bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpreting biological variation: seeds, populations and sensitivity thresholds
Authors: Bradford Kent J.
Published: June 2018

Seeds offer a unique perspective from which to view biology. An individual seed is an autonomous biological entity that must rely on its own resources (and resourcefulness) to persist after dispersal and to time its transition to germination and seedling growth to coincide with environmental opportunities for survival. At the same time, seed biology in agriculture and ecology is determined largely by the behaviours of populations of individual seeds. The percentage of seeds in a population that is in a particular state (e.g. dormant, germinated, dead) at a given time is a fundamental metric of seed biology. This duality of individual diversity underlying consistent population-wide behaviour patterns can be described quantitatively using population-based threshold (PBT) models. While conceptually simple, these models are highly flexible and can describe the wide diversity of responses of seed populations to temperature, water potential, hormones, oxygen, light, ageing and combinations of these factors. This seed behaviour is linked to respiratory rates of individual seeds, indicating that basic metabolic processes within seeds vary among individuals in accordance with PBT principles. Looking more broadly across microbial, plant and animal biology, examples of cellular diversity in hormonal sensitivity, gene expression, developmental responses and signalling abound. This variation often is termed ‘noise’, and analysis efforts are focused on extracting mean signals from this variation to understand regulatory pathways. However, extension of the PBT approach to the cellular and molecular levels suggests that population sensitivity distributions and recruitment phenomena may underlie many fundamental biological processes. Thus, concepts and quantitative approaches developed for the analysis of seed populations can be applied across biological scales from molecules to ecosystems to interpret inherent biological variation and provide mechanistic insights into the nature of biological regulatory systems.
Left aortic arch with right descending aorta and severe coarctation: an unusual “vascular clamp” with airway compression
Authors: Sheth Ronak , Varghese Roy , Sivakumar Kothandam
Published: June 2018

Left aortic arch with right descending aorta is a rare congenital anomaly. We describe the clinical presentation of this unusual anomaly associated with cardiorespiratory compromise from severe aortic obstruction and left main bronchus compression. The anatomical peculiarities, embryological basis, and surgical solutions are presented.
The Benefits and Pitfalls of Google Scholar
Authors: Jensenius Francesca R. , Htun Mala , Samuels David J. , Singer David A. , Lawrence Adria , Chwe Michael
Published: June 2018

Google Scholar (GS) is an important tool that faculty, administrators, and external reviewers use to evaluate the scholarly impact of candidates for jobs, tenure, and promotion. This article highlights both the benefits of GS—including the reliability and consistency of its citation counts and its platform for disseminating scholarship and facilitating networking—and its pitfalls. GS has biases because citation is a social and political process that disadvantages certain groups, including women, younger scholars, scholars in smaller research communities, and scholars opting for risky and innovative work. GS counts also reflect practices of strategic citation that exacerbate existing hierarchies and inequalities. As a result, it is imperative that political scientists incorporate other data sources, especially independent scholarly judgment, when making decisions that are crucial for careers. External reviewers have a unique obligation to offer a reasoned, rigorous, and qualitative assessment of a scholar’s contributions and therefore should not use GS.
Understanding individual variation in levels of second language attainment through the lens of critical period mechanisms
Authors: REH REBECCA , ARREDONDO MARIA , WERKER JANET F.
Published: June 2018

Mayberry and Kluender (2017) present an important and compelling argument that in order to understand critical periods (CPs) in language acquisition, it is essential to disentangle studies of late first language (L1) acquisition from those of second language (L2) acquisition. Their primary thesis is that timely exposure to an L1 is crucial for establishing language circuitry, thus providing a foundation on which an L2 can build. They note that while there is considerable evidence of interference from the L1 on acquisition of the L2 – especially in late L2 learners (as in our work on cascading influences on phonetic category learning and visual language discrimination, e.g., Werker & Hensch, 2015 and Weikum, Vouloumanos, Navarra, Soto-Faraco, Sebastián-Gallés & Werker, 2013, respectively) – there are other examples of ways in which the L1 can scaffold L2 acquisition. Mayberry and Kluender take this evidence of L1 scaffolding L2 as undermining the value of considering CPs as useful in understanding L2 acquisition.
Bilingual experience and executive control over the adult lifespan: The role of biological sex
Authors: SUBRAMANIAPILLAI SIVANIYA , RAJAH MARIA NATASHA , PASVANIS STAMATOULA , TITONE DEBRA
Published: June 2018

We investigated whether bilingual language experience over the lifespan impacts women and men in a manner that differentially buffers against age-related declines in executive control. To this end, we investigated whether executive control performance in a lifespan sample of adult women and men were differentially impacted by individual differences in bilingual language experience, assessed using an unspeeded measure of executive control: the Wisconsin Card Sort Test. The results suggested that women showed both the greatest degree of age-related decline across WCST measures, and a greater likelihood than men to express improved performance as a function of increased bilingual experience. We consider implications of this finding for advancing our understanding of the relation between bilingualism and cognition, and also the effects of biological sex on cognitive aging.
On the flexibility of bilingual language control: The effect of language context
Authors: TIMMER KALINKA , CHRISTOFFELS INGRID K. , COSTA ALBERT
Published: June 2018

