bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluid-mediated, brittle–ductile deformation at seismogenic depth – Part 2: Stress history and fluid pressure variations in a shear zone in a nuclear waste repository (Olkiluoto Island, Finland)
Authors: Prando Francesca , Menegon Luca , Anderson Mark , Marchesini Barbara , Mattila Jussi , Viola Giulio
Published: April 2020

Abstract. The microstructural record of fault rocks active at the brittle–ductile transition zone (BDTZ) may retain information on the rheological parameters driving the switch in deformation mode and on the role of stress and fluid pressure in controlling different fault slip behaviours. In this study we analysed the deformation microstructures of the strike-slip fault zone BFZ045 in Olkiluoto (SW Finland), located in the site of a deep geological repository for nuclear waste. We combined microstructural analysis, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and mineral chemistry data to reconstruct the variations in pressure, temperature, fluid pressure, and differential stress that mediated deformation and strain localization along BFZ045 across the BDTZ. BFZ045 exhibits a mixed ductile–brittle deformation, with a narrow (<20 cm thick) brittle fault core with cataclasites and pseudotachylytes that overprint a wider (60–100 cm thick) quartz-rich mylonite. Mylonitic deformation took place at 400–500 ∘C and 3–4 kbar, typical of the greenschist facies metamorphism at the base of the seismogenic crust. We used the recrystallized grain size piezometry for quartz to document a progressive increase in differential stress, from ca. 50 to ca. 120 MPa, towards the shear zone centre during mylonitization and strain localization. Syn-kinematic quartz veins formed along the mylonitic foliation due to transiently high pore fluid pressure (up to lithostatic value). The overprint of the veins by dynamic recrystallization and mylonitic creep is further evidence of the occurrence of brittle events under overall ductile conditions. We propose a conceptual model in which the ductile–brittle deformation cycle was controlled by transient oscillations in fluid pressure and progressively higher differential stress, possibly occurring in a narrowing shear zone deforming towards the peak strength of the crust at the BDTZ.
Establishment of a reliable change index for the GAD-7
Authors: Bischoff Thomas , Anderson Shayne R. , Heafner Joy , Tambling Rachel
Published: April 2020

Aim

It is increasingly important for mental healthcare providers and researchers to reliably assess client change, particularly with common presenting problems such as anxiety. The current study addresses this need by establishing a Reliable Change Index of 6 points for the GAD-7.

Method

Sample size included 116 online community participants using Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk) and archival data for 332 clinical participants. Participants completed measures of the GAD-7 and the MDI in 2 rounds. Using previously established cutoff scores and Jacobson and Truax’s (1991) method, we establish a Reliable Change Index which, when applied to 2 administrations of the GAD-7, indicates if a client has experienced meaningful change.

Results

For the GAD-7, the mean score for the clinical sample was 10.57. For the community sample at Time 1, the mean score was 4.14. A Pearson’s correlation was computed to assess the 14-28-day test-retest reliability of the GAD-7, r(110) = .87, indicating good test-retest reliability.

Conclusion

Using the RCI equation, this resulted in an RCI of 5.59. For practical use the RCI would be rounded to 6.
Influence of Professional Self-concept, Job Overload and Perceived Organizational Support on Job Involvement in Clinical Nurses
Authors: Han Soo Jung , Koo Hyun Young
Published: April 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of professional self-concept, job overload, and perceived organizational support on job involvement in clinical nurses. Methods: The participants in this study were 232 nurses who were working in five general hospitals in city D. Data was collected using self-reported questionnaires from August 16 to September 15, 2016. The data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS 19.0 program. Results: Job involvement of clinical nurses was influenced by professional self-concept, perceived organizational support, turnover intention, age, and monthly income. These variables explained 47.6% of job involvement of clinical nurses, and professional self-concept was the most significant factor in job involvement. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the job involvement of clinical nurses is influenced by professional self-concept and perceived organizational support. Consequently, it is necessary to increase professional self-concept and perceived organizational support for nurses' job involvement.
Mentoring Experience of Nursing Students Participating in a Health Promotion Program for Elementary School Students
Authors: Kim Sungjae , Bang Kyung Sook , Kang Kyungim , Song Minkyung
Published: April 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the monitoring experience of nursing students and to suggest considerations when developing mentoring programs. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted by online surveys and individual interviews with 7 nursing students who participated in the health promotion program as mentors. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis to identify motives for participating in mentoring and to explore their changes through mentoring. Results: The results were as follows: Motives for participating were 'inquisitiveness about children', 'interest in mentoring activities' and 'curiosity about research'. Recognition of mentor roles were 'actively involved guide', 'exemplary role model' and 'empathetic emotional supporter'. Changes through mentoring experiences were revealed by 'understanding the characteristics of children', 'improvement of interaction ability with children', 'understanding self and changes' and 'recognition of excellence in forest activities'. Conclusion: Nursing students had opportunities to learn the characteristics of general children and to understand themselves through natural interaction. Participation in mentoring has the potential to be a creative educational method of field learning as a form of service learning.
Diego Martín Lafuente
Authors: Rodríguez René , Albadalejo Carlos , Casado Martínez Carlos
Published: April 2020

Desde su experiencia como diseñador y arquitecto de la información, Diego Martín Lafuente nos habla sobre el diseño de sitios web. Este argentino, radicado en Barcelona, es defensor del uso de estándares para el diseño de páginas en Internet y manifiesta que el usuario utiliza la red principalmente para buscar información.
Direct ETTIN-auxin interaction controls chromatin states in gynoecium development
Authors: Kuhn André , Ramans Harborough Sigurd , McLaughlin Heather M , Natarajan Bhavani , Verstraeten Inge , Friml Jiří , Kepinski Stefan , Østergaard Lars
Published: April 2020

