bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inverse resource allocation between vision and olfaction across the genus Drosophila
Authors: Keesey Ian W. , Grabe Veit , Gruber Lydia , Koerte Sarah , Obiero George F. , Bolton Grant , Khallaf Mohammed A. , Kunert Grit , Lavista-Llanos Sofia , Valenzano Dario Riccardo , Rybak Jürgen , Barrett Bruce A. , Knaden Markus , Hansson Bill S.
Published: March 2019

Divergent populations across different environments are exposed to critical sensory information related to locating a host or mate, as well as avoiding predators and pathogens. These sensory signals generate evolutionary changes in neuroanatomy and behavior; however, few studies have investigated patterns of neural architecture that occur between sensory systems, or that occur within large groups of closely-related organisms. Here we examine 62 species within the genus Drosophila and describe an inverse resource allocation between vision and olfaction, which we consistently observe at the periphery, within the brain, as well as during larval development. This sensory variation was noted across the entire genus and appears to represent repeated, independent evolutionary events, where one sensory modality is consistently selected for at the expense of the other. Moreover, we provide evidence of a developmental genetic constraint through the sharing of a single larval structure, the eye-antennal imaginal disc. In addition, we examine the ecological implications of visual or olfactory bias, including the potential impact on host-navigation and courtship.
Human olfactory-auditory integration requires phase synchrony between sensory cortices
Authors: Zhou Guangyu , Lane Gregory , Noto Torben , Arabkheradmand Ghazaleh , Gottfried Jay A. , Schuele Stephan U. , Rosenow Joshua M. , Olofsson Jonas K. , Wilson Donald A. , Zelano Christina
Published: March 2019

Multisensory integration is particularly important in the human olfactory system, which is highly dependent on non-olfactory cues, yet its underlying neural mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we use intracranial electroencephalography techniques to record neural activity in auditory and olfactory cortices during an auditory-olfactory matching task. Spoken cues evoke phase locking between low frequency oscillations in auditory and olfactory cortices prior to odor arrival. This phase synchrony occurs only when the participant’s later response is correct. Furthermore, the phase of low frequency oscillations in both auditory and olfactory cortical areas couples to the amplitude of high-frequency oscillations in olfactory cortex during correct trials. These findings suggest that phase synchrony is a fundamental mechanism for integrating cross-modal odor processing and highlight an important role for primary olfactory cortical areas in multisensory integration with the olfactory system.
Thermodynamically stable whilst kinetically labile coordination bonds lead to strong and tough self-healing polymers
Authors: Lai Jian-Cheng , Jia Xiao-Yong , Wang Da-Peng , Deng Yi-Bing , Zheng Peng , Li Cheng-Hui , Zuo Jing-Lin , Bao Zhenan
Published: March 2019

There is often a trade-off between mechanical properties (modulus and toughness) and dynamic self-healing. Here we report the design and synthesis of a polymer containing thermodynamically stable whilst kinetically labile coordination complex to address this conundrum. The Zn-Hbimcp (Hbimcp = 2,6-bis((imino)methyl)-4-chlorophenol) coordination bond used in this work has a relatively large association constant (2.2 × 1011) but also undergoes fast and reversible intra- and inter-molecular ligand exchange processes. The as-prepared Zn(Hbimcp)2-PDMS polymer is highly stretchable (up to 2400% strain) with a high toughness of 29.3 MJ m−3, and can autonomously self-heal at room temperature. Control experiments showed that the optimal combination of its bond strength and bond dynamics is responsible for the material’s mechanical toughness and self-healing property. This molecular design concept points out a promising direction for the preparation of self-healing polymers with excellent mechanical properties. We further show this type of polymer can be potentially used as energy absorbing material.
Aging and the Combined effects of ADRA2B and CB1 deletions on Affective Working Memory
Authors: Fairfield Beth , Mammarella Nicola , Fontanella Lara , Sarra Annalina , D’Aurora Marco , Stuppia Liborio , Gatta Valentina
Published: March 2019

Many studies have found that memory for affective material is better than memory for neutral information and memory for positive material compared to negative material is better in older adults. Behavioral, neurophysiological as well as single polymorphism differences have been advanced to account for these effects. Here, we aimed to examine whether the combination of two polymorphisms (ADRA2B and CB1) in older adults influences active maintenance and manipulation of emotional information in aging working memory. We examined genotype data from 207 older adults (56 double deletion carriers, 116 single deletion carriers and 35 no deletion carriers) who performed a verbal operation span-like task with positive, negative and neutral words. We found that subjects carrying both ADRA2B and CB1 variants generally remembered a higher number of words. In addition, double carriers showed positivity effects while single carriers showed more general emotional enhancement effects, especially as strings lengthened. These findings are amongst the first to suggest a haplotype account of positivity effects in older adults’ memory.
Identifying Climate-Induced Groundwater Depletion in GRACE Observations
Authors: Thomas Brian F. , Famiglietti James S.
Published: March 2019

