bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Synthesis of Flower‐Like BiVO4 Nanoparticles by Solution Combustion Method Using Lemon (Citrus Limon) Juice as a Fuel: Photocatalytic and Electrochemical Study
Authors: Manjunatha Adalagere Somashekar , Pavithra Nyathappa Siddagangamma , Marappa Shivanna , Prashanth Shivappa Adarakatti , Nagaraju Ganganagappa , Puttaswamy
Published: December 2018

BiVO4 have been proven to be one of the most promising photocatalyst for degradation of organic dyes and also exhibit good electrochemical performances in heavy metal detection. Herein, we have developed a simple, economic and low‐cost combustion synthesis of BiVO4 nanoparticles using bismuth nitrate as an oxidiser, lemon (Citrus Limon) juice as fuel. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by Powder X‐ray diffractometer (PXRD), Fourier Transform‐Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Diffused Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS), Photoluminescence Spectroscopy (PL), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analytical techniques. Flower‐like morphology BiVO4 nanoparticles were observed for higher ratio of fuel (Citrus Limon). BiVO4 nanoparticles showed an excellent photocatalytic activity towards degradation of Indigo Carmine dye in solution. Further, BiVO4 modified electrode was examined for the detection of Hg (II) using electrochemical techniques.
Preparation and Reconstruction of Long Branched Palladium Nanowires Exhibiting High Catalytic Activities
Authors: Imura Yoshiro , Kataoka Hiroki , Akiyama Ryota , Morita‐Imura Clara , Kawai Takeshi
Published: December 2018

Noble metal nanowires prepared by aggregation methods are particularly attractive due to their high catalytic activities. However, the catalytic activities of nanowires tend to be lower due to morphological changes and precipitation. To address this issue, we herein describe a novel method for the construction of long branched Pd nanowires exhibiting a higher catalytic activity than either short Pd nanowires and spherical Pd nanoparticles. However, we found that after standing for 10 d, the catalytic activity was reduced due to a decrease in the nanowire length and the formation of Pd precipitates. Thus, we subsequently demonstrated successful recovery of the catalytic activity by etching and reconstruction using a solution of I−/O2 as the etchant and NaBH4 as the reducing agent.
Recent Progress in Micro‐Supercapacitor Design, Integration, and Functionalization
Authors: Wang Jinhui , Li Fei , Zhu Feng , Schmidt Oliver G.
Published: December 2018

Owing to the advantages of high power density, fast charge/discharge rates, as well as long lifetime, micro‐supercapacitors have drawn much attention for their potential application in miniaturized electronics. Great progress has been made in recent years. On the one hand, many efforts have been devoted to the design and fabrication of high‐performance miniaturized supercapacitors. On the other hand, integration of micro‐supercapacitors with multiple functional materials and devices has emerged with the development of portable and wearable microelectronics. This review first discusses the recent progress of fabrication methods and strategies in the micro‐supercapacitor field. The recent reports on integration of micro‐supercapacitors with smart functions, for instance, self‐charging, self‐protection, electrochromism, self‐healing, sensing, stretchability, as well as photo‐switchimg, are summarized. The perspectives on micro‐fabrication strategies and integrated multifunctionalities of smart micro‐supercapacitors are provided at the end.
Strength, stiffness, ductility, and dissipated energy reduction of semisupported steel shear walls (SSSW) due to a circular opening
Authors: Shekastehband Behzad , Azaraxsh Ali Akbar
Published: December 2018

Semisupported steel shear walls (SSSWs) with web plates that are only connected to the beams were proposed as a means of mitigating column demands. In this research, equations for evaluating the reduction factors of performance characteristics (i.e., shear strength, initial stiffness, ductility, and energy dissipation) for SSSWs with the circular opening at the center are proposed. Nonlinear quasistatic analyses under cyclic loading were conducted on a series of perforated SSSWs with different slenderness ratio and different perforation diameters to assess the effectiveness of the proposed equations. Based on the results, the performance characteristics of SSSWs are affected directly by the square D/LPTF (D and LPTF are the perforation diameter and the length of the partial tension field along the beam, respectively). Furthermore, the proposed equations underestimate the reduction factors for web plates with higher perforation ratios, D/H (H is the height of web plate). With an increase in the perforation ratio, deterioration of shear strength and dissipated energy is so severe compared with that of initial stiffness and ductility factor. The proposed equations for performance characteristics deterioration have been validated by the good correlation between predicted values and experimental data.
Developmental neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity induced by graphene oxide in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Yang Xiaole , Yang Qiaolei , Zheng Guiwen , Han Shuhong , Zhao Fenghui , Hu Qinglian , Fu Zhengwei
Published: December 2018

Graphene oxide (GO) has emerged as the worldwide promising candidate for biomedical application, such as for drug delivery, bio‐sensing and anti‐cancer therapy. This study was focused on the zebrafish and RAW264.7 cell line as in vivo and in vitro models to assess the potential developmental neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity of GO. No obvious acute developmental toxicity was observed upon treatments with 0.01, 0.1, and 1 μg/mL GO for five consecutive days. However, decreased hatching rate, increased malformation rate, heart beat rate and hypoactivity of locomotor behavior were detected when exposed to 10 μg/mL GO. Also, RT‐PCR analysis revealed that expressions of genes related to the nervous system were up‐regulated. The potential risk of GO for developmental neurotoxicity may be ascribed to the high level of oxidative stress induced by high concentration of GO. Most importantly, the mRNA levels of immune response associated genes, such as interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) were significantly increased under environmental concentration exposure. The activation of pro‐inflammatory immune response was also observed in macrophage cell line. Taken together, our results demonstrated that immunotoxicity is a sensitive indicator for assessment of bio‐compatibility of GO.
Applying social influence insights to encourage climate resilient domestic water behavior: Bridging the theory‐practice gap
Authors: Lede Ellin , Meleady Rose
Published: December 2018

