bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The autonomic control of upright posture tachycardia in the arboreal lizard Iguana iguana
Authors: Troiano Natalia Miriã , Armelin Vinicius Araújo , Braga Victor Hugo da Silva , Abe Augusto Shinya , Rantin Francisco Tadeu , Florindo Luiz Henrique
Published: July 2018

In terrestrial environments, upright spatial orientation can dramatically influence animals’ hemodynamics. Generally, large and elongated species are particularly sensitive to such influence due to the greater extent of their vascular beds being verticalized, favoring the establishment of blood columns in their bodies along with caudal blood pooling, and thus jeopardizing blood circulation through a cascade effect of reductions in venous return, cardiac filling, stroke volume, cardiac output, and arterial blood pressure. This hypotension triggers an orthostatic‐(baroreflex)‐tachycardia to normalize arterial pressure, and despite the extensive observation of this heart rate (fH) adjustment in experiments on orthostasis, little is known about its mediation and importance in ectothermic vertebrates. In addition, most of the knowledge on this subject comes from studies on snakes. Thus, our objective was to expand the knowledge on this issue by investigating it in an arboreal lizard (Iguana iguana). To do so, we analyzed fH, cardiac autonomic tones, and fH variability in horizontalized and tilted iguanas (0°, 30°. and 60°) before and after muscarinic blockade with atropine and double autonomic blockade with atropine and propranolol. The results revealed that I. Iguana exhibits significant orthostatic‐tachycardia only at 60o inclinations—a condition that is primarily elicited by a withdrawal of vagal drive. Also, as in humans, increases in low‐frequency fH oscillations and decreases in high‐frequency fH oscillations were observed along with orthostatic‐tachycardia, suggesting that the mediation of this fH adjustment may be evolutionarily conserved in vertebrates.
Comparison of Siriraj liquid‐based solution and standard transport media for the detection of high‐risk human papillomavirus in cervical specimens
Authors: Jaishuen Atthapon , Jareemit Nida , Laiwejpithaya Somsak , Viriyapak Boonlert , Benjapibal Mongkol , Horthongkham Navin
Published: July 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the performance of Siriraj liquid‐based solution for human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing compared with standard transport media.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study enrolled 217 women aged 30 years or older who attended for cervical cancer screening or had abnormal cervical cytology, or were diagnosed with cervical cancer at the Department of Obstetrics‐Gynecology, Siriraj Hospital from March 2015 to January 2016. We excluded patients with a history of any cervical procedures, hysterectomy, or previous treatment with pelvic irradiation or chemotherapy. Two cervical specimens were collected from each participant. The standard Cervi‐Collect Specimen Collection Kit was used to preserve the first sample, and Siriraj liquid‐based solution was used for the second one. All samples were sent for HPV DNA testing using the same standard high‐risk HPV assay. HPV test results were recorded and statistically analyzed.

Results

The results showed agreement between standard transport media and Siriraj liquid‐based solution for HPV DNA testing, at a kappa value of 0.935 (P < 0.001). We found no discorrelation for the detection of HPV 16, which accounts for approximately 50% of cervical cancers. The relative sensitivity of Siriraj liquid‐based solution and standard transport media in patients with high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or worse (CIN2+) is 98% (50/51). The relative specificity of Siriraj liquid‐based solution and standard transport media in patients with non‐CIN2+ is 98.1% (102/104).

Conclusion

Siriraj liquid‐based solution showed almost perfect agreement with the standard transport media for HPV DNA testing. This solution, costing 2 to 3 times less than the commercially available standard media, may be an alternative option for HPV DNA testing.
Reciprocal enhancement of gene expression between the phz and prn operon in Pseudomonas chlororaphis G05
Authors: Zhang Baoshen , Wang Yanhua , Miao Jing , Lu Yang , Lu Ruiyang , Sun Xiaoqiang , Luo Wangtai , Chi Xiaoyan , Feng Zhibin , Ge Yihe
Published: July 2018

In previous studies with Pseudomonas chlororaphis G05, two operons (phzABCDEFG and prnABCD) were confirmed to respectively encode enzymes for biosynthesis of phenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid and pyrrolnitrin that mainly contributed to suppression of some fungal phytopathogens. Although some regulators were identified to govern their expression, it is not known how two operons coordinately interact. By constructing the phz‐ or/and prn‐ deletion mutants, we found that in comparison with the wild‐type strain G05, phenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid production in the mutant G05Δprn obviously decreased in GA broth in the absence of prn, and pyrrolnitrin production in the mutant G05Δphz remarkably declined in the absence of phz. By generating the phzA and prnA transcriptional and translational fusions with a truncated lacZ on shuttle vector or on the chromosome, we found that expression of the phz or prn operon was correspondingly increased in the presence of the prn or phz operon at the post‐transcriptional level, not at the transcriptional level. These results indicated that the presence of one operon would promote the expression of the other one operon between the phz and prn. This reciprocal enhancement would keep the strain G05 producing more different antifungal compounds coordinately and living better with growth suppression of other microorganisms.
Targeted and Sustained Corelease of Chemotherapeutics and Gene by Injectable Supramolecular Hydrogel for Drug‐Resistant Cancer Therapy
Authors: Liu Xuan , Li Zibiao , Loh Xian Jun , Chen Kaifeng , Li Zhen , Wu Yun‐Long
Published: July 2018

