bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Palaeozoic diversifications and extinctions in the marine biosphere: a continuum of change
Authors: Harper David A.T. , Cascales-Miñana Borja , Servais Thomas
Published: December 2019

A review of biodiversity curves of marine organisms indicates that, despite fluctuations in amplitude (some large), a large-scale, long-term radiation of life took place during the early Palaeozoic Era; it was aggregated by a succession of more discrete and regionalized radiations across geographies and within phylogenies. This major biodiversification within the marine biosphere started during late Precambrian time and was only finally interrupted in the Devonian Period. It includes both the Cambrian Explosion and the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event. The establishment of modern marine ecosystems took place during a continuous chronology of the successive establishment of organisms and their ecological communities, developed during the ‘Cambrian substrate revolution’, the ‘Ordovician plankton revolution’, the ‘Ordovician substrate revolution’, the ‘Ordovician bioerosion revolution’ and the ‘Devonian nekton revolution’. At smaller scales, different regional but important radiations can be recognized geographically and some of them have been identified and named (e.g. those associated with the ‘Richmondian Invasion’ during Late Ordovician time in Laurentia and the contemporaneous ‘Boda event’ in parts of Europe and North Africa), in particular from areas that were in or moved towards lower latitudes, allowing high levels of speciation on epicontintental seas during these intervals. The datasets remain incomplete for many other geographical areas, but also for particular time intervals (e.g. during the late Cambrian ‘Furongian Gap’). The early Palaeozoic biodiversification therefore appears to be a long-term process, modulated by bursts in significant diversity and intervals of inadequate data, where its progressive character will become increasingly clearer with the availability of more complete datasets, with better global coverage and more advanced analytical techniques.
HOMOLOGY THEORIES FOR COMPLEXES BASED ON FLATS
Authors: LIANG LI
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we introduce and study the Gorenstein relative homology theory for unbounded complexes of modules over arbitrary associative rings, which is defined using special Gorenstein flat precovers. We compare the Gorenstein relative homology to the Tate/unbounded homology and get some results that improve the known ones.
KEW GARDENS AND THE EMERGENCE OF THE SCHOOL MUSEUM IN BRITAIN, 1880–1930
Authors: NEWMAN LAURA , DRIVER FELIX
Published: December 2019

The idea of the school museum as an active resource for object-based learning played an important but now neglected part in programmes of educational reform during the closing decades of the nineteenth century and the opening decades of the twentieth. In this article we focus on the role of the Kew Museum of Economic Botany in supplying schools with botanical specimens and artefacts for their own museums during this period, to support a broad variety of curricular agendas, from nature study to geography and beyond. The evidence suggests that this scheme was remarkably popular, with demand among teachers for museum objects outstripping supply, and increasingly being met in other ways. Seen from the perspective of Kew, the distribution of specimens, artefacts, and visual materials to schools was a way of extending the ethos of economic botany into the classroom. For the teachers who requested specimens in large numbers, and the pupils who studied and handled them, however, such objects may have had other meanings and uses. More broadly, we propose new avenues for study that can help us to better appreciate the ways in which museum objects, expertise, and practices moved across professional, institutional, and increasingly global boundaries in this period.
The effects of everted or inverted edges on healing of traumatic-induced tympanic membrane perforations
Authors: Lou Z-C
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the healing and hearing outcomes related to the everted or inverted edge area on slap- and fist-induced large tympanic membrane perforations.

Methods

A total of 120 patients with slap- or fist-induced tympanic membrane perforations, with inverted or everted edges, affecting 50–75 per cent of the entire tympanic membrane, were randomly divided into 2 groups: an edge approximation group and a spontaneous healing group. The edge approximation group was divided into subgroups A and B based on the reversed edge area (reversed edge was more or less than 50 per cent of the total perforation, respectively). Healing outcomes and hearing improvements at six months were compared.

Results

The data of 118 patients were analysed. The closure rate of perforations in subgroup A, subgroup B, and the spontaneous healing group was 90.9 per cent, 92.1 per cent and 84.5 per cent, respectively; the difference between the three groups was not significant (p = 0.393).

Conclusion

The area of reversed edges for slap- or fist-induced tympanic membrane perforations did not seem to affect healing and hearing outcomes, regardless of edge approximation and everted or inverted edges.
What is driving declines of montane endemic amphibians? New insights from Mount Bamboutos, Cameroon
Authors: Tchassem F. A. M. , Doherty-Bone T. M. , Kameni N. M. M. , Tapondjou N. W. P. , Tamesse J. L. , Gonwouo L. N.
Published: December 2019

