bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inbreeding and its effects on some economic traits in Raeini cashmere goats
Authors: Moradi-Shaharbabak M. , Mohammadi A. , Miraei-Ashtiani S. R.
Published: June 2019

The Breeding Center of Raeini (BCR) cashmere goats was established in 1965 in Kerman province, with a base population of 120, 8 and 42 does, bucks, and kids respectively. Some new animals have been introduced to the BCR population in some periods of time, and selected males have been sold out to the local breeders each year. Animals have been selected based on their phenotypic performance for fleece weight (FW) and fleece color (FC-white), and body weight (BW). Mating system has been planned based on non-relative mating, but some relative mating has been occurred. Inbreeding depression is one of the most important empact of having inbreeding in a population (Miglior and Burnside 1995). A decrease of 0.8% in fiber length and 6.3% in longevity per 10% increase of inbreeding coefficient in cashmere goats has been reported (Deb 1998). The objective of this study was to estimate the animals inbreeding coefficient and to explore the impact of inbreeding on some economic traits in Raeini cashmere goats.
In vitro methane production of different cultivars of perennial ryegrass
Authors: Lovett D. K. , McGilloway D. , Bortolozzo A. , O’Mara F. P.
Published: June 2019

Irish livestock production systems are characterised by the high utilization of grazed grass combined with minimal supplementary feeding. As such the options to reduce methane (CH4) production, particularly for beef animals, is limited to the finishing period when diet can be controlled and varied. No data is available regarding the methanogenic potential of differing grass cultivars. This study assessed CH4 output, as measured in vitro, of six ryegrass cultivars, with the aim of quantifying the potential for enteric CH4 emissions to be reduced from ruminants grazing ryegrass dominant swards.
Digestible dry matter and protein of lucerne hay or lucerne silage treated with sulphuric acid using mobile nylon bag technique
Authors: Delavar M. H. , Mesgaran M. Danesh
Published: June 2019

Legume forages, because of the tubular and hollow stem structure, low soluble sugar content and high buffering capacity are less likely to undergo otpimal fermentation. Therefore, response to silage additives (such as formic acid) or preservatives may be great with legume forages. This study was conducted to evaluate the DM and protein digestibility of lucerne hay or lucerne silage treated with urea and/or sulphuric acid using mobile nylon bag technique.
Tannin bioassay using semi-automated and manual gas production techniques for Brazilian browses
Authors: Filho S. L. S. Cabral , Bueno I. C. S. , Nozella E. F. , Abdalla A. L. , Vitti D. M. S. S.
Published: June 2019

Native herbaceous browses at Northeast of Brazil have a dry tolerance and have been used as animal feed. Some of those plants have anti nutritional compounds such as tannins that can interfere on their intake and digestibility. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been used in gas-based techniques for assessing anti nutritional factors in tanniniferous plants for ruminants. The objective of this work was to compare the tannin bioassay technique using the semi-automated (Reading Pressure Technique - RPT) and manual (syringe) gas production techniques to evaluate the tannin effect upon in vitro rumen fermentation, using PEG as an inhibitor of tannin effects.
Effect of buffer feeding on milk fat composition from dairy cows offered a high-lipid ration at pasture
Authors: Magowan E. , Fearon A. M. , Patterson D.C. , Beattie J. A. M.
Published: June 2019

Manipulation of the dairy cow’s diet at pasture using high-lipid concentrate is an effective natural means of enhancing the composition and physical properties of milk fat and has been applied in several countries to improve the spreadability of butter. However, because of dietary energy deficits deriving from high yield potential of cows or grass of retarded or poor quality, dairy cows are frequently offered supplementary feeds or buffers e.g. silage or additional concentrates, while at pasture. The study investigated the effect on milk fat composition when providing dairy cows with buffer feeds while they received a diet of a high-lipid concentrate and grazed grass which aimed to increase the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids.
The Future of Corporate Liability for Extra territorial Human Rights Abuses: The dutch Case Against Shell
Authors: Jägers Nicola , Jesse Katinka , Verschuuren Jonathan
Published: June 2019

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum Co. limits the potential of the Alien Tort Statute (ATS) as a means of legal redress for victims of human rights abuses caused by transnational companies. Interestingly enough, almost simultaneously with the Kiobel decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, a Dutch court issued its rulings in five cases concerning Nigerian individuals, supported by a Dutch environmental nongovernmental organization (NGO), in their claims against Royal Dutch Shell (RDS), headquartered in the Netherlands, and its Nigerian subsidiary, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, Ltd. (SPDC). These cases relate to oil spills for which the plaintiffs believed Shell should be held liable.
Evolution Caught in the Act: Evidence from Microfossil Morphology
Authors: Culver Stephen J.
Published: June 2019

Microfossils are of prime importance in documenting patterns of evolution due to their great abundance (often tens of thousands to millions of specimens in a hand sample) and widespread distribution (in both time and space) in the fossil record. The term “microfossil” is often used for paleontological material that requires a microscope for its study, no matter what its biological affinities. For the purposes of this article we will be looking at the remains of protists (single-celled organisms). The several examples I discuss in this chapter are of three groups of planktonic (floating) protists, the calcareous nannoplankton (tiny plant-like protists whose single cell is covered in minute calcitic scales), the radiolaria (animal-like protists with siliceous shells) and the planktonic foraminifera (animal-like protists with calcitic shells). These organisms have been the subject of extensive study because the material from which they are often extracted, cores of deep-sea sediments, are usually comprised of a more complete sedimentological record (i.e., fewer breaks) than shallow shelf deposits. Hypotheses of evolutionary history have been constructed for many groups (lineages) of microfossils using specimens from deep-sea cores. Ancestor-descendent relationships have been recognized by tracking shape and form (morphologic) changes through time. This approach to reconstruction of evolutionary history provides an empirical record of morphologic evolution; that is, a record based on observations.
How Did It All Begin: The Self-assembly of Organic Molecules and the Origin of Cellular Life
Authors: Deamer David W.
Published: June 2019

