bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing River Basin Development Given Water‐Energy‐Food‐Environment Interdependencies
Authors: Geressu Robel , Siderius Christian , Harou Julien J. , Kashaigili Japhet , Pettinotti Laetitia , Conway Declan
Published: June 2020

Many river basins in the Global South are undergoing rapid development with major implications for the interdependent water‐energy‐food‐environmental (WEFE) “nexus” sectors. A range of views on the extent to which such natural‐human systems should be developed typically exists. The perceived best investments in river basins depend on how one frames the planning problem. Therefore, we propose an approach where the best possible (optimized) implementations of different river basin development scenarios are assessed by comparing their WEFE sector trade‐offs. We apply the approach to Tanzania's Rufiji river basin, an area with multiple WEFE interdependencies and high development potential (irrigation and hydropower) and ecosystem services. Performance indicators are identified through stakeholder consultation and describe WEFE sector response under scenarios of river basin development. Results show considerable potential exists for energy and irrigation expansion. Designs that prioritize energy production adversely affect environmental performance; however, part of the negative impacts can be minimized through release rules designed to replicate the natural variability of flow. The reliability of monthly energy generation is more sensitive to environmental‐oriented management than the cumulative annual energy production. Overall results highlight how sectoral trade‐offs change depending on the extent of development, something that may be difficult to regulate in the future, and that there are important basin‐scale interdependencies. Benefits and limitations of the approach and its application are discussed.
Effects of Semistochastic Westerly Wind Bursts on ENSO Predictability
Authors: Tan Xiaoxiao , Tang Youmin , Lian Tao , Zhang Shouwen , Liu Ting , Chen Dake
Published: June 2020

Westerly wind bursts (WWBs) occurring over the tropical Pacific play an important role on El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) dynamics. Currently, climate models have significant biases in their representation of WWBs, which may limit their ability to predict ENSO. In this study, we explore the possibility of improving ENSO prediction by introducing a semistochastic WWBs parameterization scheme into the Community Earth System Model (CESM). Three ensemble hindcasts, namely, the control run with the original CESM, the WWB run with parameterized WWBs, and the Non_WWB run with built‐in WWBs removed, are conducted for the period 1982–2016. We find that CESM with parameterized WWBs enables better ENSO prediction, especially for both amplitude and spatial distribution of eastern Pacific and central Pacific El Niño events. This improvement is related to more realistic representation of WWBs which leads to better prediction of surface wind stress anomalies and thermocline depth anomalies.
Reflecting on a Half Century of Mineral and Rock Physics at AGU
Authors: Liebermann Robert
Published: June 2020

Research fields focused on the physical properties of Earth materials emerged in the 20th century and have been making major contributions within geoscience ever since.
Directional Characteristic of Wind Stress Vector Under Swell‐Dominated Conditions
Authors: Chen Sheng , Qiao Fangli , Xue Yuhuan , Chen Siyu , Ma Hongyu
Published: June 2020

The wind stress vector over the ocean surface is often misaligned with the wind direction; this misalignment in a swell‐dominated regime is not well investigated. Directional characteristic of the wind stress vector under swell‐dominated conditions is analyzed through direct flux observations taken over the coastal region in the northern South China Sea. Observational Ogive curves demonstrate that an additional velocity component induced by a strong swell at wind speeds below 4 m/s can be captured at a height of 17 m away from the sea surface. Our results show that swell can cause a deviation in the wind stress from the wind direction, and the stress vectors mostly reside between the wind direction and the opposite swell direction under low to moderate wind and strong background swell conditions. Further directional analysis indicates that the deviation in the stress vector from the wind vector is mainly governed by the speeds and directions of the wind and swell. With the increase in the wind speed and inverse wave age, this deviation decreases and becomes less scattered; additionally, it increases with the angle between the wind and swell directions, and a linear relation is proposed at wind speeds greater than 6 m/s.
How promising is phototherapy for cancer?
Authors: Shi Huayun , Sadler Peter J.
Published: June 2020

Oncological phototherapy, including current photodynamic therapy (PDT), developmental photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), shows promising photo-efficacy for superficial and internal tumours. The dual application of light and photochemotherapeutic agents allows accurate cancer targeting, low invasiveness and novel mechanisms of action. Current advances in new light sources and photoactive agents are encouraging for future development.
Stabilization of HIF-1α alleviates osteoarthritis via enhancing mitophagy
Authors: Hu Sunli , Zhang Chunwu , Ni Libin , Huang Chongan , Chen Dingwen , Shi Keqing , Jin Haiming , Zhang Kairui , Li Yao , Xie Ling , Fang Mingqiao , Xiang Guangheng , Wang Xiangyang , Xiao Jian
Published: June 2020