Depletion of groundwater resources has been identified in numerous global aquifers, suggesting that extractions have exceeded natural recharge rates in critically important global freshwater supplies. Groundwater depletion has been ascribed to groundwater pumping, often ignoring influences of direct and indirect consequences of climate variability. Here, we explore relations between natural and human drivers and spatiotemporal changes in groundwater storage derived from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites using regression procedures and dominance analysis. Changes in groundwater storage are found to be influenced by direct climate variability, whereby groundwater recharge and precipitation exhibited greater influence as compared to groundwater pumping. Weak influence of groundwater pumping may be explained, in part, by quasi-equilibrium aquifer conditions that occur after “long-time” pumping, while precipitation and groundwater recharge records capture groundwater responses linked to climate-induced groundwater depletion. Evaluating groundwater response to climate variability is critical given the reliance of groundwater resources to satisfy water demands and impending changes in climate variability that may threaten future water availability.
Insertional mutagenesis in ChordinA induced by endogenous ΔTgf2 transposon leads to bifurcation of axial skeletal systems in grass goldfish
Authors: Guo Dan-Dan , Sun Yi-Wen , Cui Wen-Tao , Guo Hong-Hong , Du Shang-Ke , Chen Jie , Zou Shu-Ming
Published: March 2019

The grass goldfish appeared early in the evolutionary history of goldfish, and shows heritable stability in the development of the caudal fin. The twin-tail phenotype is extremely rare, however, some twin-tail individuals were produced in the process of breeding for ornamental value. From mutations in the twin-tail goldfish genome, we identified two kinds of Tgf2 transposons. One type was completely sequenced Tgf2 and the other type was ΔTgf2, which had 858 bp missing. We speculate that the bifurcation of the axial skeletal system in goldfish may be caused by an endogenous ΔTgf2 insertion mutation in Chordin A, as ΔTgf2 has no transposition activity and blocks the expression of Chordin A. The twin-tail showed doubled caudal fin and accumulation of red blood cells in the tail. In addition, in situ hybridization revealed that ventral embryonic tissue markers (eve1, sizzled, and bmp4) were more widely and strongly expressed in the twin-tail than in the wild-type embryos during the gastrula stage, and bmp4 showed bifurcated expression patterns in the posterior region of the twin-tail embryos. These results provide new insights into the artificial breeding of genetically stable twin-tail grass goldfish families.
Altered hormonal milieu and dysregulated protein expression can cause spermatogenic arrest in ectopic xenografted immature rat testis
Authors: Goel Sandeep , Minami Naojiro
Published: March 2019

Testis tissue xenografting complemented with cryopreservation is a feasible technique for fertility preservation in children with malignancy receiving gonadotoxic therapy and for endangered species with high neonatal mortality rate. However, xenografted testis of human and most endangered species are known to undergo spermatogenic arrest. In this study, we xenografted immature rat testis onto immunodeficient male mice to investigate the plausible underlying causes of spermatogenic arrest. Histological analysis of xenografted testes collected 8-wk post-grafting showed incomplete spermatogenesis with pachytene-stage spermatocytes as the most advanced germ cells. Although the levels of serum luteinizing hormone and testosterone were normal in recipient mice, those of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were significantly high, and specific receptors of FSH were absent in the xenografts. The xenografts demonstrated dysregulated expression of Sertoli cell-transcriptional regulators (WT1 and SOX9) and secretory proteins (SCF and GDNF). In conclusion, results from our study suggested that an altered hormonal milieu in recipients and dysregulated protein expression in xenografts could be a potential cause of spermatogenic arrest in xenografted immature rat testis. Further stereological analysis of xenografts can demonstrate precise cellular composition of xenografts to decipher interactions between germ and somatic cells to better understand spermatogenic arrest in xenografted testis.
Seed germination ecology of Alexandra palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae) and its implication on invasiveness
Authors: Wen Bin
Published: March 2019

Biological invasions are occurring worldwide, causing enormous economic and ecological damage. Early detection and prediction of invasiveness are the most effective measures to reduce its damage. The Alexandra palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae) is a prolific seeder and an alien species widely planted in tropical China. To help understand the invasion risks posed by this species, lab and field experiments on seed germination were conducted. Results show that the seeds only germinate within a temperature range of 20–30 °C and are sensitive to desiccation and high temperature, with seedling inhibition at 35 °C and −0.8 MPa. Complete viability loss was observed after desiccation to water content of 0.17–0.21 g/g or heat treatment for 30 minutes at 60 °C and above. However, appropriate habitats such as the rainforest understory, forest gaps, forest edges, and a rubber plantation are present in Xishuangbanna. Seeds are also frequently consumed by animals; therefore, there is a high potential for Alexandra palm to become an invasive species in Xishuangbanna. Currently, the main barrier to invasion in Xishuangbanna is likely to be the need for seed dispersal into suitable moist, partly shaded, habitats. Understanding the requirements for germination of the Alexandra palm can better inform management strategies for the control of this species.
Six types of tea reduce high-fat-diet-induced fat accumulation in mice by increasing lipid metabolism and suppressing inflammation
Authors: Liu Chen , Guo Yuntong , Sun Lingli , Lai Xingfei , Li Qiuhua , Zhang Wenji , Xiang Limin , Sun Shili , Cao Fanrong
Published: March 2019

A high-fat diet results in obesity because of white fat accumulation.
Fly-through synthesis of nanoparticles on textile and paper substrates
Authors: Jiao Miaolun , Yao Yonggang , Pastel Glenn , Li Tangyuan , Liang Zhiqiang , Xie Hua , Kong Weiqing , Liu Boyang , Song Jianwei , Hu Liangbing
Published: March 2019

