bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aphrodisiacs in the global history of medical thought
Authors: Moore Alison M. Downham , Pithavadian Rashmi
Published: June 2020

The study of aphrodisiacs is an overlooked area of global history which this article seeks to remedy by considering how such substances were commercially traded and how medical knowledge of them was exchanged globally between 1600 and 1920. We show that the concept of ‘aphrodisiacs’ as a new nominal category of pharmacological substances came to be valued and defined in early modern Latin, English, Dutch, Swiss, and French medical sources in relation to concepts transformed from their origin in both the ancient Mediterranean world and in medieval Islamicate medicine. We then consider how the general idea of aphrodisiacs became widely discredited in mid-nineteenth-century scientific medicine until after the First World War in France and in the US, alongside their commercial proliferation in the context of new colonial trade exchanges between Europe, the US, Southeast Asia, Africa, India, and South America. In both examples, we propose that global entanglements played a significant role in both the cohesion and the discreditation of the medical category of aphrodisiacs.
Witnessing globular cluster formation at z ∼ 3–10 with JWST and ELT
Authors: Renzini Alvio
Published: June 2020

The opportunities offered by JWST and the ELT for the detection and study of forming/just formed globular clusters at high redshifts are illustrated, also alluding at the unique insight we may get on the very early stages of galaxy formation.
13C/18O ratio as a litmus test of stellar IMF variations in high-redshift starbursts
Authors: Romano Donatella , Zhang Zhi-Yu , Matteucci Francesca , Ivison Rob J. , Papadopoulos Padelis P.
Published: June 2020

Determining the shape of the stellar initial mass function (IMF) and whether it is constant or varies in space and time is the Holy Grail of modern astrophysics, with profound implications for all theories of star and galaxy formation. On a theoretical ground, the extreme conditions for star formation (SF) encountered in the most powerful starbursts in the Universe are expected to favour the formation of massive stars. Direct methods of IMF determination, however, cannot probe such systems, because of the severe dust obscuration affecting their starlight. The next best option is to observe CNO bearing molecules in the interstellar medium at millimetre/ submillimetre wavelengths, which, in principle, provides the best indirect evidence for IMF variations. In this contribution, we present our recent findings on this issue. First, we reassess the roles of different types of stars in the production of CNO isotopes. Then, we calibrate a proprietary chemical evolution code using Milky Way data from the literature, and extend it to discuss extragalactic data. We show that, though significant uncertainties still hamper our knowledge of the evolution of CNO isotopes in galaxies, compelling evidence for an IMF skewed towards high-mass stars can be found for galaxy-wide starbursts. In particular, we analyse a sample of submillimetre galaxies observed by us with the Atacama Large Millimetre Array at the peak of the SF activity of the Universe, for which we measure 13C/18O⋍1. This isotope ratio is especially sensitive to IMF variations, and is little affected by observational uncertainties. At the end, ongoing developments of our work are briefly outlined.
Properties of galaxies at z ≈ 7 – 9 revealed by ALMA
Authors: Hashimoto Takuya
Published: June 2020

Understanding properties of galaxies in the epoch of reionization (EoR) is a frontier in the modern astronomy. With the advent of ALMA, it has become possible to detect far-infrared fine structure lines (e.g. [CII] 158 μm and [OIII] 88 μm) and dust continuum emission in star-forming galaxies in the EoR. Among these lines, our team is focusing on [OIII] 88 μm observations in high-z galaxies. After the first detection of [OIII] in the epoch of reionization (EoR) in 2016 from our team at z = 7.21, there are now more than ten [OIII] detections at z > 6 up to z = 9.11. Interestingly, high-z galaxies typically have very high [OIII]-to-[CII] luminosity ratio ranging from 3 to 12 or higher, demonstrating [OIII] is a powerful tracer at high-z. The high luminosity ratios may imply that high-z galaxies have low gas-phase metallicity and/or high ionization states.
Interpreting galaxy properties with improved modelling
Authors: Stanway E. R. , Eldridge J. J.
Published: June 2020

Observations of star-forming galaxies in the distant Universe have confirmed the importance of massive stars in shaping galaxy emission and evolution. Distant stellar populations are unresolved, and the limited data available must be interpreted in the context of stellar population models. Understanding these populations, and their evolution with age and heavy element content is key to interpreting processes such as supernovae, cosmic reionization and the chemical enrichment of the Universe. With the upcoming launch of JWST and observations of galaxies within a billion years of the Big Bang, the uncertainties in modelling massive stars - particularly their interactions with binary companions - are becoming increasingly important to our interpretation of the high redshift Universe. In turn, observations of distant stellar populations provide ever stronger tests against which to gauge the success of, and flaws in, current massive star models. Here we briefly review the current status binary stellar population synthesis.
FirstLight: Cosmological simulations of first galaxies at cosmic dawn
Authors: Ceverino Daniel
Published: June 2020

