick contraction in response to stimuli at frequencies from 0–2 to 3–0 sec, the facilitated response of Pantin (1935 a) beginning only on the second stimulus of a series, with a latent period of about 0 1 sec; (2) a smooth slow contraction in response to stimuli at lower frequencies, with a latent period of not less than 30 sec, and beginning only after several stimuli. This slow movement of the marginal region had not been detected in work on whole animals, but it is similar to the contractions of the ‘slow’ muscles ofCalliactis(Pantin, 1935b) andMetridium(Batham & Pantin, 1950a). However,Calliactissphincter shows almost no spontaneous activity.

Both quick and slow contractions had previously been observed in excised sphincters and mesenteric retractors ofMetridium(Batham & Pantin, 1954), the chief muscles utilized in the closure of that animal. In all these cases, the quick contraction would seem to be a specialized mechanism for sudden withdrawal superimposed upon, and perhaps developed from, a more primitive and general slow contractile mechanism. As part of a programme to investigate and compare the properties of quick and slow contractions in these muscles it seemed desirable to see what part, if any, slow contractions of the marginal sphincter play in the life ofCalliactis. This involved us in a wider study of the neuromuscular activity of this anemone which normally lives on shells inhabited by the hermit crab,Eupagurus bernhardus.
III.—Aspects of the Intertidal Ecology of Rocky Shores in Argyll, Scotland. I. General Description of the Area
Authors: Lewis John R. , Powell H. T.
Published: June 2019

Synopsis

A Description is given of the distribution and zonation of the dominant intertidal plants and animals found in a survey of rocky shores in Argyll, from Clachan Sound southwards to the south end of the Kintyre peninsula, thence northwards along the east side of Kintyre to Loch Fyne. Particular attention is given to two sheltered lochs, Loch Sween and West Loch Tarbert. Features of special interest in the area include: (i) a very small spring tide range (only 2–4 ft.) on much of the west coast of Kintyre, which results in a very compressed littoral zone by British standards; (ii) an unusual abundance of Chthamalus stellatus, often accompanied by a scarcity of Balanus balanoides, at very sheltered sites in Loch Sween and West Loch Tarbert (this problem is considered separately in Part II of the present paper); (iii) rich lower-shore populations in parts of the lochs, and especially associated with the Linne Mhuirich rapids in Loch Sween. In a concluding discussion the lower shore populations found in the survey area are compared with those observed in the rest of the British Isles. It is concluded that the rich lower-shore populations (often associated with rapid systems) that occur in many of the lochs on the west coast of Scotland constitute a major component of the littoral fauna and flora of the British Isles that has been largely unknown and neglected in the past because of the remoteness of many of the sites.
IV.—Aspects of the Intertidal Ecology of Rocky Shores in Argyll, Scotland. II. The Distribution of Chthamalus stellatus and Balanus balanoides in Kintyre
Authors: Lewis John R. , Powell H. T.
Published: June 2019

Synopsis

The distribution and zonation of Chthamalus stellatus and Balanus balanoides on British coasts is reviewed, and it is shown that the very sheltered waters of Loch Sween and West Loch Tarbert are unusual in that Chthamalus occurs there in greater quantity than in any other sheltered (British) locality, and the upper limit of Chthamalus is consistently higher, relative to other species, than elsewhere in shelter. The lower limit of Chthamalus is generally at a rather high level on these shores even when bare rock occurs below. Balanus balanoides, on the other hand, is often scarce or absent at the same sheltered sites. The physical conditions in the lochs (water temperatures, tides, winds, sunshine, rainfall) and their seasonal variations are examined and it is shown that there probably is a unique succession of environmental factors that would favour Chthamalus and operate against Balanus at critical times of the year. It is suggested that Chthamalus occurs higher than Pelvetia in the lochs because of a greater tolerance of irregular and often prolonged periods of desiccation. The failure of Chthamalus to occupy the middle and lower shore when Balanus is absent indicates that competition between the two barnacles does not alone determine their vertical distribution on the shore. A tentative hypothesis is developed showing how the very local distribution of Chthamalus and the level occupied on the shore might be related to responses of the cyprids to light and to a supposed requirement of emersion during the early stages on the shore.
XVI.–The Tertiary Pollen-Flora of Mull and Ardnamurchan
Authors: Simpson J. B.
Published: June 2019

Synopsis

A detailed description is given of the fossil pollen floras of two lignite seams associated with the Tertiary igneous rocks of Western Scotland. One of the seams occurs at the base of the lava succession at Ardslignish, Ardnamurchan; the other is exposed at two localities, Shiaba and Bremanoir, within the lava succession on the island of Mull.

