bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The greatest hits of all time: the histories of dominant genera in the fossil record
Authors: Plotnick Roy E. , Wagner Peter
Published: July 2018

Certain taxa are noticeably common within collections, widely distributed, and frequently long-lived. We have examined these dominant genera as compared with rarer genera, with a focus on their temporal histories. Using occurrence data from the Paleobiology Database, we determined which genera belonging to six target groups ranked among the most common within each of 49 temporal bins based on occurrences. The turnover among these dominant taxa from bin to bin was then determined for each of these groups, and all six groups when pooled. Although dominant genera are only a small fraction of all genera, the patterns of turnover mimic those seen in much larger compilations of total biodiversity. We also found that differences in patterns of turnover at the top ranks among the higher taxa reflect previously documented comparison of overall turnover among these classes. Both dominant and nondominant genera exhibit, on average, symmetrical patterns of rise and fall between first and last appearances. Dominant genera rarely begin at high ranks, but nevertheless tend to be more common when they first appear than nondominant genera. Moreover, dominant genera rarely are in the top 20 when they last appear, but still typically occupy more localities than nondominant genera occupy in their last interval. The mechanism(s) that produce dominant genera remain unclear. Nearly half of dominant genera are the type genus of a family or subfamily. This is consistent with a simple model of morphological and phylogenetic diversification and sampling.
A continuous 4000-year lake-level record of Owens Lake, south-central Sierra Nevada, California, USA
Authors: Bacon Steven N. , Lancaster Nicholas , Stine Scott , Rhodes Edward J. , McCarley Holder Grace A.
Published: July 2018

Reconstruction of lake-level fluctuations from landform and outcrop evidence typically involves characterizing periods with relative high stands. We developed a new approach to provide water-level estimates in the absence of shoreline evidence for Owens Lake in eastern California by integrating landform, outcrop, and existing lake-core data with wind-wave and sediment entrainment modeling of lake-core sedimentology. We also refined the late Holocene lake-level history of Owens Lake by dating four previously undated shoreline features above the water level (1096.4 m) in AD 1872. The new ages coincide with wetter and cooler climate during the Neopluvial (~3.6 ka), Medieval Pluvial (~0.8 ka), and Little Ice Age (~0.35 ka). Dates from stumps below 1096 m also indicate two periods of low stands at ~0.89 and 0.67 ka during the Medieval Climatic Anomaly. The timing of modeled water levels associated with 22 mud and sand units in lake cores agree well with shoreline records of Owens Lake and nearby Mono Lake, as well as with proxy evidence for relatively wet and dry periods from tree-ring and glacial records within the watershed. Our integrated analysis provides a continuous 4000-yr lake-level record showing the timing, duration, and magnitude of hydroclimate variability along the south-central Sierra Nevada.
THEQVINQVATRVSOF JUNE, MARSYAS ANDLIBERTASIN THE LATE ROMAN REPUBLIC
Authors: López Barja De Quiroga Pedro
Published: July 2018

Masked revelry, the quaffing of large amounts of wine and the sound of flutes … this cavalcade would pass through the streets of Rome every 13th June, even crossing the forum itself. As we will show later on, a connection can be established between this celebration (theQuinquatrus minusculae) and the statue of Marsyas, the acolyte of Dionysus, which stood in the forum and was associated with freedom, wine and charivari. In turn, this connection will open the way for a new interpretation of the multiple meanings of the feast and the satyr in the highly charged political atmosphere of Late Republican Rome. The main aim of this study will be to show, in the third part of this article, howpopularespoliticians tried to exploit the opportunities presented to them by religious festivities andludito draw more of the public into theircontionesor to obtain a favourable verdict in a political trial.
Is aberrant affective cognition an endophenotype for affective disorders? – A monozygotic twin study
Authors: Meluken I. , Ottesen N. M. , Harmer C. J. , Scheike T. , Kessing L. V. , Vinberg M. , Miskowiak K. W.
Published: July 2018

Background

Identification of endophenotypes can improve prevention, detection and development of new treatments. We therefore investigated whether aberrant affective cognition constitutes an endophenotype for affective disorders by being present in monozygotic (MZ) twins with unipolar or bipolar disorder in partial remission (i.e. affected) and their unaffected co-twins (i.e. high-risk) relative to twins with no family history of affective disorder (i.e. low-risk).

Methods

We conducted an assessor blind cross-sectional study from 2014 to 2017 of MZ twins using Danish population-based registers in recruitment. Twins attended one test session involving neurocognitive testing, clinical ratings and questionnaires. Main outcomes were attention to and recognition of emotional facial expressions, the memory of emotional self-referential words, emotion regulation and coping strategies.

Results

Participants were 103 affected, 44 high-risk and 36 low-risk MZ twins. Groups were demographically well-balanced and showed comparable non-affective cognitive performance. We observed no aberrant affective cognition in affected and high-risk relative to low-risk twins. However, high-risk twins displayed attentional avoidance of emotional faces (ps ⩽ 0.009) and more use of task-oriented coping strategies (p = 0.01) compared with affected twins. In contrast did affected twins show more emotion-oriented coping than high- and low-risk twins (ps ⩽ 0.004).