Cosmological hydrodynamical simulations have become an important theoretical tool for understanding the formation and evolution of the first galaxies during cosmic dawn, between redshifts 5 and 15. I will introduce the FirstLight database of about 300 zoom-in simulations with a resolution of 10 parsecs. This database agrees well with observed UV luminosity functions and stellar mass functions. I will discuss the origin and evolution of the star-forming main sequence of galaxies and the main drivers of the star formation histories at these early epochs. I will show simulated SEDs from UV to IR, including stellar and nebular emission. The rest-frame UV spectra show steep slopes and a high production efficiency of Lyman continuum photons. These properties are consistent with young stellar populations with low metallicities. Simulated recombination lines allow us to link the physical conditions of the gas around these stellar populations with observables, like equivalent widths in OIII or Hα or BPT diagrams at high-z. These simulations are making predictions that will be tested for the first time in future deep fields with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). I will finally discuss preliminary results involving JWST mock fields and predictions for ALMA observations by post-processing FirstLight snapshots with Powderday radiative transfer code.
Star-formation efficiency at 600Myr of cosmic time
Authors: Stefanon Mauro , Labbé Ivo , Bouwens Rychard , Oesch Pascal
Published: June 2020

Current observations suggest an accelerated evolution of the cosmic star formation rate density for 8 < z < 10, indicating that galaxy assembly experienced an extremely intense phase during the first ∼600Myr years of cosmic time. We performed a systematic search of ultrabright star-forming galaxies at z ∼ 8 over the COSMOS/UltraVISTA survey, identifying 16 candidate Lyman-break galaxies. The still large uncertainties on the associated volume density do not yet allow us to ascertain whether a different star-formation efficiency (SFE) existed at early cosmic epochs. Leveraging the deepest Spitzer/IRAC data available from the GREATS program over the CANDELS/GOODS fields, we also constructed stacked SEDs of sub- L* LBGs at z ∼ 8. We find extreme nebular line emission (EW0 (Hα) ∼ 1000Å), high specific star-formation rates (∼10/Gyr) and indication of an inverse Balmer break. These results point toward very young ages (<100 Myr), and, combined with measurements at lower redshifts, that the SFE evolved only marginally during the first ∼1.5Gyr of cosmic history.
The AGN-galaxy connection: Low-redshift benchmark & lessons learnt
Authors: Juneau Stéphanie
Published: June 2020

Several scenarios have been proposed to describe the physical connection between galaxies and their central active galactic nuclei (AGN). This connection could act on a range of spatial scales and vary across cosmic time. In these proceedings, we consider black hole and galaxy growth and whether that growth is affected by AGN feedback both based on statistical approaches – which reveal general population trends – and based on an individual case study – which gives us a more detailed insight on the physical processes at play. For the statistical approach, we showcase a low-redshift (0.04 < z < 0.2) SDSS sample with AGN classification based on a combination of emission-line diagnostic diagrams, and for which we account for sample selection by using a V/Vmax approach. The trends on the star formation rate - stellar mass (SFR – M*) plane suggest that the most likely connection is a common gas reservoir for star formation and AGN, and that they both decline as the gas reservoir is consumed. The trends established at low-redshift could act as a local benchmark against which to compare higher redshift studies. As a complementary approach, we use a detailed case study of a nearby AGN host with integral field spectroscopy from the VLT/MUSE instrument in order to spatially resolve the interplay between AGN feedback and the host galaxy. We find that the galaxy substructure likely plays a role by collimating and/or obscuring the outflows and radiation from the central engine. Ongoing and future work with 3D spectroscopy will enable us to learn more about galaxy and black hole coevolution. Lastly, we briefly discuss lessons learnt from both approaches.
New insight on the far-UV SED and He ii emission from low metallicity galaxies
Authors: Schaerer Daniel , Izotov Yuri , Fragos Tassos
Published: June 2020

Understanding the ionizing spectrum of low-metallicity galaxies is of great importance for modeling and interpreting emission line observations of early/distant galaxies.

Although a wide suite of stellar evolution, atmosphere, population synthesis, and photoionization models, taking many physical processes into account now exist, all models face a common problem: the inability to explain the presence of nebular Heii emission, which is observed in many low metallicity galaxies, both in UV and optical spectra. Several possible explanations have been proposed in the literature, including Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars, binaries, very massive stars, X-ray sources, or shocks. However, none has so far been able to explain the major observations.

We briefly discuss the He ii problem, available empirical data, and observed trends combining X-ray, optical and other studies. We present a simple and consistent physical model showing that X-ray binaries could explain the long-standing nebular Heii problem. Our model, described in Schaerer et al. (2019), successfully explains the observed trends and strength of nebular He ii emission in large samples of low metallicity galaxies and in individual galaxies, which have been studied in detail and with multi-wavelength observations. Our results have in particular important implications for the interpretation of galaxy spectra in the early Universe, which will be obtained with upcoming and future facilities.
Lyα generation in intermediate velocity shock waves
Authors: Lehmann Andrew , Godard Benjamin , Pineau des Forêts Guillaume , Falgarone Edith
Published: June 2020

We update the Paris-Durham shock model, a state-of-the-art magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) shock code developed with a focus on molecular chemistry, in order to account for the self-generated UV field produced in shocks at velocities in the range 25-50 km/s. In these shocks there is significant excitation of atomic Hydrogen, with a large flux of Lyα photons escaping ahead of the shock to heat, ionize and drive molecular chemistry in a large slab of preshock gas.
The most distant quasars and their environments
Authors: Bañados Eduardo
Published: June 2020

The number of quasars known within the first billion years of the universe (z > 6) has increased significantly over the last five years. Many of these recently discovered quasars are ideal targets for observatories in the southern hemisphere such as ALMA. I will review the current status of the highest-redshift quasars and their environments, highlighting main achievements and limitations. I will then discuss how synergistic JWST/ALMA observations will shed light onto the properties and formation of some of the most extreme environments in the early universe.
Uncovering QSO-driven outflows and galaxy assembly at cosmic Dawn with ALMA
Authors: Bischetti Manuela
Published: June 2020

