bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Upper Tail of Precipitation in Convection‐Permitting Regional Climate Models and Their Utility in Nonstationary Rainfall and Flood Frequency Analysis
Authors: Yu Guo , Wright Daniel B. , Li Zhe
Published: August 2020

Computational advances have made atmospheric modeling at convection‐permitting (≤4 km) grid spacings increasingly feasible. These simulations hold great promise in the projection of climate change impacts including rainfall and flood extremes. The relatively short model runs that are currently feasible, however, inhibit the assessment of the upper tail of rainfall and flood quantiles using conventional statistical methods. Stochastic storm transposition (SST) and process‐based flood frequency analysis are two approaches that together can help to mitigate this limitation. SST generates large numbers of extreme rainfall scenarios by temporal resampling and geospatial transposition of rainfall fields from relatively short data sets. Coupling SST with process‐based flood frequency analysis enables exploration of flood behavior at a range of spatial and temporal scales. We apply these approaches with outputs of 13‐year simulations of regional climate to examine changes in extreme rainfall and flood quantiles up to the 500‐year recurrence interval in a medium‐sized watershed in the Midwestern United States. Intensification of extreme precipitation across a range of spatial and temporal scales is identified in future climate; changes in flood magnitudes depend on watershed area, with small watersheds exhibiting the greatest increases due to their limited capacity to attenuate flood peaks. Flood seasonality and snowmelt are predicted to be earlier in the year under projected warming, while the most extreme floods continue to occur in early summer. Findings highlight both the potential and limitations of convection‐resolving climate models to help understand possible changes in rainfall and flood frequency across watershed scales.
Low‐Temperature Thermochronology of the Indus Basin in Central Ladakh, Northwest India: Implications of Miocene‐Pliocene Cooling in the India‐Asia Collision Zone
Authors: Bhattacharya Gourab , Robinson Delores M. , Orme Devon A. , Najman Yani , Carter Andrew
Published: August 2020

The India‐Asia collision zone in Ladakh, northwest India, records a sequence of tectono‐thermal events in the interior of the Himalayan orogen following the intercontinental collision between India and Asia in early Cenozoic time. We present zircon fission track, and zircon and apatite (U‐Th)/He thermochronometric data from the Indus Basin sedimentary rocks that are exposed along the strike of the collision zone in central Ladakh. These data reveal a postdepositional Miocene‐Pliocene (~22–4 Ma) cooling signal along the India‐Asia collision zone in northwest India. Our zircon fission track cooling ages indicate that maximum basin temperatures exceeded 200°C but stayed below 280–300°C in the stratigraphically deeper marine and continental strata. Thermal modeling of zircon and apatite (U‐Th)/He cooling ages suggests postdepositional basin cooling initiated in Early Miocene time by ~22–20 Ma, occurred throughout the basin across zircon (U‐Th)/He partial retention temperatures from ~20–10 Ma, and continued in the Pliocene time until at least ~4 Ma. We attribute the burial of the Indus Basin to sedimentation and movement along the regional Great Counter thrust. The ensuing Miocene‐Pliocene cooling resulted from erosion by the Indus River that transects the basin. An approximately coeval cooling signal is well documented east of the study area, along the collision zone in south Tibet. Our new data provide a regional framework upon which future studies can explore the possible interrelationships between tectonic, geodynamic, and geomorphologic factors contributing to Miocene‐Pliocene cooling along the India‐Asia collision zone from NW India to south Tibet.
BRAFV600E drives dedifferentiation in small intestinal and colonic organoids and cooperates with mutant p53 and Apc loss in transformation
Authors: Reischmann Nadine , Andrieux Geoffroy , Griffin Ricarda , Reinheckel Thomas , Boerries Melanie , Brummer Tilman
Published: August 2020

BRAFV600E confers poor prognosis and is associated with a distinct subtype of colorectal cancer (CRC). Little is known, however, about the genetic events driving the initiation and progression of BRAFV600E mutant CRCs. Recent genetic analyses of CRCs indicate that BRAFV600E often coexists with alterations in the WNT- and p53 pathways, but their cooperation remains ill-defined. Therefore, we systematically compared small and large intestinal organoids from mice harboring conditional BraffloxV600E, Trp53LSL-R172H, and/or Apcflox/flox alleles. Using these isogenic models, we observe tissue-specific differences toward sudden BRAFV600E expression, which can be attributed to different ERK-pathway ground states in small and large intestinal crypts. BRAFV600E alone causes transient proliferation and suppresses epithelial organization, followed by organoid disintegration. Moreover, BRAFV600E induces a fetal-like dedifferentiation transcriptional program in colonic organoids, which resembles human BRAFV600E-driven CRC. Co-expression of p53R172H delays organoid disintegration, confers anchorage-independent growth, and induces invasive properties. Interestingly, p53R172H cooperates with BRAFV600E to modulate the abundance of transcripts linked to carcinogenesis, in particular within colonic organoids. Remarkably, WNT-pathway activation by Apc deletion fully protects organoids against BRAFV600E-induced disintegration and confers growth/niche factor independence. Still, Apc-deficient BRAFV600E-mutant organoids remain sensitive toward the MEK inhibitor trametinib, albeit p53R172H confers partial resistance against this clinically relevant compound. In summary, our systematic comparison of the response of small and large intestinal organoids to oncogenic alterations suggests colonic organoids to be better suited to model the human situation. In addition, our work on BRAF-, p53-, and WNT-pathway mutations provides new insights into their cooperation and for the design of targeted therapies.
Autophagy activated by silibinin contributes to glioma cell death via induction of oxidative stress-mediated BNIP3-dependent nuclear translocation of AIF
Authors: Wang Chongcheng , He Chuan , Lu Shan , Wang Xuanzhong , Wang Lei , Liang Shipeng , Wang Xinyu , Piao Meihua , Cui Jiayue , Chi Guangfan , Ge Pengfei
Published: August 2020

