bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unusual fragmentation of derivatized cysteine‐containing peptides
Authors: Degraan‐Weber Nick , Zhao Bingqing , Reilly James P.
Published: June 2018

Rationale

Modification of cysteines by aminoethylation results in side chains similar to those of lysine. Trypsin cleaves at this modified residue and this labeling method can facilitate the analysis of proteins, specifically antibodies. In this work, the ability to identify peptides containing aminoethylated cysteines is investigated through digestion, covalent labeling, and low‐energy ion fragmentation.

Methods

A prototype antibody was reduced, aminoethylated, and digested with either Lys‐N or Glu‐C. The resulting peptides were amidinated with SMTA and analyzed by PSD in a MALDI‐TOF/TOF mass spectrometer or by CID in an ESI ion trap/orbitrap mass spectrometer.

Results

PSD and CID fragmentation of peptides with an amidinated aminoethylated cysteine can produce an intense characteristic loss from this modified residue. A neutral loss of 118 Da or charged loss of 119 Da is observed when peptides have low charges. This fragment can form when the cysteine is located in any position in the peptide. The rationalization for this ion is that the amidino group can be initially neutral or protonated and initiates fragmentation.

Conclusions

The combination of a dual‐labeling technique and low‐energy fragmentation produces an abundant diagnostic ion for the analysis of cysteine‐containing peptides. These 118 and 119 Da losses are observed when protons are sequestered.
Tests of size and growth effects on Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) otolith δ18O and δ13C values
Authors: Burbank J. , Kelly B. , Nilsson J. , Power M.
Published: June 2018

Rationale

Otolith δ18O and δ13C values have been used extensively to reconstruct thermal and diet histories. Researchers have suggested that individual growth rate and size may have an effect on otolith isotope ratios and subsequently confound otolith‐based thermal and diet reconstructions. As few explicit tests of the effect on fish in freshwater environments exist, here we determine experimentally the potential for related growth rate and size effects on otolith δ18O and δ13C values.

Methods

Fifty Arctic charr were raised in identical conditions for two years after which their otoliths were removed and analyzed for their δ18O and δ13C values. The potential effects of final length and the Thermal Growth Coefficient (TGC) on otolith isotope ratios were tested using correlation and regression analysis to determine if significant effects were present and to quantify effects when present.

Results

The analyses indicated that TGC and size had significant and similar positive non‐linear relationships with δ13C values and explained 35% and 42% of the variability, respectively. Conversely, both TGC and size were found to have no significant correlation with otolith δ18O values. There was no significant correlation between δ18O and δ13C values.

Conclusions

The investigation indicated the presence of linked growth rate and size effects on otolith δ13C values, the nature of which requires further study. Otolith δ18O values were unaffected by individual growth rate and size, confirming the applicability of these values to thermal reconstructions of fish habitat.
How Well Can Students Evaluate Online Science Information? Contributions of Prior Knowledge, Gender, Socioeconomic Status, and Offline Reading Ability
Authors: Forzani Elena
Published: June 2018

This study investigated how well seventh‐grade students (n = 1,434) evaluated the credibility of online information in science. The analysis examined the extent to which evaluation appeared to share aspects of other elements of online research and comprehension, including locating, synthesizing, and communicating. This study also investigated the extent to which prior knowledge, gender, socioeconomic status, and offline reading ability affected students’ evaluation during online reading in science. Results suggest that evaluation is a unique and difficult dimension of online research and comprehension. Results also suggest that girls outperform boys and that students with greater prior knowledge and offline reading ability can better evaluate online information compared with those with less prior knowledge and offline reading ability.
Sustainable development, environmental policy and renewable energy use: A dynamic panel data approach
Authors: Fotis Panagiotis , Polemis Michael
Published: June 2018

The aim of this paper is to cast light on the relationship between sustainable development environmental policy and renewable energy use. We utilize a dynamic GMM approach over a panel of 34 European Union (EU) countries spanning the period 2005–2013. Our findings reveal a positive monotonic relationship between development and pollution. Energy saving positively affects environmental degradation, while energy intensity increases air pollution. Our findings have important policy implications for policy makers towards sustainability. Despite the fact that the Europe ‘20–20–20’ climate and energy package strategy seems to be achieved, the recently adopted Energy Roadmap 2050 must be updated on a regular basis in order to be effectively implemented and monitored by government officials and firms' stakeholders. Therefore, we argue that EU countries must increase the use of new technology and renewable energy capacity in order to align environmental policies towards more efficient energy use and sustainable development among the EU periphery.
Adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system approach for urban sustainability assessment: A China case study
Authors: Tan Yongtao , Shuai Chenyang , Jiao Liudan , Shen Liyin
Published: June 2018

