bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactions of 2,4-DB, Acifluorfen, and Toxaphene Applied to Foliage of Sicklepod (Cassia obtusifolia)
Authors: Waldrop David D. , Banks Philip A.
Published: May 2019

The dimethylamine salt of 2,4-DB [4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid] combined with toxaphene (chlorinated camphene) or acifluorfen [5-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)-2-nitrobenzoic acid] and toxaphene combined with acifluorfen at several rates each were applied in the greenhouse and field to sicklepod (Cassia obtusifoliaL.) to determine interactions. Toxaphene plus 2,4-DB treatments produced synergistic or additive responses in the greenhouse and in the field. Antagonistic or additive responses were observed with acifluorfen plus 2,4-DB treatments in the greenhouse, but not in the field. Acifluorfen plus toxaphene produced only additive responses in the greenhouse with synergistic interactions observed under field conditions.
Device for Collecting Uncontaminated Soil Samples in Plastic Tubing
Authors: Schubert Oscar E. , Stevens LeRoy P. , Alt Freddie L.
Published: May 2019

A three-piece soil-sampling device was constructed to collect soil cores in polyvinyl chloride tubing to a depth of 92 cm with no or minimum contamination. The device with tube is driven into the soil with a hydraulic post-driver and removed with a chain attached to the bucket of a front-end loader on a tractor. Various depths can be sampled for analysis by cutting off proportionate sections of the tubing containing the soil core. This procedure is more rapid and poses less chance of contamination than by taking progressively deeper soil samples.
Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) Control, Regrowth, and Tuber Production as Affected by Herbicides
Authors: Banks Philip A.
Published: May 2019

Nine soil-applied herbicides were evaluated in the field in cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) and soybeans [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] and in the greenhouse without crops to determine their effects on the control, regrowth, and tuber production of yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentusL.). Fluridone {1-methyl-3-phenyl-5-[3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]-4(1H)-pyridinone} and norflurazon [4-chloro-5-(methylamino)-2-(α,α,α-trifluoro-m-tolyl)-3(2H)-pyridazinone] provided the best (100%) control in the greenhouse. Tubers exposed to herbicide-treated soil in the greenhouse for 4 or 8 weeks produced fewer new tubers when transplanted into nontreated soil than nontreated tubers did. Yellow nutsedge shoot and tuber populations in the field were significantly reduced by all herbicides, except for alachlor [2-chloro-2′,6′-diethyl-N-(methoxymethyl)acetanilide], after 2 yr of treatment in cotton and soybeans.
ASTENSIONISMO ELETTORALE E QUESTIONE GIOVANILE
Authors: Giovannini Paolo
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

Ricerche e riflessioni specifiche sull'astensionismo sono di data recente, in Italia; partono, si può dire, dal 1979. Fino allora, in effetti, il comportamento astensionistico si era mantenuto entro limiti assai ristretti, e comunque del tutto simili a quelli di altri paesi in cui è previsto il voto obbligatorio per la formazione delle Camere. Il «grande balzo» lo si ha tra le elezioni del 1975–76 e quelle del 1979–80, quando i non votanti crescono percentualmente di circa il 50% (+ 53% alla Camera, +43,3% al Senato). Analogo forte incremento si registra nelle schede bianche come in quelle nulle (entrambe in progressivo calo fin dalle elezioni del 1968), che — sempre tra il 1976 e il 1979 — crescono rispettivamente del 40,7 e del 56,1% (alla Camera).
Employer Receptivity to Hiring a Mentally Retarded Person
Authors: Haines A. T. , Davidson K.
Published: May 2019

The study analysed employer receptivity to hiring mentally retarded persons. A stratified random sample of 100 employers in the Hobart area were sent a two part questionnaire. The first part of the questionnaire was designed to replicate Mahoney’s (1976b) Melbourne study of employers’ attitudes to the mentally retarded. A comparison of the Hobart and Melbourne data indicated that in both samples the variables of age, educational level, size of organization and the number of mentally retarded persons previously employed were all related to positive employer attitudes. The second part of the questionnaire was concerned with Hobart employers’ attitudes towards a Job Try-Out program. The major finding revealed that employers’ willingness to cooperate in this type of program was strongly related to their willingness to hire successful candidates from such programs on a permanent basis. The implications of these findings were discussed.
Aortic atresia and interrupted aortic arch communicating through external carotid anastomosis
Authors: Dangouloff-Ros Volodia , Boddaert Nathalie , Raimondi Francesca
Published: May 2019

We describe the case of a newborn girl who displayed association of aortic atresia and interrupted aortic arch, with retrograde flow in ascending aorta, through extracranial anastomoses between vertebral arteries (arisen from descending aorta) and external carotids.
In-Situ Characterization of Lithium Native Passivation Layer in A High Vacuum Scanning Electron Microscope
Authors: Bessette Stéphanie , Hovington Pierre , Demers Hendrix , Golozar Maryam , Bouchard Patrick , Gauvin Raynald , Zaghib Karim
Published: May 2019

