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Cell-free production systems are increasingly used for the synthesis of industrially relevant chemicals and biopharmaceuticals. Cell-free systems often utilize cell lysates, but biocatalytic cascades based on recombinant enzymes have emerged as a promising alternative strategy. However, implementing efficient enzyme cascades is a non-trivial task and mathematical modeling and optimization has become a key tool to improve their performance. In this work, we introduce a generic framework for the model-based optimization of cell-free enzyme cascades based on a given kinetic model of the system. We first formulate and systematize seven optimization problems relevant in the context of cell-free production processes including, for example, the maximization of productivity or product yield and the minimization of overall costs. We then present an approach that accounts for parameter uncertainties, not only during model calibration and model analysis but also when performing the actual optimization. After constructing a kinetic model of the enzyme cascade, experimental data are used to generate an ensemble of kinetic parameter sets reflecting their variabilities. For every parameter set, systems optimization is then performed and the resulting solution subsequently cross-validated for all other parameterizations to identify the solution with the highest overall performance under parameter uncertainty. We exemplify our approach for the cell-free synthesis of GDP-fucose, an important sugar nucleotide with various applications. We selected and solved three optimization problems based on a constructed dynamic model and validated two of them experimentally leading to significant improvements of the process (e.g., 50% increase of titer under identical total enzyme load). Overall, our results demonstrate the potential of model-driven optimization for the rational design and improvement of cell-free production systems. The developed approach for systems optimization under parameter uncertainty could also be relevant for the metabolic design of cell factories. [Display omitted] • Generic framework for model-based optimization of cell-free enzyme cascades under parametric uncertainty is presented. • Optimization problems relevant for cell-free production processes are formulated. • Cross-validation of optimization results across parameter ensemble to deal with parameter uncertainty. • Application of the approach to cell-free synthesis of the sugar nucleotide GDP-fucose. • Experimental validation of predicted optimization results improves titer, yield, and enzyme load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A versatile methodology for the improvement of the interaction between composing phases of a nanocomposite (light-responsive protein and aminated nanoparticles) is thoroughly described. • The interfacial interaction was conducted by EDC and NHS carbodiimide chemistry. • The improved interface interactions effectively immobilize the BGNP, showing increased elastic and viscous modulus comparing with controls. • This chemistry allowed tunning low viscous heterogenous materials into appropriate inks for extrusion 3D printing. • This system can further reproducibly recapitulate phases of other natures, broadening applicability. Nanocomposites and low-viscous materials lack translation in additive manufacturing technologies due to deficiency in rheological requirements and heterogeneity of their preparation. This work proposes the chemical crosslinking between composing phases as a universal approach for mitigating such issues. The model system is composed of amine-functionalized bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGNP) and light-responsive methacrylated bovine serum albumin (BSAMA) which further allows post-print photocrosslinking. The interfacial interaction was conducted by 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide crosslinking agent and N-Hydroxysuccinimide between BGNP-grafted amines and BSAMA's carboxylic groups. Different chemical crosslinking amounts and percentages of BGNP in the nanocomposites were tested. The improved interface interactions increased the elastic and viscous modulus of all formulations. More pronounced increases were found with the highest crosslinking agent amounts (4 % w/v) and BGNP concentrations (10 % w/w). This formulation also displayed the highest Young's modulus of the double-crosslinked construct. All composite formulations could effectively immobilize the BGNP and turn an extremely low viscous material into an appropriate inks for 3d printing technologies, attesting for the systems' tunability. Thus, we describe a versatile methodology which can successfully render tunable and light-responsive nanocomposite inks with homogeneously distributed bioactive fillers. This system can further reproducibly recapitulate phases of other natures, broadening applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parameterized systems of polynomial equations arise in many applications in science and engineering with the real solutions describing, for example, equilibria of a dynamical system, linkages satisfying design constraints, and scene reconstruction in computer vision. Since different parameter values can have a different number of real solutions, the parameter space is decomposed into regions whose boundary forms the real discriminant locus. This article views locating the real discriminant locus as a supervised classification problem in machine learning where the goal is to determine classification boundaries over the parameter space, with the classes being the number of real solutions. This article presents a novel sampling method which carefully samples a multidimensional parameter space. At each sample point, homotopy continuation is used to obtain the number of real solutions to the corresponding polynomial system. Machine learning techniques including nearest neighbors, support vector classifiers, and neural networks are used to efficiently approximate the real discriminant locus. One application of having learned the real discriminant locus is to develop a real homotopy method that only tracks real solution paths unlike traditional methods which track all complex solution paths. Examples show that the proposed approach can efficiently approximate complicated solution boundaries such as those arising from the equilibria of the N = 4 Kuramoto model which was previously intractable using traditional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The used automobile crankcase oils are potential sources of contaminant elements for the coastal-marine ecosystems, affecting mainly the immunological system of organisms that feed by filtration, e. g. scallops. This study examined the effects of a water-soluble fraction of used automobile crankcase oils (WSF-UACO) on innate cellular- and humoral immune responses of the flame scallop Ctenoides scaber. The scallops were exposed to ascending concentrations of 0, 0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 of WSF-UACO under a static system of aquaria during 7 and 13 d. The viability, haemocyte total count (HTC), lysosomal membrane destabilization (LMD), phagocytosis, and protein concentration in hemolymph samples withdrawn taken from the blood sinus as well as lysozyme activity of the digestive gland were measured as immune endpoints. A decrease in cellular immune competence in scallops exposed to WSF-UACO was observed, with significant impairment of viability, HTC, and phagocytosis. LMD index increased about exposure concentrations, and plasma protein concentrations augmented to 0.01 and 0.1% during 13 d. Lysozyme activity increased in scallops exposed to WSF-UVCO during 7 d, to level off in the chronic period. Lysozyme activity and enhanced plasma proteins could act as compensatory responses when cell parameters tend to fall, helping to the regulation of microbial microflora and possible invasion of pathogenic microbes as well as defense against xenobiotics. The results demonstrate that the immunological responses of C. scaber are highly sensitive to the complex chemical mixture of contaminants, and it could be used for evaluating biological risks of hazardous xenobiotics in tropical marine environments. Republic of Ecuador • WSF-UACO exposure induced a decrease in cell viability and HTC associated with lysosomal membrane destabilization in flame scallops. • Lysozymes and plasma proteins could act as compensatory immune and metabolic responses when cellular responses tend to fall in contaminated flame scallops. • Innate immune endpoints from C. scaber could be used for evaluating biological risks of hazardous xenobiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Assessed neural dynamics of youth risk avoidance using Balloon Risk Avoidance Task. • All youth had smaller P3, larger FRN, larger theta to unsuccessful risk avoidance. • Socially anxious youth had larger P2, slow-wave, FRN