bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved filtration method to isolate pure populations of primary bovine endometrial epithelial and stromal cells for immunological studies
Authors: Kelly Paul , Barry-Reidy Anne , Brewer Amy , Meade Kieran G. , O’Farrelly Cliona
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Isolation and culture of distinct primary endometrial cells are key to reliable in-vitro models to investigate the uterine immune response and optimse new disease interventions. Details on the isolation method and purity of distinct cell populations is lacking in currently available protocols leading to inconsistent results across laboratories.

Methods

Bovine endometrial tissue from non-pregnant bovine uteri were collected immediately post-mortem and separated using differential size filtering. Isolations (n = 15) yielded an average of 3.1 × 105 ± 0.7 × 105 epithelial cells and 1.88 × 106 ± 5.44 × 105 stromal fibroblasts per uterine horn. Following expansion in culture, the purity of cell populations was confirmed using morphology and positive staining for cytokeratin and vimentin which identifies epithelial and stromal fibroblast populations, respectively. Using PCR, cDNA from both cell populations was negative for CD45, a marker of immune cells.

Results

On challenge with a bacterial PAMP (LPS), epithelial and stromal fibroblasts showed a marked increase in the expression of the inflammatory mediators IL8, IL6, S100A8 and S100A9, with both cell populations displaying distinct expression profiles. Here we provide a detailed methodology on the culture of primary bovine endometrial epithelial and stromal cells and demonstrate these cells provide a physiologically relevant model for studies of endometrial inflammation and its regulation.
Iatrogenic Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Tran Patrick , Banerjee Prithwish
Published: February 2020

Purpose of Review

To provide an overview of the potential iatrogenic causes of acute decompensated heart failure (AHF) and an evidence-based management strategy to address this.

Recent Findings

As the heart failure (HF) population continues to age and become burdened with greater comorbidities and polypharmacy, patients become more susceptible to the iatrogenic precipitants of HF. The following clinical scenarios are familiar to clinicians, but the sequelae to AHF are often unanticipated: HF medications withdrawn during an intercurrent illness and not restarted, cardiotoxic therapy prescribed for cancer without timely and regular monitoring of left ventricular function, excessive intravenous fluids administered for sepsis or postoperatively, a blood transfusion volume not adjusted for body weight, iatrogenic anaemia that goes unnoticed or an inappropriate type of pacemaker implanted in a patient with underlying left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Iatrogenic decompensated HF is a phenomenon that is infrequently documented in the literature but increasingly confronted by clinicians of all specialties. It is associated with a high mortality and morbidity rate. By having greater awareness of these triggers, iatrogenic AHF should be one that is prevented rather than managed when it occurs.
Implantation of bone-anchored hearing device using a three-dimensional template in a child
Authors: Puttasiddaiah P M , Goodrum H , Browning S T
Published: February 2020

Background

Implantation of bone-anchored hearing devices is performed to improve hearing in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media who cannot wear a conventional hearing aid. The surgical procedure can be safely performed in children aged over five years.

Case report

A 15-year-old patient with bilateral chronic suppurative otitis media and conductive hearing loss underwent the procedure to implant a bone-anchored hearing device but was found to have skull thickness of less than 2.5 mm and the procedure was abandoned. A computed tomography scan of the skull was undertaken and a three-dimensional template was reconstructed to identify appropriate thickness of the skull to implant the abutment during a second procedure.

Conclusion

Bone-anchored hearing devices can be implanted by prior imaging and using a template to identify the area of appropriate skull thickness to implant the abutment safely.
Dialect loss in the Russian North: Modeling change across variables
Authors: Daniel Michael , von Waldenfels Ruprecht , Ter-Avanesova Aleksandra , Kazakova Polina , Schurov Ilya , Gerasimenko Ekaterina , Ignatenko Daria , Makhlina Ekaterina , Tsfasman Maria , Verhees Samira , Vinyar Aleksei , Zhigulaskaja Vasilisa , Ovsjannikova Maria , Say Sergey , Dobrushina Nina
Published: February 2020

We analyze the dynamics of dialect loss in a cluster of villages in rural northern Russia based on a corpus of transcribed interviews, the Ustja River Basin Corpus. Eleven phonological and morphological variables are analyzed across 33 speakers born between 1922 and 1996 in a series of logistic regression models. We propose three characteristics for a comparison of the rate of loss of different variables: initial level, steepness, and turning point. We show that the dynamics of loss differs significantly across variables and discuss possible reasons for such differences, including perceptual salience, initial variation in the dialect, and convergence with regionally or socially defined varieties of Russian. In conclusion, we discuss the pros and cons of logistic regression as an approach to quantitative modeling of dialect loss. Our paper contributes to the study and documentation of Russian dialects, most of which are on the verge of extinction.
A systematic review and network meta-analysis of bacterial and viral vaccines, administered at or near arrival at the feedlot, for control of bovine respiratory disease in beef cattle
Authors: O'Connor A. M. , Hu D. , Totton S. C. , Scott N. , Winder C. B. , Wang B. , Wang C. , Glanville J. , Wood H. , White B. , Larson R. , Waldner C. , Sargeant J. M.
Published: February 2020