Seventy-one species belonging to forty-four genera are described. All the species and two of the genera are new. Comparisons are made with modern pollen grains and some close resemblances are noted between the fossil species and species now living in various distant parts of the world, in particular Eastern Asia, Australasia and North America.
Progressive and Punctuated Magnetic Mineral Diagenesis: The Rock Magnetic Record of Multiple Fluid Inputs and Progressive Pyritization in a Volcano‐Bounded Basin, IODP Site U1437, Izu Rear Arc
Authors: Musgrave Robert J. , Kars Myriam , Vega Marta E.
Published: June 2019

International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Site U1437 recovered an 1,800‐m‐long sediment sequence in a volcano‐bounded basin on the Izu rear arc. Pore fluid studies revealed a pattern of repeated fluid inputs, fluid diffusion, and methane and ethane accumulations, which represent “fluid anomalies” that disturb the fluid profiles. First‐order reversal curve analysis, magnetic hysteresis, saturation isothermal remanent magnetization, and low‐temperature remanence cycling reveal a detrital input dominated by vortex‐state and multidomain magnetite, which passes through an initial stage of partial magnetite dissolution and greigite authigenesis in the upper few tens of meters. Progressive magnetic mineral diagenesis comprises the continued loss of fine‐grained magnetite and gradual pyritization of greigite and produces a background logarithmic decrease in saturation isothermal remanent magnetization normalized by magnetic susceptibility. This process implies a continuing slow supply of S2− to depths >1,500 m. Thermally driven diagenesis, which would cause extensive loss of greigite at these depths, does not appear to be significant here. Multidomain magnetite grains dominate the magnetic mineralogy in the deepest part of the sequence, but some single‐domain magnetite survives as inclusions in silicates. Fluid anomalies representing sulfate influx drive locally renewed greigite authigenesis, as do methane and ethane accumulations. In some cases, where methane is accompanied by H2S (“sour gas”), fine‐grained greigite is converted to pyrite. We term these multiple episodes of enhanced magnetic mineral alteration “punctuated magnetic mineral diagenesis.” Despite both progressive and punctuated magnetic mineral diagenesis, enough depositional remanence survives to allow recognition of the magnetostratigraphy to 1,320 m below seafloor.
Arctic Summer Sea Ice Melt and Related Atmospheric Conditions in Coupled Regional Climate Model Simulations and Observations
Authors: Rinke A. , Knudsen Erlend M. , Mewes D. , Dorn W. , Handorf D. , Dethloff K. , Moore J. C.
Published: June 2019

Observations from 1979 to 2014 show a positive trend in the summer sea ice melt rate with an acceleration particularly in June and August. This is associated with atmospheric circulation changes such as a tendency toward a dipole pattern in the mean sea level pressure (SLP) trend with an increase over the Arctic Ocean and a decrease over Siberia. Consistent with previous studies, we here show the statistical relationship between the summer sea ice melt rate and SLP and that more than one SLP pattern is associated with anomalously high melt rates. Most high melt rates occur during high pressure over the Arctic Ocean accompanied by low pressure over Siberia, but a strong Beaufort High and advection of warm air associated with a cyclone located over the Taymyr Peninsula can also trigger anomalous high ice melt. We evaluate 10‐member ensemble simulations with the coupled atmosphere‐ice‐ocean Arctic regional climate model HIRHAM‐NAOSIM. The simulations have systematically low acceleration of sea ice melt rate in August, related to shortcomings in representing the strengthening pressure gradient from the Barents/Kara Sea toward Northern Greenland in recent decades. In general, the model shows the same classification of SLP patterns related to anomalous melt rates as the observations. However, the evolution of sea ice melt‐related cloud‐radiation feedback over the summer reveals contrary effects from low‐level clouds in the reanalysis and in the simulations.
Future Carbon Emission From Boreal and Permafrost Lakes Are Sensitive to Catchment Organic Carbon Loads
Authors: Bayer T. K. , Gustafsson E. , Brakebusch M. , Beer C.
Published: June 2019

Carbon storage, processing, and transport in freshwater systems are important components of the global carbon cycle and sensitive to global change. However, in large‐scale modeling this part of the boundless carbon cycle is often lacking or represented in a very simplified way. A new process‐oriented lake biogeochemical model is used for investigating impacts of changes in atmospheric CO2 concentrations and organic carbon loading from the catchment on future greenhouse gas emissions from lakes across two boreal to subarctic regions (Northern Sweden and Alaska). Aquatic processes represented include carbon, oxygen, phytoplankton, and nutrient dynamics leading to CO2 and CH4 exchanges with the atmosphere. The model is running inside a macroscale hydrological model and may be easily implemented into a land surface scheme. Model evaluation demonstrates the validity in terms of average concentration of nutrients, algal biomass, and organic and inorganic carbon. Cumulative annual emissions of CH4 and CO2, as well as pathways of CH4 emissions, also compare well to observations. Model calculations imply that lake emissions of CH4 may increase by up to 45% under the Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 scenario until 2100, and CO2 emissions may increase by up to 80% in Alaska. Increasing organic carbon loading to the lakes resulted in a linear response in CO2 and CH4 emissions across both regions, but increases in CO2 emissions from subarctic lakes in Sweden were lower than for southern boreal lakes, probably due to the higher importance of imported vegetation‐“generated” inorganic carbon for CO2 emission from subarctic lakes.
Experimental demonstration of linear and spinning Janus dipoles for polarisation- and wavelength-selective near-field coupling
Authors: Picardi Michela F. , Neugebauer Martin , Eismann Jörg S. , Leuchs Gerd , Banzer Peter , Rodríguez-Fortuño Francisco J. , Zayats Anatoly V.
Published: June 2019