Induction of lethal autophagy has become a strategy to eliminate glioma cells, but it remains elusive whether autophagy contributes to cell death via causing mitochondria damage and nuclear translocation of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF). In this study, we find that silibinin induces AIF translocation from mitochondria to nuclei in glioma cells in vitro and in vivo, which is accompanied with autophagy activation. In vitro studies reveal that blocking autophagy with 3MA, bafilomycin A1 or by knocking down ATG5 with SiRNA inhibits silibinin-induced mitochondrial accumulation of superoxide, AIF translocation from mitochondria to nuclei and glioma cell death. Mechanistically, silibinin activates autophagy through depleting ATP by suppressing glycolysis. Then, autophagy improves intracellular H2O2 via promoting p53-mediated depletion of GSH and cysteine and downregulation of xCT. The increased H2O2 promotes silibinin-induced BNIP3 upregulation and translocation to mitochondria. Knockdown of BNIP3 with SiRNA inhibits silibinin-induced mitochondrial depolarization, accumulation of mitochondrial superoxide, and AIF translocation from mitochondria to nuclei, as well as prevents glioma cell death. Furthermore, we find that the improved H2O2 reinforces silibinin-induced glycolysis dysfunction. Collectively, autophagy contributes to silibinin-induced glioma cell death via promotion of oxidative stress-mediated BNIP3-dependent nuclear translocation of AIF.
Overexposure to apoptosis via disrupted glial specification perturbs Drosophila macrophage function and reveals roles of the CNS during injury
Authors: Armitage Emma Louise , Roddie Hannah Grace , Evans Iwan Robert
Published: August 2020

Apoptotic cell clearance by phagocytes is a fundamental process during development, homeostasis and the resolution of inflammation. However, the demands placed on phagocytic cells such as macrophages by this process, and the limitations these interactions impose on subsequent cellular behaviours are not yet clear. Here, we seek to understand how apoptotic cells affect macrophage function in the context of a genetically tractable Drosophila model in which macrophages encounter excessive amounts of apoptotic cells. Loss of the glial-specific transcription factor Repo prevents glia from contributing to apoptotic cell clearance in the developing embryo. We show that this leads to the challenge of macrophages with large numbers of apoptotic cells in vivo. As a consequence, macrophages become highly vacuolated with cleared apoptotic cells, and their developmental dispersal and migration is perturbed. We also show that the requirement to deal with excess apoptosis caused by a loss of repo function leads to impaired inflammatory responses to injury. However, in contrast to migratory phenotypes, defects in wound responses cannot be rescued by preventing apoptosis from occurring within a repo mutant background. In investigating the underlying cause of these impaired inflammatory responses, we demonstrate that wound-induced calcium waves propagate into surrounding tissues, including neurons and glia of the ventral nerve cord, which exhibit striking calcium waves on wounding, revealing a previously unanticipated contribution of these cells during responses to injury. Taken together, these results demonstrate important insights into macrophage biology and how repo mutants can be used to study macrophage–apoptotic cell interactions in the fly embryo. Furthermore, this work shows how these multipurpose cells can be ‘overtasked’ to the detriment of their other functions, alongside providing new insights into which cells govern macrophage responses to injury in vivo.
Homoharringtonine suppresses tumor proliferation and migration by regulating EphB4-mediated β-catenin loss in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Man , Gong Zhengyan , Wu Qing , Su Qi , Yang Tianfeng , Yu Runze , Xu Rui , Zhang Yanmin
Published: August 2020

Overexpressed EphB4 conduce to tumor development and is regarded as a potential anticancer target. Homoharringtonine (HHT) has been approved for hematologic malignancies treatment, but its effect on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been studied. This study elucidated HHT could restrain the proliferation and migration of HCC via an EphB4/β-catenin-dependent manner. We found that the antiproliferative activity of HHT in HCC cells and tumor xenograft was closely related to EphB4 expression. In HepG2, Hep3B and SMMC-7721 cells, EphB4 overexpression or EphrinB2 Fc stimulation augmented HHT-induced inhibitory effect on cell growth and migration ability, and such effect was abrogated when EphB4 was knocked down. The similar growth inhibitory effect of HHT was observed in SMMC-7721 and EphB4+/SMMC-7721 cells xenograft in vivo. Preliminary mechanistic investigation indicated that HHT directly bound to EphB4 and suppressed its expression. Data obtained from HCC patients revealed increased β-catenin expression and a positive correlation between EphB4 expression and β-catenin levels. HHT-induced EphB4 suppression promoted the phosphorylation and loss of β-catenin, which triggered regulation of β-catenin downstream signaling related to migration, resulting in the reversion of EMT in TGF-β-induced HepG2 cells. Collectively, this study provided a groundwork for HHT as an effective antitumor agent for HCC in an EphB4/β-catenin-dependent manner.
Dynamic spatiotemporal beams that combine two independent and controllable orbital-angular-momenta using multiple optical-frequency-comb lines
Authors: Zhao Zhe , Song Hao , Zhang Runzhou , Pang Kai , Liu Cong , Song Haoqian , Almaiman Ahmed , Manukyan Karapet , Zhou Huibin , Lynn Brittany , Boyd Robert W. , Tur Moshe , Willner Alan E.
Published: August 2020

Novel forms of beam generation and propagation based on orbital angular momentum (OAM) have recently gained significant interest. In terms of changes in time, OAM can be manifest at a given distance in different forms, including: (1) a Gaussian-like beam dot that revolves around a central axis, and (2) a Laguerre-Gaussian ($$LG_{\ell ,p}$$
L

