bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of a decapod community (Crustacea) of shallow soft bottoms with seaweeds from southern Europe
Authors: López de la Rosa I , Raso J.E. García , Rodríguez A.
Published: April 2019

The qualitative and quantitative monthly composition and the annual temporal changes in a shallow (3·3–6·3 m) community of Crustacea: Decapoda associated with soft bottoms (very fine–muddy sand) and the seaweed Caulerpa prolifera in the south of Spain (Valdelagrana Beach in the Bay of Cadiz) has been studied for two years from February 1994 to January 1996. This community showed a similar pattern in both analysed cycles and could be characterized by a change or succession in the abundances of two groups of species: in autumn–winter Hippolyte inermis and Hippolyte varians (species associated with seaweeds); and in spring–summer: Philocheras monacanthus, Diogenes pugilator (characteristic of sandy bottoms) and Macropodia parva. The results of the ordination analysis of monthly samples is related to the absence or abundance of these dominant species although it does not define the two seasonal groups. The analysis of monthly richness, equitability, diversity and k-dominance curves, during the two years, showed a stable and rich community (with more than 6100 specimens caught belonging to 49 species) despite the human influence and the proximity of the Guadalete River.
The Extraconstitutionality of Lockean Prerogative
Authors: Corbett Ross J.
Published: April 2019

This article examines the relation between John Locke's doctrine of prerogative and constitutional government. Scholars have shown increased interest in Locke's doctrine in recent years, yet there is disagreement about its precise character. The Two Treatises of Government can be read such that this power is the result of the social compact and, thus, is a constitutional means of addressing emergencies. This paper instead argues that prerogative as it appears in the Two Treatises must be understood to be a natural power and, consequently, beyond constitutional control. It stands outside of the constitution because its logic denies that a good constitution is sufficient for liberal government.
Chemical Romance: Genre andMateria Medicain Late-Victorian Drug Fiction
Authors: Rieger Christy
Published: April 2019

Despite Macfie's vivid assertion, studies of Victorian medicine and literature have not paid special attention to the pharmaceutical field, perhaps because of its messy associations with trade or inferiority to more respected healing practices. After all, it is Doctor Lydgate's refusal to prescribe the expected drugs inMiddlemarchthat proves his commitment to evidence-based Parisian medicine. As I aim to demonstrate, however, pharmacy and its products have a distinct and two-edged history in late-Victorian England. Medical writers increasingly assert the scientific authority and physiological promise of pharmacology. At the same time, they begin to show interest in the romance of drugs: their origins in alchemy and the occult, harvesting in the furthest outreaches of empire, and, at home, display in the magical space of the chemist's shop. This productive tension between medicinal drugs as stuff of ancient mystery and sign of medical progress informs their depiction in the transforming drug narratives of Robert Louis Stevenson'sStrange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde(1886), Arthur Machen's “Novel of the White Powder” (1895), and Rudyard Kipling's “Wireless” (1902). Bringing romance and drugs together invites readers to think about their respective claims to invigorate, transport, even remake the self.
Dicamba-resistant kochia (Bassia scoparia) in Kansas: characterization and management with fall- or spring-applied PRE herbicides
Authors: Kumar Vipan , Engel Ryan P. , Currie Randall , Jha Prashant , Stahlman Phillip W. , Thompson Curtis
Published: April 2019

Dicamba-resistant (DR) kochia is an increasing concern for growers in the US Great Plains, including Kansas. Greenhouse and field experiments (Garden City and Tribune, KS, in the 2014 to 2015 growing season) were conducted to characterize the dicamba resistance levels in two recently evolved DR kochia accessions collected from fallow fields (wheat–sorghum–fallow rotation) near Hays, KS, and to determine the effectiveness of various PRE herbicide tank mixtures applied in fall or spring prior to the fallow year. Dicamba dose–response studies indicated that the KS-110 and KS-113 accessions had 5- to 8-fold resistance to dicamba, respectively, relative to a dicamba-susceptible (DS) accession. In separate field studies, atrazine-based PRE herbicide tank mixtures, dicamba + pendimethalin + sulfentrazone, and metribuzin + sulfentrazone when applied in the spring had excellent kochia control (85% to 95%) for 3 to 4 mo at the Garden City and Tribune sites. In contrast, kochia control with those PRE herbicide tank mixtures when applied in the fall did not exceed 79% at the later evaluation dates. In conclusion, the tested kochia accessions from western Kansas had evolved moderate to high levels of resistance to dicamba. Growers should utilize these effective PRE herbicide tank mixtures (multiple sites of action) in early spring to manage kochia seed bank during the summer fallow phase of this 3-yr crop rotation (wheat–corn/sorghum–fallow) in the Central Great Plains.
Role of flying cars in sustainable mobility
Authors: Kasliwal Akshat , Furbush Noah J. , Gawron James H. , McBride James R. , Wallington Timothy J. , De Kleine Robert D. , Kim Hyung Chul , Keoleian Gregory A.
Published: April 2019

Interest and investment in electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (VTOLs), commonly known as flying cars, have grown significantly. However, their sustainability implications are unclear. We report a physics-based analysis of primary energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of VTOLs vs. ground-based cars. Tilt-rotor/duct/wing VTOLs are efficient when cruising but consume substantial energy for takeoff and climb; hence, their burdens depend critically on trip distance. For our base case, traveling 100 km (point-to-point) with one pilot in a VTOL results in well-to-wing/wheel GHG emissions that are 35% lower but 28% higher than a one-occupant internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV), respectively. Comparing fully loaded VTOLs (three passengers) with ground-based cars with an average occupancy of 1.54, VTOL GHG emissions per passenger-kilometer are 52% lower than ICEVs and 6% lower than BEVs. VTOLs offer fast, predictable transportation and could have a niche role in sustainable mobility.
The sponge microbiome within the greater coral reef microbial metacommunity
Authors: Cleary Daniel F. R. , Swierts Thomas , Coelho Francisco J. R. C. , Polónia Ana R. M. , Huang Yusheng M. , Ferreira Marina R. S. , Putchakarn Sumaitt , Carvalheiro Luis , van der Ent Esther , Ueng Jinn-Pyng , Gomes Newton C. M. , de Voogd Nicole J.
Published: April 2019

