bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology efficiently targetted goat myostatin through zygotes microinjection resulting in double-muscled phenotype in goats
Authors: He Zhengyi , Zhang Ting , Jiang Lei , Zhou Minya , Wu Daijin , Mei Junyan , Cheng Yong
Published: September 2018

Myostatin gene (MSTN) can inhibit the proliferation of myoblast, which in turn promotes muscle growth and inhibits adipocyte differentiation in livestock. MSTN mutation may lead to muscle hypertrophy or double-muscled (DM) phenotype. MSTN mutation animal, such as sheep, dog, and rabbit have been generated through CRISPR/Cas9 technology. However, goats with promising MSTN mutation have not been generated. We designed two sgRNAs loci targetting exon3 of MSTN gene to destroy the MSTN cysteines knots. We got seven goats from seven recipients, in which six were MSTN knocked-out (KO) goats, with a mutation rate of 85.7%. Destroyed cysteine knots caused MSTN structure inactivation. The average body weight gain (BWG) per day of MSTN KO goats was significantly higher than that of wild-type (WT) goats. MSTN KO goats showed abnormal sugar, fat, and protein metabolism compared with wild-type controls (MSTN+/+). Inheritance of mutations was observed in offspring of MSTN KO goats by PCR analysis.
16O/18O ratio in water in the coma of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko measured with the Rosetta/ROSINA double-focusing mass spectrometer
Authors: Schroeder I Isaac R. H. G. , Altwegg Kathrin , Balsiger Hans , Berthelier Jean-Jacques , De Keyser Johan , Fiethe Björn , Fuselier Stephen A. , Gasc Sébastien , Gombosi Tamas I. , Rubin Martin , Sémon Thierry , Tzou Chia-Yu , Wampfler Susanne F. , Wurz Peter
Published: September 2018

The European Space Agency spacecraft Rosetta accompanied the Jupiter-family comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko for over 2 yr along its trajectory through the inner solar system. Between 2014 and 2016, it performed almost continuous in situ measurements of the comet’s gaseous atmosphere in close proximity to its nucleus. In this study, the 16O/18O ratio of H2O in the coma of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, as measured by the ROSINA DFMS mass spectrometer onboard Rosetta, was determined from the ratio of H216O/H218O and 16OH/18OH. The value of 445 ± 35 represents an ~11% enrichment of 18O compared with the terrestrial ratio of 498.7 ± 0.1. This cometary value is consistent with the comet containing primordial water, in accordance with leading self-shielding models. These models predict primordial water to be between 5 and 20% enriched in heavier oxygen isotopes compared to terrestrial water.
Convergence analysis of time-discretisation schemes for rate-independent systems
Authors: Knees Dorothee
Published: September 2018

It is well known that rate-independent systems involving nonconvex energy functionals in general do not allow for time-continuous solutions even if the given data are smooth. In the last years, several solution concepts were proposed that include discontinuities in the notion of solution, among them the class of global energetic solutions and the class of BV-solutions. In general, these solution concepts are not equivalent and numerical schemes are needed that reliably approximate that type of solutions one is interested in. In this paper, we analyse the convergence of solutions of three time-discretisation schemes, namely an approach based on local minimisation, a relaxed version of it and an alternate minimisation scheme. For all three cases, we show that under suitable conditions on the discretisation parameters discrete solutions converge to limit functions that belong to the class of BV-solutions. The proofs rely on a reparametrisation argument. We illustrate the different schemes with a toy example.
Ernährungstherapie der nichtalkoholischen
Fettleber
Authors: Worm Nicolai
Published: September 2018

Lange Zeit unterschätzt, hat sich die nichtalkoholische Fettlebererkrankung
innerhalb von 3 Jahrzehnten zur am weitesten verbreiteten Lebererkrankung in den
Industrienationen entwickelt 1. Mittlerweile
erlangt sie epidemische Ausmaße und ist damit zu einer bedrohlichen
Volkskrankheit geworden.
Inherited Forms of Primary Hyperaldosteronism: New Genes, New Phenotypes and Proposition of A New Classification
Authors: Perez-Rivas Luis , Williams Tracy , Reincke Martin
Published: September 2018

Primary aldosteronism is a common cause of endocrine hypertension. It results from the excess production of aldosterone by the adrenal cortex and is related to increased morbidity and mortality. Most cases of PA are sporadic but inherited patterns of the disease have been reported in the literature. Four forms of familial hyperaldosteronism (FH-I- FH-IV) are currently recognized, and the genetic basis has been clarified in recent years. In FH-I patients, aldosterone excess is produced by a CYP11B1/CYP11B2 fusion gene and it is suppressed by glucocorticoid treatment. FH-II is caused by mutations in the inwardly rectifying chloride channel CLCN2. FH-III is caused by mutations in KCNJ5, a gene coding for an inward rectifier K+ channel and mutations in the T-type calcium channel subunit CACNA1H cause FH-IV. In this review we summarize the knowledge on inherited forms of primary aldosteronism, the genetic alterations that cause them and the implications it may have for the classification. Based on current evidence, we propose the term “familial hyperaldosteronism” to refer only to inherited forms of primary aldosteronism with a known genetic basis.
Rosehip Oil Promotes Excisional Wound Healing by Accelerating the Phenotypic Transition of Macrophages
Authors: Lei Zhiyong , Cao Zhijian , Yang Zaiwang , Ao Mingzhang , Jin Wenwen , Yu Longjiang
Published: September 2018