A technique to characterize the native passivation layer (NPL) on pure lithium metal foils in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) is described in this paper. Lithium is a very reactive metal, and consequently, observing and quantifying its properties in a SEM is often compromised by rapid oxidation. In this work, a pure lithium energy-dispersive x-ray spectrum is obtained for the first time in a high vacuum SEM using a cold stage/cold trap with liquid nitrogen reservoir outside the SEM chamber. A nanomanipulator (OmniProbe 400) inside the microscope combined with x-ray microanalysis and windowless energy dispersive spectrometer is used to fully characterize the NPL of lithium metal and some of its alloys by a mechanical removal procedure. The results show that the native films of pure lithium and its alloys are composed of a thin (25 nm) outer layer that is carbon-rich and an inner layer containing a significant amount of oxygen. Differences in thickness between laminated and extruded samples are observed and vary depending on the alloy composition.
How Should WTO Members React to Their WTO Crises?
Authors: PETERSMANN ERNST-ULRICH
Published: May 2019

Since 2017, the United States (US) and other World Trade Organization (WTO) members have been violating their legal duties and democratic mandates given by national parliaments to maintain the WTO Appellate Body (AB) as legally prescribed in Article 17 of the WTO Dispute Understanding (DSU). Article 17 defines the AB as being ‘composed of seven persons’, with vacancies being ‘filled as they arise’. Sections 2 and 3 explain why none of the reasons offered by the US for its blocking of the (re)appointment of AB candidates – on grounds unrelated to the personal qualifications of the candidates – can justify the illegal disruptions of the WTO legal and dispute settlement system. EU trade diplomats must exercise leadership using the existing legal powers and duties of the WTO Ministerial Conference and General Council under Article IX WTO – if necessary, based on ‘a majority of the votes cast’ – to complete the WTO selection procedures for filling AB vacancies and protect the AB as legally defined in Article 17 DSU. Sections 4 and 5 explain why the competition, social policy, and rule-of-law principles underlying European ‘ordo-liberalism’ offer coherent strategies for overcoming the WTO governance crises by limiting hegemonic abuses of both US neo-liberalism and Chinese state-capitalism.
Cholecalciferol, Ergosterol, and Cholesterol Enhance the Antibiotic Activity of Drugs
Authors: Andrade Jacqueline C. , Morais Braga Maria Flaviana B. , Guedes Gláucia Morgana M. , Tintino Saulo R. , Freitas Maria A. , Quintans Lucindo J. , Jr.  , Menezes Irwin R. A. , Coutinho Henrique D. M.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Background: This is the first report demonstrating the antibiotic-modifying activity of cholecalciferol. Aim: In this study, cholecalciferol was evaluated against multiresistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Methods: The antibacterial and modulatory effects of cholecalciferol, ergosterol, and cholesterol (8–512 μg/mL) were evaluated by microdilution assay against multiresistant bacterial strains. Results: Cholecalciferol, when combined with aminoglycosides, was more effective against P. aeruginosa, reducing the concentration of amikacin and gentamicin necessary to inhibit bacterial growth from 156.25 to 39.06 μg/mL and from 39.06 to 9.76 μg/mL, respectively. It is possible that cholecalciferol, due to its lipid-soluble nature, had a lipophilic interaction with the cell membrane, enhancing antibiotic uptake. Cholesterol and ergosterol were used to see if the mechanism of action of cholecalciferol was similar to that of these lipid compounds. Ergosterol and cholesterol increased aminoglycoside activity, where the effect was greater with higher subinhibitory concentration of sterol. Conclusions: There is no reported study on the use of cholesterol and ergosterol as modulators of antibiotics or any other drug, making this the first study in this area highlighting the interaction between cholesterol, ergosterol, and cholecalciferol with regard to modifying aminoglycoside activity.
No Differences in Hematological Parameters of Fasting and Non-Fasting Pregnant Women Three Months after Ramadan
Authors: Makvandi Somayeh , Karimi Leyla , Mahdavian Mitra , Bastami Arasteh
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Introduction: Ramadan is a holy month in the Islamic calendar. Ramadan fasting is a religious obligation for all healthy adult Muslims. Many pregnant Muslim women choose to fast during Ramadan while others prefer not to do so. The aim of this study was to compare the basic hematological parameters of fasting and non-fasting pregnant women 3 months after Ramadan. Materials and methods: In this case-control study, 3 months after the end of Ramadan, the concentrations of basic hematological parameters in 200 healthy pregnant women with a previous history of fasting (n = 100) and non-fasting (n = 100) were measured. Results: The results showed that the fasters and non-fasters were similar in maternal age, gestational age, gravidity, pre-pregnancy weight, and maternal weight at enrollment. There were no statistically significant differences between the mean of hemoglobin (12.34 ± 1.15 g/dL vs 12.60 ± 1.11 g/dL, p = 0.10) and hematocrit (36.39 ± 2.79 % vs 36.27 ± 3.14 %, p = 0.77) in the fasting and non-fasting groups, respectively. In addition, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups when other hematological parameters were compared (p >0.05). Conclusion: Although the immediate effects of Ramadan fasting on hematological parameters are not known, this study concluded that partial fasting during Ramadan from a hematological point of view is of no concern for pregnant women 3 months after the end of Ramadan.
Cloud‐Radiative Impact on the Regional Responses of the Midlatitude Jet Streams and Storm Tracks to Global Warming
Authors: Albern Nicole , Voigt Aiko , Pinto Joaquim G.
Published: May 2019