How flexible is bilingual language control and how does it adapt to the linguistic context of a conversation? We address this by looking at the pattern of switch costs in contexts involving mostly the use of a dominant or non-dominant language. This linguistic context affected switching patterns: switching was equally costly for both languages in a dominant (L1) context, while switching was harder for the weaker language in the non-dominant (L2) context. Also, naming latencies for each language were affected by the linguistic contexts: only the dominant L1 context led to slower latencies for the dominant language. This latter finding was also present when looking at the LPC component, which may reveal differences in the way inhibitory control is applied depending on the linguistic context. These results reveal that the bilingual language control system is flexible and that it adapts to the linguistic context in which the speaker is placed.
Effect of speaker certainty on novel word learning in monolingual and bilingual children
Authors: BUAC MILIJANA , TAUZIN-LARCHÉ AURÉLIE , WEISBERG EMILY , KAUSHANSKAYA MARGARITA
Published: June 2018

In the present study, we examined the effect of speaker certainty on word-learning performance in English-speaking monolingual (MAge = 6.40) and Spanish–English bilingual (MAge = 6.58) children. No group differences were observed when children learned novel words from a certain speaker. However, bilingual children were more willing to learn novel words from an uncertain speaker than their monolingual peers. These findings indicate that language experience influences how children weigh cues to speaker credibility during learning and suggest that children with more diverse linguistic backgrounds (i.e., bilinguals) are less prone to prioritizing information based on speaker certainty.
USURPATION AND “THE SOCIAL” IN BENJAMIN CONSTANT'SCOMMENTAIRE
Authors: ENGLERT GIANNA
Published: June 2018

As part of Benjamin Constant's academic “revival,” scholars have revisited the political and religious elements of his thought, but conclude that he remained uninterested in the nineteenth century's major social and economic questions. This article examines Constant's response to what would later become known as “the social question” in hisCommentary on Filangieri's Work, and argues that his claims about poverty and its alleviation highlight central elements of his political liberalism, especially on the practice of citizenship in the modern age. By interpreting social issues through his original political lens of “usurpation,” Constant encouraged skepticism of social legislation and identified the political implications of a “disinherited” poor class. The lens of usurpation ultimately limited the scope of Constant's solutions to poverty. But his attention to social and economic issues prompts us to reexamine the category of “the social” and its uses in the history of liberal thought, particularly the place of class concerns in the French liberal tradition.
High iliac calcium score is associated with increased severity and complexity of peripheral arterial disease and predicts global atherosclerotic burden
Authors: Jeremias Zsuzsanna , Rat Nora , Benedek Imre , Rapolti Emese , Ratiu Mihaela , Muresan Adrian , Benedek Theodora
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Background: The role of vascular calcifications in iliac arteries for predicting global atherosclerotic burden in still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether iliac calcium score (ICS), a new computed tomographic angiography (CTA) derived biomarker of vascular calcification, can predict the severity and complexity of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) as well as the global atherosclerotic burden. Patients and methods: This was a single centre, non-randomized, observational prospective study on 84 consecutive patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease, undergoing peripheral CTA examination of the lower limbs, divided into high (n = 42) and low ICS (n = 42) groups with a median value for ICS of 3934 HU. Results: Patients with high ICS were significantly older (66.2 ± 8.0 vs. 62.8 ± 11.2, p < 0.0001) and were more frequently diabetic (61.9 vs. 38.1 %, p = 0.04). ICS was significantly higher in patients with Rutherford stage 5–6 vs. 1–2 (p = 0.03) and in TASC D or TASC C vs. TASC B class (p = 0.01). Mean iliac intima-media thickness (i-IMT) was significantly higher in the high ICS group compared to the low ICS group (1.3 ± 0.2 vs. 0.9 ± 0.2, p < 0.0001). Linear regression analysis demonstrated a very good correlation between ICS and i-IMT (r = 0.59, p < 0.0001 for right, r = 0.57, p < 0.0001 for left and r = 0.67, p < 0.0001 for both iliac arteries averaged). Patients with high ICS presented a significantly lower left ventricular ejection fraction compared to those with low ICS (45.3 ± 4.3 vs. 53.8 ± 4.8, p < 0.0001). Linear regression analysis demonstrated significant inverse correlation between ICS and left ventricular EF (r = –0.54, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Increased values of ICS, a new CTA marker of vascular calcification, are associated with a higher severity and complexity of PAD and a more depressed left ventricular function. High ICS values are also associated with increased i-IMT. Both can represent new surrogate markers of an increased atherosclerotic burden.
Auroral Ionospheric E Region Parameters Obtained From Satellite‐Based Far Ultraviolet and Ground‐Based Ionosonde Observations: Data, Methods, and Comparisons
Authors: Knight H. K. , Galkin I. A. , Reinisch B. W. , Zhang Y.
Published: June 2018