Movies are the myths of late-20th century western culture. Because of the power of films likeETto capture our imagination, we are more likely than past generations to accept the possibility that life exists elsewhere in our galaxy. Such a myth can be used to sketch the main themes of this chapter, which concern the origin of life on the Earth.

Imagine that 4 billion years ago, intelligent beings evolved on an Earth-like planet in the solar system of a neighboring star. After ten million years of evolution, they have solved the problems of interstellar travel and aging. Virtually immortal family groups set out to explore the galaxy and almost immediately discover a solar system associated with a nearby star only 80 light years away from their home planet. They find that the third planet is rich in the primary elements of life - carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen - which are present in the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2), molecular nitrogen (N2) and water vapor (H2O). They decide to spend a few centuries studying this planet, which they consider to be a possible model of their own primordial world as it was four billion years in their past.
Effects of Aerosols on the Precipitation of Convective Clouds: A Case Study in the Yangtze River Delta of China
Authors: Liu Chong , Wang Ti‐Jian , Chen Pu‐Long , Li Meng‐Meng , Zhao Ming , Zhao Kun , Wang Ming‐Huai , Yang Xiu‐Qun
Published: June 2019

Aerosol is a critical factor affecting the atmospheric hydrological cycle and climate change. Acting as cloud condensation nuclei for cloud formation, aerosols have a significant impact on regional precipitation. This study uses the fully coupled chemistry module (Weather Research and Forecasting/Chem) within the Weather Research and Forecasting model to simulate convective cloud precipitation in the Yangtze River Delta of China. To investigate the impact of on precipitation, four numerical experiments are conducted. The base case uses the full emission inventory (which we call the 100% case), and the other three cases are designed based on reduced emissions for different percentages (which we call the 50% case, the 10% case, and the 1% case). Compared to the other cases, the grid point hour maximum precipitation of the 50% case is the largest, which can reach 44.1 mm/hr and has an increase of 5% over the 100% case. The strongest precipitation is delayed by about 1 hr in the 50% case, and precipitation area is increased by 6.5%. This study indicates that the influence of aerosols on regional precipitation is a nonlinear process, with a correlation coefficient of 0.52 (p<0.01) showing a strong positive correlation between cloud condensation nuclei (>250 cm−3, height of 0.5–3 km) and precipitation. Further analysis of the dynamics and microphysical processes of this convective precipitation shows that the 50% case has an area with higher rising velocity and bigger cloud water mixing ratio than the other cases but has a relatively low convective center. The formation of precipitation is mainly influenced by the accretion of snow by rain, but the role of the snow melting into rain cannot be ignored.
Variation of Anomalous Convergence Around Kalimantan Island in Lower Troposphere and Its Role in Connecting the East Asian Summer Monsoon and Australian Winter Monsoon
Authors: Chen Wei , Guan Zhaoyong , Xu Qi , Yang Huadong
Published: June 2019

Using the data from ERA‐interim, the Hadley Centre Global Sea Surface Temperature data set, and the Climate Prediction Center Merged Analysis of Precipitation, after removing the simultaneous El Niño and Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) signals, we have investigated variations of anomalous convergence around Kalimantan Island in lower troposphere in associations with the East Asian summer and Australian winter monsoons. Results indicate that when negative sea surface temperature anomalies appear in the western Pacific on both sides of the equator, the atmospheric cooling over the northwestern Pacific and from the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ) to Australia is favorable for the maintenance of anticyclonic anomalies over the areas from the western Pacific to the South China Sea and from the south of the equator to the northeast of Australia. These anomalous anticyclonic circulations can induce equatorial easterly anomalies, which subsequently facilitate the maintenance of anomalous convergence around Kalimantan Island. In turn, the anomalous convergence in Kalimantan Island is favorable for the maintenance of anomalous anticyclonic over the northwestern Pacific and SPCZ and thereby intensifies both the western Pacific subtropical high and the Australian High, inducing concurrent intensifications of the East Asian summer monsoon and Australian winter monsoon. Related to the anomalous convergence over Kalimantan Island, precipitation and temperature decrease from the western Pacific to SPCZ but increase from the Indian Ocean to western Maritime Continent and Australia, while temperature is lower than normal in Kalimantan. The above results have remarkable implications for in‐depth understanding of the mechanism behind anomalies of the East Asian summer monsoon and Australian winter monsoon.
Robust Adaptation to Multiscale Climate Variability
Authors: Doss‐Gollin James , Farnham David J. , Steinschneider Scott , Lall Upmanu
Published: June 2019