Previous work demonstrated the strong radiative coupling between clouds and the midlatitude circulation. Here we investigate the impact of cloud‐radiative changes on the global warming response of the midlatitude jet streams and storm tracks in the North Atlantic, North Pacific, and Southern Hemisphere. To this end, we use the ICOsahedral Nonhydrostatic global atmosphere model in present‐day setup and with the cloud‐locking method. Sea surface temperatures are prescribed to isolate the circulation response to atmospheric cloud‐radiative heating. In the annual mean, cloud‐radiative changes contribute one to two thirds to the poleward jet shift in all three ocean basins and support the jet strengthening in the North Atlantic and Southern Hemisphere. Cloud‐radiative changes also impact the storm track, but the impact is more diverse across the three ocean basins. The cloud‐radiative impact on the North Atlantic and North Pacific jets varies little from season to season in absolute terms, whereas its relative importance changes over the course of the year. In the Southern Hemisphere, cloud‐radiative changes strengthen the jet in all seasons, whereas their impact on the jet shift is limited to austral summer and fall. The cloud‐radiative impact is largely zonally symmetric and independent of whether global warming is mimicked by a uniform 4 K or spatially varying sea surface temperatures increase. Our results emphasize the importance of cloud‐radiative changes for the response of the midlatitude circulation to global warming, indicating that clouds can contribute to uncertainty in model projections of future circulations.
The Pre‐Obduction to Post‐Obduction Evolution of the Sivas Ophiolite (Turkey) and Implications for the Precollisional History of Eastern Anatolia
Authors: Legeay Etienne , Mohn Geoffroy , Callot Jean‐Paul , Ringenbach Jean‐Claude , Ulianov Alexey , Kavak Kaan Sevki
Published: May 2019

The Anatolian block preserves remnants of Tethyan oceanic basins consumed by north dipping subduction zones until the Late Cretaceous prior to Paleogene collision. The Sivas Basin, which belongs to the Maastrichtian to Cenozoic Central Anatolian basins, is located in a key position limited to the north and the south by respectively the Pontides and Tauride ophiolitic bodies and to the west by the Kırşehir block. This study focuses on the southern margin of the Sivas Basin, where an obducted ophiolite is capped by Maastrichtian‐Paleocene sediments. We present new field observations, with U‐Pb zircon dating on magmatic rocks and geochemical analyses to (1) unravel the pre‐obduction nature and origin of the ophiolitic basement and (2) describe the post‐obduction tectonosedimentary evolution. The pre‐obduction evolution shows that (i) the Sivas ophiolite is characterized by serpentinized peridotites, with minor magmatic intrusions, (ii) the top of the serpentinized mantle is characterized by a cataclastic deformation with ophicalcites interpreted as an extensional detachment fault, (iii) the U‐Pb zircon dating of two magmatic intrusions yield age of 91.49 ± 0.8 Ma and 72.7 ± 0.5 Ma, and (iv) petrological and geochemical data show that the magmatic intrusions were affected by hydrothermal metamorphism. These data suggest that the Sivas ophiolite may have recorded forearc hyperextension in frame of a Late Cretaceous suprasubduction zone. The post‐obduction evolution is characterized by the deposition of a Maastrichtian‐Paleocene carbonate platform on the ophiolite, followed by clastic sediments containing reworked ophiolitic and Tauride Mesozoic clasts.
Evolving Marginal Terranes During Neoproterozoic Supercontinent Reorganization: Constraints From the Bemarivo Domain in Northern Madagascar
Authors: Armistead Sheree E. , Collins Alan S. , Merdith Andrew S. , Payne Justin L. , Cox Grant M. , Foden John D. , Razakamanana Théodore , De Waele Bert
Published: May 2019

Madagascar is a key area for unraveling the geodynamic evolution of the transition between the Rodinia and Gondwana supercontinents as it contains several suites of c. 850–700 Ma magmatic rocks that have been postulated to correlate with other Rodinian terranes. The Bemarivo Domain of northern Madagascar contains the youngest of these units that date to c. 750–700 Ma. We present zircon Hf and O isotope data to understand northern Madagascar's place in the Neoproterozoic plate tectonic reconfiguration. We demonstrate that the northern component of the Bemarivo Domain is distinct from the southern part of the Bemarivo Domain and have therefore assigned new names—the Bobakindro Terrane and Marojejy Terrane, respectively. Magmatic rocks of the Marojejy Terrane and Anaboriana Belt are characterized by evolved εHf(t) signatures and a range of δ18O values, similar to the Imorona‐Itsindro Suite of central Madagascar. These magmatic suites likely formed together in the same long‐lived volcanic arc. In contrast, the Bobakindro Terrane contains juvenile εHf(t) and mantle‐like δ18O values, with no probable link to the rest of Madagascar. We propose that the Bobakindro Terrane formed in a juvenile arc system that included the Seychelles, the Malani Igneous Suite of northwest India, Oman, and the Yangtze Belt of south China, which at the time were all outboard from continental India and south China. The final assembly of northern Madagascar and amalgamation of the Bobakindro Terrane and Marojejy Terrane occurred along the Antsaba subduction zone, with collision occurring at c. 540 Ma.
The Diurnal Nature of Future Extreme Precipitation Intensification
Authors: Meredith Edmund P. , Ulbrich Uwe , Rust Henning W.
Published: May 2019