Much recent marine microbial research has focused on sponges, but very little is known about how the sponge microbiome fits in the greater coral reef microbial metacommunity. Here, we present an extensive survey of the prokaryote communities of a wide range of biotopes from Indo-Pacific coral reef environments. We find a large variation in operational taxonomic unit (OTU) richness, with algae, chitons, stony corals and sea cucumbers housing the most diverse prokaryote communities. These biotopes share a higher percentage and number of OTUs with sediment and are particularly enriched in members of the phylum Planctomycetes. Despite having lower OTU richness, sponges share the greatest percentage (>90%) of OTUs with >100 sequences with the environment (sediment and/or seawater) although there is considerable variation among sponge species. Our results, furthermore, highlight that prokaryote microorganisms are shared among multiple coral reef biotopes, and that, although compositionally distinct, the sponge prokaryote community does not appear to be as sponge-specific as previously thought.
Global identification of functional microRNA-mRNA interactions in Drosophila
Authors: Wessels Hans-Hermann , Lebedeva Svetlana , Hirsekorn Antje , Wurmus Ricardo , Akalin Altuna , Mukherjee Neelanjan , Ohler Uwe
Published: April 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key mediators of post-transcriptional gene expression silencing. So far, no comprehensive experimental annotation of functional miRNA target sites exists in Drosophila. Here, we generated a transcriptome-wide in vivo map of miRNA-mRNA interactions in Drosophila melanogaster, making use of single nucleotide resolution in Argonaute1 (AGO1) crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (CLIP) data. Absolute quantification of cellular miRNA levels presents the miRNA pool in Drosophila cell lines to be more diverse than previously reported. Benchmarking two CLIP approaches, we identify a similar predictive potential to unambiguously assign thousands of miRNA-mRNA pairs from AGO1 interaction data at unprecedented depth, achieving higher signal-to-noise ratios than with computational methods alone. Quantitative RNA-seq and sub-codon resolution ribosomal footprinting data upon AGO1 depletion enabled the determination of miRNA-mediated effects on target expression and translation. We thus provide the first comprehensive resource of miRNA target sites and their quantitative functional impact in Drosophila.
Mapping vaccination coverage to explore the effects of delivery mechanisms and inform vaccination strategies
Authors: Utazi C. Edson , Thorley Julia , Alegana Victor A. , Ferrari Matthew J. , Takahashi Saki , Metcalf C. Jessica E. , Lessler Justin , Cutts Felicity T. , Tatem Andrew J.
Published: April 2019

The success of vaccination programs depends largely on the mechanisms used in vaccine delivery. National immunization programs offer childhood vaccines through fixed and outreach services within the health system and often, additional supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) are undertaken to fill gaps and boost coverage. Here, we map predicted coverage at 1 × 1 km spatial resolution in five low- and middle-income countries to identify areas that are under-vaccinated via each delivery method using Demographic and Health Surveys data. We compare estimates of the coverage of the third dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis-containing vaccine (DTP3), which is typically delivered through routine immunization (RI), with those of measles-containing vaccine (MCV) for which SIAs are also undertaken. We find that SIAs have boosted MCV coverage in some places, but not in others, particularly where RI had been deficient, as depicted by DTP coverage. The modelling approaches outlined here can help to guide geographical prioritization and strategy design.
Gene correction for SCID-X1 in long-term hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Pavel-Dinu Mara , Wiebking Volker , Dejene Beruh T. , Srifa Waracharee , Mantri Sruthi , Nicolas Carmencita E. , Lee Ciaran , Bao Gang , Kildebeck Eric J. , Punjya Niraj , Sindhu Camille , Inlay Matthew A. , Saxena Nivedita , DeRavin Suk See , Malech Harry , Roncarolo Maria Grazia , Weinberg Kenneth I. , Porteus Matthew H.
Published: April 2019

Gene correction in human long-term hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSCs) could be an effective therapy for monogenic diseases of the blood and immune system. Here we describe an approach for X-linked sSevere cCombined iImmunodeficiency (SCID-X1) using targeted integration of a cDNA into the endogenous start codon to functionally correct disease-causing mutations throughout the gene. Using a CRISPR-Cas9/AAV6 based strategy, we achieve up to 20% targeted integration frequencies in LT-HSCs. As measures of the lack of toxicity we observe no evidence of abnormal hematopoiesis following transplantation and no evidence of off-target mutations using a high-fidelity Cas9 as a ribonucleoprotein complex. We achieve high levels of targeting frequencies (median 45%) in CD34+HSPCs from six SCID-X1 patients and demonstrate rescue of lymphopoietic defect in a patient derived HSPC population in vitro and in vivo. In sum, our study provides specificity, toxicity and efficacy data supportive of clinical development of genome editing to treat SCID-Xl.
iFISH is a publically available resource enabling versatile DNA FISH to study genome architecture
Authors: Gelali Eleni , Girelli Gabriele , Matsumoto Masahiro , Wernersson Erik , Custodio Joaquin , Mota Ana , Schweitzer Maud , Ferenc Katalin , Li Xinge , Mirzazadeh Reza , Agostini Federico , Schell John P. , Lanner Fredrik , Crosetto Nicola , Bienko Magda
Published: April 2019

DNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (DNA FISH) is a powerful method to study chromosomal organization in single cells. At present, there is a lack of free resources of DNA FISH probes and probe design tools which can be readily applied. Here, we describe iFISH, an open-source repository currently comprising 380 DNA FISH probes targeting multiple loci on the human autosomes and chromosome X, as well as a genome-wide database of optimally designed oligonucleotides and a freely accessible web interface (http://ifish4u.org) that can be used to design DNA FISH probes. We individually validate 153 probes and take advantage of our probe repository to quantify the extent of intermingling between multiple heterologous chromosome pairs, showing a much higher extent of intermingling in human embryonic stem cells compared to fibroblasts. In conclusion, iFISH is a versatile and expandable resource, which can greatly facilitate the use of DNA FISH in research and diagnostics.
Recent summer warming in northwestern Canada exceeds the Holocene thermal maximum
Authors: Porter Trevor J. , Schoenemann Spruce W. , Davies Lauren J. , Steig Eric J. , Bandara Sasiri , Froese Duane G.
Published: April 2019

Eastern Beringia is one of the few Western Arctic regions where full Holocene climate reconstructions are possible. However, most full Holocene reconstructions in Eastern Beringia are based either on pollen or midges, which show conflicting early Holocene summer temperature histories. This discrepancy precludes understanding the factors that drove past (and potentially future) climate change and calls for independent proxies to advance the debate. We present a ~13.6 ka summer temperature reconstruction in central Yukon, part of Eastern Beringia, using precipitation isotopes in syngenetic permafrost. The reconstruction shows that early Holocene summers were consistently warmer than the Holocene mean, as supported by midges, and a thermal maximum at ~7.6–6.6 ka BP. This maximum was followed by a ~6 ka cooling, and later abruptly reversed by industrial-era warming leading to a modern climate that is unprecedented in the Holocene context and exceeds the Holocene thermal maximum by +1.7 ± 0.7 °C.
Defective homologous recombination DNA repair as therapeutic target in advanced chordoma
Authors: Gröschel Stefan , Hübschmann Daniel , Raimondi Francesco , Horak Peter , Warsow Gregor , Fröhlich Martina , Klink Barbara , Gieldon Laura , Hutter Barbara , Kleinheinz Kortine , Bonekamp David , Marschal Oliver , Chudasama Priya , Mika Jagoda , Groth Marie , Uhrig Sebastian , Krämer Stephen , Heining Christoph , Heilig Christoph E. , Richter Daniela , Reisinger Eva , Pfütze Katrin , Eils Roland , Wolf Stephan , von Kalle Christof , Brandts Christian , Scholl Claudia , Weichert Wilko , Richter Stephan , Bauer Sebastian , Penzel Roland , Schröck Evelin , Stenzinger Albrecht , Schlenk Richard F. , Brors Benedikt , Russell Robert B. , Glimm Hanno , Schlesner Matthias , Fröhling Stefan
Published: April 2019

Chordomas are rare bone tumors with few therapeutic options. Here we show, using whole-exome and genome sequencing within a precision oncology program, that advanced chordomas (n = 11) may be characterized by genomic patterns indicative of defective homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair and alterations affecting HR-related genes, including, for example, deletions and pathogenic germline variants of BRCA2, NBN, and CHEK2. A mutational signature associated with HR deficiency was significantly enriched in 72.7% of samples and co-occurred with genomic instability. The poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor olaparib, which is preferentially toxic to HR-incompetent cells, led to prolonged clinical benefit in a patient with refractory chordoma, and whole-genome analysis at progression revealed a PARP1 p.T910A mutation predicted to disrupt the autoinhibitory PARP1 helical domain. These findings uncover a therapeutic opportunity in chordoma that warrants further exploration, and provide insight into the mechanisms underlying PARP inhibitor resistance.
Spontaneous current constriction in threshold switching devices
Authors: Goodwill Jonathan M. , Ramer Georg , Li Dasheng , Hoskins Brian D. , Pavlidis Georges , McClelland Jabez J. , Centrone Andrea , Bain James A. , Skowronski Marek
Published: April 2019

Threshold switching devices are of increasing importance for a number of applications including solid-state memories and neuromorphic circuits. Their non-linear characteristics are thought to be associated with a spontaneous (occurring without an apparent external stimulus) current flow constriction but the extent and the underlying mechanism are a subject of debate. Here we use Scanning Joule Expansion Microscopy to demonstrate that, in functional layers with thermally activated electrical conductivity, the current spontaneously and gradually constricts when a device is biased into the negative differential resistance region. We also show that the S-type negative differential resistance I–V characteristics are only a subset of possible solutions and it is possible to have multiple current density distributions corresponding to the same value of the device voltage. In materials with steep dependence of current on temperature the current constriction can occur in nanoscale devices, making this effect relevant for computing applications.
Geometric imaging of borophene polymorphs with functionalized probes
Authors: Liu Xiaolong , Wang Luqing , Li Shaowei , Rahn Matthew S. , Yakobson Boris I. , Hersam Mark C.
Published: April 2019