Amphibians on African mountains are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, pollution, disease and climate change. In particular, there have been recent reports of declines of montane endemic frogs in Cameroon. Mount Bamboutos, although home to numerous species of endemic amphibians, has no official protection and its amphibian populations have so far not been studied quantitatively. We surveyed frog assemblages on this mountain along a gradient of forest modification over a 2-year period. Through visual encounter surveys stratified across forest and farmland, we found that threatened montane amphibian species are closely associated with forested areas, particularly the Critically EndangeredLeptodactylodon axillarisand EndangeredLeptodactylodon perreti,Astylosternus ranoidesandCardioglossa oreas. Using the updated inventory of amphibians, which includes species with broader ranges across Africa, we found 69% of amphibian species on Mount Bamboutos to be threatened. We did not record several species present in historical records, which suggests they may have disappeared from this mountain, includingCardioglossa pulchra,Phrynobatrachus steindachneri,Phrynobatrachus werneri,Sclerophrys villiersi,Werneria bambutensisandWolterstorffina mirei. The pattern of change detected in the amphibian community is consistent with declines on other mountains in the country, with a loss ofPhrynobatrachus,WerneriaandCardioglossaspp., but persistence ofAstylosternus,ArthroleptisandLeptodacty-lodon. The observed relationships of land-use patterns and amphibian diversity suggest that ongoing land-use changes could extirpate the remaining montane endemic frog species, particularlyL. axillarisandL. perreti. Preserving a network of connected forest patches is therefore critical to save the endemic amphibians of Mount Bamboutos.
The role of consistency in use of morphosyntactic forms in child-directed speech in the acquisition of Irish, a minority language undergoing rapid language change
Authors: ANTONIJEVIC Stanislava , MUCKLEY Sarah Ann , MÜLLER Nicole
Published: December 2019

Irish is a rapidly changing minority language spoken as the main community language in some areas of the officially Irish-speaking Gaeltacht regions in Ireland. We analyse narratives from 17 parent–child dyads, living in one such area. All children, aged 3–6;4, had high exposure to the local variety of Irish. The input quality was measured by specifying consistency and accuracy of use of morphosyntactic forms in parental narratives directed to their children. The same morphosyntactic forms were analysed in narrative retell by the children. The children produced with high accuracy those forms that the parents used consistently and accurately. For the forms where parents’ usage was inconsistent, large variation in the children's usage was observed. The findings suggest that consistency and accuracy in the use of morphosyntactic forms in the parental language is an important factor in language acquisition; however, its influence might be confounded by other factors.
Before Reagan: The Development of Abortion’s Partisan Divide
Authors: O’Brian Neil A.
Published: December 2019

What explains the alignment of antiabortion positions within the Republican party? I explore this development among voters, activists, and elites before 1980. By 1970, antiabortion attitudes among ordinary voters correlated with conservative views on a range of noneconomic issues including civil rights, Vietnam, feminism and, by 1972, with Republican presidential vote choice. These attitudes predated the parties taking divergent abortion positions. I argue that because racial conservatives and military hawks entered the Republican coalition before abortion became politically activated, issue overlap among ordinary voters incentivized Republicans to oppose abortion rights once the issue gained salience. Likewise, because proabortion voters generally supported civil rights, once the GOP adopted a Southern strategy, this predisposed pro-choice groups to align with the Democratic party. A core argument is that preexisting public opinion enabled activist leaders to embed the anti (pro) abortion movement in a web of conservative (liberal) causes. A key finding is that the white evangelical laity’s support for conservative abortion policies preceded the political mobilization of evangelical leaders into the pro-life movement. I contend the pro-life movement’s alignment with conservatism and the Republican party was less contingent on elite bargaining, and more rooted in the mass public, than existing scholarship suggests.
Translating Popular Sovereignty as Unfettered Constitutional Amendability
Authors: Daly Eoin
Published: December 2019

Popular sovereignty translated as unfettered constitutional-amendment power – Weakness of constituent power as justification for unfettered amendability – Alternative concept of sovereignty as unaccountability of constituted power – Popular sovereignty as unaccountability of the referendum verdict – Sovereignty emerging at end-point, not inception of constitutional-amendment process
The Nigerian Twin and Sibling Registry: An Update
Authors: Hur Yoon-Mi , Jeong Hoe-Uk , Kang Man Chull , Ajose Frances , Kim Jong Woo , Beck Jeffrey J. , Hottenga Jouke-Jan , Mbarek Hamdi , Finnicum Casey T. , Ehli Erik A. , Martin Nicholas G. , de Geus Eco J. , Boomsma Dorret I. , Davies Gareth E. , Bates Timothy
Published: December 2019

Here we provide an update of the 2013 report on the Nigerian Twin and Sibling Registry (NTSR). The major aim of the NTSR is to understand genetic and environmental influences and their interplay in psychological and mental health development in Nigerian children and adolescents. Africans have the highest twin birth rates among all human populations, and Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. Due to its combination of large population and high twin birth rates, Nigeria has one of the largest twin populations in the world. In this article, we provide current updates on the NTSR samples recruited, recruitment procedures, zygosity assessment and findings emerging from the NTSR.
Multiple Emotion Regulation in Rorschach Color Responses
Authors: Matsuda Ryo
Published: December 2019

