bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Doxorubicin metabolism moderately attributes to putative toxicity in prodigiosin/doxorubicin synergism in vitro cells
Authors: Lin Shian-Ren , Lin Chun-Shu , Chen Ching-Cheng , Tseng Feng-Jen , Wu Tsung-Jui , Weng Lebin , Weng Ching-Feng
Published: August 2020

Doxorubicin (Dox) is a widely neoplasm chemotherapeutic drug with high incidences of cardiotoxicity. Prodigiosin (PG), a red bacterial pigment from Serratia marcescens, has been demonstrated to potentiate Dox’s cytotoxicity against oral squamous cell carcinoma cells through elevating Dox influx and identified as a Dox enhancer via PG-induced autophagy; however, toxicity of normal cell remains unclear. This study is conducted to evaluate putative cytotoxicity features of PG/Dox synergism in the liver, kidney, and heart cells and further elucidate whether PG augmented Dox’s effect via modulating Dox metabolism in normal cells. Murine hepatocytes FL83B, cardio-myoblast h9c2, and human kidney epithelial cells HK-2 were sequentially treated with PG and Dox by measuring cell viability, cell death characteristics, oxidative stress, Dox flux, and Dox metabolism. PG could slightly significant increase Dox cytotoxicity in all tested normal cells whose toxic alteration was less than that of oral squamous carcinoma cells. The augmentation of Dox cytotoxicity might be attributed to the increase of Dox-mediated ROS accumulation that might cause slight reduction of Dox influx and reduction of Dox metabolism. It was noteworthy to notice that sustained cytotoxicity appeared in normal cells after PG and Dox were removed. Taken together, moderately metabolic reduction of Dox might be ascribed to the mechanism of increase Dox cytotoxicity in PG-induced normal cells; nevertheless, the determination of PG/Dox dose with sustained cytotoxicity in normal cells needs to be comprehensively considered.
Integrative transcriptomics reveals genotypic impact on sugar beet storability
Authors: Madritsch Silvia , Bomers Svenja , Posekany Alexandra , Burg Agnes , Birke Rebekka , Emerstorfer Florian , Turetschek Reinhard , Otte Sandra , Eigner Herbert , Sehr Eva M.
Published: August 2020

Key message

An integrative comparative transcriptomic approach on six sugar beet varieties showing different amount of sucrose loss during storage revealed genotype-specific main driver genes and pathways characterizing storability.

Sugar beet is next to sugar cane one of the most important sugar crops accounting for about 15% of the sucrose produced worldwide. Since its processing is increasingly centralized, storage of beet roots over an extended time has become necessary. Sucrose loss during storage is a major concern for the sugar industry because the accumulation of invert sugar and byproducts severely affect sucrose manufacturing. This loss is mainly due to ongoing respiration, but changes in cell wall composition and pathogen infestation also contribute. While some varieties can cope better during storage, the underlying molecular mechanisms are currently undiscovered. We applied integrative transcriptomics on six varieties exhibiting different levels of sucrose loss during storage. Already prior to storage, well storable varieties were characterized by a higher number of parenchyma cells, a smaller cell area, and a thinner periderm. Supporting these findings, transcriptomics identified changes in genes involved in cell wall modifications. After 13 weeks of storage, over 900 differentially expressed genes were detected between well and badly storable varieties, mainly in the category of defense response but also in carbohydrate metabolism and the phenylpropanoid pathway. These findings were confirmed by gene co-expression network analysis where hub genes were identified as main drivers of invert sugar accumulation and sucrose loss. Our data provide insight into transcriptional changes in sugar beet roots during storage resulting in the characterization of key pathways and hub genes that might be further used as markers to improve pathogen resistance and storage properties.
The non-maximality-solution to counterfactual scepticism
Authors: Dohrn Daniel
Published: August 2020

The following semantics for counterfactuals is fairly standard: for a counterfactual to be true, the closest antecedent worlds have to be consequent worlds. Closeness is measured by overall similarity of worlds to an evaluation world. There is a range of interrelated challenges to this account: counterfactual scepticism, ‘Hegel’-, ‘Sobel’-, and ‘Heim’-sequences. So far there is no unified solution to these challenges. I discuss a solution that preserves the standard semantics by writing the shifty parameter into pragmatics. The solution has been suggested by Križ for Sobel- and Heim-sequences, yet I argue that it can be generalized to counterfactual scepticism. Conditionals are subject to a pattern which is familiar from descriptions. Everyday counterfactuals are semantically homogeneous and pragmatically non-maximal. Homogeneity: a counterfactual is neither true nor false if only some but not all closest antecedent worlds are consequent worlds. Non-maximality: in many contexts, not all but onlypracticallyall closest antecedent worlds have to be consequent worlds for the utterance of a counterfactual to say something true if the difference does not matter for the purposes of conversation.
Spread of the invasive shell-boring annelid Polydora websteri (Polychaeta, Spionidae) into naturalised oyster reefs in the European Wadden Sea
Authors: Waser Andreas M. , Lackschewitz Dagmar , Knol Jeffrey , Reise Karsten , Wegner K. Mathias , Thieltges David W.
Published: August 2020