Mitochondrial dysfunction leads to osteoarthritis (OA) and disc degeneration. Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) mediated mitophagy has a protective role in several diseases. However, the underlying mechanism of HIF-1α mediated mitophagy in OA remains largely unknown. This current study was performed to determine the effect of HIF-1α mediated mitophagy on OA. Therefore, X-ray and tissue staining including HE staining, safranin O-fast green (S-O) and Alcian Blue were used to assess imageology and histomorphology differences of mouse knee joint. Transcriptional analysis was used to find the possible targets in osteoarthritis. Western blot analysis, RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the changes in gene and protein levels in the vitro experiment. The expression of HIF-1α was increased in human and mouse OA cartilage. HIF-1α knockdown by siRNA further impair the hypoxia-induced mitochondrial dysfunction; In contrast, HIF-1α mediated protective role was reinforced by prolylhydroxylase (PHD) inhibitor dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG). In addition, HIF-1α stabilization could alleviate apoptosis and senescence via mitophagy in chondrocytes under hypoxia condition, which could also ameliorate surgery-induced cartilage degradation in mice OA model. In conclusion, HIF-1α mediated mitophagy could alleviate OA, which may serve as a promising strategy for OA treatment.
TFAP2C facilitates somatic cell reprogramming by inhibiting c-Myc-dependent apoptosis and promoting mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition
Authors: Wang Yuan , Chen Shuang , Jiang Qingyuan , Deng Jie , Cheng Fuyi , Lin Yi , Cheng Lin , Ye Yixin , Chen Xiaolei , Yao Yunqi , Zhang Xiaomei , Shi Gang , Dai Lei , Su Xiaolan , Peng Yong , Deng Hongxin
Published: June 2020

Transcription factors are known to mediate the conversion of somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Transcription factor TFAP2C plays important roles in the regulation of embryonic development and carcinogenesis; however, the roles of Tfap2c in regulating somatic cell reprogramming are not well understood. Here we demonstrate Tfap2c is induced during the generation of iPSCs from mouse fibroblasts and acts as a facilitator for iPSCs formation. Mechanistically, the c-Myc-dependent apoptosis, which is a roadblock to reprogramming, can be significantly mitigated by Tfap2c overexpression. Meanwhile, Tfap2c can greatly promote mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) at initiation stage of OSKM-induced reprogramming. Further analysis of gene expression and targets of Tfap2c during reprogramming by RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and ChIP-qPCR indicates that TFAP2C can promote epithelial gene expression by binding to their promoters directly. Finally, knockdown of E-cadherin (Cdh1), an important downstream target of TFAP2C and a critical regulator of MET antagonizes Tfap2c-mediated reprogramming. Taken together, we conclude that Tfap2c serves as a strong activator for somatic cell reprogramming through promoting the MET and inhibiting c-Myc-dependent apoptosis.
Amplitude and frequency sensing of microwave fields with a superconducting transmon qudit
Authors: Kristen M. , Schneider A. , Stehli A. , Wolz T. , Danilin S. , Ku H. S. , Long J. , Wu X. , Lake R. , Pappas D. P. , Ustinov A. V. , Weides M.
Published: June 2020

Experiments with superconducting circuits require careful calibration of the applied pulses and fields over a large frequency range. This remains an ongoing challenge as commercial semiconductor electronics are not able to probe signals arriving at the chip due to its cryogenic environment. Here, we demonstrate how the on-chip amplitude and frequency of a microwave signal can be inferred from the ac Stark shifts of higher transmon levels. In our time-resolved measurements we employ Ramsey fringes, allowing us to detect the amplitude of the systems transfer function over a range of several hundreds of MHz with an energy sensitivity on the order of 10−4. Combined with similar measurements for the phase of the transfer function, our sensing method can facilitate pulse correction for high fidelity quantum gates in superconducting circuits. Additionally, the potential to characterize arbitrary microwave fields promotes applications in related areas of research, such as quantum optics or hybrid microwave systems including photonic, mechanical or magnonic subsystems.
Domain-centric database to uncover structure of minimally characterized viral genomes
Authors: Bramley John C. , Yenkin Alex L. , Zaydman Mark A. , DiAntonio Aaron , Milbrandt Jeffrey D. , Buchser William J.
Published: June 2020

Protein domain-based approaches to analyzing sequence data are valuable tools for examining and exploring genomic architecture across genomes of different organisms. Here, we present a complete dataset of domains from the publicly available sequence data of 9,051 reference viral genomes. The data provided contain information such as sequence position and neighboring domains from 30,947 pHMM-identified domains from each reference viral genome. Domains were identified from viral whole-genome sequence using automated profile Hidden Markov Models (pHMM). This study also describes the framework for constructing “domain neighborhoods”, as well as the dataset representing it. These data can be used to examine shared and differing domain architectures across viral genomes, to elucidate potential functional properties of genes, and potentially to classify viruses.
CRISPR-Cas9 generated Pompe knock-in murine model exhibits early-onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and skeletal muscle weakness
Authors: Huang Jeffrey Y. , Kan Shih-Hsin , Sandfeld Emilie K. , Dalton Nancy D. , Rangel Anthony D. , Chan Yunghang , Davis-Turak Jeremy , Neumann Jon , Wang Raymond Y.
Published: June 2020

Infantile-onset Pompe Disease (IOPD), caused by mutations in lysosomal acid alpha-glucosidase (Gaa), manifests rapidly progressive fatal cardiac and skeletal myopathy incompletely attenuated by synthetic GAA intravenous infusions. The currently available murine model does not fully simulate human IOPD, displaying skeletal myopathy with late-onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Bearing a Cre-LoxP induced exonic disruption of the murine Gaa gene, this model is also not amenable to genome-editing based therapeutic approaches. We report the early onset of severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a novel murine IOPD model generated utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 homology-directed recombination to harbor the orthologous Gaa mutation c.1826dupA (p.Y609*), which causes human IOPD. We demonstrate the dual sgRNA approach with a single-stranded oligonucleotide donor is highly specific for the Gaac.1826 locus without genomic off-target effects or rearrangements. Cardiac and skeletal muscle were deficient in Gaa mRNA and enzymatic activity and accumulated high levels of glycogen. The mice demonstrated skeletal muscle weakness but did not experience early mortality. Altogether, these results demonstrate that the CRISPR-Cas9 generated Gaac.1826dupA murine model recapitulates hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and skeletal muscle weakness of human IOPD, indicating its utility for evaluation of novel therapeutics.
Transcriptomic differences in MSA clinical variants
Authors: Pérez-Soriano Alexandra , Arnal Segura Magdalena , Botta-Orfila Teresa , Giraldo Darly , Fernández Manel , Compta Yaroslau , Fernández-Santiago Rubén , Ezquerra Mario , Tartaglia Gian G. , Martí M. J. ,   the Catalan MSA Registry (CMSAR), Muñoz Esteban , Pagonabarraga Javier , Valldeoriola Francesc , Hernández-Vara Jorge , Classen Serge Jauma , Puente Victor , Pont Claustre , Caballol Núria , de Fàbregues Oriol , Ávila Asunción , Calopa Matilde , Gaig Carles , Pastor Pau , Pujol Montserrat , Santamaria Joan , Planellás Lluís , Cámara Ana
Published: June 2020