Coadministration of chemotherapeutics as well as therapeutic gene could play a synergistic effect on cancer treatment. It is noteworthy that targeted and sustained codelivery of chemotherapeutic and therapeutic gene was rarely achieved in previous reports, while it might serve as an important platform for treating solid tumor with possible surrounding lesions. Herein, an injectable supramolecular hydrogel formed by α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) and cationic amphiphilic copolymer made of methoxy‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(ethylene imine) with folic acid targeted group (MPEG‐PCL‐PEI‐FA), is rationally designed to achieve sustained codelivery of chemotherapeutic paclitaxel (PTX) and B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2) conversion gene Nur77 in the form of nanocomplex up to 7 days, to effectively inhibit the growth of folate receptor overexpressing H460/Bcl‐2 therapeutic‐resistant tumors (induced by overexpression of anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 protein), with peritumoral injection rather than direct intratumoral injection of hydrogel. To the best of our knowledge, this is a pioneer report on injectable MPEG‐PCL‐PEI‐FA/α‐CD supramolecular hydrogel with the ability to codeliver and sustainedly release PTX and Nur77 gene to combat Bcl‐2 overexpressed therapeutic‐resistant tumors in a targeted manner, which might be beneficial for further design in personalized medicine.
Nearly complete genome sequence of one GII.17 Norovirus identified by direct sequencing from HuZhou, China
Authors: Ji Lei , Chen Liping , Xu Deshun , Wu Xiaofang , Han Jiankang
Published: July 2018

Background

Human norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. However, in vitro culture system is complicated for human norovirus. Sequence analysis became more useful for norovirus research, particularly when using complete genomic sequences.

Methods

Real‐time RT‐PCR (qPCR) was performed for norovirus detection. Three modified paris of PCR primes were designed based on the alignment of the novel GII.17 norovirus complete sequence available in Genbank., which could amplify three overlapping fragments cover the whole genome. The PCR fragments were sequencing by Sanger sequence with Primer walking methods. Genogroup and genotype were assigned using the Norovirus Noronet typing tool and the strains were named according to the time of isolation. The phylogenetic analysis was conducted using MEGA software (ver. 6.06).

Results

One nearly complete genome sequence were obtained from sample collected from Huzhou, China. The partial genome sequence of the HuzhouNS2014603 strain is composed of 7556 nucleotides (nt).The strain was classified as GII.17 genotype both in ORF1 and ORF2, and was most closely related to the LC037415.1/Hu/GII.17/Kawasaki308 strain. Within the GII.17 cluster, the 2013/14 season strains were grouped separately from the GII.17 strains detected in 2014/15. HuzhouNS2014603 was clustered with the 2014/15 season strains. Compared with other strains selected, there are 98 variable residues across the VP1 domain. Among the 98 variable amino acids, 13 (13.3%) were observed in the shell domain and 22 (22.4%) in the P1domain; most of the substitutions and insertions were located in the P2 domain, account for 63 (64.3%).

Conclusions

This is the first report of the nearly complete genome of the novel GII.17 by direct sequencing method in the Huzhou area. The results of this study could be helpful for the study of the genetic evolution of the virus, the development of rapid diagnostic reagents and the design of vaccine.
Adhesion‐Enhanced Flexible Conductive Metal Patterns on Polyimide Substrate Through Direct Writing Catalysts with Novel Surface‐Modification Electroless Deposition
Authors: Zhang Fu‐Tao , Xu Lu , Chen Jia‐Hui , Xie Jin‐Qi , Fu Xian‐Zhu , Chen Qianwang , Sun Rong , Wong Ching‐Ping
Published: July 2018

An efficient and universal method via direct writing catalysts with novel surface‐modification electroless deposition is developed to prepare high‐adhesion, low‐resistance and excellent‐flexibility metal patterns on flexible polyimide (PI) substrates. Through the surface modification of self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs), the PI substrates are capable of complexing silver ion catalysts. After that, the silver ion catalysts are treated with plasma, which could catalyze the electroless deposition of conductive metal (copper, nickel and silver) patterns. Compared with the other processes, this method presents an industrially viable way to fabricate metal conductive patterns and circuits on polymer substrate for flexible electronics at low cost, simple operation, time‐saving and without the needs of sophisticated equipment.
The Effect of Strength of Bases and Temperature on the Synthesis of Zn‐Al Layered Double Hydroxides by a Non‐Aqueous ‘Soft Chemical’ Sol‐Gel Method and Formation of High Surface Area Mesoporous ZnAl2O4 Spinel
Authors: Saikia Pinky , Goswamee Rajib Lochan
Published: July 2018