Urbanization, especially in developing countries, has led to numerous concerns, such as air pollution, traffic congestion and habitat destruction. Within this context, it is important to evaluate urban development as sustainable, and various sustainability assessment methods have been developed, including fuzzy logic approaches. However, predefined fuzzy rules and simple linear membership functions were used, which are largely based on the knowledge of subject experts. Therefore, this paper aims to introduce an adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) approach for urban sustainability assessment. With collected training samples from the Urban China Initiative, and the ANFIS approach was used to rank 185 selected cities in China. The results show that the ANFIS approach is appropriate for assessing urban sustainability, and the nonlinear membership functions fit the training samples better than the linear membership functions. Further discussion indicates that future research on sustainability assessment should be more integrated.
The role of directors representing institutional ownership in sustainable development through corporate social responsibility reporting
Authors: Pucheta‐Martínez María Consuelo , Chiva‐Ortells Carlos
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we analyze the effect that directors representing controlling shareholders, specifically institutional investors, have on corporate social responsibility (CSR) given that these investors are the core shareholders in civil law countries, owing to their high presence on boards. Thus, we analyze the effect of institutional directors on CSR disclosure, but also the impact of their classification between pressure‐sensitive and pressure‐resistant institutional directors, depending on if they maintain only an investment relationship with the firm or both an investment and a commercial link, respectively. We hypothesize that these directors may perform opposite roles (monitoring or aligning with managers) regarding CSR disclosure. We show a curvilinear relationship between institutional directors/pressure‐resistant directors and CSR reporting, suggesting the two opposite roles mentioned. However, pressure‐sensitive directors do not affect CSR disclosure. These findings indicate that there is an association between board members and strategic decisions. Moreover, our evidence shows that institutional directors do not act in an identical way. Finally, the enhancement of corporate governance depends on the proportion of institutional and pressure‐resistant directors on boards.
Influence of supplier trust and relationship commitment on green supplier integration
Authors: Wang Gang , Feng Taiwen , Zhao Xuesong , Song Yongtao
Published: June 2018

Although the importance of green supplier integration has been recognized, our knowledge on what influences green supplier integration remains limited. Based on transaction cost theory and social exchange theory, this article develops hypotheses regarding the impacts of supplier trust and relationship commitment on green supplier integration, and the moderating effect of monitoring difficulty. We conduct hierarchical regression analyses to test these hypothesized relationships using survey data collected from 187 Chinese firms. The results reveal that supplier trust is positively related to normative commitment and instrumental commitment. Furthermore, normative commitment and instrumental commitment are positively related to green supplier integration, and partially mediate the relationship between supplier trust and green supplier integration. The results also indicate that monitoring difficulty negatively moderates the relationship between supplier trust and instrumental commitment, but does not significantly moderate the relationship between supplier trust and normative commitment. This study contributes to theory and practice by opening the “black box” of the trust–integration link.
A bidimensional finite mixture model for longitudinal data subject to dropout
Authors: Spagnoli Alessandra , Marino Maria Francesca , Alfò Marco
Published: June 2018

In longitudinal studies, subjects may be lost to follow up and, thus, present incomplete response sequences. When the mechanism underlying the dropout is nonignorable, we need to account for dependence between the longitudinal and the dropout process. We propose to model such a dependence through discrete latent effects, which are outcome‐specific and account for heterogeneity in the univariate profiles. Dependence between profiles is introduced by using a probability matrix to describe the corresponding joint distribution. In this way, we separately model dependence within each outcome and dependence between outcomes. The major feature of this proposal, when compared with standard finite mixture models, is that it allows the nonignorable dropout model to properly nest its ignorable counterpart. We also discuss the use of an index of (local) sensitivity to nonignorability to investigate the effects that assumptions about the dropout process may have on model parameter estimates. The proposal is illustrated via the analysis of data from a longitudinal study on the dynamics of cognitive functioning in the elderly.
Augmented outcome‐weighted learning for estimating optimal dynamic treatment regimens
Authors: Liu Ying , Wang Yuanjia , Kosorok Michael R. , Zhao Yingqi , Zeng Donglin
Published: June 2018

Dynamic treatment regimens (DTRs) are sequential treatment decisions tailored by patient's evolving features and intermediate outcomes at each treatment stage. Patient heterogeneity and the complexity and chronicity of many diseases call for learning optimal DTRs that can best tailor treatment according to each individual's time‐varying characteristics (eg, intermediate response over time). In this paper, we propose a robust and efficient approach referred to as Augmented Outcome‐weighted Learning (AOL) to identify optimal DTRs from sequential multiple assignment randomized trials. We improve previously proposed outcome‐weighted learning to allow for negative weights. Furthermore, to reduce the variability of weights for numeric stability and improve estimation accuracy, in AOL, we propose a robust augmentation to the weights by making use of predicted pseudooutcomes from regression models for Q‐functions. We show that AOL still yields Fisher‐consistent DTRs even if the regression models are misspecified and that an appropriate choice of the augmentation guarantees smaller stochastic errors in value function estimation for AOL than the previous outcome‐weighted learning. Finally, we establish the convergence rates for AOL. The comparative advantage of AOL over existing methods is demonstrated through extensive simulation studies and an application to a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial for major depressive disorder.
A Mixed Valent Trinuclear Nickel Complex
Authors: Höhne Martha , Müller Bernd H. , Peulecke Normen , Spannenberg Anke , Jiao Haijun , Rosenthal Uwe
Published: June 2018

