bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alien mammal assemblage effects on burrow occupancy and hatching success of the vulnerable pink-footed shearwater in Chile
Authors: García-Díaz Pablo , Hodum Peter , Colodro Valentina , Hester Michelle , Carle Ryan D
Published: April 2020

Alien species are a driver of biodiversity loss, with impacts of different aliens on native species varying considerably. Identifying the contributions of alien species to native species declines could help target management efforts. Globally, seabirds breeding on islands have proven to be highly susceptible to alien species. The breeding colonies of the pink-footed shearwater (Ardenna creatopus) are threatened by the negative impacts of alien mammals. We combined breeding monitoring data with a hierarchical model to separate the effects of different alien mammal assemblages on the burrow occupancy and hatching success of the pink-footed shearwater in the Juan Fernández Archipelago, Chile. We show that alien mammals affected the rates of burrow occupancy, but had little effect on hatching success. Rabbits produced the highest negative impacts on burrow occupancy, whereas the effects of other alien mammals were more uncertain. In addition, we found differences in burrow occupancy between islands regardless of their alien mammal assemblages. Managing rabbits will improve the reproductive performance of this shearwater, but research is needed to clarify the mechanisms by which alien mammals affect the shearwaters and to explain why burrow occupancy varies between islands.
Prudent and traditional dietary patterns are positively and	negatively associated with bone mineral density in Iranian adults,	respectively
Authors: Najafi Aida , Babajafari Siavash , Dabbaghmanesh Mohammad-Hossein , Akhlaghi Masoumeh , Shafiee Fatemeh , Moein-Jahromi Zahra
Published: April 2020

Abstract. To assess the association of dietary patterns and bone mineral density (BMD), 340 healthy Iranian adults (mean age 41.5 ± 7.7 y; 79.1% female) participated in this cross-sectional study. Lumbar spine and femoral neck BMDs were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Dietary intakes were evaluated by a valid and reliable 168-item food frequency questionnaire, and three major dietary patterns were identified using principal component factor analysis. Mean values for lumbar spine and femoral neck BMDs in participants were 0.96 ± 0.13 and 0.92 ± 0.12 g/cm2, respectively. After controlling for age, body mass index, physical activity, energy intake, sunlight exposure, gender, education, employment status, supplement intake, and smoking in the analysis of covariance models, multivariable adjusted means of femoral neck BMD of participants in the highest tertile of the prudent pattern score (rich in green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, tomatoes, yellow vegetables, fruits and fruit juices, olives, nuts, fish, low-fat dairy products, and Doogh) were significantly higher than those in the lowest tertile (mean difference and 95% CI: 0.043 [0.003; 0.083] g/cm2, P = 0.032). In contrast, multivariable adjusted means of lumbar spine BMD of participants in the highest tertile of the traditional pattern score (high in Abgoosht, vegetable oils, salt, legumes, pickles, cruciferous vegetables, refined grains, potatoes, and organ meats) were significantly lower than those in the lowest tertile (mean difference and 95% CI: −0.057 [−0.098; −0.015] g/cm2, P = 0.003). The Western pattern was not associated with BMD. In conclusion, the prudent and traditional dietary patterns are positively and negatively associated with BMD in Iranian adults, respectively.
Unterschiede in der Wahrnehmung der Qualität des Deutschunterrichts zwischen Grundschülerinnen und Grundschülern
Authors: Stang Justine , McElvany Nele
Published: April 2020

Zusammenfassung. Der gleiche Unterricht wird von Schülerinnen und Schülern einer Klasse unterschiedlich wahrgenommen. Unklar ist, welche Schülermerkmale hierfür ursächlich sind. Aus der Forschung ist zudem bekannt, dass Schülereinschätzungen der Unterrichtsqualität prädiktiv für den Schulerfolg sind. Allerdings beziehen sich viele Arbeiten auf Lernende weiterführender Schulen sowie auf mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fächer. Vor diesem Hintergrund wurde in dieser Arbeit analysiert, ob zwischen Grundschülerinnen und Grundschülern systematische Unterschiede in der Wahrnehmung der Basisdimensionen von Unterrichtsqualität, Klassenführung, kognitive Aktivierung und Unterrichtsklima, im Deutschunterricht bestehen. Zusätzlich wurde untersucht, ob unter Kontrolle der individuellen Lesekompetenz die angenommenen Zusammenhänge bestehen bleiben. Des Weiteren wurde geprüft, ob die Unterrichtsqualitätseinschätzung geschlechtsbezogene Unterschiede in motivationalen Schülervariablen, welche für den Schulerfolg von Lernenden relevant sind, miterklären kann. Die Forschungsfragen wurden anhand der deutschen Teilstichprobe ( N = 3959, 49.2% weiblich) der Internationalen Grundschul-Lese-Untersuchung 2016 mit Mehrebenenmodellen überprüft. Mädchen nahmen das unterstützende Unterrichtsklima positiver wahr als Jungen. Das Geschlecht war hingegen nicht prädiktiv für die Wahrnehmung der Klassenführung und des Unterrichtsklimas. Auch unter Kontrolle der individuellen Lesekompetenz blieben die Zusammenhänge bestehen. Zusätzlich zeigte sich, dass die geschlechterbezogenen Unterschiede in der Lesemotivation und dem Leseverhalten durch die Wahrnehmung der Unterrichtsqualität vermittelt wurden. Die Ergebnisse werden inhaltlich und methodisch diskutiert. Implikationen für Forschung und Praxis werden abgeleitet.
Prädiktoren der Kompetenzwahrnehmung von Schülerinnen und Schülern im Biologieunterricht
Authors: Großmann Nadine , Eckes Alexander , Wilde Matthias
Published: April 2020

