bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Binless normalization of Hi-C data provides significant interaction and difference detection independent of resolution
Authors: Spill Yannick G. , Castillo David , Vidal Enrique , Marti-Renom Marc A.
Published: April 2019

Chromosome conformation capture techniques, such as Hi-C, are fundamental in characterizing genome organization. These methods have revealed several genomic features, such as chromatin loops, whose disruption can have dramatic effects in gene regulation. Unfortunately, their detection is difficult; current methods require that the users choose the resolution of interaction maps based on dataset quality and sequencing depth. Here, we introduce Binless, a resolution-agnostic method that adapts to the quality and quantity of available data, to detect both interactions and differences. Binless relies on an alternate representation of Hi-C data, which leads to a more detailed classification of paired-end reads. Using a large-scale benchmark, we demonstrate that Binless is able to call interactions with higher reproducibility than other existing methods. Binless, which is freely available, can thus reliably be used to identify chromatin loops as well as for differential analysis of chromatin interaction maps.
Dynamic gene regulation by nuclear colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor in human monocytes and macrophages
Authors: Bencheikh Laura , Diop M’Boyba Khadija , Rivière Julie , Imanci Aygun , Pierron Gerard , Souquere Sylvie , Naimo Audrey , Morabito Margot , Dussiot Michaël , De Leeuw Frédéric , Lobry Camille , Solary Eric , Droin Nathalie
Published: April 2019

Despite their location at the cell surface, several receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) are also found in the nucleus, as either intracellular domains or full length proteins. However, their potential nuclear functions remain poorly understood. Here we find that a fraction of full length Colony Stimulating Factor-1 Receptor (CSF-1R), an RTK involved in monocyte/macrophage generation, migrates to the nucleus upon CSF-1 stimulation in human primary monocytes. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation identifies the preferential recruitment of CSF-1R to intergenic regions, where it co-localizes with H3K4me1 and interacts with the transcription factor EGR1. When monocytes are differentiated into macrophages with CSF-1, CSF-1R is redirected to transcription starting sites, colocalizes with H3K4me3, and interacts with ELK and YY1 transcription factors. CSF-1R expression and chromatin recruitment is modulated by small molecule CSF-1R inhibitors and altered in monocytes from chronic myelomonocytic leukemia patients. Unraveling this dynamic non-canonical CSF-1R function suggests new avenues to explore the poorly understood functions of this receptor and its ligands.
Correction: A high-entropy B4(HfMo2TaTi)C and SiC ceramic composite
Authors: Zhang Hanzhu , Hedman Daniel , Feng Peizhong , Han Gang , Akhtar Farid
Published: April 2019

Correction for ‘A high-entropy B4(HfMo2TaTi)C and SiC ceramic composite’ by Hanzhu Zhang et al., Dalton Trans., 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c8dt04555k.
Design, synthesis, and antimicrobial evaluation of 1,4-dihydroindeno[1,2-c]pyrazole tethered carbohydrazide hybrids: exploring theirin silicoADMET, ergosterol inhibition and ROS inducing potential
Authors: Shareef Mohd Adil , Sirisha K. , Khan Irfan , Sayeed Ibrahim Bin , Jadav Surender Singh , Ramu Gopathi , Kumar C. Ganesh , Kamal Ahmed , Babu Bathini Nagendra
Published: April 2019

Non-toxic compounds with antifungal activity, ergosterol inhibition and ROS inducing potential.
Nanomechanics of low-dimensional materials for functional applications
Authors: Fan Sufeng , Feng Xiaobin , Han Ying , Fan Zhengjie , Lu Yang
Published: April 2019

When materials’ characteristic dimensions are reduced to the nanoscale regime, their mechanical properties will vary significantly to that of their bulk counterparts.
Repeatable and metal-independent nanotransfer printing based on metal oxidation for plasmonic color filters
Authors: Hwang Soon Hyoung , Zhao Zhi-Jun , Jeon Sohee , Kang Hyeokjung , Ahn Junseong , Jeong Jun Ho
Published: April 2019

A repeatable metal-independent transfer printing method is developed to repeatedly transfer nanopatterns for fabricating plasmonic color filters.
GIGA: a versatile genetic algorithm for free and supported clusters and nanoparticles in the presence of ligands
Authors: Jäger Marc , Schäfer Rolf , Johnston Roy L.
Published: April 2019

We present a versatile parallelised genetic algorithm, which is able to perform global optimisation from first principles for pure and mixed free clusters in the gas phase, supported on surfaces or in the presence of one or several atomic or molecular species (ligands or adsorbates).
Three-dimensional “skin-framework” hybrid network as electroactive material platform for high-performance solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor
Authors: Xia Liaoyuan , Hu Shaoheng , Zhang Xueqin , Huang Le , Liao Yu , Qing Yan , Wu Yiqiang , Jiang Wenping , Lu Xihong
Published: April 2019

3D “skin-framework” architecture of the MCN with large interfacial contact area and high electrical conductivity enable it to serve as a powerful electroactive platform for high-performance solid-state MnO2-MCN//AC-MCN ASC device.
Catalytic reduction of aryl trialkylammonium salts to aryl silanes and arenes
Authors: Rand Alexander W. , Montgomery John
Published: April 2019