G

ℓ
,
p

) beam with a helical phasefront rotating around its own beam center. Here we explore the generation of dynamic spatiotemporal beams that combine these two forms of orbital-angular-momenta by coherently adding multiple frequency comb lines. Each line carries a superposition of multiple $$LG_{\ell ,p}$$
L

G

ℓ
,
p

modes such that each line is composed of a different $$\ell$$
ℓ
value and multiple p values. We simulate the generated beams and find that the following can be achieved: (a) mode purity up to 99%, and (b) control of the helical phasefront from 2π-6π and the revolving speed from 0.2–0.6 THz. This approach might be useful for generating spatiotemporal beams with even more sophisticated dynamic properties.
Biomimetic design of iridescent insect cuticles with tailored, self-organized cholesteric patterns
Authors: Scarangella Adriana , Soldan Vanessa , Mitov Michel
Published: August 2020

Replicating biological patterns is promising for designing materials with multifaceted properties. Twisted cholesteric liquid crystal patterns are found in the iridescent tessellated cuticles of many insects and a few fruits. Their accurate replication is extremely difficult since discontinuous patterns and colors must coexist in a single layer without discontinuity of the structures. Here, a solution is demonstrated by addressing striped insect cuticles with a complex twisted organization. Geometric constraints are met by controlling the thermal diffusion in a cholesteric oligomer bilayer subjected to local changes in the molecular anchoring conditions. A multicriterion comparison reveals a very high level of biomimicry. Proof-of-concept prototypes of anti-counterfeiting tags are presented. The present design involves an economy of resources and a high versatility of chiral patterns unreached by the current manufacturing techniques such as metallic layer vacuum deposition, template embossing and various forms of lithography which are limited and often prohibitively expensive.
Untangling the seasonal dynamics of plant-pollinator communities
Authors: Bramon Mora Bernat , Shin Eura , CaraDonna Paul J. , Stouffer Daniel B.
Published: August 2020

Ecological communities often show changes in populations and their interactions over time. To date, however, it has been challenging to effectively untangle the mechanisms shaping such dynamics. One approach that has yet to be fully explored is to treat the varying structure of empirical communities—i.e. their network of interactions—as time series. Here, we follow this approach by applying a network-comparison technique to study the seasonal dynamics of plant-pollinator networks. We find that the structure of these networks is extremely variable, where species constantly change how they interact with each other within seasons. Most importantly, we find the holistic dynamic of plants and pollinators to be remarkably coherent across years, allowing us to reveal general rules by which species first enter, then change their roles, and finally leave the networks. Overall, our results disentangle key aspects of species’ interaction turnover, phenology, and seasonal assembly/disassembly processes in empirical plant-pollinator communities.
Single-cell TCR sequencing reveals phenotypically diverse clonally expanded cells harboring inducible HIV proviruses during ART
Authors: Gantner Pierre , Pagliuzza Amélie , Pardons Marion , Ramgopal Moti , Routy Jean-Pierre , Fromentin Rémi , Chomont Nicolas
Published: August 2020

Clonal expansions occur in the persistent HIV reservoir as shown by the duplication of proviral integration sites. However, the source of the proliferation of HIV-infected cells remains unclear. Here, we analyze the TCR repertoire of single HIV-infected cells harboring translation-competent proviruses in longitudinal samples from eight individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART). When compared to uninfected cells, the TCR repertoire of reservoir cells is heavily biased: expanded clonotypes are present in all individuals, account for the majority of reservoir cells and are often maintained over time on ART. Infected T cell clones are detected at low frequencies in the long-lived central memory compartment and overrepresented in the most differentiated memory subsets. Our results indicate that clonal expansions highly contribute to the persistence of the HIV reservoir and suggest that reservoir cells displaying a differentiated phenotype are the progeny of infected central memory cells undergoing antigen-driven clonal expansion during ART.
Genomic characterization of malignant progression in neoplastic pancreatic cysts
Authors: Noë Michaël , Niknafs Noushin , Fischer Catherine G. , Hackeng Wenzel M. , Beleva Guthrie Violeta , Hosoda Waki , Debeljak Marija , Papp Eniko , Adleff Vilmos , White James R. , Luchini Claudio , Pea Antonio , Scarpa Aldo , Butturini Giovanni , Zamboni Giuseppe , Castelli Paola , Hong Seung-Mo , Yachida Shinichi , Hiraoka Nobuyoshi , Gill Anthony J. , Samra Jaswinder S. , Offerhaus G. Johan A. , Hoorens Anne , Verheij Joanne , Jansen Casper , Adsay N. Volkan , Jiang Wei , Winter Jordan , Albores-Saavedra Jorge , Terris Benoit , Thompson Elizabeth D. , Roberts Nicholas J. , Hruban Ralph H. , Karchin Rachel , Scharpf Robert B. , Brosens Lodewijk A. A. , Velculescu Victor E. , Wood Laura D.
Published: August 2020

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) and mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) are non-invasive neoplasms that are often observed in association with invasive pancreatic cancers, but their origins and evolutionary relationships are poorly understood. In this study, we analyze 148 samples from IPMNs, MCNs, and small associated invasive carcinomas from 18 patients using whole exome or targeted sequencing. Using evolutionary analyses, we establish that both IPMNs and MCNs are direct precursors to pancreatic cancer. Mutations in SMAD4 and TGFBR2 are frequently restricted to invasive carcinoma, while RNF43 alterations are largely in non-invasive lesions. Genomic analyses suggest an average window of over three years between the development of high-grade dysplasia and pancreatic cancer. Taken together, these data establish non-invasive IPMNs and MCNs as origins of invasive pancreatic cancer, identifying potential drivers of invasion, highlighting the complex clonal dynamics prior to malignant transformation, and providing opportunities for early detection and intervention.
Ultrafast coupled charge and spin dynamics in strongly correlated NiO
Authors: Gillmeister Konrad , Golež Denis , Chiang Cheng-Tien , Bittner Nikolaj , Pavlyukh Yaroslav , Berakdar Jamal , Werner Philipp , Widdra Wolf
Published: August 2020