Abstract. While color-related responses to the Rorschach test have been interpreted as reflecting respondents’ emotional characteristics, their validity has been criticized. Since Rorschach validity should be confirmed by both unconscious and conscious processes, this study focused on implicit positive attitudes toward emotion regulation (considered an unconscious mechanism that motivates regulating emotions) and emotion-regulation strategy. In total, 39 undergraduates (two of whom were excluded from the analyses) completed the Rorschach test, the Implicit Association Test (IAT; measures implicit attitudes toward emotion regulation), and a questionnaire about emotion-regulation strategies. The results showed that positive attitudes toward emotion regulation increased participants’ form-chromatic color (FC) responses, and people who habitually used adaptive strategies to regulate emotions gave more FC responses with high form quality. These results support the interpretation of FC as a mature and controlled emotional response. Additionally, affective ratio (Afr) scores positively correlated with the behavioral suppression of emotions. This result suggests that high Afr, which activates reactivity to Rorschach color cards, can be interpreted as emotional excitement caused by the dysfunction of emotion regulation.
Correcting Smith et al.’s (2018) Criticisms of All Rorschach	Studies in Mihura, Meyer, Dumitrascu, and Bombel’s (2013)	Meta-Analyses
Authors: Mihura Joni L.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Smith et al. (2018) describe their article as “an evaluation as to the extent that individual studies have conformed to [ Exner’s (1995a) ] proposed methodological criteria” (Abstract). However, the authors did not conduct analyses to compare research before and after Exner (1995a) in order to assess its impact nor were the set of criteria they used Exner’s. Instead, they critiqued the individual studies in Mihura and colleagues’ (2013) meta-analyses, declaring all methodologically unsound (including Exner’s). They conjectured that Mihura et al. omitted studies with less “methodological bias” that would have provided more support for Rorschach validity. I explain why most of the criteria they use to criticize the studies’ methodology are not sound. But to directly test their hypotheses, I requested their ratings of study methodology. Findings from studies they rated as having more methodological “issues” (e.g., not reporting IQ or Lambda range) or as being “application studies” – which they said should be excluded – were not less supportive of Rorschach validity as they assumed would be the case. The small effect size associations ( r < |.10|) were also in the opposite direction of which Smith et al. argued to be true, indicating that the criteria by which they evaluated other researchers’ studies were not sound. Our findings do indicate that researchers are responding to the one criterion that is clearly stated in Exner (1995a) , which is Weiner’s (1991) recommendation to report interrater reliability; before 1991, 12% of studies reported interrater reliability, which afterward jumped to 78.4%. Other claims in the article by Smith et al. are also addressed.
How Far North Did the African Monsoon Fringe Expand During the African Humid Period? Insights From Southwest Moroccan Speleothems
Authors: Sha Lijuan , Ait Brahim Yassine , Wassenburg Jasper A. , Yin Jianjun , Peros Matthew , Cruz Francisco W. , Cai Yanjun , Li Hanying , Du Wenjing , Zhang Haiwei , Edwards R. Lawrence , Cheng Hai
Published: December 2019

We present new high‐resolution oxygen isotope (δ18O) records from three NW African speleothems located at ~31°N. The present‐day rainfall patterns at 31°N in NW Africa are linked to negative winter North Atlantic Oscillation phases. However, on multimillennial time scales, our δ18O records, together with other hydroclimate records, provide new evidence of humid conditions during the mid‐Holocene, a period that was presumably characterized by arid climate. Thus, the apparent increase in moisture during the mid‐Holocene is interpreted better as an increase in summer rainfall. This is most likely linked to the expansion of the West African summer monsoon fringe during the African Humid Period, which terminated in our record abruptly around 4 Kyr BP. The temporospatial difference with speleothem records from N Morocco suggests that the High‐Atlas Mountains might have been a topographic barrier to further expansion of the West African summer monsoon fringe into higher latitudes.
Stratospheric Sulfate Aerosol Geoengineering Could Alter the High‐Latitude Seasonal Cycle
Authors: Jiang Jiu , Cao Long , MacMartin Douglas G. , Simpson Isla R. , Kravitz Ben , Cheng Wei , Visioni Daniele , Tilmes Simone , Richter Jadwiga H. , Mills Michael J.
Published: December 2019

Stratospheric aerosol geoengineering (SAG) has been proposed to reduce some impacts of anthropogenic climate change. Previous studies examined annual mean climate responses to SAG. Here we use the Stratospheric Aerosol Geoengineering Large Ensemble simulations to explore the effects of SAG on the seasonal cycle of climate change. Simulations show that relative to the present‐day climate, SAG diminishes the amplitude of the seasonal cycle of temperature at many high‐latitude locations, with warmer winters and cooler summers. The seasonal temperature shift significantly influences the seasonal cycle of snow depth and sea ice, with Arctic sea ice recovery overcompensated in summer by 52% and undercompensated in winter by 8%. We identify that both the dynamic effects of aerosol‐induced stratospheric heating and seasonal variations of sunlight contribute to the shifts in seasonal cycle. Shifts in the seasonal cycle have important ecological and environmental implications, which should be considered in geoengineering impact analysis.
Models of multiple system atrophy
Authors: Lee He-Jin , Ricarte Diadem , Ortiz Darlene , Lee Seung-Jae
Published: December 2019