Vaccination against putative causal organisms is a frequently used and preferred approach to controlling bovine respiratory disease complex (BRD) because it reduces the need for antibiotic use. Because approximately 90% of feedlots use and 90% of beef cattle receive vaccines in the USA, information about their comparative efficacy would be useful for selecting a vaccine. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of studies assessing the comparative efficacy of vaccines to control BRD when administered to beef cattle at or near their arrival at the feedlot. We searched MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, MEDLINE Daily Epub Ahead of Print, AGRICOLA, Cambridge Agricultural and Biological Index, Science Citation Index, and Conference Proceedings Citation Index – Science and hand-searched the conference proceedings of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and World Buiatrics Congress. We found 53 studies that reported BRD morbidity within 45 days of feedlot arrival. The largest connected network of studies, which involved 17 vaccine protocols from 14 studies, was included in the meta-analysis. Consistent with previous reviews, we found little compelling evidence that vaccines used at or near arrival at the feedlot reduce the incidence of BRD diagnosis.
The Digital Humanities and Nineteenth-Century Music: An Introductory Overview
Authors: Platt Heather
Published: February 2020

The digital humanities have grown to encompass multiple disciplines; they embrace everything from online resources that have the potential to democratize scholarship to computational approaches that allow a higher order analysis of large datasets. That the digital humanities has significantly influenced musicology is evidenced by the number of leading journals, including the Journal of the American Musicological Society, Notes, Journal of the Society of American Music and Nineteenth Century Music Review, that regularly review digital resources and by the increasing use of the tag ‘digital musicology’. This special issue of Nineteenth Century Music Review (NCMR) and this introduction reflect a broad definition of the digital humanities; they embrace digital archives, born-digital projects, and studies employing computational methodologies and tools.
Gender-Trait and Ethnic Biases in Russian Regions: Ethnic Integration, Regional Economies, and Women in Local Politics
Authors: Avdeyeva Olga A. , Matland Richard E.
Published: February 2020

Under what conditions are voters likely to invoke gender-trait stereotypes and ethnic biases when they evaluate the performance of local political leaders? We test arguments from role congruity and social identity theories and employ intersectional analysis to explore voter reliance on gender-trait stereotypes and ethnic biases across four diverse Russian regions. We find that the structure of the regional economy matters for the reduction of gender-trait stereotypes, while spatial and labor market integration matters for the dissipation of ethnic favoritism in leader evaluation. Our findings have important implications for policy makers aiming to reduce political biases in diverse contexts. On the one hand, we encourage scholars to pay careful attention to stereotypes of underrepresented social groups and evaluate how they can translate into understanding the traits associated with good leadership. On the other hand, we demonstrate that the roots of social biases stem from complex structural phenomena, such as limited labor opportunities for women and minorities, and thus require transformative political and economic changes.
Observations, Meteorites, and Models: A Preflight Assessment of the Composition and Formation of (16) Psyche
Authors: Elkins‐Tanton L. T. , Asphaug E. , Bell J. F. , Bercovici H. , Bills B. , Binzel R. , Bottke W. F. , Dibb S. , Lawrence D. J. , Marchi S. , McCoy T. J. , Oran R. , Park R. S. , Peplowski P. N. , Polanskey C. A. , Prettyman T. H. , Russell C. T. , Schaefer L. , Weiss B. P. , Wieczorek M. A. , Williams D. A. , Zuber M. T.
Published: February 2020

Some years ago, the consensus was that asteroid (16) Psyche was almost entirely metal. New data on density, radar properties, and spectral signatures indicate that the asteroid is something perhaps even more enigmatic: a mixed metal and silicate world. Here we combine observations of Psyche with data from meteorites and models for planetesimal formation to produce the best current hypotheses for Psyche's properties and provenance. Psyche's bulk density appears to be between 3,400 and 4,100 kg m−3. Psyche is thus predicted to have between ~30 and ~60 vol% metal, with the remainder likely low‐iron silicate rock and not more than ~20% porosity. Though their density is similar, mesosiderites are an unlikely analog to bulk Psyche because mesosiderites have far more iron‐rich silicates than Psyche appears to have. CB chondrites match both Psyche's density and spectral properties, as can some pallasites, although typical pallasitic olivine contains too much iron to be consistent with the reflectance spectra. Final answers, as well as resolution of contradictions in the data set of Psyche physical properties, for example, the thermal inertia measurements, may not be resolved until the NASA Psyche mission arrives in orbit at the asteroid. Despite the range of compositions and formation processes for Psyche allowed by the current data, the science payload of the Psyche mission (magnetometers, multispectral imagers, neutron spectrometer, and a gamma‐ray spectrometer) will produce data sets that distinguish among the models.
Genome-wide association study of angioedema induced by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker treatment
Authors: Rasmussen Eva Rye , Hallberg Pär , Baranova Ekaterina V. , Eriksson Niclas , Karawajczyk Malgorzata , Johansson Caroline , Cavalli Marco , Maroteau Cyrielle , Veluchamy Abirami , Islander Gunilla , Hugosson Svante , Terreehorst Ingrid , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Norling Pia , Johansson Hans-Erik , Kohnke Hugo , Syvänen Ann-Christine , Siddiqui Moneeza K. , Lang Chim C. , Magnusson Patrik K. E. , Yue Qun-Ying , Wadelius Claes , von Buchwald Christian , Bygum Anette , Alfirevic Ana , Maitland-van der Zee Anke H. , Palmer Colin N. A. , Wadelius Mia
Published: February 2020