I will present evidence of QSO-driven outflows in the early Universe, resulting from the stacking analysis of ALMA observations of the [CII] emission line for a sample of 50 QSOs at z ∼ 5 – 7. The high sensitivity reached by our analysis allowed us to assess that very broad wings are on average present in the [CII] profile, and extend beyond velocities of 1000 km/s in systems with low and high SFR. Such wings are therefore tracing QSO-driven [CII] outflows, with associated mass outflow rates of 100 – 200Mȯ / yr. I will discuss how these outflows relate to those observed in lower-z AGNs and give an estimate of their spatial extent. Furthermore, I will focus on the high-resolution ALMA observation of a hyper luminous QSO at z ∼ 4.5, revealing an exceptional overdensity with multiple companions as close as 2 kpc. These crowded surroundings, and the QSO host galaxy itself, are forming stars at a very high rate (hundreds of Mȯ / yr), suggesting that a significant fraction of the stellar mass assembly at early epochs might have taken place in the companions. I will discuss how the BH and host-galaxy masses are growing in this multi- source system, which likely represents the cradle of what would be a giant galaxy at z = 0.
Analogs of high redshift galaxies: Disentangling the complexity of the green peas
Authors: Amorin Ricardo
Published: June 2020

Young low-mass galaxies with extreme emission-line properties are ubiquitous at high redshift. However, a detailed characterisation of their physical properties, key for understanding cosmic reionisation and the early growth of galaxies, will be only possible with JWST and ELT observations. Rare lower-z analogues of these primeval galaxies provide us ideal laboratories to study in larger detail the complex physical mechanisms taking place in these extreme systems. In this talk, I will review key results from these high-z analogues, with an emphasis on lessons learned from deep spectroscopic observations of green pea galaxies at z ⩽ 0.3. New recent results based on high-dispersion Echelle and IFU spectroscopy of green peas will be presented. They illustrate current advantages and limitations of the chemodynamical analysis for a simultaneous study of the ionised gas kinematics, chemical enrichment and the escape of ionising photons in compact low-mass starbursts.
The role of the JWST near-infrared spectrograph NIRSpec in understanding the assembly and evolution of galaxies
Authors: Alves de Oliveira Catarina
Published: June 2020

The near-infrared spectrograph NIRSpec is one of four instruments aboard the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). It offers seven dispersers covering the wavelength range from 0.6 to 5.3 micron with resolutions from R ∼ 100 to R ∼ 2700. Using an array of micro-shutters for target selection, the multi-object spectroscopy mode of NIRSpec will be capable of obtaining spectra from a few tens to more than 200 objects simultaneously. It also features an integral field unit with a 3 by 3 arcseconds field of view, and various slits for high contrast spectroscopy of individual objects. We will provide an overview of the capabilities and performances of these three observing modes highlighting how NIRSpec will contribute to the quest to further understand the assembly and evolution of galaxies from the end of re-ionisation epoch to the present day.
Jurisdictional perspectives on alternative dispute resolution and access to justice: introduction
Authors: Ojelabi Lola Akin , Noone Mary Anne
Published: June 2020

In many parts of the world, the adoption of alternative dispute-resolution (ADR) processes was premised on creating better access to justice for citizens, particularly those with lesser means (Woolf, 1996; Access to Justice Advisory Committee, 1994). ADR's foundational link with access to justice is in relation to not only justice as a process for the resolution of disputes, but also justice in relation to equality of access and equitable outcomes. This Special Issue focuses on the relationship between ADR and access to justice in various contexts and jurisdictions, including Australia, China, England and Wales, Scotland and Singapore, and within the family-law system in Australia. The papers engage in a critical discussion of ADR's contribution to access to justice in the resolution of disputes and, in particular, the extent to which ADR has contributed to improved access to justice. In doing this, the papers highlight the role of access-to-justice discourse in the development and growth of ADR; where available, review evaluations of access to justice in relation to ADR initiatives; and, finally, reflect on the future of ADR and access to justice.
Late Paleoproterozoic to Early Mesoproterozoic Mafic Magmatism in the SW Yangtze Block: Mantle Plumes Associated With Nuna Breakup?
Authors: Lu Gui‐Mei , Wang Wei , Cawood Peter A. , Ernst Richard E. , Raveggi Massimo , Huang Si‐Fang , Xue Er‐Kun
Published: June 2020