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative disease with diverse clinical manifestations, including parkinsonism, cerebellar syndrome, and autonomic failure. Pathologically, MSA is characterized by glial cytoplasmic inclusions in oligodendrocytes, which contain fibrillary forms of α-synuclein. MSA is categorized as one of the α-synucleinopathy, and α-synuclein aggregation is thought to be the culprit of the disease pathogenesis. Studies on MSA pathogenesis are scarce relative to studies on the pathogenesis of other synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. However, recent developments in cellular and animal models of MSA, especially α-synuclein transgenic models, have driven advancements in research on this disease. Here, we review the currently available models of MSA, which include toxicant-induced animal models, α-synuclein-overexpressing cellular models, and mouse models that express α-synuclein specifically in oligodendrocytes through cell type-specific promoters. We will also discuss the results of studies in recently developed transmission mouse models, into which MSA brain extracts were intracerebrally injected. By reviewing the findings obtained from these model systems, we will discuss what we have learned about the disease and describe the strengths and limitations of the models, thereby ultimately providing direction for the design of better models and future research.
The effect of co-occurring lesions on leukaemogenesis and drug response in T-ALL and ETP-ALL
Authors: Tavakoli Shirazi Paniz , Eadie Laura N. , Heatley Susan L. , Hughes Timothy P. , Yeung David T. , White Deborah L.
Published: December 2019

Despite advances in the management of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), current regimens fail to significantly transform outcomes for patients with high-risk subtypes. Advances in genomic analyses have identified novel lesions including mutations in genes that encode chromatin modifiers and those that influence cytokine and kinase signalling, rendering many of these alterations potentially targetable by tyrosine kinase and epigenetic inhibitors currently in clinical use. Although specific genomic lesions, gene expression patterns, and immunophenotypic profiles have been associated with specific clinical outcomes in some cancers, the application of precision medicine approaches based on these data has been slow. This approach is complicated by the reality that patients often harbour multiple mutations, and in many cases, the precise functional significance and interaction of these mutations in driving leukaemia and drug responsiveness/resistance remains unknown. Given that signalling pathways driving leukaemic pathogenesis could plausibly result from the co-existence of specific lesions and the resultant perturbation of protein interactions, the use of combined therapeutics that target multiple aberrant pathways, according to an individual’s mutational profile, might improve outcomes and lower a patient’s risk of relapse. Here we outline the genomic alterations that occur in T cell ALL (T-ALL) and early T cell precursor (ETP)-ALL and review studies highlighting the possible effects of co-occurring lesions on leukaemogenesis and drug response.
Barrier-to-autointegration factor 1 (Banf1) regulates poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase 1 (PARP1) activity following oxidative DNA damage
Authors: Bolderson Emma , Burgess Joshua T. , Li Jun , Gandhi Neha S. , Boucher Didier , Croft Laura V. , Beard Samuel , Plowman Jennifer J. , Suraweera Amila , Adams Mark N. , Naqi Ali , Zhang Shu-Dong , Sinclair David A. , O’Byrne Kenneth J. , Richard Derek J.
Published: December 2019

The DNA repair capacity of human cells declines with age, in a process that is not clearly understood. Mutation of the nuclear envelope protein barrier-to-autointegration factor 1 (Banf1) has previously been shown to cause a human progeroid disorder, Néstor–Guillermo progeria syndrome (NGPS). The underlying links between Banf1, DNA repair and the ageing process are unknown. Here, we report that Banf1 controls the DNA damage response to oxidative stress via regulation of poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase 1 (PARP1). Specifically, oxidative lesions promote direct binding of Banf1 to PARP1, a critical NAD+-dependent DNA repair protein, leading to inhibition of PARP1 auto-ADP-ribosylation and defective repair of oxidative lesions, in cells with increased Banf1. Consistent with this, cells from patients with NGPS have defective PARP1 activity and impaired repair of oxidative lesions. These data support a model whereby Banf1 is crucial to reset oxidative-stress-induced PARP1 activity. Together, these data offer insight into Banf1-regulated, PARP1-directed repair of oxidative lesions.
Optimal solid state neurons
Authors: Abu-Hassan Kamal , Taylor Joseph D. , Morris Paul G. , Donati Elisa , Bortolotto Zuner A. , Indiveri Giacomo , Paton Julian F. R. , Nogaret Alain
Published: December 2019

Bioelectronic medicine is driving the need for neuromorphic microcircuits that integrate raw nervous stimuli and respond identically to biological neurons. However, designing such circuits remains a challenge. Here we estimate the parameters of highly nonlinear conductance models and derive the ab initio equations of intracellular currents and membrane voltages embodied in analog solid-state electronics. By configuring individual ion channels of solid-state neurons with parameters estimated from large-scale assimilation of electrophysiological recordings, we successfully transfer the complete dynamics of hippocampal and respiratory neurons in silico. The solid-state neurons are found to respond nearly identically to biological neurons under stimulation by a wide range of current injection protocols. The optimization of nonlinear models demonstrates a powerful method for programming analog electronic circuits. This approach offers a route for repairing diseased biocircuits and emulating their function with biomedical implants that can adapt to biofeedback.
The impact of anthropogenic inputs on lithium content in river and tap water
Authors: Choi Hye-Bin , Ryu Jong-Sik , Shin Woo-Jin , Vigier Nathalie
Published: December 2019

