bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and TrkB levels in mice that lack vesicular zinc: Effects of age and sex
Authors: McAllister Brendan B. , Bihelek Nicoline , Mychasiuk Richelle M. , Dyck Richard H.
Published: September 2018

In certain neurons, zinc ions are stored in synaptic vesicles by zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3). Vesicular zinc can then be released synaptically to modulate myriad targets. In vitro evidence indicates that these targets may include brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB). But the effects of vesicular zinc on BDNF and TrkB in the intact brain are unclear. Studies of mice that lack ZnT3 – and, as a result, vesicular zinc – have shown abnormalities in BDNF and TrkB levels, but results have been mixed and are therefore difficult to interpret. This might be caused by differences in the age or sex of mice tested. In the present study, we measured BDNF and TrkB levels in the hippocampus and neocortex, comparing wild type and ZnT3 knockout mice of both sexes at two ages (5 and 12 weeks). We also examined BDNF mRNA expression and protein levels at an intermediate age (8-10 weeks). We found that, regardless of age or sex, BDNF and TrkB protein levels did not differ between wild type and ZnT3 knockout mice. There were sex-specific differences in BDNF protein and mRNA expression, however. BDNF protein levels increased with age in female mice but not in males. And in females, but not males, ZnT3 KO mice exhibited great hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression than wild type mice. We conclude that, at least in naïve mice housed under standard laboratory conditions, elimination of vesicular zinc does not affect BDNF or TrkB protein levels.
Molecular mechanism of off-target effects in CRISPR-Cas9
Authors: Ricci Clarisse G. , Chen Janice S. , Miao Yinglong , Jinek Martin , Doudna Jennifer A. , McCammon J. Andrew , Palermo Giulia
Published: September 2018

CRISPR-Cas9 is the state-of-the-art technology for editing and manipulating nucleic acids. However, the occurrence of off-target mutations can limit its applicability. Here, all-atom enhanced molecular dynamics (MD) simulations – using Gaussian accelerated MD (GaMD) – are used to decipher the mechanism of off-target binding at the molecular level. GaMD reveals that base pair mismatches in the target DNA at specific distal sites with respect to the Protospacer Adjacent Motif (PAM) induce an extended opening of the RNA:DNA heteroduplex, which leads to newly discovered interactions between the unwound nucleic acids and the protein counterpart. The conserved interactions between the target DNA strand and the L2 loop of the catalytic HNH domain constitute a “lock” effectively decreasing the conformational freedom of the HNH domain and its activation for cleavage. Remarkably, depending on their position at PAM distal sites, DNA mismatches leading to off-target cleavages are unable to “lock” the HNH domain, thereby identifying the ability to “lock” HNH as a key determinant. Consistently, off-target sequences hampering the catalysis have been shown to “trap” somehow the HNH domain in an inactive “conformational checkpoint” state (Dagdas et al. Sci Adv, 2017). As such, this mechanism identifies the molecular basis underlying off-target cleavages and contributes in clarifying a long-lasting open issue of the CRISPR-Cas9 function. It also poses the foundation for designing novel and more specific Cas9 variants, which could be obtained by magnifying the “locking” interactions between HNH and the target DNA in the presence of any incorrect off-target sequence, thus preventing undesired cleavages.
Sex-specific and pleiotropic effects underlying kidney function identified from GWAS meta-analysis
Authors: Graham Sarah E. , Nielsen Jonas B. , Zawistowski Matthew , Zhou Wei , Fritsche Lars G. , Gabrielsen Maiken E. , Skogholt Anne Heidi , Surakka Ida , Fermin Damian , Kheterpal Sachin , Brummett Chad M. , Lee Seunggeun , Kang Hyun Min , Abecasis Goncalo , Romundstad Solfrid , Hallan Stein , Sampson Matthew G. , Hveem Kristian , Willer Cristen J.
Published: September 2018

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a growing health burden currently affecting 10-15% of adults worldwide. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as a marker of kidney function is commonly used to diagnose CKD. Previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analyses of CKD and eGFR or related phenotypes have identified a number of variants associated with kidney function, but these only explain a fraction of the variability in kidney phenotypes attributed to genetic components. To extend these studies, we analyzed data from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), which is more densely imputed than previous studies, and performed a GWAS meta-analysis of eGFR with publicly available summary statistics, more than doubling the sample size of previous meta-analyses. We identified 147 loci (53 novel loci) associated with eGFR, including genes involved in transcriptional regulation, kidney development, cellular signaling, metabolism, and solute transport. Moreover, genes at these loci show enriched expression in urogenital tissues and highlight gene sets known to play a role in kidney function. In addition, sex-stratified analysis identified three regions (prioritized genes:PPM1J, MCL1, andSLC47A1) with more significant effects in women than men. Using genetic risk scores constructed from these eGFR meta-analysis results, we show that associated variants are generally predictive of CKD but improve detection only modestly compared with other known clinical risk factors. Collectively, these results yield additional insight into the genetic factors underlying kidney function and progression to CKD.
Comprehensive evaluation of differential serodiagnosis between Zika and dengue viral infection
Authors: Chao Day-Yu , Whitney Matthew T. , Davis Brent S. , Medina Freddy A , Munoz Jorge L , Chang Gwong-Jen J.
Published: September 2018