Poor wound healing is a major and global threat to public health. Efforts have been made to better understand the underlying mechanisms and develop effective remedies, though the advancements that have been made are still limited. As there are no effective and generally applicable therapies available for skin injuries and fibrosis, it is urgent to develop new drugs and therapies that facilitate wound healing and effectively improve scars. In this study, GC-MS analysis was performed to identify the chemical composition of rosehip oil. The excisional wound healing model and the carrageenan-induced paw edema method were respectively applied to evaluate the wound healing activity and anti-inflammatory activity of rosehip oil. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to assess the pathological changes of sections, and Sirius-red staining was performed to analyze the ratio of collagen I/III in wound tissues. Immunohistological staining for CD68, CCR7 (CD197), CD163, TGF-β1, and α-SMA was applied to determine the macrophage phenotypes transition (M1-to-M2) and demonstrate the scar-improving efficacy of rosehip oil on wound healing. Results showed that rosehip oil significantly promoted wound healing and effectively improved scars. This efficacy might be exerted by accelerating the macrophage phenotypes transition and inhibiting the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
Editorial
Authors: Grether Thomas
Published: September 2018

Gäbe es keine ausländischen Ärzte, müssten viele Abteilungen in deutschen Kliniken schließen. Deswegen ist es wichtig, Doctores aus anderen Ländern gute aber auch zuverlässige Berufsanerkennungsverfahren anzubieten – Einrichtungen wie das mibeg-Institut helfen dabei. Des Weiteren beleuchten wir die Reformation der Weiterbildungsordnung in Deutschland; und wir haken bei einem renommierten Beratungsunternehmen nach, worauf bei der Stellenbesetzung von Chef- und Oberarztposten zu achten ist.
Fetal Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation: The Role of an Objective Measurement of Cardiomediastinal Shift
Authors: Sparks Teresa , Gosnell Kristen , Blat Cinthia , Norton Mary , Lee Hanmin , Gonzalez-Velez Juan , Goldstein Ruth , Shulman Rachel
Published: September 2018

Objective To examine the relationship between cardiomediastinal shift angle (CMSA) and adverse perinatal outcomes and hydrops in cases of congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM).

Study Design This retrospective study evaluated CPAM cases referred to our institution from 2008 to 2015. The primary outcome was a composite score for adverse perinatal outcome. CMSA was measured for each case and evaluated for its association with the primary outcome. The prediction accuracy of CMSA for adverse perinatal outcome was assessed using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results Eighteen (21.2%) of the 85 cases experienced an adverse perinatal outcome. Increases in CMSA were associated with adverse perinatal outcomes and hydrops in bivariate analyses. Adjusted analyses found each 10-degree increase in CMSA to be associated with increased odds of an adverse perinatal outcome (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4–3.3) and hydrops (aOR 3.0, 95% CI: 1.5–6.1). CMSA performed well and was comparable to CPAM volume ratio in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes (area under the curve 0.81 and 0.84, respectively).

Conclusion We describe a novel measurement of mediastinal shift in cases of CPAM and its relationship with adverse perinatal outcomes and hydrops. These findings may shape the evaluation and management of CPAMs, improve our understanding of their prognosis, and influence patient counseling.
Olfactory Nerve Schwannoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Taha Mahmoud , AlBakry Amr , ElSheikh Magdy , AbdelBary Tarek
Published: September 2018

Schwannomas are benign tumors, which arise from the Schwann cells of the central or peripheral nerves. They form 8% of all intracranial tumors and most of the cases arise from vestibular division of the 8th cranial nerve. Rare cases are shown to arise from the olfactory or optic nerve, being devoid of myelin sheath. Up to date and according to our best of knowledge, 66 cases have been reported till now. Here we present a review of the literature and a case report of a 56-year-old male with an accidently discovered anterior cranial fossa schwannoma, following a road traffic accident. Tumor was completely excised, using a right frontal approach. Histopathology revealed Antoni-A cellular pattern. Although rare, but olfactory nerve schwannomas should be included in the differential diagnosis in anterior cranial fossa space occupying lesions, and the approach should be designed taking into consideration, this rare entity.
Tuning of geometric nonlinearity in ultrathin nanoelectromechanical systems
Authors: Samanta Chandan , Arora Nishta , Naik A. K.
Published: September 2018

Nonlinearities in nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) play a vital role in dynamics of the device. Clear understanding of nonlinearities and ability to tune and manipulate them to enhance the performance are crucial for applications with these devices. Here, we utilize an electrostatic mechanism to tune the geometric nonlinearity of an atomically thin NEMS. The exquisite tuning enables us to demonstrate hardening, softening, and mixed nonlinear responses in the device. The electrostatic tuning over the nonlinearity is utilized to effectively nullify Duffing nonlinearity in a specific regime. The observed mixed nonlinear response is the result of cross coupling between strong quadratic and quartic nonlinearities, an aspect explained by method of multiple scale analysis.
Competing growth of titanium nitrides and silicides in Ti thin films processed in expanding microwave plasma: Morphology and microstructural properties
Authors: Jauberteau Isabelle , Carles Pierre , Mayet Richard , Cornette Julie , Bessaudou Annie , Jauberteau Jean Louis
Published: September 2018