Aryl trialkylammonium salts serve as versatile substrates for nickel-catalyzed reductions, allowing access to functionalized arenes and aryl silanes.
Sequence information transfer using covalent template-directed synthesis
Authors: Núñez-Villanueva Diego , Ciaccia Maria , Iadevaia Giulia , Sanna Elena , Hunter Christopher A.
Published: April 2019

Kinetically inert ester bonds were used to attach monomers to a template, dictating the sequence of the polymer product.
A genetic variant rs13293512 in the promoter of let-7 is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in Chinese women
Authors: Sun Ruifen , Gong Jianyu , Li Ju , Ruan Zhiguo , Yang Xiaomi , Zheng Yongren , Qing Lili , He Xiaoshan , Jiang Jike , Peng Yanxia , Zou Haijian
Published: April 2019

Growing evidence has demonstrated that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter of miRNA may influence individuals’ susceptibility to human diseases. We examined two SNPs rs10877887 and rs13293512 in the promoters of let-7 family to determine if the two SNPs were related to the occurrence of breast cancer (BC). Genotyping of the two SNPs was performed by PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis or TaqMan assay in 301 BC patients and 310 age matched controls. We found a higher frequency of rs13293512 CC genotype and rs13293512 C allele amongst BC patients (CC vs TT: adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.14–2.80; P=0.012; C vs T: adjusted OR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.06–1.67; P=0.013). Stratification analysis showed that rs13293512 CC genotype was associated with an increased risk of BC in patients with negative estrogen receptor (adjusted OR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.32–4.30; P=0.004), patients with negative progesterone receptor (adjusted OR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.11–3.33; P=0.02), patients with T1-2 stage cancer (adjusted OR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.07–2.93; P=0.03), and patients with N1-3 stage cancer (adjusted OR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.13–3.17; P=0.015). These findings suggest that rs13293512 in the promoter of let-7a-1/let-7f-1/let-7d cluster may be a possible biomarker for the development of BC in Chinese women.
Structural and functional impact of non-synonymous SNPs in the CST complex subunit TEN1: structural genomics approach
Authors: Amir Mohd. , Kumar Vijay , Mohammad Taj , Dohare Ravins , Rehman Md. Tabish , Alajmi Mohamed F. , Hussain Afzal , Ahmad Faizan , Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz
Published: April 2019

TEN1 protein is a key component of CST complex, implicated in maintaining the telomere homeostasis, and provides stability to the eukaryotic genome. Mutations in TEN1 gene have higher chances of deleterious impact; thus, interpreting the number of mutations and their consequential impact on the structure, stability, and function is essentially important. Here, we have investigated the structural and functional consequences of nsSNPs in the TEN1 gene. A wide array of sequence- and structure-based computational prediction tools were employed to identify the effects of 78 nsSNPs on the structure and function of TEN1 protein and to identify the deleterious nsSNPs. These deleterious or destabilizing nsSNPs are scattered throughout the structure of TEN1. However, major mutations were observed in the α1-helix (12–16 residues) and β5-strand (88–96 residues). We further observed that mutations at the C-terminal region were having higher tendency to form aggregate. In-depth structural analysis of these mutations reveals that the pathogenicity of these mutations are driven mainly through larger structural changes because of alterations in non-covalent interactions. This work provides a blueprint to pinpoint the possible consequences of pathogenic mutations in the CST complex subunit TEN1.
Effects of Eugenol on Haemoproteus columbae in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Metwally Dina M. , Al-Talhi Razan A. , Barakat Ibrahim A.H. , ElKhadragy Manal F.
Published: April 2019

Eugenol was investigated for the treatment of Haemoproteus columbae (H. columbae) infected squabs (young domestic pigeons, Columba domestica). Thirty naturally-infected squabs were divided into three groups of 10 each. One group was treated with Eugenol, while the positive and negative control groups were administered buparvaquone (Butalex®) and distilled water, respectively. The number of infected red blood cells (RBCs) was calculated in all groups before and after treatment at 4-day intervals for 16 days. The results showed a significant therapeutic effect of Eugenol, with a progressive decrease in the number of infected RBCs from 89.20 ± 2.11 before treatment to 0.90 ± 0.31 at the end of treatment (P≤0.05). Butalex® was able to suppress the number of infected RBCs from 93.70 ± 1.72 before treatment to 0.90 ± 0.35 at the end of the experiment (P≤0.05). Eugenol showed therapeutic effects against H. columbae and may be regarded as a candidate for further studies to develop new drugs against blood parasites, in both animals and humans.
Longitudinal Relationships Between Decline in Speech-in-Noise Recognition Ability and Cognitive Functioning: The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam
Authors: Pronk Marieke , Lissenberg-Witte Birgit I. , van der Aa Hilde P. A. , Comijs Hannie C. , Smits Cas , Lemke Ulrike , Zekveld Adriana A. , Kramer Sophia E.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Various directional hypotheses for the observed links between aging, hearing, and cognition have been proposed: (a) cognitive load on perception hypothesis, (b) information degradation hypothesis, (c) sensory deprivation hypothesis, and (d) common cause hypothesis. Supporting evidence for all 4 hypotheses has been reported. No studies have modeled the corresponding 4 causal pathways into 1 single model, which would be required to evidence that multiple directional hypotheses apply. The aim of the current study was to tease out which pathways apply for 5 different cognitive measures.