Diagnostic testing for Zika virus (ZIKV) or dengue virus (DENV) infection can be accomplished by a nucleic acid detection method; however, a negative result does not exclude infection due to the low virus titer during infection depending on the timing of sample collection. Therefore, a ZIKV- or DENV-specific serological assay is essential for the accurate diagnosis of patients and to prevent potential severe health outcomes. A retrospective study design with dual approaches of collecting human serum samples for testing was developed. All serum samples were extensively evaluated by using both non-infectious virus-like particles (VLPs) and soluble non-structural protein 1 (NS1) in the standard immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (MAC-ELISA). Both VLP- and NS1-MAC-ELISAs were found to have similar sensitivity for detecting anti-premembrane/envelope and NS1 antibodies from ZIKV-infected patient sera. Group cross reactive (GR)-antibody-ablated homologous fusion peptide-mutated (FP)-VLPs consistently showed higher P/N values than homologous wild-type VLPs. Therefore, FP-VLPs were used to develop the algorithm for differentiating ZIKV from DENV infection. Overall, the sensitivity and specificity of the FP-VLP-MAC-ELISA and the NS1-MAC-ELISA were each higher than 80% with no statistical significance. A novel approach to differentiate ZIKV from DENV infection serologically has been developed. The accuracy can reach up to 95% when combining both VLP and NS1 assays. In comparison to current guidelines using neutralization tests to measure ZIKV antibody, this approach can facilitate laboratory screening for ZIKV infection, especially in regions where DENV infection is endemic and capacity for neutralization testing does not exist.
Consensus outlier detection in survival analysis using the rank product test
Authors: Carrasquinha Eunice , Veríssimo André , Vinga Susana
Published: September 2018

Survival analysis is a well known technique in the medical field. The identification of individuals whose survival time is too short or to long given their profile, assumes great importance for the detection of new prognostic factors. The study of these outlying observations have gained increasing relevancy with the availability of high-throughput molecular and clinical data for large cohorts of patients. Several methods for outlier detection in survival data have been proposed, which include the analysis of the residuals, the measurement of the concordance c-index, and methods based on quantile regression for censored data. However, different results are obtained depending on the type of method used. In order to solve the disparity of results we proposed to apply the Rank Product test. A simulated dataset, and two clinical datasets were used to illustrate our proposed consensus outlier detection method, one from myeloma disease and the other from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) ovarian cancer. Finally, the Rank Product with multiple testing corrections was performed in order to identify which observations have the highest rank amongst the methods considered. Our results illustrate the potential of this consensus approach for the automated retrieval of outliers and also the identification of biomarkers associated with survival in large datasets.
Red and black: A β-carotene-binding protein carrying a red pigment regulates body-color transition in locusts
Authors: Yang Meiling , Wang Yanli , Liu Qing , Liu Zhikang , Jiang Feng , Wang Huimin , Guo Xiaojiao , Zhang Jianzhen , Kang Le
Published: September 2018

Changes of body color have important effects for animals in adapting to variable environments. The migratory locust exhibits body color polyphenism between solitary and gregarious individuals, with the former displaying a uniform green coloration and the latter having a prominent pattern of black dorsal and brown ventral surface. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the density-dependent body color changes of conspecific locusts remain largely unknown. Here, we found that up regulation of β-carotene-binding protein promotes the accumulation of red pigment, which added to the green color palette present in solitary locusts changes it from green to black, and that down regulation of this protein led to the reverse, changing the color of gregarious locusts from black to green. Our results provide insight that color changes of locusts are dependent on variation in the red β-carotene pigment binding to βCBP. This finding of animal coloration corresponds with trichromatic theory of color vision.
Individual selection leads to collective efficiency through coordination
Authors: Bernard Arthur , Bredeche Nicolas , André Jean-Baptiste
Published: September 2018

Social interactions involving coordination between individuals are subject to an “evolutionary trap.” Once a suboptimal strategy has evolved, mutants playing an alternative strategy are counterselected because they fail to coordinate with the majority. This creates a detrimental situation from which evolution cannot escape, preventing the evolution of efficient collective behaviours. Here, we study this problem using the framework of evolutionary robotics. We first confirm the existence of an evolutionary trap in a simple setting. We then, however, reveal that evolution can solve this problem in a more realistic setting where individuals need to coordinate with one another. In this setting, robots evolve an ability to adapt plastically their behaviour to one another, as this improves the efficiency of their interaction. This ability has an unintended evolutionary consequence: a genetic mutation affecting one individual’s behaviour also indirectly alters their partner’s behaviour because the two individuals influence one another. As a consequence of this indirect genetic effect, pairs of partners can virtually change strategy together with a single mutation, and the evolutionary barrier between alternative strategies disappears. This finding reveals a general principle that could play a role in nature to smoothen the transition to efficient collective behaviours in all games with multiple equilibriums.
Track analysis of a synchrotron X-ray photoelectric nanoradiator by in situ fluorescence imaging of reactive oxygen species: comparative study of gold and iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Jeon Jae-Kun , Kim Jong-Ki
Published: September 2018