Zusammenfassung. Die Befriedigung des psychologischen Grundbedürfnisses nach Kompetenz wird gemäß der Selbstbestimmungstheorie als essentiell für erfolgreiche Lernprozesse angenommen. Im Forschungsfeld Schule werden zumeist kontextuelle Bedingungen zur Befriedigung dieses Bedürfnisses beschrieben. Hierbei wird häufig nicht berücksichtigt, dass sich auch individuelle Voraussetzungen der Schülerinnen und Schüler auf ihre Kompetenzwahrnehmung auswirken. In einer ersten Studie wurden daher mögliche Prädiktoren der episodischen Kompetenzwahrnehmung von Schülerinnen und Schülern, die sowohl kontextbezogene als auch individuelle Voraussetzungen abbilden, in einer Unterrichtseinheit im Biologieunterricht untersucht. 172 Schülerinnen und Schüler der sechsten Jahrgangsstufe erhielten hierfür eine Unterrichtseinheit zum Thema Ernährung und Verdauung. Im Vortest wurden die domänenspezifische Kompetenzwahrnehmung der Schülerinnen und Schüler sowie ihr Vorwissen über den Lerngegenstand der Unterrichtseinheit erfasst. Im Nachtest wurden die episodische Autonomiewahrnehmung der Schülerinnen und Schüler sowie ihre episodische Kompetenzwahrnehmung erhoben. Die Regressionsanalyse bestätigte die episodische Autonomiewahrnehmung der Schülerinnen und Schüler sowie ihre domänenspezifische Kompetenzwahrnehmung als Prädiktoren ihrer episodischen Kompetenzwahrnehmung. In Einklang mit den Befunden der ersten Studie wird in der Selbstbestimmungstheorie angenommen, dass autonomieförderliche Maßnahmen zur Befriedigung des Bedürfnisses nach Kompetenz beitragen können. Diese Annahme wurde im Kontext Schule bisher selten überprüft. Zielvariablen in der Untersuchung der Wirksamkeit autonomieförderlicher Maßnahmen sind zumeist motivationale Qualitäten, das Engagement oder die Leistung von Schülerinnen und Schülern. Eine zweite Studie wurde daher konzipiert, in der autonomieförderliche Maßnahmen entwickelt und bezüglich ihrer Auswirkungen auf die episodische Kompetenzwahrnehmung von Schülerinnen und Schülern evaluiert wurden. 103 Schülerinnen und Schüler wurden hierfür von einer autonomieförderlichen Lehrperson unterrichtet, während 92 Schülerinnen und Schüler Unterricht bei einer kontrollierenden Lehrperson erhielten. Die Unterrichtseinheit war inhaltlich und methodisch identisch zur ersten Studie gestaltet. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen das Treatment und die domänenspezifische Kompetenzwahrnehmung als Prädiktoren der episodischen Kompetenzwahrnehmung auf. Zudem konnte die motivationale Regulation, jedoch nicht das Treatment als Prädiktor des Interesses und Vergnügens bestätigt werden.
Predictors of Subjective Cognitive Impairment in Help-Seekers With and Without Symptoms of a Major Depression
Authors: Soellner Anna , Lubitz Alexander F. , Lueschow Andreas , Niedeggen Michael
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Previous studies related subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) in the absence of objectifiable cognitive deficits to a prodromal stage of neurodegenerative diseases. However, there is also evidence that the expression of SCI in older people is primarily determined by the psychoaffective state and is markedly increased in depression. This study provides a better estimation of the impact of a major depression on the SCI level. Our sample comprised 70 participants visiting a memory clinic, 30 whom fulfilled the criteria of a major depressive disorder according to ICD-10 criteria. Using the CPI questionnaire (Complainer Profile Identification), we assessed the level of SCI and its expression in the three cognitive domains of memory, attention, and executive functions. These scores were related in turn to the psychoaffective state (GDS, Geriatric Depression Scale) and the cognitive performance on neuropsychological standard tests. Comparing help-seekers with (HS+) and without (HS−) major depression, we observed that negative mood and SCI level were significantly higher in HS+. Although within a normal performance range, memory and executive functions were also slightly reduced in HS+ compared to HS−. Linear regression analysis revealed that the psychoaffective state predicted the SCI level in HS−, while the cognitive performance did not contribute ( R2: 28.3%). In contrast, both factors significantly contributed to the SCI level in HS+ ( R2: 56.3%). This pattern was also observed for the level of subjective impairment in the memory and executive domain. The results indicate that, when assessing SCI in patients, it is necessary to inquire about the affective state, as patients with a major depression are more likely to suffer from cognitive impairment. Longitudinal research can help to determine whether help-seeking behavior in patients without a depression results from dementia worry or genuinely higher risk of a neurodegenerative disease.
Effect of Atlantic Sea Surface Temperature in May on Intraseasonal Variability of Eurasian NDVI in Summer
Authors: Ji Liuqing , Fan Ke
Published: April 2020