Background: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare oligodendroglial synucleinopathy of unknown etiopathogenesis including two major clinical variants with predominant parkinsonism (MSA-P) or cerebellar dysfunction (MSA-C). Objective: To identify novel disease mechanisms we performed a blood transcriptomic study investigating differential gene expression changes and biological process alterations in MSA and its clinical subtypes. Methods: We compared the transcriptome from rigorously gender and age-balanced groups of 10 probable MSA-P, 10 probable MSA-C cases, 10 controls from the Catalan MSA Registry (CMSAR), and 10 Parkinson Disease (PD) patients. Results: Gene set enrichment analyses showed prominent positive enrichment in processes related to immunity and inflammation in all groups, and a negative enrichment in cell differentiation and development of the nervous system in both MSA-P and PD, in contrast to protein translation and processing in MSA-C. Gene set enrichment analysis using expression patterns in different brain regions as a reference also showed distinct results between the different synucleinopathies. Conclusions: In line with the two major phenotypes described in the clinic, our data suggest that gene expression and biological processes might be differentially affected in MSA-P and MSA-C. Future studies using larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm these results.
A new family of diprotodontian marsupials from the latest Oligocene of Australia and the evolution of wombats, koalas, and their relatives (Vombatiformes)
Authors: Beck Robin M. D. , Louys Julien , Brewer Philippa , Archer Michael , Black Karen H. , Tedford Richard H.
Published: June 2020

We describe the partial cranium and skeleton of a new diprotodontian marsupial from the late Oligocene (~26–25 Ma) Namba Formation of South Australia. This is one of the oldest Australian marsupial fossils known from an associated skeleton and it reveals previously unsuspected morphological diversity within Vombatiformes, the clade that includes wombats (Vombatidae), koalas (Phascolarctidae) and several extinct families. Several aspects of the skull and teeth of the new taxon, which we refer to a new family, are intermediate between members of the fossil family Wynyardiidae and wombats. Its postcranial skeleton exhibits features associated with scratch-digging, but it is unlikely to have been a true burrower. Body mass estimates based on postcranial dimensions range between 143 and 171 kg, suggesting that it was ~5 times larger than living wombats. Phylogenetic analysis based on 79 craniodental and 20 postcranial characters places the new taxon as sister to vombatids, with which it forms the superfamily Vombatoidea as defined here. It suggests that the highly derived vombatids evolved from wynyardiid-like ancestors, and that scratch-digging adaptations evolved in vombatoids prior to the appearance of the ever-growing (hypselodont) molars that are a characteristic feature of all post-Miocene vombatids. Ancestral state reconstructions on our preferred phylogeny suggest that bunolophodont molars are plesiomorphic for vombatiforms, with full lophodonty (characteristic of diprotodontoids) evolving from a selenodont morphology that was retained by phascolarctids and ilariids, and wynyardiids and vombatoids retaining an intermediate selenolophodont condition. There appear to have been at least six independent acquisitions of very large (>100 kg) body size within Vombatiformes, several having already occurred by the late Oligocene.
Risk of Ischemic Heart Disease and Stroke in Prostate Cancer Survivors: A Nationwide Study in South Korea
Authors: Shin Dong Wook , Han Kyungdo , Park Hyun Sik , Lee Seung-Pyo , Park Sang Hyun , Park Jinsung
Published: June 2020

In this study using national health insurance data, we investigated the risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke among prostate cancer (PC) survivors compared with the general population, as well as the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) according to primary treatment. A total of 48,298 PC patients diagnosed from 2007 to 2013 were included and matched to non-cancer controls. Compared to the general population, PC survivors had a slightly lower risk of IHD (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83–0.96) or stroke (aHR 0.90, 95% CI 0.87–0.95). Especially, survivors who underwent surgery had lower risks of IHD (aHR 0.70, 95% CI 0.61–0.80) or stroke (aHR 0.73, 95% CI 0.67–0.81). Compared to survivors in the active surveillance/watchful waiting group, the androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) group had a significantly greater risk of stroke (aHR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02–1.32), but the IHD risk was not significantly elevated (aHR 1.06, 95% CI 0.88–1.29). In conclusion, PC survivors had a slightly lower risk of CVD compared to the general population, which was attributable to self-selection for PSA screening, specifically in the surgery-only group. CVD risk was dependent on treatment received, and attention should be given to patients who receive ADT.
Validation of reference genes for the normalization of RT-qPCR gene expression in Acanthamoeba spp.
Authors: Köhsler Martina , Leitsch David , Müller Norbert , Walochnik Julia
Published: June 2020