Conclusions

Our findings provide no support of aberrant affective cognition as an endophenotype for affective disorders. High-risk twins’ attentional avoidance of emotional faces and greater use of task-oriented coping strategies may reflect compensatory mechanisms.
Gastrointestinal involvement in Kawasaki disease: a case report
Authors: Bagrul Denizhan , Karadeniz Elif G. , Koca Serhat
Published: July 2018

Kawasaki disease is an acute febrile multisystem vasculitis. The term Incomplete Kawasaki disease is used in the presence of a minimum of two diagnostic criteria of clinical Kawasaki syndrome accompanied by at least 5 days of fever, the absence of any other reasons characterising the disease, and the presence of severe systemic inflammation findings. Gastrointestinal symptoms, notably diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and vomiting, frequently occur, and elevated serum aminotransferases, gallbladder hydrops, and rarely other forms of gastrointestinal involvement such as ischaemic colitis, intussusception, hepatic necrosis, splenic infarct, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, colitis, and colon oedema are also reported. In this paper, we present an incomplete and atypical Kawasaki case that explicitly shows gastrointestinal involvement. Progressive bowel oedema was detected in the patient presenting with severe abdominal pain and distension. We determined an aneurysm in the right coronary artery and diffuse dilatation in the left main coronary artery despite administration of early intravenous immunoglobulin. In addition to the cardiac problem, hypoalbuminaemia, electrolyte imbalance, sterile pyuria, hepatosplenomegaly, and hydrops of the gallbladder were observed in the case. All findings, including progressive bowel oedema accompanying abdominal distension, improved markedly after the second dose of intravenous immunoglobulin.
Distributed Plant Hydraulic and Hydrological Modeling to Understand the Susceptibility of Riparian Woodland Trees to Drought‐Induced Mortality
Authors: Tai Xiaonan , Mackay D. Scott , Sperry John S. , Brooks Paul , Anderegg William R. L. , Flanagan Lawrence B. , Rood Stewart B. , Hopkinson Christopher
Published: July 2018

The mechanistic understanding of drought‐induced forest mortality hinges on improved models that incorporate the interactions between plant physiological responses and the spatiotemporal dynamics of water availability. We present a new framework integrating a three‐dimensional groundwater model, Parallel Flow, with a physiologically sophisticated plant model, Terrestrial Regional Ecosystem Exchange Simulator. The integrated model, Parallel Flow‐Terrestrial Regional Ecosystem Exchange Simulator, was demonstrated to quantify the susceptibility of riparian cottonwoods (Populus angustifolia, Populus deltoides, and native hybrids) in southwestern Canada to sustained atmospheric drought and variability in stream flow. The model reasonably captured the dynamics of soil moisture and evapotranspiration in both wet and dry years, including the resilience of cottonwoods despite their high vulnerability to xylem cavitation. Unrealistic predictions of mortality could be generated when ignoring lateral groundwater flow. Our results also illustrated a mechanistic linkage between streamflow and cottonwood health. In the absence of precipitation, normal streamflow could sustain 94% of cottonwoods, and higher streamflows would be required to sustain all of the floodplain cottonwoods. Further, the risk of mortality was mediated by plant hydraulic properties. These results underpin the importance of integrating groundwater processes and plant hydraulics in order to analyze the forest response to sustained severe drought, which could increase in the future due to climate change combined with increasing river water withdrawals.
Usefulness of Soil Moisture and Actual Evapotranspiration Data for Constraining Potential Groundwater Recharge in Semiarid Regions
Authors: Xie Yueqing , Crosbie Russell , Yang Jie , Wu Jichun , Wang Wenke
Published: July 2018

Unsaturated flow modeling is widely used to estimate potential groundwater recharge. In semiarid regions, modeled recharge is usually highly uncertain due to the uncertainty in model parameters and also because recharge is often a small fraction of overall rainfall and actual evapotranspiration (AET). This study attempted to assess the usefulness of soil moisture and AET data on reducing the recharge uncertainty using an experimental site in semiarid southeastern Australia as an example. A biophysically based model capable of simulating unsaturated flow, energy balance, and plant growth was employed to conduct recharge modeling. Soil moisture measured at five different depths of the vadose zone and AET derived from an eddy covariance tower were used to constrain the recharge modeling. The best‐calibrated model shows reasonable agreement between modeled and simulated soil moisture and AET time series, with three‐year average recharge of 50.9 mm. The model uncertainty analysis using Monte Carlo simulations indicates that recharge estimated from the unsaturated flow modeling could be highly uncertain (0–213 mm/year). The uncertainty analysis shows that the soil moisture was more useful than AET in constraining groundwater recharge, particularly the measurements at the top of both soil horizons. The combined use of both the soil moisture and AET led to the most constrained recharge uncertainty (14.8–87.3 mm/year). This study suggests that for practical applications, soil moisture data from at least the top of each soil horizon and AET data (either remotely sensed or directly measured) should be used together to constrain recharge modeling.
Unifying Vocational Psychology's Trait and Social–Cognitive Approaches through the Cognitive-Affective Personality System
Authors: Kell Harrison J.
Published: July 2018