A large number (~1,000) of coincident auroral far ultraviolet (FUV) and ground‐based ionosonde observations are compared. This is the largest study to date of coincident satellite‐based FUV and ground‐based observations of the auroral E region. FUV radiance values from the NASA Thermosphere, Ionosphere, Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics Global Ultraviolet Imager and the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program F16 and F18 Special Sensor Ultraviolet Spectrographic Imager are included in the study. A method is described for deriving auroral ionospheric E region maximum electron density (NmE) and height of maximum electron density (hmE) from N2 Lyman‐Birge‐Hopfield radiances given in two channels using lookup tables generated with the Boltzmann 3‐Constituent (B3C) auroral particle transport and optical emission model. Our rules for scaling (i.e., extracting ionospheric parameters from) ionograms to obtain auroral NmE and hmE are also described. Statistical and visual comparison methods establish statistical consistency and agreement between the two methods for observing auroral NmE, but not auroral hmE. It is expected that auroral nonuniformity will cause the two NmE methods to give inconsistent results, but we have not attempted to quantify this effect in terms of more basic principles, and our results show that the two types of NmE observations are well correlated and statistically symmetrical, meaning that there is no overall bias and no scale‐dependent bias.
A Probabilistic Shear Wave Velocity Model of the Crust in the Central West Australian Craton Constrained by Transdimensional Inversion of Ambient Noise Dispersion
Authors: Yuan Huaiyu , Bodin Thomas
Published: June 2018

The Capricorn Orogen in central Western Australia played important roles in initializing and finalizing the West Australian craton. Surface geological mapping and isotopic studies show that the crust has recorded over a billion years of tectonic history spanning from its crustal formation in the Archean to episodes of tectonothermal events during the Proterozoic cratonization processes. The region therefore provides us with an ideal laboratory to characterize the seismic signature associated with tectonic processes. We constructed a crustal shear wave velocity model of the core region of the orogen, the Glenburgh Terrane and its north boundary, by inverting the array group velocity dispersion data measured from a high‐density temporary array. A modified Bayesian transdimensional tomography technique, which incorporates a smooth‐varying regional reference velocity model and Moho topography, was used to invert for the crustal velocity variations. The inverted velocity model adds great detail to the intracrustal structure and provides complementary seismic velocity information to refine the regional tectonic processes. Distinct patterns in the velocity structure support that the Glenburgh Terrane is an Archean microcontinent and favor the role of Paleoproterozoic subductions/accretions during the assembly of the West Australian Craton.
Ocean Gliders Ride the Research Wave in the Agulhas Current
Authors: Krug Marjolaine , Swart Sebastiaan , Hermes Juliet
Published: June 2018

Off the east coast of South Africa, robotic ocean gliders deployed in the Agulhas Current capture new data that help us better understand how energy dissipates in the ocean.
Mars Initial Reference Ionosphere (MIRI) Model: Updates and Validations Using MAVEN, MEX, and MRO Data Sets
Authors: Mendillo Michael , Narvaez Clara , Trovato Jeffrey , Withers Paul , Mayyasi Majd , Morgan David , Kopf Andrew , Gurnett Donald , Němec Frantisek , Campbell Bruce
Published: June 2018

The Mars Initial Reference Ionosphere (MIRI) model is a semiempirical formulation designed to provide climatological estimates of key parameters of the Martian ionosphere. For the new MIRI‐2018 version, an expanded database is used from the Mars Express/Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding/Active Ionospheric Sounding (MEX/MARSIS/AIS) instrument, consisting of 215,818 values of maximum electron density of the M2‐layer (NmM2) from the years 2005–2015. These data are organized by photochemical‐equilibrium equations to obtain a functional dependence of NmM2 upon solar drivers (flux and solar zenith angle). The resulting peak density is used to calibrate normalized electron density profiles [Ne (h)] derived from theory and an empirical model. The MIRI‐2018 thus provides estimates of NmM2, Ne (h), and total electron content (TEC) for any date past or future. Validation using Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN)'s new radio occultation science experiment (ROSE) was successful for NmM2 values, but MIRI was found to overestimate TEC values. The validation failure for TEC was traced to overestimates of plasma at low altitudes (M1 layer). A separate module for TEC was derived using 126,055 values from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter/SHAllow RADar (MRO/SHARAD) TEC database from 2006 to 2014. Validation of this new TEC module with ROSE data was successful. Future improvements to MIRI‐2018 require new ways to characterize the bottomside ionosphere's contribution to the TEC integral for midday (low solar zenith angle) conditions. This requires new simulation studies of secondary ionization rates by photoelectrons produced via the primary X‐ray ionization process for the M1 layer.
Periodic Oscillations in the D Region Ionosphere After the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake Using LF Standard Radio Waves
Authors: Ohya Hiroyo , Tsuchiya Fuminori , Takishita Yuta , Shinagawa Hiroyuki , Nozaki Kenro , Shiokawa Kazuo
Published: June 2018

We report the first observations of ~100‐s periodic oscillations of intensity in low‐frequency (LF) standard radio waves over Japan at 05:51–05:56 UT, which was about 4 min and 42 s after mainshock onset of “the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku earthquake” on 11 March 2011 (Mw 9.0). The LF radio wave propagation paths used in this study were JJY (Japan, 60 kHz)‐Rikubetsu (RKB, Japan), and BPC (China, 68.5 kHz)‐RKB, where the minimum distances between the epicenter and the LF propagation paths were 413.6 and 561.5 km, respectively. The observed modulations in intensity and phase were about 0.1 dB and 0.5°, respectively. Based on a numerical simulation of the neutral atmosphere and the wave‐hop method, the occurrence time of the ~100‐s periodic oscillations was in good agreement with the total propagation time of the Rayleigh wave that spread concentrically from the epicenter to the LF propagation paths and acoustic waves propagating vertically from the Earth's surface to the bottom of the ionosphere. Variations in synthesized electric field intensity of ground waves and sky waves, calculated by the wave hop method up to 10 hops, reproduced similar ~100‐s periodic oscillations that were caused by the difference in arrival time of the acoustic waves excited by the Rayleigh waves at each hop point. The amplitude of the D region electron density variations at 70 km altitude during the ~100‐s periodic oscillation was estimated to be about 1% compared to the background electron density, based on the numerical simulation.
Mapping of Geologic Structures in the Niobe‐Aphrodite Map Area of Venus: Unraveling the History of Tectonic Regime Change
Authors: Hansen V. L. , López I.
Published: June 2018

