bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detailed Properties of Equatorial Noise With Quasiperiodic Modulation
Authors: Němec F. , Santolík O. , Hayosh M. , Darrouzet F. , Cornilleau‐Wehrlin N.
Published: June 2018

Equatorial noise (EN) emissions are electromagnetic waves observed routinely in the equatorial region of the inner magnetosphere. Although they are typically continuous in time, they sometimes exhibit a quasiperiodic (QP) time modulation of the wave intensity, with modulation periods on the order of minutes. We perform a detailed analysis of 118 EN events with the QP modulation. The events are observed preferentially outside the plasmasphere. We determine the times and frequencies of individual QP elements forming the events. Apart from the event modulation period, this allows us to characterize the intensity and the frequency drift of individual QP wave elements. It is shown that the element intensity peaks at the magnetic equator. The modulation period within a single event is usually quite stable, with variations lower than 25% of the median value in the vast majority of cases. The events with shorter modulation periods are typically more intense, and they tend to have larger frequency drifts. These relations resemble the relations formerly revealed for extra low frequency/very low frequency quasiperiodic emissions, suggesting that the origin of the QP modulation of the wave intensity of EN and ELF/VLF emissions might be similar.
Cross‐Equatorial Flushing Dust Storms and Northern Hemisphere Transient Eddies: An Analysis for Mars Year 24
Authors: Wang H.
Published: June 2018

The relationship between frontal/flushing dust storms and northern hemisphere synoptic period transient eddies in Mars year 24 is examined in this paper. Frontal dust storms are observed roughly continuously during the presolstice (early/middle fall) and postsolstice (middle/late winter) time periods, but flushing dust storms that cross the equator are confined to shorter seasonal windows on both sides of the solsticial pause. In the lower atmosphere, the timing of cross‐equatorial flushing dust storms correlates better with eddy temperature than with eddy meridional wind; in the middle atmosphere, it correlates better with eddy meridional wind than with eddy temperature. This is because both the lower atmosphere eddy temperature and the middle atmosphere eddy meridional wind are dominated by zonal wave number m = 3 eastward traveling waves during the cross‐equatorial flushing dust storm periods. Frontal dust storms do not seem to be limited to any particular wave mode, but cross‐equatorial flushing dust storms appear to be closely related to m = 3 eastward traveling waves, at least in Mars year 24. The effectiveness of m = 3 waves in this regard is partially due to their amplitudes but more importantly due to their seasonal distributions and latitudinal positions. During the time periods when m = 3 waves are strong, the m = 3 waves are also located at lower latitudes, closer in distance to the fairly strong southward mean meridional wind in the low latitudes. Dust in frontal dust storms at high latitudes can be easily entrained into the low‐latitude circulation and be efficiently transported southward.
Evaluating the Skill of Forecasts of the Near‐Earth Solar Wind Using a Space Weather Monitor at L5
Authors: Thomas S. R. , Fazakerley A. , Wicks R. T. , Green L.
Published: June 2018

Forecasting space weather is an essential activity for increasing the resilience of modern technological infrastructure to hazards from the Sun. To provide an accurate forecast, space weather monitors positioned at L5 are proposed that carry in situ plasma detectors. Here we use data from the STEREO and ACE missions to investigate how well it is possible to predict the solar wind when there are two spacecraft located with the same longitudinal separation as from L5 to Earth. There are four intervals when this is the case: STEREO‐to‐STEREO both on the Earth's side and the far side of the Sun, STEREO‐B to ACE and ACE to STEREO‐A. We forecast the solar wind by mapping the observed solar wind at the first spacecraft to the second using a time delay calculated using the spacecraft's heliographic longitudinal separation and the difference in radial distance from the Sun, allowing for the solar wind speed. Using forecasting skill scores, we find that the predicted and observed solar wind data are, in general, in very good agreement with each of the four periods, including observed corotating interaction regions. However, there are some notable exceptions when corotating interaction regions have been missed by the forecast. The skill improves further for all time periods when removing coronal mass ejections, which cannot be predicted in this method. We suggest that an L5 monitor should be located at the same heliographic latitude as the Earth to optimize the forecasting ability of the monitor and to reduce the chance of missing important events.
Nonparametric Data Assimilation Scheme for Land Hydrological Applications
Authors: Khaki M. , Hamilton F. , Forootan E. , Hoteit I. , Awange J. , Kuhn M.
Published: June 2018

Data assimilation, which relies on explicit knowledge of dynamical models, is a well‐known approach that addresses models' limitations due to various reasons, such as errors in input and forcing data sets. This approach, however, requires intensive computational efforts, especially for high‐dimensional systems such as distributed hydrological models. Alternatively, data‐driven methods offer comparable solutions when the physics underlying the models are unknown. For the first time in a hydrological context, a nonparametric framework is implemented here to improve model estimates using available observations. This method uses Takens delay coordinate method to reconstruct the dynamics of the system within a Kalman filtering framework, called the Kalman‐Takens filter. A synthetic experiment is undertaken to fully investigate the capability of the proposed method by comparing its performance with that of a standard assimilation framework based on an adaptive unscented Kalman filter (AUKF). Furthermore, using terrestrial water storage (TWS) estimates obtained from the Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment mission, both filters are applied to a real case scenario to update different water storages over Australia. In situ groundwater and soil moisture measurements within Australia are used to further evaluate the results. The Kalman‐Takens filter successfully improves the estimated water storages at levels comparable to the AUKF results, with an average root‐mean‐square error reduction of 37.30% for groundwater and 12.11% for soil moisture estimates. Additionally, the Kalman‐Takens filter, while reducing estimation complexities, requires a fraction of the computational time, that is, ∼8 times faster compared to the AUKF approach.
Hydroclimatological Drivers of Extreme Floods on Lake Ontario
Authors: Carter Elizabeth , Steinschneider Scott
Published: June 2018

