bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and Soybean (Glycine max) Planting Date on Weed Interference
Authors: Klingaman Tracy E. , Oliver Lawrence R.
Published: May 2019

Separate field experiments were conducted for cotton and soybean in 1990 and 1991 to determine the influence of planting date on yield loss due to interspecific interference from entireleaf morningglory and sicklepod and to determine the relative competitiveness of each weed species. Percent soybean yield loss due to weed interference increased as planting date was delayed from early May to early June. Averaged over weed species, yield losses from 1.7 weeds m−1row were 10, 18, and 20% for soybeans planted in early May, mid-May, and early June, respectively. Yield loss from 6.7 weeds m−1row were 17, 31, and 35% at the early May, mid-May, and early June planting dates, respectively. Percent seed cotton yield losses averaged over weed species in 1990 were 33 and 28% for the early May and early June planting dates, respectively, at 1.7 weeds m−1and 50% for both planting dates at weed densities of 6.7 plants m−1. The only experimental factor that significantly affected seed cotton yield in 1991 was weed density. Unlike soybeans, planting date had little effect on weed interference in cotton. Entireleaf morningglory was more competitive than sicklepod in both crops. Results suggest that selection of optimum soy bean planting dates may be a viable means of reducing losses due to weed interference.
Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Response to Simulated Drift of Imidazolinone Herbicides
Authors: Eberlein Charlotte V. , Guttieri Mary J.
Published: May 2019

Potato response to simulated drift of imazamethabenz, imazethapyr, or imazapyr was evaluated in field studies conducted near Aberdeen, ID, in 1989 and 1990. Herbicides were applied at rates corresponding to 0.02, 0.1, and 0.5 times the typical use rate (x rate) of each herbicide. Simulated drift treatments were applied at potato emergence, tuber initiation, or tuber bulking. Foliar injury symptoms varied with herbicide, rate, and potato growth stage at the time of application, but were generally most severe with imazapyr and least severe with imazamethabenz. Yield losses also varied with herbicide, rate, and potato growth stage at the time of application, but generally were greater when drift occurred at tuber initiation or tuber bulking than at potato emergence. Losses in U.S. Number 1 (highest quality) yield were greater than losses in total yield, indicating that tuber quality was affected more by the herbicides than was tuber biomass accumulation. U.S. Number 1 yield was not reduced by simulated drift of imazamethabenz at 0.02x but was reduced 25% by the 0.1x rate applied at tuber bulking. At the 0.5x rate, U.S. Number 1 yield was reduced 36, 85, or 92% when drift occurred at potato emergence, tuber initiation, or tuber bulking, respectively. For imazethapyr, U.S. Number 1 yield losses ranged from 0 to 68% for the 0.02x rate; 19 to 98% for the 0.lx rate; and 64 to 100% with the 0.5x rate, depending on potato growth stage at the time of application. Losses were least when drift occurred at potato emergence. Simulated drift of imazapyr at the 0.02x rate applied as potatoes were emerging reduced U.S. Number 1 yield 79%. All other imazapyr treatments caused ≥99% loss in U.S. Number 1 yield.
Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Response to Simulated Drift of Dicamba, Clopyralid, and Tribenuron
Authors: Wall David A.
Published: May 2019

Field experiments were conducted over a 4-yr period, 1989 to 1992, in southern Manitoba to investigate potato (5. tuberosum) response to simulated drift of the dimethylamine salt of dicamba, 2.8 to 22.2 g ai ha–1; alkanolamine salt of clopyralid, 4 to 32 g ai ha–1; and tribenuron, 0.15 to 1.2 g ai ha–1. Rate ranges investigated corresponded to 2 to 16% of the recommended field rate for each herbicide. Dicamba at 22.2 g ai ha–1, clopyralid at 32 g ai ha–1, and tribenuron at 1.2 g ai ha–1reduced total tuber yields 40, 29, and 41%, respectively, and marketable yields 74, 75, and 53%, respectively. Average weight of marketable-size tubers was unaffected by any treatment in any year. No tuber malformations were observed. Tubers produced on treated plants were planted the year following treatment to investigate the effects of simulated drift on subsequent tuber regrowth. Injury symptoms were evident for each herbicide in 2 out of 3 yr, but neither total nor marketable yields were affected.
MINORANZE E SICUREZZA NAZIONALE IN MEDIO ORIENTE
Authors: Colombo Alessandro
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

L'invasione del Kuwait e la guerra civile seguita alla sconfitta dell'Iraq hanno inferto un duro colpo alle semplificazioni più comuni della situazione mediorientale; quella, caratteristica delle fasi acute di tensione bipolare, che collocava le cause del conflitto fuori della regione, nella competizione Est/Ovest; quella, non meno parziale, centrata sul conflitto arabo-israeliano, che riportava all'interno del Medio Oriente le radici dell'instabilità ma non rinunciava a ricondurle tutte ad una sola; quella più recente, infine, del «nuovo ordine internazionale», che proprio dal «discorso» bipolare deduceva che, una volta venuto meno il conflitto tra le superpotenze, anche i conflitti regionali si sarebbero avviati a soluzione.
IL NUOVO SISTEMA ELETTORALE ITALIANO: QUALI OPPORTUNITÀ?
Authors: D'Alimonte Roberto , Chiaramonte Alessandro
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

Il sistema elettorale è un complesso di regole che governano la traduzione delle preferenze in voti e dei voti in seggi (Rae 1971, 14) e, in quanto tale, costituisce al contempo un vincolo ed una risorsa per tutti coloro - elettori, partiti, candidati - i quali, a vario titolo, concorrono a determinare la rappresentanza politica. In altre parole, esso contribuisce a modellare la struttura delle opportunità di quegli attori, il tipo di competizione che prevale a livello del sistema partitico e, in certi casi, l'espressione stessa delle preferenze elettorali.
Loanleven: Analysis of Green Stained Bone Fragments
Authors: O’Berg Alan
Published: May 2019

Introduction

The bone fragments from Loanleven had several areas of green staining on their surfaces. They were analysed elementally to determine whether copper was present in the stained areas which might suggest that they were due to corrosion of a copper object.

