bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biventricular morphology in adults born with a ventricular septal defect
Authors: Maagaard Marie , Heiberg Johan , Eckerström Filip , Asschenfeldt Benjamin , Rex Christian E. , Ringgaard Steffen , Hjortdal Vibeke E.
Published: August 2018

Ventricular septal defects – large, surgically closed or small, untreated – have demonstrated lower peak exercise capacity compared with healthy controls. The mechanisms behind these findings are not yet fully understood. Therefore, we evaluated biventricular morphology in adults with a ventricular septal defect using MRI. Adults with either childhood surgically closed or small, untreated ventricular septal defects and healthy controls underwent cine MRI for the evaluation of biventricular volumes and quantitative flow scans for measurement of stroke index. Scans were analysed post hoc in a blinded manner. In total, 20 operated patients (22±2 years) and 20 healthy controls (23±2 years) were included, along with 32 patients with small, unrepaired ventricular septal defects (26±6 years) and 28 controls (27±5 years). Operated patients demonstrated larger right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (103±20 ml/m2) compared with their controls (88±16 ml/m2), p=0.01. Heart rate and right ventricular stroke index did not differ between operated patients and controls. Patients with unrepaired ventricular septal defects revealed larger right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (105±17 ml/m2) compared with their controls (88±13 ml/m2), p<0.01. Furthermore, right ventricular stroke index was higher in unrepaired ventricular septal defects (53±12 ml/minute/m2) compared with controls (46±8 ml/minute/m2), p=0.02, with similar heart rates. Both patient groups’ right ventricles were visually characterised by abundant coarse trabeculation. Positive correlations were demonstrated between right ventricular end-diastolic volume indices and peak exercise capacity in patients. Left ventricle measurements displayed no differences between groups. In conclusion, altered right ventricular morphology was demonstrated in adults 20 years after surgical ventricular septal defect repair and in adults with small, untreated ventricular septal defects.
The insurance premium in the interest rates of interlinked loans in a small-scale fishery
Authors: Riekhof Marie-Catherine
Published: August 2018

Interest payments based on income flows are a common feature of informal loans. Such so-called ’interlinked loans’ can be seen as insurance against very low disposable incomes, as interest payments are lowest when income turns out to be low. This paper examines whether interlinked loans indeed contain an insurance premium and how those premia are determined. A simple theoretical model predicts that interest rates of interlinked loans increase with income volatility when insurance premia exist. Based on data from a small-scale fishery in India, calculations show that, on average, lenders receive 25 per cent of the income, which corresponds to an average interest rate of 49 per cent p.a. A panel data analysis confirms theoretical predictions that interlinked loans contain an insurance component paid by the borrowers.
Nutrient intakes in an Italian population of infants during the complementary feeding period
Authors: Concina Federica , Pani Paola , Bravo Giulia , Barbone Fabio , Carletti Claudia V , Knowles Alessandra , Ronfani Luca , Parpinel Maria
Published: August 2018

Objective

To describe the nutrient intakes of an Italian cohort of infants at 6, 9 and 12 months of age.

Design

Dietary data were collected using a food diary at three follow-ups (6, 9 and 12 months of age of infants). The infants’ dietary data were used to estimate nutrient intakes using the Italian food composition database integrated with data from nutritional labels and the literature. The mean and standard deviation, median and interquartile range, minimum and maximum, and 5th, 25th, 75th and 95th percentiles were calculated for the daily intake of twenty-eight nutrients, with sex differences evaluated using parametric/non-parametric statistical methods.

Setting

A prospective population-based birth cohort.

Subject

Infants (n 400) living in the urban area of Trieste (Italy).

Results

The sex distribution was fairly balanced at each follow-up. The mean daily intakes of energy and the other twenty-seven nutrients considered were greater in males at all follow-ups. In particular, a significant statistical difference was observed in higher male consumption of cholesterol at 9 months and in energy and carbohydrate intakes at 12 months (P < 0·05). The mean daily intake of proteins was greater than that recommended by the Italian Dietary Reference Values at all follow-ups.

Conclusions

These preliminary results provide a useful basis for understanding the nutrient intake patterns of infants in this area of Italy during the first year of life.
On the quantification of habitability: merging the astrobiological and ecological schools
Authors: Rodríguez-López Lien , Cardenas Rolando , Parra Oscar , González-Rodríguez Lisdelys , Martin Osmel , Urrutia Roberto
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we connect ideas of the astrobiological and ecological schools to quantify habitability. We show how habitability indexes, devised using the astrobiologically inspired Quantitative Habitability Theory (QHT), can be embedded into ecological models of trophic levels. In particular, we address the problem of spatial-temporal scales. It turns out that the versatility of QHT allows to treat spatial and temporal scales typical of ecological studies. As a habitability index, we propose a new version of our Aquatic Primary Habitability, devised by some of us and formerly applied to saltwater ecosystems (both ocean and coastal) and now applied to freshwater. Although the aim of the paper is to outline the methodology rather than realism, initial steps for parameterization are considered for lakes of South-Central Chile.
Separation of Scales in Transpiration Effects on Low Flows: A Spatial Analysis in the Hydrological Open Air Laboratory
Authors: Széles B. , Broer M. , Parajka J. , Hogan P. , Eder A. , Strauss P. , Blöschl G.
Published: August 2018