This study examines the hydrologic and climatic conditions that precede major flood events on Lake Ontario, with the purpose of understanding the potential for seasonal forecasts to inform lake level management. Seven late spring/early summer flood events are identified since 1949, including the record‐breaking flood of 2017. The surface climate, atmospheric circulation, and antecedent lake levels for the preceding winter and spring seasons are examined. Results suggest that flood events are caused by different combinations of high, initial wintertime water levels across all of the Great Lakes, anomalously wet winters across the entire Great Lakes basin, and wet spring conditions, particularly in the eastern part of the basin. Wet winters that precede flood events are often associated with La Niña conditions, while wet springs are often associated with a westward shift of the North Atlantic Subtropical High. As the critical drawdown period for Lake Ontario occurs in the fall, before the onset of anomalous winter or spring/summer inputs, a generalized additive model was used to predict April–August maximum monthly average Lake Ontario water levels using November levels for all Great Lakes, a nonlinear response to the wintertime Niño 3.4 index, and scenarios of April–May overbasin precipitation. The Niño 3.4 index significantly improves lake level predictions, suggesting that an El Niño‐Southern Oscillation signal may be useful for lake level management. Future work needed to verify the use of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation for Lake Ontario flood forecasting and to link the North Atlantic Subtropical High to predictions of springtime Great Lakes climate is discussed.
Weaning from long-term mechanical ventilation utilizing closed-loop ventilation mode (IntelliVent®-ASV®) in a patient with spinal cord injury
Authors: Shimizu Satoru , Nakajima Masashi , Yamazaki Masayuki , Nagayama Takashi , Suzuki Ryuta
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Cervical spinal cord injury with the C3 neurological level may cause respiratory failure and require long-term mechanical ventilation. Conventional weaning of spontaneous breathing trials is difficult to perform outside of intensive care or spinal cord units.

Case presentation

An 80-year-old man presented with total tetraplegia and restrictive respiratory failure that required assisted ventilation after a falling accident. Cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging showed cervical cord compression that was worst at the C3–C4 intervertebral level. He experienced unexpected cardiac arrest during the conventional weaning process of trials of intermittent spontaneous breathing in the intensive care unit. The automated weaning protocol utilizing a closed-loop ventilation mode (IntelliVent®-ASV
®
) was introduced 131 days after injury in our ward for chronically ill patients. The patient was successfully weaned 39 days after the introduction of the weaning protocol.

Discussion

An automated weaning protocol utilizing a closed-loop ventilation mode could be an optional procedure in patients with cervical cord injury on long-term mechanical ventilation, even in a ward for chronically ill patients where sufficient staff is not available. The efficacy and safety, and the cost-effectiveness of the procedure should be examined in larger spinal cord units.
Early Neolithic executions indicated by clustered cranial trauma in the mass grave of Halberstadt
Authors: Meyer Christian , Knipper Corina , Nicklisch Nicole , Münster Angelina , Kürbis Olaf , Dresely Veit , Meller Harald , Alt Kurt W.
Published: June 2018

The later phase of the Central European Early Neolithic witnessed a rise in collective lethal violence to a level undocumented up to this date. This is evidenced by repeated massacres of settled communities of theLinearbandkeramik(ca. 5600–4900 calbc), the first full farming culture in this area. Skeletal remains of several dozen victims of this prehistoric warfare are known from different sites in Germany and Austria. Here we show that the mass grave of Halberstadt, Germany, a new mass fatality site from the same period, reveals further and so far unknown facets of Early Neolithic collective lethal violence. A highly selected, almost exclusively adult male and non-local population sample was killed by targeted blows to the back of the head, indicating a practice of systematic execution under largely controlled conditions followed by careless disposal of the bodies. This discovery significantly increases current knowledge about warfare-related violent behaviour in Early Neolithic Central Europe.
Mutually exclusive acetylation and ubiquitylation of the splicing factor SRSF5 control tumor growth
Authors: Chen Yuhan , Huang Qingyang , Liu Wen , Zhu Qiong , Cui Chun-Ping , Xu Liang , Guo Xing , Wang Ping , Liu Jingwen , Dong Guanglong , Wei Wenyi , Liu Cui Hua , Feng Zhichun , He Fuchu , Zhang Lingqiang
Published: June 2018