With globally growing aquaculture activities, the co-introduction of parasites alongside large-scale movements of commercial species poses an increasing risk for marine ecosystems. Here, we present the first record of the shell-boring polychaete Polydora websteri Hartman in Loosanoff and Engle, 1943 in invasive Pacific oysters Crassostrea (Magallana) gigas (Thunberg, 1793) in the European Atlantic Ocean. In October 2014, mud blisters in the shells of wild Pacific oysters and specimens of a spionid polychaete were observed in close proximity to a commercial oyster farm at the island of Sylt (Germany) in the European Wadden Sea. Subsequent investigations indicated that these blisters only occurred near the farm and that no other mollusc species were affected. Morphological and molecular analysis identified the polychaete as Polydora websteri, a species that nowadays widely occurs around the globe, but likely is native to the Asian Pacific. Later sampling activities detected P. websteri also at other locations around Sylt as well as in the Dutch part of the Wadden Sea at the island of Texel. The number of polychaetes in the oysters was, however, relatively low and mostly below 10 individuals per oyster. Together, this evidence suggests that P. websteri is currently extending its range. As the introduction of P. websteri may have severe ecological and economic implications, this study aims to alert others to look for P. websteri at Western European coasts within farmed or wild Pacific oysters to further document its spread.
Correction to: Conceptualization and preliminary study of engineering disturbed rock dynamics
Authors: Xie Heping , Zhu Jianbo , Zhou Tao , Zhang Kai , Zhou Changtai
Published: August 2020

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake.
Grenzbelastungen im Länderfinanzausgleich
Authors: Scherf Wolfgang
Published: August 2020

Wachsende Steuereinnahmen eines Bundeslandes oder seiner Gemeinden führen zu geringeren Ausgleichsansprüchen im Länderfinanzausgleich. Dadurch entstehen hohe Grenzbelastungen des Landeshaushalts und des Gesamthaushalts von Land und Gemeinden. Ihre quantitative Bestimmung erfordert keine Simulation des gesamten Länderfinanzausgleichs. Der Autor entwickelt ein Modell, das eine exakte und transparente Ermittlung der Grenzbelastungen mithilfe der Einwohnerzahlen der Bundesländer und der Einwohnergewichte bei den Länder- und Gemeindesteuern ermöglicht. Triebfeder der Spitzenbelastungen sind die neuen Bundesergänzungszuweisungen für unterproportionale Gemeindesteuerkraft. Ihre Abschaffung empfiehlt sich als erstrangige Reformoption für eine anreizfreundlichere Gestaltung des Länderfinanzausgleichs.
A simple approach for quantifying node centrality in signed and directed social networks
Authors: Liu Wei-Chung , Huang Liang-Cheng , Liu Chester Wai-Jen , Jordán Ferenc
Published: August 2020

The position of a node in a social network, or node centrality, can be quantified in several ways. Traditionally, it can be defined by considering the local connectivity of a node (degree) and some non-local characteristics (distance). Here, we present an approach that can quantify the interaction structure of signed digraphs and we define a node centrality measure for these networks. The basic principle behind our approach is to determine the sign and strength of direct and indirect effects of one node on another along pathways. Such an approach allows us to elucidate how a node is structurally connected to other nodes in the social network, and partition its interaction structure into positive and negative components. Centrality here is quantified in two ways providing complementary information: total effect is the overall effect a node has on all nodes in the same social network; while net effect describes, whether predominately positive or negative, the manner in which a node can exert on the social network. We use Sampson’s like-dislike relation network to demonstrate our approach and compare our result to those derived from existing centrality indices. We further demonstrate our approach by using Hungarian school classroom social networks.
Die Harnröhrenstriktur des Mannes
Authors: Schmid Florian , Mack Michaela , Sulser Tullio
Published: August 2020

Die Harnröhrenstriktur des Mannes ist eine komplexe Erkrankung und geht mit einer signifikant eingeschränkten Lebensqualität sowie oftmals wiederkehrenden Behandlungen durch den Urologen einher. Abhängig vom Schweregrad und der Dauer seit der ersten Symptommanifestation kann sich das Krankheitsbild u. U. auch negativ auf den gesamten Harntrakt auswirken. Je nach anatomischer Lokalisation der Urethraengstelle stehen zudem unterschiedliche Therapieoptionen zur Wahl. Daher ist es entscheidend, dass der Wahl des Therapiepfads eine saubere Diagnostik und eine ganzheitliche Aufklärung mit gemeinsamer Entscheidungsfindung zwischen Patient und Arzt vorausgeht. Nur so kann, unter Berücksichtigung der individuellen Präferenzen, die richtige Behandlung gewählt und ein befriedigendes Resultat herbeigeführt werden. In diesem zweiteiligen Review wird die Urethrastriktur des Mannes von der Ätiologie über die Diagnostik bis hin zur operativen Behandlung ausgeleuchtet.
Combining experiential and social learning approaches for crop disease management in a smallholder context: a complex socio-ecological problem
Authors: Tafesse Shiferaw , van Mierlo B. , Leeuwis C. , Lie R. , Lemaga B. , Struik P. C.
Published: August 2020

Effective management of crop diseases is a key precondition for sustainable crop production and to improve food security globally. However, learning approaches that improve smallholder farmers’ knowledge, perceptions, and practices to deal with crop diseases by fostering social and technical innovations are seldom studied. A study was conducted to examine: (1) how a combination of experiential and social learning approaches influences potato farmers’ knowledge, perceptions, and practices in bacterial wilt and its management in Ethiopia and (2) the implications of combining the two approaches for complex crop disease management in smallholder context. Data were derived from face-to-face in-depth interviews, reflective workshops, and participant observations. The findings showed that farmers’ knowledge and perceptions about disease incidence, the pathogen that causes the disease, its spreading mechanisms, host plants, and disease diagnosis were changed. Farmers’ practices in management of the disease were also improved. Learning about the cause of the disease stimulated the identification of locally relevant spreading mechanisms and the feasibility of a range of recommended disease management methods. Moreover, farmers recognized their interdependency, role, and responsibility to cooperate to reduce the disease pressure in their community. We conclude that learning interventions aiming to improve smallholder farmers’ knowledge, perceptions, and practices to deal with complex crop diseases need to combine experiential and social learning approaches and consider farmers’ local knowledge.
GLOBAL NEARLY-PLANE-SYMMETRIC SOLUTIONS TO THE MEMBRANE EQUATION
Authors: ABBRESCIA LEONARDO , WONG WILLIE WAI YEUNG
Published: August 2020