The electromagnetic field scattered by nano-objects contains a broad range of wavevectors and can be efficiently coupled to waveguided modes. The dominant contribution to scattering from subwavelength dielectric and plasmonic nanoparticles is determined by electric and magnetic dipolar responses. Here, we experimentally demonstrate spectral and phase selective excitation of Janus dipoles, sources with electric and magnetic dipoles oscillating out of phase, in order to control near-field interference and directional coupling to waveguides. We show that by controlling the polarisation state of the dipolar excitations and the excitation wavelength to adjust their relative contributions, directionality and coupling strength can be fully tuned. Furthermore, we introduce a novel spinning Janus dipole featuring cylindrical symmetry in the near and far field, which results in either omnidirectional coupling or noncoupling. Controlling the propagation of guided light waves via fast and robust near-field interference between polarisation components of a source is required in many applications in nanophotonics and quantum optics.
Mechanism of Snhg8/miR-384/Hoxa13/FAM3A axis regulating neuronal apoptosis in ischemic mice model
Authors: Liu Jie , An Ping , Xue Yixue , Che Dongfang , Liu Xiaobai , Zheng Jian , Liu Yunhui , Yang Chunqing , Li Zhen , Yu Bo
Published: June 2019

Long noncoding RNAs, a subgroup of noncoding RNAs, are implicated in ischemic brain injury. The expression levels of Snhg8, miR-384, Hoxa13, and FAM3A were measured in chronic cerebral ischemia-induced HT22 cells and hippocampal tissues. The role of the Snhg8/miR-384/Hoxa13/FAM3A axis was evaluated in chronic cerebral ischemia models in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we found that Snhg8 and Hoxa13 were downregulated, while miR-384 was upregulated in chronic cerebral ischemia-induced HT22 cells and hippocampal tissues. Overexpression of Snhg8 and Hoxa13, and silencing of miR-384, all inhibited chronic cerebral ischemia-induced apoptosis of HT22 cells. Moreover, Snhg8 bound to miR-384 in a sequence-dependent manner and there was a reciprocal repression between Snhg8 and miR-384. Besides, overexpression of miR-384 impaired Hoxa13 expression by targeting its 3′UTR and regulated chronic cerebral ischemia-induced neuronal apoptosis. Hoxa13 bound to the promoter of FAM3A and enhanced its promotor activity, which regulated chronic cerebral ischemia-induced neuronal apoptosis. Remarkably, the in vivo experiments demonstrated that Snhg8 overexpression combined with miR-384 knockdown led to an anti-apoptosis effect. These results reveal that the Snhg8/miR-384/Hoxa13/FAM3A axis plays a critical role in the regulation of chronic cerebral ischemia-induced neuronal apoptosis.
Deer antler stem cells are a novel type of cells that sustain full regeneration of a mammalian organ—deer antler
Authors: Wang Datao , Berg Debbie , Ba Hengxing , Sun Hongmei , Wang Zhen , Li Chunyi
Published: June 2019

Deer antlers are extraordinary mammalian organs that can fully regenerate annually. Antler renewal is a stem cell-based epimorphic process and antler stem (AS) cells can initiate de novo generation of antlers in postnatal mammals. However, although being called stem cells, the AS cells have not been characterized at molecular level based on the stem cell criteria. Comprehensive characterization of the AS cells would undoubtedly help to decipher the mechanism underlying the full regeneration of deer antlers, the only case of stem cell-based epimorphic regeneration in mammals. In the present study, three types of AS cells (antlerogenic periosteal cells APCs, for initial pedicle and first antler formation; pedicle periosteal cells PPC, for annual antler regeneration; and reserve mesenchyme cells RMCs, for rapid antler growth), were isolated for comprehensive molecular characterization. A horn-growth-related gene, RXFP2, was found to be expressed only in AS cells lineages but not in the facial periosteal cells (FPCs, locates geographically in the vicinity of the APCs or PPCs), suggesting the RXFP2 might be a specific marker for the AS cell lineage in deer. Our results demonstrated that AS cells expressed classic MSC markers including surface markers CD73, CD90, CD105 and Stro-1. They also expressed some of the markers including Tert, Nestin, S100A4, nucleostemin and C-Myc, suggesting that they have some attributes of the ESCs. Microinjection of male APC into deer blastocysts resulted in one female foetus (110 days gestation) recovered with obvious pedicle primordia with both male and female genotype detected in the ovary. In conclusion, the AS cells should be defined as MSCs but with partial attributes of ESCs.
Bogoliubov waves and distant transport of magnon condensate at room temperature
Authors: Bozhko Dmytro A. , Kreil Alexander J. E. , Musiienko-Shmarova Halyna Yu. , Serga Alexander A. , Pomyalov Anna , L’vov Victor S. , Hillebrands Burkard
Published: June 2019

A macroscopic collective motion of a Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) is commonly associated with phenomena such as superconductivity and superfluidity, often generalised by the term supercurrent. Another type of motion of a quantum condensate is second sound—a wave of condensate’s parameters. Recently, we reported on the decay of a BEC of magnons caused by a supercurrent outflow of the BEC from the locally heated area of a room temperature magnetic film. Here, we present the observation of a macroscopic BEC transport mechanism related to the excitation of second sound. The condensed magnons, being propelled out of the heated area, form compact humps of BEC density, which propagate many hundreds of micrometers in the form of distinct second sound—Bogoliubov waves. This discovery advances the physics of quasiparticles and allows for the application of related transport phenomena for low-loss data transfer in magnon spintronics devices.
Disordered RNA chaperones can enhance nucleic acid folding via local charge screening
Authors: Holmstrom Erik D. , Liu Zhaowei , Nettels Daniel , Best Robert B. , Schuler Benjamin
Published: June 2019