Hormonal signalling in animals often involves direct transcription factor-hormone interactions that modulate gene expression. In contrast, plant hormone signalling is most commonly based on de-repression via the degradation of transcriptional repressors. Recently, we uncovered a non-canonical signalling mechanism for the plant hormone auxin whereby auxin directly affects the activity of the atypical auxin response factor (ARF), ETTIN towards target genes without the requirement for protein degradation. Here we show that ETTIN directly binds auxin, leading to dissociation from co-repressor proteins of the TOPLESS/TOPLESS-RELATED family followed by histone acetylation and induction of gene expression. This mechanism is reminiscent of animal hormone signalling as it affects the activity towards regulation of target genes and provides the first example of a DNA-bound hormone receptor in plants. Whilst auxin affects canonical ARFs indirectly by facilitating degradation of Aux/IAA repressors, direct ETTIN-auxin interactions allow switching between repressive and de-repressive chromatin states in an instantly-reversible manner.
High-phytate/low-calcium diet is a risk factor for crystal nephropathies, renal phosphate wasting, and bone loss
Authors: Kim Ok-Hee , Booth Carmen J , Choi Han Seok , Lee Jinwook , Kang Jinku , Hur June , Jung Woo Jin , Jung Yun-Shin , Choi Hyung Jin , Kim Hyeonjin , Auh Joong-Hyuck , Kim Jung-Wan , Cha Ji-Young , Lee Young Jae , Lee Cheol Soon , Choi Cheolsoo , Jung Yun Jae , Yang Jun-Young , Im Seung-Soon , Lee Dae Ho , Cho Sun Wook , Kim Young-Bum , Park Kyong Soo , Park Young Joo , Oh Byung-Chul
Published: April 2020

Phosphate overload contributes to mineral bone disorders that are associated with crystal nephropathies. Phytate, the major form of phosphorus in plant seeds, is known as an indigestible and of negligible nutritional value in humans. However, the mechanism and adverse effects of high-phytate intake on Ca2+and phosphate absorption and homeostasis are unknown. Here, we show that excessive intake of phytate along with a low-Ca2+diet fed to rats contributed to the development of crystal nephropathies, renal phosphate wasting, and bone loss through tubular dysfunction secondary to dysregulation of intestinal calcium and phosphate absorption. Moreover, Ca2+supplementation alleviated the detrimental effects of excess dietary phytate on bone and kidney through excretion of undigested Ca2+-phytate, which prevented a vicious cycle of intestinal phosphate overload and renal phosphate wasting while improving intestinal Ca2+bioavailability. Thus, we demonstrate that phytate is digestible without a high-Ca2+diet and is a risk factor for phosphate overloading and for the development of crystal nephropathies and bone disease.
Deconvolute individual genomes from metagenome sequences through short read clustering
Authors: Li Kexue , Lu Yakang , Deng Li , Wang Lili , Shi Lizhen , Wang Zhong
Published: April 2020

Metagenome assembly from short next-generation sequencing data is a challenging process due to its large scale and computational complexity. Clustering short reads by species before assembly offers a unique opportunity for parallel downstream assembly of genomes with individualized optimization. However, current read clustering methods suffer either false negative (under-clustering) or false positive (over-clustering) problems. Here we extended our previous read clustering software, SpaRC, by exploiting statistics derived from multiple samples in a dataset to reduce the under-clustering problem. Using synthetic and real-world datasets we demonstrated that this method has the potential to cluster almost all of the short reads from genomes with sufficient sequencing coverage. The improved read clustering in turn leads to improved downstream genome assembly quality.
O SABER REFLEXIVO-COLABORATIVO NO ENSINO E APRENDIZAGEM DE PORTUGUÊS LÍNGUA ESTRANGEIRA: significados construídos na interação do par mais experiente com o professor em formação
Authors: Gómez Marina Ayumi Izaki , Viana Nelson
Published: April 2020

Um dos grandes desafios na formação de professores é lidar com o distanciamento entre teoria e prática (LEFFA, 2006). Esse tema tem sido foco de discussão promovida por diversos autores da área de ensino de línguas, o que corrobora a sua relevância investigativa. No que se refere à área de Português Língua Estrangeira (PLE), mesmo com a crescente demanda pela aprendizagem do idioma por estrangeiros, “chama a atenção o fato de haver ainda tão pouca pesquisa na área de formação do professor de PLE” (DUTRA, 2010, p.13). Levando em consideração a escassez de estudos sobre a formação desse profissional, objetivamos neste artigo apresentar e discutir significados construídos na interação do par mais experiente com professores em formação que compuseram parte dos resultados obtidos em pesquisa de doutorado. Os aportes reflexivo e sociocultural fundamentaram o estudo. Criar oportunidades para que o professor em formação possa discutir sua prática e a de seus colegas é imprescindível para desenvolver o processo reflexivo sobre o dizer e o fazer pedagógicos e o par mais experiente como mediador dessa ação pode potencialmente colaborar para construção de percepção crítica. Sob o paradigma qualitativo de base etnográfica e interpretativista foram analisadas interações, envolvendo professores em formação e um par mais experiente, priorizando-se o processo de construção de significados acerca da reflexão sobre a prática.  Os professores em formação (graduandos em Letras) ministraram cursos de PLE, vinculados a Projeto de Extensão do Departamento de Letras de uma universidade pública do interior paulista. O par mais experiente é professora e pesquisadora da referida área. Com base nos resultados alcançados, concluímos que a ação de pelo menos um par mais experiente tem potencial para auxiliar os professores de PLE na construção de reflexão de modo colaborativo por meio da interação. Como desdobramentos dessa pesquisa de doutorado, foi proposto um organograma base (incluído neste artigo), de trabalho colaborativo em PLE e do Saber Reflexivo-Colaborativo, na formação de professores.
Ética e formação linguística para a vida acadêmica: o projeto Ifa e a internacionalização na Ufpr
Authors: Picanço Deise Cristina De Lima
Published: April 2020