The assessment and implementation of structural or financial instruments for climate risk mitigation requires projections of future climate risk over the operational life of each proposed instrument. A point often neglected in the climate adaptation literature is that the physical sources of predictability differ between projects with long and short planning periods: While historical and paleo climate records emphasize low‐frequency modes of variability, anthropogenic climate change is expected to alter their occurrence at longer time scales. In this paper we present a set of stylized experiments to assess the uncertainties and biases involved in estimating future climate risk over a finite future period, given a limited observational record. These experiments consider both quasi‐periodic and secular change for the underlying risk, as well as statistical models for estimating this risk from an N‐year historical record. The uncertainty of IPCC‐like future scenarios is considered through an equivalent sample size N. The relative importance of estimating short‐ or long‐term risk depends on the investment life M. Shorter design lives are preferred for situations where interannual to decadal variability can be successfully identified and predicted, highlighting the importance of sequential investment strategies for adaptation.
Thermokarst Effects on Carbon Dioxide and Methane Fluxes in Streams on the Peel Plateau (NWT, Canada)
Authors: Zolkos Scott , Tank Suzanne E. , Striegl Robert G. , Kokelj Steven V.
Published: June 2019

Thermokarst can rapidly mobilize vast amounts of sediment, solutes, and organic carbon previously maintained in frozen soils to inland waters. Streams provide a critical pathway for transforming these materials into carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), yet the direct effects of thermokarst on fluvial C gas efflux from streams to the atmosphere are largely unknown. Working on the Peel Plateau in the western Canadian Arctic, we show that CO2efflux in rill runoff thaw streams (runoff) within retrogressive thaw slumps (RTSs) was four times greater than in adjacent streams and contributed modestly but disproportionately to efflux at the landscape scale. In contrast, CH4efflux was generally greater in adjacent streams than in RTS runoff and, overall, was within the range of values reported for other northern streams. While RTS occurrence was a primary driver of CO2efflux, CH4efflux was more strongly associated with conditions reflective of biological activity. Transects downstream of two RTSs revealed that CH4consistently and rapidly degassed to the atmosphere, while elevated CO2was sustained downstream of one RTS feature. At the watershed scale, streams adjacent to RTSs rather than runoff streams within RTSs dominated fluvial CO2and CH4efflux. Intensifying thermokarst activity in the western Canadian Arctic will likely amplify contributions from runoff streams in RTSs to watershed‐scale fluvial C gas efflux.
High‐Resolution Spatial Sampling Identifies Groundwater as Driver of CO2 Dynamics in an Alpine Stream Network
Authors: Horgby Åsa , Boix Canadell Marta , Ulseth Amber J. , Vennemann Torsten W. , Battin Tom J.
Published: June 2019

Inland waters are major sources of CO2 to the atmosphere. The origin of this CO2 is often elusive, especially in high‐altitude streams that remain poorly studied at present. Here we study the spatial and seasonal variations in streamwater CO2, its potential sources and drivers in an Alpine stream network (Switzerland). High‐resolution sampling combined with stable isotope analysis and mixing models enabled us to capture the fine‐scale spatial heterogeneity in streamwater pCO2 as the stream network expanded and contracted during seasons. We identified soil respiration as a major source of CO2 to the stream. We also identified a major groundwater upwelling zone as an ecosystem “control point” that disproportionately influenced stream biogeochemistry. This was particularly pronounced when the stream network expanded during snowmelt, when it covered a five times larger area compared to winter (35,300 m2 compared to 7,100 m2). Downstream from this control point, CO2 evaded rapidly owing to high gas transfer velocity. The stream network was a net source of CO2 to the atmosphere with an average areal evasion flux of 30.1 (18.0–43.1) μmol · m‐2 · s‐1 and a total flux at network scale ranging from 237 (141–339) kg C/day in winter to 1793 (1069–2565) kg C/day during spring snowmelt. Our study highlights the role of stream network dynamics and control points for the CO2 dynamics in high‐altitude streams.
Firefighters’ absorption of PAHs and VOCs during controlled residential fires by job assignment and fire attack tactic
Authors: Fent Kenneth W. , Toennis Christine , Sammons Deborah , Robertson Shirley , Bertke Stephen , Calafat Antonia M. , Pleil Joachim D. , Wallace M. Ariel Geer , Kerber Steve , Smith Denise , Horn Gavin P.
Published: June 2019

To better understand the absorption of combustion byproducts during firefighting, we performed biological monitoring (breath and urine) on firefighters who responded to controlled residential fires and examined the results by job assignment and fire attack tactic. Urine was analyzed for metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and breath was analyzed for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including benzene. Median concentrations of PAH metabolites in urine increased from pre-firefighting to 3-h post firefighting for all job assignments. This change was greatest for firefighters assigned to attack and search with 2.3, 5.6, 3.9, and 1.4-fold median increases in pyrene, phenanthrene, naphthalene, and fluorene metabolites. Median exhaled breath concentrations of benzene increased 2-fold for attack and search firefighters (p < 0.01) and 1.4-fold for outside vent firefighters (p = 0.02). Compared to interior attack, transitional attack resulted in 50% less uptake of pyrene (p = 0.09), 36% less uptake phenanthrene (p = 0.052), and 20% less uptake of fluorene (p < 0.01). Dermal absorption likely contributed to firefighters’ exposures in this study. Firefighters’ exposures will vary by job assignment and can be reduced by employing a transitional fire attack when feasible.
Auto-encoding NMR chemical shifts from their native vector space to a residue-level biophysical index
Authors: Orlando Gabriele , Raimondi Daniele , F. Vranken Wim
Published: June 2019