Recent construction of 1:10 M IMaps of Niobe Planitia and Aphrodite Terra paints a rich picture of Venus evolution. Using the Niobe‐Aphrodite map area (>25% of Venus) as an example, we illustrate the methodology and importance of detailed structural mapping at large regional scales in order to identify tectonic domains that lead to the discovery of global‐scale geodynamic evolution and operative processes. We highlight differences between lithodemic and lithostratigraphic units in geologic mapping. We step through a series of structural element maps that reveal the character of at least three different tectonic domains and evolving tectonic regimes that reflect changing geodynamic processes, here divided into three eras. The ancient era encompasses formation of tessera terrain and represents a time of unique global and environmental conditions marked by globally thin lithosphere. The second era resulted in formation of the Artemis superstructure. The ~13,000‐km‐diameter footprint of the Artemis superstructure is huge but not global, although associated mantle flow patterns could have had a global reach. As formation of the Artemis superstructure waned, tectonic activity became more focused leading to formation of the fracture zone complex. This complex extends beyond the map area connecting with Atla, Beta, and Themis regiones and associated fracture zones, marking the youngest era. Structural mapping of the Niobe‐Aphrodite map area indicates that Venus exhibits a complex, multistage history like other terrestrial planets, which probably extends to several billion years. Given that Venus never developed plate tectonics, Venus' preserved surface record is likely significantly richer than that of Earth.
Temporal dynamics of eukaryotic microbial diversity at a coastal Pacific site
Authors: Nagarkar Maitreyi , Countway Peter D , Du Yoo Yeong , Daniels Emy , Poulton Nicole J , Palenik Brian
Published: June 2018

High-throughput sequencing of ocean biomes has revealed vast eukaryotic microbial diversity, a significant proportion of which remains uncharacterized. Here we use a temporal approach to understanding eukaryotic diversity at the Scripps Pier, La Jolla, California, USA, via high-throughput amplicon sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene, the abundances of both Synechococcus and Synechococcus grazers, and traditional oceanographic parameters. We also exploit our ability to track operational taxonomic units (OTUs) temporally to evaluate the ability of 18S sequence-based OTU assignments to meaningfully reflect ecological dynamics. The eukaryotic community is highly dynamic in terms of both species richness and composition, although proportional representation of higher-order taxa remains fairly consistent over time. Synechococcus abundance fluctuates throughout the year. OTUs unique to dates of Synechococcus blooms and crashes or enriched in Synechococcus addition incubation experiments suggest that the prasinophyte Tetraselmis sp. and Gymnodinium-like dinoflagellates are likely Synechococcus grazers under certain conditions, and may play an important role in their population fluctuations.
Nutrient transport suggests an evolutionary basis for charged archaeal surface layer proteins
Authors: Li Po-Nan , Herrmann Jonathan , Tolar Bradley B , Poitevin Frédéric , Ramdasi Rasika , Bargar John R , Stahl David A , Jensen Grant J , Francis Christopher A , Wakatsuki Soichi , van den Bedem Henry
Published: June 2018

Surface layers (S-layers) are two-dimensional, proteinaceous, porous lattices that form the outermost cell envelope component of virtually all archaea and many bacteria. Despite exceptional sequence diversity, S-layer proteins (SLPs) share important characteristics such as their ability to form crystalline sheets punctuated with nano-scale pores, and their propensity for charged amino acids, leading to acidic or basic isoelectric points. However, the precise function of S-layers, or the role of charged SLPs and how they relate to cellular metabolism is unknown. Nano-scale lattices affect the diffusion behavior of low-concentration solutes, even if they are significantly smaller than the pore size. Here, we offer a rationale for charged S-layer proteins in the context of the structural evolution of S-layers. Using the ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) as a model for S-layer geometry, and a 2D electrodiffusion reaction computational framework to simulate diffusion and consumption of the charged solute ammonium (NH4+), we find that the characteristic length scales of nanoporous S-layers elevate the concentration of NH4+ in the pseudo-periplasmic space. Our simulations suggest an evolutionary, mechanistic basis for S-layer charge and shed light on the unique ability of some AOA to oxidize ammonia in environments with nanomolar NH4+ availability, with broad implications for comparisons of ecologically distinct populations.
Linc00462 promotes pancreatic cancer invasiveness through the miR-665/TGFBR1-TGFBR2/SMAD2/3 pathway
Authors: Zhou Bin , Guo Weidong , Sun Chuandong , Zhang Bingyuan , Zheng Fang
Published: June 2018