The use of lithium (Li) has dramatically increased during the last two decades due to the proliferation of mobile electronic devices and the diversification of electric-powered vehicles. Lithium is also prescribed as a medication against bipolar disorder. While Li can exert a toxic effect on living organisms, few studies have investigated the impact of anthropogenic inputs on Li levels in the environment. Here we report Li concentrations and Li isotope compositions of river, waste and tap water, and industrial products from the metropolitan city of Seoul. Results show that the large increase in population density in Seoul is accompanied by a large enrichment in aqueous Li. Lithium isotopes evidence a major release from Li-rich materials. Water treatment protocols are also shown to be inefficient for Li. Our study therefore highlights the need for a global Li survey and adequate solutions for minimizing their impact on ecosystems and city dwellers.
Single-pass STEM-EMCD on a zone axis using a patterned aperture: progress in experimental and data treatment methods
Authors: Thersleff Thomas , Schönström Linus , Tai Cheuk-Wai , Adam Roman , Bürgler Daniel E. , Schneider Claus M. , Muto Shunsuke , Rusz Ján
Published: December 2019

Measuring magnetic moments in ferromagnetic materials at atomic resolution is theoretically possible using the electron magnetic circular dichroism (EMCD) technique in a (scanning) transmission electron microscope ((S)TEM). However, experimental and data processing hurdles currently hamper the realization of this goal. Experimentally, the sample must be tilted to a zone-axis orientation, yielding a complex distribution of magnetic scattering intensity, and the same sample region must be scanned multiple times with sub-atomic spatial registration necessary at each pass. Furthermore, the weak nature of the EMCD signal requires advanced data processing techniques to reliably detect and quantify the result. In this manuscript, we detail our experimental and data processing progress towards achieving single-pass zone-axis EMCD using a patterned aperture. First, we provide a comprehensive data acquisition and analysis strategy for this and other EMCD experiments that should scale down to atomic resolution experiments. Second, we demonstrate that, at low spatial resolution, promising EMCD candidate signals can be extracted, and that these are sensitive to both crystallographic orientation and momentum transfer.
Rapid resistance to pesticide control is predicted to evolve in an invasive fish
Authors: Christie Mark R. , Sepúlveda Maria S. , Dunlop Erin S.
Published: December 2019

Xenobiotic resistance is commonly found in species with short generation times such as bacteria, annual plants, and insects. Nevertheless, the fundamental evolutionary principles that govern the spread of resistance alleles hold true for species with longer generation times. One such example could occur with sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), a parasitic invasive species in the Laurentian Great Lakes that decimated native fish populations prior to its control with the pesticide 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM). Since the 1950s, tributaries have been treated annually with TFM, where treatments effectively remove most, but not all, larval sea lamprey. We developed an eco-genetic model of sea lamprey to examine factors affecting the evolution of resistance and found that resistance alleles rapidly rise to fixation after 40–80 years of treatment, despite the species’ relatively long generation time (4–7 years). The absence of natal homing allows resistant individuals to spread quickly throughout the entire system, but also makes the early detection of resistance challenging. High costs of resistance and density independent reproduction can delay, but not prevent, the onset of resistance. These results illustrate that sea lamprey have the potential to evolve resistance to their primary control agent in the near future, highlighting the urgent need for alternative controls.
Publisher Correction: Inhibition of TBK1/IKKε Promotes Regeneration of Pancreatic β-cells
Authors: Xu Jin , Jia Yun-Fang , Tapadar Subhasish , Weaver Jessica D. , Raji Idris O. , Pithadia Deeti J. , Javeed Naureen , García Andrés J. , Choi Doo-Sup , Matveyenko Aleksey V. , Oyelere Adegboyega K. , Shin Chong Hyun
Published: December 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Clinical safety of ProMRI implantable cardioverter-defibrillator systems during head and lower lumbar magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5 Tesla
Authors: Bauer Wolfgang Rudolf , Lau Dennis H. , Wollmann Christian , McGavigan Andrew , Mansourati Jacques , Reiter Theresa , Frömer Simone , Ladd Mark E. , Quick Harald H.
Published: December 2019

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has long been contraindicated in patients with implanted pacemakers, defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) devices due to the risk of adverse effects through electromagnetic interference. Since many recipients of these devices will have a lifetime indication for an MRI scan, the implantable systems should be developed as ‘MRI-conditional’ (be safe for the MRI environment under predefined conditions). We evaluated the clinical safety of several Biotronik ProMRI (‘MRI-conditional’) defibrillator and CRT systems during head and lower lumbar MRI scans at 1.5 Tesla. The study enrolled 194 patients at 22 sites in Australia, Canada, and Europe. At ≥9 weeks after device implantation, predefined, non-diagnostic, specific absorption rate (SAR)-intensive head and lower lumbar MRI scans (total ≈30 minutes per patient) were performed in 146 patients that fulfilled pre-procedure criteria. Three primary endpoints were evaluated: freedom from serious adverse device effects (SADEs) related to MRI and defibrillator/CRT (leading to death, hospitalisation, life-threatening condition, or potentially requiring implanted system revision or replacement), pacing threshold increase, and sensing amplitude decrease, all at the 1-month post-MRI clinical visit. No MRI-related SADE occurred. Lead values remained stable, measured in clinic and monitored daily by the manufacturer home monitoring technology.
X-ray magnetic linear dichroism as a probe for non-collinear magnetic state in ferrimagnetic single layer exchange bias systems
Authors: Luo Chen , Ryll Hanjo , Back Christian H. , Radu Florin
Published: December 2019