Most tumor cells take up more glucose than normal cells. Splicing dysregulation is one of the molecular hallmarks of cancer. However, the role of splicing factor in glucose metabolism and tumor development remains poorly defined. Here, we show that upon glucose intake, the splicing factor SRSF5 is specifically induced through Tip60-mediated acetylation on K125, which antagonizes Smurf1-mediated ubiquitylation. SRSF5 promotes the alternative splicing of CCAR1 to produce CCAR1S proteins, which promote tumor growth by enhancing glucose consumption and acetyl-CoA production. Conversely, upon glucose starvation, SRSF5 is deacetylated by HDAC1, and ubiquitylated by Smurf1 on the same lysine, resulting in proteasomal degradation of SRSF5. The CCAR1L proteins accumulate to promote apoptosis. Importantly, SRSF5 is hyperacetylated and upregulated in human lung cancers, which correlates with increased CCAR1S expression and tumor progression. Thus, SRSF5 responds to high glucose to promote cancer development, and SRSF5–CCAR1 axis may be valuable targets for cancer therapeutics.
Structural bases of TRP channel TRPV6 allosteric modulation by 2-APB
Authors: Singh Appu K. , Saotome Kei , McGoldrick Luke L. , Sobolevsky Alexander I.
Published: June 2018

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are involved in various physiological processes, including sensory transduction. The TRP channel TRPV6 mediates calcium uptake in epithelia and its expression is dramatically increased in numerous types of cancer. TRPV6 inhibitors suppress tumor growth, but the molecular mechanism of inhibition remains unknown. Here, we present crystal and cryo-EM structures of human and rat TRPV6 bound to 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB), a TRPV6 inhibitor and modulator of numerous TRP channels. 2-APB binds to TRPV6 in a pocket formed by the cytoplasmic half of the S1–S4 transmembrane helix bundle. Comparing human wild-type and high-affinity mutant Y467A structures, we show that 2-APB induces TRPV6 channel closure by modulating protein–lipid interactions. Mutagenesis and functional analyses suggest that the identified 2-APB binding site might be present in other members of vanilloid subfamily TRP channels. Our findings reveal a mechanism of ion channel allosteric modulation that can be exploited for therapeutic design.
Spontaneous buckling of contractile poroelastic actomyosin sheets
Authors: Ideses Y. , Erukhimovitch V. , Brand R. , Jourdain D. , Hernandez J. Salmeron , Gabinet U. R. , Safran S. A. , Kruse K. , Bernheim-Groswasser A.
Published: June 2018

Shape transitions in developing organisms can be driven by active stresses, notably, active contractility generated by myosin motors. The mechanisms generating tissue folding are typically studied in epithelia. There, the interaction between cells is also coupled to an elastic substrate, presenting a major difficulty for studying contraction induced folding. Here we study the contraction and buckling of active, initially homogeneous, thin elastic actomyosin networks isolated from bounding surfaces. The network behaves as a poroelastic material, where a flow of fluid is generated during contraction. Contraction starts at the system boundaries, proceeds into the bulk, and eventually leads to spontaneous buckling of the sheet at the periphery. The buckling instability resulted from system self-organization and from the spontaneous emergence of density gradients driven by the active contractility. The buckling wavelength increases linearly with sheet thickness. Our system offers a well-controlled way to study mechanically induced, spontaneous shape transitions in active matter.
Sensory overamplification in layer 5 auditory corticofugal projection neurons following cochlear nerve synaptic damage
Authors: Asokan Meenakshi M. , Williamson Ross S. , Hancock Kenneth E. , Polley Daniel B.
Published: June 2018

Layer 5 (L5) cortical projection neurons innervate far-ranging brain areas to coordinate integrative sensory processing and adaptive behaviors. Here, we characterize a plasticity in L5 auditory cortex (ACtx) neurons that innervate the inferior colliculus (IC), thalamus, lateral amygdala and striatum. We track daily changes in sound processing using chronic widefield calcium imaging of L5 axon terminals on the dorsal cap of the IC in awake, adult mice. Sound level growth functions at the level of the auditory nerve and corticocollicular axon terminals are both strongly depressed hours after noise-induced damage of cochlear afferent synapses. Corticocollicular response gain rebounded above baseline levels by the following day and remained elevated for several weeks despite a persistent reduction in auditory nerve input. Sustained potentiation of excitatory ACtx projection neurons that innervate multiple limbic and subcortical auditory centers may underlie hyperexcitability and aberrant functional coupling of distributed brain networks in tinnitus and hyperacusis.
Crystal structure of the catalytic domain of HIV-1 restriction factor APOBEC3G in complex with ssDNA
Authors: Maiti Atanu , Myint Wazo , Kanai Tapan , Delviks-Frankenberry Krista , Sierra Rodriguez Christina , Pathak Vinay K. , Schiffer Celia A. , Matsuo Hiroshi
Published: June 2018

The human APOBEC3G protein is a cytidine deaminase that generates cytidine to deoxy-uridine mutations in single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), and capable of restricting replication of HIV-1 by generating mutations in viral genome. The mechanism by which APOBEC3G specifically deaminates 5′-CC motifs has remained elusive since structural studies have been hampered due to apparently weak ssDNA binding of the catalytic domain of APOBEC3G. We overcame the problem by generating a highly active variant with higher ssDNA affinity. Here, we present the crystal structure of this variant complexed with a ssDNA substrate at 1.86 Å resolution. This structure reveals atomic-level interactions by which APOBEC3G recognizes a functionally-relevant 5′-TCCCA sequence. This complex also reveals a key role of W211 in substrate recognition, implicating a similar recognition in activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) with a conserved tryptophan.
Direct observation of exciton–exciton interactions
Authors: Dostál Jakub , Fennel Franziska , Koch Federico , Herbst Stefanie , Würthner Frank , Brixner Tobias
Published: June 2018