Charge excitations across an electronic band gap play an important role in opto-electronics and light harvesting. In contrast to conventional semiconductors, studies of above-band-gap photoexcitations in strongly correlated materials are still in their infancy. Here we reveal the ultrafast dynamics controlled by Hund’s physics in strongly correlated photoexcited NiO. By combining time-resolved two-photon photoemission experiments with state-of-the-art numerical calculations, an ultrafast (≲10 fs) relaxation due to Hund excitations and related photo-induced in-gap states are identified. Remarkably, the weight of these in-gap states displays long-lived coherent THz oscillations up to 2 ps at low temperature. The frequency of these oscillations corresponds to the strength of the antiferromagnetic superexchange interaction in NiO and their lifetime vanishes slightly above the Néel temperature. Numerical simulations of a two-bandt-Jmodel reveal that the THz oscillations originate from the interplay between local many-body excitations and antiferromagnetic spin correlations.
Uncertainty quantification in molecular simulations with dropout neural network potentials
Authors: Wen Mingjian , Tadmor Ellad B.
Published: August 2020

Machine learning interatomic potentials (IPs) can provide accuracy close to that of first-principles methods, such as density functional theory (DFT), at a fraction of the computational cost. This greatly extends the scope of accurate molecular simulations, providing opportunities for quantitative design of materials and devices on scales hitherto unreachable by DFT methods. However, machine learning IPs have a basic limitation in that they lack a physical model for the phenomena being predicted and therefore have unknown accuracy when extrapolating outside their training set. In this paper, we propose a class of Dropout Uncertainty Neural Network (DUNN) potentials that provide rigorous uncertainty estimates that can be understood from both Bayesian and frequentist statistics perspectives. As an example, we develop a DUNN potential for carbon and show how it can be used to predict uncertainty for static and dynamical properties, including stress and phonon dispersion in graphene. We demonstrate two approaches to propagate uncertainty in the potential energy and atomic forces to predicted properties. In addition, we show that DUNN uncertainty estimates can be used to detect configurations outside the training set, and in some cases, can serve as a predictor for the accuracy of a calculation.
High-temperature oxidation behaviour of AlxFeCrCoNi and AlTiVCr compositionally complex alloys
Authors: Esmaily Mohsen , Qiu Yao , Bigdeli Sedigheh , Venkataraman Mahesh B. , Allanore Antoine , Birbilis Nick
Published: August 2020

Compositionally complex alloys (CCAs), also termed as high entropy alloys (HEAs) or multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs), are being considered as a potential solution for many energy-related applications comprising extreme environments and temperatures. Herein, a review of the pertinent literature is performed in conjunction with original works characterising the oxidation behaviour of two diverse Al-containing alloys; namely a lightweight (5.06 g/cm3) single-phase AlTiVCr CCA and a multiple-phase Al0.9FeCrCoNi CCA (6.9 g/cm3). The thermogravimetric results obtained during oxidation of the alloys at 700 and 900 °C revealed that both alloys tended to obey the desired parabolic rate law. Post-exposure analysis by means of electron microscopy indicated that while the oxide scale formed on the AlTiVCr is adherent to the substrate, the scale developed on the Al0.9FeCrCoNi displays a notable spalling propensity. This study highlights the need for tailoring the protective properties of the oxide scale formed on the surface of the CCAs.
Autophagy protein ATG7 is a critical regulator of endothelial cell inflammation and permeability
Authors: Shadab Mohammad , Millar Michelle Warren , Slavin Spencer A. , Leonard Antony , Fazal Fabeha , Rahman Arshad
Published: August 2020

Endothelial cell (EC) inflammation and permeability are critical pathogenic mechanisms in many inflammatory conditions including acute lung injury. In this study, we investigated the role of ATG7, an essential autophagy regulator with no autophagy-unrelated functions, in the mechanism of EC inflammation and permeability. Knockdown of ATG7 using si-RNA significantly attenuated thrombin-induced expression of proinflammatory molecules such as IL-6, MCP-1, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Mechanistic study implicated reduced NF-κB activity in the inhibition of EC inflammation in ATG7-silenced cells. Moreover, depletion of ATG7 markedly reduced the binding of RelA/p65 to DNA in the nucleus. Surprisingly, the thrombin-induced degradation of IκBα in the cytosol was not affected in ATG7-depleted cells, suggesting a defect in the translocation of released RelA/p65 to the nucleus in these cells. This is likely due to suppression of thrombin-induced phosphorylation and thereby inactivation of Cofilin1, an actin-depolymerizing protein, in ATG7-depleted cells. Actin stress fiber dynamics are required for thrombin-induced translocation of RelA/p65 to the nucleus, and indeed our results showed that ATG7 silencing inhibited this response via inactivation of Cofilin1. ATG7 silencing also reduced thrombin-mediated EC permeability by inhibiting the disassembly of VE-cadherin at adherens junctions. Together, these data uncover a novel function of ATG7 in mediating EC inflammation and permeability, and provide a mechanistic basis for the linkage between autophagy and EC dysfunction.
Molecular evolution of coxsackievirus A24v in Cuba over 23-years, 1986–2009
Authors: Fonseca Magilé C. , Pupo-Meriño Mario , García-González Luis A. , Resik Sonia , Hung Lai Heng , Muné Mayra , Rodríguez Hermis , Morier Luis , Norder Heléne , Sarmiento Luis
Published: August 2020