Emerging evidence has identified that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of many cancers, pancreatic cancer (PC) included. However, the role of linc00462 in PC remains unclear. The aim of our present study was to investigate the potential functions of linc00462 in PC and to identify the underlying mechanisms of action. CCK8 assay, transwell assay, cell cycle assay, cell apoptosis assay, EdU assay, western blot assay, cell adhesion assay, HE staining, IF staining, ELISA assay, vivo growth and metastasis assay, and colony formation assay were performed. We demonstrated that OSM mediated up-regulation of linc00462 promoted cell proliferation by accelerating cell cycle process and inhibiting cell apoptosis and adhesion in vitro, enhanced cell migration and invasion by accelerating EMT process, promoted tumor growth and matastasis in vivo and was associated with large tumor size, poor tumor differentiation, TNM stage and distant metastasis in patients of PC. In addition, we demonstrated that linc00462 was a target of miR-665. Linc00462 overexpression enhanced the expression levels of TGFBR1 and TGFBR2, and thus activated the SMAD2/3 pathway in PC cells. In conclusion, linc00462/miR-665/TGFBR1/2 regulatory network may shed light on tumorigenesis in PC.
Proscillaridin A induces apoptosis and suppresses non-small-cell lung cancer tumor growth via calcium-induced DR4 upregulation
Authors: Li Run-Ze , Fan Xing-Xing , Duan Fu-Gang , Jiang Ze-Bo , Pan Hu-Dan , Luo Lian-Xiang , Zhou Yan-Ling , Li Ying , Yao Ying-Jia , Yao Xiao-Jun , Leung Elaine Lai-Han , Liu Liang
Published: June 2018

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the predominant histological type of lung cancer and is characterized by the highest mortality and incidence rates among these types of malignancies. Cardiac glycosides, a class of natural products, have been identified as a potential type of chemotherapeutic agent. This study aims to investigate the anti-cancer effects and the mechanisms of action of Proscillaridin A (P.A) in NSCLC cells. In vitro sodium–potassium pump (Na+/K+ ATPase) enzyme assays indicated that P.A is a direct Na+/K+ ATPase inhibitor. P.A showed potent cytotoxic effects in NSCLC cells at nanomolar levels. Treatment mechanism studies indicated that P.A elevated Ca2+ levels, activated the AMPK pathway and downregulated phosphorylation of ACC and mTOR. Subsequently, P.A increased death receptor 4 (DR4) expression and downregulated NF–κB. Interestingly, P.A selectively suppressed EGFR activation in EGFR mutant cells but not in EGFR wild-type cells. In vivo, P.A significantly suppressed tumor growth in nude mice compared to vehicle-treated mice. Compared with the Afatinib treatment group, P.A displayed less pharmaceutical toxicity, as the body weight of mice treated with P.A did not decrease as much as those treated with Afatinib. Consistent changes in protein levels were obtained from western blotting analysis of tumors and cell lines. Immunohistochemistry analysis of the tumors from P.A-treated mice showed a significant suppression of EGFR phosphorylation (Tyr 1173) and reduction of the cell proliferation marker Ki-67. Taken together, our results suggest that P.A is a promising anti-cancer therapeutic candidate for NSCLC.
Nuclear PTEN safeguards pre-mRNA splicing to link Golgi apparatus for its tumor suppressive role
Authors: Shen Shao-Ming , Ji Yan , Zhang Cheng , Dong Shuang-Shu , Yang Shuo , Xiong Zhong , Ge Meng-Kai , Yu Yun , Xia Li , Guo Meng , Cheng Jin-Ke , Liu Jun-Ling , Yu Jian-Xiu , Chen Guo-Qiang
Published: June 2018

Dysregulation of pre-mRNA alternative splicing (AS) is closely associated with cancers. However, the relationships between the AS and classic oncogenes/tumor suppressors are largely unknown. Here we show that the deletion of tumor suppressor PTEN alters pre-mRNA splicing in a phosphatase-independent manner, and identify 262 PTEN-regulated AS events in 293T cells by RNA sequencing, which are associated with significant worse outcome of cancer patients. Based on these findings, we report that nuclear PTEN interacts with the splicing machinery, spliceosome, to regulate its assembly and pre-mRNA splicing. We also identify a new exon 2b in GOLGA2 transcript and the exon exclusion contributes to PTEN knockdown-induced tumorigenesis by promoting dramatic Golgi extension and secretion, and PTEN depletion significantly sensitizes cancer cells to secretion inhibitors brefeldin A and golgicide A. Our results suggest that Golgi secretion inhibitors alone or in combination with PI3K/Akt kinase inhibitors may be therapeutically useful for PTEN-deficient cancers.
18β-Glycyrrhetinic-acid-mediated unfolded protein response induces autophagy and apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Jin , Zhang Zhao-qi , Song Jia , Liu Qiu-meng , Wang Chao , Huang Zhao , Chu Liang , Liang Hui-fang , Zhang Bi-xiang , Chen Xiao-ping
Published: June 2018

18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is the active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicine, Glycyrrhrzae Radix et Rhizoma. Here, we explored the effects of GA on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vitro and in vivo and the underlying molecular mechanisms. We confirmed that GA suppressed proliferation of various HCC cell lines. Treatment of GA caused G0/G1 arrest, apoptosis and autophagy in HCC cells. GA-induced apoptosis and autophagy were mainly due to the unfolded protein response. We compared the roles of the ATF4/CHOP and IRE1α/XBP1s UPR pathways, which were both induced by GA. The ATF4/CHOP cascade induced autophagy and was indispensable for the induction of apoptosis in GA-treated HCC cells. In contrast, the IRE1α/XBP1s cascade protected HCC cells from apoptosis in vitro and in vivo induced by GA. Despite this, activation of autophagy protected HCC cells from apoptosis induced by GA. We concluded that pharmacological inhibition of autophagy or IRE1α may be of benefit to enhance the antitumor activity of GA.
Light-microgel interaction in resonant nanostructures
Authors: Giaquinto M. , Ricciardi A. , Aliberti A. , Micco A. , Bobeico E. , Ruvo M. , Cusano A.
Published: June 2018