Este artigo trata do processo institucional de internacionalização da UFPR, que coincide com o de outras universidades brasileiras e se intensificou nos últimos anos, em especial entre 2010 e 2015, com o aumento dos investimentos nas universidades e a ampliação do número de programas de pós-graduação, de convênios com universidades de outros países e de programas de mobilidade acadêmica. Esses investimentos deram visibilidade à necessidade de se ampliar a interlocução e cooperação acadêmica e científica com pesquisadores do mundo todo. Durante os últimos anos, diversas iniciativas e projetos, como o IFA (Formação em Línguas para Fins Acadêmicos), buscaram suprir essas demandas em ações institucionais, isoladas entre si, mas com diferentes papeis na formação acadêmica dos estudantes. Em abril de 2018 foi aprovado o Plano Institucional de Internacionalização da UFPR, que define objetivos para as dimensões de ensino, pesquisa, extensão e cultura. Além disso, define também as ações que compõem uma política linguística institucional que privilegia a língua inglesa, conflitando com a perspectiva multilingue e multicultural do documento. Para compreendermos de que forma o Plano pretende articular as ações já existentes com o atual projeto institucional de internacionalização, pretendemos primeiro contextualizar esse processo na UFPR, e depois tratar das perspectivas formativas do projeto IFA. Para problematizar o contexto e as diretrizes que configuram ao Plano Institucional, nos baseamos nas reflexões de Boaventura Souza Santos sobre os desafios das universidades no mundo globalizado do século XXI. O autor contrapõe um projeto mercodológico e produtivista a um projeto transnacional solidário, e se pergunta de que lado estará a universidade. A partir dessa reflexão, avaliamos as políticas linguísticas de internacionalização da UFPR, contrapondo-as à perspectiva de formação do IFA, pautada pela ética responsiva bakhtiniana.
The re‐occurrence of cardiomyopathy in propionic acidemia after liver transplantation
Authors: Berry Gerard T. , Blume Elizabeth D. , Wessel Ann , Singh Tajinder , Hecht Leah , Marsden Deborah , Sahai Inderneel , Elisofon Scott , Ferguson Michael , Kim Heung Bae , Harris David J. , Demirbas Didem , Almuqbil Mohammed , Nyhan William L.
Published: April 2020

Cardiomyopathy is a frequent complication of propionic acidemia (PA). It is often fatal, and its occurrence is largely independent of classic metabolic treatment modalities. Liver transplantation (LT) is a treatment option for severe PA as the liver plays a vital role in metabolism of the precursors that accumulate in patients with PA. LT in PA is now considered to be a long‐lasting and valid treatment to prevent cardiac disease. The subject of this report had severe cardiomyopathy that largely disappeared prior to undergoing a LT. Three years following the transplant, there was recurrence of cardiomyopathy following a surgery that was complicated with a postoperative aspiration pneumonia. On his last hospital admission, he was presented with pulmonary edema and heart failure. He continued with episodes of intractable hypotension, despite maximum inotropic and diuretic support. He died following redirection of care. We conclude that lethal cardiomyopathy may develop several years after successful LT in patients with PA.
Dry season circulation‐type classification applied to precipitation and temperature in the Peruvian Andes
Authors: Bonshoms Martí , Álvarez‐Garcia Francisco J. , Ubeda Jose , Cabos William , Quispe Kelita , Liguori Giovanni
Published: April 2020

We present the first systematic classification of circulation regimes that characterize the Tropical Andes during the dry season (May–August). We apply the hierarchical k‐means clustering method to ERA‐Interim reanalysis data of daily mean geopotential height at 500‐ and 200‐hPa levels for the period 1981–2015. Specifically, by combining the variability in intensity and location of geopotential anomalies we identify 12 circulation types (CTs). We then establish the relationship between the CTs and surface conditions in the Peruvian Andes (PA) analysing high‐resolution gridded datasets of daily mean temperature and rainfall. Our results indicate that intense precipitations and low minimum temperatures are often associated with an Upper Tropospheric Trough (UTT) centred at subtropical latitudes (~30°S) and between 80° and 70°W of longitude. Moreover, drier and warmer conditions across the entire PA region are largely associated with three anticyclonic CTs. Strong negative anomalies in daily maximum (minimum) temperatures can be related to the effect of day (night) cloudiness in the radiative balance, but also to subtropical cold air advections favoured by the UTT. While CTs featuring warmer (colder) conditions have become more (less) frequent in the last decades of the record, there is no systematic link between positive or negative trends in occurrence and the wetter and drier character of the CTs. The annual frequencies of 10 CTs are significantly correlated with El Niño‐Southern Oscillation, with warmer and drier (cooler and wetter) CTs generally preceded by an El Niño (La Niña) in the previous wet season.
Frequency‐swept high‐repetition rate optical source
Authors: Finot Christophe
Published: April 2020