Angioedema in the mouth or upper airways is a feared adverse reaction to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) treatment, which is used for hypertension, heart failure and diabetes complications. This candidate gene and genome-wide association study aimed to identify genetic variants predisposing to angioedema induced by these drugs. The discovery cohort consisted of 173 cases and 4890 controls recruited in Sweden. In the candidate gene analysis,ETV6, BDKRB2, MME, andPRKCQwere nominally associated with angioedema (p < 0.05), but did not pass Bonferroni correction for multiple testing (p < 2.89 × 10−5). In the genome-wide analysis, intronic variants in the calcium-activated potassium channel subunit alpha-1 (KCNMA1) gene on chromosome 10 were significantly associated with angioedema (p < 5 × 10−8). Whilst the topKCNMA1hit was not significant in the replication cohort (413 cases and 599 ACEi-exposed controls from the US and Northern Europe), a meta-analysis of the replication and discovery cohorts (in total 586 cases and 1944 ACEi-exposed controls) revealed that each variant allele increased the odds of experiencing angioedema 1.62 times (95% confidence interval 1.05–2.50,p = 0.030). AssociatedKCNMA1variants are not known to be functional, but are in linkage disequilibrium with variants in transcription factor binding sites active in relevant tissues. In summary, our data suggest that common variation inKCNMA1is associated with risk of angioedema induced by ACEi or ARB treatment. Future whole exome or genome sequencing studies will show whether rare variants inKCNMA1or other genes contribute to the risk of ACEi- and ARB-induced angioedema.
Author Correction: Analysis of sequential hair segments reflects changes in the metabolome across the trimesters of pregnancy
Authors: Delplancke Thibaut D. J. , de Seymour Jamie V. , Tong Chao , Sulek Karolina , Xia Yinyin , Zhang Hua , Han Ting-Li , Baker Philip N.
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Water sports could contribute to the translocation of ranaviruses
Authors: Casais Rosa , Larrinaga Asier R. , Dalton Kevin P. , Lapido Paula Domínguez , Márquez Isabel , Bécares Eloy , Carter E. Davis , Gray Matthew J. , Miller Debra L. , Balseiro Ana
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Pyridine-d5 as a 2H NMR probe for investigation of macrostructure and pore shapes in a layered Sn(iv) phosphonate–phosphate material
Authors: Bakhmutov Vladimir I. , Elliott Douglas W. , Wylie Gregory P. , Clearfield Abraham , Contreras-Ramirez Aida , Zhou Hong-Cai
Published: February 2020

Isotropic and anisotropic motions and molecular states of pyridine-d5, adsorbed on the surface within the pores of a layered Sn(iv) phosphonate–phosphate material (1) have been characterized thermodynamically and kinetically by solid-state NMR.
Acoustic levitation and infrared thermography: a sound approach to studying droplet evaporation
Authors: Duranty Edward R. , McCardle Harley , Reichert W. Matthew , Davis James H.
Published: February 2020

A new low-cost technique combining acoustic levitation and infrared thermography for studying the surface temperature of isolated droplets is outlined.
Coligand effects on the architectures and magnetic properties of octahedral cobalt(ii) complexes with easy-axis magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Wu Yuewei , Xi Jing , Yang Jinhui , Song Weiming , Luo Shuchang , Wang Zheng , Liu Xiangyu
Published: February 2020

Coligand effects lead to two mononuclear octahedral Co(ii) complexes exhibiting easy-axis magnetic anisotropies and distinct magnetic properties.
Gas adsorption and light interaction mechanism in phosphorene-based field-effect transistors
Authors: Rajapakse Manthila , Anderson George , Zhang Congyan , Musa Rajib , Walter Jackson , Yu Ming , Sumanasekera Gamini , Jasinski Jacek B.
Published: February 2020

Phosphorene-based field effect transistors are fabricated and are shown to be highly sensitive gas and photodetectors. The sensing mechanism is explained using a Schottky barrier model at the phosphorene/metal contact interface.
Modeling interfacial electrochemistry: concepts and tools
Authors: Kopač Lautar Anja , Hagopian Arthur , Filhol Jean-Sébastien
Published: February 2020

This paper presents a grand canonical formalism and provides tools to investigate electrochemical effects at interfaces.
Sliding of drops on mesoporous thin films
Authors: Gimenez R. , Mercuri M. , Berli C. L. A. , Bellino M. G.
Published: February 2020

Static and dynamic sliding states of both water and oil droplets were revealed on surfaces coated by mesoporous thin films.
Cone-shaped titanate immobilized on polyacrylonitrile nanofibers: hierarchical architecture for effective photocatalytic activity
Authors: Zhu Mingyue , Qin Chuanxiang , Wang Jian-jun , Sun Jun , Dai Lixing
Published: February 2020

A new photocatalytic composite material, based on flexible functional polyacrylonitrile nanofibers (denoted as f-PAN NF), was developed by depositing composite layers of α-TiO2 and cone-shaped titanate (H2Ti5O11·3H2O) successively.
Exploring new sources of efficiency in process-driven materials screening for post-combustion carbon capture
Authors: H. Farmahini Amir , Friedrich Daniel , Brandani Stefano , Sarkisov Lev
Published: February 2020

Investigation of adsorbents maximum theoretical performance, computational efficiency of multiscale screening workflows, and consistency of materials rankings for CO2capture.
Single-cell imaging of AuNPs and AgNPs by near-field desorption ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Cheng Xiaoling , Wang Tongtong , Yin Zhibin , Hang Wei
Published: February 2020