Combination of responsive microgels and photonic resonant nanostructures represents an intriguing technological tool for realizing tunable and reconfigurable platforms, especially useful for biochemical sensing applications. Interaction of light with microgel particles during their swelling/shrinking dynamics is not trivial because of the inverse relationships between their size and refractive index. In this work, we propose a reliable analytical model describing the optical properties of closed-packed assembly of surface-attached microgels, as a function of the external stimulus applied. The relationships between the refractive index and thickness of the equivalent microgel slab are derived from experimental observations based on conventional morphological analysis. The model is first validated in the case of temperature responsive microgels integrated on a plasmonic lab-on-fiber optrode, and also implemented in the same case study for an optical responsivity optimization problem. Overall, our model can be extended to other photonic platforms and different kind of microgels, independently from the nature of the stimulus inducing their swelling.
Straight motion of half-integer topological defects in thin Fe-N magnetic films with stripe domains
Authors: Fin S. , Silvani R. , Tacchi S. , Marangolo M. , Garnier L.-C. , Eddrief M. , Hepburn C. , Fortuna F. , Rettori A. , Pini M. G. , Bisero D.
Published: June 2018

In thin magnetic films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, a periodic “up-down” stripe-domain structure can be originated at remanence, on a mesoscopic scale (~100 nm) comparable with film thickness, by the competition between short-range exchange coupling and long-range dipolar interaction. However, translational order is perturbed because magnetic edge dislocations are spontaneously nucleated. Such topological defects play an important role in magnetic films since they promote the in-plane magnetization reversal of stripes and, in superconductor/ferromagnet hybrids, the creation of superconducting vortex clusters. Combining magnetic force microscopy experiments and micromagnetic simulations, we investigated the motion of two classes of magnetic edge dislocations, randomly distributed in an $${{\rm{N}}}_{2}^{+}$$

N

2

+

-implanted Fe film. They were found to move in opposite directions along straight trajectories parallel to the stripes axis, when driven by a moderate dc magnetic field. Using the approximate Thiele equation, analytical expressions for the forces acting on such magnetic defects and a microscopic explanation for the direction of their motion could be obtained. Straight trajectories are related to the presence of a periodic stripe domain pattern, which imposes the gyrotropic force to vanish even if a nonzero, half-integer topological charge is carried by the defects in some layers across the film thickness.
Tannin-rich extracts from Lannea stuhlmannii and Lannea humilis (Anacardiaceae) exhibit hepatoprotective activities in vivo via enhancement of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2
Authors: Sobeh Mansour , Mahmoud Mona F. , Hasan Rehab A. , Abdelfattah Mohamed A. O. , Sabry Omar M. , Ghareeb Mosad A. , El-Shazly Assem M. , Wink Michael
Published: June 2018

The potential hepatoprotective activities of two Lannea species were explored in vivo. Furthermore, the binding activities of their main polyphenols to the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 were investigated. Based on HPLC-MS/MS results, 22 secondary metabolites were characterized in L. stuhlmannii (mainly tannins), while 20 secondary metabolites (mainly sulphated tannins) were identified in L. humilis. Both extracts exhibited substantial antioxidant activities in vitro and counteracted D-galactosamine induced intoxication in rats in vivo and increased the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of liver tissues. In addition to reducing the elevated levels of AST and total bilirubin, both extracts significantly attenuated the deleterious histopathologic changes in liver after D-galactosamine-intoxication. Also, both extracts protected hepatocytes from apoptotic cell death and increased the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. The identified compounds from both extracts can bind to the Bcl-2: Bim (BH3) interface with an appreciable binding free energy. Hydrogen and ionic bonds and hydrophobic interactions with amino acid residues in the hydrophobic face of Bim (BH3) domain were discovered. To sum up, L. humilis and L. stuhlmanni exhibited promising hepatoprotective activities in vivo against D-GalN-induced liver injury and their hepatoprotection is due to the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects of tannins and proanthocyanidins.
Buffalo nasal odorant-binding protein (bunOBP) and its structural evaluation with putative pheromones
Authors: Muthukumar Subramanian , Rajesh Durairaj , Selvam Ramu Muthu , Saibaba Ganesan , Suvaithenamudhan Suvaiyarasan , Akbarsha Mohammad Abdulkader , Padmanabhan Parasuraman , Gulyas Balazs , Archunan Govindaraju
Published: June 2018

Pheromones are odoriferous volatile chemical cues produced by animals for communication among conspecifics so as to regulate their social behaviors. In general, the odor compounds are recognized by receptors in the nasal cavity. Odorant-binding protein (OBP), a lipocalin family protein, mediates the air-borne odor cues to nasal receptors through nasal mucus. The presence of OBP in several mammalian species is well documented but to-date there is no report of a nasal OBP in buffalo. Hence, the present study was undertaken to investigate if OBP is present in buffalo nasal mucus. Uni- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of the nasal mucus suggested the presence of OBP, which was confirmed using mass spectrometry. In silico homology model of the OBP was generated and its structural similarity with other mammalian OBPs was assessed. Finally, molecular-docking and -dynamics simulations analysis revealed the efficiency of buffalo nasal OBP (bunOBP) to bind with buffalo pheromones as well as other reported chemical cues. Taken together, the occurrence of nasal OBP in buffalo and its putative role in odor binding are reported for the first time. The potential association of this protein with estrus-specific volatiles could be taken to advantage for non-invasive detection of estrus in buffaloes.
Mapping the resilience of chemosynthetic communities in hydrothermal vent fields
Authors: Suzuki Kenta , Yoshida Katsuhiko , Watanabe Hiromi , Yamamoto Hiroyuki
Published: June 2018