Intraseasonal variabilities exist in terms of Eurasian vegetation growth in summer, as estimated by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The spatiotemporal patterns of Eurasian NDVI in June are significantly different from those in July and August (JA), especially over eastern Europe and western Siberia (50°–70°N, 30°–90°E; abbreviated as EEWS). Meanwhile, June and JA EEWS‐NDVI respond differently to the Atlantic sea surface temperature in May over coastal regions (35°–60°N, 20°W–20°E; abbreviated as ACSST). During 1982–2015, the JA EEWS‐NDVI is significantly related to May ACSST (correlation coefficient: 0.44, significant at the 1% level), whereas the June EEWS‐NDVI shows only a slight and nonsignificant relationship (correlation coefficient: 0.23). In June, the EEWS‐NDVI is primarily influenced by the local 2‐m temperature (correlation coefficient: 0.62, significant at the 1% level), whereas in JA it is more closely linked with soil moisture (correlation coefficient: 0.38, significant at the 5% level). Increased May ACSST corresponds to lower surface air temperature and increased precipitation, which is accompanied by higher soil moisture over the EEWS region, and a persistently high soil moisture from May to JA is favorable for the growth of vegetation. However, the surface air temperature in June responding to higher ACSST is slightly lower, which is not conducive to the vegetation growth in June. Numerical experiments are carried out using CAM5, and the results support the proposed physical mechanisms. Therefore, May ACSST is a possible climatic factor responsible for the intraseasonal variabilities of EEWS‐NDVI, which may serve as a predictor of JA vegetation over Eurasia.
Methodology of the Constraint Condition in Dynamical Downscaling for Regional Climate Evaluation: A Review
Authors: Adachi S. A. , Tomita H.
Published: April 2020

The dynamical downscaling method with a regional climate model (RCM) is widely used to assess the spatially detailed information about regional climate. However, the RCM result is considerably influenced by the systematic errors inherent to a general circulation model (GCM), which provides the initial and boundary conditions to the RCM. Such systematic errors sometimes lead to meaningless downscaled results. Many modified boundary dynamical downscaling (MBDDS) methods have been proposed to reduce the influences of the systematic errors of a GCM and extract meaningful signals for regional climate change. This study comprehensively reviews the MBDDS methods. The MBDDS methods partially modify the climate information projected by a GCM and use them as the boundary conditions of an RCM. The objectives of the methods are organized into two main objectives, that is, to obtain more reliable projections by correcting the biases in boundary conditions and to better understand the regional climate change mechanisms. To ensure comprehensive understanding of the MBDDS methods, this study attempts to interpret the errors included in the downscaled results using mathematical expressions, separating the GCM‐originated bias and RCM's own bias. Using this analysis, the MBDDS methods are classified based on the following questions: What effect is expected from the bias correction? Which of the climate change components projected by a GCM is considered when assessing the future climate change? The direction and issues that need to be addressed in the future for better understanding the regional climate change are also discussed.
Noninvasive 2D and 3D Mapping of Root Zone Soil Moisture Through the Detection of Coarse Roots With Ground‐Penetrating Radar
Authors: Liu X. , Chen J. , Butnor J. R. , Qin G. , Cui X. , Fan B. , Lin H. , Guo L.
Published: April 2020

Root zone soil moisture (RZSM) is important in sustaining terrestrial ecosystems and water cycling. However, noninvasive mapping of RZSM remains challenging in the field, especially its spatial variability at local scales. We propose a novel method of applying ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) for noninvasive determination of RZSM. First, this method identified coarse root reflections in GPR images to obtain the reflected wave velocity and soil water storage at various locations. Then, the horizontal distributions of soil water storage to different depths were reconstructed using the inverse distance weighted interpolation. The difference in soil water storage between two depths was converted into 2D RZSM distribution for a specific depth interval. Finally, 2D RZSM distributions from a range of depths were combined to produce a 3D visualization of RZSM. The proposed method was validated in two field plots (30 m by 30 m) in shrublands. The comparisons with 2D RZSM distributions from soil cores sampled at 0.2‐m depth intervals suggested a reasonable correspondence in both spatial patterns and absolute values, with the average root‐mean‐square error less than 0.017 m3·m−3 and correlation coefficients ranging from 0.502 to 0.798 in both plots. Furthermore, 3D visualizations of RZSM were generated based on GPR estimates to demonstrate the spatial variability of soil moisture at the study scale. The proposed method enhances noninvasive characterization of soil moisture down to the root zone, which contributes to a better understanding of the local‐scale variability of soil moisture in the subsoil as well as the ecohydrological processes in the soil‐plant‐atmosphere continuum.
Thank You to Our 2019 Reviewers
Authors: Fox Peter A. , Diviacco Paolo , Donnellan Andrea , Glaves Helen M. , Jiang Jonathan H. , Maute Astrid , Pirenne Benoit , Tiampo Kristy , Vernon Frank
Published: April 2020

Key Points

The editors thank the 2019 peer reviewers
Arc‐Type Magmatism Due to Continental‐Edge Plowing Through Ancient Subduction‐Enriched Mantle
Authors: van Hinsbergen Douwe J. J. , Spakman Wim , de Boorder Hugo , van Dongen Michiel , Jowitt Simon M. , Mason Paul R. D.
Published: April 2020

The puzzling <7 Ma old “postsubduction” arc magmatism of New Guinea contains geochemical subduction‐type signatures yet did not occur above an active subduction zone. Here we show that these arc magmas formed at the North Australian continental lithospheric edge when it plowed northward through mantle above the detached Arafura slab remnant. This mantle preserved its subduction signature and the edge plowing process generated new melts that ascended via an active transform fault. Arafura slab subduction occurred at an intraoceanic subduction zone that ended ~30–25 Ma ago, when the Australian continental edge was still ~1,000 km to the south. Our absolute plate tectonic reconstruction of continental‐edge plowing suggests that ancient mantle wedges remain semistationary in the upper mantle and can preserve their geochemical signature for tens of Ma, explaining previously enigmatic “postsubduction” arc magmatism.
A Merged Search‐Coil and Fluxgate Magnetometer Data Product for Parker Solar Probe FIELDS
Authors: Bowen T. A. , Bale S. D. , Bonnell J. W. , Dudok de Wit T. , Goetz K. , Goodrich K. , Gruesbeck J. , Harvey P. R. , Jannet G. , Koval A. , MacDowall R. J. , Malaspina D. M. , Pulupa M. , Revillet C. , Sheppard D. , Szabo A.
Published: April 2020

