bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Omission-Based Abstraction for Answer Set Programs
Authors: SARIBATUR ZEYNEP G. , EITER THOMAS
Published: June 2020

Abstraction is a well-known approach to simplify a complex problem by over-approximating it with a deliberate loss of information. It was not considered so far in Answer Set Programming (ASP), a convenient tool for problem solving. We introduce a method to automatically abstract ASP programs that preserves their structure by reducing the vocabulary while ensuring an over-approximation (i.e., each original answer set maps to some abstract answer set). This allows for generating partial answer set candidates that can help with approximation of reasoning. Computing the abstract answer sets is intuitively easier due to a smaller search space, at the cost of encountering spurious answer sets. Faithful (non-spurious) abstractions may be used to represent projected answer sets and to guide solvers in answer set construction. For dealing with spurious answer sets, we employ an ASP debugging approach to help with abstraction refinement, which determines atoms as badly omitted and adds them back in the abstraction. As a show case, we apply abstraction to explain unsatisfiability of ASP programs in terms of blocker sets, which are the sets of atoms such that abstraction to them preserves unsatisfiability. Their usefulness is demonstrated by experimental results.
Study on the optimal Zernike order in the phase parameterization for global phase retrieval algorithm
Authors: Ye Qian , Xu Yueshu , Hoorfar Ahmad
Published: June 2020

Phase retrieval algorithm is an effective method to reconstruct the surface distortions for reflector antennas. As the traditional Fourier iterative algorithms usually stagnate at local minima, we previously proposed a global phase retrieval algorithm, named CMAES-HIO, based on the hybridization of hybrid-input-output algorithm and covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy. We address the problem of selection of the Zernike order used in the phase parameterization for CMAES-HIO algorithm in this paper. By introducing a hybrid evaluation parameter, which combines the algorithm accuracy and time consumption, we utilize the Monte-Carlo method to simulate the algorithm performance under different random surface distortions. Simulation results show that for an unknown surface distortion, a Zernike order of 5 or 6 is probably the optimum for the comprehensive algorithm performance with respect to time and accuracy.
Effect of dicamba rate and application parameters on protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor-resistant and -susceptible Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) control
Authors: Coffman Wyatt , Barber Tom , Norsworthy Jason K. , Kruger Greg R.
Published: June 2020

Throughout eastern Arkansas, Palmer amaranth resistant to protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)-inhibiting herbicides (Group 14 herbicides) has become widespread. Most PPO-resistant Palmer amaranth biotypes possess a target-site mutation, but a metabolic resistance mechanism to fomesafen (Group 14) has also been identified. Once metabolic resistance manifests, plants may also be tolerant to other herbicides and sites of action. To evaluate whether varying spray parameters affected control of PPO-resistant Palmer amaranth in dicamba-tolerant crops, field trials were conducted in 2017 and 2018 at the Lon Mann Cotton Research Station near Marianna, AR, and on-farm in Marion, AR. The experiment included split plot factors of dicamba rate, nozzle type, and carrier volume, with a whole plot factor of population. Dicamba was applied at 560 or 1120 g ae ha−1 through 110015 TTI or AirMix nozzles at 70 or 140 L ha−1 to PPO-resistant or PPO-susceptible Palmer amaranth. Palmer amaranth control 14 d after treatment (DAT) was influenced by an interaction between population and carrier volume. PPO-resistant Palmer amaranth control 14 DAT was 81% regardless of carrier volume, compared with 90% and 95% control at 70 and 140 L ha−1, respectively, of the PPO-susceptible population. An interaction between nozzle type and carrier volume influenced Palmer amaranth control 21 DAT, whereas AirMix nozzles at 140 L ha−1 controlled Palmer amaranth at a greater level (94%) than any other nozzle and carrier volume combination (≤90%). An interaction between population and dicamba rate influenced the relative density of Palmer amaranth 21 DAT. PPO-resistant Palmer amaranth density was less affected by dicamba at either rate than PPO-susceptible Palmer amaranth, relative to the nontreated check. Results concur with those of other research that suggest PPO-resistant Palmer amaranth is harder to control with dicamba. Otherwise, increasing carrier volume affected overall Palmer amaranth control to a greater degree than any other factor.
The effects of integrating a cereal rye cover crop with herbicides on glyphosate-resistant horseweed (Conyza canadensis) in no-till soybean
Authors: Essman Alyssa I. , Loux Mark M. , Lindsey Alexander J. , Dobbels Anthony F. , Regnier Emilie E.
Published: June 2020

Current recommendations for the control of glyphosate-resistant horseweed [Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist var. canadensis] in soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] consist of comprehensive herbicide programs, which often include herbicide applications outside the soybean growing season. Integration of cover crops with herbicides could potentially improve C. canadensis control and allow for a reduction in herbicide inputs. Two separate field studies were conducted from 2016 through 2018 with the objectives of: (1) determining the effect of planting date and seeding rate of a cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop on C. canadensis population density and control in the subsequent soybean crop; and (2) determining whether the cover crop could replace a fall herbicide treatment or allow for a reduction in the use of spring-applied residual herbicides. There was no effect of rye planting date, late September versus late October, on C. canadensis density in either study. In 2016 to 2017, C. canadensis density was greater in the absence of a rye cover crop in both studies, but otherwise not affected by seeding rates of 50 versus 100 kg ha−1. In the 2017 to 2018 season, the presence of rye resulted in an increased C. canadensis density in the spring residual herbicide study (Study I), and had no effect in the fall herbicide study (Study II). Conyza canadensis densities were lowest in the treatments where a comprehensive spring residual or fall herbicide treatment had been applied, averaged over rye planting date and seeding rate. Earlier-planted rye at a higher seeding rate produced the most biomass but did not result in lower C. canadensis densities. These results suggest that cereal rye planted at a density of 50 kg ha−1 as a cover crop before no-till soybeans may be sufficient to reduce glyphosate-resistant C. canadensis plant density, but cannot be relied upon to reduce the need for fall herbicide treatments and spring residual programs.
Distal embolization during percutaneous revascularization of the lower extremity arteries
Authors: Boc Anja , Blinc Aleš , Boc Vinko
Published: June 2020