Method

Data from 1,029 respondents of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam were used spanning a maximum follow-up of 7 years (3 measurements). Speech-in-noise recognition ability (digit triplet speech-in-noise test) was included as a measure of auditory function. Cognitive measures included global cognitive functioning, fluid intelligence, information processing speed, and verbal memory (immediate recall and retention). Bivariate dual change score modeling was used to model the causal pathways between hearing, cognition, and baseline age.

Results

For information processing speed, global cognitive functioning, fluid intelligence, and memory-immediate recall, all pathways except for the sensory deprivation pathway were supported. For memory-retention, only the common cause and the sensory deprivation pathways were supported.

Conclusions

Causal pathways corresponding to all 4 hypotheses were supported. Support for the common cause hypothesis, the information degradation hypothesis, and the cognitive load on perception hypotheses was found for 4 of 5 cognitive measures. This was unexpected in some cases (e.g., support for the information degradation pathway for cognitive measures that do not rely on auditory stimuli). The sensory deprivation pathway that emerged for memory-retention might point toward processes related to early stages of dementia. In summary, the results show that the links between decline in auditory function, cognition, and aging are complex and most likely are captured by pathways belonging to various directional hypotheses.
Different Responses to Altered Auditory Feedback in Younger and Older Adults Reflect Differences in Lexical Bias
Authors: Colby Sarah , Shiller Douglas M. , Clayards Meghan , Baum Shari
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Previous work has found that both young and older adults exhibit a lexical bias in categorizing speech stimuli. In young adults, this has been argued to be an automatic influence of the lexicon on perceptual category boundaries. Older adults exhibit more top-down biases than younger adults, including an increased lexical bias. We investigated the nature of the increased lexical bias using a sensorimotor adaptation task designed to evaluate whether automatic processes drive this bias in older adults.

Method

A group of older adults (
n
= 27) and younger adults (
n
= 35) participated in an altered auditory feedback production task. Participants produced target words and nonwords under altered feedback that affected the 1st formant of the vowel. There were 2 feedback conditions that affected the lexical status of the target, such that target words were shifted to sound more like nonwords (e.g.,
less-liss
) and target nonwords to sound more like words (e.g.,
kess-kiss
).

Results

A mixed-effects linear regression was used to investigate the magnitude of compensation to altered auditory feedback between age groups and lexical conditions. Over the course of the experiment, older adults compensated (by shifting their production of 1st formant) more to altered auditory feedback when producing words that were shifted toward nonwords (
less-liss
) than when producing nonwords that were shifted toward words (
kess-kiss
). This is in contrast to younger adults who compensated more to nonwords that were shifted toward words compared to words that were shifted toward nonwords.

Conclusion

We found no evidence that the increased lexical bias previously observed in older adults is driven by a greater sensitivity to top-down lexical influence on perceptual category boundaries. We suggest the increased lexical bias in older adults is driven by postperceptual processes that arise as a result of age-related cognitive and sensory changes.
Age-Related Differences in the Perception of Emotion in Spoken Language: The Relative Roles of Prosody and Semantics
Authors: Ben-David Boaz M. , Gal-Rosenblum Sarah , van Lieshout Pascal H. H. M. , Shakuf Vered
Published: April 2019

Purpose

We aim to identify the possible sources for age-related differences in the perception of emotion in speech, focusing on the distinct roles of semantics (words) and prosody (tone of speech) and their interaction.

Method

We implement the Test for Rating of Emotions in Speech (
Ben-David, Multani, Shakuf, Rudzicz, & van Lieshout, 2016
). Forty older and 40 younger adults were presented with spoken sentences made of different combinations of 5 emotional categories (anger, fear, happiness, sadness, and neutral) presented in the prosody and semantics. In separate tasks, listeners were asked to attend to the sentence as a whole, integrating both speech channels, or to focus on 1 channel only (prosody/semantics). Their task was to rate how much they agree the sentence is conveying a predefined emotion.

Results

(a) Identification of emotions: both age groups identified presented emotions. (b) Failure of selective attention: both age groups were unable to selectively attend to 1 channel when instructed, with slightly larger failures for older adults. (c) Integration of channels: younger adults showed a bias toward prosody, whereas older adults showed a slight bias toward semantics.