Nanoparticles (NPs) have prospective applications in the field of biomedicine and biotechnology.
Developingin vitroassays to transform gastrointestinal safety assessment: potential for microphysiological systems
Authors: Peters Matthew F. , Choy Allison L. , Pin Carmen , Leishman Derek J. , Moisan Annie , Ewart Lorna , Guzzie-Peck Peggy J. , Sura Radhakrishna , Keller Douglas A. , Scott Clay W , Kolaja Kyle L.
Published: February 2020

Drug-induced gastrointestinal toxicities (DI-GITs) are among the most common adverse events in clinical trials.
PdxFey alloy nanoparticles decorated on carbon nanofibers with improved electrocatalytic activity for ethanol electrooxidation in alkaline media
Authors: Geng Dan , Zhu Sheng , Chai Mengzhu , Zhang Zhengyang , Fan Jinchen , Xu Qunjie , Min Yulin
Published: February 2020

We prepared bimetallic PdxFey alloy nanoparticles/carbon nanofiber composites with different Pd/Fe mole ratios and showed their advantage as a potential anode catalyst in ethanol fuel cells.
Al/Zn co-incorporated Cu–In–Se quantum dots for high efficiency quantum dot sensitized solar cells
Authors: He Fangfang , Wang Wei , Xue Weinan , Xie Yiling , Zhou Qianwen , Zhang Jiachen , Li Yan
Published: February 2020

A facile method for synthesizing high-quality Cu–In–Se quantum dots (QDs) was developed by Al/Zn co-incorporation. Benefiting from the reduction of trap-state defects in QDs, the efficiency of solar cells basing prepared QDs is obviously improved.
Accelerated non-crosslinking assembly of DNA-functionalized nanoparticles in alcoholic solvents: for application in the identification of clear liquors
Authors: Wang Luyang , Wang Guoqing , Shi Yali , Zhang Lan , An Ran , Takarada Tohru , Maeda Mizuo , Liang Xingguo
Published: February 2020

Accelerated aggregation of DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles is discovered in alcoholic solvents upon adding full-match DNA and is potentially useful for the identification of Baijiu.
Fluorinated cryptophane-A and porphyrin-based theranostics for multimodal imaging-guided photodynamic therapy
Authors: Zhang Huaibin , Yu Qiao , Li Yu , Yang Zhigang , Zhou Xin , Chen Shizhen , Jiang Zhong-Xing
Published: February 2020

Herein, we developed fluorinated nanoemulsions with significantly enhanced in vitro and in vivo129Xe hyper-CEST MRI, 19F MRI and fluorescence imaging signals for selective and sensitive tumor detection and NIR-activated photodynamic therapy.
Diminishing accessibility of electrophilic nickel(ii) centres due to incorporation of a methylene spacer in the pendant side arm of a series of heterotrinuclear nickel(ii)/sodium complexes: a DFT study using a homodesmotic equation
Authors: Bhaumik Prasanata Kumar , Banerjee Abhisek , Dutta Tamal , Chatterjee Sudipta , Frontera Antonio , Chattopadhyay Shouvik
Published: February 2020

The ethoxy groups have a dual effect in hindering the attack of the pseudo-halides on the nickel(ii) centre and also in stabilizing the complex by intra-molecular interactions.
Halogen⋯halogen interactions in decahalo-closo-carboranes: CSD analysis and theoretical study
Authors: Piña Maria de las Nieves , Bauzá Antonio , Frontera Antonio
Published: February 2020

We theoretically (PBE0-D3/def2TZVP) and experimentally (CSD analysis) demonstrate the importance of “like–like” halogen interactions for the stability of several decahalo-closo-carborane dimers.
Novel Mn4+ doped red phosphors composed of MgAl2O4 and CaAl12O19 phases for light-emitting diodes
Authors: Wu Yibing , Zhuang Yixi , Xie Rong-Jun , Ruan Kaibin , Ouyang Xinhua
Published: February 2020

The EL spectra and photographs of the as-obtained plant growth LED and white LED by using CMA:Mn4+ red phosphors.
Cu(i) complex bearing a PNP-pincer-type phosphaalkene ligand with a bulky fused-ring Eind group: properties and applications to FLP-type bond activation and catalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Takeuchi Katsuhiko , Tanaka Yuto , Tanigawa Ippei , Ozawa Fumiyuki , Choi Jun-Chul
Published: February 2020

A highly Lewis acidic Cu(i) complex bearing a PNP-pincer-type phosphaalkene ligand with bulky fused-ring Eind groups activates hydrogen and phenylacetylene in an FLP-type manner, and catalyzes the hydrogenation and hydrosilylation of CO2.
Coaxial oblique interface shearing: tunable generation and sorting of double emulsions for spatial gradient drug release
Authors: Huang Fangsheng , Zhu Zhiqiang , Niu Ye , Zhao Yi , Si Ting , Xu Ronald X.
Published: February 2020

We propose a coaxial oblique interface shearing (COIS) process to one-step generate and sort double emulsions for thermal- and chemical-responsive spatial gradient releases.
Synthesis, characterization, biological determination and catalytic evaluation of ruthenium(ii) complexes bearing benzimidazole-based NHC ligands in transfer hydrogenation catalysis
Authors: Slimani Ichraf , Chakchouk-Mtibaa A. , Mansour L. , Mellouli L. , Özdemir I. , Gürbüzd Nevin , Hamdi Naceur
Published: February 2020