We prove that any simple planar travelling wave solution to the membrane equation in spatial dimension

$d\geqslant 3$

with bounded spatial extent is globally nonlinearly stable under sufficiently small compactly supported perturbations, where the smallness depends on the size of the support of the perturbation as well as on the initial travelling wave profile. The main novelty of the argument is the lack of higher order peeling in our vector-field-based method. In particular, the higher order energies (in fact, all energies at order

$2$

or higher) are allowed to grow polynomially (but in a controlled way) in time. This is in contrast with classical global stability arguments, where only the ‘top’ order energies used in the bootstrap argument exhibit growth, and reflects the fact that the background travelling wave solution has ‘infinite energy’ and the coefficients of the perturbation equation are not asymptotically Lorentz invariant. Nonetheless, we can prove that the perturbation converges to zero in

$C^{2}$

by carefully analysing the nonlinear interactions and exposing a certain ‘vestigial’ null structure in the equations.
Stephanoprora amurensis sp. nov., Echinochasmus milvi Yamaguti, 1939 and E. suifunensis Besprozvannykh, 1991 from the Russian southern Far East and their phylogenetic relationships within the Echinochasmidae Odhner 1910
Authors: Tatonova Y. V. , Izrailskaia A. V. , Besprozvannykh V. V.
Published: August 2020

Mature worms of Stephanoprora amurensis sp. nov. were obtained in an experimental study of its life cycle. In the Russian southern Far East, this trematode circulates using freshwater snails Parajuga subtegulata, freshwater fish and birds as the first, second intermediate and final hosts, respectively. Stephanoprora amurensis sp. nov. differs from the well-known representatives of Stephanoprora in a number of morphometric indicators of the developmental stages. The validity of the species was also confirmed by nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers. In addition, new genetic data were obtained for Echinochasmus suifunensis and Echinochasmus milvi. An analysis of phylogenetic relationships within Echinochasmidae based on the 28S rRNA gene and ITS2 region identified two clusters, one of which combines species of Echinochasmus with 20–22 collar spines and short-tailed cercariae, and the other which includes Stephanoprora spp. and a number of representatives of Echinochasmus with 24 collar spines and long-tailed cercariae. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on ITS2 data show interfamily level of differences between the two clusters and intergeneric differentiation between the three subclusters uniting the species of Stephanoprora and Echinochasmus.
The association between social emotional development and symptom presentation in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Reid Kyle B. , Sacrey Lori-Ann R. , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Raza Sarah , Brian Jessica , Smith Isabel M. , Bryson Susan , Armstrong Vickie , Roberts Wendy , Szatmari Peter , Vaillancourt Tracy , Roncadin Caroline
Published: August 2020

Understanding differences in social-emotional behavior can help identify atypical development. This study examined the differences in social-emotional development in children at increased risk of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis (infant siblings of children diagnosed with the disorder). Parents completed the Brief Infant-Toddler Social-Emotional Assessment (BITSEA) to determine its ability to flag children with later-diagnosed ASD in a high-risk (HR) sibling population. Parents of HR (n= 311) and low-risk (LR; no family history of ASD;n= 127) children completed the BITSEA when their children were 18 months old and all children underwent a diagnostic assessment for ASD at age 3 years. All six subscales of the BITSEA (Problems, Competence, ASD Problems, ASD Competence, Total ASD Score, and Red Flags) distinguished between those in the HR group who were diagnosed with ASD (n= 84) compared to non-ASD-diagnosed children (both HR-N and LR). One subscale (BITSEA Competence) differentiated between the HR children not diagnosed with ASD and the LR group. The results suggest that tracking early social-emotional development may have implications for all HR children, as they are at increased risk of ASD but also other developmental or mental health conditions.
Predicting 30-day readmission after congenital heart surgery across the lifespan
Authors: Everitt Ian , Hoffman Trenton , Raskind-Hood Cheryl , Rodriguez Fred H. , Hogue Carol , Book Wendy M.
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

Hospital readmission is an important driver of costs among patients with CHD. We assessed predictors of 30-day rehospitalisation following cardiac surgery in CHD patients across the lifespan.

Methods:

This was a retrospective analysis of 981 patients with CHD who had cardiac surgery between January 2011 and December 2012. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify demographic, clinical, and surgical predictors of 30-day readmission. Receiver operating curves derived from multivariate logistic modelling were utilised to discriminate between patients who were readmitted and not-readmitted at 30 days. Model goodness of fit was assessed using the Hosmer–Lemeshow test statistic.

Results:

Readmission in the 30 days following congenital heart surgery is common (14.0%). Among 981 patients risk factors associated with increased odds of 30-day readmission after congenital heart surgery through multivariate analysis included a history of previous cardiac surgery (p < 0.001), longer post-operative length of stay (p < 0.001), as well as nutritional (p < 0.001), haematologic (p < 0.02), and endocrine (p = 0.04) co-morbidities. Patients who underwent septal defect repair had reduced odds of readmission (p < 0.001), as did children (p = 0.04) and adult (p = 0.005) patients relative to neonates.