A common characteristic of borophene polymorphs is the presence of hollow hexagons (HHs) in an otherwise triangular lattice. The vast number of possible HH arrangements underlies the polymorphic nature of borophene, and necessitates direct HH imaging to definitively identify its atomic structure. While borophene has been imaged with scanning tunneling microscopy using conventional metal probes, the convolution of topographic and electronic features hinders unambiguous identification of the atomic lattice. Here, we overcome these limitations by employing CO-functionalized atomic force microscopy to visualize structures corresponding to boron-boron covalent bonds. Additionally, we show that CO-functionalized scanning tunneling microscopy is an equivalent and more accessible technique for HH imaging, confirming the v1/5 and v1/6 borophene models as unifying structures for all observed phases. Using this methodology, a borophene phase diagram is assembled, including a transition from rotationally commensurate to incommensurate phases at high growth temperatures, thus corroborating the chemically discrete nature of borophene.
Efficient allelic-drive in Drosophila
Authors: Guichard Annabel , Haque Tisha , Bobik Marketta , Xu Xiang-Ru S. , Klanseck Carissa , Kushwah Raja Babu Singh , Berni Mateus , Kaduskar Bhagyashree , Gantz Valentino M. , Bier Ethan
Published: April 2019

Gene-drive systems developed in several organisms result in super-Mendelian inheritance of transgenic insertions. Here, we generalize this “active genetic” approach to preferentially transmit allelic variants (allelic-drive) resulting from only a single or a few nucleotide alterations. We test two configurations for allelic-drive: one, copy-cutting, in which a non-preferred allele is selectively targeted for Cas9/guide RNA (gRNA) cleavage, and a more general approach, copy-grafting, that permits selective inheritance of a desired allele located in close proximity to the gRNA cut site. We also characterize a phenomenon we refer to as lethal-mosaicism that dominantly eliminates NHEJ-induced mutations and favors inheritance of functional cleavage-resistant alleles. These two efficient allelic-drive methods, enhanced by lethal mosaicism and a trans-generational drive process we refer to as “shadow-drive”, have broad practical applications in improving health and agriculture and greatly extend the active genetics toolbox.
A database seed for a community-driven material intensity research platform
Authors: Heeren Niko , Fishman Tomer
Published: April 2019

The data record contains Material Intensity data for buildings (MI). MI coefficients are often used for different types of analysis of socio-economic systems and in particular for environmental assessments. Until now, MI values were compiled and reported ad-hoc with few cross-study comparisons. We extracted and converted more than 300 material intensity data points from 33 studies and provide the results in a comprehensive and harmonized database. Material intensity is reported as kilograms per gross floor area for 32 materials as primary data points. Furthermore, we augmented the data with secondary attributes for regional information, such as climate and socioeconomic indicators. The data are hosted on the version control platform GitHub using accessible data formats and providing detailed contribution guidelines. This “database seed” facilitates data analysis, accessibility, and future data contributions by the research community. In the Technical Validation we illustrate that consistency of the data and opportunities for further analysis. This database can serve scientists from various disciplines as a benchmark to determine typical ranges and identify outliers.
Therapeutic effects of a single injection of human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells on acute and chronic colitis in mice
Authors: Chang Yu-Lung , Lo Huei-Yu , Cheng Shun-Ping , Chang Kuo-Ting , Lin Xiu-Fang , Lee Sheng-Ping , Hsieh Ming-Fa , Chan Chin-Kan
Published: April 2019

Multiple injections of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) have been used for treatment of chronic colitis in mice. We aimed to report the therapeutic effects of a single injection of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) on acute and chronic colitis. Male C57BL/6JNarl mice were divided into control, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and hUCMSCs treated groups, respectively. Acute and chronic colitis were induced in the mice (except controls) using 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The mice in the hUCMSCs group underwent a single injection of hUCMSCs. The disease activity index (DAI), colon length, histology, colon inflammation score, in vivo stem cells images, and blood cytokine levels were recorded. The DAI was significantly higher in the hUCMSCs group than in the control group and lower than in the PBS group on all days. The colon length was significantly longer and the colon inflammation score was significantly lower in the hUCMSCs group than in the PBS group on days 8 and 25. IL17A, Gro-α, MIP-1α, MIP-2, and eotaxin were significantly lower in the hUCMSCs group than in the PBS group on days 8 and 25. Single-injection hUCMSCs improved DSS–induced acute colitis and decreased progression of acute colitis to chronic colitis.
Impact of systemic vascular risk factors on the choriocapillaris using optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with systemic hypertension
Authors: Chua Jacqueline , Chin Calvin Woon Loong , Tan Bingyao , Wong Si Han , Devarajan Kavya , Le Thu-Thao , Ang Marcus , Wong Tien Yin , Schmetterer Leopold
Published: April 2019

We investigated the characteristics of the choriocapillaris flow voids using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in 85 patients (164 eyes) with hypertension (mean ± SD age, 56 ± 11 years; 45% women; 20% poorly controlled BP; 16% diabetes) who are without ocular diseases and determined possible correlations with systemic vascular risk factors. Data on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP), serum creatinine, and urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio (MCR) were collected. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated based on CKD-EPI Creatinine Equation. OCTA imaging (6 × 6 mm scans; AngioVue) with quantitative microvascular analysis of the choriocapillaris was performed. Linear regression was used to investigate the association of systemic risk factors with area (percentage), size (pixels) and number of choriocapillaris flow voids. Diabetes (β = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.63) and daytime systolic BP (β = −0.13; 95% CI, −0.24 to −0.02) were associated with areas of flow voids. Age (β = 0.21; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.36) and daytime diastolic BP (β = −0.18; 95% CI, −0.34 to −0.02) were associated with size of flow voids. Age (β = −21.21; 95% CI, −31.79 to −10.63) and nighttime diastolic BP (β = 13.89; 95% CI, 0.61 to 27.17) were associated with number of flow voids. Kidney parameters were not associated with any features of flow voids. In patients with hypertension, a higher BP appeared to increase blood flow in the choriocapillaris which needs to be considered when using the OCTA to study eye diseases in hypertensives.
The free energy landscape of the oncogene protein E7 of human papillomavirus type 16 reveals a complex interplay between ordered and disordered regions
Authors: Kukic Predrag , Lo Piccolo Giuseppe Mattia , Nogueira Marcela O. , Svergun Dmitri I. , Vendruscolo Michele , Felli Isabella C. , Pierattelli Roberta
Published: April 2019