A one-step, ‘fly-through’ method is reported to synthesize well-dispersed metallic nanoparticles on low-T substrates (i.e. textiles and paper) via high-temperature, rapid radiative heating.
Plasmonic mode conversion in individual tilted 3D nanostructures
Authors: Dreser Christoph , Gollmer Dominik A. , Bautista Godofredo , Zang Xiaorun , Kern Dieter P. , Kauranen Martti , Fleischer Monika
Published: March 2019

Mode conversion in individual asymmetric plasmonic nanostructures enables out-of-plane near-field enhancement with only in-plane electric field components.
Cd–Cu–Fe–S quaternary nanocrystals exhibiting excellent optical/optoelectronic properties
Authors: Wang Chao , Peng Lucheng , Yang Xiaotian , Xie Renguo , Feng Shouhua
Published: March 2019

Quaternary Cd–Cu–Fe–S nanocrystals (NCs) exhibiting a strong size tunable photoluminescence were synthesized for the first time by tuning the reaction temperature from 120 °C to 210 °C.
Squeezed nanocrystals: equilibrium configuration of metal clusters embedded beneath the surface of a layered material
Authors: Julien Scott E. , Lii-Rosales Ann , Wan Kai-Tak , Han Yong , Tringides Michael C. , Evans James W. , Thiel Patricia A.
Published: March 2019

Continuum elasticity model reproduces the equilibrium shape of Cu nanocrystals squeezed between graphene layers and predicts universal shape.
Macrocyclic complexes of Pt(ii) and Rh(iii) with iso-tellurazole N-oxides
Authors: Ho Peter C. , Bui Robert , Cevallos Alberto , Sequeira Shanel , Britten James F. , Vargas-Baca Ignacio
Published: March 2019

Tetramers of iso-tellurazole N-oxides form stable macrocyclic complexes with Pt(ii) and Rh(iii) in solution.
Multi-scale approach to first-principles electron transport beyond 100 nm
Authors: Calogero Gaetano , Papior Nick , Koleini Mohammad , Larsen Matthew Helmi Leth , Brandbyge Mads
Published: March 2019

A new atomistic multi-scale approach allows to investigate electronic devices longer than 100 nm with locally increased accuracy wherever needed.
Correction: High performing AgNW transparent conducting electrodes with a sheet resistance of 2.5 Ω Sq−1 based upon a roll-to-roll compatible post-processing technique
Authors: Kumar D. , Stoichkov V. , Brousseau E. , Smith G. C. , Kettle J.
Published: March 2019

Correction for ‘High performing AgNW transparent conducting electrodes with a sheet resistance of 2.5 Ω Sq−1 based upon a roll-to-roll compatible post-processing technique’ by D. Kumar et al., Nanoscale, 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c8nr07974a.
Cross-differential dynamic microscopy
Authors: Arko Matej , Petelin Andrej
Published: March 2019

We demonstrate the use of a dual-camera-equipped microscope for the study of the wavevector-dependent dynamics of soft matter.
Cascade charge transfer mediated by in situ interface modulation toward solar hydrogen production
Authors: Li Yu-Bing , Li Tao , Dai Xiao-Cheng , Huang Ming-Hui , He Yunhui , Xiao Guangcan , Xiao Fang-Xing
Published: March 2019

An in situ phase self-transformation combined with an exquisite interface modulation was developed to trigger a charge transfer cascade for visible-light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen generation.
Enhanced efficacy of defect passivation and charge extraction for efficient perovskite photovoltaics with a small open circuit voltage loss
Authors: Liao Jin-Feng , Wu Wu-Qiang , Zhong Jun-Xing , Jiang Yong , Wang Lianzhou , Kuang Dai-Bin
Published: March 2019

A multifunctional 2D polymeric semiconductor was incorporated to provide surprisingly robust efficacy in grain boundary functionalization and defect passivation of perovskite, which suppresses charge recombination and thus affording an illustrious photovoltage of 1.16 V and power conversion efficiency of 21.1%.
Mechano growth factor attenuates mechanical overload-induced nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis through inhibiting the p38 MAPK pathway
Authors: Xu Qing , Fang Haolin , Zhao Liang , Zhang Cunxin , Zhang Luo , Tian Baofang
Published: March 2019

Mechanical overload is a risk factor of disc degeneration. It can induce disc degeneration through mediating cell apoptosis. Mechano growth factor (MGF) has been reported to inhibit mechanical overload-induced apoptosis of chondrocytes. The present study is aimed to investigate whether MGF can attenuate mechanical overload-induced nucleus pulposus (NP) cell apoptosis and the possible signaling transduction pathway. Rat NP cells were cultured and subjected to mechanical overload for 7 days. The control NP cells did not experience mechanical load. The exogenous MGF peptide was added into the culture medium to investigate its protective effects. NP cell apoptosis ratio, caspase-3 activity, gene expression of Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3, protein expression of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved PARP, Bax and Bcl-2 were analyzed to evaluate NP cell apoptosis. In addition, activity of the p38 MAPK pathway was also detected. Compared with the control NP cells, mechanical overload significantly increased NP cell apoptosis and caspase-3 activity, up-regulated gene/protein expression of pro-apoptosis molecules (i.e. Bax, caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP) whereas down-regulated gene/protein expression of anti-apoptosis molecule (i.e. Bcl-2). However, exogenous MGF partly reversed these effects of mechanical overload on NP cell apoptosis. Further results showed that activity of the p38 MAPK pathway of NP cells cultured under mechanical overload was decreased by addition of MGF peptide. In conclusion, MGF is able to attenuate mechanical overload-induced NP cell apoptosis, and the p38 MAPK signaling pathway may be involved in this process. The present study provides that MGF supplementation may be a promising strategy to retard mechanical overload-induced disc degeneration.
Magnification bias in the shear-ratio test: a viable mitigation strategy
Authors: Unruh Sandra , Schneider Peter , Hilbert Stefan
Published: March 2019