Short‐duration, high‐impact precipitation events in the extratropics are invariably convective in nature, typically occur during the summer, and are projected to intensify under climate change. The occurrence of convective precipitation is strongly regulated by the diurnal convective cycle, peaking in the late afternoon. Here we perform very high resolution (convection‐permitting) regional climate model simulations to study the scaling of extreme precipitation under climate change across the diurnal cycle. We show that the future intensification of extreme precipitation has a strong diurnal signal and that intraday scaling far in excess of overall scaling, and indeed thermodynamic expectations, is possible. We additionally show that, under a strong climate change scenario, the probability maximum for the occurrence of heavy to extreme precipitation may shift from late afternoon to the overnight/morning period. We further identify the thermodynamic and dynamic mechanisms which modify future extreme environments, explaining both the future scaling's diurnal signal and departure from thermodynamic expectations.
Formation of the Potential Jump Over the Geomagnetically Quiet Sunlit Polar Cap Region
Authors: Khazanov G. V. , Krivorutsky E. N. , Sibeck D. G.
Published: May 2019

We consider the formation of a potential drop over the Earth's polar cap during geomagnetically quiet daytime. The observed potential drop is primarily defined by the hydrogen, photoelectron, and polar rain fluxes ratios and depends strongly on the energy distribution of the photoelectron flux. Polar rain is an essential component of the model required for plasma quasi‐neutrality. The potential distribution along the magnetic field line has two regions, with a small, gradual, potential drop of 3–4 V and a potential jump. The value of the potential jump depends on the hydrogen ion to photoelectron flux ratio and is also controlled by polar rain electrons. With quasi‐neutrality required at its upper boundary, the jump only occurs in the presence of polar rain and its location depends on the polar rain flux. Model predictions compare well with FAST observations presented by Kitamura et al. (2012, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JA017459).
Molecular mechanisms of temperature acclimation and adaptation in marine diatoms
Authors: Liang Yue , Koester Julie A , Liefer Justin D , Irwin Andrew J , Finkel Zoe V
Published: May 2019

Diatoms are important contributors to marine primary production and the ocean carbon cycle, yet the molecular mechanisms that regulate their acclimation and adaptation to temperature are poorly understood. Here we use a transcriptomic approach to investigate the molecular mechanisms associated with temperature acclimation and adaptation in closely related colder- and warmer-adapted diatom species. We find evidence that evolutionary changes in baseline gene expression, which we termed transcriptional investment or divestment, is a key mechanism used by diatoms to adapt to different growth temperatures. Invested and divested pathways indicate that the maintenance of protein processing machinery and membrane structure, important short-term physiological mechanisms used to respond to temperature changes, are key elements associated with adaptation to different growth temperatures. Our results also indicate that evolutionary changes in the transcriptional regulation of acetyl-CoA associated pathways, including lipid and branched chain amino acid metabolism, are used by diatoms to balance photosynthetic light capture and metabolism with changes in growth temperature. Transcriptional investment and divestment can provide a framework to identify mechanisms of acclimation and adaption to temperature.
Commonality in dysregulated expression of gene sets in cortical brains of individuals with autism, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder
Authors: Guan Jinting , Cai James J. , Ji Guoli , Sham Pak Chung
Published: May 2019

Individuals affected with different neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism (AUT), schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BPD), may share similar clinical manifestations, suggesting shared genetic influences and common biological mechanisms underlying these disorders. Using brain transcriptome data gathered from postmortem donors affected with AUT, SCZ and BPD, it is now possible to identify shared dysregulated gene sets, i.e., those abnormally expressed in brains of neuropsychiatric patients, compared to non-psychiatric controls. Here, we apply a novel aberrant gene expression analysis method, coupled with consensus co-expression network analysis, to identify gene sets with shared dysregulated expression in cortical brains of individuals affected with AUT, SCZ and BPD. We identify eight gene sets with dysregulated expression shared by AUT, SCZ and BPD, 23 by AUT and SCZ, four by AUT and BPD, and two by SCZ and BPD. The identified genes are enriched with functions relevant to amino acid transport, synapse, neurotransmitter release, oxidative stress, nitric oxide synthase biosynthesis, immune response, protein folding, lysophosphatidic acid-mediated signaling and glycolysis. Our method has been proven to be effective in discovering and revealing multigene sets with dysregulated expression shared by different neuropsychiatric disorders. Our findings provide new insights into the common molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis and progression of AUT, SCZ and BPD, contributing to the study of etiological overlap between these neuropsychiatric disorders.
A novel hydrolase with a pro-death activity from the protozoan parasite Leishmania major
Authors: Basmaciyan Louise , Jacquet Pauline , Azas Nadine , Casanova Magali
Published: May 2019

Apoptosis is a cell death process generally described as involving a cascade of caspase activation, death receptors and/or pro- and antiapoptotic molecules from the BcL-2 family. But about 20 years ago, a caspase-independent apoptotic pathway has been described. Regarding this pathway, we can learn a lot from Leishmania parasites. Indeed, these parasitic protozoa enter, in response to different stimuli, in a form of cell death phenotypically similar to mammalian apoptosis but without involving caspases or death receptors. So far, only two proteins have been clearly identified as being involved in Leishmania-regulated cell death: the metacaspase and the endonuclease G. We report here the identification of a new protein modeled as a potential hydrolase, highly conserved among Leishmania species and absent in the very close parasite Trypanosoma brucei. This protein is involved in L. major-regulated cell death induced by curcumin, miltefosine and pentamidine, after gene overexpression and/or protein translocation to the nucleus. The identification of proteins involved in Leishmania-regulated cell death will provide a better understanding of nonconventional apoptotic pathways in higher eukaryotes. It will also allow the development of new therapeutic tools via the identification of new specific targets.
Schistosoma mansoni treatment reduces HIV entry into cervical CD4+ T cells and induces IFN-I pathways
Authors: Yegorov Sergey , Joag Vineet , Galiwango Ronald M. , Good Sara V. , Mpendo Juliet , Tannich Egbert , Boggild Andrea K. , Kiwanuka Noah , Bagaya Bernard S. , Kaul Rupert
Published: May 2019