The diffusion of nitrogen into Ti silicide films allows the performance of complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) components to be improved. In this work, the thermochemical treatment is carried out in an expanding microwave plasma reactor using (Ar-33%N2-1%H2) gas mixtures. This process promotes the chemical reactions on the surface of metals. The diffusion of nitrogen into the film is improved by the reducing effect of NHx and/or H species towards passive layers such as oxides which form a barrier of diffusion in the surface layers during the process. The simultaneous formation of Ti nitrides and silicides at the surface and at the film-substrate interface, respectively gives rise to two competing processes which result in the growth of the Ti nitride phase at the expense of the Ti silicide phase at a critical temperature of 800°C. This paper reports on a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of TiSi2 and TiN phases and microstructural properties of films by means of X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction investigations. Square shaped crystals of TiN are identified on the top of round shaped crystals of TiSi2. The growth of the TiN phase at the expense of TiSi2 induces a catastrophic decrease of the intensity of the (040) diffraction line of TiSi2 and a huge increase of the (220) reflection line of TiN. The microstructural properties changes during the process such as the formation of TiN crystals of nanometric size in the bulk of the TiSi2 phase as well as the migration of free Si which epitaxially grows at the film-substrate interface have been evidenced by very detailed investigations for the first time. The results are related to the mechanism of formation of TiN from the reaction between TiSi2 and nitrogen.
Enhanced thermal stability of dielectric, energy storage, and discharge efficiency in a structurally frustrated piezoelectric system: Erbium modified Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-BaTiO3
Authors: Khatua Dipak Kumar , Agarwal Abhishek , Mishra Anupam , Das Adhikary Gobinda , Senyshyn Anatoliy , Ranjan Rajeev
Published: September 2018

We have systematically investigated the effect of rare earth erbium (Er3+) substitution on the structural, ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and dielectric behaviour of the morphotropic phase boundary lead-free piezoelectric 0.94Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-0.06BaTiO3 (NBT-6BT). We found that the system shows very good thermal stability of energy density, discharge efficiency, and dielectric permittivity. Detailed structural studies confirmed that Er modification induces a great deal of structural frustration which causes the system to thermally evolve towards the paraelectric state in a very sluggish manner. Our results seem to suggest that, among other factors, this sluggish temperature variation of the structural distortion is an important factor which imparts thermal stability to the energy storage and dielectric properties.
Temperature effects in the thermal conductivity of aligned amorphous polyethylene—A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Muthaiah Rajmohan , Garg Jivtesh
Published: September 2018

We analyze, through molecular dynamics simulations, the temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity (k) of chain-oriented amorphous polyethylene (PE). We find that at increasing levels of orientation, the temperature corresponding to a peak k progressively decreases. Un-oriented PE exhibits the peak k at 350 K, while aligned PE under an applied strain of 400% shows a maximum at 100 K. This transition of peak k to lower temperatures with increasing alignment is explained in terms of a crossover from disorder to anharmonicity dominated phonon transport in aligned polymers. Evidence for this crossover is achieved by manipulating the disorder in the polymer structure and studying the resulting change in temperature corresponding to peak k. Disorder is modified through a change in the dihedral parameters of the potential function, allowing a change in the relative fraction of trans and gauche transformations. The results shed light on the underlying thermal transport processes in aligned polymers and hold importance for low temperature applications of polymer materials in thermal management technologies.
Solution processed flexible resistive switching memory based on Al-In-O self-mixing layer
Authors: Duan Weijie , Tang Yong , Liang Xiaoci , Rao Chang , Chu Jinxing , Wang Gang , Pei Yanli
Published: September 2018

In this work, a solution processed Al-In-O/InOx bilayer resistive switching random access memory (RRAM) is demonstrated at temperature as low as 180 °C. The memory cell exhibits remarkable forming free resistive switching characteristics with stable data retention and low set/reset voltages. More importantly, this solution processed bilayer shows stable memory properties under different bending angles on a flexible substrate. The resistive switching mechanism was systematically investigated. Compared to single layer devices, an Al-In-O mixing layer is induced by the solution process in the bilayer RRAM. The first principle calculation confirms that in the Al-In-O mixing layer, the formation energy of oxygen vacancies is significantly reduced compared with the AlOx layer. As a result, the formation of the oxygen vacancy based conductive filament is realized without the electroforming process. The RRAM fabricated by the printable solution process at low temperature shows great application potential in next generation wearable electronics.
Staggered field driven domain walls motion in antiferromagnetic heterojunctions
Authors: Zhang Y. L. , Chen Z. Y. , Yan Z. R. , Chen D. Y. , Fan Z. , Qin M. H.
Published: September 2018