to unsuccessful risk avoidance. • Socially anxious youth had smaller theta to successful/unsuccessful risk avoidance. Adolescents are at relatively high-risk for developing anxiety, particularly social anxiety. A primary hallmark of social anxiety is the impulse to avoid situations that introduce risk. Here, we examined the neural and behavioral correlates of risk avoidance in adolescents (N =59) 11 to 19 years of age. The Balloon Risk Avoidance Task was used with concurrent electroencephalography to measure event-related potentials (frontal P2; late slow-wave; N2, feedback-related negativity, FRN; posterior P3) and oscillatory dynamics (midfrontal theta, 4–7 Hz) in response to unsuccessful and successful risk avoidance conditions. Social anxiety was measured using the Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory for Children. Results indicated that, across the whole sample, youth exhibited smaller P3, larger FRN, and larger theta responses to unsuccessful risk avoidance. Youth reporting high (compared to low) levels of social anxiety exhibited larger P2, slow-wave, and FRN responses to unsuccessful, compared to successful, risk avoidance. Further, greater social anxiety was associated with reduced theta responses to successful avoidance. Youth with higher levels of social anxiety showed smaller theta responses to both conditions compared to those with low levels of social anxiety. Taken together, the ERP-component differences and weakened theta power in socially anxious youth following unsuccessful avoidance are informative neural correlates for socially anxious youth during risk avoidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shrimp industry has historically been affected by viral and bacterial diseases. One of the most recent emerging diseases is Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND), which causes severe mortality. Despite its significance to sanitation and economics, little is known about the molecular response of shrimp to this disease. Here, we present the cellular and transcriptomic responses of Litopenaeus vannamei exposed to two Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains for 98 h, wherein one is non-pathogenic (VpN) and the other causes AHPND (VpP). Exposure to the VpN strain resulted in minor alterations in hepatopancreas morphology, including reductions in the size of R and B cells and detachments of small epithelial cells from 72 h onwards. On the other hand, exposure to the VpP strain is characterized by acute detachment of epithelial cells from the hepatopancreatic tubules and infiltration of hemocytes in the inter-tubular spaces. At the end of exposure, RNA-Seq analysis revealed functional enrichment in biological processes, such as the toll3 receptor signaling pathway, apoptotic processes, and production of molecular mediators involved in the inflammatory response of shrimp exposed to VpN treatment. The biological processes identified in the VpP treatment include superoxide anion metabolism, innate immune response, antimicrobial humoral response, and toll3 receptor signaling pathway. Furthermore, KEGG enrichment analysis revealed metabolic pathways associated with survival, cell adhesion, and reactive oxygen species, among others, for shrimp exposed to VpP. Our study proves the differential immune responses to two strains of V. parahaemolyticus, one pathogenic and the other nonpathogenic, enlarges our knowledge on the evolution of AHPND in L. vannamei , and uncovers unique perspectives on establishing genomic resources that may function as a groundwork for detecting probable molecular markers linked to the immune system in shrimp. • Differential histology was observed between pathogenic and non-pathogenic Vibrio treatments. • Mortality rate was high in shrimp exposed to V. parahaemolyticus causing AHPND. • Ras-signaling pathways were enriched between Vp treatments and control comparison. • Apoptotic genes were up-regulated in shrimp exposed to pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus. • KLHL5 with potential antimicrobial function was up-regulated in pathogenic Vibrio treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work evaluated the insecticidal, antifeedant and AChE inhibitory activity of compounds with eudesmane skeleton. The insecticidal activity was tested against larvae of Drosophila melanogaster and Cydia pomonella , the compounds 3 and 4 were the most active (LC 50 of 104.2 and 106.7 μM; 82.0 and 84.4 μM, respectively). Likewise, the mentioned compounds were those that showed the highest acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, with IC 50 of 0.26 ± 0.016 and 0.77 ± 0.016 μM, respectively. Enzyme kinetic studies, as well as molecular docking, show that the compounds would be non-competitive inhibitors of the enzyme. The antifeedant activity on Plodia interpunctella larvae showed an antifeedant index (AI) of 99% at 72 h for compounds 16 , 27 and 20. The QSAR studies show that the properties associated with the polarity of the compounds would be responsible for the biological activities found. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Quinoline, indole, and naphthalene enhanced the rate of hydrodesulfurization of dibenzothiophene. • Reaction rates for the direct route of hydrodesulfurization were enhanced. • Lower temperatures favored positive effects of the co-reactants on hydrodesulfurization. • In the presence of quinoline, indole, and naphthalene the rate of hydrodesulfurization increased with the concentration of dibenzothiophene. In this work, we report a statistically significant increase in the rates of direct C–S bond scission of dibenzothiophene when co-reactants such as naphthalene, quinoline, and indole are present during its hydrodesulfurization over a Ni–MoS 2 /γ-Al 2 O 3 catalyst. The competitive adsorption of these compounds on the same active sites has usually been associated with inhibitory effects of sulfur elimination. However, we carried out statistically designed experiments at temperatures between 260 and 300 °C, concentrations of dibenzothiophene between 1.0 and 3.7 wt%, and concentrations of the co-reactants between 0.13 and 0.52 wt%, and observed that the kinetic constant of the direct desulfurization pathway can increase up to 200% when either naphthalene, indole, or quinoline is co-fed to the reaction system at 260 °C and 3.7 wt% of dibenzothiophene. Therefore, the classical paradigm that aromatics and nitrogen heterocycles always inhibit hydrodesulfurization needs reexamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a species of worldwide importance for aquaculture. A crossbred lineage was developed through introgressive backcross breeding techniques and combines the high growth performance of the Chitralada (CHIT) lwith attractive reddish color of the Red Stirling (REDS) strains. Since the crossbreed has an unknown genetically improved background, the objective of this work was to characterize expression signatures that portray the advantageous phenotype of the crossbreeds. We characterized the microRNA transcriptome by high throughput sequencing (RNA-seq) and the proteome through mass spectrometry (ESI-Q-TOF-MS) and applied bioinformatics for the comparative analysis of such molecular data on the three strains. Crossbreed expressed a distinct set of miRNAs and proteins compared to the parents. They comprised several microRNAs regulate traits of economic interest. Proteomic profiles revealed differences between parental and crossbreed in expression of proteins associated with glycolisis. Distinctive miRNA and protein signatures contribute to the phenotype of crossbreed. • Crossbreed expressed a distinct set of miRNAs and proteins compared to the parents • Distinctive miRNA and protein signatures contribute to the phenotype of crossbreed • miRNAs associated with growth showed a variable expression pattern in crossbreed • Differentially expressed proteins are related to growth by glycolysis pathway [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus is considered a good candidate for aquaculture, but bacterial diseases are a major challenge in culture conditions. The innate immunological defenses of L. variegatus to bacterial challenges were assessed through hematology parameters, in vitro phagocytosis, lysozyme activity and total plasma protein concentrations in cell-free coelomic fluid. Adult sea urchins were inoculated with Microccocus lysodeikticus , Escherichia coli and Vibrio parahaemolyticus in the cavity coelomic. Filtrated and sterile seawater (FSW) injected and non-injected sea urchins were used as control groups. Righting time, external aspects and behavior of sea urchins were evaluated. Twenty-four hours post-inoculation, we found an increase in the population of colorless spherule cells (CLS), phagocytosis, and humoral responses in sea urchins challenged by bacterial inoculations. Righting time was not affected by the treatments and apparent external signs of disease were not observed