Water scarcity is one of the most pressing issues of our time and it is projected to increase as global demand surges and climate change limits fresh water availability. If we are to reduce water demand, it is essential that we draw on every tool in the box, including one that is underestimated and underutilized: social influence. Research from the psychological sciences demonstrates that behavior is strongly influenced by the behavior of others, and that social influence can be harnessed to develop cost‐effective strategies to encourage climate resilient behavior. Far less attention has been paid to investigate water‐related interventions in comparison to interventions surrounding energy. In this paper, we consider the application of three social influence strategies to encourage water conservation: social norms; social identity; and socially comparative feedback. We not only review their empirical evidence base, but also offer an example of their application in the residential sector with the aim of highlighting how theoretical insights can be translated into practice. We argue that collaborations between researchers and industry are essential if we are to maximize the potential of behavior change interventions to encourage climate resilient water behavior.

This article is categorized under:

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Behavior Change and Responses
Connecting and combining rules of aromaticity. Towards a unified theory of aromaticity
Authors: Solà Miquel
Published: December 2018

Most of the archetypal aromatic compounds present high symmetry and have degenerate highest‐occupied molecular orbitals. These orbitals can be fully occupied resulting in a closed‐shell structure or can be same‐spin half‐filled. This closed‐shell or same‐spin half‐filled electronic structure provides an extra stabilization and it is the origin of several rules of aromaticity such as the Hückel 4N + 2 rule, the lowest‐lying triplet excited state 4N Baird rule, the 4N rule in Möbius‐type conformation, the 4N + 2 Wade–Mingos rule in closo boranes or the 2(N + 1)2 Hirsch rule in spherical aromatic species. Combinations of some of these rules of aromaticity can be found in some particular species. Examples of these combinations will be discussed and the validity of some of these rules will be assessed. Moreover, it is possible to establish connections with some of these rules of (anti)aromaticity and, therefore, they can be partially generalized, which represents a step forward to a future unified theory of aromaticity.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory

Software > Quantum Chemistry
QCD multiplet bases with arbitrary parton ordering
Authors: Sjodahl Malin , Thorén Johan
Published: December 2018

Abstract

We develop an algorithm for recursively constructing orthogonal multiplet bases for the color space of QCD, for any order of partons and any N

c
. This recipe is then applied for explicitly constructing some of these bases. Using the bases, a corresponding set of Wigner 6j coefficients are calculated. The Wigner coefficients offer a method of using multiplet bases without resorting to the explicit expressions of the basis vectors, which lead to a significant speed-up compared to other methods of treating full color structure.
Signatures of dark Higgs boson in light fermionic dark matter scenarios
Authors: Darmé Luc , Rao Soumya , Roszkowski Leszek
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Thermal dark matter scenarios based on light (sub-GeV) fermions typically require the presence of an extra dark sector containing both a massive dark photon along with a dark Higgs boson. The latter typically generates both the dark photon mass and an additional mass term for the dark sector fermions. This simple setup has both rich phenomenology and bright detection prospects at high-intensity accelerator experiments. We point out that in addition to the well studied pseudo-Dirac regime, this model can achieve the correct relic density in three different scenarios, and examine in details their properties and experimental prospects. We emphasize in particular the effect of the dark Higgs boson on both detection prospects and cosmological bounds.
Dualities and 5-brane webs for 5d rank 2 SCFTs
Authors: Hayashi Hirotaka , Kim Sung-Soo , Lee Kimyeong , Yagi Futoshi
Published: December 2018

Abstract

We consider Type IIB 5-brane configurations for 5d rank 2 superconformal theories which are classified recently by geometry in [1]. We propose all the 5-brane web diagrams for these rank 2 theories and show dualities between some of different gauge theories with explicit duality map of mass parameters and Coulomb branch moduli. In particular, we explicitly construct 5-brane configurations for G
2 gauge theory with six flavors and its dual Sp(2) and SU(3) gauge theories. We also present 5-brane webs for SU(3) theories of Chern-Simons level greater than 5.
Standardize the Surgical Technique and Clarify the Relevant Anatomic Concept for Complete Mobilization of Colonic Splenic Flexure Using da Vinci Xi® Robotic System
Authors: Liang Jin‐Tung , Huang John , Chen Tzu‐Chun
Published: December 2018

Background

The present study is to set up a standardized approach for complete mobilization of colonic splenic flexure using da Vinci Xi® robotic system, based on clarification of the mesenteric structures of distal transverse colon.