In this work, we study the antiferromagnetic (AFM) spin dynamics in heterostructures which consist of two coupled AFM layers, i.e., AFM1 layers (describing CuMnAs or Mn2Au) with field-like Néel spin-orbit torque (NSOT) and AFM2 layers with easy-axis anisotropy orthogonal to that in AFM1 layers. Our micromagnetic simulations demonstrate that through the interface coupling, the AFM2 domain wall (DW) can be effectively driven by the AFM1 DW which is driven by the electrical current induced NSOT [Gomonay et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 017202 (2016)]. Furthermore, the two DWs detach from each other when the torque increases above a critical value. The critical field and the highest possible velocity of the AFM2 DW depend on several factors, which are investigated and discussed in detail. Based on the calculated results, we propose a method of efficiently modulating the multi DWs in antiferromagnets, which definitely provides useful information for future AFM spintronics device design.
Giant tensile superelasticity originating from two-step phase transformation in a Ni-Mn-Sn-Fe magnetic microwire
Authors: Li F. Q. , Qu Y. H. , Yan H. L. , Chen Z. , Cong D. Y. , Sun X. M. , Li S. H. , Wang Y. D.
Published: September 2018

Large recoverable strain of more than several percent arising from superelasticity in shape memory alloys is important for actuators, sensors, and solid-state refrigeration. Here, we report a Ni50.0Mn31.4Sn9.6Fe9.0 magnetic microwire showing a giant tensile recoverable strain of about 20.0% along the ⟨001⟩ direction of austenite at 263 K. The recoverable strain represents the largest value reported heretofore in Ni-Mn-based shape memory alloys and is also larger than that of the Ni-Ti wire available for practical applications at present. This giant tensile superelasticity is associated with the stress-induced two-step transformation, and the transformation sequence could be L21 (austenite) → 6M (six-layered modulated martensite) → NM (non-modulated martensite), as suggested by the temperature-dependent in-situ synchrotron high-energy X-ray diffraction experiments and the transformation strain calculation based on the crystallographic theory of martensitic transformation. In addition, this Ni50.0Mn31.4Sn9.6Fe9.0 microwire shows a transformation entropy change ΔStr of 22.9 J kg−1 K−1 and has the advantages of easy fabrication and low cost, promising for miniature sensor, actuator, and solid-state refrigeration applications.
Magnetoresistance in an electronic cavity coupled to one-dimensional systems
Authors: Yan Chengyu , Kumar Sanjeev , See Patrick , Farrer Ian , Ritchie David , Griffiths J. P. , Jones G. A. C. , Pepper Michael
Published: September 2018

In this work, we performed magnetoresistance measurement in a hybrid system consisting of an arc-shaped quantum point contact (QPC) and a flat, rectangular QPC, both of which together form an electronic cavity between them. The results highlight a transition between collimation-induced resistance dip to a magnetoresistance peak as the strength of coupling between the QPC and the electronic cavity was increased. The initial results show the promise of hybrid quantum system for future quantum technologies.
Health justice partnerships: a promising model for increasing access to justice in health services
Authors: Lewis Virginia , Adamson Lauren , Hawthorne Faith
Published: September 2018

Many people experience legal issues that affect their health, but do not seek legal help, particularly if they are disadvantaged in some way. This may be because they do not recognise they have a legal problem, they are unwilling or unable to address it, or they do not know how to go about dealing with it. Most people seek health care at some point, so linking health and legal services may help promote access to justice. There have been ongoing efforts in Australia to link health and law services, such as through co-locating health and legal services or through running legal ‘clinics’ in health services, but these have not always reached the intended clients. Fully integrated health justice partnerships are a model where the law/health partnership is collaborative at all levels of the organisation. This perspective piece argues that the model is particularly suitable for health services that have clients with needs in a specific area of law, and should be carefully targeted to where it is most needed. Factors that contribute to successful implementation of the model are described.
Gas-phase kinetic and mechanism study of the reactions of O3, OH, Cl and NO3 with unsaturated acetates
Authors: Wang Shuyan , Du Lin , Tsona Narcisse T. , Wang Wenxing
Published: September 2018

Environmental contextAcetate esters, emitted into the atmosphere from both natural and anthropogenic sources, can participate in photochemical processes leading to the formation of secondary organic aerosols. We report a study on the kinetics and mechanisms of the reaction of two acetate esters with O3, OH, NO3, and Cl radicals. The results help our understanding of the chemical behaviour of this important class of compounds in the atmosphere.
AbstractThe photodegradation reactions of isopropenyl acetate (IPA) and 2-methyl-2-propenyl acetate (MPA) initiated by O3, OH, Cl and NO3 radicals have been investigated in a 100 L Teflon reactor at 293 ± 3 K, by using gas chromatography with flame-ionisation detection as well as thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to monitor the reactants and the products. The rate constants for the reactions of IPA and MPA with the four atmospheric oxidants were determined by using either absolute or relative rate methods. The following rate constants (in units of cm3 molecule−1 s−1) were obtained: k(O3 + IPA) = (0.37 ± 0.06) × 10−18, k(OH + IPA) = (6.44 ± 0.74) × 10−11, k(Cl+ IPA) = (4.33 ± 0.52) × 10−10, k(NO3 + IPA) = (1.62 ± 0.22) × 10−14, k(O3 + MPA) = (2.76 ± 0.40) × 10−18, k(OH + MPA) = (7.41 ± 0.92) × 10−11, k(Cl + MPA) = (3.33 ± 0.39) × 10−10, k(NO3 + MPA) = (1.34 ± 0.23) × 10−14. With the exception of the kinetic study of the reactions of O3 and OH with IPA and the mechanistic study of the reaction of IPA with O3, the current research reports the first kinetic and mechanistic investigation for these reactions at atmospheric pressure. Acetic anhydride and 1-acetoxyacetone are the main products of the reactions of IPA and MPA, respectively. On the basis of the products and estimated tropospheric lifetimes of the two esters, reaction mechanisms are proposed and the atmospheric implications are discussed.
Life after death: behaviour of multiple shark species scavenging a whale carcass
Authors: Lea J. S. E. , Daly R. , Leon C. , Daly C. A. K. , Clarke C. R.
Published: September 2018