When present, structural disorder makes it very challenging to characterise the conformational properties of proteins. This is particularly the case of proteins, such as the oncogene protein E7 of human papillomavirus type 16, which contain both ordered and disordered domains, and that can populate monomeric and oligomeric states under physiological conditions. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is emerging as a powerful method to study these complex systems, most notably in combination with molecular dynamics simulations. Here we use NMR chemical shifts and residual dipolar couplings as structural restraints in replica-averaged molecular dynamics simulations to determine the free energy landscape of E7. This landscape reveals a complex interplay between a folded but highly dynamical C-terminal domain and a disordered N-terminal domain that forms transient secondary and tertiary structures, as well as an equilibrium between a high-populated (98%) dimeric state and a low-populated (2%) monomeric state. These results provide compelling evidence of the complex conformational heterogeneity associated with the behaviour and interactions of this disordered protein associated with disease.
GCR1 and GPA1 coupling regulates nitrate, cell wall, immunity and light responses in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chakraborty Navjyoti , Kanyuka Kostya , Jaiswal Dinesh Kumar , Kumar Abhineet , Arora Vivek , Malik Aakansha , Gupta Neha , Hooley Richard , Raghuram Nandula
Published: April 2019

G-protein signaling components have been attributed many biological roles in plants, but the extent of involvement of G-protein coupled receptor 1 (GCR1) with the Gα (GPA1) remained unknown. To address this, we have performed transcriptomic analyses on Arabidopsis gpa1-5gcr1-5 double mutant and identified 656 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). MapMan and Gene Ontology analyses revealed global transcriptional changes associated with external stimulus, cell wall organization/biogenesis and secondary metabolite process among others. Comparative transcriptomic analyses using the single and double mutants of gcr1-5 and gpa1-5 identified 194, 139 and 391 exclusive DEGs respectively, whereas 64 DEGs were common to all three mutants. Further, pair wise comparison of DEGs of double mutant with single mutants of gcr1-5 or gpa1-5 showed about one-third and over half common DEGs, respectively. Further analysis of the DEGs exclusive to the double mutant using protein-protein interaction networks revealed molecular complexes associated with nitrate and light signaling and plant-pathogen interactions among others. Physiological and molecular validation of nitrate-response revealed the sensitivity of germination to low N in the double mutant and differential expression of nitrate transporter (and nitrate reductase in all three mutants). Taken together, GCR1 and GPA1 work in partnership as well as independently to regulate different pathways.
Using sensory discrimination in a foraging-style task to evaluate human upper-limb sensorimotor performance
Authors: Beckler Dylan T. , Thumser Zachary C. , Schofield Jonathon S. , Marasco Paul D.
Published: April 2019

Object stiffness discrimination is fundamental to shaping the way we interact with our environment. Investigating the sensorimotor mechanisms underpinning stiffness discrimination may help further our understanding of healthy and sensory-impaired upper limb function. We developed a metric that leverages sensory discrimination techniques and a foraging-based analysis to characterize participant accuracy and discrimination processes of sensorimotor control. Our metric required searching and discriminating two variants of test-object: rubber blocks and spring cells, which emphasized cutaneous-force and proprioceptive feedback, respectively. We measured the number of test-objects handled, selection accuracy, and foraging duration. These values were used to derive six indicators of performance. We observed higher discrimination accuracies, with quicker search and handling durations, for blocks compared to spring cells. Correlative analyses of accuracy, error rates, and foraging times suggested that the block and spring variants were, in fact, unique sensory tasks. These results provide evidence that our metric is sensitive to the contributions of sensory feedback, motor control, and task performance strategy, and will likely be effective in further characterizing the impact of sensory feedback on motor control in healthy and sensory-impaired populations.
Author Correction: The genetic legacy of continental scale admixture in Indian Austroasiatic speakers
Authors: Tätte Kai , Pagani Luca , Pathak Ajai K. , Kõks Sulev , Ho Duy Binh , Ho Xuan Dung , Sultana Gazi Nurun Nahar , Sharif Mohd Istiaq , Asaduzzaman Md , Behar Doron M. , Hadid Yarin , Villems Richard , Chaubey Gyaneshwer , Kivisild Toomas , Metspalu Mait
Published: April 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Direct measurement of the mechanical properties of a chromatin analog and the epigenetic effects of para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene
Authors: Tauran Yannick , Kumemura Momoko , Tarhan Mehmet C. , Perret Grégoire , Perret Florent , Jalabert Laurent , Collard Dominique , Fujita Hiroyuki , Coleman Anthony W.
Published: April 2019