We propose and numerically validate an all‐optical scheme to generate optical pulse trains with varying temporal pulse‐to‐pulse delay and pulse duration. Our simulations confirm that applying a temporal sinusoidal phase modulation followed by a shaping of the spectral phase is efficient to maintain high‐quality Gaussian temporal profiles.
A density functional theory study of the stereoselectivity of Cu(OTf)2‐catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition of trifluoromethylated N‐acylhydrazones and isoprene: A concerted asynchronous mechanism
Authors: Tang Jing , Xu Dong‐Hui , Wang Xin , Li Laicai , Liu Xiang‐Yang , Su Xin‐Tong , Guo Jianmin , Zhai Bin
Published: April 2020

Here we employ density functional theory calculations to systematically investigate the underlying mechanism of Cu(OTf)2‐catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition reactions in the synthesis of CF3‐substituted pyrazolidines. About eight possible initial configurations of the [3+2] reaction is considered, and all relevant reactants, transition states, and products are optimized. Based on these structures, internal reaction coordinate paths, and wavefunction analysis results, we conclude that the Cu(OTf)2‐catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition follows a concerted asynchronous mechanism. The CN bond forms immediately after the formation of the CC bond. Among the eight reaction paths, the energy barrier for the [3+2] reaction that leads to the CF3‐substituted syn‐pyrazolidine is the lowest, ∼5.4 kcal/mol, which might result in the diastereoselectivity that is observed in the experiment. This work not only gives the detailed mechanism of the Cu(OTf)2‐catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition but can also be helpful for the future designation of Cu(OTf)2‐based cycloaddition processes.
Early life exposures and risk of adult respiratory disease during 50 years of follow-up
Authors: Johansson Carl J. , Nilsson Peter M. , Ignell Claes
Published: April 2020

Adult health is influenced by factors during fetal life affecting organ development and birth weight. We aimed to study such factors in relation to adult respiratory disease (ARD) risk. The Helsingborg Birth Cohort, Sweden, contributed baseline data collected by medical staff through clinical examination and questionnaires on maternal and birth characteristics 1964–1967. Register linkages were performed with completions of data on ARD by ICD 8–10 classifications (1969–2016), and/or ARD-related drug usage (2005–2016) enabling a 50-year follow-up time. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were made to adjust for potential confounders, adjusted hazard ratio (aHR). A total of 3675 mothers and their offspring were included. Female offspring showed higher frequency of ARD than males, aHR 1.5 (95% CI 1.3–1.8). Maternal use of sedatives during second trimester, aHR 2.2 (95% CI 1.4–3.4), and maternal smoking during most of pregnancy, aHR 1.2 (95% CI 1.0–1.4), were associated with offspring ARD. Stratified by sex, large-for-gestational-age, aHR 1.4 (95% CI 1.0–1.9), was significantly associated with ARD in female offspring along with maternal sedative use during second trimester and maternal smoking during most of pregnancy. Maternal sedative use during second trimester or all trimesters were the only significant risk factors for male offspring. In conclusion, maternal sedative use in second trimester was independently associated with subsequent respiratory disease in adult offspring irrespective of sex.
Assessment by Comparative Judgement: An Application to Secondary Statistics and English in New Zealand
Authors: Marshall Neil , Shaw Kirsten , Hunter Jodie , Jones Ian
Published: April 2020

There is growing interest in using comparative judgement to assess student work as an alternative to traditional marking. Comparative judgement requires no rubrics and is instead grounded in experts making pairwise judgements about the relative ‘quality’ of students’ work according to a high level criterion. The resulting decision data are fitted to a statistical model to produce a score for each student. Cited benefits of comparative judgement over traditional methods include increased reliability, validity and efficiency of assessment processes. We investigated whether such claims apply to summative statistics and English assessments in New Zealand. Experts comparatively judged students’ responses to two national assessment tasks, and the reliability and validity of the outcomes were explored using standard techniques. We present evidence that the comparative judgement process efficiently produced reliable and valid assessment outcomes. We consider the limitations of the study, and make suggestions for further research and potential applications.
Distribution and Properties of Magnetic Flux Ropes in Titan's Ionosphere
Authors: Martin C. J. , Arridge C. S. , Badman S. V. , Russell C. T. , Wei H.
Published: April 2020

Titan's magnetic environment is a dynamic and unique place. We detect 85 flux ropes during all the Cassini flybys of Titan from 2005–2017. Analysis describing the location of flux ropes in Titan's ionosphere as well as where Titan is in Saturn's magnetosphere shows that the flux ropes are more often found when Titan is in the noon sector of Saturn's magnetosphere. A secondary peak of occurrence is found in the postmidnight area, where it is expected that Saturn's magnetosphere is highly dynamic. We also find that the flux rope occurrence is correlated with the average electron density profile of Titan's ionosphere. A force‐free model is utilized to estimate the radii and core magnetic field strength of the flux ropes. We find a large range of radii from 150–500 km with a small number of very large flux ropes (500–1,000 km) and a range of core field strengths of 1–15 nT, again with some much larger values(20–40 nT). The model also shows that more flux ropes are right‐handed than left‐handed in twist; however, we are unable to determine if there is a physical reason or if this is due to an observer bias. Additionally, we evaluate the goodness of fit for the model in each instance and conclude that, on average, the flux ropes may be better represented by a non‐force‐free model.
Author Correction: Lack of adrenomedullin in mouse endothelial cells results in defective angiogenesis, enhanced vascular permeability, less metastasis, and less brain damage
Authors: Ochoa-Callejero Laura , Pozo-Rodrigálvarez Andrea , Martínez-Murillo Ricardo , Martínez Alfredo
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Ultrafast optical integration and pattern classification for neuromorphic photonics based on spiking VCSEL neurons
Authors: Robertson Joshua , Hejda Matěj , Bueno Julián , Hurtado Antonio
Published: April 2020