Conclusion:

Risk factors for readmission include a history of cardiac surgery, longer length of stay, and co-morbid conditions. This information may serve to guide efforts to prevent readmission and inform resource allocation in the transition of care to the outpatient setting. This study also demonstrated the feasibility of linking a national subspecialty registry to a clinical and administrative data repository to follow longitudinal outcomes of interest.
Trends and determinants of prelacteal feeding in Turkey: analysis of 2003–2018 demographic and health surveys
Authors: Yalçın Sıddıka Songül , Çaylan Nilgün , Yalçın Suzan , Eryurt Mehmet Ali
Published: August 2020

Objective:

The aim of the current study is to analyse the trends, determinants of prelacteal feeding (PLF) and its relations with the mode of delivery among infants <24 months over the years 2003–2018.

Design:

We pooled data from Turkey Demographic and Health Surveys (TDHS). The key outcome variable was PLF. Factors associated with PLF were analysed by using complex sample multiple logistic regression analysis, separately and merged database.

Setting:

TDHS in 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2018.

Participants:

Mother–infant dyads (n 4942).

Results:

PLF rates fluctuated between 29·3 and 41·4 %. The most common types of PLF were infant formula (61·1 %) followed by sugar/glucose water (24·9 %) and plain water (9·3 %). PLF rate was 1·51 times higher (95 % CI 1·28, 1·78) in cases delivered by caesarean section as compared with those delivered by vaginal route. According to the initiation time of breast-feeding after delivery, the most significant absolute change in PLF rate was observed within 1 h (10·9 % increase). Delayed initiation of breast-feeding was associated with significantly higher odds of PLF compared with the first hour (1 to < 2 h: adjusted OR (AOR) 1·29, 95 % CI 1·04, 1·61; 2–23 h: AOR 1·73, 95 % CI 1·42, 2·11; ≥24 h: AOR 11·37, 95 % CI 8·81, 14·69).

Conclusions:

To eliminate suboptimal breast-feeding practices, counselling on breast-feeding and delivery type during antenatal visits, postnatal breast-feeding support and social support should be provided to all mothers and families.
Dormancy and cardinal temperatures for germination in seed from nine quinoa genotypes cultivated in Chile
Authors: Ayala C. , Fuentes F. , Contreras S.
Published: August 2020

In Chile, two quinoa ecotypes are grown: salares, also present in the highlands of Bolivia, and coastal, in central and southern areas of the country, at sea level. Genotypes from the coastal ecotype have characteristics that differentiate them from the most popular quinoa genotypes grown in the Andean Region of South America. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine the cardinal temperatures for seed germination in quinoa genotypes from coastal and salares ecotypes cultivated in Chile, and (2) to study the presence of physiological dormancy (PD) in these genotypes. Seed germination from nine quinoa genotypes, two from salares and seven from coastal ecotypes, was evaluated in a gradient of temperatures between 11 and 42°C. Germination was also evaluated at 20°C at 0, 7 and 15 months from harvest. Results showed that seed from the nine genotypes germinated at their maximum percentage between 11 and 35°C. However, their faster germination occurred between 25 and 35°C. There was a significant difference between optimum temperature for germination between genotypes from coastal (28°C) and salares (30°C). An increase in germination rates after 7 months of storage suggested the presence of a non-deep PD in seeds from coastal ecotype, which may be useful to improve pre-harvest sprouting resistance in quinoa breeding programmes.
Composing the Crisis: From Mesmer's Harmonica to Charcot's Tam-tam
Authors: Pesic Peter
Published: August 2020

Hypnosis used sound and musico-dramatic methods to effect previously unanticipated kinds of changes in body and psyche, showing a ‘sonic turn’ in this new kind of medicine. For Franz Anton Mesmer, musical techniques and instruments were essential elements of his theory and practice, not merely adjuncts, as previous research has tended to assume. The musical structures of the Classical style provided Mesmer with patterns for artificially inducing and regulating his patients’ crises, whose periodicity medicine previously considered fixed and unchangeable. Mesmer executed these therapeutic strategies using the recently invented glass harmonica. From the Marquis de Puységur to Jean-Martin Charcot, Mesmer's successors turned their attention to somnambulism and catalepsy, sleep-like states often induced by the sound of a tam-tam, an Asian gong new to Western music. The contrast between harmonica and tam-tam reflects the passage in musical techniques from modulating dramatic crises to obliterating consciousness itself. Even considered as suggestion, hypnosis followed processes of intensification and dramatization characteristic of Classical and Romantic music.
The Short and the Tall: Comparing Stature and Socioeconomic Status for Male Prison and Military Populations
Authors: Inwood Kris , Kippen Rebecca , Maxwell-Stewart Hamish , Steckel Richard
Published: August 2020

Over the last four decades, historians and social scientists have become increasingly interested in the way in which information about stature might be used to explore the impact of environmental factors on the physical growth and well-being of past populations. A particular problem encountered by many researchers is that height data is only available for selected populations, typically military recruits or those admitted to correctional institutions. Evidence from Australian military and prison records demonstrate how the two social groups, soldiers and prisoners, differed from each other and from the wider population in terms of age, birthplace, occupation, and stature. Different patterns of observable characteristics conceal additional differences in intergenerational experience. We trace male prisoners and soldiers born between 1870 and 1899 in Tasmania to their birth records and thence to the marriages of their parents. This allows us to contrast social and occupational change from father to son for both prisoners and soldiers. We conclude that evidence arising from these institutionalized populations can be used to estimate wider societal trends, although caution needs to be exercised.
Behandlung und Management der Spastik
Authors: Disko Andreas
Published: August 2020