Numerous late Paleoproterozoic to early Mesoproterozoic mafic magmatic rocks are exposed in the southwestern Yangtze Block, corresponding to early breakup of the Nuna supercontinent. Geochronological data reveal three episodes of mafic magmatism at ~1,740, 1,700, and 1,500 Ma. The two older generations have MORB‐like Nb/Ta ratios and superchondritic Nd‐Hf isotopes, indicating that they were likely derived from partial melting of asthenospheric mantle. In contrast, the ~1,500 Ma mafic rocks possess OIB‐like Nb/Ta (16.7–19.1) and Zr/Hf (41.0–45.1) ratios, εNd (t) values (−0.8 to +0.1), and εHf (t) values (−3.3 to +8.4), suggesting that they originated from a mantle plume. These three pulses of mafic magmatic activity in the Yangtze Block have geochemical features (such as TiO2 contents, Nb/Y, and La/Yb values), similar to coeval mafic rocks in Siberia and Laurentia, consistent with detrital zircon provenance studies, which show a spatial linkage of the Yangtze Block with northern Laurentia in the Nuna configuration. Taking all synchronous mafic magmatism into account, a mantle plume beneath southern Siberia was considered to be initiated at ~1,750 Ma forming a broad region of mafic magmatism that extended into the Yangtze Block as well as beneath northern Laurentia and resulted in lithospheric extension. The Yangtze Block was possibly the nearest neighbor to northwestern Siberia at ~1,500 Ma and subsequently drifted from the Nuna supercontinent induced by the ~1,500 Ma Kuonamka mantle plume, heralding a period of limited magmatic activity and tectonic quiescence in the Yangtze Block that extended throughout the remainder of the Mesoproterozoic.
The Spatiotemporal Variability of Cloud Radiative Effects on the Greenland Ice Sheet Surface Mass Balance
Authors: Izeboud M. , Lhermitte S. , Van Tricht K. , Lenaerts J. T. M. , Van Lipzig N. P. M. , Wever N.
Published: June 2020

To better understand and quantify the impact of clouds on the Greenland Ice Sheet surface mass balance (SMB), we study the spatiotemporal variability of the cloud radiative effect (CRE). The total CRE is separated in short‐term and long‐term impacts by performing multiple simulations with the SNOWPACK model for 2001‐+2010. The annual total CRE is 16.8 ± 4.5 W m−2, reducing the SMB with −157 ± 3.8 Gt yr−1. Summer cloud radiative cooling is −6.4 ± 5.7 W m−2 in the ablation area, increasing the SMB with 121 ± 2.2 Gt yr−1. The annual integrated impact is cloud‐reduced SMB of −36 Gt yr−1. The short‐term effect dominates the opposing long‐term effects through the albedo‐melt feedback. A long‐term warming effect decreases the albedo and so preconditions the surface for enhanced (summer) melt. The impact of the CRE, determined by spatial, temporal and initial conditions, explains existing conflicted views on the role of cloud radiation and emphasizes the need for accurate cloud and albedo representations in future studies.
Distributed Acoustic Sensing of Seismic Properties in a Borehole Drilled on a Fast‐Flowing Greenlandic Outlet Glacier
Authors: Booth Adam D. , Christoffersen Poul , Schoonman Charlotte , Clarke Andy , Hubbard Bryn , Law Robert , Doyle Samuel H. , Chudley Thomas R. , Chalari Athena
Published: June 2020

Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) is a new technology in which seismic energy is detected, at high spatial and temporal resolution, using the propagation of laser pulses in a fiber‐optic cable. We show analyses from the first glaciological borehole DAS deployment to measure the englacial and subglacial seismic properties of Store Glacier, a fast‐flowing outlet of the Greenland Ice Sheet. We record compressional and shear waves in 1,043 m‐deep vertical seismic profiles, sampled at 10 m vertical resolution, and detect a transition from isotropic to anisotropic ice at 84% of ice thickness, consistent with the Holocene‐Wisconsin transition. We identify subglacial reflections originating from the base of a 20 m‐thick layer of consolidated sediment and, from attenuation measurements, interpret temperate ice in the lowermost 100 m of the glacier. Our findings highlight the promising potential of DAS technology to constrain the seismic properties of glaciers and ice sheets.
Role of Atmospheric Variability in Driving the “Warm‐Arctic, Cold‐Continent” Pattern Over the North America Sector and Sea Ice Variability Over the Chukchi‐Bering Sea
Authors: Guan Weina , Jiang Xianan , Ren Xuejuan , Chen Gang , Ding Qinghua
Published: June 2020

While the observed decline of sea ice over the Chukchi‐Bering Sea (CBS) has coincided with the “warm‐Arctic, cold‐continent” (WACC) pattern over the North America (NA) sector, there is a debate on the causes of the WACC pattern. Here we present a very similar WACC pattern over the NA sector on both interannual and subseasonal time scales. Lead‐lag regression analyses on the shorter time scale indicate that an anomalous anticyclonic circulation over Alaska/Yukon in conjunction with the downward surface turbulent heat flux and long‐wave radiation anomalies over CBS leads the formation of the WACC pattern by about 1–2 days, while the latter further leads CBS sea ice reduction by about 3 days. These results indicate that atmospheric variability may play an active role in driving both the WACC pattern over NA and CBS sea ice variability.
Interaction Between Mesoscale Eddies and the Gyre Circulation in the Lofoten Basin
Authors: Raj R. P. , Halo I. , Chatterjee S. , Belonenko T. , Bakhoday‐Paskyabi M. , Bashmachnikov I. , Fedorov A. , Xie J.
Published: June 2020