The emission of fluorescent X-rays and low-energy electrons by mid-/high-Z nanoparticles upon irradiation with either X-ray photons or high-energy ion beams is referred to as the nanoradiator effect (NRE). A track analysis of NRE was performed using reactive oxygen species (ROS) gels, to which macrophages containing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were attached, together with single-cell irradiation of the intracellular nanoparticles from a microbeam of synchrotron X-rays, and the range and distribution of ^\bulletOH and O2^{ \bullet - } produced were compared with those of the Fe-nanoradiator by magnetite nanoparticles (FeONP, Fe3O4). The Au-nanoradiator generated ROS fluorescence to a greater depth and wider angle with respect to the incident X-rays than that of the Fe-nanoradiator. The ROS-oxidant fluorescence intensity ratios of ^\bulletOH to O2^{ \bullet - } were different for the AuNPs and FeONPs, reflecting different relative yields of electrons and fluorescent X-rays from NRE. In the region immediately (<100 µm) below the irradiated cell, ^\bulletOH-radicals were distributed mainly along two or three tracks in the depth direction in the FeONP- or AuNP-ROS gel. In contrast, O2^{ \bullet - } was scattered more abundantly in random directions in the AuNP-ROS gel than in the FeONP-ROS gel. Track analysis of X-ray photoelectric nanoradiator radiation showed a different range of dose distribution and relative emission compositions between Au- and Fe-nanoradiators, suggesting more extensive damage beyond a single cell containing AuNPs than one containing FeONPs.
Depth-dependent atomic valence determination by synchrotron techniques
Authors: Trappen Robbyn , Zhou Jinling , Tra Vu Thanh , Huang Chih-Yeh , Dong Shuai , Chu Ying-Hao , Holcomb Mikel B.
Published: September 2018

The properties of many materials can be strongly affected by the atomic valence of the contained individual elements, which may vary at surfaces and other interfaces. These variations can have a critical impact on material performance in applications. A non-destructive method for the determination of layer-by-layer atomic valence as a function of material thickness is presented for La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) thin films. The method utilizes a combination of bulk- and surface-sensitive X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) detection modes; here, the modes are fluorescence yield and surface-sensitive total electron yield. The weighted-average Mn atomic valence as measured from the two modes are simultaneously fitted using a model for the layer-by-layer variation of valence based on theoretical model Hamiltonian calculations. Using this model, the Mn valence profile in LSMO thin film is extracted and the valence within each layer is determined to within an uncertainty of a few percent. The approach presented here could be used to study the layer-dependent valence in other systems or extended to different properties of materials such as magnetism.
The paradox of being on the glass cliff: why do women accept risky leadership positions?
Authors: Darouei Maral , Pluut Helen
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Recent evidence from glass cliff research suggests that women are more willing than men to accept risky leadership positions. The purpose of this paper (based on three studies) is to reveal and resolve the apparent paradox that women are more risk averse than men yet end up in risky leadership positions.

Design/methodology/approach

In Study I, risk attitudes of 125 participants were surveyed to understand gender differences in risk taking. In two experimental vignette studies, 119 university students (Study II) and 109 working adults (Study III) were offered a leadership position in either a risky or successful company and asked to rate their willingness to accept the job.

Findings

Together, the results showed that although women are generally more risk averse than men, women who scored low on career self-efficacy were more likely to perceive a risky job as a promotional opportunity and were therefore more willing to accept such a job. These findings shed light on the role of women’s career decision making in the glass cliff phenomenon.

Originality/value

Glass cliff research has focused almost exclusively on organizational decision makers. The authors aim to better understand the glass cliff phenomenon by incorporating the perspective of job seekers.
Research of a core-less linear machine with applied Halbach array for low speed application
Authors: Naoe Nobuyuki , Imazawa Akio
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to present a Halbach magnet array linear machine, without an iron core and the electromotive force (EMF) characteristic results.

Design/methodology/approach

The linear machine was made with mover coils and a permanent magnet stator without an iron core. For an outline design, the analyzed magnetic density results were compared to the Halbach array with a horizontal array using the 3D finite element analysis. The test was carried out on an experimental system using a prototype linear machine. The EMF of the linear machine, with applied Halbach array magnetic circuit, is verified with the experiment.

Findings

The EMF peak value of the Halbach array is larger than the EMF of the horizontal array. Compared to the EMF in the experimental results, the effective value of the Halbach array is 1.69 times greater at an average operation speed of 373 mm/s.