The reaction of Ni(PPh3)2Cl2 with hexahydro‐1,4‐diaza‐2,3,5,6‐tetraphosphorine in toluene leads to a trinuclear mixed valent nickel complex. Crystal structure analysis confirms three nickel atoms which are connected via two bridging chain‐like PNPPNP ligands. Moreover it indicates some remaining electron density at two central phosphorus atoms. DFT calculations on the electronic structure of the title complex suggest either a slightly delocalized unpaired electron at the relevant metal coordinated phosphorus atom or a PHPh entity.
Methylselenium Triiodide, [CH3SeI2]+I–
Authors: Müller Birgit , Ellrodt Stefan , Seppelt Konrad
Published: June 2018

Unstable CH3SeI3 is prepared in two ways from dimethyl diselenide. According to its crystal structure determination it occurs as [CH3SeI2]+I– with iodine iodine contacts between the ions. The previously published [pyridineH]2+[SeI6]2– turns out as a mixture of [pydidineH]+I5–, [pyridineH+]2[I4]2–, and Se.
Central serotonin modulates neural responses to virtual violent actions in emotion regulation networks
Authors: Wolf Dhana , Klasen Martin , Eisner Patrick , Zepf Florian D. , Zvyagintsev Mikhail , Palomero-Gallagher Nicola , Weber René , Eisert Albrecht , Mathiak Klaus
Published: June 2018

Disruptions in the cortico-limbic emotion regulation networks have been linked to depression, anxiety, impulsivity, and aggression. Altered transmission of the central nervous serotonin (5-HT) contributes to dysfunctions in the cognitive control of emotions. To date, studies relating to pharmaco-fMRI challenging of the 5-HT system have focused on emotion processing for facial expressions. We investigated effects of a single-dose selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor (escitalopram) on emotion regulation during virtual violence. For this purpose, 38 male participants played a violent video game during fMRI scanning. The SSRI reduced neural responses to violent actions in right-hemispheric inferior frontal gyrus and medial prefrontal cortex encompassing the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), but not to non-violent actions. Within the ACC, the drug effect differentiated areas with high inhibitory 5-HT1A receptor density (subgenual s25) from those with a lower density (pregenual p32, p24). This finding links functional responses during virtual violent actions with 5-HT neurotransmission in emotion regulation networks, underpinning the ecological validity of the 5-HT model in aggressive behavior. Available 5-HT receptor density data suggest that this SSRI effect is only observable when inhibitory and excitatory 5-HT receptors are balanced. The observed early functional changes may impact patient groups receiving SSRI treatment.
Effect of Zn Concentration on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al-Mg-Si-Zn Alloys Processed by Gravity Die Casting
Authors: Li Longfei , Ji Shouxun , Zhu Qiang , Wang Yun , Dong Xixi , Yang Wenchao , Midson Stephen , Kang Yonglin
Published: June 2018

The microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-8.1Mg-2.6Si-(0.08 to 4.62)Zn alloys (in wt pct) have been investigated by the permanent mold casting process. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that theτ-Mg32(Al, Zn)49phase forms when the Zn content is 1.01 wt pct. With higher Zn contents of 2.37 and 3.59 wt pct, theη-MgZn2andτ-Mg32(Al, Zn)49phases precipitate in the microstructure, and theη-MgZn2phase forms when the Zn content is 4.62 wt pct. Metallurgical analysis shows that theη-MgZn2andτ-Mg32(Al, Zn)49phases strengthen the Al-8.1Mg-2.6Si-(0.08 to 4.62)Zn alloys. After solutionizing at 510 °C for 180 minutes and aging at 180 °C for 90 minutes, theη′-MgZn2phase precipitates in theα-Al matrix, which significantly enhances the mechanical properties. Addition of 3.59 wt pct Zn to the Al-8.1Mg-2.6Si alloy with heat treatment increases the yield strength from 96 to 280 MPa, increases the ultimate tensile strength from 267 to 310 MPa, and decreases the elongation from 9.97 to 1.74 pct.
RadioPharmaDose, a java-based open-source software for estimating and reporting internal radiation doses
Authors: Bakkali Jaafar EL , Mansouri Hamid , Doudouh Abderrahim
Published: June 2018

In this work, a user-friendly Java-based open-source software has been developed for internal radiation dosimetry. Based on values published by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), the software calculates the estimated absorbed dose for each organ and also the estimated effective dose, this for about forty of the most known radioactive drugs. In addition, the present software offers many features which include: 1) a very friendly graphical user-interface (GUI) designed to facilitate the process of selecting mandatory input data such as radiopharmaceutical product, administered activity and patient's data, 2) a tool for generating a medical report, which can be exported as PDF file or printed directly and then incorporated into the patient's record, 3) a SQLite database for storing patient's specific and dosimetric data. We believe that the present software can be a useful tool for nuclear medicine workers. It is freely available for download on GitHub (https://github.com/EL-Bakkali-Jaafar/RadioPharmaDose).
AN ECONOMIC MODEL OF STUDENT LEARNING
Authors: BARKLEY ANDREW , COFFEY BRIAN K.
Published: June 2018