Layered double hydroxides are the 2D layered material also known as the anionic clays having the general formula [M1‐x2+Mx3+(OH)2]x+[Ax/n]n−.m H2O where different M2+ ions such as Zn2+, Ni2+, Mg2+, Co2+ and M3+ ions such as Al3+, Cr3+, Ga3+, In3+, Mn3+, Fe3+ are uniformly distributed and orderly prearranged in the brucite‐like sheets and various charge‐compensating anions (An−=CO32−, NO3−, Cl−, OH− ) are present in their interlayer spaces along with the water molecules. During the synthesis of Zn−Al layered double hydroxides by non aqueous soft chemical method the strength of bases as well as the temperature influences immensely the hydrolysis of Zinc acetylacetonate (Zn(acac)2) and Aluminium acetylacetonate (Al(acac)3). Different bases such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), piperidine, diethylamine and ammonia (NH3) was used and it was found that Zinc acetylacetonate (Zn(acac)2) directly forms Zincite (ZnO) phase without reacting with Aluminium acetylacetonate (Al(acac)3) at temperature of around 80oC. When the temperature was decreased to 0oC from room temperature as well as side by side the strength of bases were increased the formation of Zincite (ZnO) phases reduced. Thus, Zn−Al layered double hydroxide could only be synthesized at 0oC and in presence of stronger bases like sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and piperidine. The X‐ray diffraction analysis showed the presence of low intensity Zincite (ZnO) phases in Zn−Al layered double hydroxide synthesized in presence of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) which was absent in presence of piperidine. Zn−Al layered double hydroxide synthesized were further characterized by thermal analysis (TGA‐DTA), Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopic and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopic (SEM‐EDS) analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and pore diameter analysis which showed their different characteristics as the base is changed. Zn−Al layered double hydroxide synthesized in presence of piperidine after thermal treatment at 800oC formed high surface area mesoporous flower platelet like Zinc‐Aluminium Oxide (ZnAl2O4) spinel which have surface area of 124.8 m2g−1 and mesopores of dimensions about 5–20 nm respectively.
A Domino Approach for the Synthesis of α,β‐Epoxy Ketones from Carbonyl Compounds under Neat Conditions at Ambient Temperature
Authors: Mahato Sachinta , Santra Sougata , De Aramita , Chatterjee Rana , Zyryanov Grigory V. , Majee Adinath
Published: July 2018

An efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of α,β‐epoxy ketones from one pot reaction between aldehydes and ketones in presence of cesium carbonate and tert‐butyl hydrogen peroxide (TBHP) under neat conditions. In this methodology we have used the one pot domino type reaction with aldehydes and ketones to get α,β‐epoxy ketones without presynthesized chalcone precursors. A library of α,β‐epoxy ketones having a variety of substituents has been synthesized. Clean reaction, mild reaction conditions, ease of product isolation/purification, easily accessible reactants, wide substrates scope and metal and solvent‐free and environmental friendly reaction conditions are the notable advantages of the present method. The present methodology is applicable to gram scale synthesis.
Enhanced Grain Growth Behavior of Ferritic Steel during Continuous Cyclic Annealing
Authors: Hou Ziyong , Babu R. Prasath , Xu Yunbo , Wu Di
Published: July 2018

Microstructural characterization as well as mechanical property determination of a cold‐rolled ferritic steel subjected to isothermal and cyclic non‐isothermal annealing, has been carried out by utilizing comprehensive experimental analysis. The findings show that the variables of cyclic annealing, that is, amplitude, ramp rate, and intermediate holding time exhibit a great effect on the grain growth kinetics and the evolution of grain boundaries. The resulting grain size of the cyclic annealed steel is mainly attributed to the following factors: 1) the accelerating effect in the grain growth behavior caused by the additional driving force available during cyclic annealing, which increases with increasing amplitude; 2) the retarding effect due to the low equivalent isothermal temperature. Furthermore, the formation of low Σ‐ coincidence site lattice (ΣCSL) boundaries and the strength of γ‐fiber texture are enhanced through the cyclic annealing compared to the isothermal annealing. The potential advantages of continuous cyclic annealing in the steel industry are explored, in comparison with the conventional isothermal and cyclic annealing with an intermediate soaking time.
Cyanobacterial extract with serotonin receptor subtype 7 (5‐HT7R) affinity modulates depression and anxiety‐like behavior in mice
Authors: Lax Neil C. , Parker Stacy‐Ann J. , Hilton Edward J. , Seliman Youstina , Tidgewell Kevin J. , Kolber Benedict J.
Published: July 2018

Marine cyanobacteria represent a unique source in the field of drug discovery due to the secondary metabolites they produce and the structural similarity these compounds have to endogenous mammalian receptor ligands. A series of cyanobacteria were subjected to extraction, fractionation by column chromatography and screened for affinity against CNS targets with a focus on serotonin receptors (5‐HTRs). Out of 276 fractions screened, 21% had activity at 5‐HTRs and/or the 5‐HT transporter (SERT). One sample, a cyanobacterium identified by 16S rRNA sequencing as Leptolyngbya from Las Perlas archipelago in Panama, contained a fraction with noted affinity for the 5‐HT7 receptor (5‐HT7R). This fraction (DUQ0002I) was screened via intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections in mice using depression and anxiety assays including the forced swim, tail suspension, elevated zero maze, and light‐dark preference tests. DUQ0002I decreased depression and anxiety‐like behaviors in males and did not have effects in 5‐HT7R knockout or female mice. Administration of DUQ0002I to the CA1 of the hippocampus induced antidepression‐like, but not anxiolytic‐like behaviors. Testing of further purified materials showed no behavioral effects, leading us to hypothesize that the behavioral effects are likely caused by a synergistic effect between multiple compounds in the fraction. Finally, DUQ0002I was used in a model of neuropathic pain with comorbid depression (spared nerve injury—SNI). DUQ0002I had a similar antidepressant effect in animals with SNI, suggesting a role for the 5‐HT7R in the development of comorbid pain and depression. These results demonstrate the potential that cyanobacterial metabolites have in the field of neuropharmacognosy.
Financially embedded facility location decisions on designing a supply chain structure: A case study
Authors: Nobil Amir Hossein , Jalali Sajjad , Niaki Seyed Taghi Akhavan
Published: July 2018

