bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplementing conjugated and non-conjugated L-methionine and acetate alters expression patterns ofCSN2, proteins and metabolites related to protein synthesis in bovine mammary cells
Authors: Jeon Seung-Woo , Conejos Jay Ronel , Kim Jungeun , Kim Min-Jeong , Lee Jeong-Eun , Lee Baek-Seok , Park Jin-Seung , Moon Jun-Ok , Lee Jae-Sung , Lee Hong-Gu
Published: March 2020

The experiments reported in this research paper aimed to determine the effect of supplementing different forms of L-methionine (L-Met) and acetate on protein synthesis in immortalized bovine mammary epithelial cell line (MAC-T cells). Treatments were Control, L-Met, conjugated L-Met and acetate (CMA), and non-conjugated L-Met and Acetate (NMA). Protein synthesis mechanism was determined by omics method. NMA group had the highest protein content in the media and CSN2 mRNA expression levels (P< 0.05). The number of upregulated and downregulated proteins observed were 39 and 77 in L-Met group, 62 and 80 in CMA group and 50 and 81 in NMA group from 448 proteins, respectively (P< 0.05). L-Met, NMA and CMA treatments stimulated pathways related to protein and energy metabolism (P< 0.05). Metabolomic analysis also revealed that L-Met, CMA and NMA treatments resulted in increases of several metabolites (P< 0.05). In conclusion, NMA treatment increased protein concentration and expression level ofCSN2mRNA in MAC-T cells compared to control as well as L-Met and CMA treatments through increased expression of milk protein synthesis-related genes and production of the proteins and metabolites involved in energy and protein synthesis pathways.
Reduced frontostriatal response to expected value and reward prediction error in remitted monozygotic twins with mood disorders and their unaffected high-risk co-twins
Authors: Macoveanu Julian , Meluken Iselin , Chase Henry W. , Phillips Mary L. , Kessing Lars Vedel , Siebner Hartwig Roman , Vinberg Maj , Miskowiak Kamilla W.
Published: March 2020

Background

Depressive episodes experienced in unipolar (UD) and bipolar (BD) disorders are characterized by anhedonia and have been associated with abnormalities in reward processes related to reward valuation and error prediction. It remains however unclear whether these deficits are associated with familial vulnerability to mood disorders.

Methods

In a functional magnetic resonance imaging study, we evaluated differences in the expected value (EV) and reward prediction error (RPE) signals in ventral striatum (VS) and prefrontal cortex between three groups of monozygotic twins: affected twins in remission for either UD or BD (n = 53), their high-risk unaffected co-twins (n = 34), and low-risk twins with no family history of mood disorders (n = 25).

Results

Compared to low-risk twins, affected twins showed lower EV signal bilaterally in the frontal poles and lower RPE signal bilaterally in the VS, left frontal pole and superior frontal gyrus. The high-risk group did not show a significant change in the EV or RPE signals in frontostriatal regions, yet both reward signals were consistently lower compared with low-risk twins in all regions where the affected twins showed significant reductions.

Conclusion

Our findings strengthen the notion that reduced valuation of expected rewards and reduced error-dependent reward learning may underpin core symptom of depression such as loss of interest in rewarding activities. The trend reduction in reward-related signals in unaffected co-twins warrants further investigation of this effect in larger samples and prospective follow-up to confirm possible association with increased familial vulnerability to mood disorders.
Does the nervous system depend on kinesthetic information to control natural limb movements?
Authors: Gandevia S. C. , Burke David
Published: March 2020

This target article draws together two groups of experimental studies on the control of human movement through peripheral feedback and centrally generated signals of motor commands. First, during natural movement, feedback from muscle, joint, and cutaneous afferents changes; in human subjects these changes have reflex and kinesthetic consequences. Recent psychophysical and microneurographic evidence suggests that joint and even cutaneous afferents may have a proprioceptive role. Second, the role of centrally generated motor commands in the control of normal movements and movements following acute and chronic deafferentation is reviewed. There is increasing evidence that subjects can perceive their motor commands under various conditions, but that this is inadequate for normal movement; deficits in motor performance arise when the reliance on proprioceptive feedback is abolished either experimentally or because of pathology. During natural movement, the CNS appears to have access to functionally useful input from a range of peripheral receptors as well as from internally generated command signals. The unanswered questions that remain suggest a number of avenues for further research.
Inequality in policy implementation: caste and electrification in rural India
Authors: Aklin Michaël , Cheng Chao-Yo , Urpelainen Johannes
Published: March 2020

We examine unequal outcomes in the implementation of India’s national rural electrification program in Uttar Pradesh. We ask two questions: (1) to what extent did Dalits, the lowest group in India’s caste hierarchy, receive less attention when the state electrified rural communities? (2) Was BSP, the state’s Dalit party, able to reduce this inequality? Using data from a hundred thousand villages, we provide robust evidence for unequal outcomes. Villages inhabited solely by Dalits were 20 percentage points less likely to be covered by the program than villages without any Dalits. Moreover, a regression discontinuity analysis shows that the electoral success of BSP failed to reduce such differences. These results highlight the magnitude and persistence of caste inequality in the implementation of democratic public policy, despite political representation.
On the theopolitics of sovereignty: Carl Schmitt and the theopolitics of global orders
Authors: Moore Thomas
Published: March 2020