Methods

The surgical outcomes and relevant anatomic structures of 104 consecutive patients undergoing robotic resection of primary colorectal cancer with the intent of complete mobilization of colonic splenic flexure using da Vinci Xi® robotic system were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Complete mobilization of colonic splenic flexure can be efficiently performed by the Xi® robotic system, as demonstrated by short operation time, minimal intra‐operative blood loss, and few surgical complications. Xi® robotic system has overcome the drawbacks of Si® robotic system for the mobilization of colonic splenic flexure. The present study defined the following anatomic hallmarks for the colonic splenic flexure: (1) The transverse mesocolon distal to the inferior mesenteric vein adheres to the low border of pancreas by the avascular fibrous connective tissues, which have been inappropriately named as “mesenteric root”; (2) The colonic splenic flexure abuts closely to spleen with an acute angle in 78.85% (n = 82/104); (3) Only a minority of patients presented with the Riolan branch (15.38%, n = 16/104) or the Moskowitz artery (8.65%, n = 9/104).

Conclusion

With increased maneuverability of Xi® robotic arms and the clarification of relevant anatomic concept, the surgical technique for the complete mobilization of colonic splenic flexure can be standardized; and the standardization of surgical technique is the first step toward the enhanced automation in the rapidly evolving robotic systems.
White matter and its relationship with cognition in subjective cognitive decline
Authors: Ohlhauser Lisa , Parker Ashleigh F. , Smart Colette M. , Gawryluk Jodie R. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is the earliest stage on the continuum toward Alzheimer's disease. This study examined (1) differences in white matter integrity between individuals with SCD and healthy control subjects and (2) how white matter integrity related to memory and executive function.

Methods

Diffusion tensor imaging and neuropsychological assessment data were retrieved from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database for 30 individuals with SCD and 44 control subjects.

Results

Results revealed significantly lower white matter integrity in individuals with SCD relative to control subjects in widespread regions, including the bilateral corticospinal tracts, superior and inferior longitudinal fasciculi, fronto‐occipital fasciculi, corpus callosum, forceps major and minor, hippocampi, anterior thalamic radiations, and the cerebellum. There was a widespread relationship between diffusion tensor imaging metrics and executive function in SCD, but not healthy control subjects, and no relationship with memory for either group.

Discussion

Relatively lower white matter integrity in SCD may be a useful early biomarker for risk of future cognitive decline. Future research should better characterize the SCD group longitudinally and in individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Did high sugar-sweetened beverage purchasers respond differently to the excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages in Mexico?
Authors: Ng Shu Wen , Rivera Juan A , Popkin Barry M , Colchero M Arantxa
Published: December 2018

Objective

To estimate changes in taxed and untaxed beverages by volume of beverage purchased after a sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax was introduced in 2014 in Mexico.

Design

We used household purchase data from January 2012 to December 2015. We first classified the sample into four groups based on pre-tax purchases of beverages: (i) higher purchases of taxed beverages and lower purchases of untaxed beverages (HTLU-unhealthier); (ii) higher purchases of both types of beverages (HTHU); (iii) lower purchases of taxed and untaxed beverages (LTLU); and (iv) lower purchases of taxed beverages and higher purchases of untaxed beverages (LTHU-healthier). Next, we estimated differences in purchases after the tax was implemented for each group compared with a counterfactual based on pre-tax trends using a fixed-effects model.

Setting

Areas with more than 50 000 residents in Mexico.

Participants

Households (n 6089).

Results

The HTLU-unhealthier and HTHU groups had the largest absolute and relative reductions in taxed beverages and increased their purchases of untaxed beverages. Households with lower purchases of untaxed beverages (HTLU-unhealthier and LTLU) had the largest absolute and relative increases in untaxed beverages. We also found that among households with higher purchases of taxed beverages, the group with lowest socio-economic status had the greatest reduction in purchases of taxed beverages.

Conclusions

Evidence associating the SSB tax with larger reductions among high purchasers of taxed beverages prior to the tax is relevant, as higher SSB purchasers have a greater risk of obesity, diabetes and other cardiometabolic outcomes.
Fatty Fish Intervention and Psychophysiological Responses to Mental Workload in Forensic Inpatients
Authors: Hansen Anita L. , Ambroziak Gina , Thornton David , Dahl Lisbeth , Molde Helge , Grung Bjørn
Published: December 2018

Abstract. The overall aim of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effect of a long-term fatty fish intervention during winter time on psychophysiological responses, that is, heart rate variability (HRV), to mental workload. Forty-seven forensic inpatients were randomly assigned into a fish group (FG) or a control group (CG). HRV responses to an experimental test procedure consisting of a resting baseline, mental workload, and a resting recovery were measured pre- and post-intervention. The results revealed that the FG showed attenuated physiological responses to mental workload from pretest to posttest by a significant increase in HRV. Additionally, the FG showed a higher HRV during recovery compared to the baseline and test conditions at both pretest and posttest. The CG showed no changes in psychophysiological responses from pretest to posttest to mental workload. Importantly, the CG showed impaired recovery at posttest, indicating a sustained physiological arousal after the stressor (mental workload) ended. Thus, the results indicate that increased fatty fish intake has the potential to increase resilience to mild cognitive stress in human beings with psychiatric illnesses.
What Can We Learn From Factorial Surveys About Human	Behavior?
Authors: Petzold Knut , Wolbring Tobias
Published: December 2018