Method

The bone fragments were analysed quantitatively without sampling or surface preparation using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF). A Rhodium target X-ray tube run at an accelerating voltage of 46KV was used to produce the primary X-ray beam which was collimated to give an elliptical irradiated area on the surface of the specimen about 1 mm x 1.5 mm.
Distinct and interactive contributions of physical abuse, socioeconomic disadvantage, and negative life events to children's social, cognitive, and affective adjustment
Authors: Okun Alexandra , Parker Jeffrey G. , Levendosky Alytia A.
Published: May 2019

Past research highlights the importance of considering the sequelae of physical abuse in the context of other risk factors and possible exacerbating circumstances. The present research examines the relative, unique, and interactive effects of physical abuse, sociocultural disadvantage, and cumulative negative life events. Multiple measures and data sources were used to assess the socioeconomic circumstances, exposure to recent negative events, and social, cognitive, and affective adjustment of 19 physically abused and 49 nonabused elementary school-age children. Results indicated that abuse strongly independently predicted problems in children's adjustment with peers, self-perceptions, and depression. Abuse was also related to increased behavioral problems at home and at school, though this relation abated and even reversed itself as social disadvantage increased. Cumulative negative events independently predicted negative self-perceptions and, for girls, increased depression. Socioeconomic hardship was independently related to children's cognitive maturity. In addition, socioeconomic disadvantage qualified the relation between negative events and children's adjustment to peers, such that increased negative events were related to lower peer adjustment among less disadvantaged children but increased peer adjustment of children with more disadvantage. These results support calls for a more contextualized approach to examining the developmental outcomes of physical abuse, one that considers multiple risk factors simultaneously.
“A PLACE SO FAR REMOVED”: DYNASTY AND RITUAL IN MONUMENTS FROM CHINKULTIC, CHIAPAS, MEXICO
Authors: Earley Caitlin C.
Published: May 2019

The site of Chinkultic in Chiapas, Mexico, remains largely absent from discussions of Classic Maya history and culture, despite a long history of excavation and a substantial corpus of monumental sculpture. This paper explores two groups of sculptures from Chinkultic, photographed using raking-light photographic techniques in 2011 and 2013. Sculptures in the first group depict royal accession and suggest that the rulers of Chinkultic acceded the throne as warriors. The second group of monuments demonstrates a ritual tradition involving rulers and subordinate individuals. Based on analysis of these groups, I argue that Chinkultic was home to consistent artistic programming that performed an elite identity based on warfare and control over surrounding people and places. Combined, these sculptures demonstrate artistic connections between Chinkultic and the Usumacinta region, provide a new window into the sociopolitical history of the Comitán valley, and reflect the innovative artistic programs of frontier places in ancient Mesoamerica.
MAZAPAN-STYLE FIGURINES AT EL PALACIO AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE FOR EARLY POSTCLASSIC REGIONAL INTERACTIONS IN NORTHERN MICHOACAN
Authors: Forest Marion , Jadot Elsa , Testard Juliette
Published: May 2019

A series of figurines, known in the archaeological literature as Mazapan-style, was recently discovered at the site of El Palacio, Michoacan, Mexico, in strata radiocarbon dated from the Early Postclassic (a.d.900–1200/1250). Considered diagnostic markers for Early Postclassic cultural and economic dynamics, these artifacts raise questions regarding the role of this settlement at both regional and interregional scales prior to the rise of the Tarascan state. We study the specimens found at El Palacio through a thorough examination of the archaeological contexts, technological and iconographic characteristics, and compare them to cases from the literature. By demonstrating their local production and their association with other artifacts or iconographic traits characteristic of the Early “Postclassic international style,” we bring new elements to the definition of these artifacts and underline the capacity of local elites to connect culturally and economically with other regions of Mesoamerica.
Preventive Intervention: Preschoolers At-risk for Learning Difficulties
Authors: Talay-Ongan Ayshe
Published: May 2019

The paper reviews various conditions which are associated with learning difficulties such as attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity, and developmental language disorders, contending that many of these processes are developmental in nature and hence can be traced to early childhood years. The significance of “potential”; academic learning difficulties is stressed and role of preventive intervention as a model of ongoing practice for early childhood educators is proposed.
From Inclusion to Exclusion: Educational Placements of Children with Down Syndrome
Authors: Rietveld Christine M.
Published: May 2019

This paper documents the educational placements of 22 children with Down Syndrome who were born between 1976 and 1981. While all but one child started her/his preschool education in inclusive settings, only five children remain in inclusive school settings in 1993. It is suggested that schools need to address the disabling factors in their contexts rather than focus on the child’s perceived inability to cope in inclusive classrooms as she/he matures.
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder: Issues for Special Educators
Authors: Gordon Christopher
Published: May 2019