This article considers how we can develop a reflexive reading of the theological contours of global politics through Carl Schmitt's account of sovereignty. In doing this it seeks to generate a critical architecture to understand the pluralistic registers of sovereignty within world politics. This article examines the theological dimensions of sovereignty, calling for a closer reading of the theopolitical discourses of legality and legitimacy at work within the largely secular discipline of International Relations. Tracing the pluralistic dimensions of sovereignty – juristic, popular, and theopolitical – allows us to see how sovereignty is operationalised through a range of distinct political registers. When the study of sovereignty is confused with questions of preference for modes of governing (whether secular, religious, democratic, and/or juristic) the complex historical sociology of sovereignty is overlooked. Contemporary scholarship in International Relations can benefit from closer engagement with the multiple, overlapping registers of sovereignty in global politics. We may disagree with Schmitt's reading of sovereignty as ‘theopolitics’ but there is real methodological value in engaging secular scholarship in thinking about religion as a constitutive domain for global order – alongside a rich range of critical approaches.
Some directions for the possible survival of TBLT as a real world project
Authors: Bygate Martin
Published: March 2020

Since Brumfit's landmark definition of applied linguistics as the theoretical and empirical study of real world problems in which language plays a central role (Brumfit, 2000), there have been periodic calls for applied linguistics to engage with problems experienced by people in real world contexts (such as teaching, health, business, law, social services, business or family), rather than problems of research methodology originating in the research community, and to work to address them, both in policy and practice (Bygate, 2004; Tarone, 2013, 2015; Shuy, 2015; Widdowson, 2017). This principle may well apply to all areas of applied linguistics, but in this piece I would like to explore it in relation to task-based language teaching (TBLT). This is because while TBLT is characteristically defined in terms of the needs and interests of language teachers and learners, it is also informed by research, which is heavily shaped by the priorities of the academy, an influence which can lead it away from some of its real world objectives. Yet if proponents fail to adequately address the priorities and needs of classroom stakeholders, proposals will be doomed to failure, a point acknowledged by many (see inter alia Gatbonton and Segalowitz (1988, 2005), Edwards and Willis (2005), Thornbury and Slade (2006), van den Branden (2006), Eckerth (2008), Andon and Eckerth (2009), Ellis (2009), Gatbonton (2015), Long (2015) and Samuda, Bygate, and van den Branden (2018)). That is, research needs to engage not just with models of second language acquisition (SLA), but with the practices, demands, pressures, and perspectives of stakeholders in real world language classrooms.
The increasing challenge of the possible impact of ethnicity on psychopharmacology
Authors: Marazziti Donatella , Mucci Federico , Avella Maria T. , Palagini Laura , Simoncini Marly , Dell’Osso Liliana
Published: March 2020

Ethnic differences may significantly influence the outcome of psychopharmacological treatment, in terms of prescription, adherence, clinical response, emergence of side effects, as well as pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. The purpose of this review was to explore the available literature in order to provide general suggestions to help clinicians in choosing the best therapeutic option for patients, taking into account ethnicity. Although findings are sometimes controversial, the overall published studies suggest that ethnicities other than Caucasians tend to show a lower response to antidepressants and a reduced compliance. Africans tend to be more prescribed with antipsychotics, probably due to cultural stereotypes, except with clozapine, probably for their chronic benign neutropenia. Asians usually require less antipsychotic dosages than Caucasians. The differential response and side effect profile of antidepressants and antipsychotics have been related to individual intrinsic factors, to genetic make-up, but also to cultural and contextual variables. Interestingly, albeit limited data suggest ethnic-related genetic heterogeneity at the level of the serotonin transporters, the cytochromes and some neuroreceptors. Taken together, no conclusive findings are available about the role and impact of ethnicity in psychopharmacology. One of the main problems is that the majority of the studies in psychopharmacology have been conducted on Caucasians, so that there is an urgent need to have data in other populations. Furthermore, in the era of precision medicine, the role of ethnicity may be also supported by genetic analysis.
Enhancement of the Temporal Resolution of Fluorescent Signals Acquired by the Confocal Microscope
Authors: Arkhipov Arsenii Y. , Khaziev Eduard F. , Skorinkin Andrey I. , Bukharaeva Ellya A. , Samigullin Dmitry V.
Published: March 2020

Here, we describe a method of acquisition of fast fluorescent signals with the help of the laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM). Our method permits an increase in the temporal resolution of acquired signals. The method is based on LSCM recordings of fast fluorescent signals with the shortest achievable time sweep, which are performed with the help of a proprietary algorithm. A series of recordings is made in multiple steps; at each step, the fluorescent signal is incremented by a time interval smaller than the time sweep of the frame of LSCM. The size of the increment determines the achievable time resolution. The convolution of the recorded images results in a signal with the temporal resolution determined by the chosen time increment. This method was applied to register the change in fluorescence (calcium transient) of calcium dye preloaded into peripheral nerve endings by electrical stimulation of the motor nerve. Calculated parameters of the calcium transient were identical to the parameters obtained earlier with the help of a high-speed camera and photodiode. We conclude that the method described here can be applied for the registration of fast fluorescent signals by LSCM with a high spatial and temporal resolution.
GRAPH IMMERSIONS, INVERSE MONOIDS AND DECK TRANSFORMATIONS
Authors: GROOTHUIS CORBIN , MEAKIN JOHN
Published: March 2020