Vocational psychology is divided between two conflicting paradigms: Trait-based, exemplified by Holland's (1997) theory, and social–cognitive, exemplified by Social-Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT). Scientifically, this division is problematic, as scientific truth is partially determined by consensus among experts ( Kuhn, 1970 ). We propose that the trait-based and social–cognitive perspectives can be integrated—not by subsuming SCCT into Holland's (1997) model as suggested by Armstrong and Vogel (2009 , 2010 ) but by reinterpreting traits in terms of social–cognitive units. SCCT lacks the scope and explanatory power to accomplish this task partially because, as we detail, the theory relies on many trait constructs itself. To accomplish our integration, we introduce an influential theory from the personality literature: The Cognitive-Affective Personality System (CAPS; Mischel & Shoda, 1995 ). We describe CAPS and highlight its parallels with SCCT. We then explain how trait-based accounts of vocational interests and cognitive abilities can be translated into CAPS units. We conclude by describing how trait constructs can still be viable within the CAPS framework and by calling for empirical research to put our propositions to the test.
Streptococcus mutans activates the AIM2, NLRP3 and NLRC4 inflammasomes in human THP-1 macrophages
Authors: Song Yuri , Na Hee Sam , Park Eunjoo , Park Mi Hee , Lee Hyun Ah , Chung Jin
Published: July 2018

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), a major aetiologic agent of dental caries, is involved in systemic diseases, such as bacterial endocarditis, if it enters the bloodstream through temporary bacteraemia. Interleukin (IL)-1β, a proinflammatory cytokine, is related to the host defences against pathogens, and its synthesis, maturation, and secretion are tightly regulated by the activation of the inflammasome, an inflammatory signalling complex. This study examined the signalling mechanism of IL-1β secretion and the inflammasome pathway induced by S. mutans to explain the molecular mechanism through which systemic infection by oral streptococci can occur. After infection of THP-1 cells with S. mutans, the expression of inflammasome components was detected using various methods. S. mutans induced IL-1β secretion via caspase-1 activation, and S. mutans-induced IL-1β secretion required absent in melanoma (AIM2), NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) and NLR family CARD domain-containing 4 (NLRC4) inflammasome activation. In particular, the S. mutans-induced NLRP3 inflammasome was mediated by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release, potassium depletion and lysosomal damage. Our study provides novel insight into the innate immune response against S. mutans infection.
Effect of chronic unpredictable stress on mice with developmental under-expression of the Ahi1 gene: behavioral manifestations and neurobiological correlates
Authors: Wolf Gilly , Lifschytz Tzuri , Ben-Ari Hagar , Tatarskyy Pavel , Merzel Tirzah Kreisel , Lotan Amit , Lerer Bernard
Published: July 2018

The Abelson helper integration site 1 (Ahi1) gene plays a pivotal role in brain development and is associated with genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia, and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Translational research in genetically modified mice may reveal the neurobiological mechanisms of such associations. Previous studies of mice heterozygous for Ahi1 knockout (Ahi1+/−) revealed an attenuated anxiety response on various relevant paradigms, in the context of a normal glucocorticoid response to caffeine and pentylenetetrazole. Resting-state fMRI showed decreased amygdalar connectivity with various limbic brain regions and altered network topology. However, it was not clear from previous studies whether stress-hyporesponsiveness reflected resilience or, conversely, a cognitive-emotional deficit. The present studies were designed to investigate the response of Ahi1+/− mice to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) applied over 9 weeks. Wild type (Ahi1+/+) mice were significantly affected by CUS, manifesting decreased sucrose preference (p < 0.05); reduced anxiety on the elevated plus maze and light dark box and decreased thigmotaxis in the open field (p < 0.01 0.05); decreased hyperthermic response to acute stress (p < 0.05); attenuated contextual fear conditioning (p < 0.01) and increased neurogenesis (p < 0.05). In contrast, Ahi1+/− mice were indifferent to the effects of CUS assessed with the same parameters. Our findings suggest that Ahi1 under-expression during neurodevelopment, as manifested by Ahi1+/− mice, renders these mice stress hyporesponsive. Ahi1 deficiency during development may attenuate the perception and/or integration of environmental stressors as a result of impaired corticolimbic connectivity or aberrant functional wiring. These neural mechanisms may provide initial clues as to the role Ahi1 in schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
Intestinal permeability, digestive stability and oral bioavailability of dietary small RNAs
Authors: Yang Jian , Elbaz-Younes Ismail , Primo Cecilia , Murungi Danna , Hirschi Kendal D.
Published: July 2018

Impactful dietary RNA delivery requires improving uptake and enhancing digestive stability. In mouse feeding regimes, we have demonstrated that a plant-based ribosomal RNA (rRNA), MIR2911, is more bioavailable than synthetic MIR2911 or canonical microRNAs (miRNAs). Here mutagenesis was used to discern if MIR2911 has a distinctive sequence that aids stability and uptake. Various mutations had modest impacts while one scrambled sequence displayed significantly enhanced digestive stability, serum stability, and bioavailability. To assess if small RNA (sRNA) bioavailability in mice could be improved by increasing gut permeability, various diets, genetic backgrounds and pharmacological methods were surveyed. An intraperitoneal injection of anti-CD3 antibody enhanced gut permeability which correlated with improved uptake of the digestively stable scrambled MIR2911 variant. However, the bioavailability of canonical miRNAs was not enhanced. Similarly, interleukin-10 (IL-10)–deficient mice and mice treated with aspirin displayed enhanced gut permeability that did not enhance uptake of most plant-based sRNAs. This work supports a model where dietary RNAs are vulnerable to digestion and altering gut permeability alone will not impact apparent bioavailability. We suggest that some dietary sRNA may be more digestively stable and methods to broadly increase sRNA uptake requires delivery vehicles to optimize gut and serum stability in the consumer.
Cognition based bTBI mechanistic criteria; a tool for preventive and therapeutic innovations
Authors: Garcia-Gonzalez Daniel , Race Nicholas S. , Voets Natalie L. , Jenkins Damian R. , Sotiropoulos Stamatios N. , Acosta Glen , Cruz-Haces Marcela , Tang Jonathan , Shi Riyi , Jérusalem Antoine
Published: July 2018