The facility location problem and its related financial issues have a significant impact on the configuration of a supply chain structure (SCS). Although affording the setup cost of facilities requires a huge financial investment, a meticulous planning to recoup it has been neglected by an overwhelming majority of previous studies. To fill this gap, an economical investment plan of facilities is determined by striking a trade‐off between the contribution of the stockholders’ capital and the loan arrangement. In the context of a multiperiod three‐echelon SCS, the model also determines the optimum location of plants and the best supply and distribution patterns. The model maximizes the fill rate and the net present value of the periodic cash flow including the sale revenues minus the mortgage payment, purchase, and transportation costs. To solve the proposed problem, a finely tuned Pareto‐based nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA‐II) and a multi‐objective biogeography‐based optimization (MOBBO) algorithm are employed. Moreover, the solution methods are equipped with the heuristic DROP approach and data envelopment analysis to expedite the convergence process and derive the most efficient solutions, respectively. The experiments indicate the adequacy of the solution methods due to the close proximity to the results of the exact branch‐and‐bound method via the general algebraic modeling system optimization software. Finally, the results of a case study associated with designing SCS of an emerging biofuel industry demonstrate the significant implication of the research.
Neuroscience learning from longitudinal cohort studies of Alzheimer's disease: Lessons for disease‐modifying drug programs and an introduction to the Center for Neurodegeneration and Translational Neuroscience
Authors: Ritter Aaron , Cummings Jeffrey , Nance Christin , Miller Justin B.
Published: July 2018

The development of disease‐modifying therapies for Alzheimer's disease is an urgent public health emergency. Recent failures have highlighted the significant challenges faced by drug‐development programs. Longitudinal cohort studies are ideal for promoting understanding of this multifactorial, slowly progressive disease. In this section of the special edition, we review several important lessons from longitudinal cohort studies which should be considered in disease‐modifying therapy development. In the final section, we introduce the clinical cohort of the Center for Neurodegeneration and Translational Neuroscience. This newly established longitudinal study aims to provide new insights into the neuroimaging and biological marker (biomarkers) correlates of cognitive decline in early Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease (PD).
Gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) in femur and vertebra tissues of the hypovitaminosis D kyphotic pig model
Authors: Amundson Laura A. , Hernandez Laura L. , Crenshaw Thomas D.
Published: July 2018

The hypovitaminosis D kyphotic pig provides a reliable model to study the initiation of bone lesions caused by maternal vitamin D (D) deficiencies. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP; specifically, MMP9 and MMP13) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are important in endochondral ossification and are potentially regulated by D. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is interrelated with D homoeostasis and bone mineralisation. Relative mRNA expression ofMMP9,MMP13,VEGFandFGF23was measured in pig femur and vertebra. Sows (n37) were fed diets with 0 (−D), 8·125 (+D) or 43·750 (++D) µg D3/kg throughout gestation and lactation. At weaning (3 weeks), pigs were fed diets with 0 (−D) or 7·0 (+D) µg D3/kg, each with 75 and 95 % (LCaP) or 150 and 120 % (HCaP) of the Ca and P requirements. Pigs at birth (n27), 3 weeks (n27) and after the nursery period (7 weeks;n72) were euthanised for analysis. At 3 weeks, femurMMP9expression of pigs produced by +D or ++D sows was reduced (P<0·05) to 0·5-fold andVEGFexpression to 0·4-fold compared with pigs from –D sows. At 7 weeks,MMP9expression was reduced (P<0·05) to 0·45-fold in femur and 0·58-fold in vertebra from pigs produced by +D or ++D sows compared with pigs from −D sows. Pig femurVEGFexpression was reduced to 0·75-fold in pigs produced by ++D sows.MMP9andVEGFmRNA expression offer potential markers for the initiation of bone lesions in the hypovitaminosis D kyphotic pig model.
GRAIN YIELD AND NITROGEN UTILIZATION IN RESPONSE TO REDUCING NITROGEN RATE IN HYBRID RICE TRANSPLANTED AS SINGLE SEEDLINGS
Authors: HUANG MIN , SHAN SHUANGLÜ , XIE XIAOBING , ZHOU XUEFENG , ZOU YINGBIN , UPHOFF NORMAN
Published: July 2018

Transplanting single seedlings rather than seedlings in clumps has been increasingly attractive in hybrid rice production in China due to reduced seed requirements and higher grain yield. This study was conducted to determine grain yield and nitrogen (N) utilization in response to reductions in the N rate in hybrid rice under single-seedling transplanting. Field experiments were done in 2015 and 2016 on a moderate to high fertility soil at the Experimental Farm of Hunan Agricultural University, China. The hybrid rice cultivar Liangyoupeijiu (LYPJ) was used in 2015, and two hybrid cultivars LYPJ and Xiangliangyou 900 were used the next year. In each year, the rice plants transplanted with a single seedling per hill were grown with three N rates, including the usual N rate (150 kg ha–1) and two reduced N rates (120 and 90 kg ha–1). Grain yield, yield attributes, and N uptake and use efficiency were determined for each N rate. Significant reduction in grain yield was observed in only one of three cultivar-year combinations when N rate was reduced by 20% (from 150 to 120 kg ha–1), and the magnitude of yield reduction was only 4%. Although significant reduction in grain yield was observed in two of the three cultivar-year combinations when N rate reduced by 40% (to 90 kg ha–1), the highest yield reduction was only 7%. Yield attributes were generally changed slightly when N rate was reduced by 20%, while compensation among yield attributes and N utilization characteristics could explain why a 40% reduction in N rate did not result in substantial yield loss. Partial factor productivity of applied N (PFPN) was increased by 21–24% and 56–63% with 20% and 40% reductions in the N rate, respectively. The higher PFPN with a reduced N rate was attributed to higher recovery efficiency of applied N (REN) or to both higher REN and internal N use efficiency. Our study suggests that reducing N rate does not necessarily result in yield loss due to compensation among yield components and increased N use efficiency in hybrid rice transplanted as single seedlings under moderate to high soil fertility conditions.
Static balloon atrial septostomy for the purpose of left heart intervention in postoperative adult CHD
Authors: Fujii Takanari , Tomita Hideshi , Hata Yoshihito , Sasaki Takeshi , Asada Dai , Tarui Suguru , Miyahara Yoshinori , Ishino Kozo , Soga Takashi
Published: July 2018