The interaction between the mesoscale eddies and the cyclonic gyre circulation of the Lofoten Basin is studied using a suite of satellite altimeters, a regional coupled ocean‐sea‐ice data assimilation system (the TOPAZ reanalysis) and Argo float data. An automated method identified 5,373/5,589 individual anticyclonic/cyclonic eddies in the Lofoten Basin from more than 65,000 altimeter‐based eddy observations, of which 70–85% are found to be nonlinear. The nonlinearity of eddies is estimated from its translational and rotational velocities. The study found clustering of highly intense nonlinear eddies on either side of the Lofoten Basin. Further, we show the distinct cyclonic drift of the anticyclonic and cyclonic eddies, both confined to the western side of the basin, and its similarity to the middepth gyre circulation also confined to the same region. A well‐defined cyclonic drift pattern of eddies is found during the time period when the gyre circulation of the basin is strengthened, while a clear cyclonic drift of eddies is absent during a weakened gyre. Analysis of barotropic energy conversion in the reanalysis data shows maximum transfer of energy from the eddy field to the mean flow in the Lofoten Vortex region. Even though comparatively smaller (roughly 9 times) there is also notable transfer of energy from the mean flow to the eddies in the region located outside the Lofoten Vortex. Our study shows that the gyre circulation when strengthened, receives more energy from the Lofoten Vortex and loses less energy to those eddies circulating around the Lofoten Vortex.
Host dysbiosis negatively impacts IL-9-producing T-cell differentiation and antitumour immunity
Authors: Almeida Rafael Ribeiro , Vieira Raquel de Souza , Castoldi Angela , Terra Fernanda Fernandes , Melo Amanda Campelo L. , Canesso Maria Cecília Campos , Lemos Luísa , Cipelli Marcella , Rana Nisha , Hiyane Meire Ioshie , Pearce Erika L. , Martins Flaviano dos Santos , Faria Ana Maria Caetano de , Câmara Niels Olsen Saraiva
Published: June 2020

Background

Host–microbiota interactions shape T-cell differentiation and promote tumour immunity. Although IL-9-producing T cells have been described as potent antitumour effectors, their role in microbiota-mediated tumour control remains unclear.

Methods

We analysed the impact of the intestinal microbiota on the differentiation of colonic lamina propria IL-9-producing T cells in germ-free and dysbiotic mice. Systemic effects of the intestinal microbiota on IL-9-producing T cells and the antitumour role of IL-9 were analysed in a model of melanoma-challenged dysbiotic mice.

Results

We show that germ-free mice have lower frequency of colonic lamina propria IL-9-producing T cells when compared with conventional mice, and that intestinal microbiota reconstitution restores cell frequencies. Long-term antibiotic treatment promotes host dysbiosis, diminishes intestinal IL-4 and TGF-β gene expression, decreases the frequency of colonic lamina propria IL-9-producing T cells, increases the susceptibility to tumour development and reduces the frequency of IL-9-producing T cells in the tumour microenvironment. Faecal transplant restores intestinal microbiota diversity, and the frequency of IL-9-producing T cells in the lungs of dysbiotic animals, restraining tumour burden. Finally, recombinant IL-9 injection enhances tumour control in dysbiotic mice.

Conclusions

Host–microbiota interactions are required for adequate differentiation and antitumour function of IL-9-producing T cells.
Integrated analysis of the molecular pathogenesis of FDXR-associated disease
Authors: Slone Jesse D. , Yang Li , Peng Yanyan , Queme Luis F. , Harris Belinda , Rizzo Stacey J. Sukoff , Green Torrian , Ryan Jennifer L. , Jankowski Michael P. , Reinholdt Laura G. , Huang Taosheng
Published: June 2020

The mitochondrial flavoprotein ferredoxin reductase (FDXR) is required for biogenesis of iron–sulfur clusters and for steroidogenesis. Iron–sulfur (Fe–S) clusters are ubiquitous cofactors essential to various cellular processes, and an increasing number of disorders are associated with disruptions in the synthesis of Fe–S clusters. Our previous studies have demonstrated that hypomorphic mutations in FDXR cause a novel mitochondriopathy and optic atrophy in humans and mice, attributed in part to reduced function of the electron transport chain (ETC) as well as elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Inflammation and peripheral neuropathy are also hallmarks of this disease. In this paper, we demonstrate that FDXR mutation leads to significant optic transport defects that are likely to underlie optic atrophy, a major clinical presentation in FDXR patients, as well as a neurodegenerative loss of cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Molecular analysis indicates that FDXR mutation also leads to mitochondrial iron overload and an associated depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, further supporting the hypothesis that FDXR mutations cause neurodegeneration by affecting FDXR’s critical role in iron homeostasis.
SIRT1 accelerates the progression of activity-based anorexia
Authors: Robinette Timothy M. , Nicholatos Justin W. , Francisco Adam B. , Brooks Kayla E. , Diao Rachel Y. , Sorbi Sandro , Ricca Valdo , Nacmias Benedetta , Brieño-Enríquez Miguel A. , Libert Sergiy
Published: June 2020

Food consumption is fundamental for life, and eating disorders often result in devastating or life-threatening conditions. Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by a persistent restriction of energy intake, leading to lowered body weight, constant fear of gaining weight, and psychological disturbances of body perception. Herein, we demonstrate that SIRT1 inhibition, both genetically and pharmacologically, delays the onset and progression of AN behaviors in activity-based anorexia (ABA) models, while SIRT1 activation accelerates ABA phenotypes. Mechanistically, we suggest that SIRT1 promotes progression of ABA, in part through its interaction with NRF1, leading to suppression of a NMDA receptor subunit Grin2A. Our results suggest that AN may arise from pathological positive feedback loops: voluntary food restriction activates SIRT1, promoting anxiety, hyperactivity, and addiction to starvation, exacerbating the dieting and exercising, thus further activating SIRT1. We propose SIRT1 inhibition can break this cycle and provide a potential therapy for individuals suffering from AN.
Author Correction: Zebra finches identify individuals using vocal signatures unique to each call type
Authors: Elie Julie E. , Theunissen Frédéric E.
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: A mycorrhizae-like gene regulates stem cell and gametophore development in mosses
Authors: Wang Shuanghua , Guan Yanlong , Wang Qia , Zhao Jinjie , Sun Guiling , Hu Xiangyang , Running Mark P. , Sun Hang , Huang Jinling
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Liquid-liquid phase separation induces pathogenic tau conformations in vitro
Authors: Kanaan Nicholas M. , Hamel Chelsey , Grabinski Tessa , Combs Benjamin
Published: June 2020

