bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The early Wuchiapingian (late Permian) fusuline fauna from the Penglaitan Section, South China
Authors: Wang Yue , Zhang Yichun , Zheng Quanfeng , Tian Xuesong , Huang Xing , Luo Mao
Published: May 2020

A fusuline fauna is described from the base of the Heshan Formation in the Penglaitan Section, the GSSP for the base Lopingian Series. This fauna falls within the Clarkina guangyuanensis and Clarkina transcaucasica conodont zones, indicating an early Wuchiapingian age. A new genus, Laibinella, is established to include those species that are morphologically similar to but phylogenetically independent of Palaeofusulina. In total, three species from two genera can be recognized in the studied material: Laibinella tobensis (Zhang), Laibinella ellipsoidalis gen. et sp. nov., and Lantschichites minima (Chen). The Laibinella tobensis Zone is established for the early Wuchiapingian. Based on morphology and biostratigraphy, we infer the evolutionary lineages of Dunbarula–Laibinella in the early Wuchiapingian, and Dunbarula–Nanlingella in the late Wuchiapingian.
The ichnogenus Lumbricaria Münster from the Upper Jurassic of Germany interpreted as faecal strings of ammonites
Authors: Knaust Dirk , Hoffmann René
Published: May 2020

The trace fossil Lumbricaria Münster is a common constituent of the Upper Jurassic lithographic limestones in southern Germany. Despite having been recognized more than 300 years ago, its nature and producer remain enigmatic. Controversial interpretations of Lumbricaria regard it either as the remains of worms, or as cololites (i.e. faecal material preserved in the gut) or coprolites (i.e. ejected faecal material) of worms, fish, holothurians or cephalopods. A morphological analysis of the type material and numerous specimens reveals two basic morphotypes of Lumbricaria, conformable with the ichnospecies L. intestinum (loosely confined, intertwined to elongate) and L. colon (well confined, densely entangled). Transitions and combinations between both ichnospecies exist and are the result of taphonomic effects. A comparison with modern analogues favours cephalopods (in particular nautiloids or ammonites) as the most likely producers of Lumbricaria, an interpretation that is supported by the finding of an Upper Jurassic nautiloid cast preserving a Lumbricaria‐like faecal string within its body chamber. Ammonites are the likely producers of Lumbricaria from the Upper Jurassic of Germany.
Carboxymethyl Starch/Medium Chain Fatty Acid Compositions: Rheological Changes During Storage and Selected Film Properties
Authors: Zdanowicz Magdalena , Markowska‐Szczupak Agata , Spychaj Tadeusz
Published: May 2020

Aqueous carboxymethyl starch (CMS) compositions in the presence of medium chain fatty acids: caprylic and pelargonic and their rheology are studied during storage of up to two months. For comparison purposes, selected compositions based on slightly crosslinked CMS (cCMS) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) are investigated. Substantial differences of neat CMS and CMC solution viscosity behavior versus systems based on carboxymethylated polysaccharides in the presence of fatty acids are found and discussed. Aqueous carboxymethylated polysaccharide/fatty acid systems are cast and films characterized by FTIR, moisture sorption degrees and transparency determination. Additionally, preliminary microbial tests for compositions are performed. CMS films with the presence of fatty acids exhibit a decrease in moisture sorption and transparency as compared to the reference CMS film. Paper disks covered with carboxymethylated polysaccharide‐based compositions show inhibited activity towards growth of Aspergillus flavus spores whereas coatings containing more than 10 pph fatty acid on polysaccharide exhibit antifungal properties against various spores (A. flavus, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans).
Transformer inrush identification based on improved mathematical gradient with dissociative structuring element
Authors: Huang M. C. , Wu Q. H. , Ji T. Y. , Zhang L. L.
Published: May 2020

This paper presents an improved morphological gradient for transformer inrush identification. Dissociative structuring element is presented and used to perform gradient operation, which can decrease the computational burden. Besides, a new index is introduced to measure the feature of extracted morphological gradient and to distinguish inrush from fault current. Simulation studies are conducted using PSCAD, and the results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Translational gene regulation in plants: A green new deal
Authors: Urquidi Camacho Ricardo A. , Lokdarshi Ansul , von Arnim Albrecht G.
Published: May 2020

The molecular machinery for protein synthesis is profoundly similar between plants and other eukaryotes. Mechanisms of translational gene regulation are embedded into the broader network of RNA‐level processes including RNA quality control and RNA turnover. However, over eons of their separate history, plants acquired new components, dropped others, and generally evolved an alternate way of making the parts list of protein synthesis work. Research over the past 5 years has unveiled how plants utilize translational control to defend themselves against viruses, regulate translation in response to metabolites, and reversibly adjust translation to a wide variety of environmental parameters. Moreover, during seed and pollen development plants make use of RNA granules and other translational controls to underpin developmental transitions between quiescent and metabolically active stages. The economics of resource allocation over the daily light–dark cycle also include controls over cellular protein synthesis. Important new insights into translational control on cytosolic ribosomes continue to emerge from studies of translational control mechanisms in viruses. Finally, sketches of coherent signaling pathways that connect external stimuli with a translational response are emerging, anchored in part around TOR and GCN2 kinase signaling networks. These again reveal some mechanisms that are familiar and others that are different from other eukaryotes, motivating deeper studies on translational control in plants.