Abstract. Factorial survey experiments are increasingly used in the social sciences to investigate behavioral intentions. The measurement of self-reported behavioral intentions with factorial survey experiments frequently assumes that the determinants of intended behavior affect actual behavior in a similar way. We critically investigate this fundamental assumption using the misdirected email technique. Student participants of a survey were randomly assigned to a field experiment or a survey experiment. The email informs the recipient about the reception of a scholarship with varying stakes (full-time vs. book) and recipient’s names (German vs. Arabic). In the survey experiment, respondents saw an image of the same email. This validation design ensured a high level of correspondence between units, settings, and treatments across both studies. Results reveal that while the frequencies of self-reported intentions and actual behavior deviate, treatments show similar relative effects. Hence, although further research on this topic is needed, this study suggests that determinants of behavior might be inferred from behavioral intentions measured with survey experiments.
High‐Velocity Friction Experiments Indicate Magnetic Enhancement and Softening of Fault Gouges During Seismic Slip
Authors: Yang Tao , Chen Jianye , Xu Huiru , Dekkers Mark J.
Published: December 2018

High‐velocity friction experiments were conducted on two natural fault gouges retrieved from the Yingxiu‐Beichuan fault zone (Sichuan, China), which accommodated the 2008 Wenchuan Mw 7.9 earthquake. The experiments simulate large earthquake slip; the rotary shear apparatus enables to gather information as a function of shear displacement (and slip velocity) in a single experiment. The two starting fault gouges are essentially paramagnetic with one containing goethite. The experimentally sheared gouges both show a significant magnetic enhancement and softening with increasing slip distance. Rock magnetic measurements reveal that magnetite was formed during the experiment due to thermochemical reactions of iron adsorbed on clay minerals (smectite, chlorite). Scanning electron microscope observations showed that the new magnetite occurs as spherical and sintered irregular aggregates. This implies a high‐temperature origin. The peak temperatures are estimated numerically to range from ~260 to ~440 °C. Also, during the experiment on the goethite‐bearing fault gouge, goethite was altered, reduced to magnetite due to the decomposition of trace organic matter present in the starting material. Magnetic susceptibility and magnetization of sheared samples are linearly increasing with the temperature rise induced by frictional heating; coercivities are decreasing. The grain size of the newly formed magnetite increases with heating temperature. This demonstrates that short‐duration frictional heating generated by fast seismic slip induces thermal alteration: neoformation of ferrimagnetic minerals leads to magnetic enhancement and softening of slip zones. Thus, rock magnetic methods are a useful tool for diagnosing the earthquake slip and estimating the temperature rise of coseismic frictional heating.
Magnetic Anisotropy in Silurian Gas‐Bearing Shale Rocks From the Pomerania Region (Northern Poland)
Authors: Niezabitowska D. K. , Szaniawski R. , Roszkowska‐Remin J. , Gąsiński A.
Published: December 2018

Analysis of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) and anhysteretic remanent magnetization (AARM) was conducted on unconventional gas‐bearing Silurian shale rocks from northern Poland. Samples of these rocks were collected from depths greater than 3,500 m from two drill cores. The aim was to investigate magnetic fabrics to verify current models of depositional conditions, current direction, and/or tectonic evolution. To obtain an in‐depth interpretation, rock magnetic studies, microscopic analyses, and graptolite orientation measurements were performed. The results indicate that the magnetic susceptibility is mainly governed by paramagnetic minerals (phyllosilicates) with a small contribution of ferromagnetic minerals, mostly magnetite. Typically, in the studied mudstones, the AMS and AARM fabrics are characterized by strong bedding‐parallel foliation, resulting mostly from compaction. The foliation is much weaker in the associated early‐diagenetic calcareous concretions. Although the mudstones are almost isotropic in the bedding plane, there is a slight tendency for grouping of magnetic lineation axes with an orientation of approximately NNW‐SSE. The corresponding orientation of the AMS lineation is preserved in the concretions, and the same trend also prevails in the preferred orientation of graptolites. Thus, we interpret this orientation to be related to paleocurrents. The observed directions show that during the Wenlock (Silurian) in the studied part of the Baltic Basin, the dominant currents had an orientation of circa NNW‐SSE along the margin of Baltica. Our results confirm that even in such fine‐grained sediments, in which there are no other unequivocal directional sedimentary indicators, paleocurrent directions can be determined by applying AMS and AARM methodology.
Water Vapor Contribution to Ceres' Exosphere From Observed Surface Ice and Postulated Ice‐Exposing Impacts
Authors: Landis M. E. , Byrne S. , Combe J.‐Ph. , Marchi S. , Castillo‐Rogez J. , Sizemore H. G. , Schörghofer N. , Prettyman T. H. , Hayne P. O. , Raymond C. A. , Russell C. T.
Published: December 2018

