bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the impact of canker disease and fire regimes on the population dynamics and extinction risk of the Critically Endangered and granite endemic shrub
Authors: Yates C. J. , Barrett S. , Dilly M. , Hopper S. D. , Stewart B. , Williams M. R.
Published: June 2021

Landscape-level processes such as fire regimes, increasing disease prevalence and a drying climate are emerging threats affecting plant groups such as the Proteaceae. Using field derived empirical data and a population simulation model we investigated population-level impacts of canker diseases and contemporary fire regimes on the threatened shrub and granite outcrop endemic Banksia verticillata R.Br. We found the persistence of B. verticillata on granite inselbergs is strongly influenced by fire frequency and extent, as well as the prevalence of canker disease. For populations where canker is present but having a relatively lower impact none of the fire scenarios resulted in extinction over the 100-year simulation, but all scenarios resulted in population decline with the magnitude of the effect increasing with fire frequency and extent (proportion of plants killed). In contrast, higher impact canker disease scenarios resulted in rapid population declines and potential extinction. Small increases in inter-fire adult survival reduced the rate of decline in populations with relatively low canker infestation. Research is urgently needed to understand the role that a warming and drying climate in the South-west Australian Floristic Region may have on the epidemiology of canker disease and the feasibility and effectiveness of treating individuals with appropriate fungicides.
Historical biogeography of a neglected family of armoured harvestmen (Opiliones : Laniatores : Icaleptidae) with the first record and a new genus for tropical Mesoamerica
Authors: Cruz-López Jesús A. , Monjaraz-Ruedas Rodrigo , Colmenares Pío A. , Francke Oscar F.
Published: June 2021

Among Opiliones (Arachnida), there are many taxa either with no familial assignment or erroneously located in their current family. This is the case of Ethobunus pilosus, formerly in Phalangodidae and before this work in Zalmoxidae. To assess the phylogenetic position of this taxon, we started with a revision of the male genitalia; followed by the inclusion of three molecular markers: nuclear 28S and 18S, and mitochondrial protein-encoding cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) from E. pilosus in the previously published phylogenies of the Samooidea + Zalmoxoidea clade. The results revealed that E. pilosus is a derived lineage within the family Icaleptidae, thus it is transferred from Zalmoxidae, and the new name Trypophobica gen. nov. is proposed to accommodate it, with the new combination Trypophobica pilosa comb. nov. With its inclusion in Icaleptidae, and the description of Trypophobica llama sp. nov., the current diagnosis of the family needs updating, and further morphological characters should be considered as putative synapomorphies. In addition, the reconstruction of the ancestral ranges of Icaleptidae suggests a mid-Cretaceous origin c. 104 Ma in South America, with a subsequent colonisation to north Mesoamerica c. 80 Ma.
Conspicuous genetic similarity within a widely distributed and newly described species of
Authors: Shahdadi Adnan , Schubart Christoph D. , Mendoza Jose Christopher E.
Published: June 2021

Some brachyuran crab species of the Western Pacific appear to be widespread throughout the region and distributed across a large geographic area, without obvious phylogeographic structuring. In the present study, we describe a new species of Parasesarma that appears to be restricted to Western Pacific islands (so far Guam, Palau, Vanuatu, Fiji, Wallis and New Caledonia). Comparisons of partial sequences of the COX1 gene show that individuals of this species, though from relatively isolated and widely separated islands, are monophyletic and, surprisingly, genetically uniform. These results give credence to the hypothesis that these oceanic islands serve as ‘stepping stones’ for the current-mediated dispersal and genetic homogenisation of coastal–littoral marine species. Morphologically, the new species differs most significantly from similar congeners in the tuberculation pattern of the chelar dactyli, whereas genetically it is markedly divergent from other morphologically similar species of Parasesarma, with a minimum COX1 p-distance of 6.9%. With such evidence, the new species is here formally described as Parasesarma daviei sp. nov. It is the fifth species of Parasesarma reported from oceanic islands of the Western Pacific. Compared to other congeners, P. daviei sp. nov. shows a close relationship with a clade including P. calypso. Therefore, P. calypso (De Man, 1895), and three of its former subspecies or varieties were subjected to a closer examination and are here rediagnosed and illustrated. In consequence, we suggest full species status for P. kuekenthali (De Man, 1902), P. lanchesteri (Tweedie, 1936), and P. ellenae (Pretzmann, 1968).
The molecular systematics and diversification of a taxonomically unstable group of Asian cicada tribes related to Cicadini Latreille, 1802 (Hemiptera : Cicadidae)
Authors: Hill Kathy B. R. , Marshall David C. , Marathe Kiran , Moulds Maxwell S. , Lee Young June , Pham Thai-Hong , Mohagan Alma B. , Sarkar Vivek , Price Benjamin W. , Duffels J. P. , Schouten Marieke A. , de Boer Arnold J. , Kunte Krushnamegh , Simon Chris
Published: June 2021

The cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) related to tribe Cicadini exhibit some of the most remarkable phenotypes in the family, with many genera possessing striking colour patterns and unusual morphological features. This largely Asian group of 13 tribes has proven challenging for cicada taxonomists, in part because of likely convergent evolution or losses of these phenotypes. We present the first focused molecular phylogeny of this clade, including ~60 described genera. The genetic dataset contains 839 ingroup-informative sites (out of 2575) from mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, nuclear elongation factor-1 α, and nuclear acetyltransferase. We use Bayesian and maximum likelihood trees to test recent changes in tribe- and subtribe-level classification, and we reconstruct ancestral character states for potentially convergent traits influencing tribe descriptions. We use fossil and molecular clock calibrations to estimate the temporal and geographic context of the radiation. The tribes Gaeanini, Leptopsaltriini, Platypleurini, Psithyristriini, and Tosenini appear polyphyletic and in need of revision, in part because of convergent evolution of opaque wings and multiple convergent gains or losses of abdominal tubercles. Kalabita Moulton, 1923 is transferred from Platypleurini to Leptopsaltriini. Vittagaeana gen. nov. is established for Vittagaeana paviei comb. nov. and Vittagaeana dives comb. nov., formerly in Tosena. Sinosenini syn. nov. is synonymised with Dundubiina. Ayuthiini trib. nov. is established with two new subtribes for Ayuthia Distant, 1919 and Distantalna Boulard, 2009, formerly in Tosenini. For the earliest split in the tree, one common ancestor appears to have been Indian + Asian in geographic distribution and the other Asian. We estimate that the radiation began in the middle Cenozoic Era, possibly as recently as the early Miocene. The recent and steady pattern of diversification suggests that refinement of tribe diagnoses will prove challenging. http://zoobank.org:urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:5A6C16F4-5269-453B-BA5C-B29C3394683A
Comparing expert elicitation and model-based probabilistic technology cost forecasts for the energy transition
Authors: Meng Jing , Way Rupert , Verdolini Elena , Diaz Anadon Laura
Published: June 2021

Significance

Forecasting is essential to design efforts to address climate change. We conduct a systematic comparison of probabilistic technology cost forecasts produced by expert elicitation and model-based methods. We assess their performance by generating probabilistic cost forecasts of energy technologies rooted at various years in the past and then comparing these with observed costs in 2019. Model-based methods outperformed expert elicitations both in terms of capturing 2019 observed values and producing forecast medians that were closer to the observed values. However, all methods underestimated technological progress in almost all technologies. We also produce 2030 cost forecasts and find that elicitations generally yield narrower uncertainty ranges than model-based methods and that model-based forecasts are lower for more modular technologies.
Effects of double-dose algebra on college persistence and degree attainment
Authors: Nomi Takako , Raudenbush Stephen W. , Smith Jake J.
Published: June 2021

Significance

To obtain high-paying jobs, students from low-income backgrounds need to complete college at higher rates. Could remedial math coursework in high school help them do so? Some have argued that adolescence is too late to intervene, or that schools cannot overcome systemic social problems that hinder student success. Yet, evidence from Chicago suggests otherwise. We find that ninth graders assigned to “double-dose algebra”—an algebra class plus a second class designed to bolster algebra skills—were more likely to stay in, and complete, college compared to similar students who did not take double-dose algebra. However, when students were placed in double-dose classes with much-lower-skilled peers the program had no effect.
Epidemics and the future of coffee production
Authors: Rhiney Kevon , Guido Zack , Knudson Chris , Avelino Jacques , Bacon Christopher M. , Leclerc Grégoire , Aime M. Catherine , Bebber Daniel P.
Published: June 2021

In this perspective, we draw on recent scientific research on the coffee leaf rust (CLR) epidemic that severely impacted several countries across Latin America and the Caribbean over the last decade, to explore how the socioeconomic impacts from COVID-19 could lead to the reemergence of another rust epidemic. We describe how past CLR outbreaks have been linked to reduced crop care and investment in coffee farms, as evidenced in the years following the 2008 global financial crisis. We discuss relationships between CLR incidence, farmer-scale agricultural practices, and economic signals transferred through global and local effects. We contextualize how current COVID-19 impacts on labor, unemployment, stay-at-home orders, and international border policies could affect farmer investments in coffee plants and in turn create conditions favorable for future shocks. We conclude by arguing that COVID-19’s socioeconomic disruptions are likely to drive the coffee industry into another severe production crisis. While this argument illustrates the vulnerabilities that come from a globalized coffee system, it also highlights the necessity of ensuring the well-being of all. By increasing investments in coffee institutions and paying smallholders more, we can create a fairer and healthier system that is more resilient to future social-ecological shocks.
CRY2
missense mutations suppress P53 and enhance cell growth
Authors: Chan Alanna B. , Parico Gian Carlo G. , Fribourgh Jennifer L. , Ibrahim Lara H. , Bollong Michael J. , Partch Carrie L. , Lamia Katja A.
Published: June 2021