Conclusions

Three possible sources are suggested for age-related differences: (a) underestimation of the emotional content of speech, (b) slightly larger failures to selectively attend to 1 channel, and (c) different weights assigned to the 2 speech channels.
The realization of optomechanical complete synchronization and its application in sensors
Authors: Li Kaiwen , Jin Leisheng
Published: April 2019

In this work, we study the realization of stable complete synchronization in two coupled optomechanical systems with a master-slave configuration. By taking the open-plus-close-loop method as coupling scheme, it is revealed that the corresponding mechanical and optical mode from the two considered systems with parameters mismatched can be simultaneously synchronized both in linear and nonlinear regime, and even in chaotic state. Based on the achieved synchronization, the coupled systems are then explored in sensing applications. First, we investigate how the perturbations of laser driving from one of the coupled systems make impact on the established synchronization, during which three forms of perturbations, i.e., constant, linear and periodic are considered, and the results show these types of perturbations can be sensed via detecting the change of synchronizing status. Second, by taking one of the coupled as sensing part we develop the coupled system setting in complete synchronization as a mass sensor. It is found that tiny mass added on the sensing part will lead to desynchronization, and the quantities of added mass can be determined by calculating a designed similarity measure.
Dissolution mechanism of various elements from steelmaking slag into citric acid solution
Authors: Lv Ningning , Su Chang , Kong Hui , Yang Jinxing , Liu Weiming , Wang Haichuan
Published: April 2019

To recycle valuable elements from steelmaking slag, their dissolution mechanism into citric acid solution has been investigated. First, the relationship between dissolution ratio of each element and initial concentration of citric acid (ci) was studied. Then, the concentrations of each species in solution were calculated through mass balance. Based on these results, it can been seen that whenci = 0.00104 mol/L, Ca2+, CaCit−, MgCit−, FeH2PO42+and CaHPO4are the predominant species in solution, and Ca5(PO4)3(OH)(s) precipitate can form easily, which may suppress the dissolution of elements. Whenciincreases to 0.0104 mol/L, dissolution ratio of each element increases significantly, except for iron. And the predominant species correspondingly change to Ca2+, Mg2+, CaCit−, MgCit−, H2Cit−, H3Cit and FeH2PO42+.
Personalentwicklung in der Notaufnahme
Authors: Wasser Christoph , Riessen Reimer
Published: April 2019

In the last years, the number of patients in German emergency department (ED) is rising continously. At the same time, it is diffcult to find enough physicians to occupy the positions in the ED. Therefore human resources development is critical for the success of any ED. This article describes human resources development and recruitment in the context of current health policy trends in Germany.
Point of Care Ultrasound in Geriatric Patients: Prospective Evaluation of a Portable Handheld Ultrasound Device
Authors: Fröhlich Eckhart , Beller Katharina , Muller Reinhold , Herrmann Maria , Debove Ines , Klinger Christoph , Pauluschke-Fröhlich Jan , Hoffmann Tatjana , Kreppenhofer Sorina , Dietrich Christoph F.
Published: April 2019

Purpose The aim of the current study was to evaluate point of care ultrasound (POCUS) in geriatric patients by echoscopy using a handheld ultrasound device (HHUSD, VScan) at bedside in comparison to a high-end ultrasound system (HEUS) as the gold standard.

Materials and Methods Prospective observational study with a total of 112 geriatric patients. The ultrasound examinations were independently performed by two experienced blinded examiners with a portable handheld device and a high-end ultrasound device. The findings were compared with respect to diagnostic findings and therapeutic implications.

Results The main indications for the ultrasound examinations were dyspnea (44.6 %), fall (frailty) (24.1 %) and fever (21.4 %). The most frequently found diagnoses were cystic lesions 32.1 % (35/109), hepatic vein congestion 19.3 % (21/109) and ascites 13.6 % (15/110). HHUSD delivered 13 false-negative findings in the abdomen resulting in an “overall sensitivity” of 89.5 %. The respective “overall specificity” was 99.6 % (7 false-positive diagnoses). HHUSD (versus HEUS data) resulted in 13.6 % (17.3 %) diagnostically relevant procedures in the abdomen and 0.9 % (0.9 %) in the thorax. Without HHUSD (HEUS) 95.7 % (100 %) of important pathological findings would have been missed.

Conclusion The small HHUSD tool improves clinical decision-making in immobile geriatric patients at the point of care (geriatric ward). In most cases, HHUSD allows sufficiently accurate yes/no diagnoses already at the bedside, thereby clarifying the leading symptoms for early clinical decision-making.
Optoelectronic performance of AgNW transparent conductive films with different width-to-height ratios and a figure of merit embodying an optical haze
Authors: Hubarevich A. , Marus M. , Mukha Y. , Wang K. , Smirnov A. , Sun X. W.
Published: April 2019

Transparent conductive films (TCFs) based on rectangularly shaped silver nanowires (AgNWs) with different width-to-height ratios were theoretically studied. We show that tall AgNWs (height > width) possess higher transmittance and lower sheet resistance compared to other configurations of AgNWs. Moreover, tall AgNWs possesses significantly higher optical haze, which makes them a transparent conductor of choice for thin solar cell applications. For applications requiring low haze such as displays and touch screens, we propose an updated figure of merit embodying transmittance, sheet resistance and haze, allowing tuning width-to-height ratio to achieve a reasonable AgNW TCF performance trade-off. Obtained results offer a means for deeper analysis of AgNW properties for many optoelectronic applications.
Biofabrication of tissue-specific extracellular matrix proteins to enhance the expansion and differentiation of skeletal muscle progenitor cells
Authors: Li Longkun , Liu Guihua , Timashev Peter , Sun Xiuzhi Susan , Criswell Tracy , Atala Anthony , Zhang Yuanyuan
Published: April 2019