We develop a dynamic economic model based on contemporary understanding of learning and motivation. The model and resulting comparative static analysis show the instructor's role in providing a productive learning environment. Instructors should set the complexity of course assignments and assessments to be consistent with student preparedness. Learning is enhanced when the rate of change in challenge is based on the rate of change of how rapidly students are learning. Instructors steer students toward a productive trajectory with tasks that cause students to work hard and by consistently providing feedback and fostering a culture of learning.
Patterns of Non-Invasive Ventilation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Markovic Nevena , Povitz Marcus , Smith Joanne , Leasa David , Shoesmith Christen , Gofton Teneille E.
Published: June 2018

Background: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) improves quality of life and survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and respiratory symptoms. Little is known about the patterns of NIV use over time and the impact of NIV on end-of-life decision-making in ALS. Objective: This study assessed the pattern of NIV use over the course of the disease and the timing of end-of-life discussions in people living with ALS. Method: A retrospective single-center cohort study was performed at London Health Sciences Centre. Daily NIV duration of use was evaluated at 3-month intervals. The timing of diagnosis, NIV initiation, discussions relating to do-not-attempt-resuscitation (DNAR) and death were examined. Results: In total, 48 patients were included in the analysis. Duration of NIV use increased over time, and tolerance to NIV was observed to be better than expected in patients with bulbar-onset ALS. There was a high degree of variability in the timing of end-of-life discussions in patients with ALS (356±451 days from diagnosis). In this cohort, there was a strong association between the timing of discussions regarding code status and establishment of a DNAR order (r2=0.93). Conclusion: This retrospective cohort study suggests that the use of NIV in ALS increases over time and that there remains a great deal of variability in the timing of end-of-life discussions in people living with ALS. Future prospective studies exploring the use NIV over the disease trajectory and how NIV affects end-of-life decision-making in people with ALS are needed.
CICERO, DE DOMO SVA: THREE TEXTUAL PROBLEMS
Authors: Dyck Andrew R.
Published: June 2018

quod idem [sc. the invalidity of Clodius’ legislation] tu, Lentule, uidisti in ea lege quam de me tulisti. nam non est ita latum ut mihi Romam uenire liceret, sed ut uenirem; non enim uoluisti id quod licebat ferre ut liceret, sed me ita esse in re publica magis ut arcessitus imperio populi Romani uiderer quam  administrandam ciuitatem restitutus.
Screening for soybean varieties suited to Belgian growing conditions based on maturity, yield components and resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Rhizoctonia solani anastomosis group 2-2IIIB
Authors: Pannecoucque J. , Goormachtigh S. , Heungens K. , Vleugels T. , Ceusters J. , Van Waes C. , Van Waes J.
Published: June 2018

Policy makers and farmers in north-west Europe are expressing a growing interest in soybean production. However, cool and wet climatic conditions in this region pose challenges for this crop in terms of reaching maturity and producing sufficient yield and create additional disease pressure from the fungal pathogens Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Rhizoctonia solani. To increase the chance for successful introduction of this new crop in Belgium and to determine the main issues for local soybean breeding programmes, 14 early maturing varieties were screened over a 2-year-period for their agronomic performance. Based on novel bioassays, susceptibility to S. sclerotiorum and R. solani anastomosis group (AG) 2-2IIIB was evaluated. The varieties tested were able to reach sufficient maturity (average seed moisture content of 19.0%) by the beginning of October. Significant differences were observed in most agronomic characteristics, with seed yield and protein content ranging from 2002 to 2916 kg dry matter/ha and 35.5–43.3%, respectively. Taller varieties ripened later but reached higher protein levels compared with shorter varieties. Tolerance to lodging was correlated with seed and protein yield but was not correlated with plant height. Large seeds corresponded with a high protein content. Susceptibility to S. sclerotiorum reflected significant differences between varieties. In contrast, levels of susceptibility to R. solani AG 2-2IIIB were similar between most varieties, with only the variety Primus showing significantly less disease. The results of the current study hold promise for a successful introduction of soybean cultivation in north-west Europe and areas for further crop improvement have been identified.
Gott ist alles möglich – Das Gleichnis von den Arbeitern im Weinberg im Rahmen der erzählerischen Entfaltung der matthäischen Basileiakonzeption in Mt 17,24–20,16
Authors: Blumenthal Christian
Published: June 2018

The narration between the second and third prediction of Jesus’ suffering in Matthew's Gospel (Matt 17.24–20.16) can be entitled ‘The life and the acting of the disciples in the light of the Kingdom of God’. The last part of this section is the parable of the workers in the vineyard. Although there are quite different proposals for defining the function of this Kingdom of Heaven Parable, its specific function in the narrative development of thebasileia-line in Matthew's Gospel has not yet been the focus of the interest. The article at hand tries to close this gap by analysing thebasileia-sayings in Matt 17.24–20.16 and exploring in detail the function of the Vineyard Parable in this frame. Special attention is paid to the examination of the interrelationship between divine and human action.
Depleting fragile bodies: the political economy of sexual and reproductive health in crisis situations
Authors: Tanyag Maria
Published: June 2018