Zusammenfassung. In der Betreuung neurologischer Patienten mit Schädigung des ersten Motoneurons, zum Beispiel nach Schlaganfall oder multipler Sklerose, ist Spastik ein häufiges Problem mit deutlicher Beeinträchtigung der Lebensqualität. Die Behandlung basiert dabei in erster Linie auf therapeutischen und pflegerischen Massnahmen. Ergänzend können in Abhängigkeit von der Verteilung der Spastik eine systemische antispastische Medikation oder eine lokale Behandlung mit Botulinumneurotoxin durchgeführt werden. Bei unzureichendem Effekt können auch chirurgische Eingriffe in Betracht gezogen werden.
Migräne? Arnold-Chiari-Malformation? Oder doch einfach nur eine Migräne?
Authors: Jäckel Kristian , Knechtle Beat
Published: August 2020

Zusammenfassung. Zusammenfassung: Bei einer jungen Frau mit langjährigen Kopfschmerzen im Sinne einer Migräne ergab eine neurologische Neubeurteilung inklusive neuer Befundung der vorhandenen MRI-Bilder des Schädels die Diagnose einer Chiari-Malformation vom Typ 1. Nach erfolgreicher Operation des Befundes gingen die Kopfschmerzen deutlich zurück. Da aber noch geringe Kopfschmerzen einer anderen Qualität bestehen blieben, ist davon auszugehen, dass eine Migräne sowie als Zufallsbefund die Malformation vorliegen.
Fold Kinematics and Fault Slip Rates From Progressively Deformed Terraces: Implications for Structural Evolution of Basins in the Kyrgyz Tien Shan
Authors: Coddington Jascha A. , Burgette Reed J.
Published: August 2020

Active shortening across the Tien Shan is transforming dispersed basins and ranges into continuous high topography. The Jumgal Basin is an example of a basin in an intermediate phase of closure, with both a basin‐bounding reverse fault system and a >25 km long anticline growing in the basin interior. We used geologic mapping and surveying of progressively deformed fluvial terraces preserved across the anticline to measure deformation. A novel method of inverting deformed terrace data allows estimation of fault geometry at depth as well as incremental slip for terraces. The preserved northern portion of the Jumgal anticline is consistent with folding above a fault that ramps up from a low‐angle splay following bedding in synorogenic stratigraphy. The eastern part of the fold has grown by limb lengthening above an angular bend in the fault. Areas to the west record progressive rotation consistent with deformation above broadly curved portions of the fault. Slip rates determined with late Quaternary terrace ages from measured and correlated chronologies are consistent with slip rates that vary significantly from ~0.6 to 1.2 mm/year along the investigated portion of the anticline, with lower rates in the middle of the anticline. Rate variation may indicate along‐strike trade‐offs in slip between an emergent splay of the basin‐bounding fault and the intrabasin fold. Slip rates are rapid enough to build topography north of the basin since the Pliocene, and observations suggest the Jumgal Basin is progressively closing from west to east, influenced by earlier phases of basin partitioning.
A Continuous Record of Central Tropical Pacific Climate Since the Midnineteenth Century Reconstructed From Fanning and Palmyra Island Corals: A Case Study in Coral Data Reanalysis
Authors: Sanchez S. C. , Westphal N. , Haug G. H. , Cheng H. , Edwards R. L. , Schneider T. , Cobb K. M. , Charles C. D.
Published: August 2020

Accurate estimation of central tropical Pacific (CTP) climate variability on interannual to centennial time scales is required for robust projections of future global climate trends. Here we outline an approach that blends instrumental and coral proxy observations to yield a continuous, monthly resolved record of climate evolution in the CTP spanning the past 160 years. We concatenate coral oxygen isotope (δ18O) records from multiple living and fossil corals collected from Fanning Island (4°N, 160°W) and Palmyra Island (5°N; 162°W) located in the heart of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation. We use the regularized expectation maximization (RegEM) method to impute missing data across short gaps of 5 to 23 years within and beyond individual coral records. The resulting monthly resolved Fanning/Palmyra Island climate record spans continuously from 1863 to 2016 and provides an example of how extended time series can be built from shorter coral segments. The extended record highlights the strong trend toward warmer and wetter mean conditions in late twentieth century, in agreement with the majority of climate model hindcast simulations. The continuous reconstruction also enables a direct comparison of four exceptionally strong El Niño events (1877–1878, 1940–1941, 1997–1998, and 2015–2016). Three of these very strong El Niño events in the CTP featured a precursor warm event in the prior year and that may have favored the development of a strong El Niño event.
Provenance Record of Late Mesoproterozoic to Early Neoproterozoic Units, West Hainan, South China, and Implications for Rodinia Reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Limin , Cawood Peter A. , Wang Yuejun , Cui Xiang , Zhang Yuzhi , Qian Xin , Zhang Feifei
Published: August 2020

Unraveling the character and source of late Mesoproterozoic‐early Neoproterozoic sedimentary sequences is crucial in constraining Rodinia reconstructions. We carried out an integrated geochemical, zircon U‐Pb geochronological and Lu‐Hf isotopic study of the Shilu Group and the overlying Shihuiding Formation in Hainan, South China. These two successions are chemically mature and dominated by siliceous components. The Shilu Group was mainly derived from felsic arc lithologies whereas the Shihuiding Formation was from recycled sedimentary materials and records a transition from convergent to passive margin settings during the late Mesoproterozoic‐early Neoproterozoic in Hainan. Detrital zircons from the Shilu Group and Shihuiding Formation yield similar age populations, with maximum depositional ages of ~1,100–1,000 Ma and ~900 Ma, respectively. The Shilu Group matches well with the Kunyang Group outcropped in the Yangtze Block in depositional age, detrital zircon age populations and Lu‐Hf isotopic compositions, and geochemical characteristics, whereas the Shihuiding Formation exhibits significantly different detrital age populations from the Wanquan Group in the Cathaysia Block. This indicates that Hainan was linked to the Yangtze Block rather than the Cathaysia Block in the late Mesoproterozoic‐early Neoproterozoic. The Shilu and Kunyang groups have similar detrital age patterns to the late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic strata in northwest India and are distinct from their equivalents in west Laurentia, suggesting an external location of Hainan‐Yangtze in Rodinia.
Inference of Transmissivity in Crystalline Rock Using Flow Logs Under Steady‐State Pumping: Impact of Multiscale Heterogeneity
Authors: Zou Liangchao , Cvetkovic Vladimir
Published: August 2020