RNA chaperones are proteins that aid in the folding of nucleic acids, but remarkably, many of these proteins are intrinsically disordered. How can these proteins function without a well-defined three-dimensional structure? Here, we address this question by studying the hepatitis C virus core protein, a chaperone that promotes viral genome dimerization. Using single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy, we find that this positively charged disordered protein facilitates the formation of compact nucleic acid conformations by acting as a flexible macromolecular counterion that locally screens repulsive electrostatic interactions with an efficiency equivalent to molar salt concentrations. The resulting compaction can bias unfolded nucleic acids towards folding, resulting in faster folding kinetics. This potentially widespread mechanism is supported by molecular simulations that rationalize the experimental findings by describing the chaperone as an unstructured polyelectrolyte.
Speaker-normalized sound representations in the human auditory cortex
Authors: Sjerps Matthias J. , Fox Neal P. , Johnson Keith , Chang Edward F.
Published: June 2019

The acoustic dimensions that distinguish speech sounds (like the vowel differences in “boot” and “boat”) also differentiate speakers’ voices. Therefore, listeners must normalize across speakers without losing linguistic information. Past behavioral work suggests an important role for auditory contrast enhancement in normalization: preceding context affects listeners’ perception of subsequent speech sounds. Here, using intracranial electrocorticography in humans, we investigate whether and how such context effects arise in auditory cortex. Participants identified speech sounds that were preceded by phrases from two different speakers whose voices differed along the same acoustic dimension as target words (the lowest resonance of the vocal tract). In every participant, target vowels evoke a speaker-dependent neural response that is consistent with the listener’s perception, and which follows from a contrast enhancement model. Auditory cortex processing thus displays a critical feature of normalization, allowing listeners to extract meaningful content from the voices of diverse speakers.
Impact of molecular quadrupole moments on the energy levels at organic heterojunctions
Authors: Schwarze Martin , Schellhammer Karl Sebastian , Ortstein Katrin , Benduhn Johannes , Gaul Christopher , Hinderhofer Alexander , Perdigón Toro Lorena , Scholz Reinhard , Kublitski Jonas , Roland Steffen , Lau Matthias , Poelking Carl , Andrienko Denis , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Schreiber Frank , Neher Dieter , Vandewal Koen , Ortmann Frank , Leo Karl
Published: June 2019

The functionality of organic semiconductor devices crucially depends on molecular energies, namely the ionisation energy and the electron affinity. Ionisation energy and electron affinity values of thin films are, however, sensitive to film morphology and composition, making their prediction challenging. In a combined experimental and simulation study on zinc-phthalocyanine and its fluorinated derivatives, we show that changes in ionisation energy as a function of molecular orientation in neat films or mixing ratio in blends are proportional to the molecular quadrupole component along the π-π-stacking direction. We apply these findings to organic solar cells and demonstrate how the electrostatic interactions can be tuned to optimise the energy of the charge-transfer state at the donor−acceptor interface and the dissociation barrier for free charge carrier generation. The confirmation of the correlation between interfacial energies and quadrupole moments for other materials indicates its relevance for small molecules and polymers.
Replication termination without a replication fork trap
Authors: Galli Elisa , Ferat Jean-Luc , Desfontaines Jean-Michel , Val Marie-Eve , Skovgaard Ole , Barre François-Xavier , Possoz Christophe
Published: June 2019

Bacterial chromosomes harbour a unique origin of bidirectional replication, oriC. They are almost always circular, with replication terminating in a region diametrically opposite to oriC, the terminus. The oriC-terminus organisation is reflected by the orientation of the genes and by the disposition of DNA-binding protein motifs implicated in the coordination of chromosome replication and segregation with cell division. Correspondingly, the E. coli and B. subtilis model bacteria possess a replication fork trap system, Tus/ter and RTP/ter, respectively, which enforces replication termination in the terminus region. Here, we show that tus and rtp are restricted to four clades of bacteria, suggesting that tus was recently domesticated from a plasmid gene. We further demonstrate that there is no replication fork system in Vibrio cholerae, a bacterium closely related to E. coli. Marker frequency analysis showed that replication forks originating from ectopic origins were not blocked in the terminus region of either of the two V. cholerae chromosomes, but progressed normally until they encountered an opposite fork. As expected, termination synchrony of the two chromosomes is disrupted by these ectopic origins. Finally, we show that premature completion of the primary chromosome replication did not modify the choreography of segregation of its terminus region.
Author Correction: Acute Heart Failure developed as worsening of Chronic Heart Failure is associated with increased mortality compared to de novo cases
Authors: Degoricija Vesna , Trbušić Matias , Potočnjak Ines , Radulović Bojana , Terešak Sanda Dokoza , Pregartner Gudrun , Berghold Andrea , Tiran Beate , Frank Saša
Published: June 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Co-subsistence of avian influenza virus subtypes of low and high pathogenicity in Bangladesh: Challenges for diagnosis, risk assessment and control
Authors: Parvin Rokshana , Begum Jahan Ara , Chowdhury Emadadul Haque , Islam Mohammed Rafiqul , Beer Martin , Harder Timm
Published: June 2019