Summary: Background: Percutaneous endovascular therapy is nowadays the leading treatment option for patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease, but it can be complicated with distal embolization (DE). Patients and methods: We retrospectively analyzed 2054 endovascular revascularization interventions performed in patients with disabling claudication or chronic critical limb ischemia in the Catheterisation Laboratory of the Department of Vascular Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana between January 2014 and December 2018. Lesions were treated by balloon angioplasty and/or stent implantation, without atherectomy. Results: The overall incidence of DE was 0.9%. DE was more frequent in females than males (1.6% vs 0.5%, p = 0.011), in the absence of antiplatelet treatment prior to intervention compared to previous antiplatelet treatment (2.1% vs 0.6%, p = 0.005) and in femoropopliteal stenting compared to angioplasty without stenting (2.2% vs 0.8%, p = 0.037). DE was successfully managed with percutaneous aspiration, in combination with angioplasty when necessary, in 84% of cases. In remaining 16% of patients, DE was managed with surgical thromboembolectomy. Conclusions: The incidence of DE during endovascular revascularization of chronic atherosclerotic lesions in lower limb arteries without use of atherectomy was low. DE was more frequent in women, in patients without prior antiplatelet treatment and in femoropopliteal stenting. The majority of DE was successfully managed percutaneously.
Direct Radiative Forcing Induced by Light‐Absorbing Aerosols in Different Climate Regions Over East Asia
Authors: Zhang Xiaorui , Chen Siyu , Kang Litai , Yuan Tiangang , Luo Yuan , Alam Khan , Li Jixiang , He Yongli , Bi Hongru , Zhao Dan
Published: June 2020

Light‐absorbing aerosols (LAAs), mainly composed of black carbon (BC) and dust aerosols, are responsible for significant climate forcing through their strong absorption of solar radiation. A fully coupled meteorology‐chemistry model (WRF‐Chem) associated with satellite retrievals and in situ measurements is used to investigate the direct radiative forcing (DRF) induced by LAAs in different climate regions over East Asia. Results show that the annual all‐sky dust and BC DRF are −0.84 and 1.06 W m−2 at the top of atmosphere (TOA), −1.23 and −1.55 W m−2 at the surface (SUR), and 0.39 and 2.61 W m−2 within the atmosphere (ATM) over East Asia. Large LAAs DRF can be found in hyper‐arid, subhumid, and humid regions at the SUR and ATM where dust DRF dominates the surface cooling effect, while BC DRF is predominant in the eminent warming effect on ATM in most climate regions. The meteorological conditions in hyper‐arid region are associated with enhanced surface wind and weakened atmospheric wind, which is in favor of the emission and accumulation of dust supporting the positive LAAs DRF anomalies higher than 10 W m−2 in hyper‐arid region. The positive geopotential height anomalies over Northeast China weaken the westerly winds, which is beneficial to the accumulation of LAAs, and results in the positive LAAs DRF anomalies of 3 W m−2 in semiarid regions. The large LAAs mass loading, strong aerosol absorptive ability, and decreased cloudiness caused by northerly anomalies are responsible for the high LAAs DRF in humid region.
Evaluation of Iceberg Calving Models Against Observations From Greenland Outlet Glaciers
Authors: Amaral Tristan , Bartholomaus Timothy C. , Enderlin Ellyn M.
Published: June 2020

Frontal ablation processes at marine‐terminating glaciers are challenging to observe and difficult to represent in numerical ice flow models, yet play critical roles in modulating ice sheet mass balance. Current ice sheet models typically rely on simple iceberg calving models to prescribe either terminus positions or iceberg calving rates, but the relative accuracies and uncertainties of these calving models remain largely unconstrained at the ice sheet scale. Here, we evaluate six published iceberg calving models against spatially and temporally diverse observations from 50 marine‐terminating outlet glaciers in Greenland. We seek the single model that best reproduces observed conditions across all glaciers, at all observation times, and with low sensitivity to calibration uncertainty. Five of six calving models can produce unbiased estimates of calving position or calving rate at the ice sheet scale. However, time series analysis reveals that, when using a single, optimized model parameter, rate‐predicting calving models frequently yield calving rate errors in excess of 10 m d−1. In comparison, terminus position‐predicting calving models more accurately track observed changes in terminus position (remaining within ~1 km of the observed grounded terminus position). Overall, our results indicate that the crevasse depth calving model provides the best balance of high accuracy and low sensitivity to imperfect parameter calibration. While the crevasse depth model appears unlikely to capture the true controls on crevasse penetration, numerically, it reproduces observed terminus dynamics with high fidelity and should be considered a leading candidate for use in models of the Greenland Ice Sheet.
Atmosphere‐Soil Interactions Govern Ecosystem Flux Sensitivity to Environmental Conditions in Semiarid Woody Ecosystems Over Varying Timescales
Authors: Samuels‐Crow Kimberly E. , Ogle Kiona , Litvak Marcy E.
Published: June 2020