Blast-induced traumatic brain injury has been associated with neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. To date, although damage due to oxidative stress appears to be important, the specific mechanistic causes of such disorders remain elusive. Here, to determine the mechanical variables governing the tissue damage eventually cascading into cognitive deficits, we performed a study on the mechanics of rat brain under blast conditions. To this end, experiments were carried out to analyse and correlate post-injury oxidative stress distribution with cognitive deficits on a live rat exposed to blast. A computational model of the rat head was developed from imaging data and validated against in vivo brain displacement measurements. The blast event was reconstructed in silico to provide mechanistic thresholds that best correlate with cognitive damage at the regional neuronal tissue level, irrespectively of the shape or size of the brain tissue types. This approach was leveraged on a human head model where the prediction of cognitive deficits was shown to correlate with literature findings. The mechanistic insights from this work were finally used to propose a novel protective device design roadmap and potential avenues for therapeutic innovations against blast traumatic brain injury.
Author Correction: Temporary microglia-depletion after cosmic radiation modifies phagocytic activity and prevents cognitive deficits
Authors: Krukowski Karen , Feng Xi , Paladini Maria Serena , Chou Austin , Sacramento Kristen , Grue Katherine , Riparip Lara-Kirstie , Jones Tamako , Campbell-Beachler Mary , Nelson Gregory , Rosi Susanna
Published: July 2018

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.
Antigenic characteristics and genomic analysis of novel EV-A90 enteroviruses isolated in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Huang Keqiang , Zhang Yong , Song Yang , Cui Hui , Yan Dongmei , Zhu Shuangli , Sun Qiang , Tang Haishu , Wang Dongyan , Xu Wenbo
Published: July 2018

Enterovirus A90 (EV-A90) is a novel serotype of enterovirus A species that is rarely reported. Here, we isolated five enteroviruses from patients with acute flaccid paralysis in Hotan and Kashgar cities in Xinjiang, China that were identified as EV-A90 by molecular typing. The VP1 sequences of these Xinjiang EV-A90 strains showed 88.4–89% nucleotide sequence identity to the prototype EV-A90 strain; however, genome analysis indicated complex recombination events in P2 and P3 regions. Next, the seroprevalence of EV-A90 was examined in 49 serum specimens collected in Hotan and Kashgar, and 37.5% were EV-A90 antibody positive (>1:8), with a geometric mean titre (GMT) of 1:10.47. The low positive rate and GMT suggest a low-level EV-A90 epidemic in Xinjiang. Two of the five Xinjiang EV-A90 strains were temperature sensitive, and three were temperature resistant, and a comparative genomics analysis suggested that an amino acid substitution (H1799Y) in the 3Dpol region was related to temperature sensitivity. Although the epidemic strength is low, some EV-A90 strains were temperature resistant, which is suggestive of strong virulence and transmission capacity. This study expanded the number of EV-A90 in GenBank and provided basic data that may be useful for studying the molecular epidemiology of EV-A90.
The serrulatane diterpenoid natural products RAD288 and RAD289 stimulate properties of olfactory ensheathing cells useful for neural repair therapies
Authors: Chen Mo , Vial Marie-Laure , Tello Velasquez Johana , Ekberg Jenny A. K. , Davis Rohan A. , St John James A.
Published: July 2018

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are being trialled for cell transplantation therapies for neural repair as they have unique properties which can enhance neuron regeneration. However, improvements in cell viability, proliferation and migration are needed to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Growth factors can enhance cell activity, but they can also induce side effects as they can act on numerous cell types. An alternative approach is to identify natural products (NPs) that more selectively activate specific cell functions. We have examined two pure NPs, 3-acetoxy-7,8-dihydroxyserrulat-14-en-19-oic acid (RAD288) and 3,7,8-trihydroxyserrulat-14-en-19-oic acid (RAD289) isolated from the Australian plant Eremophila microtheca. We determined that RAD288 and RAD289 stimulated the viability and proliferation of OECs in two-dimensional cultures and increased cell viability in three-dimensional spheroids. Both compounds also enhanced OEC-mediated phagocytosis of neural debris. However, only RAD288 stimulated migration of OECs, demonstrating that key structural changes to the compound can dramatically affect the resultant cellular action. In addition, cell-type specific action is highlighted by the result that neither compound stimulated the viability of Schwann cells which are a closely-related glial cell type. Therefore, these small molecules may have high potential for selective activation of specific therapeutically-useful activities of OECs for transplantation therapies to repair the nervous system.
Discrimination of three Ephedra species and their geographical origins based on multi-element fingerprinting by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Ma Xiaofang , Fan Lingling , Mao Fuying , Zhao Yunsheng , Yan Yonggang , Tian Hongling , Xu Rui , Peng Yanqun , Sui Hong
Published: July 2018