Telescopic observations have detected an exosphere around Ceres, composed of either water vapor or its photolytic products. Proposed mechanisms for its formation include sublimation or sputtering from solar energetic particles of buried ice, surface ice, or an optically thin seasonal polar cap. We estimate the amount of water vapor produced by known exposures of water ice, detected in Dawn spacecraft image and spectral data and by ice exposures from subresolution impact craters. We use thermal and sublimation modeling to take into account slope, orientation, and, in the case of water ice within craters, shadowing due to crater walls. We use a Monte Carlo approach to calculate the number of ice‐exposing impacts, where they occur on Ceres' surface, and how long the ice within the impact crater remains bright (e.g., less than one monolayer of sublimation lag). We find that the observed water ice patches on Ceres could account for ~0.06 kg/s of water vapor to (with Oxo crater as the main contributor) and that ice‐exposing impacts that remain bright in appearance after one Ceres year supply 0.08–0.56 kg/s of vapor, depending on the regolith volume fraction of the ice. While water ice has not been detected to date at Occator crater, if it were present we find that Occator is unlikely to be a major contributor of vapor. We find a typical background water vapor production rate from all of Ceres, combining surface and buried ice, of about a few tenths of a kilogram per second.
Demarcating the membrane damage for the extraction of functional mitochondria
Authors: Rahman Md Habibur , Xiao Qinru , Zhao Shirui , Qu Fuyang , Chang Chen , Wei An-Chi , Ho Yi-Ping
Published: December 2018

Defective mitochondria have been linked to several critical human diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, cancers and cardiovascular disease. However, the detailed characterization of mitochondria has remained relatively unexplored, largely due to the lack of effective extraction methods that may sufficiently retain the functionality of mitochondria, particularly when limited amount of sample is considered. In this study, we explore the possibility of modulating hydrodynamic stress through a cross-junction geometry at microscale to selectively disrupt the cellular membrane while mitochondrial membrane is secured. The operational conditions are empirically optimized to effectively shred the cell membranes while keeping mitochondria intact for the model mammalian cell lines, namely human embryonic kidney cells, mouse muscle cells and neuroblastoma cells. Unsurprisingly, the disruption of cell membranes with higher elastic moduli (neuroblastoma) requires elevated stress. This study also presents a comparative analysis of total protein yield and concentrations of extracted functional mitochondria with two commercially available mitochondria extraction approaches, the Dounce Homogenizer and the Qproteome® Mitochondria Isolation Kit, in a range of cell concentrations. Our findings show that the proposed “microscale cell shredder” yields at least 40% more functional mitochondria than the two other approaches and is able to preserve the morphological integrity of extracted mitochondria, particularly at low cell concentrations (5–20 × 104 cells/mL). Characterized by its capability of rapidly processing a limited quantity of samples (200 μL), demarcating the membrane damage through the proposed microscale cell shredder represents a novel strategy to extract subcellular organelles from clinical samples.
Serotonin receptors and suicide, major depression, alcohol use disorder and reported early life adversity
Authors: Underwood Mark D. , Kassir Suham A. , Bakalian Mihran J. , Galfalvy Hanga , Dwork Andrew J. , Mann J. John , Arango Victoria
Published: December 2018

Serotonin neurotransmitter deficits are reported in suicide, major depressive disorder (MDD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). To compare pathophysiology in these disorders, we mapped brain serotonin transporter (SERT), 5-HT1A, and 5-HT2A receptor binding throughout prefrontal cortex and in anterior cingulate cortex postmortem. Cases and controls died suddenly minimizing agonal effects and had a postmortem interval ≤24 h to avoid compromised brain integrity. Neuropathology and toxicology confirmed absence of neuropathology and psychotropic medications. For most subjects (167 of 232), a DSM-IV Axis I diagnosis was made by psychological autopsy. Autoradiography was performed in right hemisphere coronal sections at a pre-genual level. Linear model analyses included sex and age with group and Brodmann area as interaction terms. SERT binding was lower in suicides (p = 0.004) independent of sex (females < males, p < 0.0001), however, the lower SERT binding was dependent on MDD diagnosis (p = 0.014). Higher SERT binding was associated with diagnosis of alcoholism (p = 0.012). 5-HT1A binding was greater in suicides (p < 0.001), independent of MDD (p = 0.168). Alcoholism was associated with higher 5-HT1A binding (p < 0.001) but only in suicides (p < 0.001). 5-HT2A binding was greater in suicides (p < 0.001) only when including MDD (p = 0.117) and alcoholism (p = 0.148) in the model. Reported childhood adversity was associated with higher SERT and 5-HT1A binding (p = 0.004) in nonsuicides and higher 5-HT2A binding (p < 0.001). Low SERT and more 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A binding in the neocortex in depressed suicides is dependent on Axis I diagnosis and reported childhood adversity. Findings in alcoholism differed from those in depression and suicide indicating a distinct serotonin system pathophysiology.
Rational design of a triple-type human papillomavirus vaccine by compromising viral-type specificity
Authors: Li Zhihai , Song Shuo , He Maozhou , Wang Daning , Shi Jingjie , Liu Xinlin , Li Yunbing , Chi Xin , Wei Shuangping , Yang Yurou , Wang Zhiping , Li Jinjin , Qian Huilian , Yu Hai , Zheng Qingbing , Yan Xiaodong , Zhao Qinjian , Zhang Jun , Gu Ying , Li Shaowei , Xia Ningshao
Published: December 2018