By means of Silicon Nano Tweezers (SNTs) the effects on the mechanical properties of λ-phage DNA during interaction with calf thymus nucleosome to form an artificial chromatin analog were measured. At a concentration of 100 nM, a nucleosome solution induced a strong stiffening effect on DNA (1.1 N m−1). This can be compared to the effects of the histone proteins, H1, H2A, H3 where no changes in the mechanical properties of DNA were observed and the complex of the H3/H4 proteins where a smaller increase in the stiffness is observed (0.2 N m−1). Para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene, SC4, known for epigenetic activity by interacting specifically with the lysine groups of histone proteins, was studied for its effect on an artificial chromatin. Using a microfluidic SNT device, SC4 was titrated against the artificial chromatin, at a concentration of 1 mM in SC4 a considerable increase in stiffness, 15 N m−1, was observed. Simultaneously optical microscopy showed a physical change in the DNA structure between the tips of the SNT device. Electronic and Atomic Force microscopy confirmed this structural re-arrangement. Negative control experiments confirmed that these mechanical and physical effects were induced neither by the acidity of SC4 nor through nonspecific interactions of SC4 on DNA.
Perfusion-ventilation CT via three-material differentiation in dual-layer CT: a feasibility study
Authors: Sauter Andreas P. , Hammel Johannes , Ehn Sebastian , Achterhold Klaus , Kopp Felix K. , Kimm Melanie A. , Mei Kai , Laugerette Alexis , Pfeiffer Franz , Rummeny Ernst J. , Pfeiffer Daniela , Noël Peter B.
Published: April 2019

Dual-Energy Computed Tomography is of significant clinical interest due to the possibility of material differentiation and quantification. In current clinical routine, primarily two materials are differentiated, e.g., iodine and soft-tissue. A ventilation-perfusion-examination acquired within a single CT scan requires two contrast agents, e.g., xenon and gadolinium, and a three-material differentiation. In the current study, we have developed a solution for three-material differentiation for a ventilation-perfusion-examination. A landrace pig was examined using a dual-layer CT, and three scans were performed: (1) native; (2) xenon ventilation only; (3) xenon ventilation and gadolinium perfusion. An in-house developed algorithm was used to obtain xenon- and gadolinium-density maps. Firstly, lung tissue was segmented from other tissue. Consequently, a two-material decomposition was performed for lung tissue (xenon/soft-tissue) and for remaining tissue (gadolinium/soft-tissue). Results reveal that it was possible to differentiate xenon and gadolinium in a ventilation/perfusion scan of a pig, resulting in xenon and gadolinium density maps. By summation of both density maps, a three-material differentiation (xenon/gadolinium/soft tissue) can be performed and thus, xenon ventilation and gadolinium perfusion can be visualized in a single CT scan. In an additionally performed phantom study, xenon and gadolinium quantification showed very accurate results (r > 0.999 between measured and known concentrations).
Variation in leaf morphological, stomatal, and anatomical traits and their relationships in temperate and subtropical forests
Authors: Liu Congcong , Li Ying , Xu Li , Chen Zhi , He Nianpeng
Published: April 2019

Leaf functional traits have attracted the attention of ecologists for several decades, but few studies have systematically assessed leaf morphological traits (termed “economic traits”), stomatal (termed “hydraulic”), and anatomical traits of entire forest communities, thus it is unclear whether their relationships are consistent among trees, shrubs, and herbs, and which anatomical traits should be assigned to economical or hydraulic traits. In this study, we collected leaf samples of 106 plant species in temperate forests and 164 plant species in subtropical forests and determined nine key functional traits. We found that functional traits differed between temperate and subtropical forests. Leaf traits also differed between different plant functional groups, irrespective of forest type; dry matter content, stomatal density, and cell tense ratio followed the order trees > shrubs > herbs, whereas specific leaf area and sponginess ratio showed the opposite pattern. The correlations of leaf traits were not consistent among trees, shrubs, and herbs, which may reflect different adaptive strategies. Principal component analysis indicated that leaf economics and hydraulic traits were uncoupled in temperate and subtropical forests, and correlations of anatomical traits and economic and hydraulic traits were weak, indicating anatomical traits should be emphasized in future studies.
Bio-compatible organic humidity sensor based on natural inner egg shell membrane with multilayer crosslinked fiber structure
Authors: Khan Muhammad Umair , Hassan Gul , Bae Jinho
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we propose a novel bio-compatible organic humidity sensor based on natural inner egg shell membrane (IESM) with multilayer cross linked fiber structure that can be used as a substrate as well as a sensing active layer. To fabricate the proposed sensors, two different size inter digital electrodes (IDEs) with 10 mm × 4 mm for sensor 1 and 12 mm × 6 mm for sensor 2 are printed on the surface of the IESM through Fujifilm Dimatix DMP 3000 inkjet material printing setup, which have finger width of 100 μm and space of 100 μm. The fabricated sensors stably operates in a relative humidity (RH) range between 0% RH to 90% RH, and its output impedance and capacitance response are recorded at 1 kHz and 10 kHz. The response time (Tres) and recovery time (Trec) of sensor 1 are detected as ~1.99 sec and ~8.76 sec, respectively and the Tres and Trec of sensor 2 are recorded as ~2.32 sec and ~9.21 sec, respectively. As the IESM for the humidity sensor, the natural materials can be implemented in our daily life as they open a new gate way for bio-compatible devices.
Author Correction: Retrieval of retrained and reconsolidated memories are associated with a distinct neural network
Authors: Bavassi Luz , Forcato Cecilia , Fernández Rodrigo S. , De Pino Gabriela , Pedreira María E. , Villarreal Mirta F.
Published: April 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Author Correction: Partially spatially coherent digital holographic microscopy and machine learning for quantitative analysis of human spermatozoa under oxidative stress condition
Authors: Dubey Vishesh , Popova Daria , Ahmad Azeem , Acharya Ganesh , Basnet Purusotam , Mehta Dalip Singh , Ahluwalia Balpreet Singh
Published: April 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Irreversible photo-Fenton-like triggered agglomeration of ultra-small gold nanoparticles capped with crosslinkable materials
Authors: Celentano Maurizio , Jakhmola Anshuman , Netti Paolo Antonio , Vecchione Raffaele
Published: April 2019