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a relatively common disorder affecting mainly male children and which may seriously impact on the life of the individual and produce wider negative social effects. Despite being identified for the greater part of this century, many aspects of its major characteristics, aetiology, assessment and treatment are unresolved, and some, especially the medication treatment option, are highly controversial. The anticipated publication of the DSMIV with altered categorisation and diagnostic criteria may initially lead to further confusion. This paper reviews and consolidates the research currently available, describes the DSM IV classifications and indicates best practice procedures for assessment and treatment
Concerns of Teachers About the Integration of Children with Physical versus Multiple Disabilities
Authors: Sigafoos Jeff , Elkins John
Published: May 2019

The present study compared the attitudes and concerns of regular school teachers towards the integration of children with physical versus multiple disabilities. Teachers were generally positive towards integration for students with physical disabilities and only slightly less favourable towards the integration of students with multiple disabilities. Concerns about integration often depended on the child’s individual needs and degree of disability. Teachers were also concerned that integration might disrupt the classroom and indicated the need for more time and support. Educating children with special needs in the regular classroom was often said to be stressful. While the potential social benefits of integration were recognised, many teachers had observed a lack of positive peer interaction. Specific strategies to facilitate the integration of children with special needs emerged from these data and these are discussed.
Annotation projection for temporal information extraction
Authors: Giannella Chris R. , Winder Ransom K. , Jubinski Joseph P.
Published: May 2019

Approaches to building temporal information extraction systems typically rely on large, manually annotated corpora. Thus, porting these systems to new languages requires acquiring large corpora of manually annotated documents in the new languages. Acquiring such corpora is difficult owing to the complexity of temporal information extraction annotation. One strategy for addressing this difficulty is to reduce or eliminate the need for manually annotated corpora through annotation projection. This technique utilizes a temporal information extraction system for a source language (typically English) to automatically annotate the source language side of a parallel corpus. It then uses automatically generated word alignments to project the annotations, thereby creating noisily annotated target language training data. We developed an annotation projection technique for producing target language temporal information extraction systems. We carried out an English (source) to French (target) case study wherein we compared a French temporal information extraction system built using annotation projection with one built using a manually annotated French corpus. While annotation projection has been applied to building other kinds of Natural Language Processing tools (e.g., Named Entity Recognizers), to our knowledge, this is the first paper examining annotation projection as applied to temporal information extraction where no manual corrections of the target language annotations were made. We found that, even using manually annotated data to build a temporal information extraction system, F-scores were relatively low (<0.35), which suggests that the problem is challenging even with manually annotated data. Our annotation projection approach performed well (relative to the system built from manually annotated data) on some aspects of temporal information extraction (e.g., event–document creation time temporal relation prediction), but it performed poorly on the other kinds of temporal relation prediction (e.g., event–event and event–time).
A risk calculator to predict adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: generation and external validation in three birth cohorts and one clinical sample
Authors: Caye A. , Agnew-Blais J. , Arseneault L. , Gonçalves H. , Kieling C. , Langley K. , Menezes A. M. B. , Moffitt T. E. , Passos I. C. , Rocha T. B. , Sibley M. H. , Swanson J. M. , Thapar A. , Wehrmeister F. , Rohde L. A.
Published: May 2019

Aim

Few personalised medicine investigations have been conducted for mental health. We aimed to generate and validate a risk tool that predicts adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Methods

Using logistic regression models, we generated a risk tool in a representative population cohort (ALSPAC – UK, 5113 participants, followed from birth to age 17) using childhood clinical and sociodemographic data with internal validation. Predictors included sex, socioeconomic status, single-parent family, ADHD symptoms, comorbid disruptive disorders, childhood maltreatment, ADHD symptoms, depressive symptoms, mother's depression and intelligence quotient. The outcome was defined as a categorical diagnosis of ADHD in young adulthood without requiring age at onset criteria. We also tested Machine Learning approaches for developing the risk models: Random Forest, Stochastic Gradient Boosting and Artificial Neural Network. The risk tool was externally validated in the E-Risk cohort (UK, 2040 participants, birth to age 18), the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort (Brazil, 3911 participants, birth to age 18) and the MTA clinical sample (USA, 476 children with ADHD and 241 controls followed for 16 years from a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 26 years old).

Results

The overall prevalence of adult ADHD ranged from 8.1 to 12% in the population-based samples, and was 28.6% in the clinical sample. The internal performance of the model in the generating sample was good, with an area under the curve (AUC) for predicting adult ADHD of 0.82 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79–0.83). Calibration plots showed good agreement between predicted and observed event frequencies from 0 to 60% probability. In the UK birth cohort test sample, the AUC was 0.75 (95% CI 0.71–0.78). In the Brazilian birth cohort test sample, the AUC was significantly lower –0.57 (95% CI 0.54–0.60). In the clinical trial test sample, the AUC was 0.76 (95% CI 0.73–0.80). The risk model did not predict adult anxiety or major depressive disorder. Machine Learning approaches did not outperform logistic regression models. An open-source and free risk calculator was generated for clinical use and is available online at https://ufrgs.br/prodah/adhd-calculator/.

