bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative responses of soybean (Glycine max), sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia), and Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) to root zone and aerial temperatures
Authors: Wright Shawn R. , Coble Harold D. , Raper C. David , Rufty Thomas W.
Published: May 2019

Experiments were conducted to compare germination efficiencies and vegetative growth of soybean and the competing weed species, sicklepod and Palmer amaranth, over a range of temperatures in the root zone and aerial environments. From genetic origins we hypothesized that the weeds would have a higher temperature optimum, which would help explain competitive interactions seen in the southeastern U.S. Germination experiments indicated that germination efficiency of the weeds was much more sensitive to low temperature than soybean, being markedly inhibited below 18 C. Similarly, experiments in an automated, temperature-controlled hydroponic system revealed that the weed species were less tolerant of low root zone temperature but more tolerant of high root zone temperature than soybean. At 16 C, dry weight of soybean was 74% of the control dry weight at 24 C, whereas dry weights of sicklepod and Palmer amaranth were 5 and 20% of the control, respectively. At 32 C, soybean root dry weight was only 80% of the 24 C treatment, whereas root dry weight of the weed species was not significantly different. When plants were grown at a low aerial temperature, growth of all plants was strongly inhibited] but the negative effects were somewhat more severe in the weed species than with soybean. An increase in aerial temperature from 26/22 C to 34/30 C (day/night) had a positive influence on dry matter accumulation of the weed species, stimulating sicklepod 150 to 200% and Palmer amaranth 150 to 1,600% compared to their respective controls, whereas soybean remained at about 80 to 90% of the control. All species grew taller with increasing temperature. Leaf area of the weeds increased but leaf area of soybean did not increase. Consistent with our original hypothesis, the results clearly show that the weeds, which originate from warm geographical regions, respond more negatively than soybean to low temperatures in the growth environment but more positively to high temperatures. The temperature characteristics help to explain why the intensity of weed pressure increases as the soybean growing season progresses, even after canopy closure.
Comparison of ALS inhibitor resistance and allelic interactions in shattercane accessions
Authors: Lee Chad D. , Martin Alex R. , Roeth Fred W. , Johnson Blaine E. , Lee Donald J.
Published: May 2019

Reports of unacceptable shattercane (Sorghum bicolor) control with acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides prompted the investigation of 29 fields in central and south-central Nebraska for ALS-resistant (ALSr) shattercane. These fields were located in three distinct geographical areas designated C, G, and P. Shattercane from 13 fields spanning all three areas was resistant to 80 g ai ha−1(2 X field rate) primisulfuron. Accessions C and G were more resistant than accession P to primisulfuron and nicosulfuron. Accessions C and G were susceptible to imazethapyr, whereas accession P was resistant. The ALS resistance was associated with alterations in the ALS enzyme. Primisulfuron I50values for ALS from ROX (forage sorghum), C, G, and P were 7, 8,510, 8,870, and 714 nM, respectively; nicosulfuron I50values were 647, 4,110, 4,070, and 1,460 nM, respectively; and imazethapyr I50values were 5,440, 13,100, 11,800, and 51,700 nM, respectively. Based on cross-resistance and enzyme sensitivities, at least two biotypes are represented in the three accessions of ALSr shattercane. Shattercane individuals from accessions C, G, and P were intercrossed to determine if the ALSr genes in each of the accessions were at independent loci. All the F2populations were resistant to 80 g ai ha−1primisulfuron, suggesting that the ALSr alleles in the three accessions are at the same locus or possibly linked loci. When the C, G, and P accessions were crossed with the wild type (WT), comparisons between the F1, susceptible, and resistant populations showed that primisulfuron resistance was expressed as a dominant, partially dominant, and additive trait for the C, G, and P accessions, respectively. The differences in ALSr allelic interactions indicate that primisulfuron resistance developed independently in each of the three accessions.
Glyphosate forOrobanche aegyptiacacontrol inVicia sativaandBrassica napus
Authors: Nandula Vijay K. , Foy Chester L. , Orcutt David M.
Published: May 2019

Use of glyphosate in controllingOrobanche aegyptiaca(broomrape), a parasitic weed on dicotyledonous crops, was examined by determining glyphosate dose response and14C-labeled glyphosate absorption, translocation, and metabolism patterns inVicia sativa(common vetch) that is tolerant of low levels of glyphosate andBrassica napus(oilseed rape) that has been genetically engineered to be glyphosate resistant. Glyphosate provided excellent suppression ofO. aegyptiacagrowth in bothV. sativaandB. napus.Absorption and translocation of14C-glyphosate was similar between parasitized and nonparasitizedV. sativaplants.14C-Glyphosate was metabolized up to 32% inV. sativa, which could account for some of the tolerance ofV. sativato glyphosate. Approximately 27% of translocated14C-glyphosate accumulated inO. aegyptiacaattachments onV. sativa.Absorption and translocation patterns of14C-glyphosate were similar between parasitized and nonparasitizedB. napusplants. Nearly one-third (31%) of the translocated radioactivity was found inO. aegyptiacaattachments onB. napus.No metabolism of14C-glyphosate was detected inB. napus.
Elektroconvulsietherapie (ECT) als behandelmogelijkheid voor motorische symptomen van M. Parkinson
Authors: Leentjens A.F.G. , van den Broek W.W. , Vreeling F.W. , Honig A.
Published: May 2019

Samenvatting

Naast de gangbare indicaties voor ECT op het gebied van de affectieve stoornissen, zijn ook positieve effecten van deze behandeling beschreven bij enkele neurologische ziektebeelden. De auteurs geven een overzicht van gepubliceerde onderzoeksresultaten en ziektegeschiedenissen met betrekking tot de effectiviteit van ECT bij de behandeling van motorische symptomen van Parkinson-patiënten met of zonder coëxistente depressieve stoornis. Het enige prospectieve gecontroleerde onderzoek maakt melding van een positief resultaat op de motorische symptomen dat tot zes weken na behandeling aanhoudt. Dit komt overeen met de resultaten van vrijwel alle open onderzoeken en gepubliceerde casus, waarbij verbeteringen beschreven worden, variërend van enkele weken tot vier juar. Twee open onderzoeken (één retrospectief en één prospectief) vinden geen effect op de motoriek.