Originality/value

The core-less linear machine has advantages of reduced cogging torque and iron loss because both the stator and the mover do not have an iron core. The stator and rotor will not rust from water. In this paper, it is clear from the basic electrical characteristics that the linear machine, with applied Halbach array, is larger than the EMF of the horizontal array.
A high-order method for simulating convective planar Poiseuille flow over a heated rotating sphere
Authors: Liu Don , Han Hui-Li , Zheng Yong-Lai
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to present a high-order algorithm implemented with the modal spectral element method and simulations of three-dimensional thermal convective flows by using the full viscous dissipation function in the energy equation. Three benchmark problems were solved to validate the algorithm with exact or theoretical solutions. The heated rotating sphere at different temperatures inside a cold planar Poiseuille flow was simulated parametrically at varied angular velocities with positive and negative rotations.

Design/methodology/approach

The fourth-order stiffly stable schemes were implemented and tested for time integration. To provide the hp-refinement and spatial resolution enhancement, a modal spectral element method using hierarchical basis functions was used to solve governing equations in a three-dimensional space.

Findings

It was found that the direction of rotation of the heated sphere has totally different effects on drag, lateral force and torque evaluated on surfaces of the sphere and walls. It was further concluded that the angular velocity of the heated sphere has more influence on the wall normal velocity gradient than on the wall normal temperature gradients and therefore, more influence on the viscous dissipation than on the thermal dissipation.

Research limitations/implications

This paper concerns incompressible fluid flow at constant properties with up to medium temperature variations in the absence of thermal radiation and ignoring the pressure work.

Practical implications

This paper contributes a viable high-order algorithm in time and space for modeling convective heat transfer involving an internal heated rotating sphere with the effect of viscous heating.

Social implications

Results of this paper could provide reference for related topics such as enhanced heat transfer forced convection involving rotating spheres and viscous thermal effect.

Originality/value

The merits include resolving viscous dissipation and thermal diffusion in stationary and rotating boundary layers with both h- and p-type refinements, visualizing the viscous heating effect with the full viscous dissipation function in the energy equation and modeling the forced advection around a rotating sphere with varied positive and negative angular velocities subject to a shear flow.
Successful referral behavior in referral reward programs
Authors: Wirtz Jochen , Tang Chris , Georgi Dominik
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Referral reward programs (RRPs) incentivize existing customers (inductors) to refer new customers (inductees). The effectiveness of RRPs is not well understood as previous studies either focused on referral intent and/or ignored inductee responses. However, an RRP is only effective if inductors recommend and inductees respond with buying the service. The purpose of this paper is to examine the drivers of existing customers’ successful referral behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

This study combines a bank’s customer relationship management (CRM) data which were used to identify successful inductors and non-inductors. Then, observed behavioral and customer background data from the CRM database (including successful referrals, deposits in euros, number of products held, relationship duration, income, age, and gender) were combined with survey data capturing attitudinal variables (i.e. perceived relationship quality, reward attractiveness, referral metaperception, opportunism, and involvement). This approach allowed for the simultaneous testing of all hypothesized drivers of successful referral behavior.

Findings

Metaperception (i.e. the process by which individuals determine the impressions other might form of them and their behavior) was the strongest and most significant driver of successful RRP participation, followed by attractiveness of the reward. That is, inductors recommended successfully when they believed that their incentivized referral did not look bad (or even looked good) and incentives were perceived as attractive. This finding is important as metaperception so far has only been examined in theoretical and experimental studies with intent as dependent variables. Second, latent class analysis (LCA) revealed that there were two segments of inductors of which one was opportunistic. Opportunism as a driver of referral behavior has not been shown in past research using more traditional analyses, whereas LCA uncovered it as a driver for one-third of all respondents.

Practical implications

The findings offer managers a better understanding of the key determinants of successful referral behavior with important RRP design implications that counter frequent practice (e.g. designing RRPs with high face value but then reducing its usefulness through terms and conditions). Furthermore, managers may consider segment-specific reward structures to improve the effectiveness of their RRPs.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine inductor determinants of successful referral behavior and identify inductor segments.
Role of slip and heat transfer on peristaltic transport of Herschel-Bulkley fluid through an elastic tube
Authors: Vaidya Hanumesh , Gudekote Manjunatha , Choudhari Rajashekhar , K.V. Prasad
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper is concerned with the peristaltic transport of an incompressible non-Newtonian fluid in a porous elastic tube. The impacts of slip and heat transfer on the Herschel-Bulkley fluid are considered. The impacts of relevant parameters on flow rate and temperature are examined graphically. The examination incorporates Newtonian, Power-law and Bingham plastic fluids. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The administering equations are solved utilizing long wavelength and low Reynolds number approximations, and exact solutions are acquired for velocity, temperature, flux and stream functions.

Findings

It is seen that the flow rate in a Newtonian fluid is high when contrasted with the Herschel-Bulkley model, and the inlet elastic radius and outlet elastic radius have opposite effects on the flow rate.