Discrimination of species and geographical origins of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is essential to prevent adulteration and inferior problems. We studied Ephedra sinica Stapf, Ephedra intermedia Schrenk et C.A.Mey. and Ephedra przewalskii Bge. to investigate the relationship between inorganic element content and these three species and their geographical origins. 38 elemental fingerprints from six major Ephedra-producing regions, namely, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Gansu, Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Sinkiang, were determined to evaluate the importance of inorganic elements to three species and their geographical origins. The contents of 15 elements, namely, N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Na, Cl, Sr, Cu, Zn, B, and Mo, of Ephedra samples were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. Elemental contents were used as chemical indicators to classify species and origins of Ephedra samples using a radar plot and multivariate data analysis, including hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (PCA), and discriminant analysis (DA). Ephedra samples from different species and geographical origins could be differentiated. This study showed that inorganic elemental fingerprint combined with multivariate statistical analysis is a promising tool for distinguishing three Ephedra species and their geographical origins, and this strategy might be an effective method for authenticity discrimination of TCM.
Chemo-manipulation of tumor blood vessels by a metal-based anticancer complex enhances antitumor therapy
Authors: Riedel Tina , Cavin Sabrina , van den Bergh Hubert , Krueger Thorsten , Liaudet Lucas , Ris Hans-Beat , Dyson Paul J. , Perentes Jean Y.
Published: July 2018

Human pleural mesothelioma is an incurable and chemoresistant cancer. Using a nude mouse xenograft model of human pleural mesothelioma, we show that RAPTA-T, a compound undergoing preclinical evaluation, enhances tumor vascular function by decreasing blood vessel tortuosity and dilation, while increasing the coverage of endothelial cells by pericytes and vessel perfusion within tumors. This in turn significantly reduces the interstitial fluid pressure and increases oxygenation in the tumor. Consequently, RAPTA-T pre-treatment followed by the application of cisplatin or liposomal cisplatin (Lipoplatin) leads to increased levels of the cytotoxin in the tumor and enhanced mesothelioma growth inhibition. We demonstrate that the vascular changes induced by RAPTA-T are related, in part, to the inhibition of poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) which is associated to tumor vascular stabilization. These findings suggest novel therapeutic implications for RAPTA-T to create conditions for superior drug uptake and efficacy of approved cytotoxic anti-cancer drugs in malignant pleural mesothelioma and potentially other chemoresistant tumors.
Transcription factor profiling identifies Sox9 as regulator of proliferation and differentiation in corneal epithelial stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Menzel-Severing Johannes , Zenkel Matthias , Polisetti Naresh , Sock Elisabeth , Wegner Michael , Kruse Friedrich E. , Schlötzer-Schrehardt Ursula
Published: July 2018

Understanding transcription factor (TF) regulation of limbal epithelial stem/progenitor cells (LEPCs) may aid in using non-ocular cells to regenerate the corneal surface. This study aimed to identify and characterize TF genes expressed specifically in LEPCs isolated from human donor eyes by laser capture microdissection. Using a profiling approach, preferential limbal expression was found for SoxE and SoxF genes, particularly for Sox9, which showed predominantly cytoplasmic localization in basal LEPCs and nuclear localization in suprabasal and corneal epithelial cells, indicating nucleocytoplasmic translocation and activation during LEPC proliferation and differentiation. Increased nuclear localization of Sox9 was also observed in activated LEPCs following clonal expansion and corneal epithelial wound healing. Knockdown ofSOX9expression in cultured LEPCs by RNAi led to reduced expression of progenitor cell markers, e.g. keratin 15, and increased expression of differentiation markers, e.g. keratin 3. Furthermore,SOX9silencing significantly suppressed the proliferative capacity of LEPCs and reduced levels of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3ß), a negative regulator of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. Sox9 expression, in turn, was significantly suppressed by treatment of LEPCs with exogenous GSK-3ß inhibitors and enhanced by small molecule inhibitors of Wnt signaling. Our results suggest that Sox9 and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling cooperate in mutually repressive interactions to achieve a balance between quiescence, proliferation and differentiation of LEPCs in the limbal niche. Future molecular dissection of Sox9-Wnt interaction and mechanisms of nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of Sox9 may aid in improving the regenerative potential of LEPCs and the reprogramming of non-ocular cells for corneal surface regeneration.
Layer-by-layer hybrid chemical doping for high transmittance uniformity in graphene-polymer flexible transparent conductive nanocomposite
Authors: Biswas Chandan , Candan Idris , Alaskar Yazeed , Qasem Hussam , Zhang Wei , Stieg Adam Z. , Xie Ya-Hong , Wang Kang L.
Published: July 2018

A traditional transparent conducting film (TCF) such as indium tin oxide (ITO) exhibits poor mechanical flexibility and inconsistent transmittance throughout the UV-VIS-NIR spectrum. Recent TCFs like graphene films exhibit high sheet resistance (Rs) due to defect induced carrier scattering. Here we show a unique hybrid chemical doping method that results in high transmittance uniformity in a layered graphene-polymer nanocomposite with suppressed defect-induced carrier scattering. This layer-by-layer hybrid chemical doping results in low Rs (15 Ω/sq at >90% transmittance) and 3.6% transmittance uniformity (300–1000 nm) compared with graphene (17%), polymer (8%) and ITO (46%) films. The weak localization effect in our nanocomposite was reduced to 0.5%, compared with pristine (4.25%) and doped graphene films (1.2%). Furthermore, negligible Rs change (1.2 times compared to 12.6 × 103 times in ITO) and nearly unaltered transmittance spectra were observed up to 24 GPa of applied stress highlighting mechanical flexibility of the nanocomposite film.
Gestational exposure to chlordecone promotes transgenerational changes in the murine reproductive system of males
Authors: Gely-Pernot Aurore , Hao Chunxiang , Legoff Louis , Multigner Luc , D’Cruz Shereen Cynthia , Kervarrec Christine , Jégou Bernard , Tevosian Sergei , Smagulova Fatima
Published: July 2018