Water and CO2 flux responses (e.g., evapotranspiration [ET] and net ecosystem exchange [NEE]) to environmental conditions can provide insights into how climate change will affect the terrestrial water and carbon budgets, especially in sensitive semiarid ecosystems. Here, we evaluated sensitivity of daily ET and NEE to current and antecedent (past) environment conditions, including atmospheric (vapor pressure deficit [VPD] and air temperature [Tair]) and moisture (precipitation and soil water) drivers. We focused on two common southwestern U.S. (“Southwest”) biomes: pinyon‐juniper woodland (Pinus edulis, Juniperus monosperma) and ponderosa pine forest (Pinus ponderosa). Due to differences in aridity, rooting patterns, and plant physiological strategies (stomatal and hydraulic traits), we expected ET and NEE in these ecosystems to respond differently to atmospheric and moisture drivers, with longer response timescales in the drier pinyon‐juniper woodland. Net sensitivity to drivers varied temporally in both ecosystems, reflecting the integrated influence of interacting drivers and antecedent precipitation patterns. NEE sensitivity to VPD and soil moisture (and ET sensitivity to deep soil moisture [Sdeep]) was higher in the ponderosa forest. ET and NEE in both ecosystems responded almost instantaneously to Tair, VPD, and shallow soil moisture (Sshall), and increases in any of these drivers weakened the carbon sink and enhanced water loss. Conversely, Sdeep and precipitation influenced ET and NEE over longer timescales (days to months, respectively), and higher Sdeep enhanced the carbon sink. As climate changes, these results suggest hotter and drier conditions will weaken the carbon sink and exacerbate water loss from Southwest pinyon‐juniper and ponderosa ecosystems.
Local Grid Refinement in New Zealand's Earth System Model: Tasman Sea Ocean Circulation Improvements and Super‐Gyre Circulation Implications
Authors: Behrens Erik , Williams Jonny , Morgenstern Olaf , Sutton Phil , Rickard Graham , Williams Michael J. M.
Published: June 2020

This paper describes the development of New Zealand's Earth System Model (NZESM) and evaluates its performance against its parent model (United Kingdom Earth System Model, UKESM) and observations. The main difference between the two earth system models is an embedded high‐resolution (1/5°) nested region over the oceans around New Zealand in the NZESM. Due to this finer ocean model mesh, currents such as the East Australian Current, East Australian Current Extension, Tasman Front, and Tasman Leakage, and their volume and heat transports are better simulated in the NZESM. The improved oceanic transports have led to a reduction in upper ocean temperature and salinity biases over the nested region. In addition, net transports through the Tasman Sea of volume, heat and salt in the NZESM agree better with previously reported estimates. A consequence of the increased cross‐Tasman Sea transports in the NZESM is increased temperatures and salinity west of Australia and in the Southern Ocean reducing the meridional sea surface temperature gradient between the subtropics and sub‐Antarctic. This also leads to a weakening of the westerly winds between 60°S and 45°S over large parts of the Southern Ocean, which reduces the northward Ekman transport, reduces the formation of Antarctic Intermediate Water, and allows for a southward expansion of the Super‐Gyre in all ocean basins. Connecting an improved oceanic circulation around New Zealand to a basin‐wide Super‐Gyre response is an important step forward in our current understanding of how local scales can influence global scales in a fully coupled earth system model.
Understanding Cloud Droplet Spectral Dispersion Effect Using Empirical and Semi‐Analytical Parameterizations in NCAR CAM5.3
Authors: Wang Minqi , Peng Yiran , Liu Yangang , Liu Yu , Xie Xiaoning , Guo Zengyuan
Published: June 2020

Five parameterizations of cloud droplet spectral shape are implemented in a global climate model to investigate the dispersion effect and aerosol indirect effect (AIE). We design a series of experiments by modifying the microphysical cloud scheme of NCAR CAM5.3 (National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Atmosphere Model Version 5.3). We employ four empirical (Martin94, RLiu03, PengL03, and Liu08) and one semi‐analytical (LiuLi15) expressions for cloud droplet spectral shape parameters. Analysis focuses on the instantaneous differences in the simulated cloud microphysical properties and the comparison between model output and satellite data. The results show that RLiu03, PengL03, and LiuLi15 produce wider droplet spectrum and faster autoconversion rate, but Liu08 has a narrower droplet spectrum and slower autoconversion rate than the default parameterization (Martin94) in CAM5.3. Global dispersion effects caused by the five parameterizations modify the aerosol indirect effect by −10% (counteract) to 13% (strengthen). The simulated AIEs and dispersion effects exhibit noticeably spatial inhomogeneity. In the sensitive regions of AIE (Southeast Asia, North Pacific, and West Coast of South America), we decompose the response of shortwave cloud forcing to the change in droplet number for analysis. The varying dispersion effects can be explained by different responses of cloud properties in different spectral parameterizations.
Climate‐Driven Weathering Shifts Between Highlands and Floodplains
Authors: Yu Zhaojie , Colin Christophe , Bassinot Franck , Wan Shiming , Bayon Germain
Published: June 2020