Significance

Disruption of circadian rhythms enhances cancer risk, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. The circadian repressors CRY1 and CRY2 evolved from light-activated DNA-repair enzymes, suggesting that they may be involved. Here, we demonstrate that missense mutations in CRY2 reported in The Cancer Genome Atlas suppress P53 target-gene expression and enhance the growth of MYC-transformed fibroblasts. Our identification of point mutations in CRY2 in human tumors that influence P53 activity and cell growth provides evidence for a clinically relevant molecular connection between CRYs and P53. Furthermore, these mutants will enable new strategies to investigate underlying molecular mechanisms and inform a growing effort to identify selective chemical modulators of CRY1 and/or CRY2.
Optimized river diversion scenarios promote sustainability of urbanized deltas
Authors: Moodie Andrew J. , Nittrouer Jeffrey A.
Published: June 2021

Significance

Urbanization is widely considered to limit river-delta sustainability by inhibiting natural land-building processes that are necessary to mitigate the detrimental effects of sea-level rise and coastal storm surge. In response, billions of dollars have been spent globally to engineer river diversions that distribute water and sediment to coastlines; however, the broader cost and benefits of locating such infrastructure have not been evaluated. Here, we show that the optimal location for diversions depends on coevolution of natural river processes and tradeoffs between societal benefit and diversion cost. Our findings provide a quantitative description of nature-based solutions and will inform decision-making frameworks that seek sustainable and equitable delta and coastline landscape management strategies.
Cathelicidin and PMB neutralize endotoxins by multifactorial mechanisms including LPS interaction and targeting of host cell membranes
Authors: Schromm Andra B. , Paulowski Laura , Kaconis Yani , Kopp Franziska , Koistinen Max , Donoghue Annemarie , Keese Susanne , Nehls Christian , Wernecke Julia , Garidel Patrick , Sevcsik Eva , Lohner Karl , Sanchez-Gomez Susana , Martinez-de-Tejada Guillermo , Brandenburg Klaus , Brameshuber Mario , Schütz Gerhard J. , Andrä Jörg , Gutsmann Thomas
Published: June 2021

Significance

Antibiotic resistance among clinically relevant bacteria presents an increasing threat and raises the urgent need for new compounds. Antimicrobial peptides and peptide antibiotics are potent membrane-active molecules and valuable prototypes for drug development. In gram-negative infections, killing of bacteria by antimicrobials is accompanied by the release of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin that causes severe hyperinflammation and pathology. We demonstrate how two medically relevant peptides, the cathelicidin LL-32 and polymyxin B, disarm endotoxins by peptide–LPS interaction. Furthermore, our studies reveal a mechanism of peptide-mediated immune control by acting on signaling domains of the immune cell membrane. Our results significantly enhance our understanding of how peptide antibiotics can regulate inflammation and will be important for their development and therapeutic use.
Mechanisms of transport enhancement for self-propelled nanoswimmers in a porous matrix
Authors: Wu Haichao , Greydanus Benjamin , Schwartz Daniel K.
Published: June 2021

Significance

As with living microorganisms, many real-world applications of synthetic micro/nanoswimmers are likely to rely on transport in complex environments, a phenomenon that remains poorly understood. Here, we report anomalously rapid transport of self-propelled particles in a porous medium, where nanoswimmers escaped from cavities more than an order of magnitude faster than expected compared to corresponding Brownian particles. This phenomenon was determined to be due to nuanced effects associated with self-propulsion, including enhanced mobility in confinement, efficient surface-mediated searching for holes, and the abolition of barriers at cavity exits. These mechanisms are broadly generalizable, and the previously unknown transport efficiency of nanoswimmers in complex porous environments suggests tremendous opportunities in forward-looking applications, including drug delivery and environmental remediation.
Neural specification, targeting, and circuit formation during visual system assembly
Authors: Malin Jennifer , Desplan Claude
Published: June 2021

Significance

How genes direct the development of the nervous system is a fundamental question in neurobiology. Here, we describe the gene networks that delineate cell fate and review the cell adhesion molecules used to guide axons and dendrites to the correct targets, and we discuss the mechanisms that cells use to migrate to their final destinations in the
Drosophila
visual system. We also draw comparisons between the fly and mammalian nervous systems that share common mechanisms used to guide their development. This allows us to suggest that principles emerging from the study of neuronal diversity, specification, and neural wiring in
Drosophila
are applicable to many systems and to most organisms.
Elimination of fibrin γ-chain cross-linking by FXIIIa increases pulmonary embolism arising from murine inferior vena cava thrombi
Authors: Duval Cédric , Baranauskas Adomas , Feller Tímea , Ali Majid , Cheah Lih T. , Yuldasheva Nadira Y. , Baker Stephen R. , McPherson Helen R. , Raslan Zaher , Bailey Marc A. , Cubbon Richard M. , Connell Simon D. , Ajjan Ramzi A. , Philippou Helen , Naseem Khalid M. , Ridger Victoria C. , Ariëns Robert A. S.
Published: June 2021