Skeletal muscle precursor cells (MPCs) are considered key candidates for cell therapy in the treatment of skeletal muscle dysfunction due to injury, disease, or aging. However, expansion of a sufficient number of functional skeletal muscle cells in vitro from a small tissue biopsy has been challenging due to changes in the phenotypic expression of these cells under nonnatural microenvironmental or traditional culture conditions. This review provides an overview of recent progress in the design and biofabrication of advanced tissue-specific extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins for use in the enhancement of expansion and differentiation of MPCs for cell therapy and 3D bioprinting. We start with a brief introduction about the existing progress, drawbacks, and emerging challenges in the culture and maintenance of long term primary human MPCs for cell therapy. With regard to MPC proliferation, elongation, fusion, and differentiation into mature myofibers, we systematically summarize the benefits and limitations of recent progress. The importance of tissue-specific ECM in skeletal muscle regeneration is discussed, in particular, the mechanisms, rationale, strategy, and methodologies for using tissue-specific ECM proteins for myogenesis in 2D and 3D culture environments. Furthermore, perspectives on the challenges in developing tissue-specific ECM proteins for cell therapy using human MPCs are described. Finally, we propose potential strategies for overcoming the challenges in the development of advanced tissue-specific ECM proteins for promoting cell therapy with human skeletal muscle cells.
Exploring the step-by-step aggregation of amyloid proteins
Authors: Kish Stacy W.
Published: April 2019

Researchers developed an automated Markov state model to explore the dynamics of protein aggregation.
中文社交问答网络社区中的情境学习 (Situated learning in a Chinese question-and-answer online community)
Authors: Zeng Zhini
Published: April 2019

“知乎”是使用频率最高 (7.6%) 的中文社交问答网络社区 (CNNIC, 2017)。本文从中级汉语媒体课中运用“知乎”开展教学活动的案例入手，以“情境学习”理论 (Lave & Wenger, 1991) 的视角，揭示了学生在目的语社会中的网络平台上参与集体知识构建取得的收获及遇到的挑战，并以此为契机，介绍一种将社交问答网络平台运用于中高级对外汉语教学的思路。本文共有三个部分：首先，在充分参考前人研究的基础上，本文通过介绍三种围绕“知乎”展开的教学活动，提出了一个将网络社交问答社区运用于对外汉语教学的模型。其次，通过一项针对十名在中文课内、外使用“知乎”的学生的前导型调查，以及分析学生在“知乎”平台上创作的文本，本文进一步检测了该教学模型在实际应用中的收效与阻碍。最后，基于对现有案例的分析结果，本文总结了将网络社交问答社区引入对外汉语课堂的五个优势，并为未来的教学实践提出了两点建议。
Register in English for Academic Purposes and English for Specific Purposes
Authors: Conrad Susan
Published: April 2019

Susan Conrad, Professor of Applied Linguistics at Portland State University (USA), contributes this article on the applications of register research to English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English for Specific Purposes (ESP). Her research focuses on topics including academic register variation, discipline-specific language, student and workplace writing, and grammar and writing pedagogy. Since the 1990s, her work has advocated for and exemplified the ways in which register-based descriptions can facilitate language teaching, including building awareness of register variation in learners and novice writers themselves. This focus is illustrated in her bookReal Grammar: A Corpus-Based Approach to English(Conrad & Biber 2009, Pearson Longman), which takes many of the major register-based patterns of variation in English grammar (described in theLongman Grammar of Spoken and Written English,Biber et al. 1999) and translates them into practical grammar lessons for language learners, making explicit how grammar use is mediated by register. Her applied focus is also evident in her work as Principal Investigator for the Civil Engineering Writing Project . The project, funded by the National Science Foundation, addresses the writing needs of Civil Engineering students through corpus-based register comparisons (of university student writing, practitioner workplace writing, and published academic writing), applying the results to the development and evaluation of pedagogical materials that improve students’ preparation for writing in the workplace.
Acer L.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the origin and introduction; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; pests and diseases; natural regeneration; flowering, seed production and nursery conditions; conservation; provenance; timber and uses; area and yield; and place of the following maple species in British forestry: Acer campestre, A. macrophyllum, A. platanoides, and A. pseudoplatanus. The chapter also provides details on other species of Acer that might be useful in a changing climate.
Aesculus L.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the origin; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; pests and diseases; and timber and uses of horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) in the UK.
Carpinus L.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the origin and introduction; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; pests and diseases; natural regeneration; flowering, seed production and nursery conditions; provenance; timber and uses; yield and timber; and place of hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) in British forestry.
Carya Nutt.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter discusses the origin, taxonomy and introduction; climatic and site requirements; provenance, seed production and nursery practice; silviculture; pest and diseases; timber properties and utilization; and place of hickories (Carya) in British forestry.
Chamaecyparis Spach.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the origin and introduction; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; pests and diseases; natural regeneration; flowering, seed production and nursery conditions; provenance and cultivars; area and yield; timber and uses; and place of Lawson cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) in British forestry.
Crataegus monogyna Jacq.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter discusses the climatic and site requirements, and silviculture; pests and diseases; provenance; timber and uses; and surrounding Crataegus monogyna in British forestry.
Ilex L.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter discusses the origin; silviculture; pests and diseases; natural regeneration; flowering, seed production and nursery conditions; timber and uses; and place of holly (Ilex aquifolium) in British forestry.
Platanus L.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter discusses the silviculture; nursery production and provenance; pests and diseases; timber; and place of plane (Platanus) in British forestry.
Prunus L.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the origin and introduction; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; pests and diseases; natural regeneration; flowering, seed production and nursery conditions; provenance; yield and rotations; timber; and place of cherry (Prunus avium) in British forestry.
Sequoia Endl.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter describes the origin and introduction; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; growth and yield; natural regeneration; flowering, seed production and nursery conditions; provenance; timber; and place of coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) in British forestry.
Tilia L.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter discusses the origin and introduction; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; pests and diseases; natural regeneration; flowering, seed production and nursery conditions; provenance; yield; timber and uses; and place of lime (Tilia cordata and T. platyphyllos) in British forestry.
Ulmus L.
Authors: Savill P.
Published: April 2019