Originality/value

The analysis carried out in this paper is about the peristaltic transport of an incompressible non-Newtonian fluid in a porous elastic tube. The impact of slip and heat transfer on a Herschel-Bulkley fluid is taken into account. The impacts of relevant parameters on the flow rate and temperature are examined graphically. The examination incorporates Newtonian, Power-law and Bingham plastic fluids.
A collocation technique based on modified form of trigonometric cubic B-spline basis functions for Fisher’s reaction-diffusion equation
Authors: Dhiman Neeraj , Tamsir Mohammad
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a modified form of trigonometric cubic B-spline (TCB) collocation method to solve nonlinear Fisher’s type equations. Taylor series expansion is used to linearize the nonlinear part of the problem. Five examples are taken for analysis. The obtained results are better than those obtained by some numerical methods as well as exact solutions. It is noted that the modified form of TCB collocation method is an economical and efficient technique to approximate the solution PDEs. The authors also carried out the stability analysis which proves that the method is unconditionally stable.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present a modified form of TCB collocation method to solve nonlinear Fisher’s type equations. Taylor series expansion is used to linearize the nonlinear part of the problem. The authors also carried out the stability analysis.

Findings

The authors found that the proposed method results are better than those obtained by some numerical methods as well as exact solutions. It is noted that the modified form of TCB collocation method is an economical and efficient technique to approximate the solution PDEs.

Originality/value

The authors propose a new method, namely, modified form of TCB collocation method. In the authors’ best knowledge, aforesaid method is not proposed by any other author. The authors used this method to solve nonlinear Fisher’s type equations and obtained more accurate results than the results obtained by other methods.
Catastrophic impact of wild boars: insufficient hunting pressure pushes snakes to the brink
Authors: Graitson E. , Barbraud C. , Bonnet X.
Published: September 2018

Climatic changes, habitat loss and invasive species are important threats for many animal populations. Here, we report rapid declines and extinctions of adder populations monitored during 12 years in Belgium where none of the above causes was involved. This study provides the first large‐scale data showing that wild boars represent a major risk for snakes, pushing populations to extinction. Drastic population declines were observed in the sites impacted by wild boars (N = 14), while in other sites spared by wild boars populations remained stable (N = 9). Wild boars are highly fertile and their main predators have been extirpated from Western Europe; yet, recreational hunting kept populations in check during decades. Hunting pressure is currently insufficient to control the rapid expansion of wild boars, demographic outbreaks are increasingly frequent. Wild boars are omnivorous; they can destroy snakes directly and indirectly through the depletion of snake's preys and via the destruction of key microhabitats. Snakes exhibit limited dispersal capacities; they cannot escape local perturbations and thus are highly vulnerable. Because wild boars have a very eclectic diet, are prolific breeders and are able to devastate a range of habitats their negative impact under relaxed hunting pressure applies to a huge variety of organisms, including reptiles. Policies to limit wild boar populations are urgently needed. Recommendations to target reproductive females and piglets should be generalized and applied.
Dispersal behaviour of female stag beetles (Lucanus cervus) in a mosaic landscape: when should I stay and where should I go
Authors: Thomaes Arno , Dhont Pieterjan , Dekeukeleire Daan , Vandekerkhove Kris
Published: September 2018

Global habitat destruction is bringing species to the edge. Consequently, understanding species dispersal behaviour is becoming essential in order to safeguard vital meta‐populations. Nevertheless, dispersal is too often seen as unconditional rather than triggered by habitat cues.

We applied radio telemetry on female European stag beetles [Lucanus cervus (L., 1758)] in a mosaic landscape to investigate the hypothesis that dispersal is habitat driven, in this case by canopy closure and presence of suitable dead wood, SDW.

We found that the decision to disperse depended on canopy closure and that dispersal distance depended both on SDW availability and canopy closure. Long distance dispersal (by flying), in contrast to small distance dispersal (mainly walking), is shown to be a successful strategy to reach locations with lower canopy closure.

We conclude that dispersal of female stag beetles is not unconditional but shaped by habitat resources. It is therefore likely that habitat also affects dispersal of other insects and should be considered in future dispersal studies.

For the conservation of the European stag beetle, our results imply that it is essential to provide stepping stones of suitable dead wood, preferably every 100 m and not more than 1 km apart. These stepping stones should be provided in open to half‐shaded conditions. Management systems such as coppicing which provide periodic sun‐exposure and sufficient amounts of (underground) dead wood are good management procedures for conservation of the stag beetle but they need to be performed at small scales to ensure suitable habitat proximity.
Acute effects of salt on blood pressure are mediated by serum osmolality
Authors: Kanbay Mehmet , Aslan Gamze , Afsar Baris , Dagel Tuncay , Siriopol Dimitrie , Kuwabara Masanari , Incir Said , Camkiran Volkan , Rodriguez‐Iturbe Bernardo , Lanaspa Miguel A. , Covic Adrian , Johnson Richard J.
Published: September 2018