Environmental factors can affect epigenetic events during germline reprogramming and impose distinctive transgenerational consequences onto the offspring. In this study, we examined the transgenerational effects of chlordecone (CD), an organochlorine insecticide with well-known estrogenic properties. We exposed pregnant mice to CD from embryonic day 6.5 to 15.5 and observed a reduction in spermatogonia (SG) numbers in F3, meiotic defects in spermatocytes and decrease in spermatozoa number in the first and third generation of male progeny. The RNA qRT-PCR expression analysis in F1 and transcriptomics analysis in F3 males using the whole testes revealed changes in the expression of genes associated with chromosome segregation, cell division and DNA repair. The expression of the master regulator of pluripotency, Pou5f1, decreased in foetal and increased in adult F1, but not in F3 adult testes. Analysis of histone H3K4me3 distribution revealed widespread changes in its occupancy in the genome of F1 and F3 generations. We established that 7.1% of altered epigenetic marks were conserved between F1 and F3 generations. The overlapping changes common to F1 and F3 include genes implicated in cell adhesion and transcription factor activities functions. Differential peaks observed in F1 males are significantly enriched in predicted ESR1 binding sites, some of which we confirmed to be functional. Our data demonstrate that CD-mediated impairment of reproductive functions could be transmitted to subsequent generations.
A signal-to-noise paradox in climate science
Authors: Scaife Adam A. , Smith Doug
Published: July 2018

We review the growing evidence for a widespread inconsistency between the low strength of predictable signals in climate models and the relatively high level of agreement they exhibit with observed variability of the atmospheric circulation. This discrepancy is particularly evident in the climate variability of the Atlantic sector, where ensemble predictions using climate models generally show higher correlation with observed variability than with their own simulations, and higher correlations with observations than would be expected from their small signal-to-noise ratios, hence a ‘signal-to-noise paradox’. This unusual behaviour has been documented in multiple climate prediction systems and in the response to a number of different sources of climate variability. However, we also note that the total variance in the models is often close in magnitude to the observed variance, and so it is not a simple matter of models containing too much variability. Instead, the proportion of Atlantic climate variance that is predictable in climate models appears to be too weak in amplitude by a factor of two, or perhaps more. In this review, we provide a range of examples from existing studies to build the case for a problem that is common across different climate models, common to several different sources of climate variability and common across a range of timescales. We also discuss the wider implications of this intriguing paradox.
A heterobimetallic metal–organic framework as a “turn-on” sensor toward DMF
Authors: Yi Fei-Yan , Chen Jinlei , Wang Shi-Cheng , Gu Minli , Han Lei
Published: July 2018

It is for the first time that a non-luminescent 3d–4f heterobimetallic CuEu organic framework (NBU-8) realized specific selective light recovery of Eu3+ ions toward N,N′-dimethylformamide (DMF) even in the presence of other amide molecules with similar functions.
Anion-enhanced solvophobic effects in organic solvent
Authors: Maier Josef M. , Li Ping , Ritchey Jackson S. , Yehl Christopher J. , Shimizu Ken D.
Published: July 2018

Molecular balanced measured a two-fold anion-induced enhancement of the solvophobic effect in organic solvents.
CO2-Switchable-hydrophilicity membrane (CO2-SHM) triggered by electric potential: faster switching time along with efficient oil/water separation
Authors: Rezaee Shirin-Abadi Abbas , Gorji Mohsen , Rezaee Saeid , Jessop Philip G. , Cunningham Michael F.
Published: July 2018

CO2-Switchable-hydrophilicity membrane (CO2-SHM) triggered by electric potential which could be effectively used for oil/water separation.
Enzymatic hydrolysis-induced degradation of a lactose-coupled supramolecular hydrogel
Authors: Akama Shuto , Maki Takumi , Yamanaka Masamichi
Published: July 2018

A lactose-coupled amphiphilic urea self-assembled to form a supramolecular hydrogel, which is responsive to enzymatic hydrolysis.
In situfluorescence monitoring of diagnosis and treatment: a versatile nanoprobe combining tumor targeting based on MUC1 and controllable DOX release by telomerase
Authors: Si Haibin , Wang Lijuan , Li Qingling , Li Xiaoxiao , Li Lu , Tang Bo
Published: July 2018

In situfluorescence monitoring of diagnosis and treatment: a versatile nanoprobe combining tumor targeting based on MUC1 and controllable DOX release by telomerase.
Merging visible-light photoredox and micellar catalysis: arylation reactions with anilines nitrosated in situ
Authors: Bu Mei-jie , Lu Guo-ping , Jiang Jianzhong , Cai Chun
Published: July 2018