A drone was used to study the richness and behaviour of scavengers attracted to the carcass of a sperm whale (Physeter microcephalus) in Seychelles, Western Indian Ocean. Over 30 sharks of 3 species (tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier, bull shark Carcharhinus leucas and tawny nurse shark Nebrius ferrugineus) were recorded scavenging on the carcass. Tiger sharks dominated the scavenging, but with no evidence of agonistic behaviours or hierarchy, and may have facilitated scavenging by other species. Drone use allowed the analysis of such behaviours without observer influence, providing new insights into communal scavenging events.
Deceptive signals and behaviors of a cleptoparasitic beetle show local adaptation to different host bee species
Authors: Saul-Gershenz Leslie , Millar Jocelyn G. , McElfresh J. Steven , Williams Neal M.
Published: September 2018

Chemosensory signals play a key role in species recognition and mate location in both invertebrate and vertebrate species. Closely related species often produce similar but distinct signals by varying the ratios or components in pheromone blends to avoid interference in their communication channels and minimize cross-attraction among congeners. However, exploitation of reproductive signals by predators and parasites also may provide strong selective pressure on signal phenotypes. For example, bolas spiders mimic the pheromones of several moth species to attract their prey, and parasitic blister beetle larvae, known as triungulins, cooperatively produce an olfactory signal that mimics the sex pheromone of their female host bees to attract male bees, as the first step in being transported by their hosts to their nests. In both cases, there is strong selection pressure on the host to discriminate real mates from aggressive mimics and, conversely, on the predator, parasite, or parasitoid to track and locally adapt to the evolving signals of its hosts. Here we show local adaptation of a beetle,Meloe franciscanus(Coleoptera: Meloidae), to the pheromone chemistry and mate location behavior of its hosts, two species of solitary bees in the genusHabropoda. We report thatM.franciscanus’ deceptive signal is locally host-adapted in its chemical composition and ratio of components, with host bees from each allopatric population preferring the deceptive signals of their sympatric parasite population. Furthermore, in different locales, the triungulin aggregations have adapted their perching height to the height at which local male bees typically patrol for females.
The brain’s hemodynamic response function rapidly changes under acute psychosocial stress in association with genetic and endocrine stress response markers
Authors: Elbau Immanuel G. , Brücklmeier Benedikt , Uhr Manfred , Arloth Janine , Czamara Darina , Spoormaker Victor I. , Czisch Michael , Stephan Klaas Enno , Binder Elisabeth B. , Sämann Philipp G.
Published: September 2018

Significance

Understanding how stress predisposes for psychopathology requires the identification of physiological stress-regulatory mechanisms with pathogenic potential. Here, we applied fMRI to investigate the interaction between acute psychosocial stress and the brain’s hemodynamic response function (HRF). The HRF models how local neural activity elicits cerebral blood flow changes, spanning several biophysical processes including neurovascular coupling (NVC). Stress replicably shifted the HRF peak in temporal, insular, and prefrontal brain regions, moderated by functional variants of
KCNJ2
, a protein involved in NVC. Hippocampal HRF markers correlated with the cortisol response and genetic variants that reflect transcriptional responses to glucocorticoids and the risk for depression. We suggest that acute psychosocial stress modulates hemodynamic response properties which could lead to previously undescribed endophenotypes of stress-related disorders.
Partial maintenance of organ-specific epigenetic marks during plant asexual reproduction leads to heritable phenotypic variation
Authors: Wibowo Anjar , Becker Claude , Durr Julius , Price Jonathan , Spaepen Stijn , Hilton Sally , Putra Hadi , Papareddy Ranjith , Saintain Quentin , Harvey Sarah , Bending Gary D. , Schulze-Lefert Paul , Weigel Detlef , Gutierrez-Marcos Jose
Published: September 2018