Natural light harvesting as well as optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices depend on efficient transport of energy following photoexcitation. Using common spectroscopic methods, however, it is challenging to discriminate one-exciton dynamics from multi-exciton interactions that arise when more than one excitation is present in the system. Here we introduce a coherent two-dimensional spectroscopic method that provides a signal only in case that the presence of one exciton influences the behavior of another one. Exemplarily, we monitor exciton diffusion by annihilation in a perylene bisimide-based J-aggregate. We determine quantitatively the exciton diffusion constant from exciton–exciton-interaction 2D spectra and reconstruct the annihilation-free dynamics for large pump powers. The latter enables for ultrafast spectroscopy at much higher intensities than conventionally possible and thus improves signal-to-noise ratios for multichromophore systems; the former recovers spatio–temporal dynamics for a broad range of phenomena in which exciton interactions are present.
Transparent and flexible fingerprint sensor array with multiplexed detection of tactile pressure and skin temperature
Authors: An Byeong Wan , Heo Sanghyun , Ji Sangyoon , Bien Franklin , Park Jang-Ung
Published: June 2018

We developed a transparent and flexible, capacitive fingerprint sensor array with multiplexed, simultaneous detection of tactile pressure and finger skin temperature for mobile smart devices. In our approach, networks of hybrid nanostructures using ultra-long metal nanofibers and finer nanowires were formed as transparent, flexible electrodes of a multifunctional sensor array. These sensors exhibited excellent optoelectronic properties and outstanding reliability against mechanical bending. This fingerprint sensor array has a high resolution with good transparency. This sensor offers a capacitance variation ~17 times better than the variation for the same sensor pattern using conventional ITO electrodes. This sensor with the hybrid electrode also operates at high frequencies with negligible degradation in its performance against various noise signals from mobile devices. Furthermore, this fingerprint sensor array can be integrated with all transparent forms of tactile pressure sensors and skin temperature sensors, to enable the detection of a finger pressing on the display.
Site-specific characterization of endogenous SUMOylation across species and organs
Authors: Hendriks Ivo A. , Lyon David , Su Dan , Skotte Niels H. , Daniel Jeremy A. , Jensen Lars J. , Nielsen Michael L.
Published: June 2018

Small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMOs) are post-translational modifications that play crucial roles in most cellular processes. While methods exist to study exogenous SUMOylation, large-scale characterization of endogenous SUMO2/3 has remained technically daunting. Here, we describe a proteomics approach facilitating system-wide and in vivo identification of lysines modified by endogenous and native SUMO2. Using a peptide-level immunoprecipitation enrichment strategy, we identify 14,869 endogenous SUMO2/3 sites in human cells during heat stress and proteasomal inhibition, and quantitatively map 1963 SUMO sites across eight mouse tissues. Characterization of the SUMO equilibrium highlights striking differences in SUMO metabolism between cultured cancer cells and normal tissues. Targeting preferences of SUMO2/3 vary across different organ types, coinciding with markedly differential SUMOylation states of all enzymes involved in the SUMO conjugation cascade. Collectively, our systemic investigation details the SUMOylation architecture across species and organs and provides a resource of endogenous SUMOylation sites on factors important in organ-specific functions.
Publisher Correction: Anti-Psl Targeting of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms for Neutrophil-Mediated Disruption
Authors: Ray Valerie A. , Hill Preston J. , Stover C. Kendall , Roy Sashwati , Sen Chandan K. , Yu Li , Wozniak Daniel J. , DiGiandomenico Antonio
Published: June 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Contrasting nickel and zinc hyperaccumulation in subspecies of Dichapetalum gelonioides from Southeast Asia
Authors: Nkrumah Philip Nti , Echevarria Guillaume , Erskine Peter D. , van der Ent Antony
Published: June 2018

Hyperaccumulator plants have the unique ability to concentrate specific elements in their shoot in concentrations that can be thousands of times greater than in normal plants. Whereas all known zinc hyperaccumulator plants are facultative hyperaccumulators with only populations on metalliferous soils hyperaccumulating zinc (except for Arabidopsis halleri and Noccaea species that hyperaccumulate zinc irrespective of the substrate), the present study discovered that Dichapetalum gelonioides is the only (zinc) hyperaccumulator known to occur exclusively on ‘normal’ soils, while hyperaccumulating zinc. We recorded remarkable foliar zinc concentrations (10 730 µg g−1, dry weight) in Dichapetalum gelonioides subsp. sumatranum growing on ‘normal’ soils with total soil zinc concentrations of only 20 µg g−1. The discovery of zinc hyperaccumulation in this tropical woody plant, especially the extreme zinc concentrations in phloem and phloem-fed tissues (reaching up to 8465 µg g−1), has possible implications for advancing zinc biofortification in Southeast Asia. Furthermore, we report exceptionally high foliar nickel concentrations in D. subsp. tuberculatum (30 260 µg g−1) and >10 wt% nickel in the ash, which can be exploited for agromining. The unusual nickel and zinc accumulation behaviour suggest that Dichapetalum-species may be an attractive model to study hyperaccumulation and hypertolerance of these elements in tropical hyperaccumulator plants.
Brittle-star mass occurrence on a Late Cretaceous methane seep from South Dakota, USA
Authors: Thuy Ben , Landman Neil H. , Larson Neal L. , Numberger-Thuy Lea D.
Published: June 2018