The significance of fracture roughness for hydraulic characterization of sparsely fractured (crystalline) rock using flow logs under steady‐state pumping conditions is investigated by numerical simulations in three‐dimensional fracture networks. A new solver for simulating flow in three‐dimensional discrete fracture networks is implemented using a hybrid finite volume and finite element method. The analysis is focused on different scales of heterogeneity in three‐dimensions: the network scale heterogeneity, the fracture‐to‐fracture scale heterogeneity, and the individual fracture scale heterogeneity (fracture roughness). The results show that the individual fracture scale heterogeneity due to fracture roughness is potentially an additional source of uncertainty for hydraulic tests in fractured rocks using flow logs. Specifically, it enhances the variation in measured flowrates and inferred transmissivity in addition to the network scale heterogeneity and the fracture‐to‐fracture scale heterogeneity. However, the individual fracture scale heterogeneity has relatively small impact on the inferred transmissivity distributions compared to the fracture‐to‐fracture scale heterogeneity. Moreover, fracture roughness and fracture‐to‐fracture heterogeneity have limited influence on the median values of the inferred transmissivity such that the median transmissivity is mostly reliable when inferred from flow logs. Comparison between the inferred and underlying input transmissivity distributions shows that interpreting hydraulic tests in crystalline rock using flow logs and the Thiem equation may underestimate the variation range of the underlying transmissivity. The results are helpful for understanding the uncertainty in hydraulic characterization of sparsely fractured rocks using flow logs that are relevant for various geo‐engineering and water resources applications.
The tuatara genome reveals ancient features of amniote evolution
Authors: Gemmell Neil J. , Rutherford Kim , Prost Stefan , Tollis Marc , Winter David , Macey J. Robert , Adelson David L. , Suh Alexander , Bertozzi Terry , Grau José H. , Organ Chris , Gardner Paul P. , Muffato Matthieu , Patricio Mateus , Billis Konstantinos , Martin Fergal J. , Flicek Paul , Petersen Bent , Kang Lin , Michalak Pawel , Buckley Thomas R. , Wilson Melissa , Cheng Yuanyuan , Miller Hilary , Schott Ryan K. , Jordan Melissa D. , Newcomb Richard D. , Arroyo José Ignacio , Valenzuela Nicole , Hore Tim A. , Renart Jaime , Peona Valentina , Peart Claire R. , Warmuth Vera M. , Zeng Lu , Kortschak R. Daniel , Raison Joy M. , Zapata Valeria Velásquez , Wu Zhiqiang , Santesmasses Didac , Mariotti Marco , Guigó Roderic , Rupp Shawn M. , Twort Victoria G. , Dussex Nicolas , Taylor Helen , Abe Hideaki , Bond Donna M. , Paterson James M. , Mulcahy Daniel G. , Gonzalez Vanessa L. , Barbieri Charles G. , DeMeo Dustin P. , Pabinger Stephan , Van Stijn Tracey , Clarke Shannon , Ryder Oliver , Edwards Scott V. , Salzberg Steven L. , Anderson Lindsay , Nelson Nicola , Stone Clive ,   Ngatiwai Trust Board, Stone Clive , Smillie Jim , Edmonds Haydn
Published: August 2020

The tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus)—the only living member of the reptilian order Rhynchocephalia (Sphenodontia), once widespread across Gondwana1,2—is an iconic species that is endemic to New Zealand2,3. A key link to the now-extinct stem reptiles (from which dinosaurs, modern reptiles, birds and mammals evolved), the tuatara provides key insights into the ancestral amniotes2,4. Here we analyse the genome of the tuatara, which—at approximately 5 Gb—is among the largest of the vertebrate genomes yet assembled. Our analyses of this genome, along with comparisons with other vertebrate genomes, reinforce the uniqueness of the tuatara. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that the tuatara lineage diverged from that of snakes and lizards around 250 million years ago. This lineage also shows moderate rates of molecular evolution, with instances of punctuated evolution. Our genome sequence analysis identifies expansions of proteins, non-protein-coding RNA families and repeat elements, the latter of which show an amalgam of reptilian and mammalian features. The sequencing of the tuatara genome provides a valuable resource for deep comparative analyses of tetrapods, as well as for tuatara biology and conservation. Our study also provides important insights into both the technical challenges and the cultural obligations that are associated with genome sequencing.
A global map of terrestrial habitat types
Authors: Jung Martin , Dahal Prabhat Raj , Butchart Stuart H. M. , Donald Paul F. , De Lamo Xavier , Lesiv Myroslava , Kapos Valerie , Rondinini Carlo , Visconti Piero
Published: August 2020