Sequence variability in surface-antigenic sites of pathogenic proteins is an important obstacle in vaccine development. Over 200 distinct genomic sequences have been identified for human papillomavirus (HPV), of which more than 18 are associated with cervical cancer. Here, based on the high structural similarity of L1 surface loops within a group of phylogenetically close HPV types, we design a triple-type chimera of HPV33/58/52 using loop swapping. The chimeric VLPs elicit neutralization titers comparable with a mix of the three wild-type VLPs both in mice and non-human primates. This engineered region of the chimeric protein recapitulates the conformational contours of the antigenic surfaces of the parental-type proteins, offering a basis for this high immunity. Our stratagem is equally successful in developing other triplet-type chimeras (HPV16/35/31, HPV56/66/53, HPV39/68/70, HPV18/45/59), paving the way for the development of an improved HPV prophylactic vaccine against all carcinogenic HPV strains. This technique may also be extrapolated to other microbes.
SCL/TAL1 cooperates with Polycomb RYBP-PRC1 to suppress alternative lineages in blood-fated cells
Authors: Chagraoui Hedia , Kristiansen Maiken S. , Ruiz Juan Pablo , Serra-Barros Ana , Richter Johanna , Hall-Ponselé Elisa , Gray Nicki , Waithe Dominic , Clark Kevin , Hublitz Philip , Repapi Emmanouela , Otto Georg , Sopp Paul , Taylor Stephen , Thongjuea Supat , Vyas Paresh , Porcher Catherine
Published: December 2018

During development, it is unclear if lineage-fated cells derive from multilineage-primed progenitors and whether active mechanisms operate to restrict cell fate. Here we investigate how mesoderm specifies into blood-fated cells. We document temporally restricted co-expression of blood (Scl/Tal1), cardiac (Mesp1) and paraxial (Tbx6) lineage-affiliated transcription factors in single cells, at the onset of blood specification, supporting the existence of common progenitors. At the same time-restricted stage, absence of SCL results in expansion of cardiac/paraxial cell populations and increased cardiac/paraxial gene expression, suggesting active suppression of alternative fates. Indeed, SCL normally activates expression of co-repressor ETO2 and Polycomb-PRC1 subunits (RYBP, PCGF5) and maintains levels of Polycomb-associated histone marks (H2AK119ub/H3K27me3). Genome-wide analyses reveal ETO2 and RYBP co-occupy most SCL target genes, including cardiac/paraxial loci. Reduction of Eto2 or Rybp expression mimics Scl-null cardiac phenotype. Therefore, SCL-mediated transcriptional repression prevents mis-specification of blood-fated cells, establishing active repression as central to fate determination processes.
A viral-fusion-peptide-like molecular switch drives membrane insertion of botulinum neurotoxin A1
Authors: Lam Kwok-ho , Guo Zhuojun , Krez Nadja , Matsui Tsutomu , Perry Kay , Weisemann Jasmin , Rummel Andreas , Bowen Mark E. , Jin Rongsheng
Published: December 2018

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) delivers its protease domain across the vesicle membrane to enter the neuronal cytosol upon vesicle acidification. This process is mediated by its translocation domain (HN), but the molecular mechanism underlying membrane insertion of HN remains poorly understood. Here, we report two crystal structures of BoNT/A1 HN that reveal a novel molecular switch (termed BoNT-switch) in HN, where buried α-helices transform into surface-exposed hydrophobic β-hairpins triggered by acidic pH. Locking the BoNT-switch by disulfide trapping inhibited the association of HN with anionic liposomes, blocked channel formation by HN, and reduced the neurotoxicity of BoNT/A1 by up to ~180-fold. Single particle counting studies showed that an acidic environment tends to promote BoNT/A1 self-association on liposomes, which is partly regulated by the BoNT-switch. These findings suggest that the BoNT-switch flips out upon exposure to the acidic endosomal pH, which enables membrane insertion of HN that subsequently leads to LC delivery.
BRCA2 controls DNA:RNA hybrid level at DSBs by mediating RNase H2 recruitment
Authors: D’Alessandro Giuseppina , Whelan Donna Rose , Howard Sean Michael , Vitelli Valerio , Renaudin Xavier , Adamowicz Marek , Iannelli Fabio , Jones-Weinert Corey Winston , Lee MiYoung , Matti Valentina , Lee Wei Ting C. , Morten Michael John , Venkitaraman Ashok Raraakrishnan , Cejka Petr , Rothenberg Eli , d’Adda di Fagagna Fabrizio
Published: December 2018

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are toxic DNA lesions, which, if not properly repaired, may lead to genomic instability, cell death and senescence. Damage-induced long non-coding RNAs (dilncRNAs) are transcribed from broken DNA ends and contribute to DNA damage response (DDR) signaling. Here we show that dilncRNAs play a role in DSB repair by homologous recombination (HR) by contributing to the recruitment of the HR proteins BRCA1, BRCA2, and RAD51, without affecting DNA-end resection. In S/G2-phase cells, dilncRNAs pair to the resected DNA ends and form DNA:RNA hybrids, which are recognized by BRCA1. We also show that BRCA2 directly interacts with RNase H2, mediates its localization to DSBs in the S/G2 cell-cycle phase, and controls DNA:RNA hybrid levels at DSBs. These results demonstrate that regulated DNA:RNA hybrid levels at DSBs contribute to HR-mediated repair.
Interleukin 2 modulates thymic-derived regulatory T cell epigenetic landscape
Authors: Chorro Laurent , Suzuki Masako , Chin Shu Shien , Williams Tere M. , Snapp Erik L. , Odagiu Livia , Labrecque Nathalie , Lauvau Grégoire
Published: December 2018