The objective of this study was to understand whether spatial differences in runoff generation mechanisms affect the magnitudes of diurnal streamflow fluctuations during low flow periods and which part of the catchment induces the diurnal streamflow signal. The spatiotemporal variability of the streamflow fluctuations observed at 12 locations in the 66‐ha Hydrological Open Air Laboratory experimental catchment in Austria was explained by differences in the vegetation cover and runoff generation mechanisms. Almost a quarter of the volume associated with diurnal streamflow fluctuations at the catchment outlet was explained by transpiration from vegetation along the tributaries; more than three quarters was due to transpiration by the riparian forest along the main stream. The lag times between radiative forcing and evapotranspiration estimated by a solar radiation‐driven model increased from 3 to 11 hr from spring to autumn. The recession time scales increased from 21 days in spring to 54 days in autumn. Observations and model simulations suggest that a separation of scales in transpiration effects on low flows exists both in time and space; that is, the diurnal streamflow fluctuations are induced by transpiration from the riparian vegetation, while most of the catchment evapotranspiration, such as evapotranspiration from the crop fields further away from the stream, do not influence the diurnal signal in streamflow.
Streamline Tracing Methods Based on Piecewise Polynomial Pressure Approximations
Authors: Zhang Nan , Cao Jie , James Lesley A. , Johansen Thormod E.
Published: August 2018

In this paper, a unified approach for developing streamline tracing method is proposed based on piecewise polynomial pressure approximation functions. It is designed for the numerical schemes that solve the pressure solution at grid blocks while the interior velocity field remains unknown. The suitable velocity approximation functions are derived through analytical differentiation of pressure functions. They better represent the relationship between velocity field and pressure distribution in reality, satisfy the Laplace equation everywhere in a grid block, and ensure local mass conservation and normal flux continuity. Based on different polynomial pressure functions, the Trilinear/Bilinear and Cubic streamline tracing methods are developed. Additionally, a piecewise parabolic velocity reconstruction method is proposed to extend the application of the Cubic method to first‐order numerical schemes. The accuracy and efficiency of the newly proposed methods are evaluated through comparing it with the Pollock and the high‐order method in terms of velocity approximations and computational cost in numerical cases. Comparison results indicate that the Cubic method delivers the most accurate results at the same computational cost.
Hydromechanical Impacts of Pleistocene Glaciations on Pore Fluid Pressure Evolution, Rock Failure, and Brine Migration Within Sedimentary Basins and the Crystalline Basement
Authors: Zhang Yipeng , Person Mark , Voller Vaughan , Cohen Denis , McIntosh Jennifer , Grapenthin Ronni
Published: August 2018

The effects of Pleistocene glacial loading on rock failure, permeability increases, pore pressure evolution, and brine migration within two linked sedimentary basins were evaluated using a multiphysics control volume finite element model. We applied this model to an idealized cross section that extends across the continent of North America from the Hudson Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. Our analysis considered lithosphere geomechanical stress changes (σyy > 35 MPa) in response to 10 cycles of ice sheet loading. Hydrologic boundary conditions, lithosphere rheological properties, and aquifer/confining unit configuration were varied in a sensitivity study. We used a Coulomb Failure Stress change metric (ΔCFSp > 0.1 MPa) to increase permeability by a factor of 100 in some simulations. Results suggest that a buildup of anomalous pore pressures up to about 3 MPa occurred in confining units during periods of glaciations, but this had only a second‐order effect on triggering rock failure. In regions prone to failure, permeability increases during glaciations help to explain observations of brine flushing in sedimentary basin aquifers. During the Holocene to present day, deglaciation resulted in underpressure formation in confining units primarily along the northern margin of the northern basin. Holocene‐modern geomechanical stress fields were relatively small (<0.6 MPa). However, pore pressure increases associated with postglacial rebound, especially when a basal sedimentary basin aquifer is present, induced rock failure and seismicity up to 150 km beyond the terminus of the ice sheet. Sedimentary basin salinity patterns did not equilibrate after 10 simulated glacial cycles.
Nonsinking Organic Matter Production in the California Current
Authors: Stephens B. M. , Porrachia M. , Dovel S. , Roadman M. , Goericke R. , Aluwihare L. I.
Published: August 2018

Productive eastern boundary upwelling systems such as the California Current Ecosystem (CCE) are important regions for supporting both local and remote food webs. Several studies have reported on the temporal and spatial variability of primary production and gravitational export in the CCE. However, few studies have quantified the partitioning of net primary and new production into other reservoirs of detrital organic matter. This study tested the hypothesis that nonsinking detrital reservoirs are an exportable reservoir of new production in the CCE with samples collected by the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigation survey between 2008 and 2010. Water column gradients in nitrate (NO3−) and total organic carbon (TOC; which excludes sinking particulate organic carbon) were used to estimate potential rates of new production (PNew) and TOC production (PTOC), respectively. The PTOC:PNew varied between 0.16 and 0.56 and often increased with indicators of enhanced autotrophic production. At times, surface stratification was also correlated with elevated PTOC:PNew. In the most productive, inshore region, PTOC exceeded previously reported sinking export rates, which identified TOC as a quantitatively significant repository of exportable carbon in the CCE. However the sum of PTOC and sinking export for these productive regions was less than both PNew and oxygen‐based estimates of net community production. These results imply that nonsinking reservoirs alone are not sufficient to explain observed imbalances between production and export for the most productive CCE regions.
Lethargic Response to Aerosol Emissions in Current Climate Models
Authors: Storelvmo Trude , Heede Ulla K. , Leirvik Thomas , Phillips Peter C. B. , Arndt Philipp , Wild Martin
Published: August 2018