Ferrimagnetic alloys are extensively studied for their unique magnetic properties leading to possible applications in perpendicular magnetic recording, due to their deterministic ultrafast switching and heat assisted magnetic recording capabilities. On a prototype ferrimagnetic alloy we demonstrate fascinating properties that occur close to a critical temperature where the magnetization is vanishing, just as in an antiferromagnet. From the X-ray magnetic circular dichroism measurements, an anomalous ‘wing shape’ hysteresis loop is observed slightly above the compensation temperature. This bears the characteristics of an intrinsic exchange bias effect, referred to as atomic exchange bias. We further exploit the X-ray magnetic linear dichroism (XMLD) contrast for probing non-collinear states which allows us to discriminate between two main reversal mechanisms, namely perpendicular domain wall formation versus spin-flop transition. Ultimately, we analyze the elemental magnetic moments for the surface and the bulk parts, separately, which allows to identify in the phase diagram the temperature window where this effect takes place. Moreover, we suggests that this effect is a general phenomenon in ferrimagnetic thin films which may also contribute to the understanding of the mechanism behind the all optical switching effect.
Effect of simultaneous presence of anti-blood group A/B and -HLA antibodies on clinical outcomes in kidney transplantation across positive crossmatch: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Kwon Hyunwook , Kim Jee Yeon , Kim Dong Hyun , Ko Youngmin , Choi Ji Yoon , Shin Sung , Jung Joo Hee , Kim Young Hoon , Han Duck Jong ,   The Korean Organ Transplantation Registry Study Group, Ahn Curie , Chae Dong Wan , Yang Jaeseok , Choi Bum Soon , Jung Cheol Woong , Kim Myung Soo , Kwon Oh Jung , Park Jae Berm , Kim Yeong Hoon , Choi SooJinNa , Han Seung Yeup , Lee Sang Ho , Jeong Kyung Hwan , Kim Seung Jung , Jeon Jin Seok , Park Yeon Ho , Roh Young Nam , Lee Jeong Joon , Lee Kang Wook , Han Seung Yeup , Kim Chan Duck , Park Jong Won , Kim Joong Kyung , Lee Dong Ryeol , Lee Dong Won , Seong Eun Young , Kong Jin Min , Cho Hong Rae , Park Sung Kwang , Lee Sam Yeol , Park Jung Hwan
Published: December 2019

ABO-incompatible (ABOi) and positive crossmatch (XM) kidney transplantation (KT) have been considered immunologically challenging. The present study analyzed the clinical outcomes in XM positive KT based on ABO incompatibility. We used data from the Korea Organ Transplantation Registry, a nationwide database, and a single-center registry. A total of 263 patients with positive XM were divided into an ABO compatible (ABOc) & XM positive (ABOc/XM+, n = 176) group and an ABOi & XM positive (ABOi/XM+, n = 87) group. The overall rejection rate one year after KT was significantly higher in the ABOi/XM+ group than in the ABOc/XM+ group (P < 0.01). A total of four mortalities occurred, all in the ABOi/XM+ patients (P < 0.01). There were no differences in surgical complications or the occurrence of infection-related complications, including BK virus nephropathy. Multivariate analysis indicated that female vs. male (odds ratio (OR), 2.27; P = 0.03), DSA class I (MFI/1000) (OR, 1.10; P = 0.03), DSA class II (MFI/1000) (OR, 1.10; P < 0.01), and ABOi & XM+ status (OR, 2.38; P < 0.01) were significant risk factors for acute rejection during the year after transplantation. Overall graft survival was inferior in ABOi/XM+ patients than in ABOc/XM+ patients (P = 0.02). ABO incompatibility in XM-positive KT patients was found to be a significant risk factor for the development of rejection within one year after transplantation as well as for long-term graft survival. The anti-blood group A, B and anti-HLA antibodies may show synergistic activity.
Mn oxide formation by phototrophs: Spatial and temporal patterns, with evidence of an enzymatic superoxide-mediated pathway
Authors: Chaput Dominique L. , Fowler Alexandré J. , Seo Onyou , Duhn Kelly , Hansel Colleen M. , Santelli Cara M.
Published: December 2019

Manganese (Mn) oxide minerals influence the availability of organic carbon, nutrients and metals in the environment. Oxidation of Mn(II) to Mn(III/IV) oxides is largely promoted by the direct and indirect activity of microorganisms. Studies of biogenic Mn(II) oxidation have focused on bacteria and fungi, with phototrophic organisms (phototrophs) being generally overlooked. Here, we isolated phototrophs from Mn removal beds in Pennsylvania, USA, including fourteen Chlorophyta (green algae), three Bacillariophyta (diatoms) and one cyanobacterium, all of which consistently formed Mn(III/IV) oxides. Isolates produced cell-specific oxides (coating some cells but not others), diffuse biofilm oxides, and internal diatom-specific Mn-rich nodules. Phototrophic Mn(II) oxidation had been previously attributed to abiotic oxidation mediated by photosynthesis-driven pH increases, but we found a decoupling of Mn oxide formation and pH alteration in several cases. Furthermore, cell-free filtrates of some isolates produced Mn oxides at specific time points, but this activity was not induced by Mn(II). Manganese oxide formation in cell-free filtrates occurred via reaction with the oxygen radical superoxide produced by soluble extracellular proteins. Given the known widespread ability of phototrophs to produce superoxide, the contribution of phototrophs to Mn(II) oxidation in the environment may be greater and more nuanced than previously thought.
Simulated evolution assembles more realistic food webs with more functionally similar species than invasion
Authors: Romanuk Tamara N. , Binzer Amrei , Loeuille Nicolas , Carscallen W. Mather A. , Martinez Neo D.
Published: December 2019