This chapter discusses the taxonomy and origin; distribution; silviculture and ecology; Dutch elm disease; flowering and seed production; timber and uses; and place of elms (Ulmus glabra and U. procera) in British forestry.
Global status of the regulation of genome editing technologies.
Authors: Smyth S. J.
Published: April 2019

Innovations affect societies in various ways. For example, the latest innovations in cell phones and electronics are readily adopted without hesitation. However, many innovations regarding the breeding of plants, the production of food crops and the processing of food products, can be met with fear and trepidation by some societies. Europe, the foundation of the Industrial Revolution, has developed strong adversity to agricultural innovations that involve innovative genome editing methods in general and to genetically modified (GM) crops in particular. While much of the industrial world models their regulatory frameworks for plant agriculture on the science-based risk assessment framework developed through the efforts of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the European Union's regulatory framework for GM crops is based on the precautionary principle, approving but a single GM crop variety for production in the twenty-first century. As any field of science and technology advances, so has the breeding of GM crops. GM crop varieties were developed through the insertion of a gene or genes from a different species, such as the insertion of the trait for insect resistance in plants that originally came from a soil bacterium. Crop varieties are now being developed through a group of targeted, site-directed mutation technologies, known as genome editing, where some of this group of technologies results in no foreign genes being transferred into new varieties. While technologically viewed as a significant advancement in the development of new plant varieties, some jurisdictions have chosen to regulate genome editing as equivalent to GM crops, thereby establishing a
de facto
ban on the application of the technology. Yet other jurisdictions have chosen to embrace the technology, announcing that some applications of genome editing will face no regulatory oversight. This paper provides a global overview of the various regulatory frameworks for genome editing.
Critical Assessment 32: Controling the melting behaviour of cast structures through solid-state deformation
Authors: Czerwinski Frank
Published: April 2019

The role of solid-state deformation of cast structures in controlling the morphological transformations, accompanying their subsequent melting is critically assessed. When dendritic morphologies, present after casting, are subjected to solid-state deformation with a strain level sufficient to trigger recrystallisation, they are replaced by equiaxed grain structures. Heating of such structures to temperatures of the solidus-liquidus range initiates melting at triple junctions and along grain boundaries, causing disappearance of dendrites, which are replaced by globular features. The semisolid slurry formed this way exhibits thixotropic properties, positively affecting its flow behaviour and properties after solidification. Although a variety of conventional and exotic deformation techniques generate very fine grain structure after recrystallisation, it does not lead to substantial differences in morphological characteristics of the semisolid slurry.
Moving beyond size and phosphatidylserine exposure: evidence for a diversity of apoptotic cell‐derived extracellular vesicles in vitro
Authors: Poon Ivan K. H. , Parkes Michael A. F. , Jiang Lanzhou , Atkin‐Smith Georgia K. , Tixeira Rochelle , Gregory Christopher D. , Ozkocak Dilara C. , Rutter Stephanie F. , Caruso Sarah , Santavanond Jascinta P. , Paone Stephanie , Shi Bo , Hodge Amy L. , Hulett Mark D. , Chow Jenny D. Y. , Phan Thanh Kha , Baxter Amy A.
Published: April 2019

Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that occurs throughout life as part of normal development as well as pathologic processes including chronic inflammation and infection. Although the death of a cell is often considered as the only biological outcome of a cell committed to apoptosis, it is becoming increasingly clear that the dying cell can actively communicate with other cells via soluble factors as well as membrane‐bound extracellular vesicles (EVs) to regulate processes including cell clearance, immunity and tissue repair. Compared to EVs generated from viable cells such as exosomes and microvesicles, apoptotic cell‐derived EVs (ApoEVs) are less well defined and the basic criteria for ApoEV characterization have not been established in the field. In this study, we will examine the current understanding of ApoEVs, in particular, the ApoEV subtype called apoptotic bodies (ApoBDs). We described that a subset of ApoBDs can be larger than 5 μm and smaller than 1 μm based on flow cytometry and live time‐lapse microscopy analysis, respectively. We also described that a subset of ApoBDs can expose a relatively low level of phosphatidylserine on its surface based on annexin A5 staining. Furthermore, we characterized the presence of caspase‐cleaved proteins (in particular plasma membrane‐associated or cytoplasmic proteins) in samples enriched in ApoBDs. Lastly, using a combination of biochemical‐, live imaging‐ and flow cytometry‐based approaches, we characterized the progressive lysis of ApoBDs. Taken together, these results extended our understanding of ApoBDs.
Modern Tajikistan
Authors: Atkin Muriel
Published: April 2019