Articulated brittle stars are rare fossils because the skeleton rapidly disintegrates after death and only fossilises intact under special conditions. Here, we describe an extraordinary mass occurrence of the ophiacanthid ophiuroid Brezinacantha tolis gen. et sp. nov., preserved as articulated skeletons from an upper Campanian (Late Cretaceous) methane seep of South Dakota. It is uniquely the first fossil case of a seep-associated ophiuroid. The articulated skeletons overlie centimeter-thick accumulations of dissociated skeletal parts, suggesting lifetime densities of approximately 1000 individuals per m2, persisting at that particular location for several generations. The ophiuroid skeletons on top of the occurrence were preserved intact most probably because of increased methane seepage, killing the individuals and inducing rapid cementation, rather than due to storm-induced burial or slumping. The mass occurrence described herein is an unambiguous case of an autochthonous, dense ophiuroid community that persisted at a particular spot for some time. Thus, it represents a true fossil equivalent of a recent ophiuroid dense bed, unlike other cases that were used in the past to substantiate the claim of a mid-Mesozoic predation-induced decline of ophiuroid dense beds.
Evaluation of droplet digital PCR and next generation sequencing for characterizing DNA reference material for KRAS mutation detection
Authors: Dong Lianhua , Wang Shangjun , Fu Boqiang , Wang Jing
Published: June 2018

KRAS gene mutations are predictive markers of non-response to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor. An increasing number of techniques are being developed to detect KRAS mutations. To obtain consistent and comparable results, a traceable reference material (RM) is necessary for validation the routinely used method. However, a lack of reference methods is a main impediment for deriving traceability and measurement comparability. In this study, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and next generation sequencing (NGS) were evaluated. No cross- reactivity was detected with any of the probe by ddPCR. The measured fraction of KRAS mutant allele by ddPCR and NGS agreed with the prepared value by gravimetrical dilution (concordance (k) >0.95 and >0.93 for ddPCR and NGS, respectively). The reliable limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.1% and 1% for ddPCR and NGS, respectively. In conclusion, the validated ddPCR and NGS are suitable to characterize the KRAS RM due to the high specificity and accuracy. Verification of the LOD of three commercial kits by using the NIM-KRAS-8 RM showed that the LOD was inconsistent with the claimed LOD of the kits (1%) for some assays. This indicates a traceable RM was important for setting up the criteria regarding the LOD for the commercial kit.
Author Correction: Ultrasensitive Nano-rt-iPCR for Determination of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Natural Samples
Authors: Zhang Xiaohan , Ping Xianyin , Zhuang Huisheng
Published: June 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
ADAM-like Decysin-1 (ADAMDEC1) is a positive regulator of Epithelial Defense Against Cancer (EDAC) that promotes apical extrusion of RasV12-transformed cells
Authors: Yako Yuta , Hayashi Takashi , Takeuchi Yasuto , Ishibashi Kojiro , Kasai Nobuhiro , Sato Nanami , Kuromiya Keisuke , Ishikawa Susumu , Fujita Yasuyuki
Published: June 2018

Recent studies have revealed that newly emerging transformed cells are often eliminated from epithelia via cell competition with the surrounding normal epithelial cells. However, it remains unknown whether and how soluble factors are involved in this cancer preventive phenomenon. By performing stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC)-based quantitative mass spectrometric analyses, we have identified ADAM-like Decysin-1 (ADAMDEC1) as a soluble protein whose expression is upregulated in the mix culture of normal and RasV12-transformed epithelial cells. Expression of ADAMDEC1 is elevated in normal epithelial cells co-cultured with RasV12 cells. Knockdown of ADAMDEC1 in the surrounding normal cells substantially suppresses apical extrusion of RasV12 cells, suggesting that ADAMDEC1 secreted by normal cells positively regulate the elimination of the neighboring transformed cells. In addition, we show that the metalloproteinase activity of ADAMDEC1 is dispensable for the regulation of apical extrusion. Furthermore, ADAMDEC1 facilitates the accumulation of filamin, a crucial regulator of Epithelial Defense Against Cancer (EDAC), in normal cells at the interface with RasV12 cells. This is the first report demonstrating that an epithelial intrinsic soluble factor is involved in cell competition in mammals.
Target tracking and 3D trajectory acquisition of cabbage butterfly (P. rapae) based on the KCF-BS algorithm
Authors: Guo Yang-yang , He Dong-jian , Liu Cong
Published: June 2018