The global temperature trend observed over the last century is largely the result of two opposing effects—cooling from aerosol particles and greenhouse gas warming. While the effect of increasing greenhouse gas concentrations on Earth's radiation budget is well constrained, that due to anthropogenic aerosols is not, partly due to a lack of observations. However, long‐term surface measurements of changes in downward solar radiation (SDSR), an often used proxy for aerosol radiative impact, are available worldwide over the last half century. We compare SDSR changes from ∼1,400 stations to those from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Version 5 global climate simulations over the period 1961–2005. The observed SDSR shows a strong early downward trend followed by a weaker trend reversal, broadly consistent with historical aerosol emissions. However, despite considerable changes to known aerosol emissions over time, the models show negligible SDSR trends, revealing a lethargic response to aerosol emissions and casting doubt on the accuracy of their future climate projections.
Topographic and Seismic Constraints on the Vulnerability of Himalayan Hydropower
Authors: Schwanghart Wolfgang , Ryan Marie , Korup Oliver
Published: August 2018

We compiled damages to hydropower projects (HPPs) in the wake of Nepal's 2015 Gorkha earthquake and its main aftershock. Based on 41 records of HPP losses, we identify the main mechanisms determining the degree of loss. We show that, among these mechanisms, earthquake‐triggered landslides had the largest share. Landslides clustered where peak ground acceleration and river steepness Mχ, a metric frequently used in tectonic geomorphology, attain high values. A Bayesian logistic regression reveals that both metrics are credible predictors for HPP damage states. Our study underscores the vulnerability of Himalayan hydropower to landsliding. We estimate that ~25% of existing, currently constructed, and planned HPPs and >10% of potential HPP sites along Himalayan rivers have high probabilities of moderate to severe damage during future earthquake. Our study highlights that HPP hazard assessments need to consider both seismic and the geomorphic setting of HPP sites conjunctively.
First Observation of Transport of Solar Wind Protons Scattered From Magnetic Anomalies Into the Near Lunar Wake: Observations by SARA/Chandrayaan‐1
Authors: Dhanya M. B. , Bhardwaj Anil , Alok Abhinaw , Futaana Yoshifumi , Barabash Stas , Wieser Martin , Holmström Mats , Wurz Peter
Published: August 2018

We report the first observational evidence for the transport of the solar wind protons scattered from the lunar magnetic anomaly (LMA) into the near wake region from SWIM/Sub‐keV Atom Reflecting Analyzer (SARA) aboard Chandrayaan‐1. These protons with high angular spread are observed in the near wake region for specific orientations of interplanetary magnetic field. The typical energy range is 600–1,000 eV, which is either smaller or comparable to that of solar wind. Using our backtracing model, the source region of these protons is found to be the large LMA at South Pole‐Aitken basin on the dayside, suggesting that these are solar wind protons forward scattered from LMA at the South Pole‐Aitken. The flux of these protons is ∼5 × 10−4 of the solar wind proton flux, which is comparable to the proton population in near wake due to other known processes. Such protons can significantly affect the electromagnetic environment in near wake region.
In Situ Observation of Magnetic Reconnection Between an Earthward Propagating Flux Rope and the Geomagnetic Field
Authors: Man H. Y. , Zhou M. , Deng X. H. , Fu H. S. , Zhong Z. H. , Chen Z. Z. , Russell C. T. , Strangeway R. J. , Paterson W. R. , Giles B. L. , Lindqvist P.‐A. , Ergun R. E. , Burch J. L.
Published: August 2018

It has been proposed that, in the near‐Earth magnetotail, earthward propagating flux ropes can merge with the Earth's dipole magnetic field and dissipate its magnetic energy. However, the reconnection diffusion region related to this process has not been identified. Here we report the first in situ observation of magnetic reconnection between an earthward propagating flux rope and the closed magnetic field lines connecting to Earth. Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft crossed a vertical current sheet between the leading edge of the flux rope (negative Bz) and the geomagnetic field (positive Bz). The subion‐scale current sheet, super‐Alfvénic electron outflow, Hall magnetic and electric field, conversion of magnetic energy to plasma energy (J·E > 0), and magnetic null were observed during the crossing. All the above signatures indicate that MMS detected the reconnection diffusion region. This result is also relevant to other planets with intrinsic magnetosphere.
How Well Does the Mechanistic Water Quality Model CE‐QUAL‐W2 Represent Biogeochemical Responses to Climatic and Hydrologic Forcing?
Authors: Zhang Chen , Brett Michael T. , Brattebo Shannon K. , Welch Eugene B.
Published: August 2018

Mechanistic water quality models are applied globally for water quality management in rivers and lakes. However, it is unclear how well these models represent the response of lakes to changes in climate and hydrologic conditions. To address this question, we conducted a series of climate and hydrologic sensitivity analyses using a parameterized water quality model, CE‐QUAL‐W2, for the Spokane River and Lake Spokane system. Two experimental tests with climate and flow forcing showed that the model predictions were rather insensitive to climatic‐driven hydrologic changes and a wide range of hydrologic conditions (1st to 99th percentile flows) for two different wastewater treatment plant discharge scenarios. The model realistically represented some aspects of Lake Spokane's observed responses to climatic and hydrologic variability, for example, the water residence time and some water quality trends. However, the model overestimated the reservoir total phosphorus (TPR) concentration by ~37% and the chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentration by ~31% and underestimated the minimum volume‐weighted hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen (DOMIN) concentration by ~26% for a wide range of flows compared to the observed data. In contrast to the model's water quality insensitivity, the modeled temperature was more sensitive to flow than was actually observed in Lake Spokane. This study provides guidance for improving the response of one of the most important mechanistic water quality models to climatic and hydrologic forcing and should help modelers and decision‐makers to develop a rigorous assessment of climate and flow sensitivity to improve the margin of safety when setting total maximum daily load targets.
A Transdisciplinary Review of Deep Learning Research and Its Relevance for Water Resources Scientists
Authors: Shen Chaopeng
Published: August 2018