Conclusions

The risk tool based on childhood characteristics specifically predicts adult ADHD in European and North-American population-based and clinical samples with comparable discrimination to commonly used clinical tools in internal medicine and higher than most previous attempts for mental and neurological disorders. However, its use in middle-income settings requires caution.
Autophagy-induced senescence is regulated by p38α signaling
Authors: Slobodnyuk Konstantin , Radic Nevenka , Ivanova Saška , Llado Anna , Trempolec Natalia , Zorzano Antonio , Nebreda Angel R.
Published: May 2019

Apoptosis and senescence are two mutually exclusive cell fate programs that can be activated by stress. The factors that instruct cells to enter into senescence or apoptosis are not fully understood, but both programs can be regulated by the stress kinase p38α. Using an inducible system that specifically activates this pathway, we show that sustained p38α activation suffices to trigger massive autophagosome formation and to enhance the basal autophagic flux. This requires the concurrent effect of increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production and the phosphorylation of the ULK1 kinase on Ser-555 by p38α. Moreover, we demonstrate that macroautophagy induction by p38α signaling determines that cancer cells preferentially enter senescence instead of undergoing apoptosis. In agreement with these results, we present evidence that the induction of autophagy by p38α protects cancer cells from chemotherapy-induced apoptosis by promoting senescence. Our results identify a new mechanism of p38α-regulated basal autophagy that controls the fate of cancer cells in response to stress.
Joint sequencing of human and pathogen genomes reveals the genetics of pneumococcal meningitis
Authors: Lees John A. , Ferwerda Bart , Kremer Philip H. C. , Wheeler Nicole E. , Serón Mercedes Valls , Croucher Nicholas J. , Gladstone Rebecca A. , Bootsma Hester J. , Rots Nynke Y. , Wijmega-Monsuur Alienke J. , Sanders Elisabeth A. M. , Trzciński Krzysztof , Wyllie Anne L. , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , van den Berg Leonard H. , van Rheenen Wouter , Veldink Jan H. , Harboe Zitta B. , Lundbo Lene F. , de Groot Lisette C. P. G. M. , van Schoor Natasja M. , van der Velde Nathalie , Ängquist Lars H. , Sørensen Thorkild I. A. , Nohr Ellen A. , Mentzer Alexander J. , Mills Tara C. , Knight Julian C. , du Plessis Mignon , Nzenze Susan , Weiser Jeffrey N. , Parkhill Julian , Madhi Shabir , Benfield Thomas , von Gottberg Anne , van der Ende Arie , Brouwer Matthijs C. , Barrett Jeffrey C. , Bentley Stephen D. , van de Beek Diederik
Published: May 2019

Streptococcus pneumoniaeis a common nasopharyngeal colonizer, but can also cause life-threatening invasive diseases such as empyema, bacteremia and meningitis. Genetic variation of host and pathogen is known to play a role in invasive pneumococcal disease, though to what extent is unknown. In a genome-wide association study of human and pathogen we show that human variation explains almost half of variation in susceptibility to pneumococcal meningitis and one-third of variation in severity, identifying variants inCCDC33associated with susceptibility. Pneumococcal genetic variation explains a large amount of invasive potential (70%), but has no effect on severity. Serotype alone is insufficient to explain invasiveness, suggesting other pneumococcal factors are involved in progression to invasive disease. We identify pneumococcal genes involved in invasiveness includingpspCandzmpD, and perform a human-bacteria interaction analysis. These genes are potential candidates for the development of more broadly-acting pneumococcal vaccines.
Evaluating cell lines as models for metastatic breast cancer through integrative analysis of genomic data
Authors: Liu Ke , Newbury Patrick A. , Glicksberg Benjamin S. , Zeng William Z. D. , Paithankar Shreya , Andrechek Eran R. , Chen Bin
Published: May 2019

Cell lines are widely-used models to study metastatic cancer although the extent to which they recapitulate the disease in patients remains unknown. The recent accumulation of genomic data provides an unprecedented opportunity to evaluate the utility of them for metastatic cancer research. Here, we reveal substantial genomic differences between breast cancer cell lines and metastatic breast cancer patient samples. We also identify cell lines that more closely resemble the different subtypes of metastatic breast cancer seen in the clinic and show that surprisingly, MDA-MB-231 cells bear little genomic similarities to basal-like metastatic breast cancer patient samples. Further comparison suggests that organoids more closely resemble the transcriptome of metastatic breast cancer samples compared to cell lines. Our work provides a guide for cell line selection in the context of breast cancer metastasis and highlights the potential of organoids in these studies.
Limited capacity of tree growth to mitigate the global greenhouse effect under predicted warming
Authors: Büntgen Ulf , Krusic Paul J. , Piermattei Alma , Coomes David A. , Esper Jan , Myglan Vladimir S. , Kirdyanov Alexander V. , Camarero J. Julio , Crivellaro Alan , Körner Christian
Published: May 2019

It is generally accepted that animal heartbeat and lifespan are often inversely correlated, however, the relationship between productivity and longevity has not yet been described for trees growing under industrial and pre-industrial climates. Using 1768 annually resolved and absolutely dated ring width measurement series from living and dead conifers that grew in undisturbed, high-elevation sites in the Spanish Pyrenees and the Russian Altai over the past 2000 years, we test the hypothesis of grow fast—die young. We find maximum tree ages are significantly correlated with slow juvenile growth rates. We conclude, the interdependence between higher stem productivity, faster tree turnover, and shorter carbon residence time, reduces the capacity of forest ecosystems to store carbon under a climate warming-induced stimulation of tree growth at policy-relevant timescales.
Concentration and avidity of antibodies to different circumsporozoite epitopes correlate with RTS,S/AS01E malaria vaccine efficacy
Authors: Dobaño Carlota , Sanz Hèctor , Sorgho Hermann , Dosoo David , Mpina Maximilian , Ubillos Itziar , Aguilar Ruth , Ford Tom , Díez-Padrisa Núria , Williams Nana Aba , Ayestaran Aintzane , Traore Ousmane , Nhabomba Augusto J. , Jairoce Chenjerai , Waitumbi John , Agnandji Selidji Todagbe , Kariuki Simon , Abdulla Salim , Aponte John J. , Mordmüller Benjamin , Asante Kwaku Poku , Owusu-Agyei Seth , Tinto Halidou , Campo Joseph J. , Moncunill Gemma , Gyan Ben , Valim Clarissa , Daubenberger Claudia
Published: May 2019