A new series of ruthenium (ii) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes has been synthesized via transmetalation. The obtained complexes were applied to transfer hydrogenation of ketone derivatives.
Processing of the SARS-CoV pp1a/ab nsp7–10 region
Authors: Krichel Boris , Falke Sven , Hilgenfeld Rolf , Redecke Lars , Uetrecht Charlotte
Published: February 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus is the causative agent of a respiratory disease with a high case fatality rate. During the formation of the coronaviral replication/transcription complex, essential steps include processing of the conserved polyprotein nsp7–10 region by the main protease Mpro and subsequent complex formation of the released nsp's. Here, we analyzed processing of the coronavirus nsp7–10 region using native mass spectrometry showing consumption of substrate, rise and fall of intermediate products and complexation. Importantly, there is a clear order of cleavage efficiencies, which is influenced by the polyprotein tertiary structure. Furthermore, the predominant product is an nsp7+8(2 : 2) hetero-tetramer with nsp8 scaffold. In conclusion, native MS, opposed to other methods, can expose the processing dynamics of viral polyproteins and the landscape of protein interactions in one set of experiments. Thereby, new insights into protein interactions, essential for generation of viral progeny, were provided, with relevance for development of antivirals.
A 200-Year History of the Study of Childhood Language Disorders of Unknown Origin: Changes in Terminology
Authors: Leonard Laurence B.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The current “specific language impairment” and “developmental language disorder” discussion might lead to important changes in how we refer to children with language disorders of unknown origin. The field has seen other changes in terminology. This article reviews many of these changes.

Method

A literature review of previous clinical labels was conducted, and possible reasons for the changes in labels were identified.

Results

References to children with significant yet unexplained deficits in language ability have been part of the scientific literature since, at least, the early 1800s. Terms have changed from those with a neurological emphasis to those that do not imply a cause for the language disorder. Diagnostic criteria have become more explicit but have become, at certain points, too narrow to represent the wider range of children with language disorders of unknown origin.

Conclusions

The field was not well served by the many changes in terminology that have transpired in the past. A new label at this point must be accompanied by strong efforts to recruit its adoption by clinical speech-language pathologists and the general public.
Detection of Na, K, and Hαabsorption in the atmosphere of WASP-52b using ESPRESSO
Authors: Chen G. , Casasayas-Barris N. , Pallé E. , Yan F. , Stangret M. , Cegla H. M. , Allart R. , Lovis C.
Published: February 2020

WASP-52b is a low-density hot Jupiter orbiting a moderately active K2V star. Previous low-resolution studies have revealed a cloudy atmosphere and found atomic Na above the cloud deck. Here we report on the detection of excess absorption at the Na doublet, the Hαline, and the K D1line. We derived a high-resolution transmission spectrum based on three transits of WASP-52b, observed with the ultra-stable, high-resolution spectrograph ESPRESSO at the Very Large Telescope array. We measured a line contrast of 1.09 ± 0.16% for Na D1, 1.31 ± 0.13% for Na D2, 0.86 ± 0.13% for Hα, and 0.46 ± 0.13% for K D1, with a line FWHM range of 11–22 km s−1. We also found that the velocity shift of these detected lines during the transit is consistent with the planet’s orbital motion, thus confirming their planetary origin. We did not observe any significant net blueshift or redshift that could be attributed to planetary winds. We used activity indicator lines as control but found no excess absorption. However, we did notice signatures arising from the Center-to-Limb variation (CLV) and the Rossiter-McLaughlin (RM) effect at these control lines. This highlights the importance of the CLV + RM correction in correctly deriving the transmission spectrum, which, if not corrected, could resemble or cancel out planetary absorption in certain cases. WASP-52b is the second non-ultra-hot Jupiter to show excess Hαabsorption after HD 189733b. Future observations targeting non-ultra-hot Jupiters that show Hαcould help reveal the relation between stellar activity and the heating processes in the planetary upper atmosphere.
Studying the ISM at ∼10 pc scale in NGC 7793 with MUSE
Authors: Della Bruna Lorenza , Adamo Angela , Bik Arjan , Fumagalli Michele , Walterbos Rene , Östlin Göran , Bruzual Gustavo , Calzetti Daniela , Charlot Stephane , Grasha Kathryn , Smith Linda J. , Thilker David , Wofford Aida
Published: February 2020

Context.Studies of nearby galaxies reveal that around 50% of the total Hαluminosity in late-type spirals originates from diffuse ionised gas (DIG), which is a warm, diffuse component of the interstellar medium that can be associated with various mechanisms, the most important ones being “leaking” HII regions, evolved field stars, and shocks.

Aims.Using MUSE Wide Field Mode adaptive optics-assisted data, we study the condition of the ionised medium in the nearby (D = 3.4 Mpc) flocculent spiral galaxy NGC 7793 at a spatial resolution of ∼10 pc. We construct a sample of HII regions and investigate the properties and origin of the DIG component.

Methods.We obtained stellar and gas kinematics by modelling the stellar continuum and fitting the Hαemission line. We identified the boundaries of resolved HII regions based on their Hαsurface brightness. As a way of comparison, we also selected regions according to the Hα/[SII] line ratio; this results in more conservative boundaries. Using characteristic line ratios and the gas velocity dispersion, we excluded potential contaminants, such as supernova remnants (SNRs) and planetary nebulae (PNe). The continuum subtracted HeII map was used to spectroscopically identify Wolf Rayet stars (WR) in our field of view. Finally, we computed electron densities and temperatures using the line ratio [SII]6716/6731 and [SIII]6312/9069, respectively. We studied the properties of the ionised gas through “BPT” emission line diagrams combined with velocity dispersion of the gas.