Acanthamoebae are potentially pathogenic organisms, with a highly unique, yet still insufficiently investigated metabolism. Many open questions can be addressed by gene expression studies, however, for Acanthamoeba reliable standards have not yet been established. In this study, suitable reference genes (RGs) for RT-qPCR in Acanthamoeba were comprehensively evaluated, comparing different Acanthamoeba strains and employing four different algorithms (NormFinder, GeNorm, BestKeeper and RefFinder). Expression stability was assessed under various conditions and the potentials of the most promising RGs for accurate normalization of target genes were evaluated. Expression stability of RGs varied depending on conditions and employed algorithms, however, the genes for the 18S rRNA and the hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase seem to be widely suitable RGs. Normalization with a combination of two carefully chosen RGs resulted in reliable expression data for target genes, while normalization with unsuitable RGs led to significant misinterpretation of expression profiles. Thus, a careful evaluation of RGs prior to expression studies is essential.
Mechanisms of action of antimicrobial peptides ToAP2 and NDBP-5.7 against Candida albicans planktonic and biofilm cells
Authors: do Nascimento Dias Jhones , de Souza Silva Calliandra , de Araújo Alyne Rodrigues , Souza Jessica Maria Teles , de Holanda Veloso Júnior Paulo Henrique , Cabral Wanessa Felix , da Glória da Silva Maria , Eaton Peter , de Souza de Almeida Leite José Roberto , Nicola André Moraes , Albuquerque Patrícia , Silva-Pereira Ildinete
Published: June 2020

Candida albicans is a major cause of human infections, ranging from relatively simple to treat skin and mucosal diseases to systemic life-threatening invasive candidiasis. Fungal infections treatment faces three major challenges: the limited number of therapeutic options, the toxicity of the available drugs, and the rise of antifungal resistance. In this study, we demonstrate the antifungal activity and mechanism of action of peptides ToAP2 and NDBP-5.7 against planktonic cells and biofilms of C. albicans. Both peptides were active against C. albicans cells; however, ToAP2 was more active and produced more pronounced effects on fungal cells. Both peptides affected C. albicans membrane permeability and produced changes in fungal cell morphology, such as deformations in the cell wall and disruption of ultracellular organization. Both peptides showed synergism with amphotericin B, while ToAP2 also presents a synergic effect with fluconazole. Besides, ToAP2 (6.25 µM.) was able to inhibit filamentation after 24 h of treatment and was active against both the early phase and mature biofilms of C. albicans. Finally, ToAP2 was protective in a Galleria mellonella model of infection. Altogether these results point to the therapeutic potential of ToAP2 and other antimicrobial peptides in the development of new therapies for C. albicans infections.
A novel intramuscular Interstitial Cell of Cajal is a candidate for generating pacemaker activity in the mouse internal anal sphincter
Authors: Hannigan Karen I. , Bossey Aaron P. , Foulkes Holly J. L. , Drumm Bernard T. , Baker Salah A. , Ward Sean M. , Sanders Kenton M. , Keef Kathleen D. , Cobine Caroline A.
Published: June 2020

The internal anal sphincter (IAS) generates phasic contractions and tone. Slow waves (SWs) produced by interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) underlie phasic contractions in other gastrointestinal regions. SWs are also present in the IAS where only intramuscular ICC (ICC-IM) are found, however the evidence linking ICC-IM to SWs is limited. This study examined the possible relationship between ICC-IM and SWs by recording Ca2+transients in mice expressing a genetically-encoded Ca2+-indicator in ICC (Kit-Cre-GCaMP6f). A role for L-type Ca2+channels (CavL) and anoctamin 1 (ANO1) was tested since each is essential for SW and tone generation. Two distinct ICC-IM populations were identified. Type I cells (36% of total) displayed localised asynchronous Ca2+transients not dependent on CavLor ANO1; properties typical of ICC-IM mediating neural responses in other gastrointestinal regions. A second novel sub-type, i.e., Type II cells (64% of total) generated rhythmic, global Ca2+transients at the SW frequency that were synchronised with neighbouring Type II cells and were abolished following blockade of either CavLor ANO1. Thus, the spatiotemporal characteristics of Type II cells and their dependence upon CavLand ANO1 all suggest that these cells are viable candidates for the generation of SWs and tone in the IAS.
Long-term imaging of the photosensitive, reef-building coral Acropora muricata using light-sheet illumination
Authors: Laissue Pierre Philippe , Roberson Loretta , Gu Yan , Qian Chen , Smith David J.
Published: June 2020

Coral reefs are in alarming decline due to climate emergency, pollution and other man-made disturbances. The numerous ecosystem services derived from coral reefs are underpinned by the growth and physical complexity of reef-forming corals. Our knowledge of their fundamental biology is limited by available technology. We need a better understanding of larval settlement and development, skeletogenesis, interactions with pathogens and symbionts, and how this biology interacts with environmental factors such as light exposure, temperature, and ocean acidification. We here focus on a fast-growing key coloniser, Acropora muricata (Linnaeus, 1758). To enable dynamic imaging of this photosensitive organism at different scales, we developed light-sheet illumination for fluorescence microscopy of small coral colonies. Our approach reveals live polyps in previously unseen detail. An imaging range for Acropora muricata with no measurable photodamage is defined based upon polyp expansion, coral tissue reaction, and photobleaching. We quantify polyp retraction as a photosensitive behavioural response and show coral tissue rupture at higher irradiance with blue light. The simple and flexible technique enables non-invasive continuous dynamic imaging of highly photosensitive organisms with sizes between 1 mm3 and 5 cm3, for eight hours, at high temporal resolution, on a scale from multiple polyps down to cellular resolution. This live imaging tool opens a new window into the dynamics of reef-building corals.
Superior Mechanical Performance of Inductively Sintered Al/SiC Nanocomposites Processed by Novel Milling Route
Authors: Almotairy Saud M. , Alharthi Nabeel H. , Alharbi Hamad F. , Abdo Hany S.
Published: June 2020