Using the same lens galaxies, the ratios of tangential shears for different source galaxy redshifts is equal to the ratios of their corresponding angular-diameter distances. This is the so-called shear-ratio test (SRT) and it is valid when effects induced by the intervening large-scale structure (LSS) can be neglected. The dominant LSS effect is magnification bias which, on the one hand, induces an additional shear, and on the other hand, causes a magnification of the lens population. Our objective is to quantify the magnification bias for the SRT and show an easy-to-apply mitigation strategy that does not rely on additional observations. We use ray-tracing data through the Millennium simulation to measure the influence of magnification on the SRT and test our mitigation strategy. Using the SRT as a null-test we find deviations from zero up to 10% for a flux-limited sample of lens galaxies, which is a strong function of lens redshift and the lens-source line-of-sight separation. Using our mitigation strategy we can improve the null-test by a factor of ∼100.
Characterization and fatty acid profile analysis of oil extracted from unexploited seed of African star apple (Udara)
Authors: Omeje Kingsley Ozioma , Iroha Okechukwu Kalu , Edeke Affiong Asuquo , Omeje Henry Chimezie , Apeh Victor Onukwube
Published: March 2019

This study sought to characterize the phyto-oil extracted from an unexploited seed of African star apple (Udara) using soxhlet extraction method, normal hexane was used as the solvent at 67 °C for 4 h. The percentage oil yield was 23.8%. The extracted oil was liquid at room temperature, pleasant sweet smell with honey-like colour. The oil physicochemical properties such as acid value, peroxide value and saponification value were 17.41 ± 0.43 mg/KOH/g, 57.74 ± 2.77 meq/kg−1 and 236.341 ± 6.80 mg/KOH/g, respectively. Also, free fatty acid of 8.75% and iodine value of 29 ± 0.16 mg/100g were obtained. The identified fatty acids present included n-hexadecanoic acid (7.55%), 13-hexyloxacyctri-dec-10-en-2-one (1.19%), oleic acids (30.21%), octadecanoic acid (5.28%), hexadecanoic acid (2.37%), undecylenic acid (40.33%), 9-octadecanal (7.09%), and 9, 17-octadecadienal (5.98%). The properties of oil extracted revealed that the seed is a good source of oil which could be employed for industrial purposes.
Discipline and Sex Differences in Angle-specific Isokinetic Analysis in Elite Skiers
Authors: Alhammoud Marine , Morel Baptiste , Hansen Clint , Wilson Mathew , Mecca Regis , Nael Erick , Hautier Christophe
Published: March 2019

Standard outcomes of traditional isokinetic testing do not detect differences between various muscle mechanical properties. This study i) explored a novel analysis throughout the range of motion based on statistical parametric mapping and ii) examined the impact of sex and discipline on hamstrings/quadriceps torque in elite alpine skiers. Twenty-eight national team skiers (14 females, 14 males; 14 technical, 14 speed) undertook an isokinetic evaluation of the knee flexors/extensors (range 30–90°, 0° representing full extension). There was no effect of sex (p=0.864, d=0.03) and discipline (p=0.360, d=0.17) on maximal hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio and no effect of discipline on maximal torque (p>0.156, d≤0.25). Hamstrings torque and hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio were lower in females than males toward knee extension only (p<0.05). Quadriceps torque was greater after 72° of knee flexion in technicians than downhill skiers (p<0.05). The current data showed that statistical parametric mapping analysis identified angle-specific differences that could not be evidenced when analyzing only maximal torques and reconstructed ratios. This may enhance screening methods to identify pathologic knee function or monitor rehabilitation programs, and inform sex- and discipline-specific training in alpine skiing.
Psychopathic Traits and Empathic Functioning in Detained Juveniles: Withdrawal Response to Empathic Sadness
Authors: de Ruigh Esther L. , Jansen Lucres M. C. , Vermeiren Robert , Popma Arne
Published: March 2019

In order to gain insight in empathic deficits in juveniles with severe antisocial problems and psychopathic traits, self-reported psychopathic traits and trait empathy were assessed in 416 detained male juveniles. State empathy was assessed by self-reported empathic and autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses to sad film clips. Psychopathic traits were significantly negatively correlated with empathy, although not with ANS responses. Individuals reporting no empathy showed significantly less heart rate withdrawal compared to individuals reporting higher empathy. This implies that physiological responses may be helpful in identifying juveniles with severely impaired empathic functioning, even in a severely antisocial sample.
Learning media free fall motion to reduce misconceptions and improve students’ understanding of the concept
Authors: Firdaus T , Erwin E , Rosmiati R
Published: March 2019

Has been made free fall learning media for class X students in Physics subjects. Students always think that the amount of mass affects the acceleration of vertical falling objects downward. Media was created to reduce student misconceptions. This research uses demonstration method. This media is proven to reduce misconceptions and can improve students’ conceptual understanding.
In silico signaling modeling to understand cancer pathways and treatment responses
Authors: Kunz Meik , Jeromin Julian , Fuchs Maximilian , Christoph Jan , Veronesi Giulia , Flentje Michael , Nietzer Sarah , Dandekar Gudrun , Dandekar Thomas
Published: March 2019