Significance

Pulmonary embolism and stroke are thromboembolic diseases affecting >1 million people annually worldwide. Thromboembolism involves clot fragments affecting vital downstream organs such as the lung or brain. The mechanisms underpinning thromboembolism are not understood and require clarification in order to devise more effective treatments. Here, we developed a thromboembolism protocol supported by state-of-the-art in vivo imaging, coupled to a genetically modified murine model of reduced clot strength caused by mutations in the cross-linking sites of fibrin, which provides the mechanical scaffold of the clot. We find that fibrin γ-chain cross-linking is essential for clot stability and reduces embolism. These findings introduce an important concept indicating that maintenance of clot stability during thrombosis treatment is essential to prevent thromboembolism.
Phase-induced topological superconductivity in a planar heterostructure
Authors: Lesser Omri , Saydjari Andrew , Wesson Marie , Yacoby Amir , Oreg Yuval
Published: June 2021

Significance

The practical realization of Majorana zero modes in quasi-one-dimensional topological superconductors is greatly hindered by the need to apply strong magnetic fields. This study proposes a way to engineer these exotic states using only superconducting phase bias, which requires negligible magnetic fields or currents. The proposed device is experimentally accessible and robust, as we show by comprehensive theoretical modeling. Furthermore, it has the potential of providing substantially cleaner experimental signatures of Majorana zero modes than the currently available platforms, paving the way to building a topological qubit.
The role of biotic interactions in invasion ecology: theories and hypotheses.
Authors:   Centre for Invasion Biology,Department of Mathematical Sciences,Stellenbosch University,Matieland 7602,South Africa./Theoretical Ecology Group,African Institute for Mathematical Sciences,Cape Town 7945,South Africa., Hui Cang , Landi Pietro ,   Centre for Invasion Biology,Department of Mathematical Sciences,Stellenbosch University,Matieland 7602,South Africa./Theoretical Ecology Group,African Institute for Mathematical Sciences,Cape Town 7945,South Africa., Latombe Guillaume ,   Centre for Invasion Biology,Department of Mathematical Sciences,Stellenbosch University,Matieland 7602,South Africa.
Published: June 2021

Changes in biotic interactions in the native and invaded range can enable a non-native species to establish and spread in novel environments. Invasive non-native species can in turn generate impacts in recipient systems partly through the changes they impose on biotic interactions; these interactions can lead to altered ecosystem processes in the recipient systems. This chapter reviews models, theories and hypotheses on how invasion performance and impact of introduced species in recipient ecosystems can be conjectured according to biotic interactions between native and non-native species. It starts by exploring the nature of biotic interactions as ensembles of ecological and evolutionary games between individuals of both the same and different groups. This allows us to categorize biotic interactions as direct and indirect (i.e. those involving more than two species) that emerge from both coevolution and ecological fitting during community assembly and invasion. We then introduce conceptual models that can reveal the ecological and evolutionary dynamics between interacting non-native and resident species in ecological networks and communities. Moving from such theoretical grounding, we review 20 hypotheses that have been proposed in invasion ecology to explain the invasion performance of a single non-native species, and seven hypotheses relating to the creation and function of assemblages of non-native species within recipient ecosystems. We argue that, although biotic interactions are ubiquitous and quintessential to the assessment of invasion performance, they are nonetheless difficult to detect and measure due to strength dependency on sampling scales and population densities, as well as the non-equilibrium transient dynamics of ecological communities and networks. We therefore call for coordinated efforts in invasion science and beyond, to devise and review approaches that can rapidly map out the entire web of dynamic interactions in a recipient ecosystem.
Allelopathic disruptions of biotic interactions due to non-native plants.
Authors:   National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis,Knoxville,Tennessee,USA., Smith-Ramesh Lauren M.
Published: June 2021

Allelopathy, or the process by which plants influence the growth and performance of their neighbours through the release of chemicals, may play a key role in mediating the impacts of non-native invasive species on their neighbours. The Novel Weapons Hypothesis purports that non-native invasive species are in part successful because they produce harmful allelochemicals to which resident species are particularly susceptible because residents lack a shared evolutionary history with the invader. While allelopathic non-native invaders may reduce the growth and performance of neighbours through direct phytotoxicity, they may more often exert negative impacts through disruption of biotic interactions among resident species. Allelopathy by non-native plants may disrupt mutualisms between resident plants and microbes, plant-herbivore interactions or existing competitive and facilitative interactions among resident plants. For example, several non-native plants are known to disrupt the mutualism between resident plants and mycorrhizal fungi, reducing resident plant fitness to the benefit of the invader. Allelopathic non-natives may also disrupt interactions among resident plants and their herbivores when allelochemicals also influence herbivore behaviour or fitness. Alternatively, biotic interactions can also be protective for resident species, which may be less susceptible to the impacts of non-native species when their mutualisms are intact. As we advance our understanding of allelopathy and its role in mediating the impacts of invasive plant species, we may gain new insights by viewing invasions within a network context rather than focusing on pairwise interactions.
Indirect biotic interactions of plant invasions with native plants and animals.
Authors:   The Bio-Protection Research Centre,School of Biological Sciences,University of Canterbury,Christchurch,New Zealand., Allen Warwick J.
Published: June 2021