Schistosoma mansoni(Sm) infection has been linked with an increased risk of HIV acquisition in women. Therefore, defining the mechanism(s) by whichSmalters HIV susceptibility might lead to new HIV prevention strategies. Here, we analyze the impact of standardSmtherapy in HIV-uninfectedSm+ Ugandan adult women on genital HIV susceptibility and mucosal and systemic immunology. Schistosomiasis treatment induces a profound reduction of HIV entry into cervical and blood CD4+ T cells that is sustained for up to two months, despite transient systemic and mucosal immune activation and elevated genital IL-1α levels. Genital IFN-α2a levels are also elevated post-treatment, and IFN-α2a blocks HIV entry into primary CD4+ T cells ex vivo. Transcriptomic analysis of blood mononuclear cells post-Smtreatment shows IFN-I pathway up-regulation and partial reversal ofSm-dysregulated interferon signaling. These findings indicate thatSmtherapy may reduce HIV susceptibility for women withSminfection, potentially through de-repression of IFN-I pathways.
A soft photopolymer cuboid that computes with binary strings of white light
Authors: Hudson Alexander D. , Ponte Matthew R. , Mahmood Fariha , Pena Ventura Thomas , Saravanamuttu Kalaichelvi
Published: May 2019

Next-generation stimuli–responsive materials must be configured with local computational ability so that instead of a discrete on-off responsiveness, they sense, process and interact reciprocally with environmental stimuli. Because of their varied architectures and tunable responsiveness to a range of physical and chemical stimuli, polymers hold particular promise in the generation of such “materials that compute”. Here, we present a photopolymer cuboid that autonomously performs pattern recognition and transfer, volumetric encoding and binary arithmetic with incandescent beams. The material’s nonlinear response to incident beams generates one, two or three mutually orthogonal ensembles of white-light filaments, which respectively self-organize into disordered, 1-D and 2-D periodic geometries. Data input as binary (dark-bright) strings generate a unique distribution of filament geometries, which corresponds to the result of a specific operation. The working principles of this material that computes with light is transferrable to other nonlinear systems and incoherent sources including light emitting diodes.
A pistil-expressed pectin methylesterase confers cross-incompatibility between strains of Zea mays
Authors: Lu Yongxian , Hokin Samuel A. , Kermicle Jerry L. , Hartwig Thomas , Evans Mathew M. S.
Published: May 2019

A central problem in speciation is the origin and mechanisms of reproductive barriers that block gene flow between sympatric populations. Wind-pollinated plant species that flower in synchrony with one another rely on post-pollination interactions to maintain reproductive isolation. In some locations in Mexico, sympatric populations of domesticated maize and annual teosinte grow in intimate associate and flower synchronously, but rarely produce hybrids. This trait is typically conferred by a single haplotype, Teosinte crossing barrier1-s. Here, we show that the Teosinte crossing barrier1-s haplotype contains a pistil-expressed, potential speciation gene, encoding a pectin methylesterase homolog. The modification of the pollen tube cell wall by the pistil, then, is likely a key mechanism for pollen rejection in Zea and may represent a general mechanism for reproductive isolation in grasses.
Uncovering the structure of self-regulation through data-driven ontology discovery
Authors: Eisenberg Ian W. , Bissett Patrick G. , Zeynep Enkavi A. , Li Jamie , MacKinnon David P. , Marsch Lisa A. , Poldrack Russell A.
Published: May 2019

Psychological sciences have identified a wealth of cognitive processes and behavioral phenomena, yet struggle to produce cumulative knowledge. Progress is hamstrung by siloed scientific traditions and a focus on explanation over prediction, two issues that are particularly damaging for the study of multifaceted constructs like self-regulation. Here, we derive a psychological ontology from a study of individual differences across a broad range of behavioral tasks, self-report surveys, and self-reported real-world outcomes associated with self-regulation. Though both tasks and surveys putatively measure self-regulation, they show little empirical relationship. Within tasks and surveys, however, the ontology identifies reliable individual traits and reveals opportunities for theoretic synthesis. We then evaluate predictive power of the psychological measurements and find that while surveys modestly and heterogeneously predict real-world outcomes, tasks largely do not. We conclude that self-regulation lacks coherence as a construct, and that data-driven ontologies lay the groundwork for a cumulative psychological science.
Resting brain dynamics at different timescales capture distinct aspects of human behavior
Authors: Liégeois Raphaël , Li Jingwei , Kong Ru , Orban Csaba , Van De Ville Dimitri , Ge Tian , Sabuncu Mert R. , Yeo B. T. Thomas
Published: May 2019