De aangehaalde literatuur rechtvaardigt volgens de auteurs het opzetten van groter prospectief onderzoek naar de waarde van deze behandeling voor Parkinson-patiënten, en wel met name bij die groep patiënten waarbij de medicamenteuze behandelmogelijkheden uitgeput zijn.
Heritage Foodways as Matrix for Cultural Resurgence: Evidence from Rural Peru
Authors: Matta Raúl
Published: May 2019

This article explores critical directions in the study of cultural heritage and, in particular, food heritage research. Its goal is to deliver insight into local perspectives produced outside mainstream heritage organizations. Strategies implemented jointly by peasant farmers of rural Peru and non-governmental organizations committed to promoting cultural resurgence show how food discloses the symbiotic relation between nature and culture in these indigenous worlds, and allows for claims grounded in social, political, and economic imaginaries. The initiatives described in this article develop within transnational networks of partners and interlocutors but outside of universalist pretensions. They constitute food heritage that differs from that of global cultural actors such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the United Nations by addressing only the needs of local communities and not complying with mechanisms that bring prestige and revenues to states and powerful cultural entrepreneurs. Globally nurtured, but locally implemented, these locally based initiatives seek out and take advantage of opportunities in strategic, proactive fashions.
Effects of disturbance and rabbit grazing on seedling recruitment of six mesic grassland species
Authors: Edwards Grant R. , Crawley Michael J.
Published: May 2019

Seeds of two grass (Arrhenatherum elatius and Festuca rubra), two herb (Plantago lanceolata and Rumex acetosa) and two legume (Lotus corniculatus and Trifolium repens) species were sown in summer 1995 at four densities (no seed, 1000, 10 000 and 50 000 seeds m−2) into an established rabbit-grazed grassland given factorial combinations of rabbit fencing (with and without fences) and soil disturbance (with and without cultivation). On plots where no seeds were sown, only the species with persistent seed banks (P. lanceolata, L. corniculatus and T. repens) showed enhanced seedling emergence in response to disturbance. In disturbed soil, seedling densities of all species increased with increasing density of sown seeds, the effects of which were still evident for plant cover 2 years after seed sowing. In undisturbed vegetation, A. elatius, F. rubra, P. lanceolata and R. acetosa showed increased seedling densities following seed sowing; but in each case, there was an upper asymptote to seedling recruitment, presumably due to microsite limitation. Rabbit grazing reduced seedling densities, with this reduction being more pronounced with disturbance than without. However, the effect of rabbit grazing did not persist for some species; seedling mortality of R. acetosa, P. lanceolata, L. corniculatus and T. repens was higher on plots without rabbit grazing, so that plant densities of these species in summer 1996 and plant cover in summer 1997 were greater on grazed plots. The results indicate interactions between soil disturbance, propagule availability and herbivory, rather than disturbance alone, will play an important role in controlling seedling recruitment and species habitat distributions in grasslands.
Enabling Partnerships: Making them Work
Authors: Carpenter Barry
Published: May 2019

Defining the Family:“Paul is our son. We love him and we wanted him to have an ordinary life. Not much to ask for, an ordinary life ‐ but it can seem as distant as the moon when you are struggling to live with challenging behaviour.”A mother, quoted in the Mental Health Foundation Report (1997)
The Role of Tactical Emergency Medical Support in Hostage and Crisis Negotiations
Authors: Greenstone James L.
Published: May 2019

The use of tactical medics by members of hostage and crisis negotiations teams has not been examined in the literature or the field. Usually, negotiations teams are deployed within the confines of the established inner perimeter along with the tactical team and tactical medics. While the likelihood of injuries or performance degrading medical problems for negotiators is less than that expected for Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team members, they may occur and need attention. Additionally, there are other roles that tactical medical personnel can play that are specific to the needs of police negotiators. This article will examine these possible roles.
The effect of immunocastration 7 weeks before slaughter on the behaviour, growth and meat quality of post-pubertal bulls
Authors: Jago J. G. , Matthews L. R. , Trigg T. E. , Dobbie P. , Bass J. J.
Published: May 2019