Results.We spectroscopically confirm two previously detected WR and SNR candidates and report the discovery of the other seven WR candidates, one SNR, and two PNe within our field of view. The resulting DIG fraction is between ∼27 and 42% depending on the method used to define the boundaries of the HII regions (flux brightness cut in Hα= 6.7 × 10−18erg s−1cm−2or Hα/[SII] = 2.1, respectively). In agreement with previous studies, we find that the DIG exhibits enhanced [SII]/Hαand [NII]/Hαratios and a median temperature that is ∼3000 K higher than in HII regions. We also observe an apparent inverse correlation between temperature and Hαsurface brightness. In the majority of our field of view, the observed [SII]6716/6731 ratio is consistent within 1σwithne <  30 cm−3, with an almost identical distribution for the DIG and HII regions. The velocity dispersion of the ionised gas indicates that the DIG has a higher degree of turbulence than the HII regions. Comparison with photoionisation and shock models reveals that, overall, the diffuse component can only partially be explained via shocks and that it is most likely consistent with photons leaking from density bounded HII regions or with radiation from evolved field stars. Further investigation will be conducted in a follow-up paper.
Revisiting astrometric parameters of quasars in Gaia-CRF2
Authors: Ding C.-Y. , Zhu Z. , Liu J.-C. , Liu N.
Published: February 2020

Aims. In order to check the astrometric solution quality, dependences of parallaxes and proper motions on precision, reliability, and consistency of sample solutions are studied for the quasars in the celestial reference frame of the second release of Gaia data (Gaia-CRF2).

Methods. Astrometric statistics (the number of visibility periods, the semi-major axis of the astrometric five-dimensional error ellipse σ5d,  max, the unit weight error u, the correlation coefficients ρμα*,  ϖ and ρμδ, ϖ) were selected to serve as indicators of the solution qualities of quasars. The dependences of the astrometric parameters, parallaxes and proper motions, on these indicators are evaluated. We also investigated mean values of astrometric statistics in equal-area spherical cells to study the impact of the scanning law.

Results. The astrometric parameters of quasars with fewer than 9 or more than 18 visibility periods show a departure from the global average. Moreover, the mean values of astrometric parameters of the most precise sources deviate from the others. Astrometric parameters are stable for those quasars fitting the five-parameter model well. The correlation coefficients, ρμα*, ϖ and ρμδ, ϖ obtained from the astrometric solutions show a generally ideal distribution for the full sample. Spherical-cell mean values of these correlation coefficients are found to have a centrally asymmetric distribution. Distributions of two correlation coefficients are found to correlate with the number of visibility periods. The quasars with visibility periods in the domain [13, 16], with ρμα*, ϖ and ρμδ, ϖ generally well-distributed have more reliable astrometric parameters. Magnitudes and colours are found to have little influence on the irregular patterns of the correlation coefficients.
Anisotropic current induced in topological surface states due to spin-polarized tunneling from a ferromagnet
Authors: Bergmann G. , Thompson R. S. , Tse P. L. , Lu J. G.
Published: February 2020

In clean tunneling junctions (TJs), the momentum parallel to the barrier is conserved in the tunneling process. We predict that this phenomenon can be observed in a TJ between a ferromagnet (FM) and a topological insulator (TI). The FM possesses spin-polarized electron states, while the TI has spin-momentum locked electron states. The tunneling probability is determined by the spin-matrix element between these electron states and leads to the injection of electrons into the TI with finite momentum parallel to the topological surface state. Due to the spin polarization of the electrons in the FM, the resulting current in the TI is not isotropic. The magnitude of the current is calculated quantitatively in terms of the ferromagnetic polarization and should be experimentally detectable using only an electrical setup.
Design of monophasic pulsed magnetic fields for use in low bias fields
Authors: Gaunkar N. Prabhu , Theh W. , Weber R. J. , Mina M.
Published: February 2020

In this work, the design of a pulsed magnetic field generator, with user-selective pulsed modulation frequency is described. The ability to operate at various frequencies (single-frequency below 10 MHz) makes the system valuable to several areas such as medical treatments and pulsed switching systems. In this work, the pulsed magnetic field generator is designed to create localized field effects in portable magnetic resonance systems. Users may operate at a Larmor precession frequency between 100 kHz - 10 MHz and can achieve high currents through the load. Certain tunability can also be obtained by varying the load inductance or switching device conditions. In summary, this paper will describe the design considerations and challenges for portable monophasic pulsed magnetic field systems.
Khovanov homology and causality in spacetimes
Authors: Chernov V. , Martin G. , Petkova I.
Published: February 2020

We observe that Khovanov homology detects causality in (2 + 1)-dimensional globally hyperbolic spacetimes whose Cauchy surface is homeomorphic to R2.
On the evolution of protein–adenine binding
Authors: Narunsky Aya , Kessel Amit , Solan Ron , Alva Vikram , Kolodny Rachel , Ben-Tal Nir
Published: February 2020

Significance

How proteins evolved to recognize and bind their ligands is a key mystery in protein function evolution. To explore this mystery, we study how proteins bind adenine, an ancient fragment. We characterize physicochemical patterns of protein–adenine interactions and link these to proteins’ evolutionary origins. In conflict with previous findings, we see that all of adenine’s hydrogen donors and acceptors have been used to bind proteins, and that adenine binding is likely to have emerged multiple times in evolution. To identify adenine-binding sites of shared origin, we use “themes”: short amino acid segments suggested to constitute evolutionary building blocks. We detect specific themes that are engaged in adenine binding; the detection of these in a protein’s sequence might reveal its function.
Short and simple sequences favored the emergence of N-helix phospho-ligand binding sites in the first enzymes
Authors: Longo Liam M. , Petrović Dušan , Kamerlin Shina Caroline Lynn , Tawfik Dan S.
Published: February 2020