If

$f:\tilde{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}}\rightarrow \unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$

is a covering map between connected graphs, and

$H$

is the subgroup of

$\unicode[STIX]{x1D70B}_{1}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4},v)$

used to construct the cover, then it is well known that the group of deck transformations of the cover is isomorphic to

$N(H)/H$

, where

$N(H)$

is the normalizer of

$H$

in

$\unicode[STIX]{x1D70B}_{1}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4},v)$

. We show that an entirely analogous result holds for immersions between connected graphs, where the subgroup

$H$

is replaced by the closed inverse submonoid of the inverse monoid

$L(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4},v)$

used to construct the immersion. We observe a relationship between group actions on graphs and deck transformations of graph immersions. We also show that a graph immersion

$f:\tilde{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}}\rightarrow \unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$

may be extended to a cover

$g:\tilde{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E5}}\rightarrow \unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$

in such a way that all deck transformations of

$f$

are restrictions of deck transformations of

$g$

.
Metastable Olivine Wedge Beneath the Japan Sea Imaged by Seismic Interferometry
Authors: Shen Zhichao , Zhan Zhongwen
Published: February 2020

The metastable olivine wedge (MOW) within subducted slabs has long been hypothesized to host deep‐focus earthquakes (>300 km). Its presence would also rule out hydrous slabs being subducted into the mantle transition zone. However, the existence and dimensions of MOW remain debatable. Here, we apply inter‐source interferometry, which converts deep earthquakes into virtual seismometers, to detect the seismic signature of MOW without influence from shallow heterogeneities. With data from the Hi‐net, we confirm the existence of MOW beneath the Japan Sea and constrain its geometry to be ~30 km thick at 410‐km depth and gradually thinning to a depth of 580 km at least. Our result supports transformational faulting of metastable olivine as the initiation mechanism of deep earthquakes, although large events (M7.0+) probably rupture beyond the wedge. Furthermore, the slab core must be dehydrated at shallower depth and only transports negligible amount of water into the transition zone.
Elevated Seismic Hazard in Kansas Due to High‐Volume Injections in Oklahoma
Authors: Zhai Guang , Shirzaei Manoochehr , Manga Michael
Published: February 2020

Induced seismicity has expanded into south‐central Kansas, an area with rare damaging natural earthquakes, leading to the second‐highest seismicity rate in the central United States after Oklahoma. Here we assess the mechanical effects of large‐scale injection in the combined area of western Oklahoma and southern Kansas during 2010–2018 and its link to the observed seismicity using physics‐based hydromechanical and seismicity rate models. Such models link injection operations to seismic hazards and allow solving for the spatially variable distribution of background seismic productivity that yields an acceptable match between the observed and modeled seismicity. We show that injection in Oklahoma amplifies the total Coulomb stress change and seismicity rate by 1.5‐fold and threefold, respectively, in south‐central Kansas. This cross‐border interaction modulates the annual earthquake probability in Kansas. We conclude that the issue of induced seismicity is not a local problem due to the far‐reaching effects of fluid diffusion.
Anthropogenic Aerosols Significantly Reduce Mesoscale Convective System Occurrences and Precipitation Over Southern China in April
Authors: Zhang Lijuan , Fu Tzung‐May , Tian Heng , Ma Yaping , Chen Jen‐Ping , Tsai Tzu‐Chin , Tsai I‐Chun , Meng Zhiyong , Yang Xin
Published: February 2020

Precipitation over Southern China in April, largely associated with mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), has declined significantly in recent decades. It is unclear how this decline in precipitation may be related to the concurrent increase of anthropogenic aerosols over this region. Here, using observation analyses and model simulations, we showed that increased levels of anthropogenic aerosols can significantly reduce MCS occurrences by 21% to 32% over Southern China in April, leading to less rainfall. Half of this MCS occurrence reduction was due to the direct radiative scattering of aerosols and the indirect enhancement of non‐MCS liquid cloud reflectance by aerosols, which stabilized the regional atmosphere. The other half of the MCS occurrence reduction was due to the microphysical and dynamical responses of the MCS to aerosols. Our results demonstrated the complex effects of aerosols on MCSs via impacts on both the convective systems and on the regional atmosphere.
Multiscale Variability of Meiyu and Its Prediction: A New Review
Authors: Ding Yihui , Liang Ping , Liu Yanju , Zhang Yaocun
Published: March 2020