We provide a global, spatially explicit characterization of 47 terrestrial habitat types, as defined in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) habitat classification scheme, which is widely used in ecological analyses, including for quantifying species’ Area of Habitat. We produced this novel habitat map for the year 2015 by creating a global decision tree that intersects the best currently available global data on land cover, climate and land use. We independently validated the map using occurrence data for 828 species of vertebrates (35152 point plus 8181 polygonal occurrences) and 6026 sampling sites. Across datasets and mapped classes we found on average a balanced accuracy of 0.77 ($$\bar{+}$$+¯0.14 SD) at Level 1 and 0.71 ($$\bar{+}$$+¯0.15 SD) at Level 2, while noting potential issues of using occurrence records for validation. The maps broaden our understanding of habitats globally, assist in constructing area of habitat refinements and are relevant for broad-scale ecological studies and future IUCN Red List assessments. Periodic updates are planned as better or more recent data becomes available.
Improvement of CRISPR/Cas9 system by transfecting Cas9-expressing Plasmodium berghei with linear donor template
Authors: Shinzawa Naoaki , Nishi Tsubasa , Hiyoshi Fumiya , Motooka Daisuke , Yuda Masao , Iwanaga Shiroh
Published: August 2020

Malaria is caused by infection with Plasmodium parasites and is a major public health concern. The CRISPR/Cas9 system is a promising technology, but still has technical problems, such as low efficiency and unexpected recombination. Here, we solved these problems by transfecting Cas9-expressing parasites with linear donor templates. The use of a linear donor template prevented unexpected recombination; in addition, constitutive expression of Cas9 enabled immediate cleavage of the target locus after transfection, allowing efficient integration of the donor template. Furthermore, due to the absence of the cNHEJ pathway, there were no off-target mutations in the resultant parasites. In addition, this developed method could be applied for multiple genetic modifications on different chromosomes and for large-scale chromosomal deletion in the subtelomeric region. Because of its robustness, high efficiency, and versatile applicability, we hope this method will be standard in the post-genomic era of Plasmodium species.
PRMT5 promotes DNA repair through methylation of 53BP1 and is regulated by Src-mediated phosphorylation
Authors: Hwang Jee Won , Kim Su-Nam , Myung Nayeon , Song Doona , Han Gyoonhee , Bae Gyu-Un , Bedford Mark T. , Kim Yong Kee
Published: August 2020

PRMT5 participates in various cellular processes, including transcription regulation, signal transduction, mRNA splicing, and DNA repair; however, its mechanism of regulation is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that PRMT5 is phosphorylated at residue Y324 by Src kinase, a negative regulator of its activity. Either phosphorylation or substitution of the Y324 residue suppresses PRMT5 activity by preventing its binding with the methyl donor S-adenosyl-L-methionine. Additionally, we show that PRMT5 activity is associated with non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair by methylating and stabilizing p53-binding protein 1 (53BP1), which promotes cellular survival after DNA damage. Src-mediated phosphorylation of PRMT5 and the subsequent inhibition of its activity during the DNA damage process blocks NHEJ repair, leading to apoptotic cell death. Altogether, our findings suggest that PRMT5 regulates DNA repair through Src-mediated Y324 phosphorylation in response to DNA damage.
A light-operated pillar[6]arene-based molecular shuttle
Authors: Ogoshi Tomoki , Kotera Daisuke , Fa Shixin , Nishida Shungo , Kakuta Takahiro , Yamagishi Tada-aki , Brouwer Albert M.
Published: August 2020

A light-operated molecular shuttle comprising a pillar[6]arene and an axle with two equal-energy-level stations connected by an azobenzene was synthesised.
A neural network-based approach to predicting absorption in nanostructured, disordered photoelectrodes
Authors: Coridan Robert H.
Published: August 2020

A neural network-based emulator can accurately and efficiently predict the spatial distribution of absorption throughout a nanoscale semiconductor in a disordered photoelectrode.
The first-principles study of nH–VSn complex: impurity effects on p-type SnO monolayer
Authors: Xue Lin , Yang Zhi , Chen Bo , Li Hui , Zhang Jihua
Published: August 2020

The compensation, neutralization and conversion effects of different concentrations of hydrogen on p-type SnO monolayers were studied.
Exciton coupling effects on the two-photon absorption of squaraine homodimers with varying bridge units
Authors: Michail Evripidis , Schreck Maximilian H. , Holzapfel Marco , Lambert Christoph
Published: August 2020

Excitonically coupled squaraine dimers show high two-photon absorption cross sections.
Cisplatin binding to β-lactoglobulin: a structural study
Authors: Balasco Nicole , Ferraro Giarita , Loreto Domenico , Iacobucci Ilaria , Monti Maria , Merlino Antonello
Published: August 2020

The first structural study on the interaction of β-lactoglobulin with the anticancer compound cisplatin is here reported by combining spectroscopic, crystallographic and mass spectrometry techniques.
Shallow-layer pillaring of a conductive polymer in monolithic grains to drive superior zinc storage via a cascading effect
Authors: Yao Zhenguo , Wu Qingping , Chen Keyi , Liu Jianjun , Li Chilin
Published: August 2020

Shallow-layer pillaring of a conductive polymer activates the superior zinc storage of V2O5via a cascading effect.
Direct conversion of biomass derived l-rhamnose to 5-methylfurfural in water in high yield
Authors: Feng Yunchao , Li Zheng , Long Sishi , Sun Yong , Tang Xing , Zeng Xianhai , Lin Lu
Published: August 2020

We report here that l-rhamnose, a less popular renewable and commercially available carbohydrate, can be used as a potential raw material to generate 5-methylfurfural (MF).
Iron homeostasis disorder in piglet intestine
Authors: Ding Haoxuan , Yu Xiaonan , Feng Jie
Published: August 2020