Invasive plants often occur at high densities and tend to be highly generalist in their interactions with herbivores, pathogens, mycorrhiza, endophytes and pollinators. These characteristics mean that invasive plants should frequently participate in diverse indirect biotic interactions with the surrounding community, mediated by their direct interaction partners (e.g. antagonists and mutualists). Indirect interactions play an important role in many ecological processes, yet we still lack a systematic understanding of the circumstances under which they influence the success and impacts of invasive species. In this chapter, I first describe several of the indirect interaction pathways that are commonly encountered in invasion biology and review their contribution to the impacts of plant invasions on co-occurring species. The literature review revealed that there are now many case studies describing various indirect impacts of invasive plants. However, identical interaction motifs (e.g. plant-enemy-plant, plant-mutualist-plant) can bring about several possible outcomes, depending upon each species' provenance, relative abundances and interaction strengths, abiotic resource availability, spatial and temporal scale and the influence of other species. Moreover, knowledge gaps identified include a lack of studies of indirect facilitation outside of plant-pollinator systems, limited consideration of indirect invader impacts on other non-native species, and the scarcity of generalizable results to date. Second, I integrate the literature with some trending research areas in invasion biology (interaction networks, biogeography, invasion dynamics) and identify some potential future research directions. Finally, I discuss how knowledge about indirect biotic interactions could be incorporated into the management of invasive plants.
Molecular ecology of plant-microbial interactions during invasions: progress and challenges.
Authors:   Department of Biological Sciences,Macquarie University,Sydney,2109NSW,Australia., Le Roux Johannes J.
Published: June 2021

Microbes are omnipresent, yet their interactions with invasive plants remain understudied. This is surprising, given the importance of microbes in plant community ecology and their influence on plant performance in new environments. Recent advances in molecular genetic approaches have opened the door to studying this unseen majority in great detail and to understand how they fit into ecological interaction networks. Molecular approaches allow rapid assessments of microbial diversity at reasonable cost while providing both taxonomic and evolutionary information. Here I discuss how these approaches have contributed to a better understanding of plant-microbial interactions in the context of biological invasions. By drawing insights from various case studies, I illustrate how next-generation sequencing (DNA barcoding) has revolutionized the way we understand such interactions. Tight-knit and coevolved mutualist (e.g. mycorrhizal) and antagonist (e.g. pathogen) interactions appear particularly promising to understand the structure and function of invasive plant-microbial interaction networks, the impacts of invasive plants on native networks and the vulnerability of native networks to infiltration by non-native species. I also discuss novel ways in which molecular data can aid the study of invasive plant-microbial interactions, such as incorporating phylogenetic data into network analyses to better understand the role of evolutionary history in network dynamics and how such dynamics respond to plant invasions. DNA barcoding of microbes also presents unique challenges to the study of network ecology, such as uncertainty in the legitimacy and efficiency of interactions. Future research should incorporate overall plant-associated microbial communities (microbiomes) into interaction networks to better understand the role microbes play during plant invasions.
Restoration of pollination interactions in communities invaded by non-native plants.
Authors:   Centre for Ecology and Conservation,College of Life and Environmental Sciences,University of Exeter,Penryn,Cornwall,UK., Kaiser-Bunbury Christopher N. , Simmons Benno I. ,   Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn, UK.,   Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
Published: June 2021

Invasive plant species degrade and homogenize ecosystems worldwide, thereby altering ecosystem processes and function. To mitigate and reverse the impact of invasive plants on pollination, a key ecosystem function, conservation scientists and practitioners restore ecological communities and study the impact of such management interventions on plant-pollinator communities. Here, we describe opportunities and challenges associated with restoring pollination interactions as part of a holistic ecosystem-based restoration approach. We introduce a few general concepts in restoration ecology, and outline best planning and evaluation practices of restoring pollination interactions on the community level. Planning involves the selection of suitable plant species to support diverse pollinator communities, which includes considerations of the benefits and disadvantages of using native vs exotic, and bridge and framework plant species for restoration. We emphasize the central role of scientific- and community-level approaches for the planning phase of pollination restoration. For evaluation purposes, we argue that appropriate network indicators have the advantage of detecting changes in species behaviour with consequences for ecosystem processes and functions before these changes show up in altered species communities. Suitable network metrics may include interaction diversity and evenness, and network measures that describe the distribution of species, such as network and species-level specialization, modularity and motifs. Finally, we discuss the usefulness of the network approach in evaluating the benefits of restoration interventions for pollination interactions, and propose that applied network ecologists take a central role in transferring theory into practice.
Restoration of seed dispersal interactions in communities invaded by non-native plants.
Authors:   ECOHE - Laboratory of Human Ecology and Ethnobotany, and Post-Graduation Programme in Biology of Fungus, Algae and Plantae, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina– Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil., Ribeiro da Silva Fernanda , Pizo Marco Aurélio ,   Universidade Estadual de São Paulo, Department of Biodiversity – Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil.
Published: June 2021