Formation of membrane-less organelles via liquid-liquid phase separation is one way cells meet the biological requirement for spatiotemporal regulation of cellular components and reactions. Recently, tau, a protein known for its involvement in Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies, was found to undergo liquid–liquid phase separation making it one of several proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases to do so. Here, we demonstrate that tau forms dynamic liquid droplets in vitro at physiological protein levels upon molecular crowding in buffers that resemble physiological conditions. Tau droplet formation is significantly enhanced by disease-associated modifications, including the AT8 phospho-epitope and the P301L tau mutation linked to an inherited tauopathy. Moreover, tau droplet dynamics are significantly reduced by these modified forms of tau. Extended phase separation promoted a time-dependent adoption of toxic conformations and oligomerization, but not filamentous aggregation. P301L tau protein showed the greatest oligomer formation following extended phase separation. These findings suggest that phase separation of tau may facilitate the formation of non-filamentous pathogenic tau conformations.
Invasion of vaginal epithelial cells by uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Brannon John R. , Dunigan Taryn L. , Beebout Connor J. , Ross Tamia , Wiebe Michelle A. , Reynolds William S. , Hadjifrangiskou Maria
Published: June 2020

Host-associated reservoirs account for the majority of recurrent and oftentimes recalcitrant infections. Previous studies established that uropathogenic E. coli – the primary cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) – can adhere to vaginal epithelial cells preceding UTI. Here, we demonstrate that diverse urinary E. coli isolates not only adhere to, but also invade vaginal cells. Intracellular colonization of the vaginal epithelium is detected in acute and chronic murine UTI models indicating the ability of E. coli to reside in the vagina following UTI. Conversely, in a vaginal colonization model, E. coli are detected inside vaginal cells and the urinary tract, indicating that vaginal colonization can seed the bladder. More critically, bacteria are identified inside vaginal cells from clinical samples from women with a history of recurrent UTI. These findings suggest that E. coli can establish a vaginal intracellular reservoir, where it may reside safely from extracellular stressors prior to causing an ascending infection.
Emergent constraints on future projections of the western North Pacific Subtropical High
Authors: Chen Xiaolong , Zhou Tianjun , Wu Peili , Guo Zhun , Wang Minghuai
Published: June 2020

The western North Pacific Subtropical High (WNPSH) is a key circulation system controlling the summer monsoon and typhoon activities over the western Pacific, but future projections of its changes remain hugely uncertain. Here we find two leading modes that account for nearly 80% intermodel spread in its future projection under a high emission scenario. They are linked to a cold-tongue-like bias in the central-eastern tropical Pacific and a warm bias beneath the marine stratocumulus, respectively. Observational constraints using sea surface temperature patterns reduce the uncertainties by 45% and indicate a robust intensification of the WNPSH due to suppressed warming in the western Pacific and enhanced land-sea thermal contrast, leading to 28% more rainfall projected in East China and 36% less rainfall in Southeast Asia than suggested by the multi-model mean. The intensification of the WNPSH implies more future monsoon rainfall and heatwaves but less typhoon landfalls over East Asia.
REV7 is required for processing AID initiated DNA lesions in activated B cells
Authors: Yang Dingpeng , Sun Ying , Chen Jingjing , Zhang Ying , Fan Shuangshuang , Huang Min , Xie Xia , Cai Yanni , Shang Yafang , Gui Tuantuan , Sun Liming , Hu Jiazhi , Dong Junchao , Yeap Leng-Siew , Wang Xiaoming , Xiao Wei , Meng Fei-Long
Published: June 2020

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) initiates both antibody class switch recombination (CSR) and somatic hypermutation (SHM) in antibody diversification. DNA double-strand break response (DSBR) factors promote rearrangement in CSR, while translesion synthesis (TLS) polymerases generate mutations in SHM. REV7, a component of TLS polymerase zeta, is also a downstream effector of 53BP1-RIF1 DSBR pathway. Here, we study the multi-functions of REV7 and find that REV7 is required for the B cell survival upon AID-deamination, which is independent of its roles in DSBR, G2/M transition or REV1-mediated TLS. The cell death in REV7-deficient activated B cells can be fully rescued by AID-deficiency in vivo. We further identify that REV7-depedent TLS across UNG-processed apurinic/apyrimidinic sites is required for cell survival upon AID/APOBEC deamination. This study dissects the multiple roles of Rev7 in antibody diversification, and discovers that TLS is not only required for sequence diversification but also B cell survival upon AID-initiated lesions.
The Mi-2 nucleosome remodeler and the Rpd3 histone deacetylase are involved in piRNA-guided heterochromatin formation
Authors: Mugat Bruno , Nicot Simon , Varela-Chavez Carolina , Jourdan Christophe , Sato Kaoru , Basyuk Eugenia , Juge François , Siomi Mikiko C. , Pélisson Alain , Chambeyron Séverine
Published: June 2020