RTS,S/AS01E has been tested in a phase 3 malaria vaccine study with partial efficacy in African children and infants. In a cohort of 1028 subjects from one low (Bagomoyo) and two high (Nanoro, Kintampo) malaria transmission sites, we analysed IgG plasma/serum concentration and avidity to CSP (NANP-repeat and C-terminal domains) after a 3-dose vaccination against time to clinical malaria events during 12-months. Here we report that RTS,S/AS01E induces substantial increases in IgG levels from pre- to post-vaccination (p < 0.001), higher in NANP than C-terminus (2855 vs 1297 proportional change between means), and higher concentrations and avidities in children than infants (p < 0.001). Baseline CSP IgG levels are elevated in malaria cases than controls (p < 0.001). Both, IgG magnitude to NANP (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] 0.61 [0.48–0.76]) and avidity to C-terminus (0.07 [0.05–0.90]) post-vaccination are significantly associated with vaccine efficacy. IgG avidity to the C-terminus emerges as a significant contributor to RTS,S/AS01E-mediated protection.
Coordination corrected ab initio formation enthalpies
Authors: Friedrich Rico , Usanmaz Demet , Oses Corey , Supka Andrew , Fornari Marco , Buongiorno Nardelli Marco , Toher Cormac , Curtarolo Stefano
Published: May 2019

The correct calculation of formation enthalpy is one of the enablers of ab-initio computational materials design. For several classes of systems (e.g. oxides) standard density functional theory produces incorrect values. Here we propose the “coordination corrected enthalpies” method (CCE), based on the number of nearest neighbor cation–anion bonds, and also capable of correcting relative stability of polymorphs. CCE uses calculations employing the Perdew, Burke and Ernzerhof (PBE), local density approximation (LDA) and strongly constrained and appropriately normed (SCAN) exchange correlation functionals, in conjunction with a quasiharmonic Debye model to treat zero-point vibrational and thermal effects. The benchmark, performed on binary and ternary oxides (halides), shows very accurate room temperature results for all functionals, with the smallest mean absolute error of 27(24) meV/atom obtained with SCAN. The zero-point vibrational and thermal contributions to the formation enthalpies are small and with different signs—largely canceling each other.
Recovery of stem cell proliferation by low intensity vibration under simulated microgravity requires LINC complex
Authors: Touchstone H. , Bryd R. , Loisate S. , Thompson M. , Kim S. , Puranam K. , Senthilnathan A. N. , Pu X. , Beard R. , Rubin J. , Alwood J. , Oxford J. T. , Uzer G.
Published: May 2019

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) rely on their ability to integrate physical and spatial signals at load bearing sites to replace and renew musculoskeletal tissues. Designed to mimic unloading experienced during spaceflight, preclinical unloading and simulated microgravity models show that alteration of gravitational loading limits proliferative activity of stem cells. Emerging evidence indicates that this loss of proliferation may be linked to loss of cellular cytoskeleton and contractility. Low intensity vibration (LIV) is an exercise mimetic that promotes proliferation and differentiation of MSCs by enhancing cell structure. Here, we asked whether application of LIV could restore the reduced proliferative capacity seen in MSCs that are subjected to simulated microgravity. We found that simulated microgravity (sMG) decreased cell proliferation and simultaneously compromised cell structure. These changes included increased nuclear height, disorganized apical F-actin structure, reduced expression, and protein levels of nuclear lamina elements LaminA/C LaminB1 as well as linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex elements Sun-2 and Nesprin-2. Application of LIV restored cell proliferation and nuclear proteins LaminA/C and Sun-2. An intact LINC function was required for LIV effect; disabling LINC functionality via co-depletion of Sun-1, and Sun-2 prevented rescue of cell proliferation by LIV. Our findings show that sMG alters nuclear structure and leads to decreased cell proliferation, but does not diminish LINC complex mediated mechanosensitivity, suggesting LIV as a potential candidate to combat sMG-induced proliferation loss.
Fractional quantum Hall effects in In0.75Ga0.25As bilayer electron systems observed as “Finger print”
Authors: Yamada Syoji , Fujimoto Akira , Hidaka Siro , Akabori Masashi , Imanaka Yasutaka , Takehana Kanji
Published: May 2019