Restoration aims to rebuild not only species but also the tangled interactions between species that ensure communities perpetuate by themselves. In tropical forests, restoration of seed dispersal interactions is essential because most plant species depend on animals to spread their seeds. A big challenge in restoring such forests is dealing with invasion by non-native species. Non-native plant species may outcompete and eliminate native species from the community, potentially disrupting or arresting the restoration process. Once established, invasive non-native plants are usually incorporated into the local seed dispersal network, potentially causing loss of biodiversity by competition with native species. This chapter reports on a case study of a 25-year old restored forest invaded by several bird-dispersed plant species. We assessed network metrics at the species level to specifically evaluate the role performed by invasive non-native species in the structure of the bird - seed dispersal network. The removal of invasive non-native plants and the re-establishment of native plant communities should be considered for the restoration of habitats invaded by non-native plants. For this reason, we discuss the impacts of removing such non-native plants and explore the consequences for the structure of the overall network. Because restoration areas are open systems, even after the removal of invasive non-native plant species they can return via seed dispersal. So, both the control and management of invasive non-native species would be more effective if planned with a landscape perspective. We also point out relevant management aspects to avoid the negative influence of invasive non-native plants on the seed dispersal interactions occurring between native plant and bird species in restored tropical forests.
Strength differential effect and anisotropy of Mg–1.9Mn–0.3Ce (wt-%) alloy subjected to high-rate loadings
Authors: Wang Jin , Wang Yang , Li Ziran
Published: June 2021

Tension and compression tests for a rare-earth-containing alloy sheet, Mg–1.9Mn–0.3Ce (wt-%), are performed under quasi-static and high-rate loadings along the rolling, transverse and normal direction, and stress – strain responses exhibit positive strain-rate dependence. Empirically based Johnson-Cook constitutive model is modified to describe the rate-dependent plastic deformation in multiple loading directions. A strong strength differential effect persists, and such effect is shown to be stronger at high strain rates. A weak in-plane anisotropy exists in the initial yielding and subsequent strain hardening behaviour as well as strength differential effect. In contrast, the out-of-plane anisotropy in compression is apparent and is approximately rate insensitive. Microstructural observations indicate that twinning plays the key role for the enhancement of strain-hardening rate under high strain-rate deformation.
Summated training and match load predictors of salivary immunoglobulin‐A, alpha‐amylase, testosterone, cortisol and T:C profile changes in elite‐level professional football players: A longitudinal analysis
Authors: Springham Matthew , Williams Sean , Waldron Mark , McLellan Chris , Newton Robert U.
Published: June 2021

We examined how summated training and match load measures relate to salivary immunological and hormonal profile changes in professional football players. Data were collected from 18 elite‐level professional male football players from one English Championship team across a complete 40 wk competitive season. Daily training (micro‐technology) and match (computerised tracking) measures of total, high‐speed and high‐metabolic load running distance and sprint, acceleration, deceleration and sRPE load were converted into exponentially weighted moving average “acute” (7d), “chronic” (28d) and acute:chronic composite load measures. Bi‐weekly morning saliva samples were analysed for immunoglobulin‐A, alpha‐amylase, testosterone, cortisol and testosterone:cortisol. A two‐stage data reduction technique using partial least squares modelling and a backward stepwise selection procedure determined the most parsimonious model for each salivary variable. Testosterone had non‐linear relationships with chronic total (P = 0.015; Cohen's D: large), high‐metabolic load (P = 0.001;small) and high‐speed (P = 0.001;trivial) running distance and linear relationships with chronic sRPE (P = 0.002;moderate ↓) and acute:chronic high‐speed running distance (P = 0.001; trivial ↑). Cortisol had a non‐linear relationship with chronic high‐speed running distance (P = 0.001;trivial). Testosterone:cortisol had non‐linear relationships with chronic decelerations (P = 0.039;small) and chronic summated acceleration and deceleration load (P = 0.039;small). Non‐linear relationships typically indicated optimal hormonal responses at squad mean loads. No load variables clearly related to salivary immunoglobulin‐A or alpha‐amylase changes. We conclude that chronic total and high‐intensity load measures relate to hormonal changes and might be useful indicators of player readiness. Acute load variables were not related to immunological or hormonal changes and consequently, should not be used as surrogate measures of player readiness in isolation.
Validation of the Norwegian adaptation of Khalfa’s Hyperacusis Questionnaire and psychological distress in Norwegian hyperacusis patients
Authors: Larsen Linda , Gjendem Terese Stople , Svevad Karina , Nielsen Guri Engernes
Published: June 2021

Objectives

There are currently no validated hyperacusis questionnaires available in Norway. This study evaluates a new (Norwegian) translation of Khalfa’s Hyperacusis Questionnaire. Another aim was to examine levels of psychological distress in Norwegian hyperacusis patients.