Coxsackievirus A24 variant (CVA24v) is a major causative agent of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis outbreaks worldwide, yet the evolutionary and transmission dynamics of the virus remain unclear. To address this, we analyzed and compared the 3C and partial VP1 gene regions of CVA24v isolates obtained from five outbreaks in Cuba between 1986 and 2009 and strains isolated worldwide. Here we show that Cuban strains were homologous to those isolated in Africa, the Americas and Asia during the same time period. Two genotypes of CVA24v (GIII and GIV) were repeatedly introduced into Cuba and they arose about two years before the epidemic was detected. The two genotypes co-evolved with a population size that is stable over time. However, nucleotide substitution rates peaked during pandemics with 4.39 × 10−3 and 5.80 × 10−3 substitutions per site per year for the 3C and VP1 region, respectively. The phylogeographic analysis identified 25 and 19 viral transmission routes based on 3C and VP1 regions, respectively. Pandemic viruses usually originated in Asia, and both China and Brazil were the major hub for the global dispersal of the virus. Together, these data provide novel insight into the epidemiological dynamics of this virus and possibly other pandemic viruses.
Outbreak investigation of foot and mouth disease in Nangarhar province of war-torn Afghanistan, 2014
Authors: Wajid Abdul , Chaudhry Mamoona , Rashid Hamad Bin , Gill Shakera Sadiq , Halim Sayed Rafiullah
Published: August 2020

Afghanistan has long history of ongoing conflicts, resulting in massive destruction of the country’s infrastructure. Illegal trade of livestock between Afghanistan and Pakistan boosted the spread of Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD). Current study was conducted to investigate outbreaks of FMD occurred between April-August 2014 in Nangarhar, Afghanistan. Descriptive data about suspected FMD cases were collected from the Civil Veterinary Hospital, Nangarhar to analyze spatio-temporal pattern of FMD. Case farms (n = 137) were selected from list of clinically confirmed FMD outbreaks available in the hospital. Control farms (n = 137) were enrolled from neighboring premises of case farms. The epidemic curve showed that the virus is continuously circulating among susceptible population. The mean age of the oldest lesion was 2.8 days. Foot & Mouth Disease was more likely to occur in female animals compared to male animals (p < 0.001). Farmers having no ability to clinically recognize FMD (OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.4–23.8); previously having any FMD case in herd (OR 11.8, 95% CI 3.0–45.8), farms where animals leave shed during day (OR 15.4, 95% CI 5.6–42.0), and farms, where neighboring farmers used to visit the premises (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.2–9.9) were identified as risk factors. Current findings may be used to create awareness of concerned veterinary health authorities about FMD control.
Serum phosphate levels modify the impact of parathyroid hormone levels on renal outcomes in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Doi Yohei , Hamano Takayuki , Ichimaru Naotsugu , Tomida Kodo , Obi Yoshitsugu , Fujii Naohiko , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Oka Tatsufumi , Sakaguchi Yusuke , Matsui Isao , Kaimori Jun-ya , Abe Toyofumi , Imamura Ryoichi , Takahara Shiro , Tsubakihara Yoshiharu , Nonomura Norio , Isaka Yoshitaka
Published: August 2020

Separate assessment of mineral bone disorder (MBD) parameters including calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D) predict renal outcomes in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), with conflicting results. To date, data simultaneously evaluating these parameters and interwoven relations on renal outcomes are scarce. We conducted a prospective long-term follow-up cohort study included 263 KTRs with grafts functioning at least 1 year after transplantation. The outcome was a composite of estimated GFR halving and graft loss. Cox regression analyses were employed to evaluate associations between a panel of six MBD parameters and renal outcomes. The outcome occurred in 98 KTRs during a median follow-up of 10.7 years. In a multivariate Cox analysis, intact PTH (iPTH), phosphate, and 1,25D levels were associated with the outcome (hazard ratio, 1.60 per log scale; 95% confidence interval, 1.19–2.14, 1.60 per mg/dL; 1.14–2.23 and 0.82 per 10 pg/mL; 0.68–0.99, respectively). Competing risk analysis with death as a competing event yielded a similar result. After stratification into four groups by iPTH and phosphate medians, high risks associated with high iPTH was not observed in KTRs with low phosphate levels (P-interaction < 0.1). Only KTRs not receiving active vitamin D, poor 1,25D status predicted the worse outcome (P-interaction < 0.1). High iPTH, phosphate, and low 1,25D, but not FGF23, levels predicted poor renal outcomes. Simultaneous evaluation of PTH and phosphate levels may provide additional information regarding renal allograft prognosis.
Biohydrogen production beyond the Thauer limit by precision design of artificial microbial consortia
Authors: Ergal İpek , Gräf Oliver , Hasibar Benedikt , Steiner Michael , Vukotić Sonja , Bochmann Günther , Fuchs Werner , Rittmann Simon K.-M. R.
Published: August 2020