NASA's Parker Solar Probe (PSP) mission is currently investigating the local plasma environment of the inner heliosphere (<0.25 R⊙) using both in situ and remote sensing instrumentation. Connecting signatures of microphysical particle heating and acceleration processes to macroscale heliospheric structure requires sensitive measurements of electromagnetic fields over a large range of physical scales. The FIELDS instrument, which provides PSP with in situ measurements of electromagnetic fields of the inner heliosphere and corona, includes a set of three vector magnetometers: two fluxgate magnetometers (MAGs) and a single inductively coupled search‐coil magnetometer (SCM). Together, the three FIELDS magnetometers enable measurements of the local magnetic field with a bandwidth ranging from DC to 1 MHz. This manuscript reports on the development of a merged data set combining SCM and MAG (SCaM) measurements, enabling a high fidelity data product with an optimal signal‐to‐noise ratio. On‐ground characterization tests of complex instrumental responses and noise floors are discussed as well as application to the in‐flight calibration of FIELDS data. The algorithm used on PSP/FIELDS to merge waveform observations from multiple sensors with optimal signal‐to‐noise characteristics is presented. In‐flight analysis of calibrations and merging algorithm performance demonstrates a timing accuracy to well within the survey rate sample period of ∼340 μs.
Anthropogenic and Climate Contributions on the Changes in Terrestrial Water Storage in India
Authors: Asoka Akarsh , Mishra Vimal
Published: April 2020

Despite the rapid depletion of groundwater and significant changes in surface water storage, the role of anthropogenic and climatic factors on terrestrial water storage (TWS) in India remains largely unexplored. Here, we provide a hydrologic framework based on the Variable Infiltration Capacity‐SIMple Groundwater Model (VIC‐SIMGM) and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) data sets to estimate the contribution of climate variability and anthropogenic groundwater pumping on TWS in the Indian basins. The VIC‐SIMGM model was satisfactorily calibrated and evaluated against observed monthly streamflow and groundwater anomalies for the 17 river basins in India. The modeling setup combined with the GRACE data can be used for understanding the role of climate variability on surface and groundwater (shallow) storage in India. A significantly high correlation between TWS anomaly from GRACE (TWSAGRACE) and the VIC‐SIMGM (TWSAVIC) was found in the majority of India except in northwest India. The negative correlation in northwest India is primarily due to considerable groundwater pumping for irrigation. Groundwater storage anomaly explains a significant variability of GRACETWSA in India, indicating the influence of anthropogenic groundwater pumping for irrigation. However, in the absence of anthropogenic influence, soil moisture is the major contributor to TWSA in the majority of India. The net anthropogenic depletion of TWS in north India is considerably higher than that estimated from the GRACE as the increase in precipitation has, during the recent decades, contributed to slowing down the declining rate of TWS.
Protective effects of Akkermansia muciniphila on cognitive deficits and amyloid pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ou Zihao , Deng Lulu , Lu Zhi , Wu Feifan , Liu Wanting , Huang Dongquan , Peng Yongzheng
Published: April 2020

Objective

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a global health problem without effective methods to alleviate the disease progression. Amyloid β-protein (Aβ) is widely accepted as a key biomarker for AD. Metabolic syndromes, including obesity and insulin resistance, are key high risk factors for AD. Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk), the only representative human gut microbe in the genus Verrucomicrobia, can prevent the weight gain caused by a high-fat diet, repair the damaged integrity of the intestinal epithelium barrier, reduce endotoxin levels in blood and improve insulin resistance. The aim of this study is to explore the impact of Akk administration in AD model mice in different diets.

Methods

APP/PS1 mice were fed either a normal chow diet or a high-fat diet and were treated with Akk by gavage each day for 6 months. The impacts of Akk on glucose metabolism, intestinal barrier and lipid metabolism in the mouse model of AD were determined. Changes in brain pathology and neuroethology were also analyzed.

Results

Akk effectively reduced the fasting blood glucose and serum diamine oxidase levels, and alleviated the reduction of colonic mucus cells in APP/PS1 mice. After treatment with Akk, the APP/PS1 mice showed obviously reduced blood lipid levels, improved hepatic steatosis and scapular brown fat whitening. Moreover, Akk promoted the reduction of Aβ 40–42 levels in the cerebral cortex of APP/PS1 mice, shortened the study time and improved the completion rate in Y-maze tests.

Conclusion

Akk effectively improved glucose tolerance, intestine barrier dysfunction and dyslipidemia in AD model mice. Our study results suggested that Akk could delay the pathological changes in the brain and relieve impairment of spatial learning and memory in AD model mice, which provides a new strategy for prevention and treatment of AD.
Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of heavy cannabis exposure in a New Zealand longitudinal cohort
Authors: Osborne Amy J. , Pearson John F. , Noble Alexandra J. , Gemmell Neil J. , Horwood L. John , Boden Joseph M. , Benton Miles C. , Macartney-Coxson Donia P. , Kennedy Martin A.
Published: April 2020