Materials and methods

Seventy-six hyperacusis patients between 21 and 68 years of age completed an online survey on two occasions comprising the Norwegian Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

Results

The average scale score for HQ was 25.9 ± 9.0. The HQ scale and subscales had good to excellent internal consistency, except the emotional subscale, which had somewhat lower reliability. The test-retest reliability was moderate to good for the HQ scale and subscales. Fifty-five percent of patients had symptoms of anxiety, while 43% had symptoms of depression.

Conclusion

This preliminary investigation found the Norwegian HQ to be a reliable and valid measure. Patients had more symptoms of anxiety than depression, which is in line with previous findings. Future studies may wish to evaluate the factor structure and measurement invariance of the Norwegian HQ.
Phagosome resolution regenerates lysosomes and maintains the degradative capacity in phagocytes
Authors: Lancaster Charlene E. , Fountain Aaron , Dayam Roaya M. , Somerville Elliott , Sheth Javal , Jacobelli Vanessa , Somerville Alex , Terebiznik Mauricio R. , Botelho Roberto J.
Published: June 2021

Phagocytes engulf unwanted particles into phagosomes that then fuse with lysosomes to degrade the enclosed particles. Ultimately, phagosomes must be recycled to help recover membrane resources that were consumed during phagocytosis and phagosome maturation, a process referred to as “phagosome resolution.” Little is known about phagosome resolution, which may proceed through exocytosis or membrane fission. Here, we show that bacteria-containing phagolysosomes in macrophages undergo fragmentation through vesicle budding, tubulation, and constriction. Phagosome fragmentation requires cargo degradation, the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons, and clathrin. We provide evidence that lysosome reformation occurs during phagosome resolution since the majority of phagosome-derived vesicles displayed lysosomal properties. Importantly, we show that clathrin-dependent phagosome resolution is important to maintain the degradative capacity of macrophages challenged with two waves of phagocytosis. Overall, our work suggests that phagosome resolution contributes to lysosome recovery and to maintaining the degradative power of macrophages to handle multiple waves of phagocytosis.
Stage-specific action of Runx1 and GATA3 controls silencing of PU.1 expression in mouse pro–T cells
Authors: Hosokawa Hiroyuki , Koizumi Maria , Masuhara Kaori , Romero-Wolf Maile , Tanaka Tomoaki , Nakayama Toshinori , Rothenberg Ellen V.
Published: June 2021

PU.1 (encoded by Spi1), an ETS-family transcription factor with many hematopoietic roles, is highly expressed in the earliest intrathymic T cell progenitors but must be down-regulated during T lineage commitment. The transcription factors Runx1 and GATA3 have been implicated in this Spi1 repression, but the basis of the timing was unknown. We show that increasing Runx1 and/or GATA3 down-regulates Spi1 expression in pro–T cells, while deletion of these factors after Spi1 down-regulation reactivates its expression. Leveraging the stage specificities of repression and transcription factor binding revealed an unconventional but functional site in Spi1 intron 2. Acute Cas9-mediated deletion or disruption of the Runx and GATA motifs in this element reactivates silenced Spi1 expression in a pro–T cell line, substantially more than disruption of other candidate elements, and counteracts the repression of Spi1 in primary pro–T cells during commitment. Thus, Runx1 and GATA3 work stage specifically through an intronic silencing element in mouse Spi1 to control strength and maintenance of Spi1 repression during T lineage commitment.
EURAMET supplementary comparison on calibration of RF current monitoring probe
Authors: Şen O , Çınar M , Kriz A , Pavlíček T , Lerat J M , Wojciechowski M , Pinter B , Rodríguez M , Pythoud F
Published: June 2021

Main text

RF current monitoring probes are commonly utilized in measurements of disturbance currents of cables without making direct conductive contact with the source conductor and without modification of its circuit. They must be calibrated by National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) or accredited calibration laboratories in accordance with international standards such as CISPR 16-1-2 or ISO 11452-4. The RF current monitor probe comparison measurements were conducted with 8 participants; five national metrology institutes (NMIs), two designated institutes (DI) and one commercial calibration laboratory at the frequencies 0.01 MHz, 0.1 MHz, 1 MHz, 10 MHz, 100 MHz, 200 MHz, 300 MHz, 400 MHz and 500 MHz in order to obtain the transfer impedance of the RF current monitoring probe. The comparison measurements started in September 2019 and were completed in June 2020.