Following the description of the basic climatic characteristics of Meiyu in East Asia, we present a comprehensive review of multi–time scale variabilities of the Meiyu together with the long‐term change of extreme precipitation during the Meiyu in this paper. The dynamic prediction skills of the Meiyu on subseasonal to seasonal time scales are further described and illustrated by using present numerical prediction models. For the multi–time scale variabilities of the East Asian Meiyu, they are closely related with the impacts of both quasi‐biweekly and 30–60 day oscillation from both the tropics and the middle and high latitudes on intraseasonal time scale, the influences of El Niño–Southern Oscillation and the Tropospheric Biennial Oscillation on interannual time scale, the variations of East Asian summer monsoon on decadal time scale, and the continued impacts of global warming, Pacific Decadal Oscillation and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation on interdecadal scale and long‐term trend. Under the background of the global warming and the influences of urbanization and aerosol effects, the Meiyu shows some specific characteristics including significantly weakened continuous rain, uneven spatial distribution of precipitation, and increased (decreased) number of strong (weak) precipitation days. Improvements of prediction on rain belt location, total precipitation amount, persistent heavy precipitation events, and low‐frequency variability oscillation during Meiyu season have been achieved with the improved dynamic models of the Beijing Climate Center since 2010.
Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis at Regional and National Scales: State of the Art and Future Challenges
Authors: Gerstenberger M. C. , Marzocchi W. , Allen T. , Pagani M. , Adams J. , Danciu L. , Field E. H. , Fujiwara H. , Luco N. , Ma K.‐F. , Meletti C. , Petersen M. D.
Published: March 2020

Seismic hazard modeling is a multidisciplinary science that aims to forecast earthquake occurrence and its resultant ground shaking. Such models consist of a probabilistic framework that quantifies uncertainty across a complex system; typically, this includes at least two model components developed from Earth science: seismic source and ground motion models. Although there is no scientific prescription for the forecast length, the most common probabilistic seismic hazard analyses consider forecasting windows of 30 to 50 years, which are typically an engineering demand for building code purposes. These types of analyses are the topic of this review paper. Although the core methods and assumptions of seismic hazard modeling have largely remained unchanged for more than 50 years, we review the most recent initiatives, which face the difficult task of meeting both the increasingly sophisticated demands of society and keeping pace with advances in scientific understanding. A need for more accurate and spatially precise hazard forecasting must be balanced with increased quantification of uncertainty and new challenges such as moving from time‐independent hazard to forecasts that are time dependent and specific to the time period of interest. Meeting these challenges requires the development of science‐driven models, which integrate all information available, the adoption of proper mathematical frameworks to quantify the different types of uncertainties in the hazard model, and the development of a proper testing phase of the model to quantify its consistency and skill. We review the state of the art of the National Seismic Hazard Modeling and how the most innovative approaches try to address future challenges.
New Lidar Observations of Ca+ in the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere Over Arecibo
Authors: Raizada Shikha , Smith J. A. , Lautenbach J. , Aponte N. , Perillat P. , Sulzer M. , Mathews J. D.
Published: February 2020

This paper presents the first high‐resolution resonance lidar measurements of calcium ion (Ca+) layers in the F region valley (140–180 km) over Arecibo. Unique, simultaneous Ca+, neutral sodium (Na), and potassium (K) lidar observations, along with incoherent scatter radar electron concentration (Ne) covering 80‐ to 180‐km altitudes for three consecutive nights, are reported here. At E region altitudes, the Ca+ distribution follows sporadic E activity on these nights. Thin Ca+ layers (widths < 150 m) imply wind reversals to be occurring over this short height range. Ca+ above 140 km do not always correspond to Ne layers but are detected only during presunrise hours. The average Ca+ column abundance below 120 km is highly variable but during high‐altitude Ca+ event decreases by a factor of 2 above 120 km. Both Ne and Ca+ display similar descent rates of ~7 m/s at altitudes >150 km during these events.
Equatorial Circulation in the Western Indian Ocean During Onset of the 2018 Summer Monsoon and Links to the Bay of Bengal
Authors: Todd Robert E.
Published: February 2020

Cross‐equator transects occupied by an underwater glider and a research vessel in the western Indian Ocean captured the evolution of equatorial circulation during onset of the boreal summer monsoon in 2018. At the end of the winter monsoon in March, surface currents were westward, while the equatorial undercurrent carried salty Arabian Sea High‐Salinity Water eastward. As winds transitioned from westward to eastward during April, an eastward near‐surface Wyrtki Jet developed, while the equatorial undercurrent weakened, vanishing by May. A first‐mode baroclinic Kelvin wave propagated through the survey region after westward winds relaxed. However, the vertical structure of the evolving circulation was inconsistent with the first baroclinic mode, suggesting the influence of higher modes in setting observed vertical structure. The strong equatorial undercurrent at the end of the winter monsoon allowed high‐salinity waters from the western equatorial Indian Ocean to reach the southern Bay of Bengal in summer 2018.
Comparative genome-centric analysis reveals seasonal variation in the function of coral reef microbiomes
Authors: Glasl Bettina , Robbins Steven , Frade Pedro R , Marangon Emma , Laffy Patrick W , Bourne David G , Webster Nicole S
Published: March 2020