Iron plays an essential role in preventing iron deficiency anemia and ensuring the healthy growth of animals. The special physiological condition of piglets is the main cause of iron deficiency. Iron metabolism in the intestine is the basis for understanding the effects of iron on the health of piglets. In order to scientifically evaluate dietary iron supplementation doses, it is necessary to recognize the effects of iron deficiency and iron overload on piglet intestinal health. Besides, iron as a cofactor is essential for the growth of microorganisms, and microorganisms compete with the host to absorb iron. Under the stress of iron deficiency and iron overload, various control schemes (such as precise nutrition, element balance, elimination of oxidation, etc.) are effective measures to eliminate adverse effects. In this review, we comprehensively review recent findings on the effects of iron deficiency and iron overload on intestinal health. This review will provide a rational design strategy to achieve a reasonable iron supplement, which will guide the use of iron in animal husbandry.
A nano-molar level fluorogenic and oxidation state-selective chromogenic dual reversible chemosensor for multiple targets, Cu2+/S2−and Fe3+/F−ions
Authors: Hossain Sayed Muktar , Dam Gourab Kumar , Mishra Sagarika , Singh Akhilesh Kumar
Published: August 2020

A pyridine–pyrazole–pyrene-based multipurpose chemosensor has been introduced which has been found to exhibit excellent luminescent and optical properties.
Three ring-shaped Zr(iv)-substituted silicotungstates: syntheses, structures and their properties
Authors: Zhang Zhong , Wang Yue-Lin , Liu Yan , Huang Sheng-Li , Yang Guo-Yu
Published: August 2020

Three ring-shaped Zr(iv)-substituted silicotungstates built by the different cluster units of {α-/β-SiW10}/{Zr2}, {β-SiW10}/{Zr2}/{Zr2B}, and {β-SiW10}/{Zr2B}/{Zr2B2} respectively, been made and their related properties have been investigated.
All-solution-processed colour-tuneable tandem quantum-dot light-emitting diode driven by AC signal
Authors: Song Suk-Ho , Park Sung-Jae , Bae Tae-Jun , Jung Kyung-Mo , Park Won-Hyeok , Kim Yong-Sang , Yan Qun Frank , Kim Sang Soo , Song Jang-Kun
Published: August 2020

We demonstrate a novel structure for a quantum-dot light-emitting diode (QD-LED) with wide-range colour-tuneable pixels, fabricated via full solution processing.
Beyond conventional nonlinear fracture mechanics in graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Shimada Takahiro , Huang Kai , Van Lich Le , Ozaki Naoki , Jang Bongkyun , Kitamura Takayuki
Published: August 2020

An atomic ERR concept considering atomic discreteness is proposed to describe fracture beyond the critical size for nonlinear fracture mechanics.
Rapid synthesis of a Bi@ZIF-8 composite nanomaterial as a near-infrared-II (NIR-II) photothermal agent for the low-temperature photothermal therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Jinghua , Zhu Daoming , Ma Weijie , Yang Yang , Wang Ganggang , Wu Xiaoling , Wang Kunlei , Chen Yiran , Wang Fubing , Liu Wei , Yuan Yufeng
Published: August 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally.
Fabrication and evaluation of a chitin whisker/poly(l-lactide) composite scaffold by the direct trisolvent-ink writing method for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Liu Kun , Zhu Ling , Tang Shengyue , Wen Wei , Lu Lu , Liu Mingxian , Zhou Changren , Luo Binghong
Published: August 2020

Our work constructed a PLLA scaffold with chitin whiskers via direct trisolvent ink writing method and as-prepared scaffold exhibited the good mechanical as well as excellent biological properties.
Branched aramid nanofiber-polyaniline electrodes for structural energy storage
Authors: Flouda Paraskevi , Quinn Alexander H. , Patel Anish G. , Loufakis Dimitrios , Lagoudas Dimitris C. , Lutkenhaus Jodie L.
Published: August 2020

Continuous networks of branched aramid nanofibers, polyaniline, and carbon nanotubes led to mechanically enhanced supercapacitor and battery electrodes.
Copper-catalysed N-arylation of 5-aminopyrazoles: a simple route to pyrazolo[3,4-b]indoles
Authors: Chatterjee Arpita , Murmu Chudamani , Peruncheralathan S.
Published: August 2020

Two classes of pyrazolo fused N-heterocycles are synthesized from 5-aminopyrazoles using an inexpensive and non-toxic CuCl catalyst. The N-arylation process is very selective and does not require any ligands.
Stereoselective synthesis of allele-specific BET inhibitors
Authors: Bond Adam G. , Testa Andrea , Ciulli Alessio
Published: August 2020

Developing stereoselective synthetic routes that are efficient and cost-effective allows easy access to allele-selective bumped BET inhibitors.
BODIPY bearing alkylthienyl side chains: a new building block to design conjugated polymers with near infrared absorption for organic photovoltaics
Authors: Wang Yinghui , Miao Junhui , Dou Chuandong , Liu Jun , Wang Lixiang
Published: August 2020

A new benzene-fused BODIPY unit for designing polymer donors with near-infrared absorption for organic photovoltaics.
Evaluating the bis-isoxazole core for energetic heterocyclic-based oligomers
Authors: Manes Taylor A. , Imler Gregory H. , Sullivan Kyle T. , Bukovsky Eric V.
Published: August 2020

Heterocyclic energetic polymers can bridge the gap between inert and detonable energetic materials.
A facile composite nanoparticle promoted by photoelectron transfer and consumption for tumor combination therapy
Authors: Zhang Yahui , Sha Weizhou , Liu Yang , Wang Wei , Yuan Zhi
Published: August 2020

BTCu NPs can cause significant lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, thus indicating a lysosomal–mitochondrial death pathway in cancer cells.