It is classically thought that it is the amount of salt that is critical for driving acute blood pressure responses. However, recent studies suggest that blood pressure responses, at least acutely, may relate to changes in serum osmolality. Here, we test the hypothesis that acute blood pressure responses to salt can be altered by concomitant water loading. Ten healthy patients free of any disease and medication underwent 4 interventions each a week apart in which they took 300 mL of lentil soup with no salt (visit 1), lentil soup with 3 g salt (visit 2), or lentil soup with 3 g salt and 500 mL water (visit 3) or 750 mL water (visit 4). At each visit, hourly blood measurements and blood pressure measurements (baseline, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th hour) were performed and plasma osmolarity, sodium and copeptin levels were measured. Patients receiving the 3 g salt showed a 6 mOsm/L change in osmolality with a 2.5 mmol/L change in plasma sodium and 10 mm Hg rise in systolic blood pressure at 2 hours. When the same patients drank salty soup with water, the changes in plasma osmolarity, plasma sodium, and blood pressure were prevented. The ability to raise blood pressure acutely with salt appears dependent on changes in plasma osmolality rather than the amount of salt. Our findings suggest that concurrent intake of water must be considered when evaluating the role of salt in blood pressure.
A transcriptomic investigation of appetite‐regulation and digestive processes in giant grouper Epinephelus lanceolatus during early larval development
Authors: Anderson Kelli C. , Knuckey Richard , Cánepa Maximilano , Elizur Abigail
Published: September 2018

The giant grouper Epinephelus lanceolatus is an ecologically vulnerable species with high market demand. However, efforts to improve larval husbandry are hindered by a lack of knowledge surrounding larval developmental physiology. To address this shortfall, a transcriptomic approach was applied to larvae between 1 and 14 days post hatch (dph) to characterise the molecular ontogenesis of genes that influence appetite and digestion. Appetite regulating factors were detected from 1 dph, including neuropeptide Y, nesfatin‐1, cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript, cholecystokinin and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide and the expression level of several genes changed sharply with the onset of exogenous feeding. The level of expression for proteases, chitinases, lipases and amylases typically followed one of two expression patterns, a general increase as development progressed, or an inverted U‐shape with maximal expression at c. 6 dph. Similarly, the tendency among both expression patterns was for the level of expression to increase around the time of mouth‐opening. There was also evidence to suggest the presence of putative isoforms for several digestion‐related genes. We have provided an insight into appetite‐regulation and digestive processes in groupers during early larval development and have developed a transcriptomic database that will aid future efforts to rear this species in an aquaculture setting.
Cognition and Incarceration: Cognitive Impairment and Its Associated Outcomes in Older Adults in Jail
Authors: Ahalt Cyrus , Stijacic‐Cenzer Irena , Miller Bruce L. , Rosen Howard J. , Barnes Deborah E. , Williams Brie A.
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To determine prevalence of, and outcomes associated with, a positive screen for cognitive impairment in older adults in jail.

Design

Combined data from cross‐sectional (n=185 participants) and longitudinal (n=125 participants) studies.

Setting

Urban county jail.

Participants

Individuals in jail aged 55 and older (N = 310; mean age 59, range 55–80). Inclusion of individuals aged 55 and older is justified because the criminal justice system defines “geriatric prisoners” as those aged 55 and older.

Measurements

Baseline and follow‐up assessments of health, psychosocial factors, and cognitive status (using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)); 6‐month acute care use and repeat arrest assessed in those followed longitudinally.

Results

Participants were of low socioeconomic status (85% annual income < $15,000) and predominantly nonwhite (75%). Many (70%) scored less than 25 on the MoCA; those with a low MoCA score were more likely to be nonwhite (81% vs 62%, p<.001) and report fair or poor health (54% vs 41%, p=.04). Over 6 months, a MoCA score of less than 25 was associated with multiple emergency department visits (32% vs 13%, p=.02), hospitalization (35% vs 16%, p=.03), and repeat arrests (45% vs 21%, p=.01).

Conclusions

Cognitive impairment is prevalent in older adults in jail and is associated with adverse health and criminal justice outcomes. A geriatric approach to jail‐based and transitional health care should be developed to assess and address cognitive impairment. Additional research is needed to better assess cognitive impairment and its consequences in this population. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2065–2071, 2018.
Exercise therapy of patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhou Changli , Zhao Enfa , Li Yuewei , Jia Yong , Li Feng
Published: September 2018

Background

As drug use has limitations in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), increasing attention is being paid to nondrug therapies and complementary treatments, especially exercise. It is known that bowel movements are more frequent and colon transit is more rapid in physically active individuals than in sedentary individuals. However, the effects of exercise on IBS are unclear.

Purpose

We conducted a systematic review to assess the effects of exercise on IBS.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and two Chinese databases (Wanfang Database and Chinese Biomedical Literature [CBM]) for eligible studies. We extracted and pooled relevant information regarding the effects of exercise in patients with IBS. The primary outcomes were gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of life, depression, and anxiety.

Key Results

A total of 683 patients with IBS from 14 randomized controlled trials met our inclusion criteria. The exercise interventions in this review were yoga, walking/aerobic physical activity, Tai Ji, mountaineering, and Baduanjin qigong activity. The results of this review suggested exercise had significant benefits for patients with IBS, but studies were limited by the strong risk of bias.