Chemical weathering of silicate rocks on continents is thought to have played an important role in the evolution of past atmospheric carbon dioxide over geologic timescales. However, the detailed links between continental weathering and climate change over shorter timescales, and their potential impact on sediment records deposited in the ocean, remain poorly understood. Here, we present clay mineralogy and strontium‐neodymium isotopic data for marine sediment records from the Northern Indian Ocean, with the aim of investigating the weathering response of large Himalayan river basins to orbital and millennial climate forcing. We show that past glaciated episodes of the late Quaternary corresponded to periods of increased physical erosion, associated with the preferential export of illite and chlorite assemblages from the Himalayan highlands having relatively radiogenic Sr isotopic signatures. In contrast, the warm periods of enhanced monsoon rainfall coincided with the transport of intensively weathered smectite‐dominated soils derived from the floodplains, characterized by lower 87Sr/86Sr signatures. This finding suggests that the short‐term climatic variability over late Quaternary timescales was accompanied by concomitant changes between high mountain‐ versus floodplain‐dominated weathering regimes, with possible impact on the nature of weathered rocks and, as a consequence, on the carbon cycle.
Assessing similarities and disparities in the skin microbiota between wild and laboratory populations of house mice
Authors: Belheouane Meriem , Vallier Marie , Čepić Aleksa , Chung Cecilia J , Ibrahim Saleh , Baines John F
Published: June 2020

The house mouse is a key model organism in skin research including host–microbiota interactions, yet little is known about the skin microbiota of free-living mice. It is similarly unclear how closely laboratory mice, which typically live under exceptionally hygienic conditions, resemble the ancestral state of microbial variation in the wild. In this study, we sampled an area spanning 270 km2 in south-west France and collected 203 wild Mus musculus domesticus. We profiled the ear skin microbiota on standing and active communities (DNA-based and RNA-based 16 rRNA gene sequencing, respectively), and compared multiple community aspects between wild-caught and laboratory-reared mice kept in distinct facilities. Compared to lab mice, we reveal the skin microbiota of wild mice on the one hand to be unique in their composition within the Staphylococcus genus, with a majority of sequences most closely matching known novobiocin-resistant species, and display evidence of a rare biosphere. On the other hand, despite drastic disparities between natural and laboratory environments, we find that shared taxa nonetheless make up the majority of the core skin microbiota of both wild- and laboratory skin communities, suggesting that mammalian skin is a highly specialized habitat capable of strong selection from available species pools. Finally, the influence of environmental factors suggests RNA-based profiling as a preferred method to reduce environmental noise.
Non-natural ruthenium isotope ratios of the undeclared 2017 atmospheric release consistent with civilian nuclear activities
Authors: Hopp Timo , Zok Dorian , Kleine Thorsten , Steinhauser Georg
Published: June 2020

Understanding the circumstances of the undeclared 2017 nuclear release of ruthenium that led to widespread detections of the radioisotope 106Ru in the Eurasian region, and whether it derives from a civilian or military source, is of major importance for society and future improvements in nuclear safety. Until now, the released nuclear material has merely been studied by analyzing short-lived radioisotopes. Here, we report precise measurements of the stable isotopic composition of ruthenium captured in air filters before, during, and after the nuclear release, and find that the ruthenium collected during the period of the 2017 nuclear release has a non-natural isotopic composition. By comparing our results with ruthenium isotopic compositions of spent nuclear fuels, we show that the release is consistent with the isotopic fingerprints of a civilian Russian water-water energetic reactor (VVER) fuel at the end of its lifetime, and is not related to the production of plutonium for nuclear weapons.
Mineral dust increases the habitability of terrestrial planets but confounds biomarker detection
Authors: Boutle Ian A. , Joshi Manoj , Lambert F. Hugo , Mayne Nathan J. , Lyster Duncan , Manners James , Ridgway Robert , Kohary Krisztian
Published: June 2020

Identification of habitable planets beyond our solar system is a key goal of current and future space missions. Yet habitability depends not only on the stellar irradiance, but equally on constituent parts of the planetary atmosphere. Here we show, for the first time, that radiatively active mineral dust will have a significant impact on the habitability of Earth-like exoplanets. On tidally-locked planets, dust cools the day-side and warms the night-side, significantly widening the habitable zone. Independent of orbital configuration, we suggest that airborne dust can postpone planetary water loss at the inner edge of the habitable zone, through a feedback involving decreasing ocean coverage and increased dust loading. The inclusion of dust significantly obscures key biomarker gases (e.g. ozone, methane) in simulated transmission spectra, implying an important influence on the interpretation of observations. We demonstrate that future observational and theoretical studies of terrestrial exoplanets must consider the effect of dust.
Restriction of essential amino acids dictates the systemic metabolic response to dietary protein dilution
Authors: Yap Yann W. , Rusu Patricia M. , Chan Andrea Y. , Fam Barbara C. , Jungmann Andreas , Solon-Biet Samantha M. , Barlow Christopher K. , Creek Darren J. , Huang Cheng , Schittenhelm Ralf B. , Morgan Bruce , Schmoll Dieter , Kiens Bente , Piper Matthew D. W. , Heikenwälder Mathias , Simpson Stephen J. , Bröer Stefan , Andrikopoulos Sofianos , Müller Oliver J. , Rose Adam J.
Published: June 2020