Microbially mediated processes contribute to coral reef resilience yet, despite extensive characterisation of microbial community variation following environmental perturbation, the effect on microbiome function is poorly understood. We undertook metagenomic sequencing of sponge, macroalgae and seawater microbiomes from a macroalgae-dominated inshore coral reef to define their functional potential and evaluate seasonal shifts in microbially mediated processes. In total, 125 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes were reconstructed, spanning 15 bacterial and 3 archaeal phyla. Multivariate analysis of the genomes relative abundance revealed changes in the functional potential of reef microbiomes in relation to seasonal environmental fluctuations (e.g. macroalgae biomass, temperature). For example, a shift from Alphaproteobacteria to Bacteroidota-dominated seawater microbiomes occurred during summer, resulting in an increased genomic potential to degrade macroalgal-derived polysaccharides. An 85% reduction of Chloroflexota was observed in the sponge microbiome during summer, with potential consequences for nutrition, waste product removal, and detoxification in the sponge holobiont. A shift in the Firmicutes:Bacteroidota ratio was detected on macroalgae over summer with potential implications for polysaccharide degradation in macroalgal microbiomes. These results highlight that seasonal shifts in the dominant microbial taxa alter the functional repertoire of host-associated and seawater microbiomes, and highlight how environmental perturbation can affect microbially mediated processes in coral reef ecosystems.
Growth factors-based therapeutic strategies and their underlying signaling mechanisms for peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Li Rui , Li Duo-hui , Zhang Hong-yu , Wang Jian , Li Xiao-kun , Xiao Jian
Published: March 2020

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI), one of the most common concerns following trauma, can result in a significant loss of sensory or motor function. Restoration of the injured nerves requires a complex cellular and molecular response to rebuild the functional axons so that they can accurately connect with their original targets. However, there is no optimized therapy for complete recovery after PNI. Supplementation with exogenous growth factors (GFs) is an emerging and versatile therapeutic strategy for promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery. GFs activate the downstream targets of various signaling cascades through binding with their corresponding receptors to exert their multiple effects on neurorestoration and tissue regeneration. However, the simple administration of GFs is insufficient for reconstructing PNI due to their short half‑life and rapid deactivation in body fluids. To overcome these shortcomings, several nerve conduits derived from biological tissue or synthetic materials have been developed. Their good biocompatibility and biofunctionality made them a suitable vehicle for the delivery of multiple GFs to support peripheral nerve regeneration. After repairing nerve defects, the controlled release of GFs from the conduit structures is able to continuously improve axonal regeneration and functional outcome. Thus, therapies with growth factor (GF) delivery systems have received increasing attention in recent years. Here, we mainly review the therapeutic capacity of GFs and their incorporation into nerve guides for repairing PNI. In addition, the possible receptors and signaling mechanisms of the GF family exerting their biological effects are also emphasized.
Tumor-educated B cells promote renal cancer metastasis via inducing the IL-1β/HIF-2α/Notch1 signals
Authors: Li Saiyang , Huang Chi , Hu Guanghui , Ma Junjie , Chen Yonghui , Zhang Jin , Huang Yiran , Zheng Junhua , Xue Wei , Xu Yunfei , Zhai Wei
Published: March 2020

While B cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) might play important roles in cancer progression, their impacts on the renal cell carcinoma (RCC) metastasis remained unclear, which drew our attention to further explore. We found that RCC tissues could recruit more B cells than the surrounding normal renal tissues from human clinical RCC samples. Wound healing assay, transwell assay and 3D invasion assays demonstrated that recruited B cells, also known as tumor-educated B cells (TEB), could significantly increase the RCC cell migration and invasion. In addition, in vivo data from xenograft RCC mouse model also confirmed that TEB could enhance RCC cell invasive and metastatic capability. Mechanism dissection revealed that TEB activated IL-1β/HIF-2α signals in RCC cells that could induce the downstream Notch1 signaling pathway. The above results demonstrated the key roles of TEB within renal cancer associated tumor microenvironment were metastasis-promotor and might help us to develop the potential therapies via targeting these newly identified IL-1β/HIF-2α/Notch1 signals in RCC progression.
Resveratrol alleviates obesity-induced skeletal muscle inflammation via decreasing M1 macrophage polarization and increasing the regulatory T cell population
Authors: Shabani Maryam , Sadeghi Asie , Hosseini Hossein , Teimouri Maryam , Babaei Khorzoughi Reyhaneh , Pasalar Parvin , Meshkani Reza
Published: March 2020

Resveratrol was reported to inhibit inflammatory responses; however, the role of this polyphenol in obesity-induced skeletal muscle inflammation remains unknown. Mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) were treated with resveratrol for 16 weeks. Resveratrol treatment decreased macrophage infiltration into skeletal muscle of HFD-fed mice. Resveratrol also led to the polarization of macrophages to the M2 direction, as well as decreasing the expression of a number of M1 pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1 β (IL-1β) and interleukin 6 (IL-6)]. In addition, increased infiltration of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) was found following resveratrol treatment in skeletal muscle of mice. Decreased intramyocellular lipid deposition was associated with reduced expression levels of toll-like receptors 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 in resveratrol treated mice. We also found that diminished inflammation in skeletal muscle following resveratrol treatment was accompanied by increasing phosphorylation of 5’-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and decreasing phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Taken together, these findings suggest that resveratrol ameliorates inflammation in skeletal muscle of HFD-induced model of obesity. Therefore, resveratrol might represent a potential treatment for attenuation of inflammation in skeletal muscle tissue.
Emotion Perception in Hadza Hunter-Gatherers
Authors: Gendron Maria , Hoemann Katie , Crittenden Alyssa N. , Mangola Shani Msafiri , Ruark Gregory A. , Barrett Lisa Feldman
Published: March 2020