Chemical shifts (CS) are determined from NMR experiments and represent the resonance frequency of the spin of atoms in a magnetic field. They contain a mixture of information, encompassing the in-solution conformations a protein adopts, as well as the movements it performs. Due to their intrinsically multi-faceted nature, CS are difficult to interpret and visualize. Classical approaches for the analysis of CS aim to extract specific protein-related properties, thus discarding a large amount of information that cannot be directly linked to structural features of the protein. Here we propose an autoencoder-based method, called ShiftCrypt, that provides a way to analyze, compare and interpret CS in their native, multidimensional space. We show that ShiftCrypt conserves information about the most common structural features. In addition, it can be used to identify hidden similarities between diverse proteins and peptides, and differences between the same protein in two different binding states.
Tau local structure shields an amyloid-forming motif and controls aggregation propensity
Authors: Chen Dailu , Drombosky Kenneth W. , Hou Zhiqiang , Sari Levent , Kashmer Omar M. , Ryder Bryan D. , Perez Valerie A. , Woodard DaNae R. , Lin Milo M. , Diamond Marc I. , Joachimiak Lukasz A.
Published: June 2019

Tauopathies are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by intracellular amyloid deposits of tau protein. Missense mutations in the tau gene (MAPT) correlate with aggregation propensity and cause dominantly inherited tauopathies, but their biophysical mechanism driving amyloid formation is poorly understood. Many disease-associated mutations localize within tau’s repeat domain at inter-repeat interfaces proximal to amyloidogenic sequences, such as 306VQIVYK311. We use cross-linking mass spectrometry, recombinant protein and synthetic peptide systems, in silico modeling, and cell models to conclude that the aggregation-prone 306VQIVYK311 motif forms metastable compact structures with its upstream sequence that modulates aggregation propensity. We report that disease-associated mutations, isomerization of a critical proline, or alternative splicing are all sufficient to destabilize this local structure and trigger spontaneous aggregation. These findings provide a biophysical framework to explain the basis of early conformational changes that may underlie genetic and sporadic tau pathogenesis.
CHML promotes liver cancer metastasis by facilitating Rab14 recycle
Authors: Chen Tian-Wei , Yin Fen-Fen , Yuan Yan-Mei , Guan Dong-Xian , Zhang Erbin , Zhang Feng-Kun , Jiang Hao , Ma Ning , Wang Jing-Jing , Ni Qian-Zhi , Qiu Lin , Feng Jing , Zhang Xue-Li , Bao Ying , Wang Kang , Cheng Shu-Qun , Wang Xiao-Fan , Wang Xiang , Li Jing-Jing , Xie Dong
Published: June 2019

Metastasis-associated recurrence is the major cause of poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. In this study, we report that expression of choroideremia-like (CHML) is increased in HCC, associated with poor survival, early recurrence and more satellite nodules in HCC patients. CHML promotes migration, invasion and metastasis of HCC cells, in a Rab14-dependent manner. Mechanism study reveals that CHML facilitates constant recycling of Rab14 by escorting Rab14 to the membrane. Furthermore, we identify several metastasis regulators as cargoes carried by Rab14-positive vesicles, including Mucin13 and CD44, which may contribute to metastasis-promoting effects of CHML. Altogether, our data establish CHML as a potential promoter of HCC metastasis, and the CHML-Rab14 axis may be a promising therapeutic target for HCC.
Graphite phase carbon nitride based membrane for selective permeation
Authors: Wang Yang , Wu Niannian , Wang Yan , Ma Huan , Zhang Junxiang , Xu Lili , Albolkany Mohamed K. , Liu Bo
Published: June 2019

Precise control of interlayer spacing and functionality is crucial in two-dimensional material based membrane separation technology. Here we show anion intercalation in protonated graphite phase carbon nitride (GCN) that tunes the interlayer spacing and functions of GCN-based membranes for selective permeation in aqueous/organic solutions. Sulfate anion intercalation leads to a crystalline and amphipathic membrane with an accessible interlayer spacing at ~10.8 Å, which allows high solvent permeability and sieves out the solutes with sizes larger than the spacing. We further extend the concept and illustrate the example of GCN-based chiral membrane via incorporating (1R)-(-)-10-camphorsulfonic anion into protonated GCN layers. The membrane exhibits a molecular weight cutoff around 150 among various enantiomers and highly enantioselective permeation towards limonene racemate with an enantiomeric excess value of 89%. This work paves a feasible way to achieve water purification and chiral separation technologies using decorated laminated membranes.
Phylogenetic conservation of bacterial responses to soil nitrogen addition across continents
Authors: Isobe Kazuo , Allison Steven D. , Khalili Banafshe , Martiny Adam C. , Martiny Jennifer B. H.
Published: June 2019

Soil microbial communities are intricately linked to ecosystem functioning such as nutrient cycling; therefore, a predictive understanding of how these communities respond to environmental changes is of great interest. Here, we test whether phylogenetic information can predict the response of bacterial taxa to nitrogen (N) addition. We analyze the composition of soil bacterial communities in 13 field experiments across 5 continents and find that the N response of bacteria is phylogenetically conserved at each location. Remarkably, the phylogenetic pattern of N responses is similar when merging data across locations. Thus, we can identify bacterial clades – the size of which are highly variable across the bacterial tree – that respond consistently to N addition across locations. Our findings suggest that a phylogenetic approach may be useful in predicting shifts in microbial community composition in the face of other environmental changes.
Enhanced photocatalysis and biomolecular sensing with field-activated nanotube-nanoparticle templates
Authors: Almohammed Sawsan , Tade Barwich Sebastian , Mitchell Andrew K. , Rodriguez Brian J. , Rice James H.
Published: June 2019