Dietary protein dilution (DPD) promotes metabolic-remodelling and -health but the precise nutritional components driving this response remain elusive. Here, by mimicking amino acid (AA) supply from a casein-based diet, we demonstrate that restriction of dietary essential AA (EAA), but not non-EAA, drives the systemic metabolic response to total AA deprivation; independent from dietary carbohydrate supply. Furthermore, systemic deprivation of threonine and tryptophan, independent of total AA supply, are both adequate and necessary to confer the systemic metabolic response to both diet, and genetic AA-transport loss, driven AA restriction. Dietary threonine restriction (DTR) retards the development of obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction. Liver-derived fibroblast growth factor 21 is required for the metabolic remodelling with DTR. Strikingly, hepatocyte-selective establishment of threonine biosynthetic capacity reverses the systemic metabolic response to DTR. Taken together, our studies of mice demonstrate that the restriction of EAA are sufficient and necessary to confer the systemic metabolic effects of DPD.
CYCLIN-B1/2 and -D1 act in opposition to coordinate cortical progenitor self-renewal and lineage commitment
Authors: Hagey Daniel W. , Topcic Danijal , Kee Nigel , Reynaud Florie , Bergsland Maria , Perlmann Thomas , Muhr Jonas
Published: June 2020

The sequential generation of layer-specific cortical neurons requires radial glia cells (RGCs) to precisely balance self-renewal and lineage commitment. While specific cell-cycle phases have been associated with these decisions, the mechanisms linking the cell-cycle machinery to cell-fate commitment remain obscure. Using single-cell RNA-sequencing, we find that the strongest transcriptional signature defining multipotent RGCs is that of G2/M-phase, and particularly CYCLIN-B1/2, while lineage-committed progenitors are enriched in G1/S-phase genes, including CYCLIN-D1. These data also reveal cell-surface markers that allow us to isolate RGCs and lineage-committed progenitors, and functionally confirm the relationship between cell-cycle phase enrichment and cell fate competence. Finally, we use cortical electroporation to demonstrate that CYCLIN-B1/2 cooperate with CDK1 to maintain uncommitted RGCs by activating the NOTCH pathway, and that CYCLIN-D1 promotes differentiation. Thus, this work establishes that cell-cycle phase-specific regulators act in opposition to coordinate the self-renewal and lineage commitment of RGCs via core stem cell regulatory pathways.
Dicer-like 5 deficiency confers temperature-sensitive male sterility in maize
Authors: Teng Chong , Zhang Han , Hammond Reza , Huang Kun , Meyers Blake C. , Walbot Virginia
Published: June 2020

Small RNAs play important roles during plant development by regulating transcript levels of target mRNAs, maintaining genome integrity, and reinforcing DNA methylation.Dicer-like 5(Dcl5) is proposed to be responsible for precise slicing in many monocots to generate diverse 24-nt phased, secondary small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs), which are exceptionally abundant in meiotic anthers of diverse flowering plants. The importance and functions of these phasiRNAs remain unclear. Here, we characterized several mutants ofdcl5, including alleles generated by the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)–Cas9system and a transposon-disrupted allele. We report thatdcl5mutants have few or no 24-nt phasiRNAs, develop short anthers with defective tapetal cells, and exhibit temperature-sensitive male fertility. We propose that DCL5 and 24-nt phasiRNAs are critical for fertility under growth regimes for optimal yield.
The lateralization of left hippocampal CA3 during the retrieval of spatial working memory
Authors: Song Da , Wang Deheng , Yang Qinghu , Yan Tianyi , Wang Zhe , Yan Yan , Zhao Juan , Xie Zhen , Liu Yuchen , Ke Zunji , Qazi Talal Jamil , Li Yanhui , Wu Yili , Shi Qing , Lang Yiran , Zhang Heao , Huang Tao , Wang Chunjian , Quan Zhenzhen , Qing Hong
Published: June 2020

The hippocampal CA3 contributes to spatial working memory (SWM), but which stage of SWM the CA3 neurons act on and whether the lateralization of CA3 function occurs in SWM is also unknown. Here, we reveal increased neural activity in both sample and choice phases of SWM. Left CA3 (LCA3) neurons show higher sensitivity in the choice phase during the correct versus error trials compared with right CA3 (RCA3) neurons. LCA3 initiates firing prior to RCA3 in the choice phase. Optogenetic suppression of pyramidal neurons in LCA3 disrupts SWM only in the choice phase. Furthermore, we discover that parvalbumin (PV) neurons, rather than cholinergic neurons in the medial septum (DB were cholinergic neurons), can project directly to unilateral CA3. Selective suppression of PV neurons in the MS projecting to LCA3 impairs SWM. The findings suggest that MSPV-LCA3 projection plays a crucial role in manipulating the lateralization of LCA3 in the retrieval of SWM.
The genetic basis of sex determination in grapes
Authors: Massonnet Mélanie , Cochetel Noé , Minio Andrea , Vondras Amanda M. , Lin Jerry , Muyle Aline , Garcia Jadran F. , Zhou Yongfeng , Delledonne Massimo , Riaz Summaira , Figueroa-Balderas Rosa , Gaut Brandon S. , Cantu Dario
Published: June 2020