A micellar photocatalytic system has been disclosed, which enables arylation reactions with anilines nitrosated in situ to run in water.
Borago officinalisseed oil (BSO), a natural source of omega-6 fatty acids, attenuates fat accumulation by activating peroxisomal beta-oxidation both inC. elegansand in diet-induced obese rats
Authors: Navarro-Herrera David , Aranaz Paula , Eder-Azanza Laura , Zabala María , Romo-Hualde Ana , Hurtado Cristina , Calavia Diego , López-Yoldi Miguel , Martínez J. Alfredo , González-Navarro Carlos J. , Vizmanos José L.
Published: July 2018

Borago officinalisseed oil (BSO) might be useful for treatment/prevention of obesity-related diseases as it promotes peroxisomal β-oxidation improving weight and fat-related biomarkers both inC. elegansand in obese Wistar rats.
Date stone based activated carbon/graphite electrode for catechol analysis: physico-chemical properties and application in beverage samples
Authors: Hammani H. , Laghrib F. , Farahi A. , Lahrich S. , El Achaby M. , El Harfi K. , Aboulkas A. , Bakasse M. , El Mhammedi M. A.
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this paper is the modification of a carbon paste electrode (CPE) with activated carbon synthesized from date stones using a pyrolysis system followed by physical activation.
BaLiZn3(BO3)3: a new member of the KBe2BO3F2family possessing dense BO3triangles and the smallest interlayer distance
Authors: Chen Yanna , Zhang Min , Pan Shilie
Published: July 2018

A new beryllium-free borate, BaLiZn3(BO3)3, featuring dense BO3triangles and the smallest interlayer distance among KBe2BO3F2derivatives is developed.
Adsorptive denitrogenation of fuel over molecularly imprinted poly-2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-4-phenol microspheres
Authors: Abdul-quadir M. S. , van der Westhuizen R. , Welthagen W. , Ferg E. E. , Tshentu Z. R. , Ogunlaja A. S.
Published: July 2018

Molecularly imprinted poly 2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-4-phenol prepared by suspension polymerization of 2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-4-vinylphenol in the presence of selected nitrogen containing compounds showed adsorption selectivity for target nitrogen-containing compounds in fuel oil.
Two bifunctional desferrioxamine chelators for bioorthogonal labeling of biovectors with zirconium-89
Authors: Gao F. , Ieritano C. , Chen K.-T. , Dias G. M. , Rousseau J. , Bénard F. , Seimbille Y.
Published: July 2018

We report two bifunctional chelators, DFO-Cys and DFO-CBT, to label biovectors with zirconium-89 according to the 2-cyanobenzothiazole/1,2-aminothiol cycloaddition.
Postsecondary chemistry curricula and universal design for learning: planning for variations in learners’ abilities, needs, and interests
Authors: Scanlon Erin , Legron-Rodriguez Tamra , Schreffler Jillian , Ibadlit Elijah , Vasquez Eleazar , Chini Jacquelyn J.
Published: July 2018

Federal legislation requires equitable access to education for all students at all levels, including in the postsecondary setting. While there have been a few studies in the chemistry education research literature base focused on how to support students with specific disabilities, this work seems to exist as a separate stream of research without direct impact on curriculum development and the overall community. This study focused on investigating how well three sets of general chemistry curricular materials support variations in students’ abilities, interests, and needs. To accomplish this, we compared the curricular materials with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, which describes steps to account for variations in ability among learners during curriculum development. The UDL framework is organized into three guidelines (multiple means of representation, action and expression, and engagement), further delineated by nine principles and thirty-one finer-grained checkpoints for designing courses. We looked for examples of enactment of the UDL checkpoints in a representative sample of activities. Across all three sets of curricular materials, only four of the thirty-one checkpoints were enacted in at least 75% of the activities, indicating high enactment. On the other hand, eleven of the checkpoints were enacted in less than 25% of the activities, indicating low enactment. Overall, there is much room for improvement in consistently providing support for learner variation within these general chemistry curricular materials. We argue that some of the burden of making curricular materials supportive of all students lies with curriculum developers and provide recommendations for improving support and accessibility.
Does Speaker Race Affect the Assessment of Children's Speech Accuracy? A Comparison of Speech-Language Pathologists and Clinically Untrained Listeners
Authors: Evans Karen E. , Munson Benjamin , Edwards Jan
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Some pronunciation patterns that are normal in 1 dialect might represent an error in another dialect (i.e., [koʊl] for
cold,
which is typical in African American English [AAE] but an error in many other dialects of English). This study examined whether trained speech-language pathologists and untrained listeners accommodate for presumed speaker dialect when rating children's productions of words. This study also explored whether effects of presumed race on perceived speech accuracy are mediated by individuals' knowledge and beliefs about AAE and their implicit attitudes about race.

Method

Multiple groups of listeners rated the accuracy of a set of children's productions of words that have a distinct pronunciation in AAE. These were presented in 1 of 3 conditions: paired with no visual stimulus (to assess baseline accuracy) or paired with either African American children's faces (to suggest that the speaker uses AAE) or European American children's faces (to suggest that the speaker does not use AAE). Listeners also completed a set of measures of knowledge and attitudes about AAE and race, taken from previous studies.

Results

Individuals in both groups rated children's productions more accurately when they were presented with African American children's faces than when paired with European American faces. The magnitude of this effect was generally similar across the 2 groups and was generally strongest for words that had been judged in the baseline condition to contain an error. None of the individual-differences measures predicted ratings.