Active immunization against gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), commonly known as immunocastration, has been proposed as an alternative to traditional methods of castrating bulls. This study evaluated the effects of immunocastration on growth, behaviour and meat quality of post-pubertal bulls. Bulls were either vaccinated against GnRH (no. = 30, I) or left intact (no. = 30, B). A third treatment consisted of steers (no. = 20, S) that had been castrated pre-pubertally. The animals were run in eight single treatment groups (no. = 10 per group), three of each of В and I and two groups of S. Anti-GnRH antibodies developed and plasma testosterone concentrations declined in I following immunization. Aggressive behaviour of I declined to be lower (P < 0·5) than B and no different from S, 5 weeks after primary immunization. Seven weeks after immunocastration all animals were slaughtered. The hot carcass weight of I was between that of B and S but not significantly different from either. There were no effects of treatment on pHu or meat colour measurements. Taste panel assessment rated I higher than B, but lower than S for tenderness, juiciness and overall palatability. These results demonstrate that immunocastration of post-pubertal bulls 7 weeks before slaughter is a potential means of reducing problematic bull behaviour and improving meat quality although this is likely to be at the cost of reduced weight gain.
Feeding value for lambs of rapeseed meal arising from biodiesel production
Authors: McAllister T. A. , Stanford K. , Wallins G. L. , Reaney M. J. T. , Cheng K.-J.
Published: May 2019

Meals prepared from low glucosinolate rapeseed screenings (SCREEN) and from seed which had heated during storage (HEAT) were compared against commercial rapeseed meal (COM) for feeding value. Oil, crude protein (CP) and acid-detergent insoluble nitrogen contents in SCREEN, HEAT and COM, respectively, were (g/kg): 118, 246 and 13; 227, 315 and 436; and 17, 64 and 21.in situdry matter (DM) and protein disappearance rates, soluble protein fraction and effective rumen degradability of protein (EDCP) were lower (P< 0·05) in HEAT than in SCREEN or COM. Comparing oil-extracted meals in situ, EDCP of HEAT was lower (P< 0·05) than EDCP of SCREEN or COM but protein and DM disappearance rates of HEAT were only lower (P< 0·05) than those of SCREEN. Four isonitrogenous barley-based diets (150 g/kg CP, DM basis), containing SCREEN, HEAT, COM or COM supplemented with rapeseed oil (OIL), were given to lambs. For DM, organic matter and neutral-detergent fibre apparent digestibilities, the diets ranked SCREEN > HEAT = OIL > COM (P< 0·05). Digestion and retention of nitrogen were lower (P< 0·05) in lambs given HEAT than in lambs given other diets. Food efficiency of lambs given HEAT was improved (P< 0·05) as compared with lambs given SCREEN or COM. Dressing proportions were higher (P< 0·05) with HEAT, SCREEN and OIL diets than with COM. Other than minor changes in fatty acid composition of subcutaneous fat with HEAT and OIL, carcass traits were not altered by treatment. Feeding SCREEN or HEAT did not adversely affect animal performance or food utilization.
Building and demolition waste in the UK
Authors: Devlieger Lionel , Gielen Maarten , Little Samuel , Roy Arvind , Dulière Aude Line
Published: May 2019

Construction is by far the largest material-consuming activity in the UK. In 2016, the territory produced more than 800 kg of construction and demolition (C&D) waste per person.1 Most of these building materials are energy intensive to produce and environmentally costly to transport. Their premature replacement therefore contributes significantly to the increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Heavy Ion Flows in the Upper Ionosphere of the Venusian North Pole
Authors: Persson M. , Futaana Y. , Nilsson H. , Stenberg Wieser G. , Hamrin M. , Fedorov A. , Zhang T. L. , Barabash S.
Published: May 2019

We investigate the heavy ion density and velocity in the Venusian upper ionosphere near the North Pole, using the Ion Mass Analyzer, a part of the Analyzer of Space Plasmas and Energetic Atoms 4, together with the magnetic field instruments on Venus Express. The measurements were made during June–July 2014, covering the aerobraking campaign with lowered altitude measurements (~130 km). The plasma scale heights are ~15 km below 150‐km altitude and ~200 km at 150–400‐km altitude. A clear trend of dusk‐to‐dawn heavy ion flow across the polar ionosphere was found, with speeds of ~2–10 km/s. In addition, the flow has a significant downward radial velocity component. The flow pattern does not depend on the interplanetary magnetic field directions nor the ionospheric magnetization states. Instead, we suggest a thermal pressure gradient between the equatorial and polar terminator regions, induced by the decrease in density between the regions, as the dominant mechanism driving the ion flow.
Effect of Digital Elevation Model Resolution on the Simulation of the Snow Cover Evolution in the High Atlas
Authors: Baba Mohamed Wassim , Gascoin Simon , Kinnard Christophe , Marchane Ahmed , Hanich Lahoucine
Published: May 2019

The snow melt from the High Atlas represents a crucial water resource for crop irrigation in the semiarid regions of Morocco. Recent studies have used assimilation of snow cover area data from high‐resolution optical sensors to compute the snow water equivalent and snow melt in other mountain regions. These techniques however require large model ensembles, and therefore it is a challenge to determine the adequate model resolution that yields accurate results with reasonable computation time. Here we study the sensitivity of an energy balance model to the resolution of the model grid for a pilot catchment in the High Atlas. We used a time series of 8‐m resolution snow cover area maps with an average revisit time of 7.5 days to evaluate the model results. The digital elevation model was generated from Pléiades stereo images and resampled from 8 to 30, 90, 250, 500, and 1,000 m. The results indicate that the model performs well from 8 to 250 m but the agreement with observations drops at 500 m. This is because significant features of the topography were too smoothed out to properly characterize the spatial variability of meteorological forcing, including solar radiation. We conclude that a resolution of 250 m might be sufficient in this area. This result is consistent with the shape of the semivariogram of the topographic slope, suggesting that this semivariogram analysis could be used to transpose our conclusion to other study regions.
Global and Regional Increase of Precipitation Extremes Under Global Warming
Authors: Papalexiou Simon Michael , Montanari Alberto
Published: May 2019