It remains a major challenge to identify the genes and mutations that lead to plant sexual differentiation. Here, we study the structure and evolution of the sex-determining region (SDR) in Vitis species. We report an improved, chromosome-scale Cabernet Sauvignon genome sequence and the phased assembly of nine wild and cultivated grape genomes. By resolving twenty Vitis SDR haplotypes, we compare male, female, and hermaphrodite haplotype structures and identify sex-linked regions. Coupled with gene expression data, we identify a candidate male-sterility mutation in the VviINP1 gene and potential female-sterility function associated with the transcription factor VviYABBY3. Our data suggest that dioecy has been lost during domestication through a rare recombination event between male and female haplotypes. This work significantly advances the understanding of the genetic basis of sex determination in Vitis and provides the information necessary to rapidly identify sex types in grape breeding programs.
A host–guest approach to combining enzymatic and artificial catalysis for catalyzing biomimetic monooxygenation
Authors: Zhao Liang , Cai Junkai , Li Yanan , Wei Jianwei , Duan Chunying
Published: June 2020

Direct transfer of protons and electrons between two tandem reactions is still a great challenge, because overall reaction kinetics is seriously affected by diffusion rate of the proton and electron carriers. We herein report a host–guest supramolecular strategy based on the incorporation of NADH mimics onto the surface of a metal-organic capsule to encapsulate flavin analogues for catalytic biomimetic monooxygenations in conjunction with enzymes. Coupling an artificial catalysis and a natural enzymatic catalysis in the pocket of an enzyme, this host–guest catalyst–enzyme system allows direct proton and electron transport between two catalytic processes via NADH mimics for the monooxygenation of both cyclobutanones and thioethers. This host–guest approach, which involves the direct coupling of abiotic and biotic catalysts via a NADH-containing host, is quite promising compared to normal catalyst–enzyme systems, as it offers the key advantages of supramolecular catalysis in integrated chemical and biological synthetic sequences.
Efficient removal of As(V) from aqueous media by magnetic nanoparticles prepared with Iron-containing water treatment residuals
Authors: Zeng Huiping , Zhai Longxue , Qiao Tongda , Yu Yaping , Zhang Jie , Li Dong
Published: June 2020

Two types of magnetic nanoparticles prepared with chemical agents (cMNP) and iron-containing sludge (iMNP), respectively, were synthesized by co-precipitation process and used to remove arsenate [As(V)] from water. The synthesized magnetic adsorbents were characterized by XRD, XPS, TEM, BET, VSM and FTIR. The adsorbents iMNP and cMNP were both mainly γ-Fe2O3 in nanoscale particles with the saturation magnetization of 35.5 and 69.0 emu/g respectively and could be easily separated from water with a simple hand-held magnet in 2 minutes. At pH 6.6, over 90% of As(V), about 400 μg/L, could be removed by both adsorbents (0.2 g/L) within 60 min. The adsorption isotherm of both fabricated materials could be better described by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model than the Freundlich’s, In addition, the adsorption kinetics of both adsorbents described well by the pseudo-second order model revealed that the intraparticle diffusion was not just the only rate controlling step in adsorption process. With the larger maximum As(V) adsorption capacity of iMNP (12.74 mg/g), compared with that of cMNP (11.76 mg/g), the iMNP could be regarded as an environmentally friendly substitute for the traditional magnetic nanoparticles prepared with chemical agents.
Anticholinergic Burden in Children, Adults and Older Adults in Slovenia: A Nationwide Database Study
Authors: Cebron Lipovec Nanca , Jazbar Janja , Kos Mitja
Published: June 2020

Anticholinergic burden has been widely studied in specific patient populations with specific conditions. However, the prevalence in the general population is poorly understood. This retrospective cross-sectional study was a nationwide database analysis of outpatient prescriptions of anticholinergic medications. The study was based on Slovenian health claims data of all outpatient prescriptions in 2018. Anticholinergic burden was evaluated using the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden scale. Three age groups were analysed: children (≤18 years), adults (19–64 years) and older adults (≥65 years). Anticholinergic medications were prescribed to 29.8% of the participants; 7.6% were exposed to a clinically significant anticholinergic burden. The proportion of patients exposed to anticholinergic burden was highest in older adults (43.2%), followed by adults (25.8%) and children (20.7%). The most frequently prescribed medications with the highest anticholinergic activity were antipsychotics and medications for urinary diseases (42.8% and 40.2%, respectively). Medications with second highest activity were mostly antiepileptics (87.3%). Medications with possible anticholinergic activity included diverse therapeutic groups. Anticholinergic burden is highest in older adults but is also considerable among adults and children. Medications with anticholinergic activity belong to diverse therapeutic groups. Further research is needed on safe use of these medications in all age groups.
Anaesthetic-dependent changes in gene expression following acute and chronic exposure in the rodent brain
Authors: Upton Dannielle H. , Popovic Kata , Fulton Roger , Kassiou Michael
Published: June 2020

Anaesthesia has been predicted to affect gene expression of the memory-related regions of the brain including the primary visual cortex. It is also believed that anaesthesia causes inflammation of neural tissues, increasing elderly patients’ chances of developing precursor lesions that lead to Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegeneration related diseases. We have analyzed the expression of over 22,000 genes and 129,800 transcripts using oligonucleotide microarrays to examine the brain expression profiles in Sprague Dawley rats following exposure to acute or chronic doses of the anaesthetics isoflurane, ketamine and propofol. Here we report for the first time molecular and genomic data on the effect on the rodent brain of chronic and acute exposure to isoflurane, ketamine and propofol. Our screen identified multiple genes that responded to all three anaesthetics. Although some of the genes were previously known to be anaesthesia responsive, we have for the most part identified novel genes involved in the acute and chronic rodent brain response to different anaesthesia treatments. The latter may be useful candidate genes in the search to elucidate the molecular pathways mediating anaesthetic effects in the brain and may allow us to identify mechanisms by which anaesthetics could impact on neurodegeneration.
Hybrid nanofluid flow towards a stagnation point on a stretching/shrinking cylinder
Authors: Waini Iskandar , Ishak Anuar , Pop Ioan
Published: June 2020