Tajikistan became an independent country in 1991, but it also owes its existence as an arbitrary creation to the central Soviet authorities. Since the Soviet era the term “Tajik” has been applied to identify speakers of Persian and several Eastern Iranian languages in Central Asia. Political and cultural leaders in Tajikistan have grappled with the meaning of Tajik identity in relation to Persian speakers beyond Central Asia, as well as other identities among Tajiks within Central Asia. During the Soviet era, Tajikistan was faced with several projects, such as modernization and “internationalization” of society and the economy, as well as its mistrust of nationalism and ties to kindred peoples within and outside of the Soviet Union. At the end of the Soviet period and in the early years of independence, Tajikistan was wracked by a power struggle between coalitions of factions that wanted to depart from the old Communist authoritarian rule and the neo-Communist elite who tried to maintain power. This escalated into a civil war (1992–1997), which was costly in terms of lives being lost and economic damage to the country. Since the civil war, Tajikistan remains a poor country with an authoritarian government.
Patient with a PRKAG2 mutation who developed Immunoglobulin A nephropathy: a case report
Authors: Giudici Michael C , Ahmad Ferhaan , Holanda Danniele G
Published: April 2019

Background

PRKAG2 syndrome (PS) is a rare, early-onset autosomal dominant inherited disease caused by mutations in PRKAG2, the gene encoding the regulatory γ2 subunit of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase. PRKAG2 syndrome is associated with many cardiac manifestations, including pre-excitation, arrhythmias, left ventricular hypertrophy, and chronotropic incompetence frequently leading to early pacemaker placement. A meta-analysis of genome-wide association data in subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD) identified a susceptibility locus in an intron of PRKAG2, which has been replicated in other studies. However, CKD has not been reported in patients with PS or mutations in PRKAG2.

Case summary

We report a case of a woman diagnosed at age 27 with PS when she presented with atrial fibrillation and pre-excitation on electrocardiogram. By age 35, she had developed mild renal insufficiency and a biopsy demonstrated IgA nephropathy (IGAN).

Discussion

This is the first reported case of IGAN in a patient with PS. We discuss both PS and IGAN and the potential mechanisms by which they could be related.
Diabetic cardiomyopathy: acute and reversible left ventricular systolic dysfunction due to cardiotoxicity of hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar state—a case report†
Authors: Kocabaş Umut , Yılmaz Özgür , Kurtoğlu Volkan
Published: April 2019

Background

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) is defined as a ventricular diastolic and/or systolic dysfunction, which is directly related to diabetes mellitus (DM) in the absence of coronary artery disease, valvular, congenital or hypertensive heart disease, and alcoholism. In this report, we present an unusual case of a patient with DC and reversible, acute left ventricular systolic dysfunction due to cardiotoxicity of hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS).

Case summary

A 20-year-old male patient presented with weakness and polyuria. Physical examination and electrocardiogram were normal. Laboratory results and arterial blood gas analysis were consistent with HHS. Baseline echocardiography showed global left ventricular hypokinesis with an ejection fraction (EF) of 36%. The patient’s clinical condition improved after blood glucose level normalization and echocardiography revealed progressive improvement in the left ventricular systolic function with an EF of 54% at the 5-day follow-up and an EF of 69% at the 15-day follow-up.

Discussion

Uncontrolled DM and hyperglycaemic crisis may result in cardiotoxicity, acute left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and DC. The pathophysiological mechanism of this phenomenon is still unclear. Blood glucose control is the most important strategy for the prevention of DC.
Simulation-based evaluation of reserve network performance for Centrophorus zeehaani (Centrophoridae): a protected deep-sea gulper shark
Authors: Daley Ross K , Hobday Alistair J , Semmens Jayson M
Published: April 2019

Resource use and conservation objectives can conflict where protected species and commercially fished species occur together. We tested the potential for a previously overfished deep-sea shark (Centrophorus zeehaani) with very low biological productivity to recover in a network of three reserves. An individual-based simulation model was developed and applied using reproduction and movement data. Without any reserves or reductions in fishing mortality the population will never recover and will fail in 27.9 ± 6.1 years. With three reserves, recovery from 8% of initial numbers to a target of 20% would take 63.1 ± 3.1 years with the network in place. Length of the female cycle, natural mortality, and density dependent female dispersal are uncertain, but could delay recovery time by an additional 16.5, 98.3, or 61.9 years, respectively. Effectiveness of the reserve network was particularly sensitive to location and patchiness of the population. Doubling the size of a reserve where C. zeehaani are abundant would reduce recovery time by 12.5 years; halving it would increase recovery time by 12.0 years. Future re-opening of orange roughy fishing in waters deeper than 750 m would delay recovery of C. zeehaani by 45.9 years. The methods developed here can be used to explore co-management options for target species and protected species in fisheries.
Dimension Variation of Gouvêa–Mazur Type for Drinfeld Cuspforms of Level Γ1(t)
Authors: Hattori Shin
Published: April 2019