In today’s data-driven world, the ability to process large data volumes is crucial. Key tasks, such as pattern recognition and image classification, are well suited for artificial neural networks (ANNs) inspired by the brain. Neuromorphic computing approaches aimed towards physical realizations of ANNs have been traditionally supported by micro-electronic platforms, but recently, photonic techniques for neuronal emulation have emerged given their unique properties (e.g. ultrafast operation, large bandwidths, low cross-talk). Yet, hardware-friendly systems of photonic spiking neurons able to perform processing tasks at high speeds and with continuous operation remain elusive. This work provides a first experimental report of Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser-based spiking neurons demonstrating different functional processing tasks, including coincidence detection and pattern recognition, at ultrafast rates. Furthermore, our approach relies on simple hardware implementations using off-the-shelf components. These results therefore hold exciting prospects for novel, compact and high-speed neuromorphic photonic platforms for future computing and Artificial Intelligence systems.
Ni-Catalyzed hydrocyanation of alkenes with formamide as the cyano source
Authors: Shu Xiao , Jiang Yuan-Yuan , Kang Lei , Yang Luo
Published: April 2020

A novel Ni-catayzed hydrocyanation of various alkenes to provide aliphatic nitriles is developed by generating hydrocyanic acidin situfrom safe and readily available formamide.
Soft X-ray laser ablation for nano-scale chemical mapping microanalysis
Authors: Bleiner Davide , Juha Libor , Qu Di
Published: April 2020

Laser-assisted microanalysis and SXR/XUV-assisted nano-analysis offers the advantage of determining the spatially resolved composition in 3D.
A low-loading Ru-rich anode catalyst for high-power anion exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Tatus-Portnoy Zhanna , Kitayev Anna , Vineesh Thazhe Veettil , Tal-Gutelmacher Ervin , Page Miles , Zitoun David
Published: April 2020

Herein, we report a Ru-rich anode catalyst for alkaline exchange membrane fuel cells. At 80 °C, a fuel cell with a RuPdIr/C anode and Ag based cathode attained a peak power density close to 1 W cm−2 with 0.2 mg cm−2 anode loading in comparison to 0.77 W cm−2 for the cell tested with the same metal loading of Pt.
Visible-light photoswitching of ligand binding mode suggests G-quadruplex DNA as a target for photopharmacology
Authors: O’Hagan Michael P. , Ramos-Soriano Javier , Haldar Susanta , Sheikh Sadiyah , Morales Juan C. , Mulholland Adrian J. , Galan M. Carmen
Published: April 2020

A pyridinium-decorated photoresponsive dithienylethene selectively targets G-quadruplex DNA, allowing binding mode and toxicity to be controlled exclusively with visible light.
Peculiarities of Br⋯Br bonding in crystal structures of polybromides and bromine solvates
Authors: Vologzhanina Anna V. , Buikin Petr A. , Korlyukov Alexander A.
Published: April 2020

Analysis of supramolecular associates formed by Br⋯Br interactions in crystals of 204 polybromide and bromine-containing compounds has been carried out.
What does carbon tolerant really mean?Operandovibrational studies of carbon accumulation on novel solid oxide fuel cell anodes prepared by infiltration
Authors: Welander Martha M. , Drasbæk Daniel B. , Traulsen Marie L. , Sudireddy Bhaskar R. , Holtappels Peter , Walker Robert A.
Published: April 2020

In operandostudies of carbon formation on novel niobium doped SrTiO3based SOFC anodes.
Theoretical study of the mechanism behind the site- and enantio-selectivity of C–H functionalization catalysed by chiral dirhodium catalyst
Authors: Zhou Meijuan , Springborg Michael
Published: April 2020

A detailed mechanism for the high site- and enantio-selectivity of C–H bond functionalization when using a chiral dirhodium catalyst is presented.
PGR5 is required for efficient Q cycle in the cytochrome b6f complex during cyclic electron flow
Authors: Buchert Felix , Mosebach Laura , Gäbelein Philipp , Hippler Michael
Published: April 2020

Proton gradient regulation 5 (PGR5) is involved in the control of photosynthetic electron transfer, but its mechanistic role is not yet clear. Several models have been proposed to explain phenotypes such as a diminished steady-state proton motive force (pmf) and increased photodamage of photosystem I (PSI). Playing a regulatory role in cyclic electron flow (CEF) around PSI, PGR5 contributes indirectly to PSI protection by enhancing photosynthetic control, which is a pH-dependent down-regulation of electron transfer at the cytochrome b6f complex (b6f). Here, we re-evaluated the role of PGR5 in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and conclude that pgr5 possesses a dysfunctional b6f. Our data indicate that the b6f low-potential chain redox activity likely operated in two distinct modes — via the canonical Q cycle during linear electron flow and via an alternative Q cycle during CEF, which allowed efficient oxidation of the low-potential chain in the WT b6f. A switch between the two Q cycle modes was dependent on PGR5 and relied on unknown stromal electron carrier(s), which were a general requirement for b6f activity. In CEF-favoring conditions, the electron transfer bottleneck in pgr5 was the b6f, in which insufficient low-potential chain redox tuning might account for the mutant pmf phenotype. By attributing a ferredoxin-plastoquinone reductase activity to the b6f and investigating a PGR5 cysteine mutant, a current model of CEF is challenged.
MicroRNAs and long non-coding RNAs as novel regulators of ribosome biogenesis
Authors: McCool Mason A. , Bryant Carson J. , Baserga Susan J.
Published: April 2020