Global warming is expected to change the regime of extreme precipitation. Physical laws translate increasing atmospheric heat into increasing atmospheric water content that drives precipitation changes. Within the literature, general agreement is that extreme precipitation is changing, yet different assessment methods, data sets, and study periods may result in different patterns and rates of change. Here we perform a global analysis of 8,730 daily precipitation records focusing on the 1964–2013 period when the global warming accelerates. We introduce a novel analysis of the N largest extremes in records having N complete years within the study period. Based on these extremes, which represent more accurately heavy precipitation than annual maxima, we form time series of their annual frequency and mean annual magnitude. The analysis offers new insights and reveals (1) global and zonal increasing trends in the frequency of extremes that are highly unlikely under the assumption of stationarity and (2) magnitude changes that are not as evident. Frequency changes reveal a coherent spatial pattern with increasing trends being detected in large parts of Eurasia, North Australia, and the Midwestern United States. Globally, over the last decade of the studied period we find 7% more extreme events than the expected number. Finally, we report that changes in magnitude are not in general correlated with changes in frequency.
Effect of Surface Water Stage Fluctuation on Mixing‐Dependent Hyporheic Denitrification in Riverbed Dunes
Authors: Hester Erich T. , Eastes Lauren A. , Widdowson Mark A.
Published: May 2019

The hyporheic zone, where surface water (SW) and groundwater (GW) interact in shallow sediments beneath rivers, is uniquely reactive and attenuates pollutants. Mixing of reactants from SW and GW enables mixing‐dependent (MD) reactions, which may be the last opportunity for GW contaminants to react before entering SW. Yet little is known about hyporheic MD reactions, particularly how they respond to daily or seasonal SW fluctuations or sediment heterogeneity. We used MODFLOW and SEAM3D to simulate non‐mixing‐dependent (NMD) aerobic respiration and MD denitrification in a riverbed dune with nitrate from SW and dissolved organic carbon from GW. We varied SW heads and heterogeneity of sediment hydraulic conductivity. For longer‐term fluctuations (i.e., seasons), increasing SW depth from 0.1 to 1.0 m increased NMD aerobic respiration by 270% and MD denitrification by 78% in homogeneous sediment. MD reactions thus were controlled by mixing zone length or size and would be stronger when SW stage is elevated, for example, during wintertime. Adding sediment heterogeneity to the long‐term scenarios, particularly by increasing hydraulic conductivity correlation length, increased flow focusing and consequently increased MD denitrification by 20–30%. By contrast, the net effect of daily SW fluctuations on MD denitrification in homogeneous sediment was minor. In sum, SW fluctuations are an important control on hyporheic MD reactions, primarily by controlling mixing zone length. The hyporheic zone may attenuate nitrate in upwelling GW plumes, but temporal fluctuations may be considerable as quantified above.
Strong Winds Leave Arctic Regions on Thin Ice
Authors: Burke Ty
Published: May 2019

A warming event in Siberia caused winds to strip sea ice from the Arctic’s Wandel Sea.
Paleosensitivity of Hydrogen Isotope Ratios of Long‐Chain Alkenones to Salinity Changes at the Chile Margin
Authors: Weiss G. M. , de Bar M. W. , Stolwijk D. J. , Schouten S. , Sinninghe Damsté J. S. , van der Meer M. T. J.
Published: May 2019

Hydrogen isotope ratios of long‐chain alkenones (δ2HC37 ratios) have been shown to correlate with salinity in several culture studies. However, it is uncertain how applicable the δ2HC37‐salinity relationship is to reconstruct past salinity. The δ2HC37 ratios were measured on sediments from a drill core (ODP site 1234) at the Chilean Margin covering the last ~150 kyr. High δ2HC37 values corresponded to glacial time periods and interglacial periods are characterized by lower δ2HC37 values, aligning with δ18O ratios measured on planktonic foraminifera from the same core. Effects of parameters such as species composition, the δ2H‐δ18O relationship used for ice volume corrections, and nutrient‐ or light‐controlled growth rate, did not appear to significantly alter δ2HC37 ratios at ODP 1234. We used linear regression equations from batch culture experiments, marine surface sediments, and suspended particulate organic matter to quantitatively characterize salinity changes over the last ~150 kyr at ODP 1234. However, most of these equations yielded larger salinity shifts than previously suggested, a phenomenon also observed for other δ2HC37 records. This suggests that the paleosensitivity of δ2HC37 ratios to salinity was larger in the geologic record than has been observed in any modern environment or laboratory settings, or that glacial to interglacial salinity shifts might have been larger than currently believed.
MicroRNA-181a-5p and microRNA-181a-3p cooperatively restrict vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis
Authors: Su Yingxue , Yuan Jiani , Zhang Feiran , Lei Qingqing , Zhang Tingting , Li Kai , Guo Jiawei , Hong Yu , Bu Guolong , Lv Xiaofei , Liang Sijia , Ou Jingsong , Zhou Jiaguo , Luo Bin , Shang Jinyan
Published: May 2019