While natural communities are assembled by both ecological and evolutionary processes, ecological assembly processes have been studied much more and are rarely compared with evolutionary assembly processes. We address these disparities here by comparing community food webs assembled by simulating introductions of species from regional pools of species and from speciation events. Compared to introductions of trophically dissimilar species assumed to be more typical of invasions, introducing species trophically similar to native species assumed to be more typical of sympatric or parapatric speciation events caused fewer extinctions and assembled more empirically realistic networks by introducing more persistent species with higher trophic generality, vulnerability, and enduring similarity to native species. Such events also increased niche overlap and the persistence of both native and introduced species. Contrary to much competition theory, these findings suggest that evolutionary and other processes that more tightly pack ecological niches contribute more to ecosystem structure and function than previously thought.
How water-mediated hydrogen bonds affect chlorophyll a/b selectivity in Water-Soluble Chlorophyll Protein
Authors: Agostini Alessandro , Meneghin Elena , Gewehr Lucas , Pedron Danilo , Palm Daniel M. , Carbonera Donatella , Paulsen Harald , Jaenicke Elmar , Collini Elisabetta
Published: December 2019

The Water-Soluble Chlorophyll Protein (WSCP) of Brassicaceae is a remarkably stable tetrapyrrole-binding protein that, by virtue of its simple design, is an exceptional model to investigate the interactions taking place between pigments and their protein scaffold and how they affect the photophysical properties and the functionality of the complexes. We investigated variants of WSCP from Lepidium virginicum (Lv) and Brassica oleracea (Bo), reconstituted with Chlorophyll (Chl) b, to determine the mechanisms by which the different Chl binding sites control their Chl a/b specificities. A combined Raman and crystallographic investigation has been employed, aimed to characterize in detail the hydrogen-bond network involving the formyl group of Chl b. The study revealed a variable degree of conformational freedom of the hydrogen bond networks among the WSCP variants, and an unexpected mixed presence of hydrogen-bonded and not hydrogen-bonded Chls b in the case of the L91P mutant of Lv WSCP. These findings helped to refine the description of the mechanisms underlying the different Chl a/b specificities of WSCP versions, highlighting the importance of the structural rigidity of the Chl binding site in the vicinity of the Chl b formyl group in granting a strong selectivity to binding sites.
Alterations in heart-brain interactions under mild stress during a cognitive task are reflected in entropy of heart rate dynamics
Authors: Blons Estelle , Arsac Laurent M. , Gilfriche Pierre , McLeod Heather , Lespinet-Najib Veronique , Grivel Eric , Deschodt-Arsac Veronique
Published: December 2019

Many people experience mild stress in modern society which raises the need for an improved understanding of psychophysiological responses to stressors. Heart rate variability (HRV) may be associated with a flexible network of intricate neural structures which are dynamically organized to cope with diverse challenges. HRV was obtained in thirty-three healthy participants performing a cognitive task both with and without added stressors. Markers of neural autonomic control and neurovisceral complexity (entropy) were computed from HRV time series. Based on individual anxiety responses to the experimental stressors, two subgroups were identified: anxiety responders and non-responders. While both vagal and entropy markers rose during the cognitive task alone in both subgroups, only entropy decreased when stressors were added and exclusively in anxiety responders. We conclude that entropy may be a promising marker of cognitive tasks and acute mild stress. It brings out a new central question: why is entropy the only marker affected by mild stress? Based on the neurovisceral integration model, we hypothesized that neurophysiological complexity may be altered by mild stress, which is reflected in entropy of the cardiac output signal. The putative role of the amygdala during mild stress, in modulating the complexity of a coordinated neural network linking brain to heart, is discussed.
A Non-electric and Affordable Surface Engineered Particle (SEP) based Point-of-Use (POU) Water Disinfection System
Authors: Dixit Deepa , Soppina Virupakshi , Ghoroi Chinmay
Published: December 2019

