Invertebrate DNA Methylation and Gene Regulation

BackgroundAs human activity alters the planet, there is a pressing need to understand how organisms adapt to environmental change. Of growing interest in this area is the role of epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, in tailoring gene expression to fit novel conditions. Here, we reanalyzed nine invertebrate (Anthozoa and Hexapoda) datasets to validate a key prediction of this hypothesis: changes in DNA methylation in response to some condition correlate with changes in gene expression. ResultsWhile we detected both differential methylation and differential expression, there was no simple relationship between these differences. ConclusionIf changes in DNA methylation regulate invertebrate transcription, the mechanism does not follow a simple linear relationship.

Invertebrate DNA methylation and gene regulation

As human activity alters the planet, there is a pressing need to understand how organisms adapt to environmental change. Of growing interest in this area is the role of epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, in tailoring gene expression to fit novel conditions. Here, we reanalyzed nine invertebrate (Anthozoa and Hexapoda) datasets to validate a key prediction of this hypothesis: changes in DNA methylation in response to some condition correlate with changes in gene expression. While we detected both differential methylation and differential expression, there was no simple relationship between these differences. Hence, if changes in DNA methylation regulate invertebrate transcription, the mechanism does not follow a simple linear relationship.

Evidence of a non-local ø(I) response

Granular dilatancy has been previously characterised through a simple linear relationship between the packing fraction and dimensionless shear rate. However, this relationship was developed for granular flows in a simple shear cell geometry. Here we examine inertial volume changes in a shear cell with gravity, a vertical chute, and a pseudo-2D hopper. In so doing, we show that the packing fraction displays both a local and non-local response, analogous to what is typically observed for the stress ratio µ.

A simple linear relationship between resource availability and microbial community diversity

Microbial community diversity is pivotal for the functioning of our planet, but its drivers are still unclear, in particular the role of resource number and identity. To fill this gap, we studied the assembly of hundreds of soil-derived microbial communities on a wide range of well-defined resource environments, from single carbon sources to combinations of up to 16. We found a remarkable diversity in single resources but a linear one-by-one increase in the number of species with the number of additional resources. We show, both experimentally and theoretically, that both these observations could originate from generalist and specialist taxa interacting in a modular fashion within the community. Since generalists and specialists are ubiquitous in natural microbiomes, our results might apply to a variety of different ecological settings, providing a framework to predict how community diversity responds to changes in resource availability.One Sentence SummaryWhile many species coexist in single resources, community diversity only increases one-by-one as more resources are added.

An Empirical Model of Angle-of-Arrival Variance for a Gaussian Wave Propagation through Non-Kolmogorov Turbulence

This paper proposes an empirical model of the angle-of-arrival (AOA) variance for a Gaussian wave propagating through the weak non-Kolmogorov turbulence. The proposed model is approximately expressed as the linear weighted average between the AOA variances of the plane and spherical waves. The Monte Carlo method is applied to validate the proposed model. The numerical simulations indicate that, under the geometrical optics approximation, the AOA variance for a Gaussian wave is insensitive to the change of the diffraction parameter and can be closely approximated by a simple linear relationship in the refraction parameter. These two properties ensure the validity of the empirical model.

Orbital and superorbital periods in ULX pulsars, disc-fed HMXBs, Be/X-ray binaries, and double-periodic variables

ABSTRACT We present evidence for a simple linear relationship between the orbital period and superorbital period in ultra-luminous X-ray (ULX) pulsars, akin to what is seen in the population of disc-fed neutron star supergiant X-ray binary and Be/X-ray binary systems. We argue that the most likely cause of this relationship is the modulation of precessing hotspots or density waves in an accretion or circumstellar disc by the binary motion of the system, implying a physical link between ULX pulsars and high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB) pulsars. This hypothesis is supported by recent studies of Galactic and Magellanic Cloud HMXBs accreting at super-Eddington rates, and the position of ULX pulsars on the spin period–orbital period diagram of HMXBs. An interesting secondary relationship discovered in this work is the apparent connection between disc-fed HMXBs, ULXs, and a seemingly unrelated group of early-type binaries showing so-called double-periodic variability. We suggest that these systems are good candidates to be the direct progenitors of Be/X-ray binaries.

Effects of Verapamil and Diltiazem on the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Rivaroxaban

Concomitant use of rivaroxaban with non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (non-DHPs) might lead to an increase of systemic rivaroxaban exposure and anticoagulant effects in relation to the inhibition of metabolic enzymes and/or transporters by non-DHPs. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of verapamil and diltiazem on the pharmacokinetics and the prolongation of prothrombin time of rivaroxaban in rats. The data were analyzed using a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) modeling approach to quantify the influence of verapamil. Verapamil increased the systemic exposure of rivaroxaban by 2.8-fold (p <0.001) which was probably due to the inhibition of efflux transportation rather than metabolism. Prothrombin time was also prolonged in a proportional manner; diltiazem did not show any significant effects, however. A transit PK model in the absorption process comprehensively describes the double-peaks of rivaroxaban plasma concentrations and the corresponding change of prothrombin time with a simple linear relationship. The slope of prothrombin time vs. rivaroxaban plasma concentration in rats was retrospectively found to be insensitive by about 5.4-fold compared to than in humans. More than a 67% dose reduction in rivaroxaban is suggested in terms of both a pharmacokinetic point of view, and the sensitivity differences on the prolongation of prothrombin time when used concomitantly with verapamil.

Characterizing and modeling of low twist yarn mechanics

Twist in yarns can be used for handling or testing purposes, but it is not necessary when using continuous multifilament yarns as compared to the spinning required for a short fiber yarn. Small amounts of twist have shown to increase the strength of the yarn while decreasing the longitudinal stiffness. Previous models, including Gegauff’s cos2 θ model and Rao and Farris’ model, are compared and discussed. A para-aramid (Kevlar 49) and a regenerated cellulose (BioMid) yarn are tested at various levels of twist to compare with these models. Twist is manually applied, and the samples are tested under continuous rate of extension to determine chord modulus, breaking tenacity, and elongation and break. The results are then fit to existing prediction models using a minimization of the standard error of the regression. Finally, a linear regression is also applied to the data to contrast the fit compared to traditional models. It was found that while the Gegauff model and the Rao and Farris model may capture the overall trend and decrease in longitudinal stiffness over a large range of twist, the small range over which twist can practically be used is not well represented by these models and is better represented by a simple linear relationship.

Detailed Study on Stiffness and Load Characteristics of Film-Riding Groove Types Using Design of Experiments

In the application of film-riding sealing technology, there are various groove features that can be used to induce hydrodynamic lift. However, there is little guidance in selecting the relative parameter settings in order to maximize hydrodynamic load and fluid stiffness. In this study, two groove types are investigated—Rayleigh step and inclined groove. The study uses a design of experiments approach and a Reynolds equation solver to explore the design space. Key parameters have been identified that can be used to optimize a seal design. The results indicate that the relationship between parameters is not a simple linear relationship. It was also found that higher pressure drops hinder the hydrodynamic load and stiffness of the seal suggesting an advantage for using hydrostatic load support in such conditions.