Hydrothermal vent fields are vulnerable to natural disturbances, such as volcanic activity, and are currently being considered as targets for mineral mining. Local vent communities are linked by pelagic larval dispersal and form regional metacommunities, nested within a number of biogeographic provinces. Larval supply depends on the connectivity of the dispersal networks, and affects recoverability of communities from disturbances. However, it is unclear how the dispersal networks contribute to recoverability of local communities. Here, we integrated a population dynamics model and estimation of large scale dispersal networks. By simulating disturbances to vent fields, we mapped recoverability of communities in 131 hydrothermal vent fields in the western Pacific Ocean. Our analysis showed substantial variation in recovery time due to variation in regional connectivity between known vent fields, and was not qualitatively affected by potential larval recruitment from unknown vent fields. In certain cases, simultaneous disturbance of a series of vent fields either delayed or wholly prevented recovery. Our approach is applicable to a dispersal network estimated from genetic diversity. Our method not only reveals distribution of recoverability of chemosynthetic communities in hydrothermal vent fields, but is also a practical tool for planning conservation strategies.
The Eastern Tropical Pacific coral population connectivity and the role of the Eastern Pacific Barrier
Authors: Romero-Torres Mauricio , Treml Eric A. , Acosta Alberto , Paz-García David A.
Published: June 2018

Long-distance dispersal is believed to strongly influence coral reef population dynamics across the Tropical Pacific. However, the spatial scale and strength at which populations are potentially connected by dispersal remains uncertain. To determine the patterns in connectivity between the Eastern (ETP) and Central Tropical Pacific (CTP) ecoregions, we used a biophysical model incorporating ocean currents and larval biology to quantify the seascape-wide dispersal potential among all population. We quantified the likelihood and determined the oceanographic conditions that enable the dispersal of coral larvae across the Eastern Pacific Barrier (EP-Barrier) and identified the main connectivity pathways and their conservation value for dominant reef-building corals. Overall, we found that coral assemblages within the CTP and ETP are weakly connected through dispersal. Although the EP-Barrier isolates the ETP from the CTP ecoregion, we found evidence that the EP-Barrier may be breached, in both directions, by rare dispersal events. These rare events could explain the evolutionary genetic similarity among populations of pocilloporids in the ecoregions. Moreover, the ETP may function as a stronger source rather than a destination, providing potential recruits to CTP populations. We also show evidence for a connectivity loop in the ETP, which may positively influence long-term population persistence in the region. Coral conservation and management communities should consider eight-key stepping stone ecoregions when developing strategies to preserve the long-distance connectivity potential across the ETP and CTP.
Aggressive desert goby males also court more, independent of the physiological demands of salinity
Authors: Lehtonen Topi K. , Svensson P. Andreas , Wong Bob B. M.
Published: June 2018

Both between- and within-individual variation in behaviour can be important in determining mating opportunities and reproductive outcomes. Such behavioural variability can be induced by environmental conditions, especially if individuals vary in their tolerance levels or resource allocation patterns. We tested the effects of exposure to different salinity levels on male investment into two important components of mating success–intrasexual aggression and intersexual courtship–in a fish with a resource defence mating system, the desert goby, Chlamydogobius eremius. We found that males that were more aggressive to rivals also exhibited higher rates of courtship displays towards females. Contrary to predictions, this positive relationship, and the consistency of the two behaviours, were not affected by the salinity treatment, despite the physiological costs that high salinity imposes on the species. Moreover, over the entire data-set, there was only a marginally non-significant tendency for males to show higher levels of aggression and courtship in low, than high, salinity. The positive correlation between male aggression and courtship, independent of the physiological demands of the environment, suggests that males are not inclined to make contrasting resource investments into these two key reproductive behaviours. Instead, in this relatively euryhaline freshwater species, typical investment into current reproductive behaviours can occur under a range of different salinity conditions.
Multiclass Classifier based Cardiovascular Condition Detection Using Smartphone Mechanocardiography
Authors: Iftikhar Zuhair , Lahdenoja Olli , Jafari Tadi Mojtaba , Hurnanen Tero , Vasankari Tuija , Kiviniemi Tuomas , Airaksinen Juhani , Koivisto Tero , Pänkäälä Mikko
Published: June 2018