This paper examines the stagnation point flow towards a stretching/shrinking cylinder in a hybrid nanofluid. Here, copper (Cu) and alumina (Al2O3) are considered as the hybrid nanoparticles while water as the base fluid. The governing equations are reduced to the similarity equations using a similarity transformation. The resulting equations are solved numerically using the boundary value problem solver, bvp4c, available in the Matlab software. It is found that the heat transfer rate is greater for the hybrid nanofluid compared to the regular nanofluid as well as the regular fluid. Besides, the non-uniqueness of the solutions is observed for certain physical parameters. It is also noticed that the bifurcation of the solutions occurs in the shrinking regions. In addition, the heat transfer rate and the skin friction coefficients increase in the presence of nanoparticles and for larger Reynolds number. It is found that between the two solutions, only one of them is stable as time evolves.
Mudstone creep experiment and nonlinear damage model study under cyclic disturbance load
Authors: Wang Jun-guang , Sun Qing-lin , Liang Bing , Yang Peng-jin , Yu Qing-rong
Published: June 2020

To study the creep characteristics of mudstone under disturbed load, creep rock triaxial compression disturbance tests under different disturbance amplitudes and frequencies are conducted using a self-made triaxial disturbed creep test bench for rock. The influence of different factors on the creep deformation law of each stage is analyzed. The results show that the disturbance effect has a significant impact on the creep properties of mudstone, and various factors have different effects on the creep stages. The instantaneous deformation variable, creep decay time, and steady creep rate change exponentially with the increase in axial pressure, and increase linearly with the increase in disturbance amplitude and disturbance frequency. The disturbance amplitude has a more significant effect on the instantaneous deformation, steady-state creep rate, and accelerated creep. According to the analysis of the test results, a nonlinear disturbance creep damage model based on Burger’s model is established. The model is identified and calculated by the improved least squares method based on pattern search. The influence of different disturbance factors on the creep parameters is analyzed. The model fitting results and experimental results are compared to demonstrate that the model is used to simulate different disturbances. It was observed that rock creep under certain conditions exhibits certain adaptability. It is of great significance to carry out rock disturbance creep experiments and study the theory of disturbance creep to ensure the long-term stability of deep rock mass in complex environment.
Serum adropin levels are reduced in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Brnić Darko , Martinovic Dinko , Zivkovic Piero Marin , Tokic Daria , Tadin Hadjina Ivana , Rusic Doris , Vilovic Marino , Supe-Domic Daniela , Tonkic Ante , Bozic Josko
Published: June 2020

Adropin is a novel peptide mostly associated with energy homeostasis and vascular protection. To our knowledge, there are no studies that investigated its relationship with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The aim of this study was to compare serum adropin levels between 55 patients with IBD (30 Ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, 25 Crohn’s disease (CD) patients) and 50 age/gender matched controls. Furthermore, we explored adropin correlations with IBD severity scores, hsCRP, fecal calprotectin, fasting glucose and insulin levels. Serum adropin levels were significantly lower in patients with IBD in comparison with the control group (2.89 ± 0.94 vs 3.37 ± 0.60 ng/mL,P = 0.002), while there was no significant difference in comparison of UC patients with CD patients (P = 0.585). Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between adropin and fecal calprotectin (r = −0.303,P = 0.025), whereas in the total study population, we found a significant negative correlation with fasting glucose levels (r = −0.222,P = 0.023). A multivariable logistic regression showed that serum adropin was a significant predictor of positive IBD status when enumerated along with baseline characteristics (OR 0.455, 95% CI 0.251–0.823,P = 0.009). Our findings imply that adropin could be involved in complex pathophysiology of IBD, but further larger scale studies are needed to address these findings.
Future increase in elderly heat-related mortality of a rapidly growing Asian megacity
Authors: Varquez Alvin Christopher G. , Darmanto Nisrina S. , Honda Yasushi , Ihara Tomohiko , Kanda Manabu
Published: June 2020