Foxp3+CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cells are essential for preventing fatal autoimmunity and safeguard immune homeostasis in vivo. While expression of the transcription factor Foxp3 and IL-2 signals are both required for the development and function of Treg cells, the commitment to the Treg cell lineage occurs during thymic selection upon T cell receptor (TCR) triggering, and precedes the expression of Foxp3. Whether signals beside TCR contribute to establish Treg cell epigenetic and functional identity is still unknown. Here, using a mouse model with reduced IL-2 signaling, we show that IL-2 regulates the positioning of the pioneer factor SATB1 in CD4+ thymocytes and controls genome wide chromatin accessibility of thymic-derived Treg cells. We also show that Treg cells receiving only low IL-2 signals can suppress endogenous but not WT autoreactive T cell responses in vitro and in vivo. Our findings have broad implications for potential therapeutic strategies to reprogram Treg cells in vivo.
Liriodendron genome sheds light on angiosperm phylogeny and species–pair differentiation
Authors: Chen Jinhui , Hao Zhaodong , Guang Xuanmin , Zhao Chenxi , Wang Pengkai , Xue Liangjiao , Zhu Qihui , Yang Linfeng , Sheng Yu , Zhou Yanwei , Xu Haibin , Xie Hongqing , Long Xiaofei , Zhang Jin , Wang Zhangrong , Shi Mingming , Lu Ye , Liu Siqin , Guan Lanhua , Zhu Qianhua , Yang Liming , Ge Song , Cheng Tielong , Laux Thomas , Gao Qiang , Peng Ye , Liu Na , Yang Sihai , Shi Jisen
Published: December 2018

The genus Liriodendron belongs to the family Magnoliaceae, which resides within the magnoliids, an early diverging lineage of the Mesangiospermae. However, the phylogenetic relationship of magnoliids with eudicots and monocots has not been conclusively resolved and thus remains to be determined1–6. Liriodendron is a relict lineage from the Tertiary with two distinct species—one East Asian (L. chinense (Hemsley) Sargent) and one eastern North American (L. tulipifera Linn)—identified as a vicariad species pair. However, the genetic divergence and evolutionary trajectories of these species remain to be elucidated at the whole-genome level7. Here, we report the first de novo genome assembly of a plant in the Magnoliaceae, L. chinense. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that magnoliids are sister to the clade consisting of eudicots and monocots, with rapid diversification occurring in the common ancestor of these three lineages. Analyses of population genetic structure indicate that L. chinense has diverged into two lineages—the eastern and western groups—in China. While L. tulipifera in North America is genetically positioned between the two L. chinense groups, it is closer to the eastern group. This result is consistent with phenotypic observations that suggest that the eastern and western groups of China may have diverged long ago, possibly before the intercontinental differentiation between L. chinense and L. tulipifera. Genetic diversity analyses show that L. chinense has tenfold higher genetic diversity than L. tulipifera, suggesting that the complicated regions comprising east–west-orientated mountains and the Yangtze river basin (especially near 30° N latitude) in East Asia offered more successful refugia than the south–north-orientated mountain valleys in eastern North America during the Quaternary glacial period.
Differential Gene Expression in Peripheral White Blood Cells with Permissive Underfeeding and Standard Feeding in Critically Ill Patients: A Descriptive Sub-study of the PermiT Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Arabi Yaseen M. , Al-Balwi Mohammed , Hajeer Ali H. , Jawdat Dunia , Sadat Musharaf , Al-Dorzi Hasan M. , Tamim Hani , Afesh Lara , Almashaqbeh Walid , Alkadi Haitham , Alwadaani Deemah , UdayaRaja G. K. , Abdulkareem Ibrahim B. Al , Al-Dawood Abdulaziz
Published: December 2018

The effect of short-term caloric restriction on gene expression in critically ill patients has not been studied. In this sub-study of the PermiT trial (Permissive Underfeeding or Standard Enteral Feeding in Critically Ill Adults Trial- ISRCTN68144998), we examined gene expression patterns in peripheral white blood cells (buffy coat) associated with moderate caloric restriction (permissive underfeeding) in critically ill patients compared to standard feeding. Blood samples collected on study day 1 and 14 were subjected to total RNA extraction and gene expression using microarray analysis. We enrolled 50 patients, 25 in each group. Among 1751 tested genes, 332 genes in 12 pathways were found to be significantly upregulated or downregulated between study day 1 and 14 (global p value for the pathway ≤ 0.05). Using the heatmap, the differential expression of genes from day 1 to 14 in the permissive underfeeding group was compared to the standard feeding group. We further compared gene expression signal intensity in permissive underfeeding compared standard feeding by constructing univariate and multivariate linear regression models on individual patient data. We found differential expression of several genes with permissive underfeeding, most notably those related to metabolism, autophagy and other cellular functions, indicating that moderate differences in caloric intake trigger different cellular pathways.
Screening of 109 neuropeptides on ASICs reveals no direct agonists and dynorphin A, YFMRFamide and endomorphin-1 as modulators
Authors: Vyvers Anna , Schmidt Axel , Wiemuth Dominik , Gründer Stefan
Published: December 2018