In a crisis-prone world, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) uprooted by both armed conflicts and environmental disasters has drastically increased and displacement risks have intensified. Despite the growing attention within global security and development agendas to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), there remain striking gaps in addressing SRHR in crisis situations, particularly among IDP women and girls. This article examines the continuum between social reproduction in times of crisis and the material and ideological conditions that restrict women’s bodily autonomy in everyday life. Using the case of the Philippines where millions of people are routinely affected by conflict and disaster-induced displacements, it argues that the failure to recognise the centrality of women’s health and bodily autonomy not only hinders the sustainable provision of care and domestic labour during and after crisis, but also fundamentally constrains how security is enacted within these spaces. Thus, the article highlights an urgent need to rethink the gendered political economy of crisis responses as a building block for stemming gendered violence and depletion of social reproductive labour at the household, state, and global levels.
Emerging word segmentation abilities in European Portuguese-learning infants: new evidence for the rhythmic unit and the edge factor
Authors: BUTLER Joseph , FROTA Sónia
Published: June 2018

Word segmentation plays a crucial role in language acquisition, particularly for word learning and syntax development, and possibly predicts later language abilities. Previous studies have suggested that this ability develops differently across languages, possibly affected by the languages’ rhythmic properties (Rhythmic Segmentation Hypothesis) and target word location in the prosodic structure (Edge Hypothesis). The present study investigates early word segmentation in a language, European Portuguese, that exhibits both stress- and syllable-timed properties, as well as strong cues to both higher-level prosodic boundaries and the word level. Infants aged 4–10 months old were tested with target words located in utterance-medial and utterance-final positions. Evidence for word segmentation was found early in development but only for utterance-edge located target words, suggesting the more salient prosodic cues play a crucial role. There was some evidence for segmentation in utterance-medial position by 10 months, demonstrating that this ability is not yet fully developed, possibly due to mixed rhythmic properties.
Comparing Near Eastern Neolithic Megasites and Southwestern Pueblos: Population Size, Exceptionalism and Historical Trajectories
Authors: Bernardini Wesley , Schachner Gregson
Published: June 2018

Çatalhöyük and other Near Eastern Neolithic ‘megasites’ are commonly interpreted as exceptional because of their large size and early dates. In this paper, we question exceptional claims about the size and social organization of megasites like Çatalhöyük by comparing them to pueblos in the American Southwest. We argue that Çatalhöyük and other Near Eastern Neolithic megasites are better understood as large villages whose size, layout and social organization compare readily to many of the late prehispanic and historic-period pueblos in the American Southwest. We suggest that four factors contribute to disparate interpretations of structurally similar sites in the Near East and American Southwest: 1) surface architectural visibility; 2) different regional intellectual traditions that emphasize ‘micro’ versus ‘macro’ scale social organization; 3) a tendency toward overestimation in archaeological population estimates, especially when the ‘biggest’ or the ‘earliest’ sites are involved; and 4) perceptions of continuity with later time periods.
Working with interpretations in cognitive behavioural therapy for obsessive compulsive disorder
Authors: Jones Gazal , Wroe Abigail , Jezard Lucy , Jefferys Georgina , Brown Gary
Published: June 2018

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a highly effective treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Identifying, challenging and monitoring interpretations of intrusions is considered a key element of CBT for OCD but preliminary research suggests that treatment does not always include identification and modification of misinterpretations. The present investigation explored ‘OCD-expert’ and ‘non-OCD-expert’ clinicians’ views on key elements of CBT for OCD to determine whether identifying and modifying key interpretations were considered important in therapy and whether clinicians who do not have specific expertise in OCD found working with interpretations difficult. Study 1 used a qualitative approach to investigate OCD-expert and non-OCD-expert clinician's views on key elements of CBT for OCD. Study 2 used a questionnaire to investigate what non-OCD-expert clinicians viewed as important and difficult aspects of CBT for OCD. Study 1 results showed that OCD-expert and non-OCD-expert clinicians reported working with interpretations was a key element of CBT for OCD. However, OCD-expert clinicians linked interpretations more closely to a formulation and intervention plan and reported using more techniques and questionnaires when working with interpretations compared with non-OCD-expert clinicians. Study 2 results showed that non-OCD-expert clinicians rated interpretations as both important and difficult to work with but no more important or difficult than other key elements of CBT for OCD. OCD-expert and non-OCD-expert clinicians identify working with interpretations as a key element of CBT for OCD. Non-OCD-expert clinicians may benefit from additional training on formulation tools that help identify, monitor and challenge interpretations of intrusions.
Vitamin-D-Status bei Mitarbeitenden eines universitären Schweizer Geriatriespitals
Authors: Härdi Irene , Reinhard Sarah , Conzelmann Martin , Kressig Reto W. , Bridenbaugh Stephanie A.
Published: June 2018