A photo-Fenton-like process triggers the agglomeration of ultra-small gold nanoparticles by virtue of a crosslink-degradation process involving the nanoparticle coating.
Synthesis of highly uniform and composition-controlled gold–palladium supported nanoparticles in continuous flow
Authors: Cattaneo Stefano , Althahban Sultan , Freakley Simon J. , Sankar Meenakshisundaram , Davies Thomas , He Qian , Dimitratos Nikolaos , Kiely Christopher J. , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: April 2019

The synthesis of supported bimetallic nanoparticles with well-defined size and compositional parameters has long been a challenge.
Immunomodulatory activity of a fructooligosaccharide isolated from burdock roots
Authors: Zhang Xiu-juan , Liu Shao-fang , Lu Yan , Wang Jian-yue , Chen Kao-shan
Published: April 2019

Immunomodulatory activity of burdock fructooligosaccharide (BFO-1) on immune cells in in vitro normal mice, immunosuppressed mice treated with cyclophosphamide and S180 tumor-bearing mice.
Pilot study on the effects of operating parameters on membrane fouling during ultrafiltration of alkali/surfactant/polymer flooding wastewater: optimization and modeling
Authors: Ren Liumo , Yu Shuili , Li Jianfeng , Li Lei
Published: April 2019

Ultrafiltration (UF) is an effective technique for treating ASP flooding wastewater to meet the requirements for reinjection water.
Direct population of triplet excited states through singlet–triplet transition for visible-light excitable organic afterglow
Authors: Yuan Jie , Chen Runfeng , Tang Xingxing , Tao Ye , Xu Shen , Jin Lu , Chen Cailin , Zhou Xinhui , Zheng Chao , Huang Wei
Published: April 2019

Direct population of triplet states via singlet-to-triplet absorption red-shifts the excitation wavelength and improves the organic afterglow efficiency under ambient conditions.
La0.75Sr0.25XO3 (X = Fe, Mn or Cr) with coking tolerance for CH4/H2O reaction: effect of H2S on catalytic performance
Authors: Florea Mihaela , Somacescu Simona , Postole Georgeta , Urdă Adriana , Neaţu Florentina , Neaţu Ştefan , Massin Laurence , Gélin Patrick
Published: April 2019

The influence of the B type cation from the ABO3 perovskite formulation La0.75Sr0.25XO3 (LSX, where X is Fe, Mn or Cr) on the C and H2S tolerance and its catalytic activity for the methane/water reaction has been studied.
Tailoring the morphology of Ni–Pt nanocatalysts through the variation of oleylamine and oleic acid: a study on oxygen reduction from synthesis to fuel cell application
Authors: Reyes-Rodríguez J. L. , Velázquez-Osorio A. , Bahena-Uribe D. , Soto-Guzmán A. B. , Leyva M. A. , Rodríguez-Castellanos A. , Citalán-Cigarroa S. , Solorza-Feria O.
Published: April 2019

Systematic study on the variation of morphology, size and composition of Ni–Pt nanoparticles with higher catalytic activity towards oxygen reduction.
Editorial Perspectives: we need innovation for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in developing communities
Authors: Guest Jeremy S.
Published: April 2019

Lack of access to safe water, pervasive contamination from bodily waste, and limited access to hygiene resources and services remain a massive challenge. Jeremy Guest discusses the need for innovation to put us on a more sustainable trajectory in this ‘Editorial Perspective’.
β-Thujaplicin inhibits basal-like mammary tumor growth by regulating glycogen synthase kinase-3β/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Chen Jing , Ko Jiwon , Kim Jin Tae , Cho Jae Seok , Qiu Shuai , Kim Gyoung-Deuck , Auh Joong-Hyuck , Lee Hong Jin
Published: April 2019

β-Thujaplicin, a natural monoterpenoid, has been demonstrated to exert health beneficial activities in chronic diseases.
Epitaxial highly ordered Sb:SnO2nanowires grown by the vapor liquid solid mechanism on m-, r- and a-Al2O3
Authors: Zervos M. , Lathiotakis N. , Kelaidis N. , Othonos A. , Tanasa E. , Vasile E.
Published: April 2019

Epitaxial, highly ordered Sb:SnO2nanowires were grown by the vapor–liquid–solid mechanism on m-, r- and a-Al2O3between 700 °C and 1000 °C using metallic Sn and Sb with a mass ratio of Sn/Sb = 0.15 ± 0.05 under a flow of Ar and O2at 1 ± 0.5 mbar.
Size control of zwitterionic polymer micro/nanospheres and its dependence on sodium storage
Authors: Zhuo Shuming , Tang Mi , Wu Yanchao , Chen Yuan , Zhu Shaolong , Wang Qian , Xia Cong , Wang Chengliang
Published: April 2019

Size control of organic materials and its dependence on sodium storage were investigated by using a zwitterionic polymer as proof-of-concept.
Track-walking molecular motors: a new generation beyond bridge-burning designs
Authors: Wang Zhisong , Hou Ruizheng , Loh Iong Ying
Published: April 2019

Track-walking molecular motors are the core bottom-up mechanism for nanometre-resolved translational movements – a fundamental technological capability at the root of numerous applications ranging from nanoscale assembly lines and chemical synthesis to molecular robots and shape-changing materials.
Percolating conductive networks in multiwall carbon nanotube-filled polymeric nanocomposites: towards scalable high-conductivity applications of disordered systems
Authors: Wang Alexander J. , Liao Kang-Shyang , Maharjan Surendra , Zhu Zhuan , McElhenny Brian , Bao Jiming , Curran Seamus A.
Published: April 2019