Cannabis use is of increasing public health interest globally. Here we examined the effect of heavy cannabis use, with and without tobacco, on genome-wide DNA methylation in a longitudinal birth cohort (Christchurch Health and Development Study, CHDS). A total of 48 heavy cannabis users were selected from the CHDS cohort, on the basis of their adult exposure to cannabis and tobacco, and DNA methylation assessed from whole blood samples, collected at approximately age 28. Methylation in heavy cannabis users was assessed, relative to non-users (n = 48 controls) via the Illumina Infinium® MethylationEPIC BeadChip. We found the most differentially methylated sites in cannabis with tobacco users were in the AHRR and F2RL3 genes, replicating previous studies on the effects of tobacco. Cannabis-only users had no evidence of differential methylation in these genes, or at any other loci at the epigenome-wide significance level (P < 10−7). However, there were 521 sites differentially methylated at P < 0.001 which were enriched for genes involved in neuronal signalling (glutamatergic synapse and long-term potentiation) and cardiomyopathy. Further, the most differentially methylated loci were associated with genes with reported roles in brain function (e.g. TMEM190, MUC3L, CDC20 and SP9). We conclude that the effects of cannabis use on the mature human blood methylome differ from, and are less pronounced than, the effects of tobacco use, and that larger sample sizes are required to investigate this further.
A high definition picture of somatic mutations in chronic lymphoproliferative disorder of natural killer cells
Authors: Gasparini Vanessa Rebecca , Binatti Andrea , Coppe Alessandro , Teramo Antonella , Vicenzetto Cristina , Calabretto Giulia , Barilà Gregorio , Barizza Annica , Giussani Edoardo , Facco Monica , Mustjoki Satu , Semenzato Gianpietro , Zambello Renato , Bortoluzzi Stefania
Published: April 2020

The molecular pathogenesis of chronic lymphoproliferative disorder of natural killer (NK) cells (CLPD‐NK) is poorly understood. Following the screening of 57 CLPD-NK patients, only five presented STAT3 mutations. WES profiling of 13 cases negative for STAT3/STAT5B mutations uncovered an average of 18 clonal, population rare and deleterious somatic variants per patient. The mutational landscape of CLPD-NK showed that most patients carry a heavy mutational burden, with major and subclonal deleterious mutations co-existing in the leukemic clone. Somatic mutations hit genes wired to cancer proliferation, survival, and migration pathways, in the first place Ras/MAPK, PI3K-AKT, in addition to JAK/STAT (PIK3R1 and PTK2). We confirmed variants with putative driver role of MAP10, MPZL1, RPS6KA1, SETD1B, TAOK2, TMEM127, and TNFRSF1A genes, and of genes linked to viral infections (DDX3X and RSF1) and DNA repair (PAXIP1). A truncating mutation of the epigenetic regulator TET2 and a variant likely abrogating PIK3R1-negative regulatory activity were validated. This study significantly furthered the view of the genes and pathways involved in CLPD-NK, indicated similarities with aggressive diseases of NK cells and detected mutated genes targetable by approved drugs, being a step forward to personalized precision medicine for CLPD-NK patients.
Effects of rice-based and wheat-based diets on bowel movements in young Korean women with functional constipation
Authors: Jung Su-Jin , Oh Mi-Ra , Park Soo-Hyun , Chae Soo-Wan
Published: April 2020

Background

Although several studies have reported the effects that dietary fiber intake from different types of grains and fiber components have on bowel movements, insufficient attention has been paid to comparing and evaluating the effects of rice-based and wheat-based diets. This study compared and evaluated the effects of ingesting rice-based (brown rice-based diet: BRD; white rice-based diet: WRD) and wheat-based diet (WD) on the bowel movements of young women with functional constipation.

Method

Based on an open, randomized, controlled, and parallel design, 39 subjects were assigned to BRD, WRD, and WD groups (13 in each group). Each participant had received three types of experimental diets over the course of 4 weeks and we recommended that the subjects eat only the test diet provided during the study. Primary outcomes (total colon transit time TCTT) and secondary outcomes (bowel movements, short-chain fatty acid content, and fecal enzyme activity) were compared before and after the 4-week intervention period.

Results

After the 4-week study, the rice-based diet (BRD and WRD) groups and the WD group had a statistically significant difference in TCTT (p = 0.028). The TCTT of the BRD group was significantly reduced (p = 0.028) compared with the WRD group (−16.5 ± 8.1 vs +6.8 ± 2.1), and the TCTT of the WD group was also significantly reduced (p = 0.022) compared with that of the WRD group (−17.1 ± 11.9 vs +6.8 ± 2.1).

Conclusion

Among women with functional constipation, the BRD and WD both improved bowel function by reducing TCTT and increasing the number of bowel movements compared with the WRD group.
Risk factors for astigmatic components and internal compensation: the Nanjing Eye Study
Authors: Wang Zijin , Tong Haohai , Hao Qingfeng , Chen Xuejuan , Zhu Hui , Huang Dan , Li Rui , Hu Zhibin , Liu Hu
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To determine the risk factors for total astigmatism (TA), anterior corneal astigmatism (ACA), and internal compensation in Chinese preschool children.

Methods

In the population-based Nanjing Eye Study, children were measured for noncycloplegic refractive error and for biometric parameters. Data from questionnaires and measures from right eyes were analyzed for determining risk factors for TA, ACA, and internal compensation from multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

Of 1327 children (66.8 ± 3.4 months, 53.2% male), older age of the child (OR = 0.95 for per month increase; P = 0.03), older paternal age at child birth (OR = 1.04 for per year increase; P = 0.03), paternal astigmatism (OR = 1.89; P = 0.003), maternal astigmatism (OR = 1.73, P = 0.008), and second-hand smoke exposure during pregnancy (OR = 1.64; P = 0.03) were associated with higher risk of TA, while partial breastfeeding (OR = 0.49, P = 0.006) or formula feeding (OR = 0.46, P = 0.003) were associated with lower risk of TA. Larger ratio of axial length to corneal radius (OR = 16.16 for per unit increase; P = 0.001), maternal working during pregnancy (OR = 1.27; P = 0.04), and cesarean delivery (OR = 1.68, P = 0.04) were associated with higher risk of ACA, while formula feeding was associated with lower risk of ACA (OR = 0.57, P = 0.01). Paternal astigmatism (OR = 0.50, P = 0.01) and assisted reproduction (OR = 0.56, P = 0.03) were associated with lower risk of horizontal or vertical internal compensation. More outdoor activity time (OR = 1.15 for per hour increase, P = 0.01) was associated with higher risk of oblique internal compensation while more nighttime sleep on weekends (OR = 0.83 for per hour increase, P = 0.01) was associated with lower risk of oblique internal compensation.