Ribosome biogenesis is the fine-tuned, essential process that generates mature ribosomal subunits and ultimately enables all protein synthesis within a cell. Novel regulators of ribosome biogenesis continue to be discovered in higher eukaryotes. While many known regulatory factors are proteins or small nucleolar ribonucleoproteins, microRNAs (miRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as a novel modulatory layer controlling ribosome production. Here, we summarize work uncovering non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as novel regulators of ribosome biogenesis and highlight their links to diseases of defective ribosome biogenesis. It is still unclear how many miRNAs or lncRNAs are involved in phenotypic or pathological disease outcomes caused by impaired ribosome production, as in the ribosomopathies, or by increased ribosome production, as in cancer. In time, we hypothesize that many more ncRNA regulators of ribosome biogenesis will be discovered, which will be followed by an effort to establish connections between disease pathologies and the molecular mechanisms of this additional layer of ribosome biogenesis control.
Veranstaltungsankündigung
Authors: Bundschu Marion
Published: April 2020

Der Schulungsort ist das Hotel Seligweiler (Seligweiler 1, 89081 Ulm-Seligweiler). Weitere Informationen zu den Veranstaltungen finden Sie unter
www.wbs-ulm.de

.
Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery in Early Stage of Pediatric Pleural Empyema Improves Outcome
Authors: Pogorelić Zenon , Bjelanović Dora , Gudelj Ružica , Jukić Miro , Petrić Jasna , Furlan Dubravko
Published: April 2020

Objectives The aim of this study was to observe outcomes of early decortication in a treatment of pleural empyema using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

Methods The case records of 21 pediatric patients who underwent VATS for empyema between 2009 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were observed based on demographic, laboratory, and clinical data, as well as treatment outcomes.

Results Out of a total of 59 patients treated for pleural empyema, 21 (10 male and 11 female) children with a median age of 5 years (interquartile range [IQR] 2.8; 6.0) received VATS. The empyema was classified as stage I in 2 patients (9.5%), stage II in 4 patients (19%), and stage III in 15 patients (71.5%). Median surgical time was 60 minutes (IQR 50; 90). There were 2 (9.5%) postoperative complications and 1 recurrence (4.8%). Children treated in stages I and II showed significantly better postoperative results compared with the children treated in stage III. Length of hospital stay (8 vs. 10 days; p = 0.01), length of intensive care unit stay (1 vs. 5 days; p < 0.001), duration of chest tube drainage (4 vs. 6 days; p = 0.043), duration of postoperative fever (1.5 vs. 4 days; p = 0.001), and surgical time (40 vs. 70 minutes; p < 0.001) were significantly shorter in children operated in stages I and II than in stage III.

Conclusion Early decortication using a VATS is a successful, effective, and easily performed surgical method in the treatment of pediatric pleural empyema, as well as a method that significantly improves recovery time and shortens the hospital stay.
Hepatic stellate cell–specific knockout of transcriptional intermediary factor 1γ aggravates liver fibrosis
Authors: Lee Eun Ju , Hwang Injoo , Lee Ji Yeon , Park Jong Nam , Kim Keun Cheon , Kim Irene , Moon Dodam , Park Hyomin , Lee Seo-Yeon , Kim Hong Sug , Jun Dae Won , Park Sung-Hye , Kim Hyo-Soo
Published: April 2020

Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is a crucial factor in fibrosis, and transcriptional intermediary factor 1γ (TIF1γ) is a negative regulator of the TGFβ pathway; however, its role in liver fibrosis is unknown. In this study, mesenchymal stem cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hE-MSCs) that secrete hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) were used to observe the repair of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis. Our results showed that TIF1γ was significantly decreased in LX2 cells when exposed to TGFβ1. Such decrease of TIF1γ was significantly prevented by co-culture with hE-MSCs. Interaction of TIF1γ with SMAD2/3 and binding to the promoter of the α-smooth muscle gene (αSMA) suppressed αSMA expression. Phosphorylation of cAMP response element–binding protein (CREB) and binding on the TIF1γ promoter region induced TIF1γ expression. Furthermore, hepatic stellate cell–specific TIF1γ-knockout mice showed aggravation of liver fibrosis. In conclusion, loss of TIF1γ aggravates fibrosis, suggesting that a strategy to maintain TIF1γ during liver injury would be a promising therapeutic approach to prevent or reverse liver fibrosis.
Exercise restriction is protective for genotype-positive family members of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy patients
Authors: Wang Weijia , Tichnell Crystal , Murray Brittney A , Agafonova Julia , Cadrin-Tourigny Julia , Chelko Stephen , Tandri Harikrishna , Calkins Hugh , James Cynthia A
Published: April 2020

Aims

In arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) patients, exercise worsens disease course, so exercise restriction is recommended. However, recommendations for genotype-positive ARVC family members is incompletely resolved. We aimed to provide evidence for exercise recommendations for genotype-positive ARVC family members.