MicroRNAs have emerged as important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and are involved in diverse diseases and cellular process. Decreased expression of miR-181a has been observed in the patients with coronary artery disease, but its function and mechanism in atherogenesis is not clear. This study was designed to determine the roles of miR-181a-5p, as well as its passenger strand, miR-181a-3p, in vascular inflammation and atherogenesis. We found that the levels of both miR-181a-5p and miR-181a-3p are decreased in the aorta plaque and plasma of apoE−/− mice in response to hyperlipidemia and in the plasma of patients with coronary artery disease. Rescue of miR-181a-5p and miR-181a-3p significantly retards atherosclerotic plaque formation in apoE−/− mice. MiR-181a-5p and miR-181a-3p have no effect on lipid metabolism but decrease proinflammatory gene expression and the infiltration of macrophage, leukocyte and T cell into the lesions. In addition, gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments show that miR-181a-5p and miR-181a-3p inhibit adhesion molecule expression in HUVECs and monocytes-endothelial cell interaction. MiR-181a-5p and miR-181a-3p cooperatively receded endothelium inflammation compared with single miRNA strand. Mechanistically, miR-181a-5p and miR-181a-3p prevent endothelial cell activation through blockade of NF-κB signaling pathway by targeting TAB2 and NEMO, respectively. In conclusion, these findings suggest that miR-181a-5p and miR-181a-3p are both antiatherogenic miRNAs. MiR-181a-5p and miR-181a-3p mimetics retard atherosclerosis progression through blocking NF-κB activation and vascular inflammation by targeting TAB2 and NEMO, respectively. Therefore, restoration of miR-181a-5p and miR-181a-3p may represent a novel therapeutic approach to manage atherosclerosis.
Retraction Note: Structural simulation of adenosine phosphate via plumbagin and zoledronic acid competitively targets JNK/Erk to synergistically attenuate osteoclastogenesis in a breast cancer model
Authors: Qiao H. , Wang T. Y. , Yu Z. F. , Han X. G. , Liu X. Q. , Wang Y. G. , Fan Q. M. , Qin A. , Tang T. T.
Published: May 2019

This article has been retracted at the request of the authors. After publication, the authors found that in Figure 2B-a the first two images in the third row partly overlapped and that there is also overlap between the fourth and fifth image in the second row. The two images were taken from two adjacent wells, treated by ZA 0.3uM-CM or ZA 0.75uM-CM, with or without PL 1.25uM. This overlap may have been caused by mishandling in the imaging process when the authors made microscope observations and so the findings are no longer reliable. All authors agree to this retraction.
Self-healing materials for soft-matter machines and electronics
Authors: Bartlett Michael D. , Dickey Michael D. , Majidi Carmel
Published: May 2019

The emergence of soft machines and electronics creates new opportunities to engineer robotic systems that are mechanically compliant, deformable, and safe for physical interaction with the human body. Progress, however, depends on new classes of soft multifunctional materials that can operate outside of a hard exterior and withstand the same real-world conditions that human skin and other soft biological materials are typically subjected to. As with their natural counterparts, these materials must be capable of self-repair and healing when damaged to maintain the longevity of the host system and prevent sudden or permanent failure. Here, we provide a perspective on current trends and future opportunities in self-healing soft systems that enhance the durability, mechanical robustness, and longevity of soft-matter machines and electronics.
Extraordinarily transparent compact metallic metamaterials
Authors: Palmer Samuel J. , Xiao Xiaofei , Pazos-Perez Nicolas , Guerrini Luca , Correa-Duarte Miguel A. , Maier Stefan A. , Craster Richard V. , Alvarez-Puebla Ramon A. , Giannini Vincenzo
Published: May 2019

The design of achromatic optical components requires materials with high transparency and low dispersion. We show that although metals are highly opaque, densely packed arrays of metallic nanoparticles can be more transparent to infrared radiation than dielectrics such as germanium, even when the arrays are over 75% metal by volume. Such arrays form effective dielectrics that are virtually dispersion-free over ultra-broadband ranges of wavelengths from microns up to millimeters or more. Furthermore, the local refractive indices may be tuned by altering the size, shape, and spacing of the nanoparticles, allowing the design of gradient-index lenses that guide and focus light on the microscale. The electric field is also strongly concentrated in the gaps between the metallic nanoparticles, and the simultaneous focusing and squeezing of the electric field produces strong ‘doubly-enhanced’ hotspots which could boost measurements made using infrared spectroscopy and other non-linear processes over a broad range of frequencies.
Controlling CRISPR-Cas9 with ligand-activated and ligand-deactivated sgRNAs
Authors: Kundert Kale , Lucas James E. , Watters Kyle E. , Fellmann Christof , Ng Andrew H. , Heineike Benjamin M. , Fitzsimmons Christina M. , Oakes Benjamin L. , Qu Jiuxin , Prasad Neha , Rosenberg Oren S. , Savage David F. , El-Samad Hana , Doudna Jennifer A. , Kortemme Tanja
Published: May 2019

The CRISPR-Cas9 system provides the ability to edit, repress, activate, or mark any gene (or DNA element) by pairing of a programmable single guide RNA (sgRNA) with a complementary sequence on the DNA target. Here we present a new method for small-molecule control of CRISPR-Cas9 function through insertion of RNA aptamers into the sgRNA. We show that CRISPR-Cas9-based gene repression (CRISPRi) can be either activated or deactivated in a dose-dependent fashion over a >10-fold dynamic range in response to two different small-molecule ligands. Since our system acts directly on each target-specific sgRNA, it enables new applications that require differential and opposing temporal control of multiple genes.
Deep-ocean mixing driven by small-scale internal tides
Authors: Vic Clément , Naveira Garabato Alberto C. , Green J. A. Mattias , Waterhouse Amy F. , Zhao Zhongxiang , Melet Angélique , de Lavergne Casimir , Buijsman Maarten C. , Stephenson Gordon R.
Published: May 2019