Background and purpose

Static balloon atrial septostomy is a widely accepted intervention for children with CHD. Successful surgical palliation is creating increasing numbers of adult CHD patients who need subsequent left heart intervention requiring transseptal access. In these patients, the interatrial septum is usually thick and fibrotic because of a previous open heart surgery or catheter intervention, and conventional transseptal puncture may be unsuccessful. Static balloon atrial septostomy to access the left atrium may facilitate intervention via the interatrial septum in such situations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness and the safety of static balloon atrial septostomy, and the evolution of an iatrogenic atrial septal defect post procedure in adult CHD.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed six procedures in five adults with CHD and collected demographic characteristics, details of the procedures, clinical outcome, and size changes of the iatrogenic atrial septal defect.

Results

The mean age at the time of the procedure was 35 years. The intended primary interventions were pulmonary vein isolation, stenting for pulmonary vein obstruction, and catheter ablation for focal atrial tachycardia. All static balloon atrial septostomies were effective, and the left heart interventions were successfully achieved via transseptal sheaths. There were no major complications associated with the static balloon atrial septostomy. There were no adverse clinical outcomes related to iatrogenic atrial septal defect, and the size of the defects regressed over time in all cases.

Conclusions

Static balloon atrial septostomy can be a safe and useful technique in adult CHD patients needing left heart procedures. The thick interatrial septum found in postoperative patients may reduce the risk of persistent iatrogenic atrial septal defect.
Perinatal exposures to phthalates and phthalate mixtures result in sex-specific effects on body weight, organ weights and intracisternal A-particle (IAP) DNA methylation in weanling mice
Authors: Neier K. , Cheatham D. , Bedrosian L. D. , Dolinoy D. C.
Published: July 2018

Developmental exposure to phthalates has been implicated as a risk for obesity; however, epidemiological studies have yielded conflicting results and mechanisms are poorly understood. An additional layer of complexity in epidemiological studies is that humans are exposed to mixtures of many different phthalates. Here, we utilize an established mouse model of perinatal exposure to investigate the effects of three phthalates, diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), on body weight and organ weights in weanling mice. In addition to individual phthalate exposures, we employed two mixture exposures: DEHP+DINP and DEHP+DINP+DBP. Phthalates were administered through phytoestrogen-free chow at the following exposure levels: 25 mg DEHP/kg chow, 25 mg DBP/kg chow and 75 mg DINP/kg chow. The viable yellow agouti (Avy) mouse strain, along with measurement of tail DNA methylation, was used as a biosensor to examine effects of phthalates and phthalate mixtures on the DNA methylome. We found that female and male mice perinatally exposed to DINP alone had increased body weights at postnatal day 21 (PND21), and that exposure to mixtures did not exaggerate these effects. Females exposed to DINP and DEHP+DINP had increased relative liver weights at PND21, and females exposed to a mixture of DEHP+DINP+DBP had increased relative gonadal fat weight. Phthalate-exposedAvy/aoffspring exhibited altered coat color distributions and altered DNA methylation at intracisternal A-particles (IAPs), repetitive elements in the mouse genome. These findings provide evidence that developmental exposures to phthalates influence body weight and organ weight changes in early life, and are associated with altered DNA methylation at IAPs.
Citizen Radio Science: An Analysis of Amateur Radio Transmissions With e‐POP RRI
Authors: Perry G. W. , Frissell N. A. , Miller E. S. , Moses M. , Shovkoplyas A. , Howarth A. D. , Yau A. W.
Published: July 2018

We report the results of a radio science experiment involving citizen scientists conducted on 28 June 2015, in which the Radio Receiver Instrument (RRI) on the Enhanced Polar Outflow Probe (e‐POP) tuned in to the 40‐ and 80‐m ham radio bands during the 2015 American Radio Relay League Field Day. We have aurally decoded the Morse coded call signs of 14 hams (amateur operators) from RRI's data to help ascertain their locations during the experiment. Through careful analysis of the hams' transmissions, and with the aid of ray tracing tools, we have identified two notable magnetoionic effects in the received signals: plasma cutoff and single‐mode fading. The signature of the former effect appeared approximately 30 s into the experiment, with the sudden cessation of signals received by RRI despite measurements from a network of ground‐based receivers showing that the hams' transmissions were unabated throughout the experiment. The latter effect, single‐mode fading, was detected as a double‐peak modulation on the individual dots and dashes of one of the ham's Morse coded transmissions. We show that the modulation in the ham's signal agrees with expected fading rate for single‐mode fading. The results of this experiment demonstrate that ham radio transmissions are a valuable tool for studying radio wave propagation and remotely sensing the ionosphere. The analysis and results provide a basis for future collaborations in radio science between traditional researchers in the academia and industry, and citizen scientists in which novel and compelling experiments can be performed.
Three‐Dimensional Phase‐Field Investigation of Pore Space Cementation and Permeability in Quartz Sandstone
Authors: Prajapati Nishant , Selzer Michael , Nestler Britta , Busch Benjamin , Hilgers Christoph , Ankit Kumar
Published: July 2018