at least during 96h post-inoculation. The immunological system of L. variegatus quickly eliminated pathogenic microorganisms. CLS and lysozyme activity cooperate in the immune defenses of L. variegatus , showing an extraordinary efficiency for adjusting the immune defenses under stress caused by microbes. We recommend that the cellular and humoral markers serve as routine tests to monitor health status in sea urchins. • An immunological challenge was performed on L. variegatus using three bacterial strains. • Colorless spherules cells play a preponderant role defending against bacteria in the coelomic cavity. • Phagocytosis and increased lysozyme activity can counter high bacterial loads in the coelomic cavity. • Immunological responses are excellent tools to monitor health status in sea urchins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of sewage sludge to agricultural land is facing increasing restrictions due to concerns about various micropollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and heavy metals (HMs). As an alternative approach to manage this residue, the use of pyrolysis, a process that transforms sludge into biochar, a carbon-rich solid material, is being explored. Despite the potential benefits of pyrolysis, there is limited data on its effectiveness in removing micropollutants and the potential presence of harmful elements in the resulting biochar. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the temperature and the use of a carrier gas (N 2) during a two-stage pyrolysis and cooling on micropollutant removal. Pilot-scale tests showed that a higher temperature (650 °C) and the use of a carrier gas (0.4 L/min N 2) during the pyrolysis and the cooling process led to a reduction of PAHs, PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PFAS below their detection limits. As such, the generated biochar aligns with the guidelines set by the International Biochar Initiative (IBI) and the European Biochar Certificate (EBC) for all micropollutants, except for zinc and copper. Additional investigation is required to determine whether the micropollutants undergo destruction or transition into other pyrolysis end-products, such as the gas or liquid phase. [Display omitted] • Verification of PAH, PCB, HM, PFAS and PCDD/F in biochar out of sewage sludge. • Reduction of pollutants in biochar by varying temperature and carrier gas. • High pyrolysis temperature (650°) reduces micropollutants. • Carrier gas supply during the pyrolysis and cooling process reduces micropollutants. • Generated biochar fulfils the EBC guidelines except for zinc and copper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work is to determine the influence of the roughness of the laminas on the shear stress and sliding modulus of a bamboo–bamboo glued bond. Six types of surface treatments were made on bamboo laminas. For each surface treatment the surface roughness, the rupture shear stress, and the sliding modulus were obtained. It was concluded that to obtain a GluBam beam with high performance, a surface treatment with a roughness index around 1.85 is required. However, for conventional GluBam beams, the surface of the laminas may be only machined, with a roughness index of around 4.60. • High performance GluBam beam with a surface roughness of 1.85. • For conventional GluBam beams the surface may be machined to a roughness of 4.60. • Shear stress and sliding modulus define the performance of a GluBam beam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited exposure to surgical subspecialties during medical school may be responsible for decreasing medical student interest in surgery. Although most medical schools have surgery interest groups to increase exposure, our aim was to evaluate the impact of a focused surgical subspecialty roundtable on preclerkship students' perceptions of surgical careers. Faculty members from each surgical subspecialty shared their experiences and led roundtable discussions with five to seven first- and second-year medical students at a time (total n = 59). Pre-event and post-event surveys were administered to assess students' interest in surgery, knowledge of training paths, values related to specialty selection, and perception of surgeons. Forty students completed pre-event and post-event surveys. The number of students who were extremely or very interested in surgery increased after this event (65% versus 72.5%, P < 0.001). The greatest number of students indicated an interest in orthopedic surgery, and the fewest indicated an interest in neurosurgery. After the event, thirteen (32.5%) students changed their preferences for the subspecialty in which they were most interested. Students demonstrated improved knowledge of training length and integrated residencies (83.8% versus 96.3%, P = 0.003). The perceived importance of intellectual challenge, research opportunities, and training length decreased, whereas the importance of compensation, work/life balance, long-term patient follow-up, and the job market increased. Students' perceptions of surgeons' work/life balance (10% versus 25%, P < 0.001) and ability to be team players (82.5% versus 85%, P = 0.01) improved significantly after the roundtable. The surgical specialty roundtable increased students' interest in surgery, improved knowledge of training paths, and altered perceptions related to career decision-making. • A Surgical Specialty Roundtable was organized to counter decreasing medical student interest in surgery • Roundtable introduced medical students to faculty from all surgical subspecialties in small group settings • Event increased student interest in surgical careers, improved knowledge of training paths, and altered perceptions related to career decision-making [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fat content and type of lipids in edible insect meals could affect bread quality when used to partially substitute wheat in bread formulations. This study evaluated the effect of Acheta domesticus (AD) and Tenebrio molitor (TM) meals in breadmaking. Full fat (FF), partially-(PD), and complete-defatted (DF) TM and AD meals were used to replace 10% (w/w) of wheat flour in bread formulations, resulting in 6 composite flours (FFAD/PDAD/DFAD/FFTM/PDTM/DFTM) and a 100% wheat control. Dough thermomechanical properties, breadmaking parameters, proximal composition, texture profile analysis, and Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid scores (PDCAAS) were assayed. Defatting insect meals increased water absorption of composite flours by 7 (TM) and 3% (AD) and TM fat increased the mixolab dough stability by 2.4 min. FFTM showed the highest bread volume (843 cm3) and lowest density (0.19 g/cm3) among composite loaves. The protein content of insect-supplemented bread increased up to 34% compared to the control. FFTM bread had the lowest hardness values through storage at room temperature. Defatted AD and TM had higher PDCAAS compared to the control. These findings indicated that TM fat contributes to breadmaking quality and DFAD increased the PDCAAS value, making it a nutritious alternative to partially substitute wheat in bread formulations. [Display omitted] • Insect endogenous fat can function as surfactants in the dough. • Fat from Tenebrio molitor improves dough stability and retards staling of bread. • Defatting Acheta domesticus increases digestibility of cricket breads. • Defatting insects can be used to improve overall nutritional quality of wheat bread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface nanobubbles have been identified to play an important role in a range of industries from mineral processing to food science. The formation of surface nanobubbles is of importance for mineral processing in the extraction of complex ores, such as those containing rare earth elements. This is due to the way minerals are extracted utilising froth flotation. In this study, surface nanobubbles were imaged using non-contact atomic force microscopy on a polished cross section containing rare earth minerals. Nanobubbles were found on synchysite under reagent conditions expected to induce hydrophobicity in rare earth minerals, which is required for efficient processing. Synchysite –(Ce) is a rare earth fluorcarbonate mineral containing over 30% rare earth elements. Relatively little research has been conducted on synchysite, with only a few papers on its surface behaviour and flotation. The resulting nanobubbles were analysed and showed an average contact angle of 24° ± 8. These are in line with contact angles found on dolomite and galena by previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ascorbate evolved to reduce ROS in oxygenic and aerobic proto-eukaryotes. • It subsequently evolved to modulate ROS signalling in multicellular eukaryotes. • It supports vital eukaryote Fe2+/2-oxoglutarate enzymes by reducing Fe3+ to Fe2+. • Scurvy causes reversion of multicellular eukaryotes to a unicellular state. • Ascorbate