Turbulent mixing in the ocean is key to regulate the transport of heat, freshwater and biogeochemical tracers, with strong implications for Earth’s climate. In the deep ocean, tides supply much of the mechanical energy required to sustain mixing via the generation of internal waves, known as internal tides, whose fate—the relative importance of their local versus remote breaking into turbulence—remains uncertain. Here, we combine a semi-analytical model of internal tide generation with satellite and in situ measurements to show that from an energetic viewpoint, small-scale internal tides, hitherto overlooked, account for the bulk (>50%) of global internal tide generation, breaking and mixing. Furthermore, we unveil the pronounced geographical variations of their energy proportion, ignored by current parameterisations of mixing in climate-scale models. Based on these results, we propose a physically consistent, observationally supported approach to accurately represent the dissipation of small-scale internal tides and their induced mixing in climate-scale models.
Synthesis of an aromatic N-heterocycle derived from biomass and its use as a polymer feedstock
Authors: Qi Yu , Wang Jinyan , Kou Yan , Pang Hongchang , Zhang Shouhai , Li Nan , Liu Cheng , Weng Zhihuan , Jian Xigao
Published: May 2019

Aromatic N-heterocyclic compounds are very important chemicals, which are currently produced mostly from petroleum. Here we report that a pyridazine-based compound 6-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)pyridazin-3(2H)-one (GSPZ) can be efficiently synthesized by the Friedel-Crafts reaction of guaiacol and succinic anhydride, both of which can be derived from biomass. GSPZ is then treated with bio-based epichlorohydrin to prepare the epoxy resin precursor GSPZ-EP. With 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane as curing agent, GSPZ-EP possesses higher glass transition temperature (187 oC vs. 173 oC) and shows a 140%, 70 and 93% increase in char yield (in N2), storage modulus (30 oC) and Young’s modulus, respectively when compared with a standard petroleum-based bisphenol A epoxy resin. Moreover, the cured GSPZ-EP shows good intrinsic flame retardancy properties and is very close to the V-0 rating of UL-94 test. This work opens the door for production of aromatic N-heterocyclic compounds, which can be derived from biomass and employed to construct high performance polymers.
A database of atmospheric nitrogen concentration and deposition from the nationwide monitoring network in China
Authors: Xu Wen , Zhang Lin , Liu Xuejun
Published: May 2019

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition has increased substantially across China since 1980; however, data for N deposition fluxes since the 2000s has been very limited. Understanding and mitigating the impacts of N deposition requires long-term quantification of dry as well as wet deposition of key reactive nitrogen (Nr) species. Here we present a dataset for inorganic N concentrations and deposition for the period 2010–2015 in China, compiled from the nationwide deposition monitoring network. The dataset comprises information from 32 monitoring sites on concentrations and bulk deposition (wet plus part of dry deposition) fluxes of NH4+-N and NO3−-N, air concentrations and dry deposition fluxes of the major Nr species NH3, NO2, HNO3, and particulate NH4+ and NO3−. This unique database is available inter alia to advance understanding of the spatial patterns of inorganic N concentrations and deposition in China and its associated effects, constrain primary Nr (e.g., NH3, NOx) emission inventories, and validate outputs of atmospheric chemistry and transport models.
Essential Mycoplasma Glycolipid Synthase Adheres to the Cell Membrane by Means of an Amphipathic Helix
Authors: Romero-García Javier , Biarnés Xevi , Planas Antoni
Published: May 2019

Because of the lack of cell wall, Micoplasma species require a fine control of membrane fluidity and integrity. mg517 is an essential gene of Mycoplasma genitalium responsible for the biosynthesis of membrane glycoglycerolipids. It encodes for a unique glycosyltransferase (MG517) with processive activity, transferring activated glycosyl donors to either nude diacylglycerol or already glycosylated diacylglycerol. This dual activity, asserted to different enzymes in other species, is sensitive to and regulated by the presence of anionic lipid vesicles in vitro. We present here a computational model of the C-terminus domain of MG517 that complements a previous structural model of the N-terminus domain. By means of sequence analysis, molecular dynamics and metadynamics simulations, we have identified a short α-helix at the apical C-terminus of MG517 with clear amphipathic character. Binding to a membrane model is thermodynamically favored which suggests that this structural element guides the adhesion of MG517 to the cell membrane. We have experimentally verified that truncation of part of this helix causes a substantial reduction of glycoglycerolipids synthesis. The model proposes that MG517 recognizes and binds the diacylglycerol substrate embedded in the membrane by means of this α-helix at the C-terminus together with a previously identified binding pocket at the N-terminus.
Biogeographical origin and timing of the founder ichthyosis TGM1 c.1187G > A mutation in an isolated Ecuadorian population
Authors: Esperón-Moldes U. S. , Pardo-Seco J. , Montalván-Suárez M. , Fachal L. , Ginarte M. , Rodríguez-Pazos L. , Gómez-Carballa A. , Moscoso F. , Ugalde-Noritz N. , Ordóñez-Ugalde A. , Tettamanti-Miranda D. , Ruiz J. C. , Salas A. , Vega A.
Published: May 2019