Precision medicine has changed thinking in cancer therapy, highlighting a better understanding of the individual clinical interventions. But what role do the drivers and pathways identified from pan-cancer genome analysis play in the tumor? In this letter, we will highlight the importance of in silico modeling in precision medicine. In the current era of big data, tumor engines and pathways derived from pan-cancer analysis should be integrated into in silico models to understand the mutational tumor status and individual molecular pathway mechanism at a deeper level. This allows to pre-evaluate the potential therapy response and develop optimal patient-tailored treatment strategies which pave the way to support precision medicine in the clinic of the future.
Intergenerational fluctuations in colour morph frequencies may maintain elytral polymorphisms in the ladybird beetle Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Kawakami Yasuko , Yamazaki Kazuo , Ohashi Kazunori
Published: March 2019

Phenotypic polymorphisms are found in a wide array of taxa, and unravelling the mechanisms that maintain them is of great interest to evolutionary and ecological biologists. Temporal environmental heterogeneity may play a role in the maintenance of polymorphisms but is poorly understood. In the present study, we analysed trends in intergenerational elytral colour morph frequencies in relation to changes in fitness and life history traits (i.e. body size, mortality, fecundity, hatching rate and mate preference) in the ladybird beetle Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). A long-term field survey spanning nine years showed that the frequency of dark morphs increases over winter and then decreases in spring. Dark morphs may have an advantage in winter due to their higher tolerance of low temperatures compared with light morphs. Light-morph females were heavier in winter than dark-morph females. They also mated more frequently and had higher hatching rates, potentially causing an increase in light morphs in spring. These results suggest that fluctuations in morph frequencies resulting from the conflicting directions of selection pressures between overwintering and spring generations may help to maintain genetic polymorphism.
Pentraxin 3 deficiency protects from the metabolic inflammation associated to diet-induced obesity
Authors: Bonacina Fabrizia , Moregola Annalisa , Porte Rémi , Baragetti Andrea , Bonavita Eduardo , Salatin Alice , Grigore Liliana , Pellegatta Fabio , Molgora Martina , Sironi Marina , Barbati Elisa , Mantovani Alberto , Bottazzi Barbara , Catapano Alberico Luigi , Garlanda Cecilia , Norata Giuseppe Danilo
Published: March 2019

Aims

Low-grade chronic inflammation characterizes obesity and metabolic syndrome. Here, we aim at investigating the impact of the acute-phase protein long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) on the immune-inflammatory response occurring during diet-induced obesity.

Methods and results

PTX3 deficiency in mice fed a high-fat diet for 20 weeks protects from weight gain and adipose tissue deposition in visceral and subcutaneous depots. This effect is not related to changes in glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism but is associated with an improved immune cell phenotype in the adipose tissue of Ptx3 deficient animals, which is characterized by M2-macrophages polarization and increased angiogenesis. These findings are recapitulated in humans where carriers of a PTX3 haplotype (PTX3 h2/h2 haplotype), resulting in lower PTX3 plasma levels, presented with a reduced prevalence of obesity and decreased abdominal adiposity compared with non-carriers.

Conclusion

Our results support a critical role for PTX3 in the onset of obesity by promoting inflammation and limiting adipose tissue vascularization and delineate PTX3 targeting as a valuable strategy for the treatment of adipose tissue-associated inflammatory response.
Highly multiplexed AmpliSeq technology identifies novel variation of flowering time-related genes in soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Ogiso-Tanaka Eri , Shimizu Takehiko , Hajika Makita , Kaga Akito , Ishimoto Masao
Published: March 2019

Whole-genome re-sequencing is a powerful approach to detect gene variants, but it is expensive to analyse only the target genes. To circumvent this problem, we attempted to detect novel variants of flowering time-related genes and their homologues in soybean mini-core collection by target re-sequencing using AmpliSeq technology. The average depth of 382 amplicons targeting 29 genes was 1,237 with 99.85% of the sequence data mapped to the reference genome. Totally, 461 variants were detected, of which 150 sites were novel and not registered in dbSNP. Known and novel variants were detected in the classical maturity loci—E1, E2, E3, and E4. Additionally, large indel alleles, E1-nl and E3-tr, were successfully identified. Novel loss-of-function and missense variants were found in FT2a, MADS-box, WDR61, phytochromes, and two-component response regulators. The multiple regression analysis showed that four genes—E2, E3, Dt1, and two-component response regulator—can explain 51.1–52.3% of the variation in flowering time of the mini-core collection. Among them, the two-component response regulator with a premature stop codon is a novel gene that has not been reported as a soybean flowering time-related gene. These data suggest that the AmpliSeq technology is a powerful tool to identify novel alleles.
How can randomised controlled trials help improve the design of the common agricultural policy?
Authors: Behaghel Luc , Macours Karen , Subervie Julie
Published: March 2019

We illustrate how randomised controlled trials (RCTs) could be used to evaluate the impact of alternative designs of the common agricultural policy (CAP). We select four policy-design issues which relate to different components of the CAP and raise a wide range of economic questions: nudges, coordination failures, equity-efficiency trade-offs, contract design. Based on examples from agricultural and social policies in developing and developed countries, we show that RCTs have provided useful rigorous evidence on similar design issues, suggesting that they could also be leveraged to help improve components of the CAP.
QT prolongation predicts short-term mortality independent of comorbidity
Authors: Gibbs Charlotte , Thalamus Jacob , Kristoffersen Doris Tove , Svendsen Martin Veel , Holla Øystein L , Heldal Kristian , Haugaa Kristina H , Hysing Jan
Published: March 2019

Aims

A prolonged corrected QT interval (QTc) ≥500 ms is associated with high all-cause mortality in hospitalized patients. We aimed to explore any difference in short- and long-term mortality in patients with QTc ≥500 ms compared with patients with QTc <500 ms after adjustment for comorbidity and main diagnosis.