Deep learning (DL), a new generation of artificial neural network research, has transformed industries, daily lives, and various scientific disciplines in recent years. DL represents significant progress in the ability of neural networks to automatically engineer problem‐relevant features and capture highly complex data distributions. I argue that DL can help address several major new and old challenges facing research in water sciences such as interdisciplinarity, data discoverability, hydrologic scaling, equifinality, and needs for parameter regionalization. This review paper is intended to provide water resources scientists and hydrologists in particular with a simple technical overview, transdisciplinary progress update, and a source of inspiration about the relevance of DL to water. The review reveals that various physical and geoscientific disciplines have utilized DL to address data challenges, improve efficiency, and gain scientific insights. DL is especially suited for information extraction from image‐like data and sequential data. Techniques and experiences presented in other disciplines are of high relevance to water research. Meanwhile, less noticed is that DL may also serve as a scientific exploratory tool. A new area termed AI neuroscience, where scientists interpret the decision process of deep networks and derive insights, has been born. This budding subdiscipline has demonstrated methods including correlation‐based analysis, inversion of network‐extracted features, reduced‐order approximations by interpretable models, and attribution of network decisions to inputs. Moreover, DL can also use data to condition neurons that mimic problem‐specific fundamental organizing units, thus revealing emergent behaviors of these units. Vast opportunities exist for DL to propel advances in water sciences.
MiR-9, miR-153 and miR-124 are down-regulated by acute exposure to cocaine in a dopaminergic cell model and may contribute to cocaine dependence
Authors: Cabana-Domínguez Judit , Arenas Concepció , Cormand Bru , Fernàndez-Castillo Noèlia
Published: August 2018

Cocaine is one of the most used psychostimulant drugs worldwide. MicroRNAs are post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression that are highly expressed in brain, and several studies have shown that cocaine can alter their expression. In a previous study, we identified several protein-coding genes that are differentially expressed in a dopaminergic neuron-like model after an acute exposure to cocaine. Now, we used the prediction tool WebGestalt to identify miRNA molecules potentially involved in the regulation of these genes. Using the same cellular model, we found that seven of these miRNAs are down-regulated by cocaine: miR-124-3p, miR-124-5p, miR-137, miR-101-3p, miR-9-5p, miR-369-3p and miR-153-3p, the last three not previously related to cocaine. Furthermore, we found that three of the miRNA genes that are differentially expressed in our model (hsa-miR-9-1, hsa-miR-153-1 and hsa-miR-124-3) are nominally associated with cocaine dependence in a case–control study (2,085 cases and 4,293 controls). In summary, we highlighted novel miRNAs that may be involved in those cocaine-induced changes of gene expression that underlie addiction. Moreover, we identified genetic variants that contribute to cocaine dependence in three of these miRNA genes, supporting the idea that genes differentially expressed under cocaine may play an important role in the susceptibility to cocaine dependence.
SIRT2 is required for efficient reprogramming of mouse embryonic fibroblasts toward pluripotency
Authors: Kim Ah-Young , Lee Eun-Mi , Lee Eun-Joo , Kim Jae-Hong , Suk Kyoungho , Lee Eunhye , Hur Keun , Hong Yean Ju , Do Jeong Tae , Park SunYoung , Jeong Kyu-Shik
Published: August 2018

The role of sirtuins (SIRTs) in cancer biology has been the focus of recent research. The similarities between underlying pathways involved in the induction of pluripotent stem cells and transformation of cancer cells revealed the role of SIRTs in cellular reprogramming. Seven SIRTs have been identified in mammals and downregulation of SIRT2 was found to facilitate the generation of primed pluripotent stem cells, such as human induced pluripotent stem cells. Herein, we evaluated the role of SIRT2 in naive pluripotent stem cell generation using murine cells. We found that absolute depletion of SIRT2 in mouse embryonic fibroblasts resulted in a notable reduction in reprogramming efficiency. SIRT2 depletion not only upregulated elements of the INK4/ARF locus, which in turn had an antiproliferative effect, but also significantly altered the expression of proteins related to the PI3K/Akt and Hippo pathways, which are important signaling pathways for stemness. Thus, this study demonstrated that SIRT2 is required for cellular reprogramming to naive states of pluripotency in contrast to primed pluripotency states.
MRE11 inhibition highlights a replication stress-dependent vulnerability of MYCN-driven tumors
Authors: Petroni Marialaura , Sardina Francesca , Infante Paola , Bartolazzi Armando , Locatelli Erica , Fabretti Francesca , Di Giulio Stefano , Capalbo Carlo , Cardinali Beatrice , Coppa Anna , Tessitore Alessandra , Colicchia Valeria , Sahùn Roncero Maria , Belardinilli Francesca , Di Marcotullio Lucia , Soddu Silvia , Comes Franchini Mauro , Petricci Elena , Gulino Alberto , Giannini Giuseppe
Published: August 2018