Insect behaviour is an important research topic in plant protection. To study insect behaviour accurately, it is necessary to observe and record their flight trajectory quantitatively and precisely in three dimensions (3D). The goal of this research was to analyse frames extracted from videos using Kernelized Correlation Filters (KCF) and Background Subtraction (BS) (KCF-BS) to plot the 3D trajectory of cabbage butterfly (P.rapae). Considering the experimental environment with a wind tunnel, a quadrature binocular vision insect video capture system was designed and applied in this study. The KCF-BS algorithm was used to track the butterfly in video frames and obtain coordinates of the target centroid in two videos. Finally the 3D trajectory was calculated according to the matching relationship in the corresponding frames of two angles in the video. To verify the validity of the KCF-BS algorithm, Compressive Tracking (CT) and Spatio-Temporal Context Learning (STC) algorithms were performed. The results revealed that the KCF-BS tracking algorithm performed more favourably than CT and STC in terms of accuracy and robustness.
Molecular detection of small hive beetle Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae): DNA barcoding and development of a real-time PCR assay
Authors: Li Dongmei , Waite David W. , Fan Qing-Hai , George Sherly , Semeraro Linda , Blacket Mark J.
Published: June 2018

Small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida can feed on honey, pollen and brood in honey bee colonies. It was endemic to Africa, but since 1996 has been detected in a number of countries worldwide, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Italy, Mexico, South Korea, Philippines and the USA where it has had economic effects on local apiculture. To improve SHB identification, we obtained the first reference sequences from the DNA barcoding 5′ COI gene region for SHB and some species of the family Nitidulidae associated with beehives. Phylogenetic analysis of SHB COI sequences (3′ COI) revealed two divergent lineages, with those from Australia and USA being genetically different from the recent detection in Italy. Many countries, including New Zealand, are currently free from SHB, and require a rapid detection method for biosecurity. Here we present the development and validation of a real-time PCR assay for detection of SHB. The assay showed high specificity and sensitivity for detecting SHB, with no cross-reaction observed with closely related species, such as A. concolor. The real-time PCR is sensitive, detecting the target sequences up to 100 copies/µL. This assay should prove a useful biosecurity tool for rapid detection of SHB worldwide.
A Markovian Approach towards Bacterial Size Control and Homeostasis in Anomalous Growth Processes
Authors: Chen Yanyan , Baños Rosa , Buceta Javier
Published: June 2018

Regardless of the progress achieved during recent years, the mechanisms coupling growth and division to attain cell size homeostasis in bacterial populations are still not well understood. In particular, there is a gap of knowledge about the mechanisms controlling anomalous growth events that are ubiquitous even in wild-type phenotypes. Thus, when cells exceed the doubling size the divisome dynamics sets a characteristic length scale that suggests a sizer property. Yet, it has been recently shown that the size at birth and the size increment still satisfy an adder-like correlation. Herein we propose a Markov chain model, that we complement with computational and experimental approaches, to clarify this issue. In this context, we show that classifying cells as a function of the characteristic size set by the divisome dynamics provides a compelling framework to understand size convergence, growth, and division at the large length scale, including the adaptation to, and rescue from, filamentation processes. Our results reveal the independence of size homeostasis on the division pattern of long cells and help to reconcile sizer concepts at the single cell level with an adder-like behavior at a population level.
Renninger’s Gedankenexperiment, the collapse of the wave function in a rigid quantum metamaterial and the reality of the quantum state vector
Authors: Savel’ev Sergey E. , Zagoskin Alexandre M.
Published: June 2018

A popular interpretation of the “collapse” of the wave function is as being the result of a local interaction (“measurement”) of the quantum system with a macroscopic system (“detector”), with the ensuing loss of phase coherence between macroscopically distinct components of its quantum state vector. Nevetheless as early as in 1953 Renninger suggested a Gedankenexperiment, in which the collapse is triggered by non-observation of one of two mutually exclusive outcomes of the measurement, i.e., in the absence of interaction of the quantum system with the detector. This provided a powerful argument in favour of “physical reality” of (nonlocal) quantum state vector. In this paper we consider a possible version of Renninger’s experiment using the light propagation through a birefringent quantum metamaterial. Its realization would provide a clear visualization of a wave function collapse produced by a “non-measurement”, and make the concept of a physically real quantum state vector more acceptable.
Compressive response and buckling of graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Sgouros A. P. , Kalosakas G. , Papagelis K. , Galiotis C.
Published: June 2018

We examine the mechanical response of single layer graphene nanoribbons (GNR) under constant compressive loads through molecular dynamics simulations. Compressive stress-strain curves are presented for GNRs of various lengths and widths. The dependence of GNR’s buckling resistance on its size, aspect ratio, and chiral angle is discussed and approximate corresponding relations are provided. A single master curve describing the dependence of the critical buckling stress of GNRs on their aspect ratio is presented. Our findings were compared to the continuum elasticity theories for wide plates and wide columns. In the large width limit, the response of the GNRs agrees with the predictions of the wide plates theory and thus, with that of wide graphenes. In the small width limit, the behavior of graphene nanoribbons deviates from that of periodic graphenes due to various edge related effects which govern the stiffness and the stability of the graphene membranes, but it qualitatively agrees with the theory of wide columns. In order to assess the effect of thermal fluctuations on the critical buckling stress a wide range of temperatures is examined. The findings of the current study could provide important insights regarding the feasibility and the evaluation of the performance of graphene-based devices.
Non-invasive spinal vibration testing using ultrafast ultrasound imaging: A new way to measure spine function
Authors: Kaddoura Tarek , Au Anthony , Kawchuk Greg , Uwiera Richard , Fox Richard , Zemp Roger
Published: June 2018