Significance

The first enzymes emerged ∼4 billion y ago and have subsequently become the most diverse and functionally important component of life. But what were the first enzymes doing and how did they look? We probed the properties of the first enzymes by analyzing phospho-ligand binding across all known protein evolutionary lineages. We find that phospho-ligand binding was the founding function of the most ancient enzymes. As opposed to younger evolutionary lineages, ancient enzymes preferentially use N termini of α-helices to bind phosphate moieties. The dominance of N-helix binding sites in the earliest enzymes reflects the ability of the α-helix to realize binding via short and simple sequences, including serines and threonines that interact via both the backbone and side chain.
The ATAD2/ANCCA homolog Yta7 cooperates with Scm3
HJURP
to deposit Cse4
CENP-A
at the centromere in yeast
Authors: Shahnejat-Bushehri Sara , Ehrenhofer-Murray Ann E.
Published: February 2020

Significance

Centromeres are the sites on the chromosome where kinetochores are assembled, a process that is required for faithful chromosome segregation. Nucleosomes in centromeric chromatin contain the histone H3 variant CENP-A. Here, we have identified the AAA
+
ATPase Yta7/ATAD2 as a deposition factor for CENP-A at centromeres in yeast. Our findings indicate that Yta7 acts as a hexameric AAA
+
ATPase that unfolds CENP-A/H4 and hands it over to Scm3/HJURP for incorporation into the centromeric nucleosome. Defects in this process result in kinetochore instability and chromosome segregation defects. The human homolog ATAD2 is frequently overexpressed in cancer cells, suggesting that it contributes to carcinogenesis by impairing chromosome segregation.
ER arrival sites associate with ER exit sites to create bidirectional transport portals
Authors: Roy Chowdhury Sudeshna , Bhattacharjee Chumki , Casler Jason C. , Jain Bhawik Kumar , Glick Benjamin S. , Bhattacharyya Dibyendu
Published: February 2020

COPI vesicles mediate Golgi-to-ER recycling, but COPI vesicle arrival sites at the ER have been poorly defined. We explored this issue using the yeast Pichia pastoris. ER arrival sites (ERAS) can be visualized by labeling COPI vesicle tethers such as Tip20. Our results place ERAS at the periphery of COPII-labeled ER export sites (ERES). The dynamics of ERES and ERAS are indistinguishable, indicating that these structures are tightly coupled. Displacement or degradation of Tip20 does not alter ERES organization, whereas displacement or degradation of either COPII or COPI components disrupts ERAS organization. We infer that Golgi compartments form at ERES and then produce COPI vesicles to generate ERAS. As a result, ERES and ERAS are functionally linked to create bidirectional transport portals at the ER–Golgi interface. COPI vesicles likely become tethered while they bud, thereby promoting efficient retrograde transport. In mammalian cells, the Tip20 homologue RINT1 associates with ERES, indicating possible conservation of the link between ERES and ERAS.
Gilgamesh (Gish)/CK1γ regulates tissue homeostasis and aging in adult Drosophila midgut
Authors: Li Shuangxi , Tian Aiguo , Li Shuang , Han Yuhong , Wang Bing , Jiang Jin
Published: February 2020

Adult tissues and organs rely on resident stem cells to generate new cells that replenish damaged cells. To maintain homeostasis, stem cell activity needs to be tightly controlled throughout the adult life. Here, we show that the membrane-associated kinase Gilgamesh (Gish)/CK1γ maintains Drosophila adult midgut homeostasis by restricting JNK pathway activity and that Gish is essential for intestinal stem cell (ISC) maintenance under stress conditions. Inactivation of Gish resulted in aberrant JNK pathway activation and excessive production of multiple cytokines and growth factors that drive ISC overproliferation. Mechanistically, Gish restricts JNK activation by phosphorylating and destabilizing a small GTPase, Rho1. Interestingly, we find that Gish expression is down-regulated in aging guts and that increasing Gish activity in aging guts can restore tissue homeostasis. Hence, our study identifies Gish/CK1γ as a novel regulator of Rho1 and gatekeeper of tissue homeostasis whose activity is compromised in aging guts.
Peroxisome prognostications: Exploring the birth, life, and death of an organelle
Authors: Mast Fred D. , Rachubinski Richard A. , Aitchison John D.
Published: February 2020

Peroxisomes play a central role in human health and have biochemical properties that promote their use in many biotechnology settings. With a primary role in lipid metabolism, peroxisomes share a niche with lipid droplets within the endomembrane-secretory system. Notably, factors in the ER required for the biogenesis of peroxisomes also impact the formation of lipid droplets. The dynamic interface between peroxisomes and lipid droplets, and also between these organelles and the ER and mitochondria, controls their metabolic flux and their dynamics. Here, we review our understanding of peroxisome biogenesis to propose and reframe models for understanding how peroxisomes are formed in cells. To more fully understand the roles of peroxisomes and to take advantage of their many properties that may prove useful in novel therapeutics or biotechnology applications, we recast mechanisms controlling peroxisome biogenesis in a framework that integrates inference from these models with experimental data.
Elite Identity and Political Accountability: A Tale of Ten Islands
Authors: Carvalho Jean-Paul , Dippel Christian
Published: February 2020