It has long been claimed that certain configurations of facial movements are universally recognized as emotional expressions because they evolved to signal emotional information in situations that posed fitness challenges for our hunting and gathering hominin ancestors. Experiments from the last decade have called this particular evolutionary hypothesis into doubt by studying emotion perception in a wider sample of small-scale societies with discovery-based research methods. We replicate these newer findings in the Hadza of Northern Tanzania; the Hadza are semi-nomadic hunters and gatherers who live in tight-knit social units and collect wild foods for a large portion of their diet, making them a particularly relevant population for testing evolutionary hypotheses about emotion. Across two studies, we found little evidence of universal emotion perception. Rather, our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that people infer emotional meaning in facial movements using emotion knowledge embrained by cultural learning.
The response relevance of visual stimuli modulates the P3 component and the underlying sensorimotor network
Authors: Asanowicz Dariusz , Gociewicz Krzysztof , Koculak Marcin , Finc Karolina , Bonna Kamil , Cleeremans Axel , Binder Marek
Published: March 2020

The functional meaning and neural basis of the P3b component of ERPs are still under debate. One of the main issues is whether P3b reflects only stimulus-related processes (stimulus evaluation hypothesis) or response-related processes as well (stimulus-response or S-R link activation hypothesis). Here, we conducted an EEG experiment examining whether P3b may indeed reflect an S-R link activation, followed by an fMRI experiment in which we explored the brain areas and functional connectivity possibly constituting the neural basis of these sensorimotor links. In both experiments, two successive visual stimuli, S1 and S2, were presented with a 1 sec interval, and responses were defined either by S1 or S2, while participants responded only after S2 onset. The obtained EEG results suggest that P3b may be interpreted in terms of the S-R link activation account, although further studies are needed to disentangle P3-related activity from overlapping anticipatory activity. The obtained fMRI results showed that processing of the relevant S1 involved activation of a distributed postero-anterior sensorimotor network, and increased strength of functional connectivity within this network. This network may underlie activation of the S-R links, thus possibly also the P3b component, forming a bridging step between sensory encoding and response execution.
Exercise training results in depot-specific adaptations to adipose tissue mitochondrial function
Authors: Mendham Amy E. , Larsen Steen , George Cindy , Adams Kevin , Hauksson Jon , Olsson Tommy , Fortuin-de Smidt Melony C. , Nono Nankam Pamela A. , Hakim Olah , Goff Louise M. , Pheiffer Carmen , Goedecke Julia H.
Published: March 2020

We assessed differences in mitochondrial function in gluteal (gSAT) and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (aSAT) at baseline and in response to 12-weeks of exercise training; and examined depot-specific associations with body fat distribution and insulin sensitivity (SI). Obese, black South African women (n = 45) were randomized into exercise (n = 23) or control (n = 22) groups. Exercise group completed 12-weeks of aerobic and resistance training (n = 20), while the control group (n = 15) continued usual behaviours. Mitochondrial function (high-resolution respirometry and fluorometry) in gSAT and aSAT, SI (frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test), body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), and ectopic fat (MRI) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. At baseline, gSAT had higher mitochondrial respiratory capacity and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production than aSAT (p < 0.05). Higher gSAT respiration was associated with higher gynoid fat (p < 0.05). Higher gSAT H2O2 production and lower aSAT mitochondrial respiration were independently associated with lower SI (p < 0.05). In response to training, SI improved and gynoid fat decreased (p < 0.05), while H2O2 production reduced in both depots, and mtDNA decreased in gSAT (p < 0.05). Mitochondrial respiration increased in aSAT and correlated with a decrease in body fat and an increase in soleus and hepatic fat content (p < 0.05). This study highlights the importance of understanding the differences in mitochondrial function in multiple SAT depots when investigating the pathophysiology of insulin resistance and associated risk factors such as body fat distribution and ectopic lipid deposition. Furthermore, we highlight the benefits of exercise training in stimulating positive adaptations in mitochondrial function in gluteal and abdominal SAT depots.
Kibi Plateau: A stable-coherent tectonic unit in the active Japanese Islands
Authors: Sonehara Takafumi , Yagi Koshi , Takeshita Hiroyuki , Aoki Kazumasa , Aoki Shogo , Otofuji Yo-ichiro , Itaya Tetsumaru
Published: March 2020

The Kibi Plateau in the active Japanese Islands consists of mainly Permian to Cretaceous rocks that have been deeply weathered into a red soil, comprising a peneplain with U-shaped valley. Systematic geological analyses of the Eocene fluvial deposits revealed the paleo-rivers that existed in the eastern Asian continent and streamed out to the paleo-Pacific Ocean. Each paleo-river is traced in a flow line shape without any significant vertical and horizontal displacement. The Eocene shallow marine sediments in a possible coastal region have no relevant inclination. These geological data strongly suggest that the Kibi Plateau has been a stable-coherent tectonic unit since the Eocene through the opening of the Japan Sea and the associated quick rotation of SW Japan in the Middle Miocene. The Kibi Plateau region with a thick crust over 30 km existed as a stable eastern segment of the Asian continent in the Eocene. The Kibi Plateau tectonic unit drifted to the south without any destruction due to the peripheral successive tectonic events such as the Philippine Sea plate subduction and the reactivation of Median Tectonic Line. No subduction related arc volcanism since the Eocene has also influenced to preserve the stable tectonic unit.
Introduced non-native mangroves express better growth performance than co-occurring native mangroves
Authors: Fazlioglu Fatih , Chen Luzhen
Published: March 2020