Plants differ from animals in their capability to easily regenerate fertile adult individuals from terminally differentiated cells. This unique developmental plasticity is commonly observed in nature, where many species can reproduce asexually through the ectopic initiation of organogenic or embryogenic developmental programs. While organ-specific epigenetic marks are not passed on during sexual reproduction, the fate of epigenetic marks during asexual reproduction and the implications for clonal progeny remain unclear. Here we report that organ-specific epigenetic imprints in
Arabidopsis thaliana
can be partially maintained during asexual propagation from somatic cells in which a zygotic program is artificially induced. The altered marks are inherited even over multiple rounds of sexual reproduction, becoming fixed in hybrids and resulting in heritable molecular and physiological phenotypes that depend on the identity of the founder tissue. Consequently, clonal plants display distinct interactions with beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms. Our results demonstrate how novel phenotypic variation in plants can be unlocked through altered inheritance of epigenetic marks upon asexual propagation.
Papaverine and its derivatives radiosensitize solid tumors by inhibiting mitochondrial metabolism
Authors: Benej Martin , Hong Xiangqian , Vibhute Sandip , Scott Sabina , Wu Jinghai , Graves Edward , Le Quynh-Thu , Koong Albert C. , Giaccia Amato J. , Yu Bing , Chen Ching-Shih , Papandreou Ioanna , Denko Nicholas C.
Published: September 2018

Significance

Oxygen tension plays a critical role in the response to radiation therapy (RT). Here we show that hypoxic tumors can be sensitized to RT by targeting mitochondrial respiration. We identified the 150-year-old FDA-approved drug papaverine as a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor. A single dose of the drug prior to RT alleviates hypoxia in model tumors and strikingly enhances the response to RT. Well-oxygenated normal tissues are not radiosensitized. Removal of papaverine’s phosphodiesterase 10A inhibitory activity by structural modification has identified potentially safer generation of complex I-inhibiting radiosensitizers.
mRNA vaccination with charge-altering releasable transporters elicits human T cell responses and cures established tumors in mice
Authors: Haabeth Ole A. W. , Blake Timothy R. , McKinlay Colin J. , Waymouth Robert M. , Wender Paul A. , Levy Ronald
Published: September 2018

Significance

The RNA delivery field is mostly focused on lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Although promising, LNPs have several limitations with respect to pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and toxicity. The mechanism of RNA charge-altering releasable transporters (CART) delivery and release is unique. It proceeds dynamically with a controllable change in physical properties. Differing from all mRNA delivery systems, a key attribute of CARTs is a charge-altering degradation mechanism, which transforms the initial polycationic CART into neutral byproducts, thereby enabling endosomal escape, release, and subsequent translation of the polyanionic mRNA cargo. With this study, we introduce a potentially general approach to therapeutic vaccination enabled by a dynamic drug-delivery system (mRNA-CART) and demonstrate its utility in suppressing tumor formation and in eliminating established tumors.
Language reconfiguration in bilinguals
Authors: Calabria Marco , Pérez Pérez Jesús , Martínez-Horta Saúl , Horta-Barba Andrea , Carceller Mar , Kulisevsky Jaime , Costa Albert
Published: September 2018

The present study investigated language inhibition and cross-language interference as two possible mechanisms of bilingual language
control (BLC) that can be affected by Huntington’s disease (HD), a neurodegenerative disease (ND) affecting the striatum. To this
aim, the study explored the performance of pre-symptomatic and early-stage HD patients in two experimental tasks meant to elicit
cross-language interference and language inhibition, including a Stroop task and a language switching task. The results revealed
dissociations between these two mechanisms, indicating that language activation or inhibition is related to HD pathology while
cross-language interference is not. Switch costs in HD patients were greater than controls in low-demand control conditions of
language switching (longer preparation time), while Stroop effects were similar between the two groups of participants. This
result was interpreted as a difficulty in overcoming the excessive inhibition applied to non-target language. The BLC processes
related to the striatum and subcortical structures are discussed.
Some Ethical Considerations About the Use of Biomarkers for the Classification of Adult Antisocial Individuals
Authors: Jurjako Marko , Malatesti Luca , Brazil Inti A.
Published: September 2018

It has been argued that a biomarker-informed classification system for antisocial individuals has the potential to overcome many obstacles in current conceptualizations of forensic and psychiatric constructs and promises better targeted treatments. However, some have expressed ethical worries about the social impact of the use of biological information for classification. Many have discussed the ethical and legal issues related to possibilities of using biomarkers for predicting antisocial behavior. We argue that prediction should not raise the most pressing ethical worries. Instead, issues connected with “biologization”, such as stigmatization and negative effects on self-image, need more consideration. However, we conclude that also in this respect there are no principled ethical objections against the use of biomarkers to guide classification and treatment of adult antisocial individuals.
Executive Dysfunction in Criminal Populations: Comparing Forensic Psychiatric Patients and Correctional Offenders
Authors: Shumlich Erin J. , Reid Graham J. , Hancock Megan , N. S. Hoaken Peter
Published: September 2018

Background: Robust executive function (EF) deficits have been found in criminal groups and have been implicated as contributors to criminal behavior. A widely cited model of EF is made up of inhibition, shifting, and working memory. The current study compares these three EF components of two different criminal groups to one another and to a normative sample.

Methods: EF of 42 forensic psychiatric patients was assessed and compared with 77 correctional offenders. EF was determined using the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS).

Results: Forensic psychiatric patients display poorer performance on EF compared to correctional offenders. Overall, forensic psychiatric patients perform most poorly on measures of shifting. Furthermore, a large proportion of both forensic psychiatric patients (9.5–35.7%) and correctional offenders (5.2–27.3%) display clinically significant deficits in all components of EF compared to what would be expected in the normative population (2.5%).