could have initiated the evolution of multicellular eukaryotes. The lifeless earth was formed around 4.5 billion years ago and the first anaerobic unicellular "organisms" may have appeared half a billion years later. Despite subsequent prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) evolving quite complex biochemistry and some eukaryote characteristics, the transition from unicellular prokaryotes to multicellular, aerobic eukaryotes took a further 2.5 billion years to begin. The key factor or factors that eventually caused this long-delayed transition is a question that has been a focus of considerable research and a topic of discussion over many years. On the basis of the extensive literature available and consideration of some of the characteristics that distinguish multicellular eukaryotes from prokaryotes, it is proposed that, as well as the development of oxygenic photosynthesis producing high levels of environmental oxygen and the formation of vital organelles such as aerobic adenosine triphosphate-generating mitochondria, the concurrent evolution of the L-ascorbic acid redox system should be considered as a key factor that led to the evolution of multicellular eukaryotes and it remains vitally involved in the maintenance of multicellularity and many other eukaryote characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to study, from a sociological approach, the perception and consumption motives of amaranth in Mexico using Pierre Bourdieu's theoretical concept of Habitus. A survey was conducted in Mexico City with 610 consumers. Socioeconomic information of gender, age, cultural and economic capitals as internal dispositions that generate social differentiation processes were collected. Consumers' perception was identified using an open question through which participants mentioned why they consider the consumption of amaranth to be good. Words, phrases or comments mentioned were grouped into categories through the lemmatization process, and analysed with Global, Per-Cell Chi Square tests and Correspondence Analysis. A Food Choice Questionnaire was used to identify consumption motives of amaranth through Exploratory Factor Analysis and Cluster analysis to identify groups of consumers according to their consumption motives. Results indicated eight categories that reflect consumers' perception towards amaranth (Health and well-being, Functionality, Mitigate hunger, Nutritional components, Nutrition, Feeding, Traditional food and Energy), which converge upon traditionality and functionality. Consumption motives were differentiated into "food as form" and "food as function". Cluster analysis showed distinction in the perception and taste for amaranth. Gender, age, cultural capital and willingness to buy novel food products with added amaranth are markers that reflect internal dispositions of consumers according to their class adscription, and therefore represent their Habitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been polarizing debate on addictive-like eating in recent years. To move toward valid definition and measurement of this construct, qualitative research describing individuals' experiences is needed. The present study explored how Brazilian men and women define and experience addictive-like eating. Interviews were conducted with 7 men and 8 women (Mage = 46.6 years, MBMI = 35.43 kg/m2) seeking treatment for addictive-like eating. Thematic analysis of interviews identified three saturated, overarching themes describing participants' conceptualizations of the (1) characteristics, (2) causal factors, and (3) consequences of addictive-like eating. Lack of control was a key characteristic of addictive-like eating described by all participants. A causal factor which most participants described was emotional eating. Consequences included emotional, interpersonal, occupational, and health-related impairments which appeared primarily related to weight gain, rather than to the pattern of addictive-like eating itself. These results are largely consistent with those of previous qualitative studies. Importantly, the symptoms described by our participants and in previous qualitative studies may be inadequately captured by existing self-report questionnaires designed to assess addictive-like eating. To address this potential limitation, we provide recommendations for assessing the full range of possible addictive-like eating symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Threat-related attention plays a role in shaping socioemotional development. • Testing potential causal effects of attention relies on methodological advancements. • Attention mechanisms must be measured at multiple levels of analysis. • Mobile eye-tracking offers fine-grained sampling of attention in real-life settings. Abstract Cross-sectional evidence suggests that attention bias to threat is linked to anxiety disorders and anxiety vulnerability in both children and adults. However, there is a lack of developmental evidence regarding the causal mechanisms through which attention bias to threat might convey risks for socioemotional problems, such as anxiety. Gaining insights into this question demands longitudinal research to track the complex interplay between threat-related attention and socioemotional functioning. Developing and implementing reliable and valid assessments tools is essential to this line of work. This review presents theoretical accounts and empirical evidence from behavioral, eye-tracking, and neural assessments of attention to discuss our current understanding of the development of normative threat-related attention in infancy, as well as maladaptive threat-related attention patterns that may be associated with the development of anxiety. This review highlights the importance of measuring threat-related attention using multiple attention paradigms at multiple levels of analysis. In order to understand if and how threat-related attention bias in real-life, social interactive contexts can predict socioemotional development outcomes, this review proposes that future research cannot solely rely on screen-based paradigms but needs to extend the assessment of threat-related attention to naturalistic settings. Mobile eye-tracking technology provides an effective tool for capturing threat-related attention processes in vivo as children navigate fear-eliciting environments and may help us uncover more proximal bio-psycho-behavioral markers of anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Hypoxia increases Leishmania amazonensis killing in J774 macrophages. • Nox2-linked ROS release in J774 cells is driven by Leishmania infection and hypoxia. • ROS favor HIF1α overexpression in Leishmania-infected macrophages under hypoxia. • Infection of hypoxic J774 cells up-regulates MIF via Nox2/ROS/HIF1α pathway. • Nox2/ROS/HIF1α/MIF are involved in leishmanicidal activity of hypoxic macrophages. Abstract Increasing attention is given to the finding that macrophages under hypoxia are capable of controlling infection by the intracellular protozoan parasite Leishmania amazonensis. The hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α has been shown to play an essential role in this enhanced innate immune response. Our study aimed to explore the HIF-1α-dependent mechanisms leading to reduced survival of the parasites residing in macrophages under low oxygen conditions. Hypoxia triggered (P < 0.01) NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2) expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in J774 macrophages upon 24-h infection with L. amazonensis. Furthermore, increased (P < 0.01) expression levels of HIF-1α and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) were detected in the infected cells grown at 3% oxygen tension. We found that either HIF-1α silencing, Nox2 inhibition or MIF antagonism caused a significant (P < 0.05) reversal of the improved leishmanicidal activity displayed by the hypoxic phagocytes. Taken together, our current results suggest that, under conditions of limited availability of oxygen, activation of the HIF-1α/MIF axis via Nox2/ROS induction promotes killing of L. amazonensis amastigotes by macrophages. Such protective mechanism might operate in L. amazonensis -infected tissues where low oxygen levels prevail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The Martian core is sulfur-rich and may still be liquid today. • The Martian primitive mantle is unlikely to be graphite saturated. • S-Se-Te systematics of the Martian interior are controlled by core formation. Abstract Accurate constraints on the light element composition of the Martian core are required for models of the Martian core dynamo, the conditions under which the Martian core formed (i.e. the existence and extent of a magma ocean) and the overall volatile inventory of Mars. Here, we present a synthesis of geochemical constraints on the abundances of light elements S, C and O in the Martian core using mass balance calculations combined with published expressions that predict their high-pressure metal–silicate partitioning behaviour. We incorporate recently proposed bulk S Martian mantle abundances and find that the Martian core must be S-rich, virtually independent of the type of bulk composition considered and the P-T conditions during core-mantle differentiation of Mars. The core contains at least 7 wt % S and may be up to stoichiometric FeS in composition, depending on which P-T conditions (and bulk compositions) are assumed. If bulk Mars was formed from chondritic building blocks, the core S content is constrained to 13.5 ± 3.5 wt.