Conclusions

Our study confirmed some previously reported risk factors and identified some novel risk factors for astigmatism including formula feeding for lower risk of both ACA and TA, and older paternal age at child birth for higher risk of TA.
The Flemmingsome reveals an ESCRT-to-membrane coupling via ALIX/syntenin/syndecan-4 required for completion of cytokinesis
Authors: Addi Cyril , Presle Adrien , Frémont Stéphane , Cuvelier Frédérique , Rocancourt Murielle , Milin Florine , Schmutz Sandrine , Chamot-Rooke Julia , Douché Thibaut , Duchateau Magalie , Giai Gianetto Quentin , Salles Audrey , Ménager Hervé , Matondo Mariette , Zimmermann Pascale , Gupta-Rossi Neetu , Echard Arnaud
Published: April 2020

Cytokinesis requires the constriction of ESCRT-III filaments on the side of the midbody, where abscission occurs. After ESCRT recruitment at the midbody, it is not known how the ESCRT-III machinery localizes to the abscission site. To reveal actors involved in abscission, we obtained the proteome of intact, post-abscission midbodies (Flemmingsome) and identified 489 proteins enriched in this organelle. Among these proteins, we further characterized a plasma membrane-to-ESCRT module composed of the transmembrane proteoglycan syndecan-4, ALIX and syntenin, a protein that bridges ESCRT-III/ALIX to syndecans. The three proteins are highly recruited first at the midbody then at the abscission site, and their depletion delays abscission. Mechanistically, direct interactions between ALIX, syntenin and syndecan-4 are essential for proper enrichment of the ESCRT-III machinery at the abscission site, but not at the midbody. We propose that the ESCRT-III machinery must be physically coupled to a membrane protein at the cytokinetic abscission site for efficient scission, uncovering common requirements in cytokinesis, exosome formation and HIV budding.
Donor-delivered cell wall hydrolases facilitate nanotube penetration into recipient bacteria
Authors: Baidya Amit K. , Rosenshine Ilan , Ben-Yehuda Sigal
Published: April 2020

Bacteria can produce membranous nanotubes that mediate contact-dependent exchange of molecules among bacterial cells. However, it is unclear how nanotubes cross the cell wall to emerge from the donor or to penetrate into the recipient cell. Here, we report that Bacillus subtilis utilizes cell wall remodeling enzymes, the LytC amidase and its enhancer LytB, for efficient nanotube extrusion and penetration. Nanotube production is reduced in a lytBC mutant, and the few nanotubes formed appear deficient in penetrating into target cells. Donor-derived LytB molecules localize along nanotubes and on the surface of nanotube-connected neighbouring cells, primarily at sites of nanotube penetration. Furthermore, LytB from donor B. subtilis can activate LytC of recipient bacteria from diverse species, facilitating cell wall hydrolysis to establish nanotube connection. Our data provide a mechanistic view of how intercellular connecting devices can be formed among neighbouring bacteria.
Author Correction: Portable and Error-Free DNA-Based Data Storage
Authors: Yazdi S. M. Hossein Tabatabaei , Gabrys Ryan , Milenkovic Olgica
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Hierarchical levels of organization of the Brazil nut mesocarp
Authors: Sonego Marilia , Fleck Claudia , Pessan Luiz Antonio
Published: April 2020

Aiming to understand Nature´s strategies that inspire new composite materials, the hierarchical levels of organization of the Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) mesocarp were investigated. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), microtomography (MicroCT) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) were used to deeply describe the cellular and fibrillary levels of organization. The mesocarp is the middle layer of the fruit which has developed several strategies to avoid its opening and protect its seed. Fibers have a different orientation in the three layers of the mesocarp, what reduces the anisotropy of the structure. Sclereids cells with thick cell walls fill the spaces between the fibers resembling a foam-filled structural composite. The mesocarp has several tubular channels and fractured surfaces which may work as sites for crack trapping and increase toughness. The thick and lignified cell wall of sclereids and fibers and the weak interface between cells can promote a longer and tortuous intercellular crack path. Additionally, fibers with high strength and stiffness due to microfibrils oriented along the main cell axis (µ = 0° to 17°) were identified in the innermost layer of the mesocarp. Such an understanding of each hierarchical level can inspire the development of new cellular composites with improved mechanical behavior
miR-548aq-3p is a novel target of Far infrared radiation which predicts coronary artery disease endothelial colony forming cell responsiveness
Authors: Tsai Wei-Che , Chiang Wei-Hui , Wu Chun-Hsien , Li Yue-Cheng , Campbell Mel , Huang Po-Hsun , Lin Ming-Wei , Lin Chi-Hung , Cheng Shu-Meng , Chang Pei-Ching , Cheng Cheng-Chung
Published: April 2020