The present work investigates the dynamics of quartz precipitation from supersaturated formation fluids in granular media, analogous to sandstones, using a multiphase‐field model. First, we derive a two‐dimensional (2‐D) Wulff shape of quartz from the three‐dimensional (3‐D) geometry and simulate the unitaxial growth of quartz in geological fractures in 2‐D in order to examine the role of misorientation and crystal c to a axis ratios (c/a) in the formation of quartz bridge structures that are extensively observed in nature. Based on this sensitivity analysis and the previously reported experiments, we choose a realistic value of c/a to computationally mimic the 3‐D anisotropic sealing of pore space in sandstone. The simulated microstructures exhibit similarities related to crystal morphologies and remaining pore space with those observed in natural samples. Further, the phase‐field simulations successfully capture the effect of grain size on (I) development of euhedral form and (II) sealing kinetics of cementation, consistent with experiments. Moreover, the initially imposed normal distribution of pore sizes evolves eventually to a lognormal pattern exhibiting a bimodal behavior in the intermediate stages. Furthermore, computational fluid dynamics analysis is performed in order to derive the temporal evolution of permeability in numerically cemented microstructures. The obtained permeability‐porosity relationships are coherent with previous findings. Finally, we highlight the capabilities of the present modeling approach in simulating 3‐D reactive flow during progressive sealing in porous rocks based on innovative postprocessing analyses and advanced visualization techniques.
Near‐Inertial Waves and Their Underlying Mechanisms Based on the South China Sea Internal Wave Experiment (2010–2011)
Authors: Cao Anzhou , Guo Zheng , Song Jinbao , Lv Xianqing , He Hailun , Fan Wei
Published: July 2018

Based on mooring array data from the South China Sea (SCS) Internal Wave Experiment, in this paper, five burst events of near‐inertial waves (NIWs) in the northern SCS that occurred during August 2010 to April 2011 are reported. Among these NIWs, three were induced by typhoons Lionrock, Meranti, and Megi in 2010. Due to the differences in typhoon characteristics, mooring measuring ranges, distances between typhoon centers and moorings, and local conditions, the NIWs induced by the three typhoons show various intensities and structures at all three moorings. An interesting phenomenon is that the weaker typhoon Meranti generates stronger NIWs than the stronger typhoon Megi, which is largely due to the larger translation speed of Meranti. The e‐folding time of near‐inertial variance suggests that the damping of typhoon‐induced NIWs is related to local conditions. In addition to the typhoon‐induced NIWs, two NIW burst events were found in December 2010 and March 2011 at one mooring; however, these events were absent from the two adjacent moorings. Through analysis, we ruled out the local winds, lateral propagation, and parametric subharmonic instability as the causes of these NIWs. Although the real mechanisms remain unknown, the NIWs that occurred in December 2010 and March 2011 exhibit different features from the typhoon‐induced NIWs. First, these NIWs have larger vertical wave numbers and smaller wavelengths than the typhoon‐induced NIWs. Second, these NIWs can cause intense shear in deep water, whereas intense shear of typhoon‐induced NIWs mainly exist in the upper ocean (approximately 150–200 m).
Hydrography of the Central and Western Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Portela Esther , Tenreiro M. , Pallàs‐Sanz Enric , Meunier Thomas , Ruiz‐Angulo Angel , Sosa‐Gutiérrez Rosmery , Cusí Simó
Published: July 2018

This study describes in detail the water masses of the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) west of 88°W based on their thermohaline properties and dissolved oxygen concentration. The existent historical information is complemented with new data from 14 cruises, Argo floats, and over one year of continuous glider monitoring. The results describe the general hydrography of the central and western GoM with focus on the difference between the water properties inside and outside Loop Current Eddies (LCEs). Caribbean Surface Water, Subtropical Underwater, and 18 °C Sargasso Sea Water (18SSW) are exclusive of the LCEs, and they are found along the LCEs preferred path between 23°N and 27°N. Outside the LCEs, the prominent characteristics of these water masses erode, and the Gulf Common Water is ubiquitous in the subsurface. It is shown that the water masses in the GoM need to be described in the frame of the dominant mesoscale features that take place there and that the dissolved oxygen is a key variable to identify some water masses of Caribbean origin as the Tropical Atlantic Central Water and the 18SSW. The previous potential temperature and salinity limits of the water masses within the GoM were revised and redefined in terms of absolute salinity and conservative temperature in the frame of the Thermodynamic Equation of Seawater, 2010 (TEOS‐10). While temperature values after conversion have little variation compared to the previous ones, the absolute salinity is in average 0.2 units greater than the former practical salinity.
A Coupled Ocean Physics‐Biology Modeling Study on Tropical Instability Wave‐Induced Chlorophyll Impacts in the Pacific
Authors: Tian Feng , Zhang Rong‐Hua , Wang Xiujun
Published: July 2018