Linking human behavior to resting-state brain function is a central question in systems neuroscience. In particular, the functional timescales at which different types of behavioral factors are encoded remain largely unexplored. The behavioral counterparts of static functional connectivity (FC), at the resolution of several minutes, have been studied but behavioral correlates of dynamic measures of FC at the resolution of a few seconds remain unclear. Here, using resting-state fMRI and 58 phenotypic measures from the Human Connectome Project, we find that dynamic FC captures task-based phenotypes (e.g., processing speed or fluid intelligence scores), whereas self-reported measures (e.g., loneliness or life satisfaction) are equally well explained by static and dynamic FC. Furthermore, behaviorally relevant dynamic FC emerges from the interconnections across all resting-state networks, rather than within or between pairs of networks. Our findings shed new light on the timescales of cognitive processes involved in distinct facets of behavior.
qDSB-Seq is a general method for genome-wide quantification of DNA double-strand breaks using sequencing
Authors: Zhu Yingjie , Biernacka Anna , Pardo Benjamin , Dojer Norbert , Forey Romain , Skrzypczak Magdalena , Fongang Bernard , Nde Jules , Yousefi Razie , Pasero Philippe , Ginalski Krzysztof , Rowicka Maga
Published: May 2019

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are among the most lethal types of DNA damage and frequently cause genome instability. Sequencing-based methods for mapping DSBs have been developed but they allow measurement only of relative frequencies of DSBs between loci, which limits our understanding of the physiological relevance of detected DSBs. Here we propose quantitative DSB sequencing (qDSB-Seq), a method providing both DSB frequencies per cell and their precise genomic coordinates. We induce spike-in DSBs by a site-specific endonuclease and use them to quantify detected DSBs (labeled, e.g., using i-BLESS). Utilizing qDSB-Seq, we determine numbers of DSBs induced by a radiomimetic drug and replication stress, and reveal two orders of magnitude differences in DSB frequencies. We also measure absolute frequencies of Top1-dependent DSBs at natural replication fork barriers. qDSB-Seq is compatible with various DSB labeling methods in different organisms and allows accurate comparisons of absolute DSB frequencies across samples.
Proton mediated spin state transition of cobalt heme analogs
Authors: Zhao Jianping , Peng Qian , Wang Zijian , Xu Wei , Xiao Hongyan , Wu Qi , Sun Hao-Ling , Ma Fang , Zhao Jiyong , Sun Cheng-Jun , Zhao Jianzhang , Li Jianfeng
Published: May 2019

The spin state transition from low spin to high spin upon substrate addition is one of the key steps in cytochrome P450 catalysis. External perturbations such as pH and hydrogen bonding can also trigger the spin state transition of hemes through deprotonated histidine (e.g. Cytochrome c). In this work, we report the isolated 2-methylimidazole Cobalt(II) [Co(TPP)(2-MeHIm)] and [Co(TTP)(2-MeHIm)], and the corresponding 2-methylimidazolate derivatives where the N−H proton of axial 2-MeHIm is removed. Interestingly, various spectroscopies including EPR and XAFS determine a high-spin state (S = 3/2) for the imidazolate derivatives, in contrast to the low-spin state (S = 1/2) of all known imidazole analogs. DFT assisted stereoelectronic investigations are applied to understand the metal-ligand interactions, which suggest that the dramatically displaced metal center allowing a promotion eg(dπ) → b1g($$d_{x^2 - y^2}$$

d

x

2

-

y

2

) is crucial for the occurrence of the spin state transition.
Publisher Correction: GWAS of bone size yields twelve loci that also affect height, BMD, osteoarthritis or fractures
Authors: Styrkarsdottir Unnur , Stefansson Olafur A. , Gunnarsdottir Kristbjorg , Thorleifsson Gudmar , Lund Sigrun H. , Stefansdottir Lilja , Juliusson Kristinn , Agustsdottir Arna B. , Zink Florian , Halldorsson Gisli H. , Ivarsdottir Erna V. , Benonisdottir Stefania , Jonsson Hakon , Gylfason Arnaldur , Norland Kristjan , Trajanoska Katerina , Boer Cindy G. , Southam Lorraine , Leung Jason C. S. , Tang Nelson L. S. , Kwok Timothy C. Y. , Lee Jenny S. W. , Ho Suzanne C. , Byrjalsen Inger , Center Jacqueline R. , Lee Seung Hun , Koh Jung-Min , Lohmander L. Stefan , Ho-Pham Lan T. , Nguyen Tuan V. , Eisman John A. , Woo Jean , Leung Ping-C. , Loughlin John , Zeggini Eleftheria , Christiansen Claus , Rivadeneira Fernando , van Meurs Joyce , Uitterlinden Andre G. , Mogensen Brynjolfur , Jonsson Helgi , Ingvarsson Thorvaldur , Sigurdsson Gunnar , Benediktsson Rafn , Sulem Patrick , Jonsdottir Ingileif , Masson Gisli , Holm Hilma , Norddahl Gudmundur L. , Thorsteinsdottir Unnur , Gudbjartsson Daniel F. , Stefansson Kari
Published: May 2019

The original HTML version of this Article was updated shortly after publication to add links to the Peer Review file.