Observations of fractional quantum Hall (FQH) plateaus are reported in bilayer electron gas system in wide (>80 nm) In0.75Ga0.25As wells. Several q/p (p = 5, 3, and 2, q > 5) QH states are confirmed at high temperatures (~1.6 K) when the critical conditions including an electron density imbalance as well as a dynamical resistance behavior at the bilayer-monolayer transition are properly satisfied. The former leads to a quantum limit in either of the layers and the latter might bring a meta-stable nature into FQH phenomena. Such a behavior occurs as a probability process associating with impurities or defects in the wells, they inevitably reflect the local structural landscapes of each sample. This is verified by the new finding that the kinds of fractional plateaus (what set of fractional filling factors) appeared are different depending on the samples, that is, they are the “finger print” in each sample.
The involvement of autotaxin in renal interstitial fibrosis through regulation of fibroblast functions and induction of vascular leakage
Authors: Sakai Norihiko , Bain Gretchen , Furuichi Kengo , Iwata Yasunori , Nakamura Miki , Hara Akinori , Kitajima Shinji , Sagara Akihiro , Miyake Taito , Toyama Tadashi , Sato Koichi , Nakagawa Shiori , Shimizu Miho , Kaneko Shuichi , Wada Takashi
Published: May 2019

The accumulation of fibroblasts is a critical step in the development of fibrosis, and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) promotes fibrosis by regulating multiple fibroblast functions. Autotaxin (ATX) is a key LPA-producing enzyme, and we hypothesized that ATX contributes to the development of renal interstitial fibrosis through LPA-mediated effects on fibroblast functions. In a mouse model of renal interstitial fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), the levels of renal ATX protein and activity increased with the progression of fibrosis in ligated kidneys, despite concurrent reductions in renal ATX mRNA. UUO enhanced vascular permeability in the renal interstitium, and ATX protein localized to areas of vascular leak, suggesting that vascular leak allowed ATX to enter the renal interstitium. In vitro studies showed that ATX induces the migration and proliferation of renal fibroblasts and enhances the vascular permeability of endothelial monolayers. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of ATX partially attenuated renal interstitial fibrosis. These results suggest that during the development of renal fibrosis, ATX accumulates in the renal interstitium and drives fibroblast accumulation and promotes renal interstitial vascular leak, thereby partially contributing to the pathogenesis of renal interstitial fibrosis. Taken together, ATX inhibition may have the potential to be a novel therapeutic strategy to combat renal interstitial fibrosis.
Enhanced metastatic potential in the MB49 urothelial carcinoma model
Authors: Liu Yu-Ru , Yin Peng-Nien , Silvers Christopher R. , Lee Yi-Fen
Published: May 2019

Recent data suggest that patients with a basal/stem-like bladder cancer (BC) subtype tend to have metastatic disease, but this is unconfirmed. Here we report the identification of murine MB49 cell line sub-clones with stem-like characteristics in culture. Subcutaneous implantation of S2 and S4 MB49 sub-clones into immunocompetent mice resulted in lung metastases in 50% and 80% of mice respectively, whereas none of the mice implanted with the parental cells developed metastasis. Gene profiling of cells cultured from S2 and S4 primary and metastatic tumors revealed that a panel of genes with basal/stem-like/EMT properties is amplified during metastatic progression. Among them, ITGB1, TWIST1 and KRT6B are consistently up-regulated in metastatic tumors of both MB49 sub-clones. To evaluate clinical relevance, we examined these genes in a human public dataset and found that ITGB1 and KRT6B expression in BC patient tumor samples are positively correlated with tumor grade. Likewise, the expression levels of these three genes are correlated with worse clinical outcomes. This MB49 BC metastatic pre-clinical model provides a unique opportunity to validate and recapitulate results discovered in patient studies and to pursue future mechanistic therapeutic interventions for BC metastasis.
Controlling parameters and characteristics of electrochemical biosensors for enhanced detection of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine
Authors: Faria Aline M. , Peixoto Elisa B. M. I. , Adamo Cristina B. , Flacker Alexander , Longo Elson , Mazon Talita
Published: May 2019

This work discusses the parameters and characteristics required on the development of a scalable and reliable electrochemical sensor board for detecting 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), an oxidative stress biomarker for diabetic nephropathy, cancer and Parkinson’s disease. We used Printed Circuit Board (PCB) technology to make a precise, low-cost bare sensor board. ZnO nanorods (NRs) and ZnO NRs: reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composites were used as a pathway for antibody immobilization on the working electrode (WE). The parameters and characteristics of the WE were controlled for enhancing the quality of the electrochemical sensor board. Thickness of the gold and the presence of ZnO NRs or their composite on the WE have influence on charge transference process and reproducibility of the sensor board. The amount of the antibody, and its incubation period are crucial to avoid saturation of the sites during immobilization step and reduce the cost of the sensor. Our ZnO NRs-based electrochemical sensor board showed high sensitivity and selectivity to 8-OHdG with detection capacity in the range of 0.001–5.00 ng.mL−1. The successful application of our immunosensor to detect 8-OHdG in urine was evidenced.
Aquaporin 4 inhibition alters chemokine receptor expression and T cell trafficking
Authors: Nicosia Michael , Miyairi Satoshi , Beavers Ashley , Farr George W. , McGuirk Paul R. , Pelletier Marc F. , Valujskikh Anna
Published: May 2019