Tropical instability waves (TIWs) play an important role in modulating the physical variability (e.g., sea surface temperature [SST] and heat flux) and biological activity (e.g., phytoplankton and chlorophyll (Chl)) in the eastern tropical Pacific. The impacts of TIW‐induced Chl perturbations (ChlTIW) are examined using a coupled ocean physics‐biology model in the tropical Pacific. TIW‐scale biological and physical perturbations are extracted using a zonal high‐passed filter. The TIW‐induced perturbations of biological and physical fields (e.g., Chl, nitrate, iron, and SST.) exhibit their close relationships, with negative correlation between SST and Chl at TIW scale. Processes responsible for the impacts of ChlTIW are diagnosed. ChlTIW acts to modulate the incoming solar radiation that penetrates the bottom of the mixed layer (Qpen). In addition, two experiments are conducted with the impacts of ChlTIW on the ocean included or not. The results show that the ChlTIW effects tend to substantially increase seasonal variability of eddy kinetic energy (EKE) and slightly decrease SST in the eastern equatorial Pacific. At large scale, ChlTIW leads to an increase in mean Chl concentration, which induces a SST cooling and an increase in EKE in the boreal winter. At TIW scale, ChlTIW leads to the change in Qpen and a decrease in baroclinic conversion term and eventually decreases the EKE in the boreal spring and summer. So the ChlTIW acts to have influences both on the intensity of TIW and large‐scale SST in the tropical Pacific, involving multiscale interactions and feedbacks between ocean physics and biology.
Unconventional fractional quantum Hall states and Wigner crystallization in suspended Corbino graphene
Authors: Kumar Manohar , Laitinen Antti , Hakonen Pertti
Published: July 2018

Competition between liquid and solid states in two-dimensional electron systems is an intriguing problem in condensed matter physics. We have investigated competing Wigner crystal and fractional quantum Hall (FQH) liquid phases in atomically thin suspended graphene devices in Corbino geometry. Low-temperature magnetoconductance and transconductance measurements along with IV characteristics all indicate strong charge density dependent modulation of electron transport. Our results show unconventional FQH phases which do not fit the standard Jain’s series for conventional FQH states, instead they appear to originate from residual interactions of composite fermions in partially filled Landau levels. Also at very low charge density with filling factors $$\nu \,\lesssim\, 1/5$$
ν

≲

1
∕
5
, electrons crystallize into an ordered Wigner solid which eventually transforms into an incompressible Hall liquid at filling factors around ν ≤ 1/7. Building on the unique Corbino sample structure, our experiments pave the way for enhanced understanding of the ordered phases of interacting electrons.
Lithography for robust and editable atomic-scale silicon devices and memories
Authors: Achal Roshan , Rashidi Mohammad , Croshaw Jeremiah , Churchill David , Taucer Marco , Huff Taleana , Cloutier Martin , Pitters Jason , Wolkow Robert A.
Published: July 2018

At the atomic scale, there has always been a trade-off between the ease of fabrication of structures and their thermal stability. Complex structures that are created effortlessly often disorder above cryogenic conditions. Conversely, systems with high thermal stability do not generally permit the same degree of complex manipulations. Here, we report scanning tunneling microscope (STM) techniques to substantially improve automated hydrogen lithography (HL) on silicon, and to transform state-of-the-art hydrogen repassivation into an efficient, accessible error correction/editing tool relative to existing chemical and mechanical methods. These techniques are readily adapted to many STMs, together enabling fabrication of error-free, room-temperature stable structures of unprecedented size. We created two rewriteable atomic memories (1.1 petabits per in2), storing the alphabet letter-by-letter in 8 bits and a piece of music in 192 bits. With HL no longer faced with this trade-off, practical silicon-based atomic-scale devices are poised to make rapid advances towards their full potential.
Stromal PTEN determines mammary epithelial response to radiotherapy
Authors: Sizemore Gina M. , Balakrishnan Subhasree , Thies Katie A. , Hammer Anisha M. , Sizemore Steven T. , Trimboli Anthony J. , Cuitiño Maria C. , Steck Sarah A. , Tozbikian Gary , Kladney Raleigh D. , Shinde Neelam , Das Manjusri , Park Dongju , Majumder Sarmila , Krishnan Shiva , Yu Lianbo , Fernandez Soledad A. , Chakravarti Arnab , Shields Peter G. , White Julia R. , Yee Lisa D. , Rosol Thomas J. , Ludwig Thomas , Park Morag , Leone Gustavo , Ostrowski Michael C.
Published: July 2018

The importance of the tumor–associated stroma in cancer progression is clear. However, it remains uncertain whether early events in the stroma are capable of initiating breast tumorigenesis. Here, we show that in the mammary glands of non-tumor bearing mice, stromal-specific phosphatase and tensin homolog (Pten) deletion invokes radiation-induced genomic instability in neighboring epithelium. In these animals, a single dose of whole-body radiation causes focal mammary lobuloalveolar hyperplasia through paracrine epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation, and EGFR inhibition abrogates these cellular changes. By analyzing human tissue, we discover that stromal PTEN is lost in a subset of normal breast samples obtained from reduction mammoplasty, and is predictive of recurrence in breast cancer patients. Combined, these data indicate that diagnostic or therapeutic chest radiation may predispose patients with decreased stromal PTEN expression to secondary breast cancer, and that prophylactic EGFR inhibition may reduce this risk.
Squamate reptiles challenge paradigms of genomic repeat element evolution set by birds and mammals
Authors: Pasquesi Giulia I. M. , Adams Richard H. , Card Daren C. , Schield Drew R. , Corbin Andrew B. , Perry Blair W. , Reyes-Velasco Jacobo , Ruggiero Robert P. , Vandewege Michael W. , Shortt Jonathan A. , Castoe Todd A.
Published: July 2018