In addition, affiliations 16 and 17 incorrectly read ‘School of Medicine Sydney, University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, WA, 6160, Australia’ and ‘St Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.’ This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
High-resolution phase-contrast imaging of biological specimens using a stable betatron X-ray source in the multiple-exposure mode
Authors: Guo Bo , Zhang Xiaohui , Zhang Jie , Hua Jianfei , Pai Chih-Hao , Zhang Chaojie , Chu Hsu-Hsin , Mori Warren , Joshi Chan , Wang Jyhpyng , Lu Wei
Published: May 2019

Phase-contrast imaging using X-ray sources with high spatial coherence is an emerging tool in biology and material science. Much of this research is being done using large synchrotron facilities or relatively low-flux microfocus X-ray tubes. An alternative high-flux, ultra-short and high-spatial-coherence table-top X-ray source based on betatron motions of electrons in laser wakefield accelerators has the promise to produce high quality images. In previous phase-contrast imaging studies with betatron sources, single-exposure images with a spatial resolution of 6–70 μm were reported by using large-scale laser systems (60–200 TW). Furthermore, images obtained with multiple exposures tended to have a reduced contrast and resolution due to the shot-to-shot fluctuations. In this article, we demonstrate that a highly stable multiple-exposure betatron source, with an effective average source size of 5 μm, photon number and pointing jitters of <5% and spectral fluctuation of <10%, can be obtained by utilizing ionization injection in pure nitrogen plasma using a 30–40 TW laser. Using this source, high quality phase-contrast images of biological specimens with a 5-μm resolution are obtained for the first time. This work shows a way for the application of high resolution phase-contrast imaging with stable betatron sources using modest power, high repetition-rate lasers.
Atomic replacement effects on the band structure of doped perovskite thin films
Authors: Cheng S. L. , Du C. H. , Chuang T. H. , Lin J. G.
Published: May 2019

The potential applications of perovskite manganite R1-xAxMnO3 (R = rare earth element; A = Sr, Ca) thin films have been continuously explored due to their multi-functional properties. In particular, the optimally hole-doped La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 thin film demonstrates a colossal magneto-resistance that is beneficial to the performance of spintronic devices. To understand the effect of R and A ions on the material properties, we systematically measure the resistivity, magnetization, and electronic energy states for three optimally hole-doped R0.67A0.33MnO3 thin films with R = La, Sm and A = Sr, Ca. Various energy parameters are derived based on the X-ray absorption and X-ray photoelectron spectra, including the band gap, the charge frustration energy and the magnetic exchange energy. It is interesting to find that the replacement of La with Sm is more effective than that of Sr with Ca in terms of tuning the electrical property, the Curie temperature, and the band gap. The strain-induced reduction of the O 2p- Mn 3d hybridization and the interplay of R/A site disorder and strain effect are discussed. The results of this study provide useful information for the band design of perovskite oxide films.
Little evidence for switches to environmental sex determination and turnover of sex chromosomes in lacertid lizards
Authors: Rovatsos Michail , Vukić Jasna , Mrugała Agata , Suwala Grzegorz , Lymberakis Petros , Kratochvíl Lukáš
Published: May 2019

Amniotes possess variability in sex determination, from environmental sex determination (ESD), where no sex chromosomes are present, to genotypic sex determination (GSD) with highly differentiated sex chromosomes. Some evolutionary scenarios postulate high stability of differentiated sex chromosomes and rare transitions from GSD to ESD. However, sex chromosome turnovers and two independent transitions from highly differentiated ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes to ESD were previously reported in the lacertid lizards. Here, we examined the homology of sex chromosomes in the wide phylogenetic spectrum of lacertids and their outgroups by comparing gene copy numbers between sexes in genes previously found to be Z-specific in some lacertids. Our current sampling covers 45 species from 26 genera including lineages supposed to possess a derived sex determining systems. We found that all tested lacertids share homologous differentiated ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes, which were present already in their common ancestor living around 85 million years ago. These differentiated sex chromosomes are not present in amphisbaenians and teiid lizards, the close relatives of lacertids. Our study demonstrates how inaccuracies in data can influence the outcome of phylogenetic reconstructions of evolution of sex determination, in this case they overestimated the number of shifts from GSD to ESD and the rate in turnovers of sex chromosomes.
Multi-timescale phase-amplitude couplings in transitions of anesthetic-induced unconsciousness
Authors: Tsai Feng-Fang , Fan Shou-Zen , Cheng Hsiao-Liang , Yeh Jia-Rong
Published: May 2019

Under general anesthesia (GA), advanced analysis methods enhance the awareness of the electroencephalography (EEG) signature of transitions from consciousness to unconsciousness. For nonlinear and nonstationary signals, empirical mode decomposition (EMD) works as a dyadic filter bank to reserve local dynamical properties in decomposed components. Moreover, cross-frequency phase-amplitude coupling analysis illustrates that the coupling between the phase of low-frequency components and the amplitude of high-frequency components is correlated with the brain functions of sensory detection, working memory, consciousness, and attentional selection. To improve the functions of phase-amplitude coupling analysis, we utilized a multi-timescale approach based on EMD to assess changes in brain functions in anesthetic-induced unconsciousness using a measure of phase-amplitude coupling. Two groups of patients received two different anesthetic recipes (with or without ketamine) during the induction period of GA. Long-term (low-frequency) coupling represented a common transitional process of brain functions from consciousness to unconsciousness with a decay trend in both groups. By contrast, short-term coupling reflected a reverse trend to long-term coupling. However, the measures of short-term coupling also reflected a higher degree of coupling for the group with ketamine compared with that without ketamine. In addition, the coupling phase is a factor of interest. The phases for different combinations of coupling components showed significant changes in anesthetic-induced unconsciousness. The coupling between the delta-band phase and the theta-band amplitude changed from in-phase to out-phase coupling during the induction process from consciousness to unconsciousness. The changes in the coupling phase in EEG signals were abrupt and sensitive in anesthetic-induced unconsciousness.
Effect of elastic grading on fretting wear
Authors: Willert Emanuel , Dmitriev Andrey I. , Psakhie Sergey G. , Popov Valentin L.
Published: May 2019