%, in good agreement with geophysical models of the Martian interior and with measured siderophile element depletions in SNC meteorites. Our calculations yield O contents for the Martian core of < 4 wt.%, with the highest concentrations for the highest P-T conditions of Martian core formation. Carbon contents in the Martian core are expected to be low (< 1.4 wt.%) given the abundance of C in chondritic meteorite groups. The calculated solubility limit for C in Fe-Ni-S alloys is higher than calculated core C contents in virtually all cases, suggesting the Martian primitive mantle is not graphite saturated if the bulk Mars C budget is (close to) chondritic. The estimated depletions of volatile elements Se and Te in the Martian interior can be reconciled easily with formation of a Martian S-rich core. This implies that these volatile elements may not have been lost from Mars by degassing in Mars early history. The calculated Martian core S contents cannot be used to distinguish between the two different proposed modes of core crystallization, but do suggest the Martian core may still be fully liquid today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Upper formation of Aeolis Mons in Gale crater exhibits curvilinear bedding patterns on the surfaces of several erosional benches that have been interpreted as cross-bedding. We use High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) stereo topography to test this hypothesis by measuring the bedding geometry within these benches. The bedding geometry is consistent with aeolian cross-beds: measured dips rarely exceed the angle of repose, and the distribution of dip azimuths is non-random, allowing dune morphology and paleo-transport directions to be inferred using computer models of bedforms. The inferred dune type and transport direction vary between the benches of the Upper formation, indicating that the benches are separated by sufficient time for the wind regime to change. The paleo-wind directions derived from bedding geometry measurements differ from modern wind modeling results, suggesting that the conditions during deposition of the Upper formation were unlike modern conditions. The concentric bedding patterns in some locations indicate that the rate of deposition approached the rate of bedform migration. The evidence for lithified hundred-meter-scale dunes in the Upper formation of Aeolis Mons indicates that the area was a sediment sink at the time of formation, and any hypothesis for the formation of Aeolis Mons must be compatible with these results. We present one possible sequence of events for the formation of Aeolis Mons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filamentous fungi develop intricate hyphal networks that support mycelial foraging and transport of resources. These networks have been analyzed recently using graph theory, enabling the development of models that seek to predict functional traits. However, attention has focused mainly on mature colonies. Here, we report the extraction and analysis of the graph corresponding to Trichoderma atroviride mycelia only a few hours after conidia germination. To extract the graph for a given mycelium, a mosaic conformed of multiple bright-field, optical microscopy images is digitally processed using freely available software. The resulting graphs are characterized in terms of number of nodes and edges, average edge length, total mycelium length, hyphal growth unit, maximum edge length and mycelium diameter, for colonies between 8 h and 14 h after conidium germination. Our results show that the emerging hyphal network grows first by hyphal elongation and branching, and then it transitions to a stage where hyphal-hyphal interactions become significant. As a tangled hyphal network develops with decreasing hyphal mean length, the mycelium maintains long (∼2 mm) hyphae—a behavior that suggests a combination of aggregated and dispersed architectures to support foraging. Lastly, analysis of early network development in Podospora anserina reveals striking similarity with T. atroviride , suggesting common mechanisms during initial colony formation in filamentous fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Rescorla-Wagner model is highly influential in psychology and neuroscience. • The model was developed to capture general principles of learning. • This drove application to new cognitive phenomena, species, and neural circuits. • This drove application and development across Marr's levels of description. • Algorithmic description of general principles may also succeed in other areas. The influence of the Rescorla-Wagner model cannot be overestimated, despite that (1) the model does not differ much computationally from its predecessors and competitors, and (2) its shortcomings are well-known in the learning community. Here we discuss the reasons behind its widespread influence in the cognitive and neural sciences, and argue that it is the constant search for general-process theories by learning scholars which eventually produced a model whose application spans many different areas of research to this day. We focus on the theoretical and empirical background of the model, the theoretical connections that it has with later developments across Marr's levels of analysis, as well as the broad variety of research that it has guided and inspired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding "why people eat what they eat" is important for improving the lives of people around the world by helping provide industrial and social solutions for people to have greater pleasure and health from the foods they choose. The objective of this study was to investigate the motivations behind everyday choices of different food groups using a bottom-up approach that targeted the specific choices of foods and beverages people consumed at various times of a day. This study was conducted using an online survey included questions related to demographics, the most recent meal including specific food choices, and a slightly modified Eating Motivation Surveys (2 motivations were added, and Check-All-That-Apply procedure was used), which contained 50 sub-scales to measure 17 motivations including such topics as Liking, Pleasure, Convenience, Health, Price, Variety Seeking etc. A total of 198 participants have completed the surveys. Data were analyzed by Correspondence Analysis. Liking was found to be the strongest motivation that drove people to select all sorts of foods. Need and Hunger and Convenience were the main motivations for baked products, "fast" foods, sausages and meats, and snack foods while Health and Weight Control were found to be the main driving factors for vegetables, fruits & fruit juices, nuts, seeds, dairy & egg, and poultry products. Sweets were linked to Pleasure. For beverages, people were motivated most by Heath and Weight Control to choose water and tea. Coffee was used due to Habits; soda was because of Pleasure and alcoholic was for socialization purposes. This study provided developers, marketers, health educators, etc. With a new method to understand food choice in order to promote better eating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Skeletal muscle cells possess a unique cellular architecture designed to fulfill their contractile function. Muscle cells (also known as myofibers) result from the fusion of hundreds of myoblasts and grow into a fiber of several centimeters in length. Cellular structures gradually become organized during muscle development to raise a mature contractile cell. A hallmark of this singular cell architecture is the position of nuclei at the periphery of the myofiber, below the plasma membrane. Nuclei in myofibers are evenly distributed except in specialized regions like the neuromuscular or myotendinous junctions. Disruption of nuclear positioning results in hindered muscle contraction and occurs in a multitude of muscle disorders as well as in regenerative myofibers. We will explore in this review the step by step nuclear migrations during myogenesis for nuclei to reach their evenly distributed anchored position at the periphery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For safety reasons, European regulations prohibit the use of a long list of metal(loid)s as ingredients of cosmetic products. However, their presence as impurities in finished products is virtually unavoidable, even under GMP conditions. This study aimed at determining the elemental profile of lipsticks available in the Portuguese and Brazilian markets. A total of 96 lipsticks were purchased in Brazil (n = 53; 9 brands) and Portugal (n = 43; 7 brands) and the content of 44 elements was determined. Results ranged from <1 μg/g to several tens of μg/g (e.g., Sn, Mn, Zn). Significant differences were found between Portuguese and Brazilian products for several elements, particularly for Pb. For the elements of major toxicological concern (Pb, Cd, As, Sb, Hg), mean values were always below the current limits set by the German competent authority. However, a significant percentage of exceedances were observed for Pb (24%) and Cd (21%). A safety assessment was carried out for the toxicologically relevant elements. Results showed that, except for Pb, the systemic exposure resulting from lipstick use represents less than 0.2% (ca. 3% for Pb) of the respective permitted daily exposure even in the worst-case scenario (i.e., ingestion of the total amount of product applied). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A calorimetric and thermodynamic study of the (Li 1- x Na x )FeGe 2 O 6 solid solution with the pyroxene structure was undertaken. The molar heat capacity at constant pressure ( C p ,m ) for compositions with x  = (0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0) was measured using a Physical Properties Measurement System at temperatures from 2 K to 300 K and by differential scanning calorimetry between 282 and 870 K (these measurements were performed upon heating as well as upon cooling). Magnetic transitions below 20 K and structural P 2 1 / c  ↔  C 2/ c phase transitions at higher temperatures were observed that decrease in temperature with increasing Na/(Na + Li). The P 2 1 / c  ↔  C 2/ c transition showed a considerable temperature hysteresis that is largest for LiFeGe 2 O 6 (∼30 K) and decreases with increasing Na/(Na + Li) in the pyroxene. The molar enthalpy and entropy changes associated with the P 2 1 / c  ↔  C 2/ c phase transitions, Δ H tr,m and Δ S tr,m , were determined. They can be described by quadratic and linear functions across the solid solution. A linear correlation between Δ H tr,m and the square of the volume strain at the transition temperature was established. The P 2 1 / c  ↔  C 2/ c phase transition of LiFeGe 2 O 6 is compared to that of α-β quartz, whose C p ,m was also measured. The molar enthalpy of order, Δ H ord,m , was calculated from the calorimetric data. It has a maximum of Δ H ord,m  = (−11.6 ± 1.5)kJ·mol −1 for the P 2 1 / c  ↔  C 2/ c phase transition of LiFeGe 2 O 6 , which is in reasonable agreement with a maximum Δ H ord,m  = −9.9 kJ·mol −1 calculated using density functional theory. Δ H ord,m vs. T behavior was described using a tricritical Landau model with an a parameter of a  = (41.8 ± 1.0)J·K −1 ·mol −1 . All properties associated with the P 2 1 / c  ↔  C 2/ c phase transition in LiFeGe 2 O 6 can be calculated using this value. The C p ,m behavior at T  < 300 K for each pyroxene composition was decomposed into molar vibrational ( C vib,m ) and molar magnetic ( C mag,m ) contributions by applying a single-parameter phonon dispersion model. The molar vibrational entropy at 298.15 K, S vib,m 298.15 , and the molar magnetic entropy, S mag,m , were also calculated. Both quantities, together, give the molar calorimetric entropy at 298.15 K, S cal,m 298.15 . The term ‘calorimetric’ means that configurational contributions that are non-zero for solid solution compositions are excluded (for the endmember pyroxenes this corresponds to the molar third law entropy, S o m ). The behavior of S mag,m , S vib,m 298.15 and S cal,m 298.15 as function of Na/(Na + Li) in the pyroxene was described by applying Darkens’ quadratic formalism (DQF) and a Margules model. S vib,m 298.15 as function of composition is ideal within error, whereas S mag,m shows significant positive deviations from a linear combination of the end members. This leads to positive excess molar magnetic entropies of mixing that can be described by a symmetrical Margules parameter s mag,m  = (3.7 ± 1.3)J·K −1 ·mol −1 . Because solid solutions with Na/(Na + Li) > 0.4 have the P 2 1 / c  ↔  C 2/ c phase transition below 298.15 K, this results in a discontinuity in S cal,m 298.15 behavior as function of composition at Na/(Na + Li) = 0.5. DQF was applied to model this behavior and the corresponding parameters were retrieved. The entropy of mixing behavior of the (Li , Na)FeGe 2 O 6 solid solution at 298.15 K is characterized by positive excess molar magnetic entropies of mixing onto which entropy changes due to the structural P 2 1 / c  ↔  C 2/ c phase transitions are superimposed in the Na-rich part of the binary system. Excess volumes of mixing for the (Li , Na)FeGe 2 O 6 solid solution were calculated from published data and DQF parameters were derived that allow volume as function of temperature and composition to be calculated. The molar third law entropies at T  = 298.15 K are S o m  = (188.3 ± 2)J·K −1 ·mol −1 and S o m  = (203.1 ± 2)J·K −1 ·mol −1 and the molar enthalpies of formation from the elements at T  = 298.15 K are Δ f H o m  = (−1817.2 ± 9)kJ·mol −1 and Δ f H o m  = (−1834.0 ± 9)kJ·mol −1 for the end members LiFeGe 2 O 6 and NaFeGe 2 O 6 , respectively. Δ f H o m was calculated using density functional theory (DFT). Values for Δ f H o m , S o m , and molar volume, for the coefficients of C p ,m polynomials, for thermal expansion and for the bulk modulus of the end members were compiled and can be used, in combination with the derived volumetric and entropic mixing properties, for phase diagram calculations involving the (Li , Na)FeGe 2 O 6 solid solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population of the Chilean endemic marine gastropod Concholepas concholepas locally called “loco” has dramatically decreased in the past 50 years as a result of intense activity of local fisheries and high environmental variability observed along the Chilean coast, including episodes of hypoxia, changes in sea surface temperature, ocean acidification and diseases. In this study, we set out to explore the molecular basis of C. concholepas to cope with biotic stressors such as exposure to the pathogenic bacterium Vibrio anguillarum . Here, 454pyrosequencing was conducted and 61 transcripts related to the immune response in this muricid species were identified. Among these, the expression of six genes ( CcNFκβ, CcIκβ, CcLITAF, CcTLR, CcCas8 and CcCath ) involved in the regulation of inflammatory, apoptotic and immune processes upon stimuli, were evaluated during the first 33 h post challenge (hpc). The results showed that CcTLR , CcCas8 and CcCath have an initial response at 4 hpc, evidencing an up-regulation from 4 to 24 hpc. Notably, the response of CcNFKB occurred 2 h later with a statistically significant up-regulation at 6 hpc and 10 hpc. Furthermore, the challenge with V. anguillarum induced a statistically significant down-regulation of CcIKB between 2 and 10 hpc as well as a down-regulation of CcLITAF between 2 and 4 hpc followed in both cases by an up-regulation between 24 and 33 hpc. This work describes the first transcriptomic effort to characterize the immune response of C. concholepas and constitutes a valuable transcriptomic resource for future efforts to develop sustainable aquaculture and conservations tools for this endemic marine snail species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer-based dreams content analysis relies on word frequencies within predefined categories in order to identify different elements in text. As a complementary approach, we explored the capabilities and limitations of word-embedding techniques to identify word usage patterns among dream reports. These tools allow us to quantify words associations in text and to identify the meaning of target words. Word-embeddings have been extensively studied in large datasets, but only a few studies analyze semantic representations in small corpora. To fill this gap, we compared Skip-gram and Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA) capabilities to extract semantic associations from dream reports. LSA showed better performance than Skip-gram in small size corpora in two tests. Furthermore, LSA captured relevant word associations in dream collection, even in cases with low-frequency words or small numbers of dreams. Word associations in dreams reports can thus be quantified by LSA, which opens new avenues for dream interpretation and decoding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in innate immunity parameters and epinecidin mRNA transcript levels were examined to characterize the non-specific immune response of E. coioides to pathogenic V. harveyi JML1 isolated from affected cage-cultured fish. After fish had been injected with bacteria at a dose causing 30% mortality, blood and tissue samples were collected