Conclusions/Implications: This study provides evidence of heterogeneity of cognitive deficits among different criminal populations and pervasive EF deficits in forensic and correctional populations compared to a normative sample. Understanding the unique EF profiles of different criminal groups can better inform rehabilitation programs and risk and release decisions.
Predicting voltage sensing
Authors: Sedwick Caitlin
Published: September 2018

New method predicts the molecular basis of membrane proteins’ voltage sensitivity.
Constructing Islam in an Early Modern Anthology: Intertextuality, Politics, and Religion in Seventeenth-Century Europe
Authors: Meyer Allison Machlis
Published: September 2018

This article discusses an early modernSammelband(collected volume) that compiles epithalamia celebrating the wedding of Elizabeth Stuart with two translations, William Vaughan’s “The new-found politicke” and Robert Ashley’s “Almansor.” By highlighting the varied uses of Muslim exemplarity and alterity within one compilation, this article reveals the effects of recontextualization invited by the process of book building in the larger context of the Thirty Years’ War. ThisSammelbandstudy argues that translation, repurposing, and the material processes of compilation unsettle narratives of religious difference used by European writers to make sense of political conflict in the early seventeenth century.
Drive and measurement electrode patterns for electrode impedance tomography (EIT) imaging of neural activity in peripheral nerve
Authors: Hope J , Vanholsbeeck F , McDaid A
Published: September 2018

Objective; To establish the performance of several drive and measurement patterns in EIT imaging of neural activity in peripheral nerve, which involves large impedance changes in the nerve’s anisotropic length axis. Approach; Twelve drive and measurement electrode patterns are compared using a finite element (FE) four-cylindrical shell model of a peripheral nerve and a 32 channel dual-ring nerve cuff. The central layer of the FE model contains impedance changes representative of neural activity of −0.30 in length axis and −8.8 × 10−4 in the radial axis. Six of the electrode patterns generate longitudinal drive current, which runs parallel to the anisotropic axis, while the remaining six patterns generate transverse drive current, which runs perpendicular to the anisotropic axis. Main results; Of the twelve patterns evaluated, transverse current patterns produce higher resolution than longitudinal current patterns but are also more susceptible to noise and errors, and exhibit poorer sensitivity to impedance changes in central sample locations. Three of the six longitudinal current patterns considered can reconstruct fascicle level impedance changes with up to 0.2 mV noise and error, which corresponds to between −5.5 and +0.18 dB of the normalised signal standard deviation. Reducing the spacing between the two electrode rings in all longitudinal current patterns reduced the signal to error ratio across all depth locations of the sample. Significance; Electrode patterns which target the large impedance change in the anisotropic length axis can provide improved robustness against noise and errors, which is a critical step towards real time EIT imaging of neural activity in peripheral nerve.
A draft genome assembly of the Chinese sillago (Sillago sinica), the first reference genome for Sillaginidae fishes
Authors: Xu Shengyong , Xiao Shijun , Zhu Shilin , Zeng Xiaofei , Luo Jing , Liu Jiaqi , Gao Tianxiang , Chen Nansheng
Published: September 2018

Background

Sillaginidae, also known as smelt-whitings, is a family of benthic coastal marine fishes in the Indo-West Pacific that have high ecological and economic importance. Many Sillaginidae species, including the Chinese sillago (Sillago sinica), have been recently described in China, providing valuable material to analyze genetic diversification of the family Sillaginidae. Here, we constructed a reference genome for the Chinese sillago, with the aim to set up a platform for comparative analysis of all species in this family.

Findings

Using the single-molecule real-time DNA sequencing platform Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) Sequel, we generated ~27.3 Gb genomic DNA sequences for the Chinese sillago. We reconstructed a genome assembly of 534 Mb using a strategy that takes advantage of complementary strengths of two genome assembly programs, Canu and FALCON. The genome size was consistent with the estimated genome size based on k-mer analysis. The assembled genome consisted of 802 contigs with a contig N50 length of 2.6 Mb. We annotated 22,122 protein-coding genes in the Chinese sillago genomes using a de novo method as well as RNA sequencing data and homologies to other teleosts. According to the phylogenetic analysis using protein-coding genes, the Chinese sillago is closely related to Larimichthys crocea and Dicentrarchus labrax and diverged from their ancestor around 69.5–82.6 million years ago.