An unusually high frequency of the lamellar ichthyosis TGM1 mutation, c.1187G > A, has been observed in the Ecuadorian province of Manabí. Recently, the same mutation has been detected in a Galician patient (Northwest of Spain). By analyzing patterns of genetic variation around this mutation in Ecuadorian patients and population matched controls, we were able to estimate the age of c.1187G > A and the time to their most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) of c.1187G > A Ecuadorian carriers. While the estimated mutation age is 41 generations ago (~1,025 years ago [ya]), the TMRCA of Ecuadorian c.1187G > A carrier haplotypes dates to just 17 generations (~425 ya). Probabilistic-based inferences of local ancestry allowed us to infer a most likely European origin of a few (16% to 30%) Ecuadorian haplotypes carrying this mutation. In addition, inferences on demographic historical changes based on c.1187G > A Ecuadorian carrier haplotypes estimated an exponential population growth starting ~20 generations, compatible with a recent founder effect occurring in Manabí. Two main hypotheses can be considered for the origin of c.1187G > A: (i) the mutation could have arisen in Spain >1,000 ya (being Galicia the possible homeland) and then carried to Ecuador by Spaniards in colonial times ~400 ya, and (ii) two independent mutational events originated this mutation in Ecuador and Galicia. The geographic and cultural characteristics of Manabí could have favored a founder effect that explains the high prevalence of TGM1 c.1187G > A in this region.
Modern Iron Ooids of Hydrothermal Origin as a Proxy for Ancient Deposits
Authors: Di Bella Marcella , Sabatino Giuseppe , Quartieri Simona , Ferretti Annalisa , Cavalazzi Barbara , Barbieri Roberto , Foucher Frédéric , Messori Fabio , Italiano Francesco
Published: May 2019

We constrained the origin and genetic environment of modern iron ooids (sand-sized grains with a core and external cortex of concentric laminae) providing new tools for the interpretation of their fossil counterparts as well as the analogous particles discovered on Mars. Here, we report an exceptional, unique finding of a still active deposit of submillimetric iron ooids, under formation at the seabed at a depth of 80 m over an area characterized by intense hydrothermal activity off Panarea, a volcanic island north of Sicily (Italy). An integrated analysis, carried out by X-ray Powder Diffraction, Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray Fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy reveals that Panarea ooids are deposited at the seafloor as concentric laminae of primary goethite around existing nuclei. The process is rapid, and driven by hydrothermal fluids as iron source. A sub-spherical, laminated structure resulted from constant agitation and by degassing of CO2-dominated fluids through seafloor sediments. Our investigations point the hydrothermal processes as responsible for the generation of the Panarea ooids, which are neither diagenetic nor reworked. The presence of ooids at the seawater-sediments interface, in fact, highlights how their development and growth is still ongoing. The proposed results show a new process responsible for ooids formation and gain a new insight into the genesis of iron ooids deposits that are distributed at global scale in both modern and past sediments.
Parametrical Optomechanical Oscillations in PhoXonic Whispering Gallery Mode Resonators
Authors: Roselló-Mechó Xavier , Farnesi Daniele , Frigenti Gabriele , Barucci Andrea , Fernández-Bienes Alberto , García-Fernández Tupak , Ratto Fulvio , Delgado-Pinar Martina , Andrés Miguel V. , Nunzi Conti Gualtiero , Soria Silvia
Published: May 2019

We report on the experimental and theoretical analysis of parametrical optomechanical oscillations in hollow spherical phoxonic whispering gallery mode resonators due to radiation pressure. The optically excited acoustic eigenmodes of the phoxonic cavity oscillate regeneratively leading to parametric oscillation instabilities.
Cryo-Electron Tomography and Proteomics studies of centrosomes from differentiated quiescent thymocytes
Authors: Busselez Johan , Chichón Francisco Javier , Rodríguez Maria Josefa , Alpízar Adan , Gharbi Séverine Isabelle , Franch Mònica , Melero Roberto , Paradela Alberto , Carrascosa José L. , Carazo José-Maria
Published: May 2019

We have used cryo Electron Tomography, proteomics and immunolabeling to study centrosomes isolated from the young lamb thymus, an efficient source of quiescent differentiated cells. We compared the proteome of thymocyte centrosomes to data published for KE37 cells, focusing on proteins associated with centriole disengagement and centrosome separation. The data obtained enhances our understanding of the protein system joining the centrioles, a system comprised of a branched network of fibers linked to an apparently amorphous density that was partially characterized here. A number of proteins were localized to the amorphous density by immunolabeling (C-NAP1, cohesin SMC1, condensin SMC4 and NCAPD2), yet not DNA. In conjuction, these data not only extend our understanding of centrosomes but they will help refine the model that focus on the protein system associated with the centriolar junction.
Novel aroylated phenylenediamine compounds enhance antimicrobial defense and maintain airway epithelial barrier integrity
Authors: Myszor Iwona T. , Parveen Zahida , Ottosson Håkan , Bergman Peter , Agerberth Birgitta , Strömberg Roger , Gudmundsson Gudmundur H.
Published: May 2019

Aroylated phenylenediamines (APDs) are novel inducers of innate immunity enhancing cathelicidin gene expression in human bronchial epithelial cell lines. Here we present two newly developed APDs and aimed at defining the response and signaling pathways for these compounds with reference to innate immunity and antimicrobial peptide (AMP) expression. Induction was initially defined with respect to dose and time and compared with the APD Entinostat (MS-275). The induction applies to several innate immunity effectors, indicating that APDs trigger a broad spectrum of antimicrobial responses. The bactericidal effect was shown in an infection model against Pseudomonas aeruginosa by estimating bacteria entering cells. Treatment with a selected APD counteracted Pseudomonas mediated disruption of epithelial integrity. This double action by inducing AMPs and enhancing epithelial integrity for one APD compound is unique and taken as a positive indication for host directed therapy (HDT). The APD effects are mediated through Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation. Utilization of induced innate immunity to fight infections can reduce antibiotic usage, might be effective against multidrug resistant bacteria and is in line with improved stewardship in healthcare.
The Rho/MRTF pathway inhibitor CCG-222740 reduces stellate cell activation and modulates immune cell populations in KrasG12D; Pdx1-Cre (KC) mice
Authors: Leal Ana S. , Misek Sean A. , Lisabeth Erika M. , Neubig Richard R. , Liby Karen T.
Published: May 2019