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCEM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Induced gravitational waves as a cosmological probe of the sound speed during the QCD phase transition
Authors: Abe Katsuya T. , Tada Yuichiro , Ueda Ikumi
Published: June 2021

The standard model of particle physics is known to be
intriguingly successful. However, their rich phenomena represented
by the phase transitions (PTs) have not been completely understood
yet, including the possibility of the existence of unknown dark
sectors. In this paper, we investigate the measurement of the
equation of state parameter w and the sound speed of the PT
plasma
with the use of
the gravitational waves (GWs) of the universe.
Though the propagation of GW is insensitive to in itself, the
sound speed value affects the dynamics of primordial density (or
scalar curvature) perturbations, and the induced GW by their
horizon reentry can then be an indirect probe both w and .
We numerically reveal the concrete spectrum of the predicted induced
GW with two simple examples of the scalar perturbation spectrum: the
monochromatic and scale-invariant spectra. In the monochromatic
case, we see that the resonant amplification and cancellation scales
of the induced GW depend on the values at different times
respectively. The scale-invariant case gives a more realistic
spectrum and its specific shape will be compared with observations.
In particular, the QCD phase transition corresponds with the
frequency range of the pulsar timing array (PTA) observations. If
the amplitude of primordial scalar power is in the range of
10-4 ≲ Aζ ≲ 10-2, the induced GW is
consistent with current observational constraints and detectable in
the future observation in Square Kilometer Array. Furthermore, the
recent possible detection of stochastic GWs by NANOGrav 12.5 yr
analysis [1] can be explained by the induced
GW if Aζ ∼ √(7) × 10-3.
Massive AIS data storage and query based on Hadoop platform
Authors: Lv Taizhi , He Chenyong , Zhang Juan , Song Zhiyang
Published: June 2021

There are nearly 50 million AIS data generated every day in the Yangtze River Basin. Efficient storage and query of AIS data become the key problem of smart maritime administration. To overcome this problem, a distributed storage and query scheme based on Hadoop platform is proposed. Firstly, the original AIS message is parsed, the abnormal data is removed and the parsed data is pushed to the Kafka message queue. Secondly, the messages in the queue are pushed to different servers to complete the storage of real-time cache, historical trajectory and regional information. Finally, the query interface is provided to realize the real-time query of ship status, trajectory and regional ship in a certain period of time. The real applications show that compared with the traditional relational database, the solution can meet the requirements of real-time query and has high scalability.
A Deep Learning Method for Target Pose Estimation of Planetary Surface
Authors: Lu Huang , Xiaoyan Mao , Yan Xing
Published: June 2021

The key technical challenge of 6D target attitude estimation from RGB-D image is to make full use of 2d and 3D image point cloud data. Previous traditional target pose estimation methods either extract information from RGB images and depth, respectively, or use expensive post-processing steps that limit their performance in highly cluttered scenarios and real-time applications. Therefore, in this paper, a method is proposed to estimate the 6D attitude of a group of known objects from RGB-D images. The network used is a heterogeneous architecture, which processes two data from different dimensions separately, and uses a new dense fusion network to extract pixel-level dense feature embedding, and estimate the target position and attitude from it. In addition, an end-to-end iterative attitude optimization method is integrated to further improve attitude estimation, while real-time visualization of point clouds and rendering of bounding boxes are realized. Experimental results show that this method is effective on open source data sets.
Chinese grammatical error diagnosis based on sequence tagging methods
Authors: Wang H , Zhang Y J , Sun X M
Published: June 2021

In view of the problems such as exploding gradient or vanishing gradient or inefficiency caused by parallel problems when traditional neural networks deal with long text grammar error correction. In this paper, Chinese grammatical error detection is proposed as a sequence tagging problem for named entity recognition, and a Chinese grammatical error detection model based on BERT BILSTM CRF is designed and implemented by using Bert model to construct word vectors. Meanwhile, three groups of comparative tests were designed: CRF, BILSTM CRF and BERT CRF. In the end, BERT BILSTM CRF model achieves the error detection accuracy of 66.67% and 52.94% in M (missing error) and W (ordering error), respectively. BERT CRF and CRF models have also achieved good results in S (selection error) and R (redundant words). The research shows that it is feasible to solve grammatical error detection as a sequence labeling problem. On the other hand, a Chinese grammatical error detection model based on BERT BILSTM CRF is proposed for the first time.
Analysis and Forecast of Urban Rail Transit Network Based on LTE Signaling
Authors: Shunyu Yao , Jinbai Zou , Jiaming Jiang , Zhukai Shen
Published: June 2021

According to the requirements of LTE-M in rail transit safety, this paper collected various data in LTE-M network without affecting the normal operation of the network, screened effective information from the mass data, and systematically designed the software with data analysis technology. Using the neural network algorithm to predict the signaling data, we can judge the future condition of the network, adjust the network in time and prevent the possible failure in the future.
Pairwise constraints cross entropy fuzzy clustering algorithm based on manifold learning and feature selection
Authors: Cai Wei , Xu Shengbing , Zhang LiangJun , Liu Jiongzhi , Chen Peixuan
Published: June 2021

In weakly supervised learning, it is difficult for us to utilize pairwise constraints information in feature selection. In order to solve the problem, we propose Pairwise constraints cross entropy fuzzy clustering algorithm based on manifold learning and feature selection (FCPC-LEFS). There are four phases in our approach: 1) Generate pseudo label; 2) Dimension reduction by Laplacian Eigenmaps; 3) Feature increment and selection; 4) Cross-Entropy semi-Supervised Clustering Based on Pairwise Constraints. We apply our approach to three UCI datasets and a COVID19-CT image dataset. Experiments show that our manifold learning and feature selection method are able to increase improve the clustering performance.