The development of new catalysts for oxidation reactions is of central importance for many industrial processes. Plasmonic catalysis involves photoexcitation of templates/chips to drive and enhance oxidation of target molecules. Raman-based sensing of target molecules can also be enhanced by these templates. This provides motivation for the rational design, characterization, and experimental demonstration of effective template nanostructures. In this paper, we report on a template comprising silver nanoparticles on aligned peptide nanotubes, contacted with a microfabricated chip in a dry environment. Efficient plasmonic catalysis for oxidation of molecules such as p-aminothiophenol results from facile trans-template charge transfer, activated and controlled by application of an electric field. Raman detection of biomolecules such as glucose and nucleobases are also dramatically enhanced by the template. A reduced quantum mechanical model is formulated, comprising a minimum description of key components. Calculated nanotube-metal-molecule charge transfer is used to understand the catalytic mechanism and shows this system is well-optimized.
Structural and functional consequences of the STAT5BN642H driver mutation
Authors: de Araujo Elvin D. , Erdogan Fettah , Neubauer Heidi A. , Meneksedag-Erol Deniz , Manaswiyoungkul Pimyupa , Eram Mohammad S. , Seo Hyuk-Soo , Qadree Abdul K. , Israelian Johan , Orlova Anna , Suske Tobias , Pham Ha T. T. , Boersma Auke , Tangermann Simone , Kenner Lukas , Rülicke Thomas , Dong Aiping , Ravichandran Manimekalai , Brown Peter J. , Audette Gerald F. , Rauscher Sarah , Dhe-Paganon Sirano , Moriggl Richard , Gunning Patrick T.
Published: June 2019

Hyper-activated STAT5B variants are high value oncology targets for pharmacologic intervention. STAT5BN642H, a frequently-occurring oncogenic driver mutation, promotes aggressive T-cell leukemia/lymphoma in patient carriers, although the molecular origins remain unclear. Herein, we emphasize the aggressive nature of STAT5BN642H in driving T-cell neoplasia upon hematopoietic expression in transgenic mice, revealing evidence of multiple T-cell subset organ infiltration. Notably, we demonstrate STAT5BN642H-driven transformation of γδ T-cells in in vivo syngeneic transplant models, comparable to STAT5BN642H patient γδ T-cell entities. Importantly, we present human STAT5B and STAT5BN642H crystal structures, which propose alternative mutation-mediated SH2 domain conformations. Our biophysical data suggests STAT5BN642H can adopt a hyper-activated and hyper-inactivated state with resistance to dephosphorylation. MD simulations support sustained interchain cross-domain interactions in STAT5BN642H, conferring kinetic stability to the mutant anti-parallel dimer. This study provides a molecular explanation for the STAT5BN642H activating potential, and insights into pre-clinical models for targeted intervention of hyper-activated STAT5B.
Natural hypothalamic circuit dynamics underlying object memorization
Authors: Kosse Christin , Burdakov Denis
Published: June 2019

Brain signals that govern memory formation remain incompletely identified. The hypothalamus is implicated in memory disorders, but how its rapidly changing activity shapes memorization is unknown. During encounters with objects, hypothalamic melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons emit brief signals that reflect object novelty. Here we show that targeted optogenetic silencing of these signals, performed selectively during the initial object encounters (i.e. memory acquisition), prevents future recognition of the objects. We identify an upstream inhibitory microcircuit from hypothalamic GAD65 neurons to MCH neurons, which constrains the memory-promoting MCH cell bursts. Finally, we demonstrate that silencing the GAD65 cells during object memory acquisition improves future object recognition through MCH-receptor-dependent pathways. These results provide causal evidence that object-associated signals in genetically distinct but interconnected hypothalamic neurons differentially control whether the brain forms object memories. This gating of memory formation by hypothalamic activity establishes appropriate behavioral responses to novel and familiar objects.
An asymmetric allelic interaction drives allele transmission bias in interspecific rice hybrids
Authors: Xie Yongyao , Tang Jintao , Xie Xianrong , Li Xiaojuan , Huang Jianle , Fei Yue , Han Jingluan , Chen Shuifu , Tang Huiwu , Zhao Xiucai , Tao Dayun , Xu Peng , Liu Yao-Guang , Chen Letian
Published: June 2019

Hybrid sterility (HS) between Oryza sativa (Asian rice) and O. glaberrima (African rice) is mainly controlled by the S1 locus. However, our limited understanding of the HS mechanism hampers utilization of the strong interspecific heterosis. Here, we show that three closely linked genes (S1A4, S1TPR, and S1A6) in the African S1 allele (S1-g) constitute a killer-protector system that eliminates gametes carrying the Asian allele (S1-s). In Asian–African rice hybrids (S1-gS1-s), the S1TPR-S1A4-S1A6 interaction in sporophytic tissues generates an abortion signal to male and female gametes. However, S1TPR can rescue S1-g gametes, while the S1-s gametes selectively abort for lacking S1TPR. Knockout of any of the S1-g genes eliminates the HS. Evolutionary analysis suggests that S1 may have arisen from newly evolved genes, multi-step recombination, and nucleotide variations. Our findings will help to overcome the interspecific reproductive barrier and use Asian–African hybrids for increasing rice production.
Superconducting phase diagram of H3S under high magnetic fields
Authors: Mozaffari Shirin , Sun Dan , Minkov Vasily S. , Drozdov Alexander P. , Knyazev Dmitry , Betts Jonathan B. , Einaga Mari , Shimizu Katsuya , Eremets Mikhail I. , Balicas Luis , Balakirev Fedor F.
Published: June 2019