Methods and results

Patients with QTc ≥500 ms who were hospitalized at Telemark Hospital Trust, Norway between January 2007 and April 2014 were identified. Thirty-day and 3-year all-cause mortality in 980 patients with QTc ≥500 ms were compared with 980 patients with QTc <500 ms, matched for age and sex and adjusting for Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), previous admissions, and main diagnoses. QTc ≥500 ms was associated with increased 30-day all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38–2.62; P < 0.001]. There was no significant difference in mortality between patients with QTc ≥500 ms and patients with QTc <500 ms who died between 30 days and 3 years; 32% vs. 29%, P = 0.20. Graded CCI was associated with increased 3-year all-cause mortality (CCI 1–2: HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.34–1.96; P < 0.001; CCI 3–4: HR 2.50, 95% CI 1.95–3.21; P < 0.001; CCI ≥5: HR 3.76, 95% CI 2.85–4.96; P < 0.001) but was not associated with 30-day all-cause mortality.

Conclusion

QTc ≥500 ms is a powerful predictor of short-term mortality overruling comorbidities. QTc ≥500 ms also predicted long-term mortality, but this effect was mainly caused by the increased short-term mortality. For long-term mortality, comorbidity was more important.
The Influence of Temperature Variation on Life History Parameters and Thermal Performance Curves of Tamarixia radiata (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a Parasitoid of the Asian Citrus Psyllid (Hemiptera: Liviidae)
Authors: McCalla Kelsey A , Keçeci Mehmet , Milosavljević Ivan , Ratkowsky David A , Hoddle Mark S
Published: March 2019

This study examined the effects of seven constant and fluctuating temperature profiles with corresponding averages of 12 to 38°C on the life history of the Punjab, Pakistan-sourced Tamarixia radiata (Waterston) released in California for biological control of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama. One linear and seven nonlinear regression functions were fit to egg-to-adult development rate data to characterize thermal performance curves. Temperature fluctuations significantly affected both development and longevity of T. radiata. Estimates of degree-days predicted by the linear model were 30% higher for the fluctuating regime than the constant regime. Nonlinear model estimations of theoretical minimum and maximum developmental thresholds were lower for the fluctuating regime when compared to the constant regime. These predictions align with experimental observations. Parasitoids reared under fluctuating profiles at low average temperatures developed faster (15°C) and survived longer (15–20°C) when compared to those reared under constant regimes with corresponding means. In contrast, high average fluctuating temperatures produced parasitoids with an extended developmental period (35°C) and reduced longevity (30–35°C). A meta-analysis of published T. radiata development datasets, together with the results of this study, indicated convergence in degree-days and theoretical minimum developmental thresholds among geographically distinct parasitoid populations. These findings demonstrate the significant effects of temperature on T. radiata life history and have important implications for optimization of mass-rearing and release efforts, improvement of predictions from climate modeling, and comparison of T. radiata population performance across climatic gradients and geographic regions.
Temporal shifts in the mycobiome structure and network architecture associated with a rat (Rattus norvegicus) deep partial-thickness cutaneous burn
Authors: Sanjar Fatemeh , Weaver Alan J , Peacock Trent J , Nguyen Jesse Q , Brandenburg Kenneth S , Leung Kai P
Published: March 2019

With a diverse physiological interface to colonize, mammalian skin is the first line of defense against pathogen invasion and harbors a consortium of microbes integral in maintenance of epithelial barrier function and disease prevention. While the dynamic roles of skin bacterial residents are expansively studied, contributions of fungal constituents, the mycobiome, are largely overlooked. As a result, their influence during skin injury, such as disruption of skin integrity in burn injury and impairment of host immune defense system, is not clearly delineated. Burn patients experience a high risk of developing hard-to-treat fungal infections in comparison to other hospitalized patients. To discern the changes in the mycobiome profile and network assembly during cutaneous burn-injury, a rat scald burn model was used to survey the mycobiome in healthy (n = 30) (sham-burned) and burned (n = 24) skin over an 11-day period. The healthy skin demonstrated inter-animal heterogeneity over time, while the burned skin mycobiome transitioned toward a temporally stabile community with declining inter-animal variation starting at day 3 post-burn injury. Driven primarily by a significant increase in relative abundance of Candida, fungal species richness and abundance of the burned skin decreased, especially in days 7 and 11 post-burn. The network architecture of rat skin mycobiome displayed community reorganization toward increased network fragility and decreased stability compared to the healthy rat skin fungal network. This study provides the first account of the dynamic diversity observed in the rat skin mycobiome composition, structure, and network assembly associated with postcutaneous burn injury.
Coccidioidomycosis Among American Indians and Alaska Natives, 2001–2014
Authors: McCotter Orion , Kennedy Jordan , McCollum Jeffrey , Bartholomew Michael , Iralu Jonathan , Jackson Brendan R , Haberling Dana , Benedict Kaitlin
Published: March 2019

Background

American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) may be uniquely vulnerable to coccidioidomycosis given the large population residing in the Southwestern United States. We describe coccidioidomycosis-associated hospitalizations and outpatient visits during 2001–2014 in the Indian Health Service (IHS) system and compare hospitalizations with data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS).