MRE11 is a component of the MRE11/RAD50/NBS1 (MRN) complex, whose activity is essential to control faithful DNA replication and to prevent accumulation of deleterious DNA double-strand breaks. In humans, hypomorphic mutations in these genes lead to DNA damage response (DDR)-defective and cancer-prone syndromes. Moreover, MRN complex dysfunction dramatically affects the nervous system, where MRE11 is required to restrain MYCN-dependent replication stress, during the rapid expansion of progenitor cells. MYCN activation, often due to genetic amplification, represents the driving oncogenic event for a number of human tumors, conferring bad prognosis and predicting very poor responses even to the most aggressive therapeutic protocols. This is prototypically exemplified by neuroblastoma, where MYCN amplification occurs in about 25% of the cases. Intriguingly, MRE11 is highly expressed and predicts bad prognosis in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma. Due to the lack of direct means to target MYCN, we explored the possibility to trigger intolerable levels of replication stress-dependent DNA damage, by inhibiting MRE11 in MYCN-amplified preclinical models. Indeed, either MRE11 knockdown or its pharmacological inhibitor mirin induce accumulation of replication stress and DNA damage biomarkers in MYCN-amplified cells. The consequent DDR recruits p53 and promotes a p53-dependent cell death, as indicated by p53 loss- and gain-of-function experiments. Encapsulation of mirin in nanoparticles allowed its use on MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma xenografts in vivo, which resulted in a sharp impairment of tumor growth, associated with DDR activation, p53 accumulation, and cell death. Therefore, we propose that MRE11 inhibition might be an effective strategy to treat MYCN-amplified and p53 wild-type neuroblastoma, and suggest that targeting replication stress with appropriate tools should be further exploited to tackle MYCN-driven tumors.
Stage-specific epigenetic regulation of CD4 expression by coordinated enhancer elements during T cell development
Authors: Issuree Priya D. , Day Kenneth , Au Christy , Raviram Ramya , Zappile Paul , Skok Jane A. , Xue Hai-Hui , Myers Richard M. , Littman Dan R.
Published: August 2018

The inheritance of gene expression patterns is dependent on epigenetic regulation, but the establishment and maintenance of epigenetic landscapes during T cell differentiation are incompletely understood. Here we show that two stage-specific Cd4 cis-elements, the previously characterized enhancer E4p and a novel enhancer E4m, coordinately promote Cd4 transcription in mature thymic MHC-II-specific T cells, in part through the canonical Wnt pathway. Specifically, E4p licenses E4m to orchestrate DNA demethylation by TET1 and TET3, which in turn poises the Cd4 locus for transcription in peripheral T cells. Cd4 locus demethylation is important for subsequent Cd4 transcription in activated peripheral T cells wherein these cis-elements become dispensable. By contrast, in developing thymocytes the loss of TET1/3 does not affect Cd4 transcription, highlighting an uncoupled event between transcription and epigenetic modifications. Together our findings reveal an important function for thymic cis-elements in governing gene expression in the periphery via a heritable epigenetic mechanism.
A holistic approach to the age validation of Mullus barbatus L., 1758 in the Southern Adriatic Sea (Central Mediterranean)
Authors: Carbonara Pierluigi , Intini Simona , Kolitari Jerina , Joksimović Aleksandar , Milone Nicoletta , Lembo Giuseppe , Casciaro Loredana , Bitetto Isabella , Zupa Walter , Spedicato Maria Teresa , Sion Letizia
Published: August 2018

The growth of Mullus barbatus has been widely studied using different methods, but no previous study has focused on age validation. The uncertainty in estimating the age of the red mullet by otolith reading is linked to the number of false-growth increments laid down before the annulus. The capture of red mullets in the early life stage allowed us to estimate their size at the metamorphosis from the pelagic to the demersal phase. The comparison between the metamorphosis size and the back-calculated length of the first growth increment clarified the position of the false growth increment on the otolith. Moreover, the analyses of the otolith marginal increments in adult and juvenile specimens allowed us to define the deposition patterns of their annuli. The modal components of the length–frequency distribution analysis (LFDA) were identified in the winter survey (ELEFAN and Bhattacharya methods), and they did not show significant differences from the length back-calculation of the annuli. Moreover, no significant differences were found between the growth curves calculated by otolith reading (back-calculation and direct otolith reading) and the LFDA. The agreement between the length–frequency results and the otolith age estimation either corroborated or indirectly validated the growth pattern estimated in the otoliths of the red mullet, mainly when the direct validation methods (e.g. mark-recapture, captivity, radiochemical) were difficult to implement, like the case of this species. The comparison of the results of the present work to previous Mediterranean studies showed agreement with the slow growth pattern.
Levels of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) in raw wastewater as an innovative perspective for investigating population-wide exposure to third-hand smoke
Authors: Lai Foon Yin , Lympousi Katerina , Been Frederic , Benaglia Lisa , Udrisard Robin , Delémont Olivier , Esseiva Pierre , Thomaidis Nikolaos S. , Covaci Adrian , van Nuijs Alexander L. N.
Published: August 2018