Dark fermentative biohydrogen (H2) production could become a key technology for providing renewable energy. Until now, the H2 yield is restricted to 4 moles of H2 per mole of glucose, referred to as the “Thauer limit”. Here we show, that precision design of artificial microbial consortia increased the H2 yield to 5.6 mol mol−1 glucose, 40% higher than the Thauer limit. In addition, the volumetric H2 production rates of our defined artificial consortia are superior compared to any mono-, co- or multi-culture system reported to date. We hope this study to be a major leap forward in the engineering of artificial microbial consortia through precision design and provide a breakthrough in energy science, biotechnology and ecology. Constructing artificial consortia with this drawing-board approach could in future increase volumetric production rates and yields of other bioprocesses. Our artificial consortia engineering blueprint might pave the way for the development of a H2 production bioindustry.
Maximizing transcription of nucleic acids with efficient T7 promoters
Authors: Conrad Thomas , Plumbom Izabela , Alcobendas Maria , Vidal Ramon , Sauer Sascha
Published: August 2020

In vitro transcription using T7 bacteriophage polymerase is widely used in molecular biology. Here, we use 5′RACE-Seq to screen a randomized initially transcribed region of the T7 promoter for cross-talk with transcriptional activity. We reveal that sequences from position +4 to +8 downstream of the transcription start site affect T7 promoter activity over a 5-fold range, and identify promoter variants with significantly enhanced transcriptional output that increase the yield of in vitro transcription reactions across a wide range of template concentrations. We furthermore introduce CEL-Seq+ , which uses an optimized T7 promoter to amplify cDNA for single-cell RNA-Sequencing. CEL-Seq+ facilitates scRNA-Seq library preparation, and substantially increases library complexity and the number of expressed genes detected per cell, highlighting a particular value of optimized T7 promoters in bioanalytical applications.
Visualization and quantitation of electronic communication pathways in a series of redox-active pillar[6]arene-based macrocycles
Authors: Rashvand Avei Mehdi , Etezadi Sedigheh , Captain Burjor , Kaifer Angel E.
Published: August 2020

While oxidized pillar[5]arenes with 1-5 benzoquinone units are known, very few examples of oxidized pillar[6]arenes have been reported. We describe here the synthesis, characterization and electrochemical behavior of a series of macrocyclic hosts prepared by the stepwise oxidation of 1,4-diethoxypillar[6]arene, resulting in high-yield and high-purity isolation of two constitutional isomers for each macrocycle, in which two, three or four 1,4-diethoxybenzene units are replaced by benzoquinone residues. A careful structural comparison with their counterparts in the pillar[5]arene framework indicates that the geometries of the macrocycles are better described as non-Euclidean hyperbolic hexagons and elliptic pentagons, respectively. A comprehensive computational study to determine anisotropic induced current density (ACID) allows us to visualize and quantify through-space and through-bond communication pathways along the macrocyclic belt. Experimental and simulated voltammetric data, as well as UV-vis spectra, of the new macrocycles afford insights into the various electronic communication pathways in these compounds.
Face-selective tungstate ions drive zinc oxide nanowire growth direction and dopant incorporation
Authors: Liu Jiangyang , Nagashima Kazuki , Yamashita Hiroki , Mizukami Wataru , Uzuhashi Jun , Hosomi Takuro , Kanai Masaki , Zhao Xixi , Miura Yoshinori , Zhang Guozhu , Takahashi Tsunaki , Suzuki Masaru , Sakai Daiki , Samransuksamer Benjarong , He Yong , Ohkubo Tadakatsu , Yasui Takao , Aoki Yuriko , Ho Johnny C. , Baba Yoshinobu , Yanagida Takeshi
Published: August 2020

Tailoring the elemental doping of inorganic nanowires remains an important challenge due to complex dopant incorporation pathways. Here we report that the face-selectivity of tungstate ions controls growth direction and dopant incorporation of hydrothermal zinc oxide nanowires. The introduction of tungstate ions on nanowire surface during synthesis unexpectedly enhances nucleation at sidewall $$\left\{ {10\bar 10} \right\}$$

10

1

¯

0

planes, while dopant incorporation occurs only on (0001) planes. This conflicting face-selective behavior leads to inhomogeneous dopant distribution. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the face-selective behavior can be interpreted in terms of the effect of coordination structure of the tungstate ions on each zinc oxide crystal plane. In addition, we demonstrate a rational strategy to control the morphology and the elemental doping of tungsten-doped zinc oxide nanowires.
Dynamic ice loss from the Greenland Ice Sheet driven by sustained glacier retreat
Authors: King Michalea D. , Howat Ian M. , Candela Salvatore G. , Noh Myoung J. , Jeong Seongsu , Noël Brice P. Y. , van den Broeke Michiel R. , Wouters Bert , Negrete Adelaide
Published: August 2020

The Greenland Ice Sheet is losing mass at accelerated rates in the 21st century, making it the largest single contributor to rising sea levels. Faster flow of outlet glaciers has substantially contributed to this loss, with the cause of speedup, and potential for future change, uncertain. Here we combine more than three decades of remotely sensed observational products of outlet glacier velocity, elevation, and front position changes over the full ice sheet. We compare decadal variability in discharge and calving front position and find that increased glacier discharge was due almost entirely to the retreat of glacier fronts, rather than inland ice sheet processes, with a remarkably consistent speedup of 4–5% per km of retreat across the ice sheet. We show that widespread retreat between 2000 and 2005 resulted in a step-increase in discharge and a switch to a new dynamic state of sustained mass loss that would persist even under a decline in surface melt.
Typhoon-induced megarips as triggers of turbidity currents offshore tropical river deltas
Authors: Porcile Gaetano , Bolla Pittaluga Michele , Frascati Alessandro , Sequeiros Octavio E.
Published: August 2020