The present work serves as a scalable basis upon which to expand the usage of MWCNT/polymeric nanocomposites into high-conductivity applications.
Fabrication of biocompatible super stable lubricant-immobilized slippery surfaces by grafting a polydimethylsiloxane brush: excellent boiling water resistance, hot liquid repellency and long-term slippery stability
Authors: Jing Xueshan , Guo Zhiguang
Published: April 2019

Lubricant-immobilized slippery surfaces possessed outstanding sliding ability and long-term slippery stability, which may be a breakthrough for traditional slippery surface preparation.
Proton-irradiation-immune electronics implemented with two-dimensional charge-density-wave devices
Authors: Geremew A. K. , Kargar F. , Zhang E. X. , Zhao S. E. , Aytan E. , Bloodgood M. A. , Salguero T. T. , Rumyantsev S. , Fedoseyev A. , Fleetwood D. M. , Balandin A. A.
Published: April 2019

We demonstrate that the charge-density-wave devices with quasi-two-dimensional 1T-TaS2 channels show remarkable immunity to bombardment with 1.8 MeV protons to a fluence of at least 1014 H+cm−2.
Ultrafast carrier dynamics of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals and perovskite-composites
Authors: Mondal Navendu , De Apurba , Das Somnath , Paul Sumanta , Samanta Anunay
Published: April 2019

Studies on ultrafast dynamics of various photo-induced processes in perovskite nanocrystals and their composites, and insights obtained from them are presented in this review.
Synthesis and characterization of Ag2S and Ag2S/Ag2(S,Se) NIR nanocrystals
Authors: Ruiz Diego , Mizrahi Martín , Santos Harrisson D. A. , Jaque Daniel , Jones Callum M. S. , Marqués-Hueso José , Jacinto Carlos , Requejo Félix G. , Torres-Pardo Almudena , González-Calbet José M. , Juárez Beatriz H.
Published: April 2019

The aggregation of Ag2S NCs produced by heat-up is removed by a hot injection route that allows further surface treatments to produce Ag2S/Ag2(S,Se) NCs.
Recent development of brush polymers via polymerization of poly(ethylene glycol)-based macromonomers
Authors: Zhang Xiaojin , Dai Yu
Published: April 2019

Polymerization of poly(ethylene glycol)-based macromonomers is a facile and versatile synthetic method to generate well-defined brush polymers.
Facile synthesis of 1,4-cis-polyisoprene–polypeptide hybrids with different architectures
Authors: Radchenko Alexei V. , Grange Jérémie , Vax Amélie , Jean-Baptiste-dit-Dominique François , Matmour Rachid , Grelier Stéphane , Peruch Frédéric
Published: April 2019

2-Pot synthesis of a number of amino-hydroxy macroinitiators for living NCA ROP allowed to obtain polyisoprene–polypeptide hybrids of different architecture.
Zeolitic imidazolate framework-derived Co3S4@Co(OH)2 nanoarrays as self-supported electrodes for asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Yang Yujing , Ma Qingxiang , Han Lei , Tao Kai
Published: April 2019

Core–shell Co3S4@Co(OH)2 nanosheet arrays with enhanced electrochemical capacitive performance were designed using a ZIF-engaged strategy.
Elastic methyltrimethoxysilane based silica aerogels reinforced with polyvinylmethyldimethoxysilane
Authors: Wang Lukai , Feng Junzong , Jiang Yonggang , Li Liangjun , Feng Jian
Published: April 2019

For designing more durable and stronger silica aerogels, elastic polyvinylmethyldimethoxysilane reinforced silica aerogels have been prepared successfully.
Bifunctional nickel–iminodiacetic acid-core–shell silica nanoparticles for the exclusion of high molecular weight proteins and purification of His-tagged recombinant proteins
Authors: Hernandez-Leon Sergio G. , Sarabia-Sainz Jose A. , Ramos-Clamont Montfort Gabriela , Huerta-Ocampo José Ángel , Guzman-Partida Ana M. , Robles-Burgueño Maria del Refugio , Burgara-Estrella Alexel J. , Vazquez-Moreno Luz
Published: April 2019

Silica nanoparticles were synthesized and chemically modified with iminodiacetic acid (IDA) and Ni2+ ions surrounded by a bis-acrylamide polymeric shell to obtain a new core–shell immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) based material.
Alkali metal complexes of an enantiopure iminophosphonamide ligand with bright delayed fluorescence
Authors: Feuerstein Thomas J. , Goswami Bhupendra , Rauthe Pascal , Köppe Ralf , Lebedkin Sergei , Kappes Manfred M. , Roesky Peter W.
Published: April 2019

Alkali metal complexes of an enantiopure iminophosphonamide bearing chiral centers at both nitrogen atoms are described. They show bright phosphorescence and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF).
A simple strategy for engineering heterostructures of Au nanoparticle-loaded metal–organic framework nanosheets to achieve plasmon-enhanced photocatalytic CO2 conversion under visible light
Authors: Chen Liyong , Wang Yanxin , Yu Fengyang , Shen Xiaoshuang , Duan Chunying
Published: April 2019

The heterostructures of AuNPs anchored PPF-3 nanosheets by electrostatic interaction exhibit an enhancement of photocatalytic CO2 conversion under visible light by plasmon-induced resonance energy transfer.
Modeling the edge effect for measuring the performance of mesoscopic solar cells with shading masks
Authors: Tong Changheng , Ji Wenxian , Li Daiyu , Mei Anyi , Hu Yue , Rong Yaoguang , Han Hongwei
Published: April 2019

This work provides a model to evaluate and calibrate the measured photovoltaic parameters of mesoscopic solar cells with shading masks.