The discovery of superconductivity at 260 K in hydrogen-rich compounds like LaH10 re-invigorated the quest for room temperature superconductivity. Here, we report the temperature dependence of the upper critical fields μ0Hc2(T) of superconducting H3S under a record-high combination of applied pressures up to 160 GPa and fields up to 65 T. We find that Hc2(T) displays a linear dependence on temperature over an extended range as found in multigap or in strongly-coupled superconductors, thus deviating from conventional Werthamer, Helfand, and Hohenberg (WHH) formalism. The best fit of Hc2(T) to the WHH formalism yields negligible values for the Maki parameter α and the spin–orbit scattering constant λSO. However, Hc2(T) is well-described by a model based on strong coupling superconductivity with a coupling constant λ ~ 2. We conclude that H3S behaves as a strong-coupled orbital-limited superconductor over the entire range of temperatures and fields used for our measurements.
Implementation of genomics in medical practice to deliver precision medicine for an Asian population
Authors: Bylstra Yasmin , Davila Sonia , Lim Weng Khong , Wu Ryanne , Teo Jing Xian , Kam Sylvia , Lysaght Tamra , Rozen Steve , Teh Bin Tean , Yeo Khung Keong , Cook Stuart A. , Tan Patrick , Jamuar Saumya Shekhar
Published: June 2019

Whilst the underlying principles of precision medicine are comparable across the globe, genomic references, health practices, costs and discrimination policies differ in Asian settings compared to the reported initiatives involving European-derived populations. We have addressed these variables by developing an evolving reference base of genomic and phenotypic data and a framework to return medically significant variants to consenting research participants applicable for the Asian context. Targeting 10,000 participants, over 2000 Singaporeans, with no known pre-existing health conditions, have consented to an extensive clinical health screen, family health history collection, genome sequencing and ongoing follow-up. Genomic variants in a subset of genes associated with Mendelian disorders and drug responses are analysed using an in-house bioinformatics pipeline. A multidisciplinary team reviews the classification of variants and a research report is generated. Medically significant variants are returned to consenting participants through a bespoke return-of-result genomics clinic. Variant validation and subsequent clinical referral are advised as appropriate. The design and implementation of this flexible learning framework enables a cohort of detailed phenotyping and genotyping of healthy Singaporeans to be established and the frequency of disease-causing variants in this population to be determined. Our findings will contribute to international precision medicine initiatives, bridging gaps with ethnic-specific data and insights from this understudied population.
Bioactivity of the Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae) essential oil and its terpenoid constituents on the predatory bug, Podisus nigrispinus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Brügger Bruno Pandelo , Martínez Luis Carlos , Plata-Rueda Angelica , Castro Barbara Monteiro de Castro e , Soares Marcus Alvarenga , Wilcken Carlos Frederico , Carvalho Amélia Guimarães , Serrão José Eduardo , Zanuncio José Cola
Published: June 2019

Podisus nigrispinus Dallas (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), released in biological control programs, is a predator of Lepidopteran and Coleopteran species. Lemongrass essential oil and its constituents can be toxic to this natural enemy. The major constituents of lemongrass essential oil are neral (31.5%), citral (26.1%), and geranyl acetate (2.27%). Six concentrations of lemongrass essential oil and of its citral and geranyl acetate constituents were applied to the thorax of P. nigrispinus nymphs and adults. The walking and respiratory behavior of the P. nigrispinus third-instar nymphs, treated with citral and geranyl acetate at the LD50 and LD90 doses, were analyzed with video and respirometer. The lemongrass essential oil toxicity increased from first- to fifth-instar P. nigrispinus nymphs. The P. nigrispinus respiration rates (μL de CO2 h−1/insect) with citral and geranyl acetate in the LD50 and LD90 differed. Nymphs exposed to the lemongrass essential oil and its constituents on treated surfaces presented irritability or were repelled. Podisus nigrispinus adults were tolerant to the lemongrass essential oil and its constituents, geranyl acetate and citral. The altered respiratory activity with geranyl acetate and the fact that they were irritated and repelled by citral suggest caution with regard to the use of the lemongrass essential oil and its constituents in integrated pest management incorporating this predator, in order to avoid diminishing its efficiency against the pests.
Towards a light driven molecular assembler
Authors: Sell Hanno , Gehl Anika , Plaul Daniel , Sönnichsen Frank D. , Schütt Christian , Köhler Felix , Steinborn Kim , Herges Rainer
Published: June 2019

Chemists usually synthesize molecules using stochastic bond-forming collisions of the reactant molecules in solution. Nature follows a different strategy in biochemical synthesis. The majority of biochemical reactions are driven by machine-type protein complexes that bind and position the reactive molecules for selective transformations. Artificial “molecular assemblers” performing “mechanosynthesis” have been proposed as a new paradigm in chemistry and nanofabrication. Here we present a simple non-proteinogenic machine-type molecule which drives the endergonic condensation of vanadate to cyclic tetravanadate using light as the energy source. The system combines selective binding of the reactants, accurate positioning, and active release of the product. Hydrolysis of the product prevents inhibition of further cycles. Our prototypic system demonstrates the prerequisites that are needed to selectively drive an endergonic reaction using an external energy source.
A multi-stage multi-component transfer rate morphological population balance model for crystallization processes
Authors: Shu Yi D. , Liu Jing J. , Zhang Yang , Wang Xue Z.
Published: June 2019