Broad paradigms of vertebrate genomic repeat element evolution have been largely shaped by analyses of mammalian and avian genomes. Here, based on analyses of genomes sequenced from over 60 squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes), we show that patterns of genomic repeat landscape evolution in squamates challenge such paradigms. Despite low variance in genome size, squamate genomes exhibit surprisingly high variation among species in abundance (ca. 25–73% of the genome) and composition of identifiable repeat elements. We also demonstrate that snake genomes have experienced microsatellite seeding by transposable elements at a scale unparalleled among eukaryotes, leading to some snake genomes containing the highest microsatellite content of any known eukaryote. Our analyses of transposable element evolution across squamates also suggest that lineage-specific variation in mechanisms of transposable element activity and silencing, rather than variation in species-specific demography, may play a dominant role in driving variation in repeat element landscapes across squamate phylogeny.
Small molecule inhibition of RAS/MAPK signaling ameliorates developmental pathologies of Kabuki Syndrome
Authors: Tsai I-Chun , McKnight Kelly , McKinstry Spencer U. , Maynard Andrew T. , Tan Perciliz L. , Golzio Christelle , White C. Thomas , Price Daniel J. , Davis Erica E. , Amrine-Madsen Heather , Katsanis Nicholas
Published: July 2018

Kabuki Syndrome (KS) is a rare disorder characterized by distinctive facial features, short stature, skeletal abnormalities, and neurodevelopmental deficits. Previously, we showed that loss of function of RAP1A, a RAF1 regulator, can activate the RAS/MAPK pathway and cause KS, an observation recapitulated in other genetic models of the disorder. These data suggested that suppression of this signaling cascade might be of therapeutic benefit for some features of KS. To pursue this possibility, we performed a focused small molecule screen of a series of RAS/MAPK pathway inhibitors, where we tested their ability to rescue disease-relevant phenotypes in a zebrafish model of the most common KS locus, kmt2d. Consistent with a pathway-driven screening paradigm, two of 27 compounds showed reproducible rescue of early developmental pathologies. Further analyses showed that one compound, desmethyl-Dabrafenib (dmDf), induced no overt pathologies in zebrafish embryos but could rescue MEK hyperactivation in vivo and, concomitantly, structural KS-relevant phenotypes in all KS zebrafish models (kmt2d, kmd6a and rap1). Mass spectrometry quantitation suggested that a 100 nM dose resulted in sub-nanomolar exposure of this inhibitor and was sufficient to rescue both mandibular and neurodevelopmental defects. Crucially, germline kmt2d mutants recapitulated the gastrulation movement defects, micrognathia and neurogenesis phenotypes of transient models; treatment with dmDf ameliorated all of them significantly. Taken together, our data reinforce a causal link between MEK hyperactivation and KS and suggest that chemical suppression of BRAF might be of potential clinical utility for some features of this disorder.
Maintaining bovine satellite cells stemness through p38 pathway
Authors: Ding Shijie , Swennen G. N. M , Messmer Tobias , Gagliardi Mick , Molin Daniël G. M. , Li Chunbao , Zhou Guanghong , Post Mark J.
Published: July 2018

Isolating and maintaining the appropriate stem cell for large scale cell culture is essential in tissue engineering or food production. For bovine satellite cells an optimized isolation and purification protocol is lacking and there is also no detailed understanding on the factors that maintain stemness of these cells. Here, we set up a fluorescence-activated cell sorting strategy to enrich bovine satellite cells. We found that p38-MAPK signalling is activated and PAX7 expression is gradually lost during satellite cell proliferation. The p38 inhibitor (SB203580) treatment maintained PAX7 expression but inhibited the fusion of satellite cells in a concentration-dependent way in short-term incubation. The mechanism of p38 inhibition was confirmed by inhibiting canonical p38 signalling, i.e. HSP27. Long-term culture with an appropriate concentration of p38i enhanced the proliferation and PAX7 expression, while the differentiation capacity recovered and was enhanced compared to vehicle control. These studies indicate that bovine satellite cells maintenance depends on cell purity and p38 MAPK signalling. Inhibition of p38 MAPK signaling is a promising strategy to facilitate large scale cell expansion of primary cells for tissue engineering and cultured meat purposes.
Itching and its related factors in subtypes of eczema: a cross-sectional multicenter study in tertiary hospitals of China
Authors: Wang Xin , Li Linfeng , Shi Xiaodong , Zhou Ping , Shen Yiwei
Published: July 2018

Itching is a leading symptom of eczema or dermatitis and has a great impact on patients’ lives. Previous studies on itching have focused mostly on atopic dermatitis (AD). A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted among outpatients with eczema from 39 tertiary hospitals in mainland China from July 1 to September 30, 2014. This work elaborates on itching in different types of eczema. Itching was very common (97%, 8499/8758) in outpatients with eczema. The severity of the itch increased with age and disease duration (P < 0.001). The top three subtypes of dermatitis with severe itching were atopic dermatitis (30.4%), widespread eczema (30.1%), and asteatotic eczema (27.9%). Widespread eczema refers to the involvement of more than three body parts, without clinical features of other specific types of eczema. The proportion of outpatients without itching was highest in hand eczema (6.8%). Positive correlations were observed between the severity of itching and the proportions of different diseases based on trend tests, including atopic dermatitis (P < 0.001), widespread eczema (P < 0.001), asteatotic eczema (P < 0.001), and autosensitization dermatitis (P < 0.001). Eczema outpatients with older age, longer disease duration, and, especially, a history of allergic diseases might be more prone to itching.