This paper explores new routes for flake powder metallurgy, with the aim of designing an effective route for fabricating metal matrix nanocomposites, combining high strength and good ductility. A new route that uses three speeds, instead of the two speeds characterizing the shift-speed ball milling (SSBM) route, has been suggested and implemented. The mechanisms of these routes were illustrated based on the intensity of ball-powder-ball collisions and the morphology evolution. The ball milled powder were characterized using filed emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to investigate the morphology evolution of the composites powder and the homogenous distribution of the SiC nanoparticles within the Al matrix. The reinforcing adequacy and interfacial bonding of 2 wt.% SiC nanoparticles in an inductively sintered composite has been investigated. Mechanical testing of the produced bulk composites resulted in achieving superior mechanical properties, characterized by 92% higher hardness, 180% higher yield strength, 101% higher ultimate strength, and 0% loss in uniform elongation, compared with those of regular SSBM. This is attributed to the homogeneous dispersion of the reinforcement into the Al matrix.
Analyzing trend and forecasting of rainfall changes in India using non-parametrical and machine learning approaches
Authors: Praveen Bushra , Talukdar Swapan , Shahfahad  , Mahato Susanta , Mondal Jayanta , Sharma Pritee , Islam Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul , Rahman Atiqur
Published: June 2020

This study analyzes and forecasts the long-term Spatio-temporal changes in rainfall using the data from 1901 to 2015 across India at meteorological divisional level. The Pettitt test was employed to detect the abrupt change point in time frame, while the Mann-Kendall (MK) test and Sen’s Innovative trend analysis were performed to analyze the rainfall trend. The Artificial Neural Network-Multilayer Perceptron (ANN-MLP) was employed to forecast the upcoming 15 years rainfall across India. We mapped the rainfall trend pattern for whole country by using the geo-statistical technique like Kriging in ArcGIS environment. Results show that the most of the meteorological divisions exhibited significant negative trend of rainfall in annual and seasonal scales, except seven divisions during. Out of 17 divisions, 11 divisions recorded noteworthy rainfall declining trend for the monsoon season at 0.05% significance level, while the insignificant negative trend of rainfall was detected for the winter and pre-monsoon seasons. Furthermore, the significant negative trend (−8.5) was recorded for overall annual rainfall. Based on the findings of change detection, the most probable year of change detection was occurred primarily after 1960 for most of the meteorological stations. The increasing rainfall trend had observed during the period 1901–1950, while a significant decline rainfall was detected after 1951. The rainfall forecast for upcoming 15 years for all the meteorological divisions’ also exhibit a significant decline in the rainfall. The results derived from ECMWF ERA5 reanalysis data exhibit that increasing/decreasing precipitation convective rate, elevated low cloud cover and inadequate vertically integrated moisture divergence might have influenced on change of rainfall in India. Findings of the study have some implications in water resources management considering the limited availability of water resources and increase in the future water demand.
Electrophysiological evidence of preserved hearing at the end of life
Authors: Blundon Elizabeth G. , Gallagher Romayne E. , Ward Lawrence M.
Published: June 2020

This study attempts to answer the question: “Is hearing the last to go?” We present evidence of hearing among unresponsive actively dying hospice patients. Individual ERP (MMN, P3a, and P3b) responses to deviations in auditory patterns are reported for conscious young, healthy control participants, as well as for hospice patients, both when the latter were conscious, and again when they became unresponsive to their environment. Whereas the MMN (and perhaps too the P3a) is considered an automatic response to auditory irregularities, the P3b is associated with conscious detection of oddball targets. All control participants, and most responsive hospice patients, evidenced a “local” effect (either a MMN, a P3a, or both) and some a “global” effect (P3b) to deviations in tone, or deviations in auditory pattern. Importantly, most unresponsive patients showed evidence of MMN responses to tone changes, and some showed a P3a or P3b response to either tone or pattern changes. Thus, their auditory systems were responding similarly to those of young, healthy controls just hours from end of life. Hearing may indeed be one of the last senses to lose function as humans die.
Sex dependent effects of post-natal penicillin on brain, behavior and immune regulation are prevented by concurrent probiotic treatment
Authors: Kayyal Marya , Javkar Tanvi , Firoz Mian M. , Binyamin Dana , Koren Omry , McVey Neufeld Karen-Anne , Forsythe Paul
Published: June 2020