In eukaryotes, trimethylation of lysine 9 on histone H3 (H3K9) is associated with transcriptional silencing of transposable elements (TEs). In drosophila ovaries, this heterochromatic repressive mark is thought to be deposited by SetDB1 on TE genomic loci after the initial recognition of nascent transcripts by PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) loaded on the Piwi protein. Here, we show that the nucleosome remodeler Mi-2, in complex with its partner MEP-1, forms a subunit that is transiently associated, in a MEP-1 C-terminus-dependent manner, with known Piwi interactors, including a recently reported SUMO ligase, Su(var)2-10. Together with the histone deacetylase Rpd3, this module is involved in the piRNA-dependent TE silencing, correlated with H3K9 deacetylation and trimethylation. Therefore, drosophila piRNA-mediated transcriptional silencing involves three epigenetic effectors, a remodeler, Mi-2, an eraser, Rpd3 and a writer, SetDB1, in addition to the Su(var)2-10 SUMO ligase.
The minimal meningococcal ProQ protein has an intrinsic capacity for structure-based global RNA recognition
Authors: Bauriedl Saskia , Gerovac Milan , Heidrich Nadja , Bischler Thorsten , Barquist Lars , Vogel Jörg , Schoen Christoph
Published: June 2020

FinO-domain proteins are a widespread family of bacterial RNA-binding proteins with regulatory functions. Their target spectrum ranges from a single RNA pair, in the case of plasmid-encoded FinO, to global RNA regulons, as with enterobacterial ProQ. To assess whether the FinO domain itself is intrinsically selective or promiscuous, we determine in vivo targets of Neisseria meningitidis, which consists of solely a FinO domain. UV-CLIP-seq identifies associations with 16 small non-coding sRNAs and 166 mRNAs. Meningococcal ProQ predominantly binds to highly structured regions and generally acts to stabilize its RNA targets. Loss of ProQ alters transcript levels of >250 genes, demonstrating that this minimal ProQ protein impacts gene expression globally. Phenotypic analyses indicate that ProQ promotes oxidative stress resistance and DNA damage repair. We conclude that FinO domain proteins recognize some abundant type of RNA shape and evolve RNA binding selectivity through acquisition of additional regions that constrain target recognition.
Corrosion interactions between stainless steel and lead vanado-iodoapatite nuclear waste form part II
Authors: Yao Tiankai , Guo Xiaolei , Lei Penghui , Wang Yachun , Frankel Gerald S. , Lian Jie
Published: June 2020

This paper studied the release of iodine from lead vanado-iodoapatite (I-APT, Pb9.85(VO4)6I1.7), a potential nuclear waste form for the radioactive waste element of I-129, which can be enhanced when crevice corrosion of stainless steel (SS) occurring nearby. Reference corrosion studies of I-APT were performed in different bulk solutions including DI water, 0.6 M and 6 M NaCl, and 0.1 M HNO3 without metal crevice corrosion interactions. The localized enrichment of Cl−, one of the major consequences of SS crevice corrosion, was found to be the decisive factor that led to the enhanced release of iodine. A surface alteration layer consisting of a mixture of nanocrystalline I-APT and Cl-rich apatite (Cl-APT) formed on I-APT surface. Meanwhile, large Cl-APT crystals formed at the crevice mouth on the I-APT surface. This study reveals a new near-field corrosion mechanism for ceramic waste forms when they are exposed to aggressive local corrosive conditions created by the electrochemical reactions of nearby metals. The insight gained in this study could be beneficial for a more accurate prediction of waste form degradation.
Natural recharge transcends anthropogenic forcing that influences arsenic vulnerability of the quaternary alluviums of the Mid-Gangetic Plain
Authors: Singh Ashwin , Patel Arbind Kumar , Deka Jyoti Prakash , Kumar Manish
Published: June 2020

We evaluated the anthropogenic forcing and exceedance probability of arsenic vulnerability in the Quaternary Alluviums of the Mid-Gangetic Plain through the coupled application of hydrogeochemical analyses, inverse modelling, probability analyses, kriging, bivariate and multivariate statistical analysis (MVA). Fifty-seven groundwater samples (total 171) each were collected during the pre-monsoon (April 2015), monsoon (July 2015) and post-monsoon (January 2016). Seasonal cyclicity of ion exchange and reverse ion exchange was observed, with the former being common during pre-monsoon while the latter was dominant during post-monsoon. PHREEQC modelling showed the involvement of the agrochemicals such as calcium nitrate and calcium phosphate and other isolated incidences of chemical usage like bleaching powder as well as the probability of wet deposition of the anions like SO42− and NO3−. Kriging-based arsenic mapping revealed that rainfall recharge-led dilution plays the most dominant role in its mobilization. Owing to natural recharge in the alluvium plain, the exceedance probability of arsenic concentration above 5 μg L−1 falls drastically from more than 0.8 in the pre-monsoon to 0.5 during the post-monsoon. Study implies that pre-monsoon pumping of groundwater must be regulated in combination with proper disposal of pH and ORP affecting chemicals so that the high natural recharge should not significantly induce arsenic mobilization. Further, we recommend that vulnerability estimation should not be based solely on the present scenarios but must include the features of probable exceedance and saturation status of groundwater in this belt. We put forward a comprehensive model to explain the operative processes governing arsenic mobilization.
A harmonized global nighttime light dataset 1992–2018
Authors: Li Xuecao , Zhou Yuyu , Zhao Min , Zhao Xia
Published: June 2020