The stromal reaction in pancreatic cancer creates a physical barrier that blocks therapeutic intervention and creates an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. The Rho/myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) pathway is implicated in the hyper-activation of fibroblasts in fibrotic diseases and the activation of pancreatic stellate cells. In this study we use CCG-222740, a small molecule, designed as a Rho/MRTF pathway inhibitor. This compound decreases the activation of stellate cells in vitro and in vivo, by reducing the levels of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression. CCG-222740 also modulates inflammatory components of the pancreas in KC mice (LSL-KrasG12D/+; Pdx-1-Cre) stimulated with caerulein. It decreases the infiltration of macrophages and increases CD4 T cells and B cells. Analysis of the pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDA) TCGA dataset revealed a correlation between elevated RhoA, RhoC and MRTF expression and decreased survival in PDA patients. Moreover, a MRTF signature is correlated with a Th2 cell signature in human PDA tumors.
MinION sequencing technology to characterize unauthorized GM petunia plants circulating on the European Union market
Authors: Fraiture Marie-Alice , Ujhelyi Gabriella , Ovesná Jaroslava , Van Geel Dirk , De Keersmaecker Sigrid , Saltykova Assia , Papazova Nina , Roosens Nancy H. C.
Published: May 2019

In order to characterize unauthorized genetically modified petunia, an integrated strategy has been applied here on several suspected petunia samples from the European market. More precisely, DNA fragments of interest were produced by DNA walking anchored on key targets, earlier detected by real-time PCR screening analysis, to be subsequently sequenced using the MinION platform from Oxford Nanopore Technologies. This way, the presence of genetically modified petunia was demonstrated via the characterization of their transgene flanking regions as well as unnatural associations of elements from their transgenic cassette.
Conserved, breed-dependent, and subline-dependent innate immune responses of Fayoumi and Leghorn chicken embryos to Newcastle disease virus infection
Authors: Schilling Megan A. , Memari Sahar , Cavanaugh Meredith , Katani Robab , Deist Melissa S. , Radzio-Basu Jessica , Lamont Susan J. , Buza Joram J. , Kapur Vivek
Published: May 2019

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a threat to the global poultry industry, but particularly for smallholder farmers in low- and middle-income countries. Previous reports suggest that some breeds of chickens are less susceptible to NDV infection, however, the mechanisms contributing to this are unknown. We here examined the comparative transcriptional responses of innate immune genes to NDV infection in inbred sublines of the Fayoumi and Leghorn breeds known to differ in their relative susceptibility to infection as well as at the microchromosome bearing the major histocompatability complex (MHC) locus. The analysis identified a set of five core genes, Mx1, IRF1, IRF7, STAT1, and SOCS1, that are up-regulated regardless of subline. Several genes were differentially expressed in a breed- or subline-dependent manner. The breed-dependent response involved TLR3, NOS2, LITAF, and IFIH1 in the Fayoumi versus IL8, CAMP, and CCL4 in the Leghorn. Further analysis identified subline-dependent differences in the pro-inflammatory response within the Fayoumi breed that are likely influenced by the MHC. These results have identified conserved, breed-dependent, and subline-dependent innate immune responses to NDV infection in chickens, and provide a strong framework for the future characterization of the specific roles of genes and pathways that influence the susceptibility of chickens to NDV infection.
Author Correction: Signatures of balancing selection in toll-like receptor (TLRs) genes – novel insights from a free-living rodent
Authors: Kloch Agnieszka , Wenzel Marius A. , Laetsch Dominik R. , Michalski Olek , Bajer Anna , Behnke Jerzy M. , Welc-Falęciak Renata , Piertney Stuart B.
Published: May 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Possible nanoantenna control of chlorophyll dynamics for bioinspired photovoltaics
Authors: Gaponenko Sergey V. , Adam Pierre-Michel , Guzatov Dmitry V. , Muravitskaya Alina O.
Published: May 2019

In the context of using portions of a photosynthetic apparatus of green plants and photosynthesizing bacteria in bioinspired photovoltaic systems, we consider possible control of the chlorophyll excited state decay rate using nanoantennas in the form of a single metal and semiconductor nanoparticle. Since chlorophyll luminescence competes with electron delivery for chemical reactions chain and also to an external circuit, we examine possible excited state decay inhibition contrary to radiative rate enhancement. Both metal and semiconductor nanoparticles enable inhibition of radiative decay rate by one order of the magnitude as compared to that in vacuum, whereas a metal nanosphere cannot perform the overall decay inhibition since slowing down of radiative decay occurs only along with the similar growth of its nonradiative counterpart whereas a semiconductor nanoantenna is lossless. Additionally, at normal orientation of the emitter dipole moment to a nanoparticle surface, a silicon nanoparticle promotes enhancement of radiative decay by one order of the magnitude within the whole visible range. Our results can be used for other photochemical or photovoltaic processes, and strong radiative decay enhancement found for dielectric nanoantennas paves the way to radiative decays and light emitters engineering without non-radiative losses.