Mangroves are salt-tolerant woody species occurring in tropical/subtropical coastal habitats. Plantation of fast-growing non-native mangrove species has been used as a tool for mangrove restoration/reforestation in several countries. However, the fast-growth ability can make recently introduced species invasive as they can possibly replace co-occurring native mangroves through expressing higher growth performance and phenotypic plasticity. Therefore, quantifying growth differences between native versus non-native mangrove species is important for forest ecology and management. In this meta-analysis, we compared the growth performance of non-native and native mangrove species pairs by analysing all available results in the literature (33 studies). We found that non-native mangrove species performed better than co-occurring native mangrove species in their introduced regions (Log response ratio = 0.51 ± 0.05) and they also expressed higher trait plasticity. Therefore, these species can be potentially invasive owing to their greater competitive advantage. However, the growth difference was diminished at higher latitudes where native mangrove species seem to perform as well as non-native mangrove species do. This is the first meta-analysis on the growth response of mangroves and it has consequential management implications. We suggest that planting of non-native mangrove species should be avoided and their spread should be monitored.
Identification of serum biomarkers for active pulmonary tuberculosis using a targeted metabolomics approach
Authors: Cho Yonggeun , Park Youngmok , Sim Bora , Kim Jungho , Lee Hyejon , Cho Sang-Nae , Kang Young Ae , Lee Sang-Guk
Published: March 2020

Although tuberculosis (TB) is a severe health problem worldwide, the current diagnostic methods are far from optimal. Metabolomics is increasingly being used in the study of infectious diseases. We performed metabolome profiling to identify potential biomarkers in patients with active TB. Serum samples from 21 patients with active pulmonary TB, 20 subjects with latent TB infection (LTBI), and 28 healthy controls were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) followed by multivariate and univariate analyses. Metabolic profiles indicated higher serum levels of glutamate, sulfoxy methionine, and aspartate and lower serum levels of glutamine, methionine, and asparagine in active TB patients than in LTBI subjects or healthy controls. The ratios between metabolically related partners (glutamate/glutamine, sulfoxy methionine/methionine, and aspartate/asparagine) were also elevated in the active TB group. There was no significant difference in the serum concentration of these metabolites according to the disease extent or risk of relapse in active TB patients. Novel serum biomarkers such as glutamate, sulfoxy methionine, aspartate, glutamine, methionine, and asparagine are potentially useful for adjunctive, rapid, and noninvasive pulmonary TB diagnosis.
Does resistance training have an effect on levels of ferritin and atherogenic lipids in postmenopausal women? – A pilot trial
Authors: Ward Liam J. , Hammar Mats , Lindh-Åstrand Lotta , Berin Emilia , Lindblom Hanna , Rubér Marie , Spetz Holm Anna-Clara , Li Wei
Published: March 2020

The objective of this study was to determine if 15 weeks of resistance training (RT) can alter the levels of blood lipids, body iron status, and oxidative stress in postmenopausal women with vasomotor symptoms. Postmenopausal women enrolled in a randomised controlled trial were allocated to either a sedentary control group (n = 29) or a RT group (n = 26). Blood samples were taken at week-0 and week-15 for all participants. Blood lipids and iron status were measured via routine clinical analyses. Immunoassays were used to measure oxidative stress markers. The RT group, with good compliance, was associated with significant reductions in ferritin, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Moreover, ferritin was positively correlated with atherogenic lipids while negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein in RT women. This occurred without alterations in serum iron, transferrin, transferrin-saturation, C-reactive protein and oxidative stress markers. No differences were found in control women. This study suggests that RT in postmenopausal women both reduces levels of ferritin and counteracts atherogenic lipid profiles independent of an apparent oxidative mechanism. RT may be a beneficial intervention in postmenopausal women via an interaction between ferritin and lipids; however, further investigation in a larger cohort is essential.
Monomineralic anorthosites in layered intrusions are indicators of the magma chamber replenishment by plagioclase-only-saturated melts
Authors: Latypov Rais , Chistyakova Sofya , Costin Gelu , Namur Olivier , Barnes Steve , Kruger Willem
Published: March 2020