Tropical cyclones impose stresses on narrow and shallow continental shelves. The interaction of strong wind- and wave-induced currents with the local topography near the shore gives rise to complex flow and sediment transport patterns. Considerable uncertainty remains on the initiation mechanisms of turbidity currents, particularly in coastal oceanic settings subject to extreme weather events. Here we use state-of-the-art numerical models to investigate the implications of tropical cyclone-induced coastal circulation patterns for the generation of turbidity currents. In our simulations tropical cyclones induce megarip currents associated with shoreline curvature and rotation of incoming wave directions. These currents flush water and sediment towards submarine canyons, ultimately triggering turbidity currents into deep waters. Evidence of sediment-laden underflows, which resulted in subsea pipeline displacements, supports our hypothesis that tropical cyclone-induced megarip currents can trigger turbidity currents offshore from tropical river deltas.
Long-range PEG stapling: macrocyclization for increased protein conformational stability and resistance to proteolysis
Authors: Xiao Qiang , Ashton Dallin S. , Jones Zachary B. , Thompson Katherine P. , Price Joshua L.
Published: August 2020

Long-range stapling of two Asn-linked PEG oligomers via olefin metathesis substantially increases the conformational stability of the WW and SH3 domain tertiary structures and the GCN4 coiled-coil quaternary structure.
The conformational phase space of the photoprotective switch in the major light harvesting complex II
Authors: Daskalakis Vangelis , Papadatos Sotiris , Stergiannakos Taxiarchis
Published: August 2020

Extensive conformational sampling of the major light harvesting complex II defines the collective variables of the photoprotective switch.
Highly active and thermally stable single-atom catalysts for high-temperature electrochemical devices
Authors: Shin Jisu , Lee Young Joo , Jan Asif , Choi Sung Min , Park Mi Young , Choi Sungjun , Hwang Jun Yeon , Hong Seungki , Park Seung Gyu , Chang Hye Jung , Cho Min Kyung , Singh Jitendra Pal , Chae Keun Hwa , Yang Sungeun , Ji Ho-Il , Kim Hyoungchul , Son Ji-Won , Lee Jong-Ho , Kim Byung-Kook , Lee Hae-Weon , Hong Jongsup , Lee Yun Jung , Yoon Kyung Joong
Published: August 2020

Single-atom Pt/ceria catalysts are extremely active and thermally stable at over 700 °C in high-temperature solid oxide cell electrodes.
Comparative biokinetics of pristine and sulfidized Ag nanoparticles in two arthropod species exposed to different field soils
Authors: Talaber Iva , Van Gestel Cornelis A. M. , Jemec Kokalj Anita , Marolt Gregor , Novak Sara , Zidar Primož , Drobne Damjana
Published: August 2020

Ag bioaccumulation upon exposure to pristine Ag NPs is of bigger concern in acidic sandy soils, but not in case of the environmentally relevant sulfidized Ag NPs, which do not bioaccumulate in P. scaber or F. candida.
Oxidation and adsorption of antimony(iii) from surface water using novel Al2O3-supported Fe–Mn binary oxide nanoparticles: effectiveness, dynamic quantitative mechanisms, and life cycle analysis
Authors: Bai Yang , Wu Fan , Gong Yanyan
Published: August 2020

Novel alumina-supported Fe–Mn binary oxide nanoparticles are green synthesized and applied for enhanced oxidation and adsorption of Sb(iii) from surface water. The dynamic quantitative removal mechanisms are proposed.
Molecular characterization of size-segregated organic aerosols in the urban boundary layer in wintertime Beijing by FT-ICR MS
Authors: Xie Qiaorong , Su Sihui , Chen Shuang , Zhang Qiang , Yue Siyao , Zhao Wanyu , Du Huiyun , Ren Hong , Wei Lianfang , Cao Dong , Xu Yisheng , Sun Yele , Wang Zifa , Fu Pingqing
Published: August 2020

Our study provides unique information on the vertical profiles and size distribution of urban organic aerosols by FT-ICR MS.
Sources of non-methane hydrocarbons in surface air in Delhi, India
Authors: Stewart Gareth J. , Nelson Beth S. , Drysdale Will S. , Acton W. Joe F. , Vaughan Adam R. , Hopkins James R. , Dunmore Rachel E. , Hewitt C. Nicholas , Nemitz Eiko , Mullinger Neil , Langford Ben , Shivani  , Reyes-Villegas Ernesto , Gadi Ranu , Rickard Andrew R. , Lee James D. , Hamilton Jacqueline F.
Published: August 2020

Characterisation of the sources of non-methane volatile organic compounds in surface air in Delhi, India.
Variability of physical meteorology in urban areas at different scales: implications for air quality
Authors: Hertwig Denise , Grimmond Sue , Kotthaus Simone , Vanderwel Christina , Gough Hannah , Haeffelin Martial , Robins Alan
Published: August 2020

AQ in cities varies in time and space with the atmosphere's physical state. UBL seasonal–diurnal variations (Beijing, Paris) will impact AQ. Isolated and clusters of tall buildings affect flow and pollutant exchange (London, Beijing).
An iridium-based nanocomposite prepared from an iridium complex with a hydrocarbon-based ligand
Authors: Madadkhani Sepideh , Allakhverdiev Suleyman I. , Najafpour Mohammad Mahdi
Published: August 2020

For the first time, a chlorobis(cyclooctene)iridium(i) dimer with only a simple hydrocarbon-based ligand is investigated as a heterogeneous catalyst for the oxygen-evolution reaction in the presence of cerium(iv) ammonium nitrate.
A dual drug-based hyperbranched polymer with methotrexate and chlorambucil moieties for synergistic cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Liu Chengfei , Li Huixin , Li Pengxiang , Liu Caiping , Bai Yang , Pang Jun , Wang Jingxia , Tian Wei
Published: August 2020

Dual drug-based hyperbranched polymer micelles simultaneously containing methotrexate and chlorambucil were constructed for synergistic cancer chemotherapy.
Proton conductive Zr-based MOFs
Authors: Chen Xin , Li Gang
Published: August 2020