A model was proposed for modeling the non-equilibrium crystal growth of single crystals (Y. D. Shu, Y. Li, Y. Zhang, J. J. Liu and X. Z. Wang, CrystEngComm, 2018, 20, 5143–5153).
Oscillation in the stability of consecutive chemical bonds at the molecule–metal interface – the case of ionic bonding
Authors: Wróbel Mateusz , Ossowski Jakub , Krawiec Mariusz , Kozieł Krzysztof , Dąbczyński Paweł , Cyganik Piotr
Published: June 2019

Ion-induced desorption was successfully applied for the analysis of the stability of chemical bonds at the molecule–metal interface.
Modulation of electronic and optical properties by surface vacancies in low-dimensional β-Ga2O3
Authors: Wei Yidan , Liu Chaoming , Zhang Yanqing , Qi Chunhua , Li Heyi , Wang Tianqi , Ma Guoliang , Liu Yong , Dong Shangli , Huo Mingxue
Published: June 2019

Calculations using the Heyd–Scuseria–Ernzerhof screened hybrid functional reveal the detailed influence that surface vacancies have on the electronic and optical properties of low-dimensional (LD) β-Ga2O3.
Influence of Ti on the dissolution and migration of He in ZrCo based on first principles investigation
Authors: Wang Qingqing , Kong Xianggang , Han Huilei , Sang Ge , Zhang Guanghui , Yi Yougen , Gao Tao
Published: June 2019

We have performed state-of-the-art ab initio calculations based on density functional theory to study the effect of Ti on helium dissolution and migration in a dilute Ti-doped ZrCo system.
Magnetically responsive composites: electron beam assisted magnetic nanoparticle arrest in gelatin hydrogels for bioactuation
Authors: Deuflhard Marie , Eberbeck Dietmar , Hietschold Philine , Wilharm Nils , Mühlberger Marina , Friedrich Ralf P. , Alexiou Christoph , Mayr Stefan G.
Published: June 2019

Tailored ferrogel bioactuators are feasible by arresting nanoparticles in simple gelatin gels with the help of electron beam treatment.
Systematic study on anion–cation interactions via doubly ionic H-bonds in 1,3-dimethylimidazolium salts comprising chalcogenolate anions MMIm [ER] (E = S, Se; R = H, tBu, SiMe3)
Authors: Guschlbauer Jannick , Vollgraff Tobias , Sundermeyer Jörg
Published: June 2019

We present convenient syntheses of so far inaccessible, crystalline and highly pure 1,3-dialkylimidazolium salts with extremely nucleophilic thiolate and selenolate anions [ER]− (R = H, tBu, SiMe3).
One-pot synthesis of SiO2-coated Gd2(WO4)3:Yb3+/Ho3+ nanoparticles for simultaneous multi-imaging, temperature sensing and tumor inhibition
Authors: Liu Guofeng , Chen Yeqing , Jia Mochen , Sun Zhen , Ding Binbin , Shao Shuai , Jiang Fan , Fu Zuoling , Ma Ping'an , Lin Jun
Published: June 2019

After loaded with platinum (iv), the Gd2(WO4)3:Yb3+/Ho3+@SiO2 nanoparticles prepared by a one-pot co-precipitation for the first time were used for multimode imaging and cancer treatment.
Direct oxide transfer from an η2-keto ligand to generate a cobalt PCcarbeneP(O) pincer complex
Authors: Sung Simon , Tinnermann Hendrik , Krämer Tobias , Young Rowan D.
Published: June 2019

We report the direct carbonyl cleavage in a κ3-P′,(η2-C,O),P′′ ligand by a monomeric cobalt centre through metal–ligand cooperativity.
Recent progress of inorganic perovskite solar cells
Authors: Tai Qidong , Tang Kai-Chi , Yan Feng
Published: June 2019

Recent progress of inorganic perovskite solar cells is reviewed along with different perovskite compositions.
FBpin and its adducts and their role in catalytic borylations
Authors: Kuehn Laura , Stang Martin , Würtemberger-Pietsch Sabrina , Friedrich Alexandra , Schneider Heidi , Radius Udo , Marder Todd B.
Published: June 2019

Fluoride ion plays a dual role in both metal-catalysed and metal-free borylation reactions by activating B2pin2and trapping Lewis acidic FBpin.
3D-printing enabled micro-assembly of a microfluidic electroporation system for 3D tissue engineering
Authors: Zhu Qingfu , Hamilton Megan , Vasquez Bryan , He Mei
Published: June 2019

The LEGO® concept is used to build 3D microchannel networks as a 3D μ-electrotransfection system for efficient exchange of nutrition and waste allowing 3D cell growth, while sustaining uniform 3D electric fields during cellular transfection.
Measurement of the magnetic susceptibility of subtle paramagnetic solutions using the diamagnetic repulsion of polymer microparticles
Authors: Jang Bong Hwan , Kwon Seyong , Kang Joo H.
Published: June 2019

The diamagnetic repulsion of polymer microspheres in a microfluidic platform enables the discrimination of magnetic susceptibility of subtle paramagnetic solutions.
Synthesis of an α-phosphono-α,α-difluoroacetamide analogue of the diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate 5-InsP7
Authors: Riley Andrew M. , Wang Huanchen , Shears Stephen B. , Potter Barry V. L.
Published: June 2019