Aquaporins (AQPs) are water channels that mediate a variety of biological processes. However, their role in the immune system is poorly understood. We recently reported that AQP4 is expressed by naïve and memory T cells and that AQP4 blockade with a small molecule inhibitor prolongs murine heart allograft survival at least partially through diminishing T cell activation, proliferation and trafficking. The goal of this study was to determine how AQP4 function impacts T cells in the absence of antigen stimulation. AQP4 inhibition transiently reduced the number of circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in naïve non-transplanted mice in the absence of systemic T cell depletion. Adoptive transfer studies demonstrated T cell intrinsic effect of AQP4 inhibition. AQP4 blockade altered T cell gene and protein expression of chemokine receptors S1PR1 and CCR7, and their master regulator KLF-2, and reduced chemotaxis toward S1P and CCL21. Consistent with the in vitro data, in vivo AQP4 inhibition reduced T lymphocyte numbers in the lymph nodes with simultaneous accumulation in the liver. Our findings indicate that blocking AQP4 reversibly alters T lymphocyte trafficking pattern. This information can be explored for the treatment of undesirable immune responses in transplant recipients or in patients with autoimmune diseases.
Development and validation of a novel panel of 16 STR markers for simultaneous diagnosis of β-thalassemia, aneuploidy screening, maternal cell contamination detection and fetal sample authenticity in PND and PGD/PGS cases
Authors: Sharifi Zohreh , Rahiminejad Faezeh , Joudaki Atefeh , Bandehi Ameneh Sarhadi , Farahzadi Hossein , Keshvar Yeganeh , Golnabi Fatemeh , Naderi Sanaz , Yazdani Rasaneh , Shafaat Mehdi , Ghadami Shirin , Abiri Maryam , Zeinali Sirous
Published: May 2019

Prenatal diagnosis (PND) may be complicated with sample mix-up; maternal cell contamination, non-paternity and allele drop out at different stages of diagnosis. Aneuploidy screening if combined with PND for a given single gene disorder, can help to detect any common aneuploidy as well as aiding sample authenticity and other probable complications which may arise during such procedures. This study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel panel of STR markers combined as a multiplex PCR kit (HapScreen™ kit) for the detection of β-thalassemia, aneuploidy screening, ruling in/out maternal cell contamination (MCC), and sample authenticity. The kit uses 7 STR markers linked to β-globin gene (HBB) as well as using 9 markers for quantitative analysis of chromosomes 21, 18, 13, X and Y. Selection of the markers was to do linkage analysis with β-globin gene, segregation analysis and to perform a preliminary aneuploidy screening of fetal samples respectively. These markers (linked to the β-globin gene) were tested on more than 2185 samples and showed high heterozygosity values (68.4–91.4%). From 2185 fetal cases we found 3 cases of non-paternity, 5 cases of MCC, one case of sample mix-up and one case of trisomy 21 which otherwise may have end up to misdiagnosis. This kit was also successfully used on 231 blastomeres for 29 cases of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and screening (PGS). The markers used for simultaneous analysis of haplotype segregation and aneuploidy screening proved to be very valuable to confirm results obtained from direct mutation detection methods (i.e. ARMS, MLPA and sequencing) and aneuploidy screening.
Segmental differences of cervical spinal cord motion: advancing from confounders to a diagnostic tool
Authors: Hupp M. , Vallotton K. , Brockmann C. , Huwyler S. , Rosner J. , Sutter R. , Klarhoefer M. , Freund P. , Farshad M. , Curt A.
Published: May 2019

Increased cranio-caudal spinal cord motion is associated with clinical impairment in degenerative cervical myelopathy. However, whether spinal cord motion holds potential as a neuroimaging biomarker requires further validation. Different confounders (i.e. subject characteristics, methodological problems such as phase drift, etc.) on spinal cord motion readouts have to be considered. Twenty-two healthy subjects underwent phase contrast MRI, a subset of subjects (N = 9) had repeated scans. Parameters of interest included amplitude of velocity signal, maximum cranial respectively maximum caudal velocity, displacement (=area under curve of the velocity signal). The cervical spinal cord showed pulse synchronic oscillatory motions with significant differences in all readouts across cervical segments, with a maximum at C5. The Inter-rater reliability was excellent for all readouts. The test-retest reliability was excellent for all parameters at C2 to C6, but not for maximum cranial velocity at C6 and all readouts at C7. Spinal cord motion was correlated with spinal canal size, heart rate and body size. This is the first study to propose a standardized MRI measurement of spinal cord motion for further clinical implementation based on satisfactory phase drift correction and excellent reliability. Understanding the influence of confounders (e.g. structural conditions of the spine) is essential for introducing cord motion into the diagnostic work up.
Food knowledge depends upon the integrity of both sensory and functional properties: a VBM, TBSS and DTI tractography study
Authors: Vignando Miriam , Aiello Marilena , Rinaldi Adriana , Cattarruzza Tatiana , Mazzon Giulia , Manganotti Paolo , Eleopra Roberto , Rumiati Raffaella I.
Published: May 2019

Food constitutes a fuel of life for human beings. It is therefore of chief importance that their recognition system readily identifies the most relevant properties of food by drawing on semantic memory. One of the most relevant properties to be considered is the level of processing impressed by humans on food. We hypothesized that recognition of raw food capitalizes on sensory properties and that of transformed food on functional properties, consistently with the hypothesis of a sensory-functional organization of semantic knowledge. To test this hypothesis, patients with Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, primary progressive aphasia, and healthy controls performed lexical-semantic tasks with food (raw and transformed) and non-food (living and nonliving) stimuli. Correlations between task performance and local grey matter concentration (VBM) and white matter fractional anisotropy (TBSS) led to two main findings. First, recognition of raw food and living things implicated occipital cortices, typically involved in processing sensory information and, second, recognition of processed food and nonliving things implicated the middle temporal gyrus and surrounding white matter tracts, regions that have been associated with functional properties. In conclusion, the present study confirms and extends the hypothesis of a sensory and a functional organization of semantic knowledge.
Hydrous magnesium-rich magma genesis at the top of the lower mantle
Authors: Nakajima Ayano , Sakamaki Tatsuya , Kawazoe Takaaki , Suzuki Akio
Published: May 2019