We consider fretting wear in elastic frictional contact under influence of oscillations of small amplitude and investigate the question, how wear damage can be influenced by the introduction of material gradients. To achieve a general understanding we restrict our consideration to media with a power-law dependency of the elastic modulus on depth. In this case, a complete analytical solution can be found for the final worn shape. In the limiting case of small fretting oscillations we obtain a simple, closed-form asymptotic solution of the problem. We find that the optimum grading depends on the oscillation amplitude: for large amplitudes, the use of materials with a positive exponent decreases the wear volume whilst for very small amplitudes the use of graded materials with slightly negative exponent is beneficial. Especially interesting is the case of the Gibson-medium which may help avoiding both fretting wear and fretting fatigue.
Land management strategies can increase oil palm plantation use by some terrestrial mammals in Colombia
Authors: Pardo Lain E. , Campbell Mason J. , Cove Michael V. , Edwards Will , Clements Gopalasamy Reuben , Laurance William F.
Published: May 2019

While the conservation role of remaining natural habitats in anthropogenic landscapes is clear, the degree to which agricultural matrices impose limitations to animal use is not well understood, but vital to assess species’ resilience to land use change. Using an occupancy framework, we evaluated how oil palm plantations affect the occurrence and habitat use of terrestrial mammals in the Colombian Llanos. Further, we evaluated the effect of undergrowth vegetation and proximity to forest on habitat use within plantations. Most species exhibited restricted distributions across the study area, especially in oil palm plantations. Habitat type strongly influenced habitat use of four of the 12 more widely distributed species with oil palm negatively affecting species such as capybara and naked-tailed armadillo. The remaining species showed no apparent effect of habitat type, but oil palm and forest use probabilities varied among species. Overall, generalist mesocarnivores, white-tailed deer, and giant anteater were more likely to use oil palm while the remaining species, including ocelot and lesser anteater, showed preferences for forest. Distance to nearest forest had mixed effects on species habitat use, while understory vegetation facilitated the presence of species using oil palm. Our findings suggest that allowing undergrowth vegetation inside plantations and maintaining nearby riparian corridors would increase the likelihood of terrestrial mammals’ occurrence within oil palm landscapes.
Pulmonary hypertension in the global population of adolescents and adults living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bigna Jean Joel , Nansseu Jobert Richie , Noubiap Jean Jacques
Published: May 2019

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the prevalence of PH in adolescents and adults living with HIV at the global level. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Global Index Medicus were searched to identify articles published until November 4, 2018. PH had to be investigated with transthoracic echography or right heart catheterization (RHC). A random-effects model was used to pool individual studies. Overall, 25 studies with 42,642 participants from 17 countries were included. One study reported the prevalence of PH among HIV-infected adults based on RHC: 0.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.3–0.6). The global prevalence of PH based on echography was 8.3% (95% CI: 4.6–12.8; 22 studies) among HIV-infected adults. In subgroup analysis, there was no difference between regions, human development indicator, and HIV burden in countries. Among HIV-infected adolescents, the prevalence of PH based on echography was 14.0% (95% CI: 2.2–33.1; 2 studies). This study suggests a high prevalence of PH in the global adolescent and adult population infected with HIV. As such, PH in this vulnerable population should be prioritized by HIV healthcare providers, policy makers and stakeholders for improved detection, overall proper management and efficient control.
Effects of a moderate-to-high intensity resistance circuit training on fat mass, functional capacity, muscular strength, and quality of life in elderly: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Marcos-Pardo Pablo Jorge , Orquin-Castrillón Francisco Javier , Gea-García Gemma María , Menayo-Antúnez Ruperto , González-Gálvez Noelia , Vale Rodrigo Gomes de Souza , Martínez-Rodríguez Alejandro
Published: May 2019

Physical exercise is considered an important intervention for promoting well-being and healthy aging. The objective was to determine the effects of moderate-to-high intensity resistance circuit training on different parameters of body composition, functional autonomy, muscular strength and quality of life in elderly. A randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 45 subjects (27 females, 18 males) aged between 65–75 years old from Murcia (Spain) were divided by sex, and randomly to experimental group (n = 33, mean age 69 ± 3.2 years old) receiving 12 weeks of moderate-to-high intensity resistance circuit training and control group (n = 33, mean age 70 ± 4.1 years old) receiving no exercise intervention. Intra-group comparison, the experimental group showed a significant increment of lean body mass in women and men, which also presented a decrease of fat mass. Both sex presented a significant improve in functional autonomy, and significately higher values of muscular strength. But no changes were observed regarding quality of life in these groups. The control group did not show any differences pre and post-intervention in women, but in men presented an increment of body mass index and total weight post-intervention. No changes were showed in the other variables. Similar results were founded at inter-group comparison. The moderate-to-high intensity resistance circuit training showed increase in total lean body mass, improvements in functional capacity and significantly increase in upper and lower muscular strength in women and men. Progressive resistance circuit training should be promoted for the elderly as it has the potential to improve physical performance, thereby prolonging healthy independent aging.