There is increasing awareness of the need to consider potential long-term effects of antibiotics on the health of children. In addition to being associated with immune and metabolic diseases, there is evidence that early-life antibiotic exposure can affect neurodevelopment. Here we investigated the effect of low dose of penicillin V on mice when administered for 1 week immediately prior to weaning. We demonstrated that exposure to the antibiotic during the pre-weaning period led to long-term changes in social behaviour, but not anxiety-like traits, in male mice only. The change in behaviour of males was associated with decreased hippocampal expression of AVPR1A and AVPR1B while expression of both receptors was increased in females. Spleens of male mice also showed an increase in the proportion of activated dendritic cells and a corresponding decrease in regulatory T cells with penicillin exposure. All changes in brain, behaviour and immune cell populations, associated with penicillin exposure, were absent in mice that received L. rhamnosus JB-1 supplementation concurrent with the antibiotic. Our study indicates that post-natal exposure to a clinically relevant dose of antibiotic has long-term, sex dependent effects on the CNS and may have implications for the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. Importantly, we also provide further evidence that probiotic based strategies may be of use in counteracting detrimental effects of early-life antibiotics on neurodevelopment.
The effect of 17% EDTA and QMiX ultrasonic activation on smear layer removal and sealer penetration: ex vivo study
Authors: Matos Felipe de Souza , da Silva Fabrício Rutz , Paranhos Luiz Renato , Moura Camilla Christian Gomes , Bresciani Eduardo , Valera Marcia Carneiro
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to compare the effect of conventional irrigation (CI) and passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) with 17% EDTA and QMiX on the maximum depth and percentage of sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and to describe the cleaning of root canal walls by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Eighty single-rooted human mandibular premolars were instrumented and randomly assigned to four groups (n = 20): EDTA + CI, QMiX + CI, EDTA + PUI, and QMiX + PUI. Ten samples from each group were examined by SEM (2,000×) and the remaining 40 roots were filled with a single gutta-percha cone and AH Plus sealer mixed with 0.1% rhodamine B for analysis by CLSM (10×). Images were assessed at distances of 2 mm (apical), 5 mm (middle), and 8 mm (coronal) from the apex with the Leica Application Suite V4.10 software. The EDTA + PUI and QMiX + PUI protocols presented higher rates of debris/smear layer removal in the apical and middle thirds. The PUI was superior to CI in the maximum depth of sealer penetration at the middle third. The QMiX + PUI group had a higher percentage of sealer penetration at the apical third. The PUI and QMiX protocol improved debris/smear layer removal and tubular dentin sealer penetration.
Coordination of carbon and nitrogen accumulation and translocation of winter wheat plant to improve grain yield and processing quality
Authors: Huang Xin , Wang Chenyang , Hou Junfeng , Du Chenyang , Liu Sujun , Kang Juan , Lu Hongfang , Xie Yingxin , Guo Tiancai , Ma Dongyun
Published: June 2020

The objective of this work was to characterize the accumulation of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), and the translocation of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars to achieve both high-quality and high-yield. Twenty-four wheat cultivars, including 12 cultivars containing high-quality gluten subunit 5 + 10 at Glu-D1, and 12 cultivars with no Glu-D1 5 + 10, were planted at Yuanyang and Xuchang in Henan Province, during 2016–2017, and 2017–2018 cropping seasons. Wheat cultivars containing Glu-D1 5 + 10 had an advantage in grain quality traits. Significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed for grain protein concentration (GPC) between 5 + 10 group and no 5 + 10 group. Grain yield (GY) was significantly correlated with kernel number (KN) (r = 0.778, P < 0.01), thousand-kernel weight (TKW) (r = 0.559, P < 0.01), dry matter accumulation at post-anthesis (r = 0.443, P < 0.05), and stem water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) accumulation (r = 0.487, P < 0.05) and translocation amount (r = 0.490, P < 0.05). GPC, dough stability time (DST) and nitrogen agronomic efficiency (NAE) were significantly correlated with nitrogen accumulation (NAA) at maturity stage (r = 0.524, = 0.404, = 0.418, P < 0.01, < 0.05, < 0.05, respectively), and nitrogen translocation amount (r = 0.512, = 0.471, = 0.405, P < 0.05, < 0.05, < 0.05, respectively). These results suggest that good-quality, high-yield, and high-efficiency could achieve through the selection of high-quality wheat cultivars and coordination of C and N accumulation and translocation. High-quality gluten subunit gene Glu-D1 5 + 10 and stem WSC could be used as a selection index for breeding and production of high-quality and high-yield wheat.
Endoscopic hematoma removal of supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage under local anesthesia reduces operative time compared to craniotomy
Authors: Katsuki Masahito , Kakizawa Yukinari , Nishikawa Akihiro , Yamamoto Yasunaga , Uchiyama Toshiya
Published: June 2020

The surgical efficacy for supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains unknown. We compared the advantages of the widely practiced endoscopic hematoma removal under local anesthesia with that of craniotomy under general anesthesia for ICH. We also focused on our novel operative concept of intentional hematoma leaving technique to avoid further damage to the brain. We retrospectively analyzed 134 consecutive patients (66 endoscopies and 68 craniotomies) who were surgically treated for supratentorial ICH. The characteristics of the 134 patients were as follows: The median (interquartile range) age was 73 (61–82) years. The median Glasgow Coma Scale scores at admission, on day 7, and the median modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 6 months were 10 (7–13), 13 (10–14), and 4 (3–5) respectively. The statistical comparison revealed there were no differences in GCS score on day seven between the endoscopy 13 (12–14) and craniotomy group 12 (9–14). No differences were observed in mRS scores at 6 months between the endoscopy 4 (2–5) and craniotomy group 4 (3–5). However, the patients treated with our technique tended to have favorable outcomes. Multivariate analysis revealed the operative time was significantly decreased in the endoscopy group compared to the craniotomy group (p < 0.001).
Decreased MYC-associated factor X (MAX) expression is a new potential biomarker for adverse prognosis in anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Authors: Yamashita Takahisa , Higashi Morihiro , Momose Shuji , Adachi Akiko , Watanabe Toshiki , Tanaka Yuka , Tokuhira Michihide , Kizaki Masahiro , Tamaru Jun-ichi
Published: June 2020