Endemic co-circulation of potentially zoonotic avian influenza viruses (AIV) of subtypes H5N1 and H9N2 (G1 lineage) in poultry in Bangladesh accelerated diversifying evolution. Two clinical samples from poultry obtained in 2016 yielded five different subtypes (highly pathogenic [HP] H5N1, HP H5N2, HP H7N1, HP H7N2, H9N2) and eight genotypes of AIV by plaque purification. H5 sequences grouped with clade 2.3.2.1a viruses while N1 was related to an older, preceding clade, 2.2.2. The internal genome segments of the plaque-purified viruses originated from clade 2.2.2 of H5N1 or from G1/H9N2 viruses. H9 and N2 segments clustered with contemporary H9N2 strains. In addition, HP H7 sequences were detected for the first time in samples and linked to Pakistani HP H7N3 viruses of 2003. The unexpected findings of mixtures of reassorted HP H5N1 and G1-like H9N2 viruses, which carry genome segments of older clades in association with the detection of HP H7 HA segments calls for confirmation of these results by targeted surveillance in the area of origin of the investigated samples. Hidden niches and obscured transmission pathways may exist that retain or re-introduce genome segments of older viruses or reassortants thereof which causes additional challenges for diagnosis, risk assessment and disease control.
Rapid evolutionary responses to insecticide resistance management interventions by the German cockroach (Blattella germanica L.)
Authors: Fardisi Mahsa , Gondhalekar Ameya D. , Ashbrook Aaron R. , Scharf Michael E.
Published: June 2019

The German cockroach (Blattella germanica L.) is a worldwide pest that lives exclusively in human environments. B. germanica threatens human health by producing asthma-triggering allergens, vectoring pathogenic/antibiotic-resistant microbes, and by contributing to unhealthy indoor environments. While insecticides are essential for reducing cockroach populations and improving health outcomes, insecticide resistance has been a consistent barrier to cockroach control since the 1950s. We conducted seminal field studies to compare three insecticide resistance intervention strategies for cockroaches and evaluated resistance evolution across multiple generations. Using pre-treatment resistance assessment to drive decisions, we found that single active ingredient (AI) treatments can successfully eliminate cockroaches if starting resistance levels are low. We further established that rotation treatments intuitively reduce selection pressure, and are effective when insecticides with no/low resistance are used. We also found that mixture products containing thiamethoxam + λ-cyhalothrin AIs were universally ineffective and highly repellent; and finally, evolution of cross-resistance among AIs is a significant, previously unrealized challenge.
Author Correction: Isolated terawatt attosecond hard X-ray pulse generated from single current spike
Authors: Shim Chi Hyun , Parc Yong Woon , Kumar Sandeep , Ko In Soo , Kim Dong Eon
Published: June 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Assessment of 213Bi-anti-EGFR MAb treatment efficacy in malignant cancer cells with [1-13C]pyruvate and [18F]FDG
Authors: Feuerecker Benedikt , Michalik Michael , Hundshammer Christian , Schwaiger Markus , Bruchertseifer Frank , Morgenstern Alfred , Seidl Christof
Published: June 2019

Evaluation of response to therapy is among the key objectives of oncology. A new method to evaluate this response includes magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) with hyperpolarized 13C-labelled metabolites, which holds promise to provide new insights in terms of both therapeutic efficacy and tumor cell metabolism. Human EJ28Luc urothelial carcinoma and LN18 glioma cells were treated with lethal activity concentrations of a 213Bi-anti-EGFR immunoconjugate. Treatment efficacy was controlled via analysis of DNA double-strand breaks (immunofluorescence γH2AX staining) and clonogenic survival of cells. To investigate changes in metabolism of treated cells vs controls we analyzed conversion of hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate to [1-13C]lactate via MRS as well as viability of cells, lactate formation and lactate dehydrogenase activity in the cellular supernatants and [18F]FDG uptake in treated cells vs controls, respectively. Treatment of malignant cancer cells with 213Bi-anti-EGFR-MAb induced intense DNA double-strand breaks, resulting in cell death as monitored via clonogenic survival. Moreover, treatment of EJ28Luc bladder cancer cells resulted in decreased cell viability, [18F]FDG-uptake and an increased lactate export. In both EJ28Luc and LN18 carcinoma cells treatment with 213Bi-anti-EGFR-MAb triggered a significant increase in lactate/pyruvate ratios, as measured with hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate. Treatment with 213Bi-anti-EGFR-MAb resulted in an effective induction of cell death in EJ28Luc and LN18 cells. Lactate/pyruvate ratios of hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate proved to detect early treatment response effects, holding promise for future clinical applications in early therapy monitoring.
Effect of de novo transcriptome assembly on transcript quantification
Authors: Hsieh Ping-Han , Oyang Yen-Jen , Chen Chien-Yu
Published: June 2019