The preparation strategies, structures, proton conductivity, conducting mechanism, application prospects and future research trends of zirconium-based MOFs are reviewed and highlighted.
Recent advances in organocatalytic asymmetric oxa-Michael addition triggered cascade reactions
Authors: Wang Yu , Du Da-Ming
Published: August 2020

In this review, we summarized recent advances in organocatalytic asymmetric oxa-Michael addition triggered cascade reactions.
Development of long-circulating lapachol nanoparticles: formation, characterization, pharmacokinetics, distribution and cytotoxicity
Authors: Chen Qunying , Bai Lu , Zhou Xuelin , Xu Pingxiang , Li Xiaorong , Xu Huanli , Zheng Yuanyuan , Zhao Yuming , Lu Shousi , Xue Ming
Published: August 2020

LPC-LP is a promising and potential nanoparticle in the treatment of glioma.
Pedagogies of engagement use in postsecondary chemistry education in the United States: results from a national survey
Authors: Raker Jeffrey R. , Dood Amber J. , Srinivasan Shalini , Murphy Kristen L.
Published: August 2020

Pedagogies of engagement (i.e., Peer-Led Teaming Learning, Problem-Based Learning, and Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning) are active learning approaches used in postsecondary chemistry courses. In this study, we use data from a national survey of postsecondary chemistry instructors in the United States to estimate use of three pedagogies in the course for which the instructor feels they have the most control. We found that 16.6% of these faculties report they are implementing Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL), 10.6% report implementing Problem-Based Learning (PBL), and 10.7% report implementing Process-Oriented Guided-Inquiry Learning (POGIL). We compare use of select teaching practices and other active learning strategies with implementation of PLTL, PBL, and POGIL. Additionally, we use items from the survey to understand course, institution, and instructor characteristics associated with use. Key findings include that lower-level courses and courses with large enrollments are the most likely places for PLTL to be implemented and that instructors who are not on the tenure track are more likely to implement PLTL and POGIL than tenured/tenure-track instructors. Instructors who report implementing PLTL and PBL have more student-centered beliefs about teaching and learning, while instructors who report implementing POGIL have more teacher-centered beliefs about learning, albeit all with small effect sizes. Implications are offered for how instructors, researchers, developers and disseminators of these pedagogies can use our results to inform their practices and efforts.
Synthesis and sensing efficiency of CN-wrapped ZnFe2O4 microsphere–ionic liquid composites towards ultra-high sensitive arsenic(iii) monitoring of ground drinking water
Authors: Saleemi Awais Siddique , Hafeez Muhammad , Munawar Aqsa , Akhtar Naeem , Abbas Waseem , Mazhar Muhammad Ehsan , Shafiq Zahid , Davis Anthony P. , Lee Shern-Long
Published: August 2020

Arsenic(iii) poisoning may lead to neurological disorders, heart diseases or carcinogenic effects due to long-term exposure.
Agrobiological evaluation of new apple clonal rootstocks of the Michurinsk State Agrarian University selection using different breeding methods
Authors: Tarova Zinaida N. , Churikova Nataliya L. , Dubrovsky Maxim L. , Kruzhkov Andrey V. , Savelyeva Natalya N.
Published: August 2020

The results of many years of research on propagation of promising forms of clonal stocks of apple trees of the Michurinsk State Agrarian University selection in the mother plantation by stooling, by herbaceous cuttings and by clonal micropropagation are presented. According to the complex of economic and biological features, promising clonal rootstocks of an apple tree with high shoot-forming capacity in the mother plant were identified: dwarf apple trees 2-3-49, 2-15-2, 2-15-15, 3-4-7, 5-21-27; semi dwarf apple trees 2-3-14, 2-9-49, 2-9-102, 2-12-10, 5-24-1, 5-27-1. The rootstocks that are promising for propagation by herbaceous cuttings – 2-3-14, 2-3-49, 2-12-10, 2-15-15, 3-4-7, 5-21-93; at the same time, treatment with exogenous promoters such as IBA and NAA at a concentration of 50 mg/l increases the yield and quality of stock material. A modified MSO nutrient medium with the addition of 0.5-1.0 mg/l of 6-BAP and 0.1-0.2 mg/l of IBA is selected for the clonal micropropagation of apple stocks.
Water relations responses of the pea (Pisum sativum L.) mutant SGECdt to mercury
Authors: Belimov Andrey A. , Safronova Vera I. , Dodd Ian C.
Published: August 2020

Mercury (Hg) is one of the most toxic heavy metals and has multiple impacts on plant growth and physiology, including disturbances of plant water status. The impact of Hg on water relations was assessed by exposing the unique Hg-sensitive pea (Pisum sativum L.) mutant SGECdt and its wild-type (WT) line SGE in hydroponic culture. When the plants were grown in the presence of 1 or 2 µM HgCl2 for 11 days, the SGECdt mutant had lower whole plant transpiration rate and increased leaf temperature, indicating stomatal closure. Shoot removal of Hg-untreated plants resulted in greater root-pressure induced xylem sap flow in the SGECdt mutant than WT plants. Treating these plants with 50 µM HgCl2 (an inhibitor of aquaporins) for 1 h decreased xylem sap flow of both genotypes by about 5 times and eliminated differences between WT and mutant. Adding 1 mM dithiothreitol (the reducing thiol reagent used for opening aquaporins) to the nutrient solution of Hg-treated plants partially restored xylem sap flow in SGECdt roots only, suggesting genotypic differences in aquaporin function. Thus root water uptake is important in mediating sensitivity of SGECdt to toxic Hg.