Conclusions and Inferences

Our findings suggest that exercise is potentially a feasible and effective treatment for IBS patients. However, because of methodologic issues, no firm conclusions could be drawn about the true effects of this intervention. Researchers should design a rigorous study to assess the effects of exercise on IBS.
P84 Co-polyimide/Nanocrystalline Cellulose (NCC)-based Tubular Carbon Membrane: Effect of Drying Times for Carbon Dioxide Separation at Elevated Carbonization Temperature
Authors: Sazali N. , Salleh W. N. W. , Kadirgama K.
Published: September 2018

In this study, the effect of drying time on the performance of tubular carbon membrane was investigated. P84 co-polyimide blends with Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC)-based carbon membrane supported on ceramic tube was fabricated through the dip-coating technique. This study aims to investigate the effect of various drying times (12 hours, 24 hours, 3 days and 7 days) on the carbon dioxide separation properties. The gas permeation test of the resultant tubular carbon membrane was determined by using pure gas of CO2 and N2. In order to enhance the membrane performance, final carbonization temperature was executed at 800oC in Argon environment with flow rate of 200 mL/min. From the results, it was found that the best drying times was within 24 hours and such membrane showed the highest CO2/N2 selectivity (66.32±2.18).
Automation of Pick and Place Operation in Contact Lens Manufacturing
Authors: Abdul Wahab Norhaliza , Thangaraj Jeevaniswaran
Published: September 2018

The paper describes the design of an automation of pick and place operation in contact lens manufacturing. The contact lens pick and place robot is designed so that it replaces operators to pick and place contact lenses from cassette to PS-48 tray automatically. The microcontroller used in this project is Arduino Uno. Solidworks is a software used to create the design before fabrication. Actuators used in this projects are stepper motors due to their high precision in calculating steps to move by the overall system. C programming is used along with Arduino Integrated Development Environment, IDE in programming the movement of the robot.  For this project, the robot is controlled by pressing start and stop button. The automated lens pick and place robot is way better compare to humans since it is capable of reducing cycle time to complete the process by picking 7 lenses simultaneously. Moreover, the lens pick and place robot tend to reduce number of labours and improve the hygiene in contact lenses production. The lens pick and place robot has successfully helped to automate the process in contact lenses manufacturing. The goal of the design have been achieved whereby the robot manage to transfer the lenses from cassette to tray.
Vision-Based Parking Entry Control System
Authors: Wahap Ahmad Ridhwan , Saharudin Shahrulnafiin
Published: September 2018

Vision-based control systems are very promising in the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). This paper proposes a system that use the vision system to control vehicle entry at the bridge gate at a certain facility. The system detects the presence of the car and captures the front car image to proceed to plate recognition process. Vehicle plate region is extracted using the size filtering, image thresholding and object counting algorithms. Optical character recognition technique is used in the recognition module. The result from the recognition module is then compared to the record in the database for information like the vehicle owner name, type of car, etc. The overall system is implemented and simulated in LabVIEW and the performance of recognition is tested on the real image. The system can successfully detect and recognize the plate number with minimum error.
Physics Champions Among White Women and People of Color
Authors: Rosengrant David
Published: September 2018

If a person were to observe my classroom when I taught high school physics, he or she would find the traditional labs with the lectures, notes, and problems to solve that enhanced understanding. As I became more skilled in my profession, I promoted inquiry and critical thinking skills. However, the necessity was never obvious to me, nor was I ever taught how, to address social inequity in physics (let alone did I fully understand it myself). Why was that? My job was to teach concepts such as momentum, forces, inertia, circuits, etc. This list goes on and on. It wasn’t until years later in my career that I began to understand the importance of bringing social inequities in physics to the front of the classroom. It started to become obvious I needed to do something at least in my own classroom when I had difficulties highlighting anyone in physics who was not White and not male. Though this was never my intent while teaching, I believe I helped maintain this social inequity, and perpetuate the idea that physics is for White males (and yes, I am a White male teacher). This article provides arguments and resources for teaching explicitly about equity issues in introductory physics.
Fossils reveal the complex evolutionary history of the mammalian regionalized spine
Authors: Jones K. E. , Angielczyk K. D. , Polly P. D. , Head J. J. , Fernandez V. , Lungmus J. K. , Tulga S. , Pierce S. E.
Published: September 2018

Early shifts lead to big changes

Mammals represent one of the most morphologically diverse taxonomic groups. One of the unique features underlying this diversity is variability of the spine, which facilitates everything from flexibility for speedy running and support for upright walking. Jones
et al.
studied a group ancestral to modern mammals—nonmammalian synapsids, or mammal-like reptiles. As forelimb function diversified, the spine developed distinct regions. These regions then differentiated further, leading to the highly varied mammalian forms we see today.