Methods

We identified hospitalizations in the IHS and the NIS and outpatient visits in the IHS using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes 114.0–114.9. We calculated average annual hospitalization and outpatient visit rates per 1 000 000 population and used Poisson regression to calculate rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used multivariable logistic regression to assess factors associated with IHS hospitalization.

Results

AI/ANs had the highest average annual hospitalization rate (58.0; 95% CI, 49.5–66.6) of any racial/ethnic group in the NIS, compared with 13.4 (95% CI, 12.7–14.2) for non-Hispanic whites. IHS data showed a hospitalization rate of 37.0; the median length of stay (interquartile range) was 6 (3–10) days. The average annual outpatient visit rate in IHS was 764.2, and it increased from 529.9 in 2001 to 845.9 in 2014. Male sex, age ≥65 years, diabetes, and extrapulmonary or progressive coccidioidomycosis were independently associated with increased risk for hospitalization. Twenty-four percent of patients had ICD-9-CM codes for community-acquired pneumonia in the 3 months before coccidioidomycosis diagnosis.

Conclusions

AI/ANs experience high coccidioidomycosis-associated hospitalization rates, high morbidity, and possible missed opportunities for earlier diagnosis. Yearly trends in IHS data were similar to the general increase in hospitalizations and reported cases nationwide in the same period.
Membership and fundamental parameters of the intermediate-age open clusters NGC 2281 and NGC 2539 based on Gaia-DR2
Authors: Gao Xin-Hua
Published: March 2019

This paper presents an investigation on the two intermediate-age open clusters NGC 2281 and NGC 2539 based on Gaia Data Release 2 (Gaia-DR2). A combined machine-learning method is used to identify likely cluster members of the two clusters, taking into account the astrometric and photometric data of Gaia-DR2. It is found that NGC 2281 and NGC 2539 each have more than 600 likely cluster members, which are highly suitable for further investigation of the fundamental parameters of the two clusters. Robust estimates of the distances, proper motions, and radial velocities for the two clusters are obtained via a Monte Carlo simulation technique. NGC 2281 is found to have a distance of 522$\, \pm \,$12 pc, a proper motion of (〈μαcos δ〉, 〈μδ〉) = ($-2.947\, \pm \,$0.014, $-8.344\, \pm \,$0.014) mas yr−1, and a radial velocity of $+20.0\, \pm \,$0.7 km s−1. The distance, proper motion, and radial velocity of NGC 2539 are determined to be 1271$\, \pm \,$70 pc, (〈μαcos δ〉, 〈μδ〉) = ($-2.335\, \pm \,$0.007, $-0.583\, \pm \,$0.006) mas yr−1, and $+29.6\, \pm \,$0.4 km s−1, respectively. We find that NGC 2281 has a core radius of ${8{^{\prime}_{.}}89}$$\, \pm \,$${0{^{\prime}_{.}}27}$ (1.3 pc) and a limiting radius of ${79{^{\prime}_{.}}26}$$\, \pm \,$${2{^{\prime}_{.}}86}$ (12.0 pc). The core and limiting radius of NGC 2539 are determined to be ${5{^{\prime}_{.}}62}$$\, \pm \,$${0{^{\prime}_{.}}28}$ (2.1 pc) and ${33{^{\prime}_{.}}65}$$\, \pm \,$${1{^{\prime}_{.}}96}$ (12.4 pc), respectively. In addition, we find strong evidence for the existence of mass segregation in the two clusters.
Robot Reinforcement and Error-Based Movement Learning in Infants With and Without Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Kolobe Thubi H A , Fagg Andrew H
Published: March 2019

Background

Prone mobility, central to development of diverse psychological and social processes that have lasting effects on life participation, is seldom attained by infants with cerebral palsy (CP) and has no tested interventions. Reinforcement learning (RL) and error-based movement learning (EBL) offer novel intervention possibilities.

Objective

This study examined movement learning strategies in infants with or at risk for CP using RL and EBL during acquisition of prone locomotion.

Design

The study was a randomized trial that used repeated measures.

Setting

The study setting was a university physical therapy clinic in the United States.

Patients

Thirty infants aged 4.5 to 6.5 months participated in the study: 24 had or were at risk for CP, and 6 were typically developing.

Intervention

Infants with and at risk for CP were randomly assigned to a combination of RL and EBL (SIPPC-RE), or RL only (SIPPC-R) conditions. Infants with typical development comprised the RL-only reference group (SIPPC-TD). Infants trained in prone locomotion with the Self-Initiated Prone Progression Crawler (SIPPC) robotic system for three 5-minute trials, twice a week for 12 weeks in their homes or child care. All training sessions were videotaped for behavioral coding.

Measurements

The SIPPC gathered robot and infant trunk/limb movement data. Randomized 2-way analysis of variance with repeated measures and Pearson r to analyze the data was used.

Results

Results included the number of arm movements and trial-and-error activity distinguished between the SIPPC-RE and SIPPC-R groups. The mean change in arm movements from baseline for the SIPPC-RE and SIPPC-R groups was 4.8 m and −7.0 m, respectively. The mean differences in rotational amplitude (trial and error) from baseline to the end of the study were 278 degrees and 501 degrees, respectively. These changes were correlated with distance traveled and goal-directed movements. The latter increased over the 12 weeks for the SIPPC-RE and SIPPC-TD groups, but not the SIPPC-R group.