Let $p$ be a rational prime and $q>1$ a $p$-power. Let $S_k(\Gamma _1(t))$ be the space of Drinfeld cuspforms of level $\Gamma _1(t)$ and weight $k$ for ${\mathbb{F}}_q[t]$. For any non-negative rational number $\alpha$, we denote by $d(k,\alpha )$ the dimension of the slope $\alpha$ generalized eigenspace for the $U$-operator acting on $S_k(\Gamma _1(t))$. In this paper, we prove a function field analogue of the Gouvêa–Mazur conjecture for this setting. Namely, we show that for any $\alpha \leqslant m$ and $k_1,k_2>\alpha +1$, if $k_1\equiv k_2 \bmod p^m$, then $d(k_1,\alpha )=d(k_2,\alpha )$.
Chronic Plasma Cortisol Elevation Does Not Promote Riskier Behavior in a Teleost Fish: A Test of the Behavioral Resiliency Hypothesis
Authors: Lawrence Michael J , Godin Jean-Guy J , Zolderdo Aaron J , Cooke Steven J
Published: April 2019

Synopsis

Stressed fish have been shown to have higher predator-induced mortality than unstressed conspecifics, suggesting a role for the hypothalamic–pituitary–interrenal axis in modifying risk-taking behaviors. Yet, there is also evidence of behavioral resiliency in the face of chronic stressors. Here, we tested the behavioral resiliency hypothesis, which posits that animals can maintain consistent behavioral phenotypes in the face of significant physiological challenges. We determined whether chronic plasma cortisol elevation promotes risk-taking behaviors in a model teleost fish, the pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus). Experimental fish were implanted with cocoa butter either as a sham or with cortisol. At 48 h post-implantation, the behavior of individual focal fish was tested in an experimental arena comprising of a simulated physical refuge, an open zone containing a constrained conspecific shoal, and a compartment containing either a model of a northern pike (Esox lucius) paired with corresponding pike olfactory cues in lake water or no pike model (control) paired with sham lake water cues only. The fish were assayed individually for their refuge utilization, shoaling tendency, and general activity. Neither cortisol treatment nor predation-risk treatment influenced any of these behaviors. This suggests that sunfish, in the context of our experiment, were behaviorally resilient to the physiological effects of chronic plasma cortisol elevation and in the face of an apparent threat of predation. Our results thus provide support for the behavioral resiliency hypothesis in fish under both physiological and ecological stressors. We posit that behavioral resiliency is an evolutionary adaptation ensuring appropriate responses to environmental conditions.
Objectivity
Authors: D'Agostino Fred
Published: April 2019

Objectivity has two aspects. It has been achieved, in the metaphysical sense, when there is a correspondence between a statement and the way the world is independent of human conceptual activities. In the methodological sense, it characterizes the products of those processes of inquiry that are disciplined by the demand to exclude or neutralize all prejudice or bias. Already in Immanuel Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason, we see that the convergence from multiple unbiased perspectives that we expect from a methodologically objective process might be taken as evidence of correspondence with underlying independent realities. In some domains, convergence may be all that’s on offer, there being no mind-independent reality with which correspondence might be sought. This was the view of John Rawls, as, for example, in his “Kantian Constructivism in Moral Theory,” and it is also an issue, though for different reasons, in relation to the objectivity of mathematics and of aesthetic understanding. Among the many unquestioned certainties of the postwar scientistic settlement was that the pursuit of objectivity in science, ethics, and the professions was the key to the success of these enterprises. This was disturbed by scholarly developments, of which the profoundest was the feminist critique of objectivity from the mid-1970s. Another important development was the sociological and historiographical interrogation of objectivity, as manifested in “the strong programme” or “social studies of science,” but most strikingly exemplified in Lorraine Daston and Peter Galison’s Objectivity, which gave the idea of objectivity a history that showed how much intellectual work had to be done to develop an idea that we later came to take for granted. However, the fact of the historical contingency and social entanglement of “objectivity” shows nothing about its usefulness, indeed effectiveness. It may, despite its historicity, still be effective in disciplining our inquiries. Among the more interesting aspects of objectivity is its perhaps essentially contestable character as a concept, as shown in its multiple manifestations, as identified by Heather Douglas, “The Irreducible Complexity of Objectivity.” As Daston put it (“Objectivity and the Escape from Perspective,” p. 598), “its thick layering of oddly matched meanings . . . betrays signs of a complicated and contingent history.” While the idea of objectivity has played an important philosophical role, its general cultural significance spiked in the aftermath of the 2016 US presidential election. Oxford University Press noted this phenomenon. “After much discussion, debate, and research, the Oxford Dictionaries Word of the Year 2016 is post-truth—an adjective defined as ‘relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.’”