Science
, this issue p.
1249
The periodic coloration in birds forms through a prepattern of somite origin
Authors: Haupaix Nicolas , Curantz Camille , Bailleul Richard , Beck Samantha , Robic Annie , Manceau Marie
Published: September 2018

How birds change their stripes

From stripes to spots, animals often exhibit periodic coloration. Discrete embryonic domains (prepatterns) precede the periodic feather patterns observed in birds. After documenting natural variation in the striped pattern of galliform birds, Haupaix
et al.
performed long-term skin grafts to transfer the pattern of one species to another (see the Perspective by Prud'homme and Gompel). This approach revealed that periodic stripe formation obeys developmental landmarks upstream of local refining mechanisms. The somitic mesoderm first instructs stripe position through the early expression of the pigmentation gene
agouti
, which then controls stripe width by modulating pigment production in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, during feather patterning, a two-step process is at play.

Science
, this issue p.
eaar4777
; see also p.
1202
Programmable protein circuits in living cells
Authors: Gao Xiaojing J. , Chong Lucy S. , Kim Matthew S. , Elowitz Michael B.
Published: September 2018

Building smarter synthetic biological circuits

Synthetic genetic and biological regulatory circuits can enable logic functions to form the basis of biological computing; synthetic biology can also be used to control cell behaviors (see the Perspective by Glass and Alon). Andrews
et al.
used mathematical models and computer algorithms to combine standardized components and build programmable genetic sequential logic circuits. Such circuits can perform regulatory functions much like the biological checkpoint circuits of living cells. Circuits composed of interacting proteins could be used to bypass gene regulation, interfacing directly with cellular pathways without genome modification. Gao
et al.
engineered proteases that regulate one another, respond to diverse inputs that include oncogene activation, process signals, and conditionally activate responses such as those leading to cell death. This platform should facilitate development of “smart” therapeutic circuits for future biomedical applications.

Science
, this issue p.
eaap8987
, p.
1252
; see also p.
1199
Self-assembly of lattices with high structural complexity from a geometrically simple molecule
Authors: Yamagishi Hiroshi , Sato Hiroshi , Hori Akihiro , Sato Yohei , Matsuda Ryotaro , Kato Kenichi , Aida Takuzo
Published: September 2018

Robust assembly of aromatic molecules

Organic materials can exhibit high porosity, but the structures often collapse or decompose at high temperatures. Yamagishi
et al.
synthesized an aromatic molecule that bears a symmetrical outer shell of three dipyridylphenyl wedges and crystallized it from highly dielectric solvents. Porous crystals formed with complex pore-wall structures that resulted from labile C–H⋯N bonds and van der Waals forces. Despite the weakness of these interactions, the porous structure was stable up to 202°C and could be recovered after collapse by exposure to solvent vapor.

Science
, this issue p.
1242
Ancient steroids establish the Ediacaran fossilDickinsoniaas one of the earliest animals
Authors: Bobrovskiy Ilya , Hope Janet M. , Ivantsov Andrey , Nettersheim Benjamin J. , Hallmann Christian , Brocks Jochen J.
Published: September 2018

Confirming the identity of early animals

The first complex organisms emerged during the Ediacaran period, around 600 million years ago. The taxonomic affiliation of many of these organisms has been difficult to discern. Fossils ofDickinsonia, bilaterally symmetrical oval organisms, have been particularly difficult to classify. Bobrovskiyet al.conducted an analysis using lipid biomarkers obtained fromDickinsoniafossils and found that the fossils contained almost exclusively cholesteroids, a marker found only in animals (see the Perspective by Summons and Erwin). Thus,Dickinsoniawere basal animals. This supports the idea that the Ediacaran biota may have been a precursor to the explosion of animal forms later observed in the Cambrian, about 500 million years ago.

Science, this issue p.1246; see also p.1198
Photon-mediated interactions between quantum emitters in a diamond nanocavity
Authors: Evans R. E. , Bhaskar M. K. , Sukachev D. D. , Nguyen C. T. , Sipahigil A. , Burek M. J. , Machielse B. , Zhang G. H. , Zibrov A. S. , Bielejec E. , Park H. , Lončar M. , Lukin M. D.
Published: September 2018

Inducing interactions between quantum emitters

The development of scalable quantum systems will require the ability to control the interactions between the individual quantum building blocks of the system. Evans
et al.
used a pair of silicon vacancy centers embedded in a diamond nanocavity to show that interactions between the quantum emitters can be mediated optically (see the Perspective by Lodahl). Such optical control provides a speed advantage as well as the potential to develop an integrated platform for future quantum communication and quantum networking.

Science
, this issue p.
662
; see also p.
646
Address harassment now
Authors: Hamburg Margaret , Hockfield Susan , Chu Steven
Published: September 2018

We have a problem in the academy. According to an extensive meta-analysis cited by the U.S. National Academies in their 2018 report
Sexual Harassment of Women: Climate, Culture, and Consequences in Academic Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
, more than 50% of women faculty and staff at academic institutions in the United States report having been sexually harassed—as do some 20 to 50% of women students, depending on their field and level of study.