Non-invasive far infrared radiation (FIR) has been observed to improve the health of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) contribute to vascular repair and CAD. The goal of this study was to uncover the role of FIR in ECFCs function and to reveal potential biomarkers for indication of FIR therapy in CAD patients. FIR significantly enhanced in vitro migration (transwell assay) and tube formation (tube length) capacities in a subpopulation of CAD ECFCs. Clinical parameters associated with the responsiveness of ECFCs to FIR include smoking and gender. ECFCs from CAD patients that smoke did not respond to FIR in most cases. In contrast, ECFCs from females showed a higher responsiveness to FIR than ECFCs from males. To decipher the molecular mechanisms by which FIR modulates ECFCs functions, regardless of sex, RNA sequencing analysis was performed in both genders of FIR-responsive and FIR-non/unresponsive ECFCs. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of FIR up-regulated genes indicated that the pathways enriched in FIR-responsive ECFCs were involved in cell viability, angiogenesis and transcription. Small RNA sequencing illustrated 18 and 14 miRNAs that are up- and down-regulated, respectively, in FIR-responsive CAD ECFCs in both genders. Among the top 5 up- and down-regulated miRNAs, down-regulation of miR-548aq-3p in CAD ECFCs after FIR treatment was observed in FIR-responsive CAD ECFCs by RT-qPCR. Down-regulation of miR-548aq-3p was correlated with the tube formation activity of CAD ECFCs enhanced by FIR. After establishment of the down-regulation of miR-548aq-3p by FIR in CAD ECFCs, we demonstrated through overexpression and knockdown experiments that miR-548aq-3p contributes to the inhibition of the tube formation of ECFCs. This study suggests the down-regulation of miR-548aq-3p by FIR may contribute to the improvement of ECFCs function, and represents a novel biomarker for therapeutic usage of FIR in CAD patients.
Constraining the sub-arc, parental magma composition for the giant Altiplano-Puna Volcanic Complex, northern Chile
Authors: González-Maurel Osvaldo , Deegan Frances M. , le Roux Petrus , Harris Chris , Troll Valentin R. , Godoy Benigno
Published: April 2020

The Andean continental arc is built upon the thickest crust on Earth, whose eruption products reflect varying degrees of crustal assimilation. In order to robustly model magma evolution and assimilation at subduction zones such as the Andes, the compositions of parental magmas feeding crustal magma reservoirs need to be defined. Here we present new olivine and clinopyroxene oxygen isotope data from rare mafic volcanic rocks erupted at the margins of the giant Altiplano-Puna Magma Body (APMB) of the Altiplano-Puna Volcanic Complex, Central Andes. Existing olivine and pyroxene δ18O values for the Central Andes are highly variable and potentially not representative of sub-arc parental compositions. However, new olivine (n = 6) and clinopyroxene (n = 12) δ18O values of six Central Andean volcanoes presented here display a narrow range, with averages at 6.0‰ ± 0.2 (2σ S.D.) and 6.7‰ ± 0.3 (2σ S.D.), consistent with a common history for the investigated minerals. These data allow us to estimate the δ18O values of sub-arc, parental melts to ca. 7.0‰ ± 0.2 (2σ S.D.). Parental melts feeding the APMB and associated volcanic centres are postulated to form in the felsic continental crust following assimilation of up to 28% high-δ18O basement rocks by mantle-derived magmas.
Exploring the operating factors controlling Kouleothrix (type 1851), the dominant filamentous bacterial population, in a full-scale A2O plant
Authors: Nittami Tadashi , Kasakura Risa , Kobayashi Toshimasa , Suzuki Kota , Koshiba Yusuke , Fukuda Junji , Takeda Minoru , Tobino Tomohiro , Kurisu Futoshi , Rice Daniel , Petrovski Steve , Seviour Robert J.
Published: April 2020

This study reveals that the abundance of the filament Kouleothrix (Eikelboom type 1851) correlated positively with poor settleability of activated sludge biomass in a Japanese full-scale nutrient removal wastewater treatment plant sampled over a one-year period. 16S rRNA amplicon sequence data confirmed that Kouleothrix was the dominant filament in the plant, with a relative abundance of 3.06% positively correlated with sludge volume index (SVI) (R = 0.691). Moreover, Kouleothrix (type 1851) appeared to form interfloc bridges, typical of bulking sludge, regardless of season. Together with earlier studies that indicated the responsibility of Kouleothrix (type 1851) on bulking events, these data suggest that their high relative abundances alone may be responsible for sludge bulking. 16S rRNA qPCR data for this filament showed changes in its relative abundance correlated with changes in several operational parameters, including mixed liquor temperature, sludge retention time, and suspended solids concentration, and it may be that manipulating these may help control Kouleothrix bulking.
Conceptual framework and uncertainty analysis for large-scale, species-agnostic modelling of landscape connectivity across Alberta, Canada
Authors: Marrec Ronan , Abdel Moniem Hossam E. , Iravani Majid , Hricko Branko , Kariyeva Jahan , Wagner Helene H.
Published: April 2020

Sustainable land-use planning should consider large-scale landscape connectivity. Commonly-used species-specific connectivity models are difficult to generalize for a wide range of taxa. In the context of multi-functional land-use planning, there is growing interest in species-agnostic approaches, modelling connectivity as a function of human landscape modification. We propose a conceptual framework, apply it to model connectivity as current density across Alberta, Canada, and assess map sensitivity to modelling decisions. We directly compared the uncertainty related to (1) the definition of the degree of human modification, (2) the decision whether water bodies are considered barriers to movement, and (3) the scaling function used to translate degree of human modification into resistance values. Connectivity maps were most sensitive to the consideration of water as barrier to movement, followed by the choice of scaling function, whereas maps were more robust to different conceptualizations of the degree of human modification. We observed higher concordance among cells with high (standardized) current density values than among cells with low values, which supports the identification of cells contributing to larger-scale connectivity based on a cut-off value. We conclude that every parameter in species-agnostic connectivity modelling requires attention, not only the definition of often-criticized expert-based degrees of human modification.
Possibility of cancer-stem-cell-targeted radioimmunotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia using 211At-CXCR4 monoclonal antibody
Authors: Oriuchi Noboru , Aoki Miho , Ukon Naoyuki , Washiyama Kohshin , Tan Chengbo , Shimoyama Saki , Nishijima Ken-ichi , Takahashi Kazuhiro , Ito Hiroshi , Ikezoe Takayuki , Zhao Songji
Published: April 2020