MYC-associated factor X (MAX) is a protein in the basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper family, which is ubiquitously and constitutively expressed in various normal tissues and tumors. MAX protein mediates various cellular functions such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis through the MYC-MAX protein complex. Recently, it has been reported that MYC regulates the proliferation of anaplastic large cell lymphoma. However, the expression and function of MAX in anaplastic large cell lymphoma remain to be elucidated. We herein investigated MAX expression in anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) and found 11 of 37 patients (30%) with ALCL lacked MAX expression, whereas 15 of 15 patients (100%) with PTCL-NOS expressed MAX protein. ALCL patients lacking MAX expression had a significantly inferior prognosis compared with patients having MAX expression. Moreover, patients without MAX expression significantly had histological non-common variants, which were mainly detected in aggressive ALCL cases. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that MAX expression was related to the expression of MYC and cytotoxic molecules. These findings demonstrate that lack of MAX expression is a potential poor prognostic biomarker in ALCL and a candidate marker for differential diagnosis of ALCL and PTCL-NOS.
Author Correction: Repetitive sequences and structural chromosome alterations promote intraspecific variations in Zea mays L. karyotype
Authors: Silva Jéssica Coutinho , Soares Fernanda Aparecida Ferrari , Sattler Mariana Cansian , Clarindo Wellington Ronildo
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Single-cell sequencing of genomic DNA resolves sub-clonal heterogeneity in a melanoma cell line
Authors: Velazquez-Villarreal Enrique I. , Maheshwari Shamoni , Sorenson Jon , Fiddes Ian T. , Kumar Vijay , Yin Yifeng , Webb Michelle G. , Catalanotti Claudia , Grigorova Mira , Edwards Paul A. , Carpten John D. , Craig David W.
Published: June 2020

We performed shallow single-cell sequencing of genomic DNA across 1475 cells from a cell-line, COLO829, to resolve overall complexity and clonality. This melanoma tumor-line has been previously characterized by multiple technologies and is a benchmark for evaluating somatic alterations. In some of these studies, COLO829 has shown conflicting and/or indeterminate copy number and, thus, single-cell sequencing provides a tool for gaining insight. Following shallow single-cell sequencing, we first identified at least four major sub-clones by discriminant analysis of principal components of single-cell copy number data. Based on clustering, break-point and loss of heterozygosity analysis of aggregated data from sub-clones, we identified distinct hallmark events that were validated within bulk sequencing and spectral karyotyping. In summary, COLO829 exhibits a classical Dutrillaux’s monosomic/trisomic pattern of karyotype evolution with endoreduplication, where consistent sub-clones emerge from the loss/gain of abnormal chromosomes. Overall, our results demonstrate how shallow copy number profiling can uncover hidden biological insights.
Robust detection of oncometabolic aberrations by 1H–13C heteronuclear single quantum correlation in intact biological specimens
Authors: Barekatain Yasaman , Yan Victoria C. , Arthur Kenisha , Ackroyd Jeffrey J. , Khadka Sunada , De Groot John , Huse Jason T. , Muller Florian L.
Published: June 2020

Magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy has potential to non-invasively detect metabolites of diagnostic significance for precision oncology. Yet, many metabolites have similar chemical shifts, yielding highly convoluted 1H spectra of intact biological material and limiting diagnostic utility. Here, we show that hydrogen–carbon heteronuclear single quantum correlation (1H–13C HSQC) offers dramatic improvements in sensitivity compared to one-dimensional (1D) 13C NMR and significant signal deconvolution compared to 1D 1H spectra in intact biological settings. Using a standard NMR spectroscope with a cryoprobe but without specialized signal enhancing features such as magic angle spinning, metabolite extractions or 13C-isotopic enrichment, we obtain well-resolved 2D 1H–13C HSQC spectra in live cancer cells, in ex vivo freshly dissected xenografted tumors and resected primary tumors. This method can identify tumors with specific oncometabolite alterations such as IDH mutations by 2-hydroxyglutarate and PGD-deleted tumors by gluconate. Results suggest potential of 1H–13C HSQC as a non-invasive diagnostic in precision oncology.
Infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI) mass spectrometry imaging analysis of endogenous metabolites in cherry tomatoes
Authors: Bagley M. Caleb , Pace Crystal L. , Ekelöf Måns , Muddiman David C.
Published: June 2020

We report the spatially resolved metabolic profiling of cherry tomatoes using infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI); an ambient mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) technique that requires no sample derivatization.
Dynamic pH measurements of intracellular pathways using nano-plasmonic assemblies
Authors: Bando Kazuki , Zhang Zhiqiang , Graham Duncan , Faulds Karen , Fujita Katumasa , Kawata Satoshi
Published: June 2020

Functionalized plasmonic Ag nano-assemblies moving in a living cell were employed to visualize the spatiotemporal change of intracellular pH by surface-enhanced Raman scattering.
A smart theranostic agent based on Fe-HPPy@Au/DOX for CT imaging and PTT/chemotherapy/CDT combined anticancer therapy
Authors: Liu Xijian , Zhang Minyi , Yan Dawei , Deng Guoying , Wang Qi , Li Chunlin , Zhao Linjing , Lu Jie
Published: June 2020