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) belong to the DEG/ENaC gene family. While ASIC1a, ASIC1b and ASIC3 are activated by extracellular protons, ASIC4 and the closely related bile acid-sensitive ion channel (BASIC or ASIC5) are orphan receptors. Neuropeptides are important modulators of ASICs. Moreover, related DEG/ENaCs are directly activated by neuropeptides, rendering neuropeptides interesting ligands of ASICs. Here, we performed an unbiased screen of 109 short neuropeptides (<20 amino acids) on five homomeric ASICs: ASIC1a, ASIC1b, ASIC3, ASIC4 and BASIC. This screen revealed no direct agonist of any ASIC but three modulators. First, dynorphin A as a modulator of ASIC1a, which increased currents of partially desensitized channels; second, YFMRFamide as a modulator of ASIC1b and ASIC3, which decreased currents of ASIC1b and slowed desensitization of ASIC1b and ASIC3; and, third, endomorphin-1 as a modulator of ASIC3, which also slowed desensitization. With the exception of YFMRFamide, which, however, is not a mammalian neuropeptide, we identified no new modulator of ASICs. In summary, our screen confirmed some known peptide modulators of ASICs but identified no new peptide ligands of ASICs, suggesting that most short peptides acting as ligands of ASICs are already known.
Chemistry of resistivity changes in TiTe/Al2O3 conductive-bridge memories
Authors: Kazar Mendes M. , Martinez E. , Ablett J. M. , Veillerot M. , Gassilloud R. , Bernard M. , Renault O. , Rueff J. P. , Barrett N.
Published: December 2018

We report the chemical phenomena involved in the reverse forming (negative bias on top electrode) and reset of a TaN/TiTe/Al2O3/Ta memory stack. Hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to conduct a non-destructive investigation of the critical interfaces between the electrolyte (Al2O3) and the TiTe top and Ta bottom electrodes. During reverse forming, Te accumulates at the TiTe/Al2O3 interface, the TiOx layer between the electrolyte and the electrode is reduced and the TaOx at the interface with Al2O3 is oxidized. These interfacial redox processes are related to an oxygen drift toward the bottom electrode under applied bias, which may favour Te transport into the electrolyte. Thus, the forming processes is related to both Te release and also to the probable migration of oxygen vacancies inside the alumina layer. The opposite phenomena are observed during the reset. TiOx is oxidized near Al2O3 and TaOx is reduced at the Al2O3/Ta interface, following the O2− drift towards the top electrode under positive bias while Te is driven back into the TiTe electrode.
Measuring health facility readiness and its effects on severe malaria outcomes in Uganda
Authors: Ssempiira Julius , Kasirye Ibrahim , Kissa John , Nambuusi Betty , Mukooyo Eddie , Opigo Jimmy , Makumbi Fredrick , Kasasa Simon , Vounatsou Penelope
Published: December 2018

There is paucity of evidence for the role of health service delivery to the malaria decline in Uganda We developed a methodology to quantify health facility readiness and assessed its role on severe malaria outcomes among lower-level facilities (HCIIIs and HCIIs) in the country. Malaria data was extracted from the Health Management Information System (HMIS). General service and malaria-specific readiness indicators were obtained from the 2013 Uganda service delivery indicator survey. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was used to construct a composite facility readiness score based on multiple factorial axes. Geostatistical models assessed the effect of facility readiness on malaria deaths and severe cases. Malaria readiness was achieved in one-quarter of the facilities. The composite readiness score explained 48% and 46% of the variation in the original indicators compared to 23% and 27%, explained by the first axis alone for HCIIIs and HCIIs, respectively. Mortality rate was 64% (IRR = 0.36, 95% BCI: 0.14–0.61) and 68% (IRR = 0.32, 95% BCI: 0.12–0.54) lower in the medium and high compared to low readiness groups, respectively. A composite readiness index is more informative and consistent than the one based on the first MCA factorial axis. In Uganda, higher facility readiness is associated with a reduced risk of severe malaria outcomes.
Evaluation of Immunodiagnostic Tests for Leprosy in Brazil, China and Ethiopia
Authors: van Hooij Anouk , Tjon Kon Fat Elisa M , Batista da Silva Moises , Carvalho Bouth Raquel , Cunha Messias Ana Caroline , Gobbo Angélica Rita , Lema Tsehaynesh , Bobosha Kidist , Li Jinlan , Weng Xiaoman , Salgado Claudio G. , Spencer John S. , Corstjens Paul L. A. M. , Geluk Annemieke
Published: December 2018

Leprosy remains persistently endemic in several low- or middle income countries. Transmission is still ongoing as indicated by the unabated rate of leprosy new case detection, illustrating the insufficiency of current prevention methods. Therefore, low-complexity tools suitable for large scale screening efforts to specifically detect M. leprae infection and diagnose disease are required. Previously, we showed that combined detection of cellular and humoral markers, using field-friendly lateral flow assays (LFAs), increased diagnostic potential for detecting leprosy in Bangladesh compared to antibody serology alone. In the current study we assessed the diagnostic performance of similar LFAs in three other geographical settings in Asia, Africa and South-America with different leprosy endemicity. Levels of anti-PGL-I IgM antibody (humoral immunity), IP-10, CCL4 and CRP (cellular immunity) were measured in blood collected from leprosy patients, household contacts and healthy controls from each area. Combined detection of these biomarkers significantly improved the diagnostic potential, particularly for paucibacillary leprosy in all three regions, in line with data obtained in Bangladesh. These data hold promise for the use of low-complexity, multibiomarker LFAs as universal tools for more accurate detection of M. leprae infection and different phenotypes of clinical leprosy.