Correct quantification of transcript expression is essential to understand the functional elements in different physiological conditions. For the organisms without the reference transcriptome, de novo transcriptome assembly must be carried out prior to quantification. However, a large number of erroneous contigs produced by the assemblers might result in unreliable estimation. In this regard, this study investigates how assembly quality affects the performance of quantification based on de novo transcriptome assembly. We examined the over-extended and incomplete contigs, and demonstrated that assembly completeness has a strong impact on the estimation of contig abundance. Then we investigated the behavior of the quantifiers with respect to sequence ambiguity which might be originally presented in the transcriptome or accidentally produced by assemblers. The results suggested that the quantifiers often over-estimate the expression of family-collapse contigs and under-estimate the expression of duplicated contigs. For organisms without reference transcriptome, it remains challenging to detect the inaccurate estimation on family-collapse contigs. On the contrary, we observed that the situation of under-estimation on duplicated contigs can be warned through analyzing the read proportion of estimated abundance (RPEA) of contigs in the connected component inferenced by the quantifiers. In addition, we suggest that the estimated quantification results on the connected component level have better accuracy over sequence level quantification. The analytic results conducted in this study provides valuable insights for future development of transcriptome assembly and quantification.
Variable osteogenic performance of MC3T3-E1 subclones impacts their utility as models of osteoblast biology
Authors: Hwang Phillip W. , Horton Jason A.
Published: June 2019

The spontaneously immortalized murine calvarial cell line MC3T3-E1 and its derivative subclones are widely used models of osteoblast biology. Many investigators have reported conflicting data under seemingly similar experimental conditions, though the specific subclone studied is often not specified. The purpose of this study was to directly compare the commercially available MC3T3-E1 subclones 4, 14, and 24 in terms of responsiveness to osteogenic induction media and/or stimulation with rhPTH[1–34]. We assayed osteogenic gene expression, capacity to deposit and mineralize a collagenous matrix, and the expression and signaling function of PTH1R. Our data demonstrate that each subclone bears little functional resemblance to the others, or to primary calvarial osteoblasts. Specifically, whereas subclone 4 is responsive to PTH stimulation and capable of matrix mineralization, subclones 14 and 24 do not faithfully replicate these key aspects of osteoblast biology. Furthermore, little overlap was observed between the gene expression profile of subclone 4 and primary calvarial osteoblasts. Our experience working with these cell lines demonstrates that the MC3T3-E1 derived cell lines are imperfect models of osteoblast biology, and reinforce the importance of clearly articulating selection and reporting of research materials.
Effects of system response delays on elderly humans’ cognitive performance in a virtual training scenario
Authors: Wirzberger Maria , Schmidt René , Georgi Maria , Hardt Wolfram , Brunnett Guido , Rey Günter Daniel
Published: June 2019

Observed influences of system response delay in spoken human-machine dialogues are rather ambiguous and mainly focus on perceived system quality. Studies that systematically inspect effects on cognitive performance are still lacking, and effects of individual characteristics are also often neglected. Building on benefits of cognitive training for decelerating cognitive decline, this Wizard-of-Oz study addresses both issues by testing 62 elderly participants in a dialogue-based memory training with a virtual agent. Participants acquired the method of loci with fading instructional guidance and applied it afterward to memorizing and recalling lists of German nouns. System response delays were randomly assigned, and training performance was included as potential mediator. Participants’ age, gender, and subscales of affinity for technology (enthusiasm, competence, positive and negative perception of technology) were inspected as potential moderators. The results indicated positive effects on recall performance with higher training performance, female gender, and less negative perception of technology. Additionally, memory retention and facets of affinity for technology moderated increasing system response delays. Participants also provided higher ratings in perceived system quality with higher enthusiasm for technology but reported increasing frustration with a more positive perception of technology. Potential explanations and implications for the design of spoken dialogue systems are discussed.
Genetic comparisons of fall armyworm populations from 11 countries spanning sub-Saharan Africa provide insights into strain composition and migratory behaviors
Authors: Nagoshi Rodney N. , Goergen Georg , Plessis Hannalene Du , van den Berg Johnnie , Meagher Robert
Published: June 2019

The recent discovery of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, J.E. Smith) in Africa presents a significant threat to that continent’s food security. The species exhibits several traits in the Western Hemisphere that if transferred to Africa would significantly complicate control efforts. These include a broad host range, long-distance migratory behavior, and resistance to multiple pesticides that varies by regional population. Therefore, determining which fall armyworm subpopulations are present in Africa could have important implications for risk assessments and mitigation efforts. The current study is an extension of earlier surveys that together combine the collections from 11 nations to produce the first genetic description of fall armyworm populations spanning the sub-Saharan region. Comparisons of haplotype frequencies indicate significant differences between geographically distant populations. The haplotype profile from all locations continue to identify Florida and the Caribbean regions as the most likely Western Hemisphere origins of the African infestations. The current data confirm the uncertainty of fall armyworm strain identification in Africa by genetic methods, with the possibility discussed that the African infestation may represent a novel interstrain hybrid population of potentially uncertain behavioral characteristics.
A new analytical model for flow in acidized fractured-vuggy porous media
Authors: Lei Gang , Liao Qinzhuo , Zhang Dongxiao
Published: June 2019