Tobacco smoking is the major cause of many chronic diseases, especially lung cancer. Knowledge about population-wide tobacco use and exposure is essential to characterise its burden on public health and evaluate policy efficacy. Obtaining such knowledge remains challenging with current methods (e.g., surveys, biomonitoring) but can be achievable with wastewater analysis, a promising tool of retrieving epidemiology information. This study examined population-wide exposure to tobacco toxicants and carcinogens through wastewater analysis and explored relationships among these chemicals. Cotinine, trans-3′-hydroxycotinine, anabasine, anatabine and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) were analysed in samples from Greece, Switzerland and Belgium, where tobacco control policies are different. Measured per-capita mass loads were ranked as: nicotine biomarkers ≫ tobacco markers > carcinogens. Relationships between nicotine biomarkers and tobacco markers implied substantial use of non-tobacco nicotine items besides tobacco products. Geographic profiles of tobacco markers revealed higher levels in Geneva and Athens than Geraardsbergen and Ninove. Environmental third-hand smoke led to NNK detection, with elevated levels observed in Athens where indoor smoking is widespread, posing potential health risks to the population. Our novel outcomes are relevant for public health authorities as they provide indications about external exposure and can thus be used to plan and evaluate tobacco control policies.
The diverse magneto-optical selection rules in bilayer black phosphorus
Authors: Wu Jhao-Ying , Chen Szu-Chao , Do Thi-Nga , Su Wu-Pei , Gumbs Godfrey , Lin Ming-Fa
Published: August 2018

The magneto-optical properties of bilayer phosphorene is investigated by the generalized tight-binding model and the gradient approximation. The vertical inter-Landau-level transitions, being sensitive to the polarization directions, are mainly determined by the spatial symmetries of sub-envelope functions on the distinct sublattices. The anisotropic excitations strongly depend on the electric and magnetic fields. A uniform perpendicular electric field could greatly diversify the selection rule, frequency, intensity, number and form of symmetric absorption peaks. Specifically, the unusual magneto-optical properties appear beyond the critical field as a result of two subgroups of Landau levels with the main and side modes. The rich and unique magnetoabsorption spectra arise from the very close relations among the geometric structures, multiple intralayer and interlayer hopping integrals and composite external fields.
EpCAM homo-oligomerization is not the basis for its role in cell-cell adhesion
Authors: Gaber Aljaž , Kim Seung Joong , Kaake Robyn M. , Benčina Mojca , Krogan Nevan , Šali Andrej , Pavšič Miha , Lenarčič Brigita
Published: August 2018

Cell-surface tumor marker EpCAM plays a key role in proliferation, differentiation and adhesion processes in stem and epithelial cells. It is established as a cell-cell adhesion molecule, forming intercellular interactions through homophilic association. However, the mechanism by which such interactions arise has not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we first show that EpCAM monomers do not associate into oligomers that would resemble an inter-cellular homo-oligomer, capable of mediating cell-cell adhesion, by using SAXS, XL-MS and bead aggregation assays. Second, we also show that EpCAM forms stable dimers on the surface of a cell with pre-formed cell-cell contacts using FLIM-FRET; however, no inter-cellular homo-oligomers were detectable. Thus, our study provides clear evidence that EpCAM indeed does not function as a homophilic cell adhesion molecule and therefore calls for a significant revision of its role in both normal and cancerous tissues. In the light of this, we strongly support the previously suggested name Epithelial Cell Activating Molecule instead of the Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule.
Functional diversity of brain networks supports consciousness and verbal intelligence
Authors: Naci Lorina , Haugg Amelie , MacDonald Alex , Anello Mimma , Houldin Evan , Naqshbandi Shakib , Gonzalez-Lara Laura E. , Arango Miguel , Harle Christopher , Cusack Rhodri , Owen Adrian M.
Published: August 2018

How are the myriad stimuli arriving at our senses transformed into conscious thought? To address this question, in a series of studies, we asked whether a common mechanism underlies loss of information processing in unconscious states across different conditions, which could shed light on the brain mechanisms of conscious cognition. With a novel approach, we brought together for the first time, data from the same paradigm—a highly engaging auditory-only narrative—in three independent domains: anesthesia-induced unconsciousness, unconsciousness after brain injury, and individual differences in intellectual abilities during conscious cognition. During external stimulation in the unconscious state, the functional differentiation between the auditory and fronto-parietal systems decreased significantly relatively to the conscious state. Conversely, we found that stronger functional differentiation between these systems in response to external stimulation predicted higher intellectual abilities during conscious cognition, in particular higher verbal acuity scores in independent cognitive testing battery. These convergent findings suggest that the responsivity of sensory and higher-order brain systems to external stimulation, especially through the diversification of their functional responses is an essential feature of conscious cognition and verbal intelligence.
Association of the IP3R to STIM1 provides a reduced intraluminal calcium microenvironment, resulting in enhanced store-operated calcium entry
Authors: Sampieri Alicia , Santoyo Karla , Asanov Alexander , Vaca Luis
Published: August 2018

The involvement of inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) in modulating store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) was established many years ago. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism responsible for this observation has not been elucidated to this date. In the present study we show that IP3R associates to STIM1 upon depletion of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by activation of the inositol trisphosphate signaling cascade via G-protein coupled receptors. IP3R-STIM1 association results in enhanced STIM1 puncta formation and larger Orai-mediated whole-cell currents as well as increased calcium influx. Depleting the ER with a calcium ATPase inhibitor (thapsigargin, TG) does not induce IP3R-STIM1 association, indicating that this association requires an active IP3R. The IP3R-STIM1 association is only observed after IP3R activation, as evidenced by FRET experiments and co-immunoprecipitation assays. ER intraluminal calcium measurements using Mag-Fluo-4 showed enhanced calcium depletion when IP3R is overexpressed. A STIM1-GCaMP fusion protein indicates that STIM1 detects lower calcium concentrations near its EF-hand domain when IP3R is overexpressed when compared with the fluorescence reported by a GCaMP homogenously distributed in the ER lumen (ER-GCaMP). All these data together strongly suggest that activation of inositol trisphosphate signaling cascade induces the formation of the IP3R-STIM1 complex. The activated IP3R provides a reduced intraluminal calcium microenvironment near STIM1, resulting in enhanced activation of Orai currents and SOCE.
Diagnostics of Data-Driven Models: Uncertainty Quantification of PM7 Semi-Empirical Quantum Chemical Method
Authors: Oreluk James , Liu Zhenyuan , Hegde Arun , Li Wenyu , Packard Andrew , Frenklach Michael , Zubarev Dmitry
Published: August 2018