Access to safe drinking water is still a distant dream to millions of people around the world. Especially, people from the low-income group in the developing countries remain deprived of this fundamental right and causes millions of death. There is an urgent need to develop affordable and easy to handle water filter which can provide desired drinking water quality without any electricity. In the present work, a simple and low-cost surface engineered particle (SEP) based filter is developed via alkali treatment of soda-lime-silica particle. The SEP based filter can be used as a portable, non-electric, gravity-driven Point-of-Use (POU) water disinfection system. The developed SEP-based filter is capable to arrest the 99.48% (~2 to 2.5 log10 reduction) of gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli OP50) on its surface from the water containing 3 × 108 cells/ml. No bacterial regrowth is observed in the purified water for 12 h. The performance of SEP bed filter is implicated to the nano-scale surface roughness, its distribution along with the surface charge and surface hydrophobicity which are favorable to attract and adhere the bacteria in the flowing water. The observation is consistent over multiple filtration cycles indicating the suitability of SEP based bed filter for POU water disinfection. The SEP surface with 0.05 mM Ag+ loading (SEP+) completely inactivated (>99.99999%) bacteria and protects any bacteria recontamination in the purified water for its long term usage. The strong and effective silver binding property of SEP surface enables very minimal silver loading and eliminates any health hazard due to low silver leaching (~50 ppb) which is well below the drinking water equivalent level (DWEL ≤ 100 ppb). In rural and urban slum areas of developing countries where no water purification system exists prior to consumption, the easy-to-implement and affordable SEP-based gravity-driven non-electric point-of-use water purifier (materials cost ~ 0.25 USD) can be used to protect millions of lives from water borne diseases.
Effect of ultrapure lipopolysaccharides derived from diverse bacterial species on the modulation of platelet activation
Authors: Vallance Thomas M. , Ravishankar Divyashree , Albadawi Dina A. I. , Layfield Harry , Sheard Jonathan , Vaiyapuri Rajendran , Dash Philip , Patel Ketan , Widera Darius , Vaiyapuri Sakthivel
Published: December 2019

Platelets are small circulating blood cells that play essential roles in the maintenance of haemostasis via blood clotting. However, they also play critical roles in the regulation of innate immune responses. Inflammatory receptors, specifically Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4, have been reported to modify platelet reactivity. A plethora of studies have reported controversial functions of TLR4 in the modulation of platelet function using various chemotypes and preparations of its ligand, lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The method of preparation of LPS may explain these discrepancies however this is not fully understood. Hence, to determine the impact of LPS on platelet activation, we used ultrapure preparations of LPS fromEscherichia coli(LPSEC),Salmonella minnesota(LPSSM), andRhodobacter sphaeroides(LPSRS) and examined their actions under diverse experimental conditions in human platelets. LPSECdid not affect platelet activation markers such as inside-out signalling to integrin αIIbβ3or P-selectin exposure upon agonist-induced activation in platelet-rich plasma or whole blood whereas LPSSMand LPSRSinhibited platelet activation under specific conditions at supraphysiological concentrations. Overall, our data demonstrate that platelet activation is not largely influenced by any of the ultrapure LPS chemotypes used in this study on their own except under certain conditions.
Expanding the parameter space of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation of the primary motor cortex
Authors: Agboada Desmond , Mosayebi Samani Mohsen , Jamil Asif , Kuo Min-Fang , Nitsche Michael A.
Published: December 2019

Size and duration of the neuroplastic effects of tDCS depend on stimulation parameters, including stimulation duration and intensity of current. The impact of stimulation parameters on physiological effects is partially non-linear. To improve the utility of this intervention, it is critical to gather information about the impact of stimulation duration and intensity on neuroplasticity, while expanding the parameter space to improve efficacy. Anodal tDCS of 1–3 mA current intensity was applied for 15–30 minutes to study motor cortex plasticity. Sixteen healthy right-handed non-smoking volunteers participated in 10 sessions (intensity-duration pairs) of stimulation in a randomized cross-over design. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-induced motor-evoked potentials (MEP) were recorded as outcome measures of tDCS effects until next evening after tDCS. All active stimulation conditions enhanced motor cortex excitability within the first 2 hours after stimulation. We observed no significant differences between the three stimulation intensities and durations on cortical excitability. A trend for larger cortical excitability enhancements was however observed for higher current intensities (1 vs 3 mA). These results add information about intensified tDCS protocols and suggest that the impact of anodal tDCS on neuroplasticity is relatively robust with respect to gradual alterations of stimulation intensity, and duration.
Physiological performance of glyphosate and imazamox mixtures on Amaranthus palmeri sensitive and resistant to glyphosate
Authors: Fernández-Escalada Manuel , Zulet-González Ainhoa , Gil-Monreal Miriam , Royuela Mercedes , Zabalza Ana
Published: December 2019

The herbicides glyphosate and imazamox inhibit the biosynthetic pathway of aromatic amino acids (AAA) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), respectively. Both herbicides share several physiological effects in the processes triggered in plants after herbicide application that kills the plant, and mixtures of both herbicides are being used. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological effects in the mixture of glyphosate and imazamox in glyphosate-sensitive (GS) and -resistant (GR) populations of the troublesome weed Amaranthus palmeri. The changes detected in the physiological parameters after herbicide mixtures application were similar and even less to the changes detected after individual treatments. This pattern was detected in shikimate, amino acid and carbohydrate content, and it was independent of the EPSPS copy number, as it was detected in both populations. In the case of the transcriptional pattern of the AAA pathway after glyphosate, interesting and contrary interactions with imazamox treatment were detected for both populations; enhancement of the effect in the GS population and alleviation in the GR population. At the transcriptional level, no cross regulation between AAA and BCAA inhibitors was confirmed. This study suggests that mixtures are equally or less toxic than herbicides alone, and would implicate careful considerations when applying the herbicide mixtures.