To explore stem-cell-targeted radioimmunotherapy with α-particles in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), pharmacokinetics and dosimetry of the 211At-labeled anti-C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 monoclonal antibody (211At-CXCR4 mAb) were conducted using tumor xenografted mice. The biological half-life of 211At-CXCR4 mAb in blood was 15.0 h. The highest tumor uptake of 5.05%ID/g with the highest tumor-to-muscle ratio of 8.51 ± 6.14 was obtained at 6 h. Radiation dosimetry estimated with a human phantom showed absorbed doses of 0.512 mGy/MBq in the bone marrow, 0.287 mGy/MBq in the kidney, and <1 mGy/MBq in other major organs except bone. Sphere model analysis revealed 22.8 mGy/MBq in a tumor of 10 g; in this case, the tumor-to-bone marrow and tumor-to-kidney ratios were 44.5 and 79.4, respectively. The stem-cell-targeted α-particle therapy using 211At-CXCR4 mAb for AML appears possible and requires further therapeutic studies.
In-vitro reconfigurability of native chemical automata, the inclusiveness of their hierarchy and their thermodynamics
Authors: Dueñas-Díez Marta , Pérez-Mercader Juan
Published: April 2020

Living systems process information using chemistry. Computations can be viewed as language recognition problems where both languages and automata recognizing them form an inclusive hierarchy. Chemical realizations, without using biochemistry, of the main classes of computing automata, Finite Automata (FA), 1-stack Push Down Automata (1-PDA) and Turing Machine (TM) have recently been presented. These use chemistry for the representation of input information, its processing and output information. The Turing machine uses the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) oscillatory reaction to recognize a representative Context-Sensitive Language (CSL), the 1-PDA uses a pH network to recognize a Context Free Language (CFL) and a FA for a Regular Language (RL) uses a precipitation reaction. By chemically reconfiguring them to recognize representative languages in the lower classes of the Chomsky hierarchy we illustrate the inclusiveness of the hierarchy of native chemical automata. These examples open the door for chemical programming without biochemistry. Furthermore, the thermodynamic metric originally introduced to identify the accept/reject state of the chemical output for the CSL, can equally be used for recognizing CFL and RL by the automata. Finally, we point out how the chemical and thermodynamic duality of accept/reject criteria can be used in the optimization of the energetics and efficiency of computations.
Geographic variation in maternal investment and trade-offs between egg size and clutch size in an endemic toad of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Yu Tong Lei , Deng Yao Hui
Published: April 2020

Life history theory predicts that animals often produce fewer offspring of larger size and indicate a stronger trade-off between the number and size of offspring to cope with increasing environmental stress. In order to evaluate this prediction, we tested the life history characteristics of Bufo minshanicus at eight different altitudes on the eastern Tibetan Plateau, China. Our results revealed a positive correlation between female SVL and clutch size or egg size, revealing that larger females produce more and larger eggs. However, high-altitude toads seem to favor more offspring and smaller egg sizes when removing the effect of female SVL, which is counter to theoretical predictions. In addition, there was an overall significantly negative relationship between egg size and clutch size, indicative of a trade-off between egg size and fecundity. Therefore, we suggest that higher fecundity, rather than larger egg size, is a more effective reproductive strategy for this species of anuran living at high-altitude environments.
Dispersal of female and male Aedes aegypti from discarded container habitats using a stable isotope mark-capture study design in South Texas
Authors: Juarez Jose G. , Garcia-Luna Selene , Chaves Luis Fernando , Carbajal Ester , Valdez Edwin , Avila Courtney , Tang Wendy , Martin Estelle , Barrera Roberto , Hemme Ryan R. , Mutebi John-Paul , Vuong Nga , Roark E. Brendan , Maupin Christopher R. , Badillo-Vargas Ismael E. , Hamer Gabriel L.
Published: April 2020

Aedes aegypti is the main vector of arboviral diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika. A key feature for disease transmission modeling and vector control planning is adult mosquito dispersal. We studied Ae aegypti adult dispersal by conducting a mark-capture study of naturally occurring Ae. aegypti from discarded containers found along a canal that divided two residential communities in Donna, Texas, USA. Stable isotopes were used to enrich containers with either 13C or 15N. Adult mosquitoes were collected outdoors in the yards of households throughout the communities with BG Sentinel 2 traps during a 12-week period. Marked mosquito pools with stable isotopes were used to estimate the mean distance travelled using three different approaches (Net, Strip or Circular) and the probability of detecting an isotopically marked adult at different distances from the larval habitat of origin. We consistently observed, using the three approaches that male (Net: 220 m, Strip: 255 m, Circular: 250 m) Ae. aegypti dispersed further in comparison to gravid (Net: 135 m, Strip: 176 m, Circular: 189 m) and unfed females (Net: 192 m, Strip: 213 m, Circular: 198 m). We also observed that marked male capture probability slightly increased with distance, while, for both unfed and gravid females, such probability decreased with distance. Using a unique study design documenting adult dispersal from natural larval habitat, our results suggest that Ae. aegypti adults disperse longer distances than previously reported. These results may help guide local vector control authorities in their fight against Ae. aegypti and the diseases it transmits, suggesting coverage of 200 m for the use of insecticides and innovative vector control tools.