Conclusions

Using long reads generated with PacBio sequencing technology, we have built a draft genome assembly for the Chinese sillago, which is the first reference genome for Sillaginidae species. This genome assembly sets a stage for comparative analysis of the diversification and adaptation of fishes in Sillaginidae.
‘Blood Doesn’t Become Water’? Syrian Social Relations during Displacement
Authors: Lokot Michelle
Published: September 2018

Humanitarian discourses emphasize that displacement results in disruptions to family structures. This article challenges simplistic descriptions of change during displacement, highlighting the powerful role of the family in Middle Eastern societies through an anthropological exploration of social relations among Syrian refugees in Jordan. It contributes to academic analysis on social relations among refugees by presenting a more mixed picture of social dynamics within and outside the family—both before conflict and during displacement. It explores how the hold of the family among Syrians may limit social interactions with ‘outsiders’ during displacement, as well as how displacement may offer opportunities for tighter social regulations to be unravelled. These findings highlight that social relations among refugees must be analysed more carefully, and with consideration of intersectional power dynamics.
Real-World Experience With Higher-Than-Recommended Doses of Lamivudine in Patients With Varying Degrees of Renal Impairment
Authors: Fischetti Briann , Shah Kushal , Taft David R , Berkowitz Leonard , Bakshi Anjali , Cha Agnes
Published: September 2018

Background

Although nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors have been associated with lactic acidosis, lamivudine (3TC) has not been reported to have an increased risk with elevated concentrations. Therefore, some recommend that the lowest tablet strength of 3TC be considered in patients with kidney disease to avoid the inconvenience of liquid formations. Our institution avoids dose-adjusting 3TC until creatinine clearance (CrCl) <30 mL/min and uses 100–150-mg tablets daily in hemodialysis. The aim of this study was to describe the use of higher-than-recommended doses of 3TC in a real-world setting.

Methods

Blood samples were collected before and 0.5–1.5 hours after 3TC administration in HIV+ adults. Predose (Cmin) and postdose (Cmax) samples were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling was utilized to simulate areas under the curve (AUCs) and profiles by CrCl. Lactic acid levels and patient-reported adverse events were obtained to monitor for safety, and viral suppression was assessed for efficacy.

Results

Thirty-four patients with varying degrees of renal function were enrolled. Observed 3TC Cmax values were comparable among CrCl cohorts. Simulated 3TC AUC values in patients with CrCl 30–49, 15–29, and 0–15 mL/min were consistent with historical data, and fold-errors were between 0.5 and 2.0. All lactic acid levels were within normal limits, and no adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions

This study is the first to describe the use of higher-than-recommended doses of 3TC in a real-world setting. 3TC was well tolerated across all levels of renal function. These results can guide providers in their selection of higher 3TC dosing in select patients with renal dysfunction to maximize adherence.
How Courts Decide Federalism Disputes: Legal Merit, Attitudinal Effects, and Strategic Considerations in the Jurisprudence of the Belgian Constitutional Court
Authors: Popelier Patricia , Bielen Samantha
Published: September 2018

An urgent question in contemporary federal theory is how institutions impact upon the centralization grade of multi-tiered systems. This article focuses on constitutional courts as one of such institutions. It constructs a classification for measuring a court’s position in federalism disputes and tests hypotheses about what determines variation across decisions within one court. The case study is Belgium, as a model of contemporary fragmenting systems. We find that if the defending party is the federal government, the probability of a centralist outcome increases compared to when a sub-state government is the defendant, and vice versa. Evidence suggests that legal merit plays a role to this effect. We further find that each state reform decreases the probability of a centralist outcome. This appears to be a consequence of strategic considerations. We finally find suggestive evidence that the organization of the court does not fully succeed in playing down judges' ideological preferences.
Misidentification of Burkholderia pseudomallei as Acinetobacter species in northern Thailand
Authors: Greer Rachel C , Wangrangsimakul Tri , Amornchai Premjit , Wuthiekanun Vanaporn , Laongnualpanich Achara , Dance David A B , Limmathurotsakul Direk
Published: September 2018

Background

Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of melioidosis, a disease endemic throughout the tropics.

Methods

A study of reported Acinetobacter spp. bacteraemia was performed at Chiang Rai provincial hospital from 2014 to 2015. Isolates were collected and tested for confirmation.

Results

A total of 419 putative Acinetobacter spp. isolates from 412 patients were re-identified and 5/419 (1.2%) were identified as B. pseudomallei. Four of the five patients with melioidosis died. An estimated 88/419 (21%) isolates were correctly identified as Acinetobacter spp.

Conclusions

Misidentification of Acinetobacter spp. as B. pseudomallei or other bacteria is not uncommon and programmes to address these shortfalls are urgently required.
Specific Genes Identified in Pathotype 4 of the Clubroot Pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae
Authors: Zheng Jing , Wang Xuliang , Xiao Yang , Wei Shiqing , Wang Die , Huang Yun , Wang Wenming , Yang Hui
Published: September 2018

Clubroot is an important disease of cruciferous crops caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, and pathotypes are classified based on the response of differential hosts. This study was conducted to identify genetic markers able to differentiate pathotypes. Differential expression of genes between pathotype 4 (P4) and pathotype 7 (P7) was assessed according to transcriptome data of molecular marker screening. Among the pathotypes (P2, P4, P5, P7, P9, P10, and P11) tested, six genes were exclusive to P4, dividing the isolates into three types: PBRA_003263 and PBRA_003268 were present in all P4 isolates, PBRA_000003/Novel512 were found in a type of P4 (P4-1), and Novel137/PBRA_005772 were found in another P4 type, P4-2. Amplicons for all six genes were produced for only one isolate, which we named P4-3. This study is the first to establish a molecular identification system for P4 the, predominant pathotype in China. The genes identified might serve as molecular markers for differentiation of P4 from other pathotypes and may also distinguish different types of P4.