Ultrafast ultrasound imaging is used to capture driven spinal vibrations as a new method for non-invasive spinal testing in living subjects. Previously, it has been shown that accelerometer-based vibration testing in cadaveric models can reveal the presence, location and magnitude of spinal pathology. However, this process remains an invasive procedure as current non-invasive sensors are inadequate. In this paper, the ability of non-invasive ultrafast ultrasound to quantify in vivo vertebral vibration response across a broad range of frequencies (10–100Hz) in anesthetized pig models is investigated. Close agreement with invasive accelerometer measurements is achieved using the non-invasive ultrasound method, opening up unique opportunities to investigate spinal pathologies.
Hybrids of amphibian chytrid show high virulence in native hosts
Authors: Greenspan S. E. , Lambertini C. , Carvalho T. , James T. Y. , Toledo L. F. , Haddad C. F. B. , Becker C. G.
Published: June 2018

Hybridization of parasites can generate new genotypes with high virulence. The fungal amphibian parasiteBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis(Bd) hybridizes in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, a biodiversity hotspot where amphibian declines have been linked toBd, but the virulence of hybrid genotypes in native hosts has never been tested. We compared the virulence (measured as host mortality and infection burden) of hybridBdgenotypes to the parental lineages, the putatively hypovirulent lineageBd-Brazil and the hypervirulent Global Pandemic Lineage (Bd-GPL), in a panel of native Brazilian hosts. InBrachycephalus ephippium, the hybrid exceeded the virulence (host mortality) of both parents, suggesting that novelty arising from hybridization ofBdis a conservation concern. InIschnocnema parva, host mortality in the hybrid treatment was intermediate between the parent treatments, suggesting that this species is more vulnerable to the aggressive phenotypes associated withBd-GPL.Dendropsophus minutusshowed low overall mortality, but infection burdens were higher in frogs treated with hybrid andBd-GPL genotypes than withBd-Brazil genotypes. Our experiment suggests thatBdhybrids have the potential to increase disease risk in native hosts. Continued surveillance is needed to track potential spread of hybrid genotypes and detect future genomic shifts in this dynamic disease system.
N-Acyldopamine induces aggresome formation without proteasome inhibition and enhances protein aggregation via p62/SQSTM1 expression
Authors: Matsumoto Gen , Inobe Tomonao , Amano Takanori , Murai Kiyohito , Nukina Nobuyuki , Mori Nozomu
Published: June 2018

Accumulation of ubiquitinated protein aggregates is a common pathology associated with a number of neurodegenerative diseases and selective autophagy plays a critical role in their elimination. Although aging-related decreases in protein degradation properties may enhance protein aggregation, it remains unclear whether proteasome dysfunction is indispensable for ubiquitinated-protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we show that N-oleoyl-dopamine and N-arachidonyl-dopamine, which are endogenous brain substances and belong to the N-acyldopamine (AcylDA) family, generate cellular inclusions through aggresome formation without proteasome inhibition. Although AcylDA itself does not inhibit proteasome activity in vitro, it activates the rearrangement of vimentin distribution to form a vimentin cage surrounding aggresomes and sequesters ubiquitinated proteins in aggresomes. The gene transcription of p62/SQSTM1 was significantly increased by AcylDAs, whereas the transcription of other ubiquitin-dependent autophagy receptors was unaffected. Genetic depletion of p62 resulted in the loss of ubiquitinated-protein sequestration in aggresomes, indicating that p62 is a critical component of aggresomes. Furthermore, AcylDAs accelerate the aggregation of mutant huntingtin exon 1 proteins. These results suggest that aggresome formation does not require proteasome dysfunction and AcylDA-induced aggresome formation may participate in forming cytoplasmic protein inclusions.
Ablation of Runx2 in Ameloblasts Suppresses Enamel Maturation in Tooth Development
Authors: Chu Qing , Gao Yan , Gao Xianhua , Dong Zhiheng , Song Wenying , Xu Zhenzhen , Xiang Lili , Wang Yumin , Zhang Li , Li Mingyu , Gao Yuguang
Published: June 2018

Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) is involved in the early stage of tooth development. However, only few studies have reported the role of Runx2 in enamel development, which may be attributed to that Runx2 full knockout mice cannot survive after birth. In the present study, we successfully established a Runx2-deficient mouse model using a conditional knockout (cKO) method. We observed a significant reduction in the degree of mineralization and the decreased size of enamel rods in cKO mice. Histological analysis showed the retained enamel proteins in enamel layer at maturation stage in cKO molars. Further analysis by qRT-PCR revealed that the expressions of genes encoding enamel structure proteins, such as amelogenin (AMELX), ameloblastin (AMBN) and enamelin (ENAM), were increased in cKO enamel organs. On the other hand, the expression of kallikrein-related peptidase-4 (KLK4) at the mRNA and protein levels was dramatically decreased from late secretory stage to maturation stage in cKO enamel organs, while the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-20 (MMP-20) was not significantly altered. Finally, immunohistochemistry indicated that the uptake of amelogenins by ameloblasts was significantly decreased in cKO mice. Taken together, Runx2 played critical roles in controlling enamel maturation by increasing synthesis of KLK4 and decreasing synthesis of AMELX, AMBN and ENAM.
The non-cylindrical crustal architecture of the Pyrenees
Authors: Chevrot Sébastien , Sylvander Matthieu , Diaz Jordi , Martin Roland , Mouthereau Frédéric , Manatschal Gianreto , Masini Emmanuel , Calassou Sylvain , Grimaud Frank , Pauchet Hélène , Ruiz Mario
Published: June 2018