Limitations

The CP groups were unequal due to reassignment and did not include a typically developing comparison group of a combination of RL and EBL.

Conclusion

These findings suggest movement learning and retention in infants with CP is differentially affected by the use of RL and EBL, with a combination of both showing more promise than RL alone. The findings also implicate cognition, type of brain insult, emergence of reaching, and muscle force production, which must be explored in future studies.
Cost of behavioral weight loss programs implemented in clinical practice: The POWER trial at Johns Hopkins
Authors: Daumit Gail L , Janssen Ellen M , Jerome Gerald J , Dalcin Arlene T , Charleston Jeanne , Clark Jeanne M , Coughlin Janelle W , Yeh Hsin-Chieh , Miller Edgar R , Durkin Nowella , Louis Thomas A , Frick Kevin D , Wang Nae-Yuh , Appel Lawrence J
Published: March 2019

Obesity presents an important public health problem that affects more than a third of the U.S. adult population and that is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and costs. Previously, we documented that two primary care-based weight loss interventions were clinically effective. To encourage the implementation of and reimbursement for these interventions, we evaluated their relative cost-effectiveness. We performed a cost analysis of the Practice-based Opportunities for Weight Reduction (POWER) trial, a three-arm trial that enrolled 415 patients with obesity from six primary care practices. Trial participants were randomized to a control arm, an in-person support intervention, or a remote support intervention; in the two intervention arms, behavioral interventions were delivered over 24 months, in two phases. Weight loss was measured at 6, 12, and 24 months. Using timesheets and empirical data, we evaluated the cost of the in-person and remote support interventions from the perspective of a health care system delivering the interventions. A univariate sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate uncertainty around model assumptions. All comparisons were tested using independent t-tests. Cost of the in-person intervention was higher at 6 months ($113 per participant per month and $117 per kg lost) than the remote support intervention ($101 per participant per month and $99 per kg lost; p < .001). Costs were also higher for the in-person support intervention at 24 months ($73 per participant per month and $342 per kg lost) than for the remote support intervention ($53 per participant per month and $275 per kg lost; p < .001). In the sensitivity analyses, cost ranged from $274/kg lost to $456/kg lost for the in-person support intervention and from $218/kg to $367/kg lost for the remote support intervention. A primary care weight loss intervention administered remotely was relatively more cost-effective than an in-person intervention. Expanding the scope of reimbursable programs to include other cost-effective interventions could help ensure that a broader range of patients receive the type of support needed.
General practitioner endorsement of mail-out colorectal cancer screening: The perspective of nonparticipants
Authors: Goodwin Belinda C , Crawford-Williams Fiona , Ireland Michael J , March Sonja
Published: March 2019

Despite the health and economic benefits associated with mail-out colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, participation in programs across the world is suboptimal. A letter from the recipient’s general practitioner (GP) endorsing program participation has been shown to have a consistent, but modest, effect on screening uptake; however, the mechanisms by which GP endorsement is effective have not been investigated. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the potential utility of GP endorsement letters or SMS in the context of facilitating bowel cancer screening in previous nonparticipants and to identify mechanisms underlying responses. A cross-section of nonparticipants in the Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (N = 110) was randomly assigned to view a letter or SMS from a GP endorsing participation via an online survey. Ordinal responses reflecting effectiveness of, and influences on, GP endorsement were collected along with open questions regarding other potential endorsers. Percentages, means, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and compared. Fifty-two percent of the sample agreed that GP endorsement would encourage their future participation. Responses did not differ between SMS and letter formats. Trust in the GP had significantly more influence on response to GP endorsement than the credibility or medical knowledge. Other health professionals and cancer survivors were commonly suggested as alternative sources of endorsement. Interventions to improve CRC screening participation could benefit from the routine implementation of GP endorsement from GPs, other trusted health professionals, or cancer survivors, particularly by encouraging people who forget or procrastinate over collecting a stool sample.
Metabolic Diversity in Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Chen Pei-Hsuan , Cai Ling , Huffman Kenneth , Yang Chendong , Kim Jiyeon , Faubert Brandon , Boroughs Lindsey , Ko Bookyung , Sudderth Jessica , McMillan Elizabeth A. , Girard Luc , Peyton Michael , Shields Misty D. , Shames David , Kim Hyun Seok , Timmons Brenda , Sekine Ikuo , Britt Rebecca , Weber Stephanie , Byers Lauren A. , Heymach John V. , White Michael A. , Minna John D. , Xiao Guanghua , DeBerardinis Ralph J.
Published: March 2019

Intermediary metabolism in cancer cells is regulated by diverse cell-autonomous processes including signal transduction and gene expression patterns arising from specific oncogenotypes and cell lineages. Although it is well established that metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer, we lack a full view of the diversity of metabolic programs in cancer cells and an unbiased assessment of the associations between metabolic pathway preferences and other cell-autonomous processes. Here we quantified over 100 metabolic features, mostly from 13C enrichment of molecules from central carbon metabolism, in over 80 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines cultured under identical conditions. Because these cell lines were extensively annotated for oncogenotype, gene expression, protein expression and therapeutic sensitivity, the resulting database enables the user to uncover new relationships between metabolism and these orthogonal processes.