Urban dwellers are at risk of heat-related mortality in the onset of climate change. In this study, future changes in heat-related mortality of elderly citizens were estimated while considering the combined effects of spatially-varying megacity’s population growth, urbanization, and climate change. The target area is the Jakarta metropolitan area of Indonesia, a rapidly developing tropical country. 1.2 × 1.2 km2 daily maximum temperatures were acquired from weather model outputs for the August months from 2006 to 2015 (present 2010s) and 2046 to 2055 (future 2050s considering pseudo-global warming of RCP2.6 and RCP8.5). The weather model considers population-induced spatial changes in urban morphology and anthropogenic heating distribution. Present and future heat-related mortality was mapped out based on the simulated daily maximum temperatures. The August total number of heat-related elderly deaths in Jakarta will drastically increase by 12~15 times in the 2050s compared to 2010s because of population aging and rising daytime temperatures under “compact city” and “business-as-usual” scenarios. Meanwhile, mitigating climate change (RCP 2.6) could reduce the August elderly mortality count by up to 17.34%. The downwind areas of the densest city core and the coastal areas of Jakarta should be avoided by elderly citizens during the daytime.
Pneumonia-induced endothelial amyloids reduce dendritic spine density in brain neurons
Authors: Scott Allison M. , Jager Alexandrea C. , Gwin Meredith , Voth Sarah , Balczon Ron , Stevens Troy , Lin Mike T.
Published: June 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia elicits endothelial cell release of cytotoxic amyloids that can be recovered from the bronchoalveolar lavage and cerebrospinal fluids of critically ill patients. Introduction of these cytotoxic amyloids into the lateral ventricle impairs learning and memory in mice. However, it is unclear whether the amyloids of lung origin (1) are neurotropic, and (2) cause structural remodeling of hippocampal dendrites. Thus, we used electrophysiological studies in brain slices and structural analysis of post-mortem tissues obtained from animals exposed to endothelium-derived amyloids to assess these issues. The amyloids were administered via three different routes, by intracerebroventricular, intratracheal, and intraperitoneal injections. Synaptic long-term potentiation was abolished following intracerebroventricular amyloid injection. Fluorescence dialysis or Golgi-impregnation labeling showed reduced dendritic spine density and destabilized spines of hippocampal pyramidal neurons 4 weeks after intracerebroventricular amyloid injection. In comparison, endothelial amyloids introduced to the airway caused the most prominent dendritic spine density reduction, yet intraperitoneal injection of these amyloids did not affect spine density. Our findings indicate that infection-elicited lung endothelial amyloids are neurotropic and reduce neuronal dendritic spine density in vivo. Amyloids applied into the trachea may either be disseminated through the circulation and cross the blood-brain barrier to access the brain, initiate feed-forward amyloid transmissibility among cells of the blood-brain barrier or access the brain in other ways. Nevertheless, lung-derived amyloids suppress hippocampal signaling and cause injury to neuronal structure.
The patient demographics, radiographic index and surgical invasiveness for mechanical failure (PRISM) model established for adult spinal deformity surgery
Authors: Yagi Mitsuru , Hosogane Naobumi , Fujita Nobuyuki , Okada Eijiro , Suzuki Satoshi , Tsuji Osahiko , Nagoshi Narihito , Nakamura Masaya , Matsumoto Morio , Watanabe Kota
Published: June 2020

Mechanical failure (MF) following adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery is a severe complication and often requires revision surgery. Predicting a patient’s risk of MF is difficult, despite several potential risk factors that have been reported. The purpose of this study was to establish risk stratification model for predicting the MF based on demographic, and radiographic data. This is a multicenter retrospective review of the risk stratification for MF and included 321 surgically treated ASD patients (55 ± 19 yr, female: 91%). The analyzed variables were recorded for at least 2 yr and included age, gender, BMI, BMD, smoking status, frailty, fusion level, revision surgery, PSO, LIF, previous surgery, spinal alignment, GAP score, Schwab-SRS type, and rod materials. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the independent risk factors for MF. Each risk factor was assigned a value based on its regression coefficient, and the values of all risk factors were summed to obtain the PRISM score (range 0–12). We used an 8:2 ratio to split the data into a training and a testing cohort to establish and validate the model. MF developed in 41% (n = 104) of the training subjects. Multivariate analysis revealed that BMI, BMD, PT, and frailty were independent risk factors for MF (BMI: OR 1.7 [1.0–2.9], BMD: OR 3.8 [1.9–7.7], PT: OR 2.6 [1.8–3.9], frailty: OR 1.9 [1.1–3.2]). The MF rate increased with and correlated well with the risk grade as shown by ROC curve (AUC of 0.81 [95% CI 0.76–0.86]). The discriminative ability of the score in the testing cohort was also good (AUC of 0.86 ([95% CI 0.77–0.95]). We successfully developed an MF-predicting model from individual baseline parameters. This model can predict a patient’s risk of MF and will help surgeons adjust treatment strategies to mitigate the risk of MF.
Super Sub-Nyquist Single-Pixel Imaging by Total Variation Ascending Ordering of the Hadamard Basis
Authors: Yu Xiao , Stantchev Rayko Ivanov , Yang Fan , Pickwell-MacPherson Emma
Published: June 2020

Single pixel imaging (SPI) captures images without array detectors or raster scanning. When combined with compressive sensing techniques it enables novel solutions for high-speed optical imaging and spectroscopy. However, when it comes to the real-time capture and analysis of a fast event, the challenge is the inherent trade-off between frame rate and image resolution. Due to the lack of sufficient sparsity and the intrinsic iterative process, conventional compressed sensing techniques have limited improvement in capturing natural scenes and displaying the images in real time. In this work, we demonstrate a novel alternative compressive imaging approach employing an efficient and easy-implementation sampling scheme based on reordering the deterministic Hadamard basis through their total variation. By this means, the number of measurements and acquisition are reduced significantly without needing complex minimization algorithms. We can recover a 128 × 128 image with a sampling ratio of 5% at the signal peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of 23.8 dB, achieving super sub-Nyquist sampling SPI. Compared to other widely used sampling e.g. standard Hadamard protocols and Gaussian matrix methods, this approach results in a significant improvement both in the compression ratio and image reconstruction quality, enabling SPI for high frame rate imaging or video applications.