We exploit the data from five seismic transects deployed across the Pyrenees to characterize the deep architecture of this collisional orogen. We map the main seismic interfaces beneath each transect by depth migration of P-to-S converted phases. The migrated sections, combined with the results of recent tomographic studies and with maps of Bouguer and isostatic anomalies, provide a coherent crustal-scale picture of the belt. In the Western Pyrenees, beneath the North Pyrenean Zone, a continuous band of high density/velocity material is found at a very shallow level (~10 km) beneath the Mauleon basin and near Saint-Gaudens. In the Western Pyrenees, we also find evidence for northward continental subduction of Iberian crust, down to 50–70 km depth. In the Eastern Pyrenees, these main structural features are not observed. The boundary between these two domains is near longitude 1.3 °E, where geological field studies document a major change in the structure of the Cretaceous rift system, and possibly a shift of its polarity, suggesting that the deep orogenic architecture of the Pyrenees is largely controlled by structural inheritance.
TIMP2 is a Poor Prognostic Factor and Predicts Metastatic Biological Behavior in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Yifan , Liu Mingxing , Wang Yang , Yang Tao , Li Dongsheng , Ding Feng , Bai Guang , Li Qing
Published: June 2018

To explore the prognostic related factors and mechanisms of gastric cancer (GC), we performed the systematic analysis with integrated bioinformatics tools based on multiple on-line datasets. With uni-variate COX analysis, we screened out 37 survival hazardous genes in GC. Further GO assays disclosed that the signatures related with extracellular matrix and structure, and the functions of “cell adhesion molecule binding” and “integrin binding” were the vital mechanisms of disease progression, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP2) was the potential biomarker for prognosis. Based on GSEA, GSVA and GCN, TIMP2 was demonstrated to interact with multiple integrin pathways and involve in the regulation of EMT, cell adhesion, and angiogenesis of GC. The associations of TIMP2 expression with reduced OS and RFS of patients were declared by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and further confirmed by 1000 internal bootstrap replications and external KM plotter analysis. With multi-variate COX regression and time-dependent ROC analysis, we validated the prediction independency and capacity of TIMP2 for prognosis. The relationships of TIMP2 with clinicopathological characteristics were also uncovered. Taken together, our findings identify TIMP2 as the novel candidate biomarker for poorer outcome of GC patients, and revealed the underlying functions of TIMP2 and the potential mechanisms for GC progression.
Spatiotemporal endothelial cell – pericyte association in tumors as shown by high resolution 4D intravital imaging
Authors: Seynhaeve Ann L. B. , Oostinga Douwe , van Haperen Rien , Eilken Hanna M. , Adams Susanne , Adams Ralf H. , ten Hagen Timo L. M.
Published: June 2018

Endothelial cells and pericytes are integral cellular components of the vasculature with distinct interactive functionalities. To study dynamic interactions between these two cells we created two transgenic animal lines. A truncated eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) construct was used as a GFP tag for endothelial cell evaluation and an inducible Cre-lox recombination, under control of the Pdgfrb (platelet derived growth factor receptor beta) promoter, was created for pericyte assessment. Also, eNOStag-GFP animals were crossed with the already established Cspg4-DsRed mice expressing DsRed fluorescent protein in pericytes. For intravital imaging we used tumors implanted in the dorsal skinfold of these transgenic animals. This setup allowed us to study time and space dependent complexities, such as distribution, morphology, motility, and association between both vascular cell types in all angiogenetic stages, without the need for additional labeling. Moreover, as fluorescence was still clearly detectable after fixation, it is possible to perform comparative histology following intravital evaluation. These transgenic mouse lines form an excellent model to capture collective and individual cellular and subcellular endothelial cell – pericyte dynamics and will help answer key questions on the cellular and molecular relationship between these two cells.
Texture analysis of protein deposits produced by droplet evaporation
Authors: Carreón Yojana J. P. , Ríos-Ramírez Maricarmen , Moctezuma R. E. , González-Gutiérrez Jorge
Published: June 2018

The deposit patterns derived from droplet evaporation allow current development of medical tests and new strategies for diagnostic in patients. For such purpose, the development and implementation of algorithms capable of characterizing and differentiating deposits are crucial elements. We report the study of deposit patterns formed by the droplet evaporation of binary mixtures of proteins containing NaCl. Optical microscopy reveals aggregates such as tip arrow-shaped, dendritic and semi-rosette patterns, needle-like and scalloped lines structures, as well as star-like and prism-shaped salt crystals. We use the first-order statistics (FOS) and gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) to characterize the complex texture of deposit patterns. Three significant findings arise from this analysis: first, the FOS and GLCM parameters structurally characterize protein deposits. Secondly, they conform to simple exponential laws that change as a function of the NaCl concentration. Finally, the parameters are capable of revealing the different structural changes that occur during the droplet evaporation.