Methods and results

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy family members inheriting a pathogenic desmosomal variant were interviewed about exercise history from age 10. Exercise was characterized by duration, intensity, and dose (duration*intensity). Associations between exercise and (i) diagnosis by 2010 Task Force Criteria and (ii) development of sustained ventricular arrhythmias were examined. The study included 101 family members (age: 40.5 ± 19.3 years, male: 41%, Plakophilin-2 variant: 81%). Forty-four individuals (44%) met diagnostic criteria and 16 (16%) experienced sustained ventricular arrhythmia. Individuals who met diagnostic criteria had significantly higher average exercise duration and dose, but not peak intensity than those who did not. Only one individual who exercised below the American Heart Association recommended minimum (650 metabolic equivalent of task-hours/year) met diagnostic criteria or experienced sustained ventricular arrhythmia as opposed to 50% of individuals who exceeded it (adjusted odds ratio = 0.03, 95% confidence interval 0.003–0.26). The difference in exercise exposure between affected and unaffected individuals was more striking in females than in males. Females who had done high-dose exercise in adolescence had the worst survival free from diagnosis (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

In phenotype-negative ARVC family members with a pathogenic desmosomal variant, athletic activities should be limited, particularly exercise dose. Exercise may play a greater role in promoting disease in female family members.
Optimized Model Parameterization using Compact Full Waveform Inversion
Authors: Xu Linan , Manukyan Edgar , Maurer Hansruedi
Published: April 2020

Seismic Full Waveform Inversion (FWI) has the potential to produce high-resolution subsurface images, but the computational resources required for realistically sized problems can be prohibitively large. In terms of computational costs, Gauss-Newton algorithms are more attractive than the commonly employed conjugate gradient methods, because the former have favorable convergence properties. However, efficient implementations of Gauss-Newton algorithms require an excessive amount of computer memory for larger problems. To address this issue, we introduce Compact Full Waveform Inversion (CFWI). Here, a suitable inverse model parameterization is sought that allows representing all subsurface features, potentially resolvable by a particular source-receiver deployment, but using only a minimum number of model parameters. In principle, an inverse model parameterization, based on the Eigenvalue decomposition, would be optimal, but this is computationally not feasible for realistic problems. Instead, we present two alternative parameter transformations, namely the Haar and the Hartley transformations, with which similarly good results can be obtained. By means of a suite of numerical experiments, we demonstrate that these transformations allow the number of model parameters to be reduced to only a few percent of the original parameterization without any significant loss of spatial resolution. This facilitates efficient solutions of large-scale FWI problems with explicit Gauss-Newton algorithms.
The single-sided pulsator CO Camelopardalis
Authors: Kurtz D W , Handler G , Rappaport S A , Saio H , Fuller J , Jacobs T , Schmitt A , Jones D , Vanderburg A , LaCourse D , Nelson L , Kahraman Aliçavuş F , Giarrusso M
Published: April 2020

CO Cam (TIC 160268882) is the second ‘single-sided pulsator’ to be discovered. These are stars where one hemisphere pulsates with a significantly higher amplitude than the other side of the star. CO Cam is a binary star comprised of an Am δ Sct primary star with Teff = 7070 ± 150 K, and a spectroscopically undetected G main-sequence secondary star. The dominant pulsating side of the primary star is centred on the L1 point. We have modelled the spectral energy distribution combined with radial velocities, and independently the TESS light curve combined with radial velocities. Both of these give excellent agreement and robust system parameters for both stars. The δ Sct star is an oblique pulsator with at least four low radial overtone (probably) f modes with the pulsation axis coinciding with the tidal axis of the star, the line of apsides. Preliminary theoretical modelling indicates that the modes must produce much larger flux perturbations near the L1 point, although this is difficult to understand because the pulsating star does not come near to filling its Roche lobe. More detailed models of distorted pulsating stars should be developed. These newly discovered single-sided pulsators offer new opportunities for astrophysical inference from stars that are oblique pulsators in close binary stars.
Infrared luminosity functions and dust mass functions in the EAGLE simulation
Authors: Baes Maarten , Trčka Ana , Camps Peter , Trayford James , Katsianis Antonios , Marchetti Lucia , Theuns Tom , Vaccari Mattia , Vandenbroucke Bert
Published: April 2020

We present infrared luminosity functions and dust mass functions for the EAGLE cosmological simulation, based on synthetic multiwavelength observations generated with the SKIRT radiative transfer code. In the local Universe, we reproduce the observed infrared luminosity and dust mass functions very well. Some minor discrepancies are encountered, mainly in the high luminosity regime, where the EAGLE-SKIRT luminosity functions mildly but systematically underestimate the observed ones. The agreement between the EAGLE-SKIRT infrared luminosity functions and the observed ones gradually worsens with increasing lookback time. Fitting modified Schechter functions to the EAGLE-SKIRT luminosity and dust mass functions at different redshifts up to z = 1, we find that the evolution is compatible with pure luminosity/mass evolution. The evolution is relatively mild: within this redshift range, we find an evolution of L⋆,250 ∝ (1 + z)1.68, L⋆,TIR ∝ (1 + z)2.51 and M⋆,dust ∝ (1 + z)0.83 for the characteristic luminosity/mass. For the luminosity/mass density we find ε250 ∝ (1 + z)1.62, εTIR ∝ (1 + z)2.35, and ρdust ∝ (1 + z)0.80, respectively. The mild evolution of the dust mass density is in relatively good agreement with observations, but the slow evolution of the infrared luminosity underestimates the observed luminosity evolution significantly. We argue that these differences can be attributed to increasing limitations in the radiative transfer treatment due to increasingly poorer resolution, combined with a slower than observed evolution of the SFR density in the EAGLE simulation and the lack of AGN emission in our EAGLE-SKIRT post-processing recipe.
Zebra2: advanced and easy-to-use web-server for bioinformatic analysis of subfamily-specific and conserved positions in diverse protein superfamilies
Authors: Suplatov Dmitry , Sharapova Yana , Geraseva Elizaveta , Švedas Vytas
Published: April 2020