The formation of some Earth’s monomineralic igneous rocks appears to be prohibited by constraints imposed by liquidus phase-equilibria on evolution of mantle-derived magmas. Yet, these rocks exist as stratiform layers in many mafic-ultramafic intrusions. One conspicuous example is monomineralic anorthosites in the Bushveld Complex that occur as stratiform layers up to hundreds of kilometres in length. Such monomineralic anorthosites appear to require parental melts saturated in plagioclase only but where and how to produce these melts remains a contentious issue. Here we argue that they are likely sourced from deep-seated magma reservoirs. In response to pressure reduction, these ascending melts become first superheated and then saturated in plagioclase after stalling and cooling in shallow-level chambers. Adcumulus growth of plagioclase from such melts at the chamber floor results in the formation of monomineralic anorthosites. We propose that stratiform layers of monomineralic anorthosites in layered intrusions are products of the chamber replenishment by melts whose saturation in plagioclase as a single liquidus phase is triggered by their transcrustal ascent towards the Earth’s surface.
Interactions of impulsivity, general executive functions, and specific inhibitory control explain symptoms of social-networks-use disorder: An experimental study
Authors: Wegmann Elisa , Müller Silke M. , Turel Ofir , Brand Matthias
Published: March 2020

While the use of social media and online-communication applications has become an integral part of everyday life, some individuals suffer from an excessive, uncontrolled use of social media despite experiencing negative consequences. In accordance with neuropsychological models of addiction, we assume the tendency of a social-networks-use disorder to be related to an interplay of predisposing personality traits (e.g., impulsivity), and reductions in cognitive functions (e.g., executive functions, inhibitory control). The current study makes first strides towards examining this interplay. In addition to a newly developed social-networks-specific auditory Go-NoGo paradigm, other neuropsychological paradigms were used. Impulsivity and social-networks-use-disorder symptoms were assessed by standardized questionnaires. The results show that the symptom severity of a social-networks-use disorder is mainly associated with attentional impulsivity. General executive functions and specific inhibitory control of social-networks-related cues have no direct effect on symptom severity. However, moderated regression analyses emphasize that increased symptom severity is associated with higher attentional impulsivity, especially if there are additionally reductions in executive functions or specific inhibitory control. The results complement previous findings and inform future research on social-networks-use disorder. The findings support the applicability of theoretical models of addictive behaviors to the social-networks-use disorder and point to social-networks-related specificities regarding attention-related facets.
Self-rated health and risk of incident non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A cohort study
Authors: Chang Yoosoo , Noh Jin-Won , Cheon Joo Young , Kim Yejin , Kwon Young Dae , Ryu Seungho
Published: March 2020

Although self-rated health (SRH), a subjective measure of overall health status, associates with metabolic abnormalities, studies on the relationship between SRH and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, are limited. In this study, we evaluated whether or not SRH predicts the risk of incident NAFLD. This cohort study was performed in a sample of 148,313 Korean adults free of ultrasound-diagnosed NAFLD at baseline with annual or biennial follow-up for a median of 3.7 years. SRH and NAFLD were measured at baseline and follow-up visits. NAFLD was determined based on the ultrasound-diagnosed fatty liver without excessive alcohol consumption or any other cause. Hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were estimated via a parametric proportional hazards model. During 522,696.1 person-years of follow-up, 23,855 individuals with new-onset NAFLD were identified (incidence rate, 45.6 per 1,000 person-years). After adjustments for possible confounders including total calorie intake, sleep duration, and depressive symptoms, the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for incident NAFLD comparing good, fair, and poor or very poor SRH to very good SRH were 1.06 (0.97–1.14), 1.18 (1.09–1.27), and 1.24 (1.13–1.37), respectively. This association of SRH with incident NAFLD remained significant after accounting for changes in SRH and confounders during follow-up and was similar across clinically relevant subgroups. In a large-scale cohort study of apparently healthy Korean adults, poor SRH was independently and positively associated with incident NAFLD risk, indicating a predictive role of SRH as a health measure in NAFLD.
Control of Laser Induced Cumulative Stress for Efficient Processing of Fused Silica
Authors: Sun Qi , Lee Timothy , Beresna Martynas , Brambilla Gilberto
Published: March 2020

Laser irradiation of silica glass is shown to trigger redistribution of material resulting in accumulation of stress and refractive index modification, and the rearrangement of the glass network has a significant impact on the quality of laser written optical components. We propose an alternative laser writing approach for achieving the desired refractive index and optical phase profiles through improved material stress control, demonstrated using both Gaussian and Bessel writing beams. The new material processing strategy is successfully adapted for implementing photonic circuits and diffractive elements with greater efficiency due to improved uniformity and symmetry of the induced index modification.
Validation of the inverted adsorption structure for free-base tetraphenyl porphyrin on Cu(111)
Authors: Ryan P. T. P. , Lalaguna P. L. , Haag F. , Braim M. M. , Ding P. , Payne D. J. , Barth J. V. , Lee T.-L. , Woodruff D. P. , Allegretti F. , Duncan D. A.
Published: March 2020

Utilising normal incidence X-ray standing waves we rigourously scrutinise the “inverted model” as the adsorption structure of free-base tetraphenyl porphyrin on Cu(111).
Reactivity of Ce(iv) imido compounds with heteroallenes
Authors: Lapsheva Ekaterina N. , Cheisson Thibault , Álvarez Lamsfus Carlos , Carroll Patrick J. , Gau Michael R. , Maron Laurent , Schelter Eric J.
Published: March 2020

The reactivity of alkali metal capped Ce(iv) imido compounds [M(DME)2][CeNArF(TriNOx)] (1-M with M = K, Rb, Cs and ArF = 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl) with CO2 and organic isocyanates has been evaluated.