Zusammenfassung. Vitamin D spielt eine wichtige Rolle bei der Gesundheit. Ziel dieser Untersuchung war es, den Vitamin-D-Spiegel bei Spitalmitarbeitenden aus verschiedenen Alters-, Geschlechts- und Berufsgruppen zu bestimmen. 281 Mitarbeitende nahmen an der Untersuchung teil. Vitamin D (25-OH) wurde im Serum bestimmt, der mittlere Wert betrug 59,5 nmol/l. 43,1 % der Teilnehmenden wiesen einen Vitamin-D-Mangel auf (<50 nmol/l). Niedrige Vitamin-D-Werte korrelierten signifikant mit erhöhtem BMI. Frauen, sportlich Aktive sowie Mitarbeitende in Berufen mit medizinischen Inhalten hatten signifikant höhere Vitamin-D-Werte. Sportliche Aktivität und Substitution wurden als unabhängige Prädiktoren für den Vitamin-D-Spiegel identifiziert. Die Untersuchung verdeutlichte, dass eine vermehrte Sonnenexposition und/oder eine Vitamin-D-Supplementierung angestrebt werden sollte.
Identification of Hydrobiogeochemical Processes Controlling Seasonal Variations in Arsenic Concentrations Within a Riverbank Aquifer at Jianghan Plain, China
Authors: Huang Kun , Liu Yuanyuan , Yang Chen , Duan Yanhua , Yang Xiaofan , Liu Chongxuan
Published: June 2018

The arsenic concentration in groundwater varies significantly with time and space in groundwater‐surface water exchange zones. Various processes have been identified that control arsenic concentration distribution and mobility in laboratory systems. However, it is still challenging to identify important processes controlling arsenic concentration distribution at the field scale due to the complex coupling of hydrobiogeochemical processes. In this study, a reactive flow and transport model was used to identify dominant processes controlling arsenic distribution and seasonal variations in groundwater‐surface water exchange zones using Jianghan Plain, China, as an example. The results revealed the importance of river water and groundwater interactions on seasonal changes in arsenic concentration; however, the affected region is limited to within 50‐m distance to the river. The modeling results, unexpectedly, revealed the predominant importance of groundwater extraction to the seasonal variation in arsenic concentration. The groundwater extraction changed the groundwater flow pattern and induced vertical leakage of oxygen‐containing surface water into the aquifer, which triggered a series of biogeochemical reactions that changed groundwater redox conditions and promoted arsenic sorption, resulting in a rapid decrease in arsenic concentrations in groundwater. After groundwater extraction ceased, aquifer recovered to anoxic condition, promoting arsenic release from the sorbed phase, leading to a rapid rebounding in groundwater arsenic concentrations. Overall, this study provided a tool to identify coupled hydrobiogeochemical processes on arsenic spatiotemporal distribution and migration in groundwater.
Peering Through Titan’s Haze to Better Understand Its Surface
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: June 2018

Variations in grain size and water ice content detected on Saturn’s largest moon offer evidence of geologically related units that resemble the mountain-to-desert transition on Earth.
The Role of Capillary Hysteresis and Pore‐Scale Heterogeneity in Limiting the Migration of Buoyant Immiscible Fluids in Porous Media
Authors: Cihan Abdullah , Wang Shibo , Tokunaga Tetsu K. , Birkholzer Jens T.
Published: June 2018

Understanding the main mechanisms affecting long‐term migration and redistribution of injected CO2 in geological carbon storage is needed for developing predictive models to assess environmental risks and designing monitoring schemes. Preparation of a postinjection site care plan is required for CO2 injection wells, including monitoring of pressure changes and injected CO2 plume. Knowledge gaps exist regarding assessment of postinjection monitoring timeframes for the CO2 plume because the processes driving long‐term CO2 plume migration and trapping are not fully understood. In the postinjection stage of geological carbon storage, redistribution of CO2 occurs mainly due to buoyancy and capillary forces. This work presents experimental and modeling studies to investigate processes contributing to postinjection plume distribution and stabilization. We conducted a flow cell experiments (0.5 m × 0.05 m × 0.01 m) with two immiscible fluid phases in a glass bead porous medium to study postinjection plume behavior. We employed a hysteretic macroscopic two‐phase flow model to interpret the experimental results and to understand main processes leading to plume stabilization. Our findings show that capillary pressure hysteresis explains the experimentally observed plume shape and redistribution at early postinjection stages; however, the long‐term plume migration and eventual plume stabilization can only be represented when in addition microscale heterogeneity is accounted for. Results also show that plume stabilization can be extremely slow and that the migration of the plume front can occur through multiple intermittent bursts over long times. Further studies are needed to understand implications of the results for more realistic porous media and large‐scale storage reservoirs.
Caspr1 is a host receptor for meningitis-causing Escherichia coli
Authors: Zhao Wei-Dong , Liu Dong-Xin , Wei Jia-Yi , Miao Zi-Wei , Zhang Ke , Su Zheng-Kang , Zhang Xue-Wei , Li Qiang , Fang Wen-Gang , Qin Xiao-Xue , Shang De-Shu , Li Bo , Li Qing-Chang , Cao Liu , Kim Kwang Sik , Chen Yu-Hua
Published: June 2018