Acidizing is one of the widely used technologies that makes the development of naturally fractured-vuggy reservoirs effective. During the process of acidizing, carbonate minerals are dissolved by hydrochloric acid, which can create high conductivity channels and wormholes to connect fractures and pores. In this work, a new analytical model, incorporating the heterogeneity of the pore networks into acidizing region, is proposed to study the flow characteristics in acidized fractured-vuggy reservoirs. The model is coupled by an acidized inner region and a conceptualized outer region of common triple medium. The porosity and permeability of inner region, which are rather heterogeneous and disordered when observed at different length scales, can be well addressed by fractal theory. The properties of the outer region can be described with three basic parameters: the matrix block size LM, the space interval of fracture LF and the radius of the vug Lv. Results show that the flow characteristic curves can be characterized by six flow stages (i.e. wellbore storage stage, radial flow stage in the interior region, fracture-vug inter-porosity flow stage, transition flow stage, fracture-matrix inter-porosity flow stage and external boundary response stage). It can be applied to estimate reservoir parameters for uncertainty reduction using inverse modeling.
Development of a rapid, simple and efficient one-pot cloning method for a reverse genetics system of broad subtypes of influenza A virus
Authors: Choi Won-Suk , Jeong Ju Hwan , Lloren Khristine Kaith S. , Ahn Su Jeong , Antigua Khristine Joy C. , Kim Young-il , Si Young-Jae , Baek Yun Hee , Choi Young Ki , Song Min-Suk
Published: June 2019

The reverse genetics (RG) system of influenza A viruses is well established. However, the conventional sequence-dependent method for cloning influenza genome segments is time-consuming and requires multiple processes (eg. enzyme digestion and ligation) and exhibits low cloning efficiency compared to the sequence-independent cloning method. In this study, we improved influenza genome cloning into the pHW2000 vector for an RG system by incorporating a sequence-independent circular polymerase extension cloning (CPEC) approach which requires only 2 steps (reverse transcription and one-pot CPEC-PCR) and takes about 4 hours before the transformation. The specifically designed viral gene and vector primers used for CPEC-PCR have improved cloning efficiency ranging from 63.6 to 100% based on the results of gene-specific colony PCR which was additionally confirmed by enzyme digestion. We successfully cloned all genes from broad subtypes of influenza A viruses (H1-H12, N1-N9) and rescued by the RG system. Our results demonstrate that this method—one-Pot cloning for influenza A virus—was efficient in terms of required time and cloning rate. In conclusion, the novel cloning method for influenza A virus will contribute to a significant reduction in the time required for genetic studies of emerging influenza viruses.
SNAI1 recruits HDAC1 to suppress SNAI2 transcription during epithelial to mesenchymal transition
Authors: Sundararajan Vignesh , Tan Ming , Tan Tuan Zea , Ye Jieru , Thiery Jean Paul , Huang Ruby Yun-Ju
Published: June 2019

Aberrant activation of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) associated factors were highly correlated with increased mortality in cancer patients. SNAIL family of transcriptional repressors comprised of three members, each of which were essentially associated with gastrulation and neural crest formation. Among which, SNAI1 and SNAI2 were efficiently induced during EMT and their expressions were correlated with poor clinical outcome in patients with breast, colon and ovarian carcinoma. In an ovarian cancer cell lines panel, we identified that SNAI1 and SNAI2 expressions were mutually exclusive, where SNAI1 predominantly represses SNAI2 expression. Detailed analysis of SNAI2 promoter region revealed that SNAI1 binds to two E-box sequences that mediated transcriptional repression. Through epigenetic inhibitor treatments, we identified that inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity in SNAI1 overexpressing cells partially rescued SNAI2 expression. Importantly, we demonstrated a significant deacetylation of histone H3 and significant enrichments of HDAC1 and HDAC2 corepressors in both E-box regions of SNAI2 promoter. Our results suggested that SNAI1 repression on SNAI2 expression was predominantly mediated through the recruitment of the histone deacetylation machinery. Utilization of HDAC inhibitors would require additional profiling of SNAI1 activity and combined targeting of SNAI1 and HDACs might render efficient cancer treatment.
Characterization of a recently detected halogenated aminorex derivative: para-fluoro-4-methylaminorex (4′F-4-MAR)
Authors: Fabregat-Safont D. , Carbón X. , Ventura M. , Fornís I. , Hernández F. , Ibáñez M.
Published: June 2019

Despite the fact that 33% of the new psychoactive substances seized in 2015 were synthetic cathinones, the number of these derivatives has been decreasing in the last years, probably as a consequence of the unfavourable effects reported by users. Thus, the list of possible cathinone analogues is expected to get shorter, and it is likely that the same moiety changes applied for the preparation of synthetic cathinones will be applied in the near future to other stimulants in the search for favourable alternatives to controlled substances. This is evidenced by the increase in newly reported substances belonging to stimulant classes other than cathinones. One of the possible candidates for a new backbone from which to base new stimulants is aminorex, which is classified as a Schedule I substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Three derivatives have been reported until now: 4-methylaminorex or 4-MAR (also categorized as a Schedule I substance), para-methyl-4-methylaminorex (4,4′-DMAR) and 3′,4′-methylenedioxy-4-methylaminorex (MDMAR). Recently, the new halogenated 4-MAR derivative, para-fluoro-4-methylaminorex, characterised in this work (and abbreviated as pF-4-methylaminorex or 4′F-4-MAR) was detected by the Slovenian police. In the present work, 4′F-4-MAR has been characterized by high resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance in a sample obtained from an anonymous consumer. This research shows that the same modifications applied for the preparation of synthetic cathinones are being used to prepare new stimulants based on the aminorex backbone.
Eucalyptus globulus Labill. decoction extract inhibits the growth of NCI-H460 cells by increasing the p53 levels and altering the cell cycle profile
Authors: Teixeira Alexandra , DaCunha Déborah C. , Barros Lillian , Caires Hugo R. , Xavier Cristina P. R. , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R. , Vasconcelos M. Helena
Published: June 2019