We report an evaluation of a semi-empirical quantum chemical method PM7 from the perspective of uncertainty quantification. Specifically, we apply Bound-to-Bound Data Collaboration, an uncertainty quantification framework, to characterize (a) variability of PM7 model parameter values consistent with the uncertainty in the training data and (b) uncertainty propagation from the training data to the model predictions. Experimental heats of formation of a homologous series of linear alkanes are used as the property of interest. The training data are chemically accurate, i.e., they have very low uncertainty by the standards of computational chemistry. The analysis does not find evidence of PM7 consistency with the entire data set considered as no single set of parameter values is found that captures the experimental uncertainties of all training data. A set of parameter values for PM7 was able to capture the training data within ±1 kcal/mol, but not to the smaller level of uncertainty in the reported data. Nevertheless, PM7 was found to be consistent for subsets of the training data. In such cases, uncertainty propagation from the chemically accurate training data to the predicted values preserves error within bounds of chemical accuracy if predictions are made for the molecules of comparable size. Otherwise, the error grows linearly with the relative size of the molecules.
Effect of the prebiotic fiber inulin on cholesterol metabolism in wildtype mice
Authors: Mistry Rima H. , Gu Fangjie , Schols Henk A. , Verkade Henkjan J. , Tietge Uwe J. F.
Published: August 2018

Dietary non-digestible carbohydrates are perceived to improve health via gut microbiota-dependent generation of products such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). In addition, SCFA are also precursors for lipid and cholesterol synthesis potentially resulting in unwanted effects on lipid metabolism. Inulin is a widely used model prebiotic dietary fiber. Inconsistent reports on the effects of inulin on cholesterol homeostasis have emerged in humans and preclinical models. To clarify this issue, the present study aimed to provide an in-depth characterization of the effects of short-chain (sc)- and long-chain (lc)- inulin on cholesterol synthesis, absorption and elimination in mice. Feeding wildtype C57BL/6J mice diets supplemented with 10% (w/w) of either sc- or lc-inulin for two weeks resulted in approximately 2.5-fold higher fecal SCFA levels (P < 0.01) compared with controls, but had no significant effects on plasma and liver lipids. Subtle shifts in fecal and plasma bile acid species were detected with beta-muricholic acid increasing significantly in plasma of the inulin fed groups (1.7-fold, P < 0.05). However, neither sc-inulin nor lc-inulin affected intestinal cholesterol absorption, mass fecal cholesterol excretion or trans-intestinal cholesterol excretion (TICE). Combined, our data demonstrate that sc- and lc-inulin have no adverse effects on cholesterol metabolism in mice despite increased generation of SCFA.
A self-supported hierarchical Co-MOF as a supercapacitor electrode with ultrahigh areal capacitance and excellent rate performance
Authors: Zhu Guilei , Wen Hao , Ma Min , Wang Weiyi , Yang Lin , Wang Linchun , Shi Xifeng , Cheng Xiaowei , Sun Xuping , Yao Yadong
Published: August 2018

Hierarchical Co-MOF nanosheet-assembled hexagon-like microblocks serving as a supercapacitor electrode exhibits outstanding areal specific capacitance and Co-MOF/NF//AC achieves a high energy density of 1.7 mW h cm−2 at 4.0 mW cm−2.
Bis(chlorogermyliumylidene) and its significant role in elusive reductive cyclization
Authors: Majumdar Moumita , Raut Ravindra K. , Sahoo Padmini , Kumar Vikas
Published: August 2018

Bis(chlorogermyliumylidene) has been obtained within a bis(α-iminopyridine), where the [GeCl]+ units conduce elusive reductive cyclization maintaining high stereoselectivity.
Steric effects determine the mechanisms of reactions between bis(N-heterocyclic carbene)-nickel(0) complexes and aryl halides
Authors: Nelson David J. , Maseras Feliu
Published: August 2018

DFT studies show that [Ni(NHC)2] complexes with large ligands disfavour oxidative addition and instead react with aryl halides via halide abstraction.
Thermal expansion along one-dimensional chains and two-dimensional sheets within co-crystals based on halogen or hydrogen bonds
Authors: Hutchins Kristin M. , Unruh Daniel K. , Carpenter Dontrell D. , Groeneman Ryan H.
Published: August 2018

Co-crystals assembled via halogen or hydrogen bonds yield minimal thermal expansion along 1D chains and greater expansion in 2D sheets.
Bexarotene cannot reduce amyloid beta plaques through inhibition of production of amyloid beta peptides:in silicoandin vitrostudy
Authors: Pham Huy Dinh Quoc , Thai Nguyen Quoc , Bednarikova Zuzana , Linh Huynh Quang , Gazova Zuzana , Li Mai Suan
Published: August 2018