Emancipation of slaves in the 1830s transformed the political elites of the British Caribbean plantation islands. New elites were more accountable to the citizenry. We develop a theory in which two factors limit and possibly reverse the effect of this on political outcomes, with legislators: (i) ‘stepping up’ to pass extractive policies; and/or (ii) weakening democratic institutions. The theory is supported by an historical analysis of ten Caribbean plantation islands, based on original archival data on legislator race, occupation and roll-call voting. Eventually, all assemblies that experienced a significant change in composition dissolved themselves and converted to British ‘Crown Rule’.
3-D P-wave velocity structure of oceanic core complexes at 13°N on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Authors: Simão N M , Peirce C , Funnell M J , Robinson A H , Searle R C , MacLeod C J , Reston T J
Published: February 2020

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 13°N is regarded as a type locality for oceanic core complexes (OCCs), as it contains, within ∼70 km along the spreading axis, four that are at different stages of their life cycle. The wealth of existing seabed observations and sampling makes this an ideal target to resolve contradictions between the existing models of OCC development. Here we describe the results of P-wave seismic tomographic modelling within a 60 × 60 km footprint, containing several OCCs, the ridge axis and both flanks, which determines OCC crustal structure, detachment geometry and OCC interconnectivity along axis. A grid of wide-angle seismic refraction data was acquired along a series of 17 transects within which a network of 46 ocean-bottom seismographs was deployed. Approximately 130 000 first arrival traveltimes, together with sparse Moho reflections, have been modelled, constraining the crust and uppermost mantle to a depth of ∼10 km below sea level. Depth slices through this 3-D model reveal several independent structures each with a higher P-wave velocity (Vp) than its surrounds. At the seafloor, these features correspond to the OCCs adjacent to the axial valley walls at 13°20′N and 13°30′N, and off axis at 13°25′N. These high-Vp features display dipping trends into the deeper crust, consistent with the surface expression of each OCC's detachment, implying that rocks of the mid-to-lower crust and uppermost mantle within the footwall are juxtaposed against lower Vp material in the hangingwall. The neovolcanic zone of the ridge axis has systematically lower Vp than the surrounding crust at all depths, and is wider between OCCs. On average, throughout the 13°N region, the crust is ∼6 km-thick. However, beneath a deep lava-floored basin between axial OCCs the crust is thinner and is more characteristically oceanic in layering and velocity–depth structure. Thicker crust at the ridge axis suggests a more magmatic phase of current crustal formation, while modelling of the sparse Moho reflections suggests the crust–mantle boundary is a transition zone throughout most of the 13°N segment. Our results support a model in which OCCs are bounded by independent detachment faults whose dip increases with depth and is variable with azimuth around each OCC, suggesting a geometry and mechanism of faulting that is more complicated than previously thought. The steepness of the northern flank of the 13°20′N detachment suggests that it represents a transfer zone between different faulting regimes to the south and north. We propose that individual detachments may not be linked along-axis, and that OCCs act as transfer zones linking areas of normal spreading and detachment faulting. Along ridge variation in magma supply influences the nature of this detachment faulting. Consequently, not only does magma supply control how detachments rotate and migrate off axis before finally becoming inactive, but also how, when and where new OCCs are created.
Ulipristal acetate and pregnancy outcome—an observational study
Authors: Wagner Jenny Katharina , Dathe Katarina , Schaefer Christof , Hoeltzenbein Maria
Published: February 2020

STUDY QUESTION

Is the failure of the selective progesterone receptor modulator ulipristal acetate (UPA) as emergency contraception (EC; 30 mg, single) or inadvertent exposure for myoma treatment (5 mg/d) in pregnancy associated with a higher risk of birth defects, spontaneous abortion (SAB) or elective termination of pregnancy (ETOP)?

SUMMARY ANSWER

We did not find an increased risk for birth defects, SABs or ETOPs after UPA exposure during implantation and early embryogenesis.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Pregnancy outcome data after exposure to UPA are very limited. In cases of EC failure or unplanned pregnancy during myoma treatment, women need well-grounded risk assessment to minimize anxiety and prevent unjustified termination of pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Observational study of prospectively ascertained pregnancies from the German Embryotox institute with UPA exposure (EC, n = 95; myoma, n = 7). Four retrospectively reported pregnancy outcomes were evaluated separately.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

A total of 226 requests on ulipristal were directed to the German Embryotox institute during the study period 2010–2018. Outcomes of pregnancies exposed—(i) precycle, (ii) preconceptional or (iii) first trimester—were ascertained using standardized questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were applied.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Failed EC with UPA resulted in 95 prospectively ascertained pregnancies, of which 56 had completed follow-up: 37 live births, 7 SABs and 12 ETOPs. There was no major birth defect. Just 34% of women had taken UPA during the fertile window. Seven prospectively enrolled pregnancies were treated for myoma and had known pregnancy outcomes: five healthy live births and two SABs. Among the four retrospectively reported pregnancies after EC, there was one child diagnosed with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Our limited sample size does not allow concluding safety of UPA use in pregnancy.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

We provide a preliminary basis for reassuring women who wish to carry their pregnancy to term after EC or myoma treatment with UPA. However, because of the report of a BWS after UPA exposure, a possible epigenetic effect could not be excluded and requires further evaluation.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This work was performed with financial support from the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). All authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Registered with the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS00015155).