Eucalyptus globulus Labill. extracts exhibit anti-tumor properties in three different cancer cell line models.
Povidone-iodine-functionalized fluorinated copolymers with dual-functional antibacterial and antifouling activities
Authors: Borjihan Qinggele , Yang Jiebing , Song Qing , Gao Lingling , Xu Miao , Gao Tianyi , Liu Wenxin , Li Peng , Li Quanshun , Dong Alideertu
Published: June 2019

Povidone-iodine-functionalized fluorinated polymer coatings with dual-functional antibacterial and antifouling activities should be very promising in practical biomedical applications.
Fabrication of zwitterionic and pH-responsive polyacetal dendrimers for anticancer drug delivery
Authors: Wang Yaqiang , Huang Da , Wang Xing , Yang Fei , Shen Hong , Wu Decheng
Published: June 2019

A zwitterionic sulfobetaine functionalized polyacetal dendrimer presented excellent structural stability, high internalization efficiency, unique pH-responsive drug release behaviors and remarkable antitumor efficacy.
Chemical doping of the SnSe monolayer: a first-principle calculation
Authors: Zhou Tao , Du Jinyan , Wang Chang , Huang Yucheng
Published: June 2019

First-principles calculations were used to investigate the effect of doping on the electronic, magnetic and optical properties of the SnSe monolayer.
A nonfullerene acceptor with a 1000 nm absorption edge enables ternary organic solar cells with improved optical and morphological properties and efficiencies over 15%
Authors: Liu Tao , Luo Zhenghui , Chen Yuzhong , Yang Tao , Xiao Yiqun , Zhang Guangye , Ma Ruijie , Lu Xinhui , Zhan Chuanlang , Zhang Maojie , Yang Chuluo , Li Yongfang , Yao Jiannian , Yan He
Published: June 2019

The PM7:ITC-2Cl:IXIC-4Cl-based ternary device achieved an excellent PCE of 15.37% with a energy loss of 0.42 eV.
The specific use of alginate fromLaminaria japonicabyBacteroidesspecies determined its modulation of theBacteroidescommunity
Authors: Ai Chunqing , Jiang Pingrui , Liu Yili , Duan Mengmeng , Sun Xiaona , Luo Tengrui , Jiang Guoping , Song Shuang
Published: June 2019

Accumulating studies showed that the beneficial actions of polysaccharides were closely associated with an improvement of the gut microbiota, but mechanisms that link polysaccharides and gut microbiota alterations are ill defined.
μ-dDIHEN: a new micro-flow liquid sample introduction system for direct injection nebulization in ICP-MS
Authors: Louvat Pascale , Tharaud Mickaël , Buisson Matthieu , Rollion-Bard Claire , Benedetti Marc F.
Published: June 2019

The μ-dDIHEN feeds low and stable flow rates to the ICP-MS, allowing for analyses of small sample volumes (<100 μL) in various applications.
Individual cell-only bioink and photocurable supporting medium for 3D printing and generation of engineered tissues with complex geometries
Authors: Jeon Oju , Lee Yu Bin , Jeong Hyoen , Lee Sang Jin , Wells Derrick , Alsberg Eben
Published: June 2019

Functional tissues with complex geometries can be engineered by 3D bioprinting individual cell-only bioinks into a photocrosslinkable microgel support bath, which permits structural control over cellular condensation formation and long-term culture.
The nanoscale Leidenfrost effect
Authors: Rodrigues Jhonatam , Desai Salil
Published: June 2019

Droplet propulsion on a gold substrate demonstrating the Leidenfrost effect at 373 K.
Colloidal PbS nanoplatelets synthesized via cation exchange for electronic applications
Authors: Sonntag Luisa , Shamraienko Volodymyr , Fan Xuelin , Samadi Khoshkhoo Mahdi , Kneppe David , Koitzsch Andreas , Gemming Thomas , Hiekel Karl , Leo Karl , Lesnyak Vladimir , Eychmüller Alexander
Published: June 2019

Colloidal PbS nanoplatelets synthesized via cation exchange from CuS nanoplatelets were ligand exchanged forming stable inks applied in field-effect transistors.
Magnesium-induced preparation of boron nitride nanotubes and their application in thermal interface materials
Authors: Li Chaowei , Long Xiaoyang , E Songfeng , Zhang Qichong , Li Taotao , Wu Jun , Yao Yagang
Published: June 2019

The Mg induction strategy is low cost and efficiently generates BNNTs, which can be widely used in thermal interface materials.