A synthetic, fluorinated analogue of 5-InsP7binds to the kinase domain of PPIP5K2, suggesting new strategies for designing diphosphoinositol phosphate mimics.
Calcium ion implicitly modulates the adsorption ability of ion-dependent type II antifreeze proteins on an ice/water interface: a structural insight
Authors: Chakraborty Sandipan , Jana Biman
Published: June 2019

Ion dependent type II antifreeze proteins (AFPs) are an unusual design of natural evolution for cold-acclimatization of fishes in the Antarctic region. This class of proteins requires Ca2+ to perform an unusual biological recognition, binding to a specific ice plane. However, an ice–protein complex is yet to be characterized at the molecular scale. Here, using equilibrium simulations, free energy calculations and metadynamics, we have elucidated this unusual ice recognition phenomenon at the atomistic level. The origin of ion selectivity has been critically investigated to identify the role of different ions in the dynamics and ice binding ability of the protein. We have demonstrated that within the type II protein matrix, the preferred coordination number of Ca2+ is seven involving five protein atoms and two water molecules. Due to this coordination geometry, the ion binding loop adopts a flat solvent exposed conformation which helps the AFP to efficiently adsorb on the prism plane. The ice binding surface (IBS) adsorbs on the ice surface mediated by a layer of ordered water. Structural synergy between the ice/water interface of the prism plane and the water structure around the IBS makes the adsorption highly favorable. On the other hand, the preferred geometry of the Zn2+ coordination sphere within the AFP matrix is tetrahedral. Both the coordination number and the coordination bond length are smaller for Zn2+ in comparison to Ca2+. Thus to optimize the coordination sphere for Zn2+ within the protein matrix, a kink is introduced in the ion binding loop, a part of the IBS. Therefore, the IBS and ice surface complementarity is greatly perturbed which leads to less effective adsorption.
Rapid synthesis of hybrid methylammonium lead iodide perovskite quantum dots and rich MnI2 substitution favouring Pb-free warm white LED applications
Authors: Singh Rajan Kumar , Som Sudipta , Dutta Somrita , Jain Neha , Kuo Mei-Tsun , Singh Jai , Kumar Ranveer , Chen Teng-Ming
Published: June 2019

We present a facile room temperature synthesis of CH3NH3Pb1−xMnxI3 perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) substituting manganese (Mn2+) at the lead (Pb2+) sites to minimize environmental pollution and make it commercially feasible.
Development of fluorescent nanoparticles with aggregation-induced delayed fluorescence features, improved brightness and photostability for living cells imaging
Authors: Luo Xiaofeng , Meng Jiaqi , Li Baolin , Peng Aidong , Tian Zhiyuan
Published: June 2019

Bright, photostable fluorescent nanoparticles with long fluorescence lifetimes were fabricated based on fluorophores with AIE and TADF characteristics for bioimaging.
A biomimetic magnetosome: formation of iron oxide within carboxylic acid terminated polymersomes
Authors: Bain Jennifer , Legge Christopher J. , Beattie Deborah L. , Sahota Annie , Dirks Catherine , Lovett Joseph R. , Staniland Sarah S.
Published: June 2019

Bioinspired macromolecules can aid nucleation and crystallisation of minerals by mirroring processes observed in nature.
Lead monoxide: a promising two-dimensional layered material for applications in nonlinear photonics in the infrared band
Authors: Song Yufeng , You Kaixi , Chen Yunxiang , Zhao Jinlai , Jiang Xiantao , Ge Yanqi , Wang Yunzheng , Zheng Jilin , Xing Chenyang , Zhang Han
Published: June 2019

Lead monoxide (PbO), a novel few-layer two-dimensional (2D) material, was theoretically predicted to have an excellent optical response.
Bottom-up design of model network elastomers and hydrogels from precise star polymers
Authors: Creusen Guido , Roshanasan Ardeshir , Garcia Lopez Javier , Peneva Kalina , Walther Andreas
Published: June 2019

Well-defined high-molecular weight star polymers based on low-Tg water-soluble polymers enable bottom-up design of model network elastomers and functional hydrogels.
Buckling morphology of an elastic ring confined in an annular channel
Authors: Yang Pengfei , Dang Fei , Liao Xiangbiao , Chen Xi
Published: June 2019

This paper studies the buckling morphology transition of an elastic ring confined in an annular channel.
FEZF1-AS1: a novel vital oncogenic lncRNA in multiple human malignancies
Authors: Shi Changlong , Sun Li , Song Yongsheng
Published: June 2019

Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) refer to the RNA with a length of >200 nucleotides, which lack or have no open reading coding frame and have higher tissue and organ specificity compared with the protein coding genes. A surging number of studies have shown that lncRNA is involved in numerous essential regulatory processes, such as X chromosome silencing, genomic imprinting, chromatin modification, transcriptional activation, transcriptional interference and nuclear transport, which are closely related to the occurrence and development of human malignancies. FEZ family Zinc Finger 1-Antisense RNA 1 (FEZF1-AS1) of FEZ family is a recently discovered lncRNA. FEZF1-AS1 is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, lung adenocarcinoma and other human malignancies, and is associated with poor prognosis. As an oncogene, it plays crucial role in the proliferation, migration, invasion and Warburg effect of various tumor cells. In addition, FEZF1-AS1 is also involved in the regulation of multiple signal pathways such as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and Wnt/ β-catenin. In this paper, the recent research progress of FEZF1-AS1 in tumorigenesis and development is reviewed systematically.