Zebra2 is a highly automated web-tool to search for subfamily-specific and conserved positions (i.e. the determinants of functional diversity as well as the key catalytic and structural residues) in protein superfamilies. The bioinformatic analysis is facilitated by Mustguseal—a companion web-server to automatically collect and superimpose a large representative set of functionally diverse homologs with high structure similarity but low sequence identity to the selected query protein. The results are automatically prioritized and provided at four information levels to facilitate the knowledge-driven expert selection of the most promising positions on-line: as a sequence similarity network; interfaces to sequence-based and 3D-structure-based analysis of conservation and variability; and accompanied by the detailed annotation of proteins accumulated from the integrated databases with links to the external resources. The integration of Zebra2 and Mustguseal web-tools provides the first of its kind out-of-the-box open-access solution to conduct a systematic analysis of evolutionarily related proteins implementing different functions within a shared 3D-structure of the superfamily, determine common and specific patterns of function-associated local structural elements, assist to select hot-spots for rational design and to prepare focused libraries for directed evolution. The web-servers are free and open to all users at https://biokinet.belozersky.msu.ru/zebra2, no login required.
ObLiGaRe doxycycline Inducible (ODIn) Cas9 system driving pre-clinical drug discovery, from design to cancer treatment
Authors: Lundin Anders , Porritt Michelle J. , Jaiswal Himjyot , Seeliger Frank , Johansson Camilla , Bidar Abdel Wahad , Badertscher Lukas , Davies Emma J. , Hardaker Elizabeth , Martins Carla P. , Admyre Therese , Taheri-Ghahfarokhi Amir , Bradley Jenna , Schantz Anna , Alaeimahabadi Babak , Clausen Maryam , Xu Xiufeng , Mayr Lorenz M. , Nitsch Roberto , Bohlooly-Y Mohammad , Barry Simon T. , Maresca Marcello
Published: April 2020

The CRISPR-Cas9 system has increased the speed and precision of genetic editing in cells and animals. However, model generation for drug development is still expensive and time-consuming, demanding more target flexibility and faster turnaround times with high reproducibility. We have generated a tightly controlled ObLiGaRe doxycycline inducible SpCas9 (ODInCas9) transgene. Targeted ObLiGaRe resulted in functional integration into both human and mouse cells culminating in the generation of the ODInCas9 mouse. Genomic editing can be performed in cells of various tissue origins without any detectable gene editing in the absence of doxycycline. Somaticin vivoediting can model non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) adenocarcinomas, enabling treatment studies to validate the efficacy of candidate drugs. The ODInCas9 mouse can be utilized for robust and tunable genome editing allowing for flexibility, speed and uniformity at reduced cost, leading to high throughput and practical preclinicalin vivotherapeutic testing.
Diabetic phenotype in mouse and humans with β-amyloid pathology reduces the number of microglia around β-amyloid plaques
Authors: Natunen Teemu , Martiskainen Henna , Marttinen Mikael , Gabbouj Sami , Koivisto Hennariikka , Kemppainen Susanna , Kaipainen Satu , Takalo Mari , Svobodová Helena , Leppänen Luukas , Kemiläinen Benjam , Ryhänen Simo , Kuulasmaa Teemu , Rahunen Eija , Juutinen Sisko , Mäkinen Petra , Miettinen Pasi , Rauramaa Tuomas , Pihlajamäki Jussi , Haapasalo Annakaisa , Leinonen Ville , Tanila Heikki , Hiltunen Mikko
Published: April 2020

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Even though these two diseases share common molecular pathways, the mechanisms remain elusive. To shed light into these mechanisms, mice with different AD- and/or tauopathy-linked genetic backgrounds were utilized; APPswe/PS1dE9 (A+Tw), Tau P301L (AwT+), and APPswe/PS1dE9/Tau P301L (A+T+). Feeding these mice with typical Western diet (TWD) led to obesity and diabetic phenotype as compared to respective mice with a standard diet. TWD also exacerbated memory and learning impairment in A+Tw and AwT+, but not in A+T+ mice. Furthermore, RNA sequencing of mouse hippocampal samples revealed altered responses to AD-related pathologies in A+Tw and A+T+ mice upon TWD, pointing specifically towards aberrant microglial functionality and PI3K-Akt signaling. Accordingly, fewer microglia alongside an increased number of dystrophic neurites around β-amyloid plaques, and impaired PI3K-Akt signaling, were discovered in the hippocampus of TWD mice. Mechanistic elucidation revealed that disruption of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway by pharmacological or genetic approaches significantly decreased the phagocytic uptake and proinflammatory response as well as increased the activity of Syk-kinase upon ligand-induced activation of Trem2/Dap12 signaling in mouse microglia. Finally, characterization of microglial pathology in cortical biopsies of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) patients harboring β-amyloid plaques revealed a significant decrease in the number of microglia per β-amyloid plaque in obese iNPH patients with T2D as compared to both normal weight and obese iNPH patients without T2D. Collectively, these results suggest that the peripheral diabetic phenotype in mice and humans associates with reduced microglial response to β-amyloid pathology.