A smart theranostic agent based on Fe-HPPy@Au/DOX was fabricated, which could be used for CT imaging and PTT/chemotherapy/CDT combined therapy, demonstrating an excellent anticancer effect.
Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed diamidation of olefins via amidorhodation and further amidation
Authors: Wang Jinlei , Zheng Guangfan , Li Xingwei
Published: June 2020

Rh(iii)/Co(iii)-catalyzed diamidation of amide-tethered olefins has been realized using dioxazolones and arylsulfonamides as different classes of amidating reagents.
A rare olefin 1,1-carboboration reaction opens a synthetic pathway to an unusually structured frustrated Lewis pair
Authors: Chen Chaohuang , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Mück-Lichtenfeld Christian , Kehr Gerald , Erker Gerhard
Published: June 2020

The bulky aryl(divinyl)phosphane reacts with Piers’ borane by a sequence involving a rare olefinic 1,1-carboboration to give the active phosphane/borane Lewis pair.
Chiral stimuli-responsive metallo-supramolecular assembly induced by CuII/CuI redox change
Authors: Marinova Maya , Bonnefont Antoine , Achard Thierry , Maisse-François Aline , Bellemin-Laponnaz Stéphane
Published: June 2020

We investigated the selective formation of homoleptic and heteroleptic metal complexes controlled by means of the chiral molecular instruction of the ligand and the coordination geometry of the metal.
Simple and label-free strategy for terminal transferase assay using a personal glucose meter
Authors: Kim Hyo Yong , Song Jayeon , Park Ki Soo , Park Hyun Gyu
Published: June 2020

A personal glucose meter-based terminal transferase activity assay utilizing the glucose oxidase-mimicking activity of cerium oxide nanoparticles was developed.
A highly efficient diatomic nickel electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction
Authors: Sun Meng-Jiao , Gong Zhi-Wei , Yi Jun-Dong , Zhang Teng , Chen Xiaodong , Cao Rong
Published: June 2020

Diatomic Ni2 clusters embedded in a nitrogen-doped carbon composite show high electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction activity.
A molecular perspective on Tully models for nonadiabatic dynamics
Authors: Ibele Lea M. , Curchod Basile F. E.
Published: June 2020

We present a series of standardized molecular tests for nonadiabatic dynamics, reminiscent of the one-dimensional Tully models proposed in 1990.
Cylindrical defect structures formed by chiral nematic liquid crystals in quasi-one-dimensional systems
Authors: Tsujinoue Hiroaki , Nozawa Takuma , Arai Noriyoshi
Published: June 2020

Temperature dependence of the stable morphologies of the nanotube system.
Low-temperature decomposition and segregation on a surface in carbide-containing solid solutions of the zirconium–niobium–carbon system and in related ternary systems
Authors: Rempel S. V. , Gusev A. I.
Published: June 2020

Surface segregation of ZrC in the ZrC–NbC system is connected with low-temperature solid-phase decomposition and anisotropy of ZrC elastic properties.
Interparticle distance as a key factor for controlling the dual-emission properties of carbon dots
Authors: Yoo Hyo Jeong , Kwak Byeong Eun , Kim Do Hyun
Published: June 2020

The dominant emission color of multi-color emissive carbon dots under a single excitation source is governed by the interparticle distance.
Crystal structure and migration paths of alkaline ions in NaVPO4F
Authors: Semykina D. O. , Yakovlev I. V. , Lapina O. B. , Kabanov A. A. , Kosova N. V.
Published: June 2020

A sample with a nominal composition ‘NaVPO4F’ is prepared by mechanochemically assisted solid-state synthesis using quenching.
Optical-electrical-thermal optimization of plasmon-enhanced perovskite solar cells
Authors: Ren Hao , Ren Xingang , Niu Kaikun , Wang Siliang , Huang Zhixiang , Wu Xianliang
Published: June 2020

We established an optical-electrical-thermal model that improves the electrical properties of PSCs.
Collisional dynamics simulations revealing fragmentation properties of Zn(ii)-bound poly-peptide
Authors: Malik Abdul , Angel Laurence A. , Spezia Riccardo , Hase William L.
Published: June 2020

Collisional simulations show how peptide fragmentation is modified by the presence of Zn(ii).
An ab initio investigation of alkali–metal non-covalent bonds B⋯LiR and B⋯NaR (R = F, H or CH3) formed with simple Lewis bases B: the relative inductive effects of F, H and CH3
Authors: Alkorta Ibon , Hill J. Grant , Legon Anthony C.
Published: June 2020

Alkali–metal bonds formed by LiR and NaR (R = F, H, CH3) with each of the Lewis bases OC, HCN, H2O, H3N, H2S and H3P are investigated ab initio at the CCSD(T)/AVTZ and CCSD(T)/awCVTZ levels to characterise these non-covalent interactions.
Metal–organic frameworks for the energy-related conversion of CO2into cyclic carbonates
Authors: Guo Feng , Zhang Xiuling
Published: June 2020

MOFs are promising heterogeneous catalysts for chemical fixation of CO2and epoxides into cyclic carbonates.
Cooperative N–H bond activation by amido-Ge(ii) cations
Authors: Zhou Xueer , Vasko Petra , Hicks Jamie , Fuentes M. Ángeles , Heilmann Andreas , Kolychev Eugene L. , Aldridge Simon
Published: June 2020

Germylium-ylidene cations, [R(L)Ge]+, featuring amido substituents at R and NHC or phosphine donors at L have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The Lewis acidic germanium cation and proximal amide function allow for facile cleavage of N–H bonds in 1,2 fashion.