Conclusions

Assumptions about speaker attributes affect individuals' assessment of children's production accuracy. These effects are robust across trained and untrained listeners and cannot be predicted by existing measures of knowledge and attitudes about AAE and race.
Dust in brown dwarfs and extra-solar planets
Authors: Lee E. K. H. , Blecic J. , Helling Ch.
Published: July 2018

Context.The cloud formation process starts with the formation of seed particles, after which, surface chemical reactions grow or erode the cloud particles. If seed particles do not form, or are not available by another means, an atmosphere is unable to form a cloud complex and will remain cloud free.

Aims.We aim to investigate which materials may form cloud condensation seeds in the gas temperature and pressure regimes (Tgas= 100–2000 K,pgas= 10−8–100 bar) expected to occur in planetary and brown dwarf atmospheres.

Methods.We have applied modified classical nucleation theory which requires surface tensions and vapour pressure data for each solid species, which are taken from the literature. Input gas phase number densities are calculated assuming chemical equilibrium at solar metallicity.

Results.We calculated the seed formation rates of TiO2[s] and SiO[s] and find that they efficiently nucleate at high temperatures ofTgas= 1000–1750 K. Cr[s], KCl[s] and NaCl[s] are found to efficiently nucleate across an intermediate temperature range ofTgas= 500–1000 K. We find CsCl[s] may serve as the seed particle for the water cloud layers in cool sub-stellar atmospheres. The nucleation rates of four low temperature ice species (Tgas= 100–250 K), H2O[s/l], NH3[s], H2S[s/l], and CH4[s], are also investigated for the coolest sub-stellar and planetary atmospheres.

Conclusions.Our results suggest a possibly (Tgas,pgas) distributed hierarchy of seed particle formation regimes throughout the substellar and planetary atmospheric temperature-pressure space. With TiO2[s] providing seed particles for the most refractory cloud formation species (e.g. Al2O3[s], Fe[s], MgSiO3[s], Mg2SiO4[s]), Cr[s] providing the seed particles for MnS[s], Na2S[s], and ZnS[s] sulfides, and K/Na/Rb/Cs/NH4-Cl binding solid species providing the seed particles for H2O[s/l] and NH4-H2PO4/SH[s] clouds.

A detached, high-altitude aerosol layer may form in some sub-stellar atmospheres from the nucleation process, dependent on the upper atmosphere temperature, pressure and availability of volatile elements. In order to improve the accuracy of the nucleation rate calculation, further research into the small cluster thermochemical data for each cloud species is warranted. The validity of these seed particle scenarios will be tested by applying it to more complete cloud models in the future.
Taxonomic classification of asteroids based on MOVIS near-infrared colors
Authors: Popescu M. , Licandro J. , Carvano J. M. , Stoicescu R. , de León J. , Morate D. , Boacă I. L. , Cristescu C. P.
Published: July 2018

Context.The MOVIS catalog contains the largest set of near-infrared (NIR) colors for solar system objects. These data were obtained from the observations performed by VISTA-VHS survey using theY,J,H, andKsfilters. The taxonomic classification of objects in this catalog allows us to obtain large-scale distributions for the asteroidal population, to study faint objects, and to select targets for detailed spectral investigations.

Aims.We aim to provide a taxonomic classification for asteroids observed by VISTA-VHS survey. We derive a method for assigning a compositional type to an object based on its (Y−J), (J−Ks), and (H−Ks) colors.

Methods.We present a taxonomic classification for 18 265 asteroids from the MOVIS catalog, using a probabilistic method and thek-nearest neighbors algorithm. Because our taxonomy is based only on NIR colors, several classes from Bus-DeMeo were clustered into groups and a slightly different notation was used: i.e., the superscript indicates that the classification was obtained based on the NIR colors and the subscript indicates possible misidentifications with other types. Our results are compared with the information provided by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE).

Results.The two algorithms used in this study give a taxonomic type for all objects having at least (Y−J) and (J−Ks) observed colors. A final classification is reported for a set of 6496 asteroids based on the criteria thatkNN and probabilistic algorithms gave the same result, and the color errors are within the limits (Y−J)err≤ 0.118 and (J−Ks)err≤ 0.136. This set includes 144 bodies classified asBkni, 613 asCni, 197 asCgxni, 91 asXtni, 440 asDsni, 665 asKlni, 233 asAdni, 3315 asSni, and 798 asVni. We report the albedo distribution for each taxonomic group and we compute new median values for the main types. We found that V-type and A-type candidates have identical size frequency distributions, but V types are five times more common than A types. Several particular cases, such as the A-type asteroid (11616) 1996 BQ2 and the S-type (3675) Kematsch, both in the Cybele population, are discussed.
Theoretical evaluation of a fiber-optic SPR biosensor based on a gold layer treated with thiol acid
Authors: Saad Yosra , Selmi Marwa , Gazzah Mohamed Hichem , Belmabrouk Hafedh
Published: July 2018

In the present work, we have investigated the surface plasmons resonance (SPR) biosensor based on optical fiber applied for the detection of pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli), in order to overcome the stresses caused by the massive prism and to obtain a reliable and efficient miniature device. The modeling procedure is based on a matrix formalism developed for the optical studies of multilayer media. We have tested the response of the fiber optic biosensor based on a golden substrate functionalized with thiol acid. The results show that the SPR biosensor sensitivity is improved by treating the gold electrode with thiol. An improved SPR biosensor with a high resolution is obtained.