Several igneous activities occur on the surface of the Earth, including island arcs, mid-ocean ridges and hot spots. Based on geophysical observations, melting phenomena in the interior also occur at the asthenosphere’s top and the upper mantle’s bottom. Additionally, a seismological low-velocity anomaly was observed at the top of the lower mantle that may result from mantle melting due to dehydration decomposition of ringwoodite to bridgmanite and ferropericlase with a downward flow. However, the corresponding high-pressure experimental data are too poor to understand the melting phenomena under the lower mantle condition. Herein, we conducted hydrous peridotite melting experiments at pressures from 23.5 to 26 GPa and at temperatures from 1300 to 1600 °C for demonstrating the melt composition and the gravitational stability of magma at the top of the lower mantle. The melt had a SiO2-poor and MgO-rich composition, which is completely different than that of dry peridotite melting experiments. Compared with the seismological lower mantle, the experimental melt is gravitationally lighter; thus, a similar melt could be observed as seismological low-velocity zone at the lower mantle’s top. The generated magma plays as a filter of down-welling mantle and can contribute to a formation of a silicate perovskitic lower mantle.
Enhancement of exon skipping activity by reduction in the secondary structure content of LNA-based splice-switching oligonucleotides
Authors: Shimo Takenori , Tachibana Keisuke , Kawawaki Yuki , Watahiki Yuuka , Ishigaki Taku , Nakatsuji Yusuke , Hara Takashi , Kawakami Junji , Obika Satoshi
Published: May 2019

LNA-based splice-switching oligonucleotides containing 7-deaza-2′-deoxyguanosine or 2′-deoxyinosine avoid secondary structure formation and showed higher exon skipping activities.
Emerging blood–brain-barrier-crossing nanotechnology for brain cancer theranostics
Authors: Tang Wei , Fan Wenpei , Lau Joseph , Deng Liming , Shen Zheyu , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: May 2019

The advancements, perspectives, and challenges in blood–brain-barrier (BBB)-crossing nanotechnology for effective brain tumor delivery and highly efficient brain cancer theranostics.
Controlled release and macrophage polarizing activity of cold-pressed rice bran oil in a niosome system
Authors: Hunthayung Kwanchanok , Klinkesorn Utai , Hongsprabhas Parichat , Chanput Wasaporn
Published: May 2019

Phytosterols, α-tocopherol and γ-oryzanol are scientifically recognized as major health promoting compounds found in cold-pressed rice bran oil (CRBO).
Photonic spin-controlled generation and transformation of 3D optical polarization topologies enabled by all-dielectric metasurfaces
Authors: Huo Pengcheng , Zhang Si , Fan Qingbin , Lu Yanqing , Xu Ting
Published: May 2019

Optical polarization topology is a spatially varying polarization structure, which usually exists around the polarization singularity.
Anhydrous amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) is structurally different from the transient phase of biogenic ACC
Authors: Tsao Chieh , Yu Pao-Tao , Lo Chin-Hsuan , Chang Chung-Kai , Wang Chia-Hsin , Yang Yaw-Wen , Chan Jerry Chun Chung
Published: May 2019

Anin situambient pressure soft X-ray spectroscopic study of the phase transformation of ACC exposed to water vapor in the mbar pressure range in conjunction with heat treatment.
Electrochemical 1,4-reduction of α,β-unsaturated ketones with methanol and ammonium chloride as hydrogen sources
Authors: Huang Binbin , Li Yanan , Yang Chao , Xia Wujiong
Published: May 2019

This protocol presented a sustainable, chemoselective 1,4-reduction of α,β-unsaturated ketones by means of an electrochemical method with ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) as the only additive.
Changing the π-bridge from thiophene to thieno[3,2-b]thiophene for the D–π–A type polymer enables high performance fullerene-free organic solar cells
Authors: Chen You , Geng Yanfang , Tang Ailing , Wang Xiaochen , Sun Yanming , Zhou Erjun
Published: May 2019

The photovoltaic cells ofPE2with a thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (TT) π bridge realized a PCE of 13.50%, obviously higher than the 10.58% PCE ofJ52-FSwith a thiophene π bridge.
Rapid diffusion of cholesterol along polyunsaturated membranes via deep dives
Authors: Javanainen Matti , Martinez-Seara Hector
Published: May 2019

Dives into the interleaflet region enable cholesterol to diffuse faster in membranes enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Femtosecond laser generation of microbumps and nanojets on single and bilayer Cu/Ag thin films
Authors: Naghilou Aida , He Miao , Schubert Jasmin S. , Zhigilei Leonid V. , Kautek Wolfgang
Published: May 2019

Energy redistribution in the state of electron–phonon nonequilibrium produced by femtosecond laser excitation in metal bilayers defines shapes of laser-generated surface structures.
Transition metal catalysed direct selanylation of arenes and heteroarenes
Authors: Rampon Daniel S. , Luz Eduardo Q. , Lima David B. , Balaguez Renata A. , Schneider Paulo Henrique , Alves Diego
Published: May 2019

Recent outstanding advances in the C–Se bond formation through transition metalcatalysed direct selanylation, providing new insights into their mechanistic aspects, were provided in this perspective.