Cardiac translational and rotational vibrations induced by left ventricular motions are measurable using joint seismocardiography (SCG) and gyrocardiography (GCG) techniques. Multi-dimensional non-invasive monitoring of the heart reveals relative information of cardiac wall motion. A single inertial measurement unit (IMU) allows capturing cardiac vibrations in sufficient details and enables us to perform patient screening for various heart conditions. We envision smartphone mechanocardiography (MCG) for the use of e-health or telemonitoring, which uses a multi-class classifier to detect various types of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) using only smartphone’s built-in internal sensors data. Such smartphone App/solution could be used by either a healthcare professional and/or the patient him/herself to take recordings from their heart. We suggest that smartphone could be used to separate heart conditions such as normal sinus rhythm (SR), atrial fibrillation (AFib), coronary artery disease (CAD), and possibly ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) in multiclass settings. An application could run the disease screening and immediately inform the user about the results. Widespread availability of IMUs within smartphones could enable the screening of patients globally in the future, however, we also discuss the possible challenges raised by the utilization of such self-monitoring systems.
Effects of a Finger Tapping Fatiguing Task on M1-Intracortical Inhibition and Central Drive to the Muscle
Authors: Madrid Antonio , Madinabeitia-Mancebo Elena , Cudeiro Javier , Arias Pablo
Published: June 2018

The central drive to the muscle reduces when muscle force wanes during sustained MVC, and this is generally considered the neurophysiological footprint of central fatigue. The question is if force loss and the failure of central drive to the muscle are responsible mechanisms of fatigue induced by un-resisted repetitive movements. In various experimental blocks, we validated a 3D-printed hand-fixation system permitting the execution of finger-tapping and maximal voluntary contractions (MVC). Subsequently, we checked the suitability of the system to test the level of central drive to the muscle and developed an algorithm to test it at the MVC force plateau. Our main results show that the maximum rate of finger-tapping dropped at 30 s, while the excitability of inhibitory M1-intracortical circuits and corticospinal excitability increased (all by approximately 15%). Furthermore, values obtained immediately after finger-tapping showed that MVC force and the level of central drive to the muscle remained unchanged. Our data suggest that force and central drive to the muscle are not determinants of fatigue induced by short-lasting un-resisted repetitive finger movements, even in the presence of increased inhibition of the motor cortex. According to literature, this profile might be different in longer-lasting, more complex and/or resisted repetitive movements.
Steady states and transport processes in urban ozone balances
Authors: Khalil M. A. K.
Published: June 2018

Core chemical theory is combined with transport processes and local emissions to study the validity of commonly made assumptions regarding steady states to interpret urban and regional ozone data. It is shown that photo-stationary states of NO and NO2 cannot exist in urban areas or polluted regions in addition to the lack of such a state for ozone. Calculations in published papers, which make the assumption of a photo-stationary state for NO and NO2, or ozone, are likely to be inaccurate by unacceptable amounts. The Leighton Ratio is re-interpreted to show how it incorporates both the peroxy radical and transport effects on ozone, separating local chemical production from its transport. To illustrate the concepts and test the assumptions, hourly observations of ozone and its precursors from Yanbu in Saudi Arabia are analyzed. The major role of local transport processes and a large import of ozone at night, probably from aloft, are uncovered as a by-product.
Morphogenesis of anisotropic nanoparticles: self-templating via non-classical, fibrillar Cd2Se intermediates
Authors: Wurmbrand Daniel , Fischer Jörg Wolfram Anselm , Rosenberg Rose , Boldt Klaus
Published: June 2018

Semiconductor nanorods nucleate via a fibrillar intermediate that is able to template its own preferential growth direction.
Two transition metal phosphonate photocatalysts for H2 evolution and CO2 reduction
Authors: Wang Jiajia , Zhang Ruoqian , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Zeyan , Wang Peng , Zheng Zhaoke , Qin Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaoyang , Dai Ying , Huang Baibiao
Published: June 2018

Two transition metal (Co and Ni) ion phosphonates as isostructural organic inorganic hybrids are prepared and investigated in terms of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water and CO2 reduction under UV light irradiation.
Use of a benzyl ether as a traceless hydrogen donor in the anti-Markovnikov hydrofunctionalization of alkenes with xanthates
Authors: Hayashi Hirohito , Kaga Atsushi , Wang Bin , Gagosz Fabien , Chiba Shunsuke
Published: June 2018

A new protocol for the anti-Markovnikov hydrofunctionalization of alkenyl alcohol O-Bn ethers was developed using xanthates as functionalizing agents in the presence of lauroyl peroxide as a radical initiator and a stoichiometric oxidant.
Phyllostictine A: total synthesis, structural verification and determination of substructure responsible for plant growth inhibition
Authors: Riemer Martin , Uzunova Veselina V. , Riemer Nastja , Clarkson Guy J. , Pereira Nicole , Napier Richard , Shipman Michael
Published: June 2018

The first total synthesis of phyllostictine A is reported and evidence presented that the heterocyclic subunit is the key to the μM herbicidal activity.
Wavelength selective separation of metal ions using electroactive ligands
Authors: Salpage Sahan R. , Lanzetta Ronald C. , Zhou Yan , Wang Jamie C. , Albrecht-Schmitt Thomas E. , Hanson Kenneth
Published: June 2018

Photo-induced electron transfer to an irreversibly electroactive ligand is introduced as a novel method for separating meta ions.
3D supramolecular self-assembly of [60]fullerene hexaadducts decorated with triarylamine molecules
Authors: Gavat Odile , Nguyet Trinh Thi Minh , Moulin Emilie , Ellis Thomas , Maaloum Mounir , Buhler Eric , Fleith Guillaume , Nierengarten Jean-François , Giuseppone Nicolas
Published: June 2018

Multiple grafting of triarylamine subunits onto a hard-core C60 unit leads to three-dimensional networks of triarylamine-based supramolecular polymers.