Recently, it has been reported that anti-cancer drug bexarotene can remarkably destroy amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques in mouse models suggesting therapeutic potential for Alzheimer's disease.
Tuning core–shell interactions in tungsten carbide–Pt nanoparticles for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Jain Akash , Ramasubramaniam Ashwin
Published: August 2018

Titanium doping enhances the stability and activity of tungsten carbide core–platinum shell nanoparticles for hydrogen evolution
Boron triel bonding: a weak electrostatic interaction lacking electron-density descriptors
Authors: Escudero-Adán Eduardo C. , Bauzá Antonio , Lecomte Claude , Frontera Antonio , Ballester Pablo
Published: August 2018

We report accurate high-resolution X-ray diffraction analysis of three single crystals: 1,4-dinitrobenzene, a co-crystal ofcis-tartaric acid and bis-pyridineN-oxide and pyridine-4-boronic acid hydrochloride and compare the electron density characteristics of the π-hole interactions present in the solids.
Unravelling the mechanism of tin-based frustrated Lewis pair catalysed hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds
Authors: Das Shubhajit , Pati Swapan K.
Published: August 2018

A computational mechanistic model for Sn/N FLP-catalysed hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds.
SiO2 aerogel monolith allows ultralow amounts of TiO2 for the fast and efficient removal of gaseous pollutants
Authors: Wan Fangxu , Wang Changhua , Han Yonghua , Kong Lina , Yan Jingyu , Zhang Xintong , Liu Yichun
Published: August 2018

TiO2(0.6wt%)–SiO2 aerogel monolith allows complete penetration of UV light, displaying fast and efficient removal of gaseous pollutants in air.
Stable Fe(iii) phenoxyimines as selective and robust CO2/epoxide coupling catalysts
Authors: Fazekas Eszter , Nichol Gary S. , Shaver Michael P. , Garden Jennifer A.
Published: August 2018

Air- and moisture-stable Fe(iii)-phenoxyimine complexes catalyse CO2 coupling reactions with a range of epoxides to selectively form cyclic carbonates.
Two luminescent lanthanide(iii) metal–organic frameworks as chemosensors for high-efficiency recognition of Cr(vi) anions in aqueous solution
Authors: Zou Ji-Yong , Li Ling , You Sheng-Yong , Liu Yue-Wei , Cui Hong-Min , Cui Jian-Zhong , Zhang Shao-Wei
Published: August 2018

Two 12-connected sqc15 lanthanide(iii) MOFs act as luminescent turn-off chemosensors for high-efficiency recognition of Cr2O72− and CrO42− anions in aqueous solution.
The thermodynamics and kinetics of iodine vacancies in the hybrid perovskite methylammonium lead iodide
Authors: Barboni Denis , De Souza Roger A.
Published: August 2018

A quantitative description of the ionic conductivity of MAPbI3 is built on two pillars: knowledge of the iodine-vacancy jump rate and of the density of iodine defects.
Comparative study of the bioaccessibility of the colorless carotenoids phytoene and phytofluene in powders and pulps of tomato: microstructural analysis and effect of addition of sunflower oil
Authors: Mapelli-Brahm Paula , Stinco Carla M. , Meléndez-Martínez Antonio J.
Published: August 2018

The bioaccessibility of phytoene and phytofluene, two carotenoids that are attracting much attention, from tomato powders and pulps was analysed.
A biosensor based on a graphene nanoribbon/silver nanoparticle/polyphenol oxidase composite matrix on a graphite electrode: application in the analysis of catechol in green tea samples
Authors: Sandeep Shadakshari , Santhosh Arehalli Shivamurthy , Swamy Ningappa Kumara , Suresh Gurukar Shivappa , Melo Jose Savio , Chamaraja Nelligeri Arkeswaraiah
Published: August 2018

The present report demonstrates the development of a Gr/GNRs/AgNPs/PPO composite biosensor for the detection of catechol.
A multi-analyte responsive chemosensor vanilinyl Schiff base: fluorogenic sensing of Zn(ii), Cd(ii) and I−
Authors: Purkait Rakesh , Dey Sunanda , Sinhaa Chittaranjan
Published: August 2018

A single fluorescence probe recognizes multiple ions and grabs the great attention of scientists.
Pd-catalysed carbonylative annulation of salicylaldehydes with benzyl chlorides usingN-formylsaccharin as a CO surrogate
Authors: Yadav Vinod K. , Srivastava Vishnu P. , Yadav Lal Dhar S.
Published: August 2018

A highly efficient synthesis of 3-arylcoumarins by Pd-catalysed carbonylative cyclisation of salicylaldehydes with benzyl chlorides usingN-formylsaccharin as a CO source is developed.
New oxidovanadium(iv) complex with a BIAN ligand: synthesis, structure, redox properties and catalytic activity
Authors: Fomenko Iakov S. , Gushchin Artem L. , Shul’pina Lidia S. , Ikonnikov Nikolay S. , Abramov Pavel A. , Romashev Nikolay F. , Poryvaev Artem S. , Sheveleva Alena M. , Bogomyakov Artem S. , Shmelev Nikita Y. , Fedin Matvey V. , Shul’pin Georgiy B. , Sokolov Maxim N.
Published: August 2018

The combination of a new oxidovanadium(iv) complex1with pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid (PCA; a cocatalyst) affords a catalytic system for the efficient oxidation of saturated hydrocarbons.