Nighttime light (NTL) data from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP)/Operational Linescan System (OLS) and the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership satellite provide a great opportunity for monitoring human activities from regional to global scales. Despite the valuable records of nightscape from DMSP (1992–2013) and VIIRS (2012–2018), the potential of the historical archive of NTL observations has not been fully explored because of the severe inconsistency between DMSP and VIIRS. In this study, we generated an integrated and consistent NTL dataset at the global scale by harmonizing the inter-calibrated NTL observations from the DMSP data and the simulated DMSP-like NTL observations from the VIIRS data. The generated global DMSP NTL time-series data (1992–2018) show consistent temporal trends. This temporally extended DMSP NTL dataset provides valuable support for various studies related to human activities such as electricity consumption and urban extent dynamics.
Prognosis of prostate cancer and bone metastasis pattern of patients: a SEER-based study and a local hospital based study from China
Authors: Liu Dongyu , Kuai Yue , Zhu Ruohui , Zhou Chenhe , Tao Yiqing , Han Weidong , Chen Qixin
Published: June 2020

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the leading cause of cancer-related death among men worldwide. Knowledge of the prognostic factors of PCa and the bone metastasis pattern of patients would be helpful for patients and doctors. The data of 177,255 patients with prostate cancer diagnosed between 2010 and 2013 with at least five years of follow-up were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine the predictive value of patients’ characteristics for survival after adjusting for other variates. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the odds ratio of bone metastasis in PCa patients. The predictive value of age, race, marital status, and tumor characteristics were compared. The survival of patients with different socioeconomic statuses and bone metastasis statuses was compared by Kaplan–Meier analysis. A total of 1,335 patients with prostate cancer diagnosed between 2009 and 2015 were enrolled from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The survival of patients with different prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, Gleason scores, marital statuses and bone metastasis statuses was compared by Kaplan-Meier analysis. In SEER database, 96.74% of patients were 50 years of age or older. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that for PCa patients, age at presentation, older age, single marital status, lower socioeconomic status, higher PSA level, T1 and N0 stage, and bone metastasis were independent risk factors for increased mortality. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that patients who were married, were living in urban areas, had lower PSA levels, underwent surgery, and radiation had lower OR factors for bone metastasis. Asian or Pacific Islander, better socioeconomic status, lived in urban areas, married marital status, lower PSA levels and lower Gleason scores were better prognostic factors in PCa. Additionally, patients with single or divorced marital status, who were living in rural places had higher PSA levels, and T1 and N0 stages have a high OR for bone metastasis.
Peppermint essential oil inhibits Drosophila suzukii emergence but reduces Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae parasitism rates
Authors: Gowton Chelsea Megan , Reut Michał , Carrillo Juli
Published: June 2020

Spotted Wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii; Matsumura) is an invasive fruit fly with the ability to oviposit in a broad range of agriculturally valuable fruits. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by botanical oils may reduce D. suzukii’s attraction to hosts and decrease survival, but it is unknown whether their efficacy varies across D. suzukii life stages or affects the survival and success of higher trophic levels. Through a series of laboratory bioassays, we evaluated the effects of peppermint (Mentha arvensis L.) oil produced VOCs on D. suzukii survival and the survival of and parasitism rates by a pupal parasitoid wasp, Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae (Rondani). First, we determined whether fumigation with peppermint oil VOCs at the pupal stage reduced adult emergence, and whether this depended on environmental conditions (i.e. soil moisture). Second, we evaluated whether fumigation with peppermint oil VOCs reduced or enhanced parasitism by the pupal parasitoid and whether this depended on the timing of peppermint oil VOC exposure (i.e. before, during, or after parasitoid access). Fumigation with VOCs of 4.5 mg of peppermint oil reduced D. suzukii emergence under moist soil conditions but dry soil had a similar effect on reducing adult emergence as peppermint oil presence. Peppermint oil VOC fumigation was toxic to adult P. vindemmiae, but developing P. vindemmiae were unaffected by peppermint oil VOC fumigation. Using peppermint essential oil as a fumigant may reduce D. suzukii emergence from the pupal stage. However, this could negatively impact P. vindemmiae dependent on the timing of application.
Sagittal en bloc resection of primary tumors in the thoracic and lumbar spine: feasibility, safety and outcome
Authors: Dang Lei , Liu Zhongjun , Liu Xiaoguang , Jiang Liang , Yu Miao , Wu Fengliang , Wei Feng
Published: June 2020

This study is to test feasibility, safety and the outcome of sagittal en bloc resection of paravertebral primary tumors in the thoracic and the lumbar spine. Sagittal en bloc resection was planned based on WBB classification and performed via combined anterior-posterior or anterior-posterior-lateral approach in 9 consecutive patients with aggressive benign or malignant paravertebral primary tumors in the thoracic and lumbar spine. Surgical margins were evaluated both radiologically and histopathologically. Follow-up data regarding survival rate, local control, morbidity, hardware failure and postoperative function were collected at around 2 years after surgery. En bloc resection was achieved in all patient with wide margin in 7/9 patients, marginal and intralesional margin in 2/9 patients. Survival rate and local control rate were 100%. There were 4/9 cases of major complications and 2/9 cases of minor complications with an overall morbidity rate of 67% (6/9). All but one patient with intraoperative spinal cord injury were free of neurological deficits and fully mobile in absence of any indication of hardware failure. With a careful choice of surgical procedure, sagittal en bloc resection of paravertebral primary tumor in the thoracic and lumbar spine is feasible, safe and effective.