Escherichia coli is the leading cause of neonatal Gram-negative bacterial meningitis, but the pathogenesis of E. coli meningitis remains elusive. E. coli penetration of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is the critical step for development of meningitis. Here, we identify Caspr1, a single-pass transmembrane protein, as a host receptor for E. coli virulence factor IbeA to facilitate BBB penetration. Genetic ablation of endothelial Caspr1 and blocking IbeA–Caspr1 interaction effectively prevent E. coli penetration into the brain during meningitis in rodents. IbeA interacts with extracellular domain of Caspr1 to activate focal adhesion kinase signaling causing E. coli internalization into the brain endothelial cells of BBB. E. coli can invade hippocampal neurons causing apoptosis dependent on IbeA–Caspr1 interaction. Our results indicate that E. coli exploits Caspr1 as a host receptor for penetration of BBB resulting in meningitis, and that Caspr1 might be a useful target for prevention or therapy of E. coli meningitis.
Dishevelled has a YAP nuclear export function in a tumor suppressor context-dependent manner
Authors: Lee Yoonmi , Kim Nam Hee , Cho Eunae Sandra , Yang Ji Hye , Cha Yong Hoon , Kang Hee Eun , Yun Jun Seop , Cho Sue Bean , Lee Seon-Hyeong , Paclikova Petra , Radaszkiewicz Tomasz W. , Bryja Vitezslav , Kang Chi Gu , Yuk Young Soo , Cha So Young , Kim Soo-Youl , Kim Hyun Sil , Yook Jong In
Published: June 2018

Phosphorylation-dependent YAP translocation is a well-known intracellular mechanism of the Hippo pathway; however, the molecular effectors governing YAP cytoplasmic translocation remains undefined. Recent findings indicate that oncogenic YAP paradoxically suppresses Wnt activity. Here, we show that Wnt scaffolding protein Dishevelled (DVL) is responsible for cytosolic translocation of phosphorylated YAP. Mutational inactivation of the nuclear export signal embedded in DVL leads to nuclear YAP retention, with an increase in TEAD transcriptional activity. DVL is also required for YAP subcellular localization induced by E-cadherin, α-catenin, or AMPK activation. Importantly, the nuclear-cytoplasmic trafficking is dependent on the p53-Lats2 or LKB1-AMPK tumor suppressor axes, which determine YAP phosphorylation status. In vivo and clinical data support that the loss of p53 or LKB1 relieves DVL-linked reciprocal inhibition between the Wnt and nuclear YAP activity. Our observations provide mechanistic insights into controlled proliferation coupled with epithelial polarity during development and human cancer.
Automatic detection advantage of network information among Internet addicts: behavioral and ERP evidence
Authors: He Jinbo , Zheng Yang , Nie Yufeng , Zhou Zongkui
Published: June 2018

Converging evidence has proved the attentional bias of Internet addicts (IAs) on network information. However, previous studies have neither explained how characteristics of network information are detected by IAs with priority nor proved whether this advantage is in line with the unconscious and automatic process. To answer the two questions, this study aims to investigate whether IAs prioritize automatic detection of network information from the behavior and cognitive neuroscience aspects. 15 severe IAs and 15 matching healthy controls were selected using Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Dot-probe task with mask was used in the behavioral experiment, while deviant-standard reverse oddball paradigm was used in the event-related potential (ERP) experiment to induce mismatch negativity (MMN). In the dot-probe task, when the probe location appeared on the Internet-related picture’s position, the IAs had significantly shorter reaction time than do the controls; in the ERP experiment, when Internet-related picture appeared, MMN was significantly induced in the IAs relative to the controls. Both experiments show that IAs can automatically detect network information.
Molecular profiles and tumor mutational burden analysis in Chinese patients with gynecologic cancers
Authors: Wang Min , Fan Wensheng , Ye Mingxia , Tian Chen , Zhao Lili , Wang Jianfei , Han Wenbo , Yang Wen , Gu Chenglei , Li Mingxia , Zhang Zhe , Wang Yongjun , Zhang Henghui , Meng Yuanguang
Published: June 2018

The goal of this work was to investigate the tumor mutational burden (TMB) in Chinese patients with gynecologic cancer. In total, 117 patients with gynecologic cancers were included in this study. Both tumor DNA and paired blood cell genomic DNA were isolated from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens and blood samples, and next-generation sequencing was performed to identify somatic mutations. TP53, PTEN, ARID1A, and PIK3CA alterations were significantly different in various types of gynecologic cancers (p = 0.001, 1.15E-07, 0.004, and 0.009, respectively). The median TMB of all 117 gynecologic tumor specimens was 0.37 mutations/Mb, with a range of 0–41.45 mutations/Mb. Despite the lack of significant difference, endometrial cancer cases had a higher median TMB than cervical and ovarian cancer cases. Younger gynecologic cancer patients (age <40 years) had a significantly lower TMB than older patients (age ≥40 years) (p = 0.04). In addition, TMB was significantly increased with increasing clinical stage of disease (p = 0.001). PTEN alterations were commonly observed in patients with a moderate to high TMB (n = 8, 38.10%, p = 9.95E-04). Although limited by sample size, all of the patients with TSC2 (n = 3, p = 3.83E-11) or POLE (n = 2, p = 0.005) mutations had a moderate to high TMB. Further large-scale, prospective studies are needed to validate our findings.
Publisher Correction: Dose de-escalation to the normal larynx using conformal radiotherapy reduces toxicity while maintaining oncologic outcome for T1/T2 glottic cancer
Authors: Kim Jun Won , Byeon Hyung Kwon , Choi Hong-Shik , Lee Ik Jae
Published: June 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Author Correction: Analysis of Müller glia specific genes and their histone modification using Hes1-promoter driven EGFP expressing mouse
Authors: Ueno Kazuko , Iwagawa Toshiro , Ochiai Genki , Koso Hideto , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Nagasaki Masao , Suzuki Yutaka , Watanabe Sumiko
Published: June 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
An essential role for Wnt/β-catenin signaling in mediating hypertensive heart disease
Authors: Zhao Yue , Wang Chunhong , Wang Cong , Hong Xue , Miao Jinhua , Liao Yulin , Zhou Lili , Liu Youhua
Published: June 2018

Activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is associated with hypertension and heart disease. However, how RAS activation causes cardiac lesions remains elusive. Here we report the involvement of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in this process. In rats with chronic infusion of angiotensin II (Ang II), eight Wnt ligands were induced and β-catenin activated in both cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts. Blockade of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by small molecule inhibitor ICG-001 restrained Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy by normalizing heart size and inhibiting hypertrophic marker genes. ICG-001 also attenuated myocardial fibrosis and inhibited α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin and collagen I expression. These changes were accompanied by a reduced expression of atrial natriuretic peptide and B-type natriuretic peptide. Interestingly, ICG-001 also lowered blood pressure induced by Ang II. In vitro, Ang II induced multiple Wnt ligands and activated β-catenin in rat primary cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts. ICG-001 inhibited myocyte hypertrophy and Snail1, c-Myc and atrial natriuretic peptide expression, and abolished the fibrogenic effect of Ang II in cardiac fibroblasts. Finally, recombinant Wnt3a was sufficient to induce cardiomyocyte injury and fibroblast activation in vitro. Taken together, these results illustrate an essential role for Wnt/β-catenin in mediating hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis. Therefore, blockade of this pathway may be a novel strategy for ameliorating hypertensive heart disease.
Iron-Terephthalate Coordination Network Thin Films Through In-Situ Atomic/Molecular Layer Deposition
Authors: Tanskanen A. , Karppinen M.
Published: June 2018

Iron terephthalate coordination network thin films can be fabricated using the state-of-the-art gas-phase atomic/molecular layer deposition (ALD/MLD) technique in a highly controlled manner. Iron is an Earth-abundant and nonhazardous transition metal, and with its rich variety of potential applications an interesting metal constituent for the inorganic-organic coordination network films. Our work underlines the role of the metal precursor used when aiming at in-situ ALD/MLD growth of crystalline inorganic-organic thin films. We obtain crystalline iron terephthalate films when FeCl3 is employed as the iron source whereas depositions based on the bulkier Fe(acac)3 precursor yield amorphous films. The chemical composition and structure of the films are investigated with GIXRD, XRR, FTIR and XPS.
Heterologous expression of CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase from Plasmodium falciparum rescues Chinese Hamster Ovary cells deficient in the Kennedy phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis pathway
Authors: Marton Lívia , Hajdú Fanni , Nagy Gergely N. , Kucsma Nóra , Szakács Gergely , Vértessy Beáta G.
Published: June 2018

The plasmodial CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (PfCCT) is a promising antimalarial target, which can be inhibited to exploit the need for increased lipid biosynthesis during the erythrocytic life stage of Plasmodium falciparum. Notable structural and regulatory differences of plasmodial and mammalian CCTs offer the possibility to develop species-specific inhibitors. The aim of this study was to use CHO-MT58 cells expressing a temperature-sensitive mutant CCT for the functional characterization of PfCCT. We show that heterologous expression of wild type PfCCT restores the viability of CHO-MT58 cells at non-permissive (40 °C) temperatures, whereas catalytically perturbed or structurally destabilized PfCCT variants fail to provide rescue. Detailed in vitro characterization indicates that the H630N mutation diminishes the catalytic rate constant of PfCCT. The flow cytometry-based rescue assay provides a quantitative readout of the PfCCT function opening the possibility for the functional analysis of PfCCT and the high throughput screening of antimalarial compounds targeting plasmodial CCT.
Role of recombination and faithfulness to partner in sex chromosome degeneration
Authors: Mackiewicz Dorota , Posacki Piotr , Burdukiewicz Michał , Błażej Paweł
Published: June 2018

Sex determination in mammals is strongly linked to sex chromosomes. In most cases, females possess two copies of X chromosome while males have one X and one Y chromosome. It is assumed that these chromosomes originated from a pair of homologous autosomes, which diverged when recombination between them was suppressed. However, it is still debated why the sex chromosomes stopped recombining and how this process spread out over most part of the chromosomes. To study this problem, we developed a simulation model, in which the recombination rate between the sex chromosomes can freely evolve. We found that the suppression of recombination between the X and Y is spontaneous and proceeds very quickly during the evolution of population, which leads to the degeneration of the Y in males. Interestingly, the degeneration happens only when mating pairs are unfaithful. This evolutionary strategy purifies the X chromosome from defective alleles and leads to the larger number of females than males in the population. In consequence, the reproductive potential of the whole population increases. Our results imply that both the suppression of recombination and the degeneration of Y chromosome may be associated with reproductive strategy and favoured in polygamous populations with faithless mating partners.