at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 240 h post-infection (hpi) for assessment of indices such as the oxidative burst (OB) and phagocytic index (PI) of head kidney cells, and lysozyme activity (LYS) and total immunoglobulin (Total Ig) levels of the plasma. The epinecidin mRNA transcript levels (EGE) from skin, gills, liver, kidney, and spleen tissues were also determined by gel-based RT-PCR. Lastly, daily mortality (DM), liver total bacterial load (TBC), and presumptive Vibrio count (TVC) were monitored up to 240 hpi. The results revealed that bacteria proliferated rapidly in fish tissue, reaching peak densities at 24 hpi for both TBC and TVC but was on a downward trend thereafter. The pattern in fish mortality closely correlated with TBC and TVC. Total Ig, OB, and PI in E. coioides were suppressed in the early part of infection when V. harveyi load was high but recovered and later increased as bacterial density declined. LYS and EGE were consistently high and their activities were not hampered by bacterial infection. The study demonstrated that V. harveyi JML1 interacts with E. coioides by transiently inhibiting some immune parameters resulting in mortalities. However, consistently high LYS, upregulated EGE, and resurgent PI, OB and Total Ig conferred resistance and subsequent recovery in the fish. The study provides new insights on the interaction between E. coioides and V. harveyi JML1 that can aid in formulating health management strategies for groupers. Further studies on prophylactic interventions to enhance the innate immune response in grouper during infection with V. harveyi JML1 are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of eighty surface soil samples were collected from public kindergartens and urban parks in the city of Bratislava, and the <150 µm soil fraction was evaluated for total concentrations of five metals, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn, their oral bioaccessibilities, non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks to children, and lead isotopic composition. The mean metal concentrations in urban soils (0.29, 36.1, 0.13, 30.9 and 113 mg/kg for Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn, respectively) were about two times higher compared with background soil concentrations. The order of bioaccessible metal fractions determined by Simple Bioaccessibility Extraction Test was: Pb (59.9%) > Cu (43.8%) > Cd (40.8%) > Zn (33.6%) > Hg (12.8%). Variations in the bioaccessible metal fractions were mainly related to the total metal concentrations in urban soils. A relatively wide range of lead isotopic ratios in urban soils (1.1598–1.2088 for 206 Pb/ 207 Pb isotopic ratio) indicated a combination of anthropogenic and geogenic sources of metals in the soils. Lower values of 206 Pb/ 207 Pb isotopic ratio in the city centre and similar spatial distribution of total metal concentrations, together with their increasing total concentrations in soils towards the city centre, showed that traffic and coal combustion in former times were likely the major sources of soil contamination. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks to children due to exposure to metals in kindergarten and urban park soils were low, with hazard index and cancer risk values below the threshold values at all studied sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the PHB-accumulating Bacillus sp. JL47 strain (capable of accumulating 55% PHB on cell dry weight) was investigated for its effects on the immune response of giant tiger shrimp ( Penaeus monodon ) postlarvae (PL) before and after the Vibrio campbellii challenge. Briefly, shrimp PL were cultured and fed with Artemia nauplii enriched with Bacillus sp. JL47. Shrimp receiving the Artemia nauplii without JL47 enrichment were used as control. After 15 days of feeding, the shrimp were challenged with pathogenic V. campbellii LMG 21363 at 10 6 cells mL −1 by immersion. Relative expression of the immune related genes encoding for prophenoloxidase (proPO), transglutaminase (TGase) and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) in the shrimp were measured before (0 h) and after (3, 6, 9, 12, 24 h) the Vibrio challenge by quantitative real-time PCR using β-actin as the reference gene. The expressions of TGase and proPO were significantly up-regulated (p < 0.05) within 9 h and 12 h, respectively after challenge in shrimp receiving the Bacillus sp. JL47 as compared to the challenged and non-challenged controls. Hsp70 expression was significantly increased (p < 0.05) at 3 h post-challenge in all challenged shrimp. Interestingly, proPO and TGase genes were significantly up-regulated (p < 0.05) in Bacillus sp. JL47 treated shrimp even before the Vibrio challenge was applied. No up-regulation in the Hsp70 gene, however, was observed under these conditions. The data suggest that the protective effect of the PHB-accumulating Bacillus sp. JL47 in shrimp was due to its capacity to stimulate the innate immune related genes of the shrimp, specifically the proPO and TGase genes. The application of probiotic Bacillus species, capable of accumulating a significant amount of PHB, is suggested as potential immunostimulatory strategy for aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is more commonly associated with its motor symptoms and the related degeneration of dopamine (DA) neurons. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that PD patients also display a wide range of non-motor symptoms, including memory deficits and disruptions of their sleep-wake cycles. These have a large impact on their quality of life, and often precede the onset of motor symptoms, but their etiology is poorly understood. The fruit fly Drosophila has already been successfully used to model PD, and has been used extensively to study relevant non-motor behaviours in other contexts, but little attention has yet been paid to modelling non-motor symptoms of PD in this genetically tractable organism. We examined memory performance and circadian rhythms in flies with loss-of-function mutations in two PD genes: PINK1 and parkin . We found learning and memory abnormalities in both mutant genotypes, as well as a weakening of circadian rhythms that is underpinned by electrophysiological changes in clock neurons. Our study paves the way for further work that may help us understand the mechanisms underlying these neglected aspects of PD, thus identifying new targets for treatments to address these non-motor problems specifically and perhaps even to halt disease progression in its prodromal phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finite mixture models have been widely used for the modeling and analysis of data from a heterogeneous population. Moreover, data of this kind can be subject to some upper and/or lower detection limits because of the restriction of experimental apparatus. Another complication arises when measures of each population depart significantly from normality, for instance, in the presence of heavy tails or atypical observations. For such data structures, we propose a robust model for censored data based on finite mixtures of multivariate Student- t distributions. This approach allows us to model data with great flexibility, accommodating multimodality, heavy tails and also skewness depending on the structure of the mixture components. We develop an analytically simple, yet efficient, EM-type algorithm for conducting maximum likelihood estimation of the parameters. The algorithm has closed-form expressions at the E-step that rely on formulas for the mean and variance of the multivariate truncated Student- t distributions. Further, a general information-based method for approximating the asymptotic covariance matrix of the estimators is also presented. Results obtained from the analysis of both simulated and real datasets are reported to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. The proposed algorithm and methods are implemented in the new R package CensMixReg . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fully dilutable microemulsions (μEs), used to design self-microemulsifying delivery system (SMEDS), are formulated as concentrate solutions containing oil and surfactants, without water. As water is added to dilute these systems, various μEs are produced (water-swollen reverse micelles, bicontinuous systems, and oil-swollen micelles), without the onset of phase separation. Currently, the formulation dilutable μEs follows a trial and error approach that has had a limited success. The objective of this work is to introduce the use of the hydrophilic-lipophilic-difference (HLD) and net-average-curvature (NAC) frameworks to predict the solubilisation features of ternary phase diagrams of lecithin-linker μEs and the use of these predictions to guide the formulation of dilutable μEs. To this end, the characteristic curvatures (Cc) of soybean lecithin (surfactant), glycerol monooleate (lipophilic linker) and polyglycerol caprylate (hydrophilic linker) and the equivalent alkane carbon number (EACN) of ethyl caprate (oil) were obtained via phase scans with reference surfactant-oil systems. These parameters were then used to calculate the HLD of lecithin-linkers-ethyl caprate microemulsions. The calculated HLDs were able to predict the phase transitions observed in the phase scans. The NAC was then used to fit and predict phase volumes obtained from salinity phase scans, and to predict the solubilisation features of ternary phase diagrams of the lecithin-linker formulations. The HLD-NAC predictions were reasonably accurate, and indicated that the largest region for dilutable μEs was obtained with slightly negative HLD values. The NAC framework also predicted, and explained, the changes in microemulsion properties along dilution lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic analyses can reveal a wealth of hitherto undiscovered cryptic biodiversity. For co-occurring and morphologically similar species, the combination of molecular, ecological and morphological analyses provides an excellent opportunity for understanding some of the processes that can lead to divergence and speciation. The Australian endemic brown macroalga Durvillaea potatorum (Phaeophyceae) was examined with a combination of genetic and morphological approaches to confirm the presence of two separate species and to infer the processes that led to their divergence. A total of 331 individuals from 11 sites around coastal Tasmania were collected and measured in situ for a range of morphological and ecological characteristics. Tissue samples were also collected for each individual to allow genetic analyses using mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (28S) markers. Genetic analyses confirmed the presence of two deeply divergent clades. The significant morphological differentiation, despite high levels of intra-lineage variability, further supported their recognition as distinct species. We describe a new species, D. amatheiae sp. nov., which is characterised by a narrower and proportionately shorter stipe, shorter total length, and higher number of stipitate lateral blades and branches than D. potatorum (sensu stricto) . The occurrence of both species in sympatry along Tasmania’s eastern and western coasts, as well as their contrasting patterns of haplotype diversity, supports a hypothesis of geographical isolation, allopatric speciation and subsequent secondary contact in response to sea level and ocean current change throughout the Pleistocene glaciation cycles. This research contributes to resolving the phylogenetic relationships, taxonomy and evolution of the ecologically keystone kelp genus Durvillaea . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For general repeated measures designs the Wald-type statistic (WTS) is an asymptotically valid procedure allowing for unequal covariance matrices and possibly non-normal multivariate observations. The drawback of this procedure is its poor performance for small to moderate samples, i.e., decisions based on the WTS may become quite liberal. It is the aim of the present paper to improve the small-sample behavior of the WTS by means of a novel permutation procedure. In particular, it is shown that a permutation version of the WTS inherits its good large-sample properties while yielding a very accurate finite-sample control of the type-I error as shown in extensive simulations. Moreover, the new permutation method is motivated by a practical data set of a split plot design with a factorial structure on the repeated measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perchlorate (ClO 4 −) is widespread in the solar system having been detected on Earth, on Mars, in chondrite meteorites and in lunar samples. On Mars, perchlorates expand the potential for habitable conditions by lowering the freezing point of liquid water in the formation of brines. In future manned space exploration their presence poses a hazard to human health, however, it also represents opportunities as a source of oxygen and fuel. Despite their prevalence, the mechanism(s) of perchlorate formation in different solar system environments are poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that perchlorate can be generated through the mechanical activation of silicates in the presence of chloride. • Perchlorates generated by the mechanical activation of silicates with halite. • The fracturing of silicate occurs in a variety of solar system environments. • Experiments suggest a link between mineral chemistry and perchlorate production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven-year-old children (N=65) participating in a study of the influence of infant temperament on socioemotional development performed an auditory selective attention task involving words that varied in both affective (positive vs. negative) and social (social vs. nonsocial) content. Parent report of contemporaneous child temperament was also collected, and individual differences in self-regulation in the affective (soothability) and cognitive (attentional control) domains were noted. Overall, children showed slower responses to stimuli that were either social or negative in content, with the largest effect elicited by words that possessed both traits. Children rated high in soothability and attentional control showed slower responses to social negative words. The other children showed little to no differential response patterns across the word categories. ERPs collected during the task indicated that processing differences were evident in the later more cognitive components of the ERP, especially in children low in attentional control. These findings indicate that performance on an auditory selective attention task can assist in identifying underlying patterns of affective processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two studies using the emotional Stroop with 11-year-old children were completed. In Study 1, children were assigned to either the “interference group” or the “facilitation group” based on their performance on the task. The interference group was slower to respond to emotion words (positive and negative) versus control words. The facilitation group was faster to respond to the emotion words. The groups were then compared on a set of cognitive, emotional, and social measures collected at ages 4, 7, and 11. The interference group showed greater signs of emotional and social, but not cognitive, maladjustment across time. Study 2 replicated the findings of Study 1. In addition, event-related potentials (ERPs) were collected in Study 2. The ERP data replicated earlier traditional Stroop studies. In addition, positive and negative words showed differences in processing across components. In particular, negative words appeared to tax attentional and processing resources more than positive words. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Tip growth of pollen tubes and root hairs of plants is oscillatory and orchestrated by tip-focussed variations of cytosolic free calcium ([Ca 2+ ] cyt ). Hyphae of filamentous fungi are also tubular tip-growing cells, and components of the Ca 2+ signalling machinery, such as Ca 2+ channels and Ca 2+ sensors, are known to be important for fungal growth. In this study, we addressed the questions if tip-focussed [Ca 2+ ] cyt transients govern hyphal and whole-colony growth in the maize pathogen Colletotrichum graminicola , and whether colony-wide [Ca 2+ ] cyt dynamics rely on external Ca 2+ or internal Ca 2+ stores. Ratiometric fluorescence microscopy of individual hyphae expressing the Ca 2+ reporter Yellow Cameleon 3.6 revealed that Ca 2+ spikes in hyphal tips precede the re-initiation of growth after wounding. Tip-focussed [Ca 2+ ] cyt spikes were also observed in undisturbed growing hyphae. They occurred not regularly and at a higher rate in hyphae growing at a medium-glass interface than in those growing on an agar surface. Hyphal tip growth was non-pulsatile, and growth speed was not correlated with the rate of spike occurrence. A possible relationship of [Ca 2+ ] cyt spike generation and growth of whole colonies was assessed by using a codon-optimized version of the luminescent Ca 2+ reporter Aequorin. Depletion of extracellular free Ca 2+ abolished [Ca 2+ ] cyt spikes nearly completely, but had only a modest effect on colony growth. In a pharmacological survey, some inhibitors targeting Ca 2+ influx or release from internal stores repressed growth strongly. However, although some of those inhibitors also affected [Ca 2+ ] cyt spike generation, the effects on both parameters were not correlated. Collectively, the results indicate that tip growth of C. graminicola is non-pulsatile and not mechanistically linked to tip-focused or global [Ca 2+ ] cyt spikes, which are likely a response to micro-environmental parameters, such as the physical properties of the growth surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]