This article is categorized under:

Translation > Translation Regulation

RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein‐RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
QCD θ-vacuum energy and axion properties
Authors: Lu Zhen-Yan , Du Meng-Lin , Guo Feng-Kun , Meißner Ulf-G. , Vonk Thomas
Published: May 2020

Abstract

At low energies, the strong interaction is governed by the Goldstone bosons associated with the spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking, which can be systematically described by chiral perturbation theory. In this paper, we apply this theory to study the θ-vacuum energy density and hence the QCD axion potential up to next-to-leading order with N non-degenerate quark masses. By setting N = 3, we then derive the axion mass, self-coupling, topological susceptibility and the normalized fourth cumulant both analytically and numerically, taking the strong isospin breaking effects into account. In addition, the model-independent part of the axion-photon coupling, which is important for axion search experiments, is also extracted from the chiral Lagrangian supplemented with the anomalous terms up to $$ \mathcal{O}\left({p}^6\right) $$
O

p
6

.
A forest formula to subtract infrared singularities in amplitudes for wide-angle scattering
Authors: Ma Yao
Published: May 2020

Abstract

For any hard QCD amplitude with massless partons, infrared (IR) singularities arise from pinches in the complex planes of loop momenta, called pinch surfaces. To organize and study their leading behaviors in the neighborhoods of these surfaces, we can construct approximation operators for collinear and soft singularities. A BPHZ-like forest formula can be developed to subtract them systematically.

In this paper, we utilize the position-space analysis of Erdoğan and Sterman for Green functions, and develop the formalism for momentum space. A related analysis has been carried out by Collins for the Sudakov form factors, and is generalized here to any wide-angle kinematics with an arbitrary number of external momenta. We will first see that the approximations yield much richer IR structures than those of an original amplitude, then construct the forest formula and prove that all the singularities appearing in its subtraction terms cancel pairwise. With the help of the forest formula, the full amplitude can also be reorganized into a factorized expression, which helps to generalize the Sudakov form factor result to arbitrary numbers of external momenta. All our analysis will be on the amplitude level.
Renormalization group flows, the a-theorem and conformal bootstrap
Authors: Kundu Sandipan
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Every renormalization group flow in d spacetime dimensions can be equivalently described as spectral deformations of a generalized free CFT in (d − 1) spacetime dimensions. This can be achieved by studying the effective action of the Nambu-Goldstone boson of broken conformal symmetry in anti-de Sitter space and then taking the flat space limit. This approach is particularly useful in even spacetime dimension where the change in the Euler anomaly aUV− aIR can be related to anomalous dimensions of lowest twist multi-trace operators in the dual CFT. As an application, we provide a simple proof of the 4d a-theorem using the dual description. Furthermore, we reinterpret the statement of the a-theorem in 6d as a conformal bootstrap problem in 5d.
The influence of wooden interior materials on indoor environment: a review
Authors: Alapieti Tuomas , Mikkola Raimo , Pasanen Pertti , Salonen Heidi
Published: May 2020

Environmental issues and health-benefitting design strategies have raised interest in natural and renewable building materials, resulting in an increased focus on the use of wood in built environment. The influence of wooden materials on measured and perceived indoor environment quality (IEQ) has gained attention during the past few decades, with a growing number of studies having explored the issue. This review was conducted to examine and summarise the body of research on the influence of wooden interior materials on IEQ, with an emphasis on the following themes: emissions of chemical compounds, moisture buffering of indoor air, antibacterial effects, acoustics, and psychological and physiological effects. This review found that wooden interior materials exert mainly positive or neutral effects on IEQ, such as moderating humidity fluctuations of indoor air, inducing positive feelings in occupants, and inhibiting certain bacteria. Negative effects on IEQ are limited to volatile organic compounds emitted from wood. The odour thresholds of some aldehydes and terpenes are low enough to affect the perceived IEQ. Additionally, concentrations of formaldehyde and acrolein may under certain conditions cause adverse health effects. Further studies are needed to better understand these phenomena and take advantage of the beneficial effects while hindering the unpleasant ones.
Cultural Barriers for Women in Surgery: How Thick is the Glass Ceiling? An Analysis from a Low Middle‐Income Country
Authors: Inam Hina , Janjua Mahin , Martins Russell S. , Zahid Nida , Khan Sadaf , Sattar Abida K. , Darbar Aneela , Akram Sharmeen , Faruqui Nuzhat , Khan Shaista M. , Lakhani Gulzar , Gillani Mishal , Hashmi Syeda Amrah , Enam Ather , Haider Adil H. , Malik Mahim A.
Published: May 2020

Background

This study aimed to highlight cultural barriers faced by surgeons pursuing a surgical career faced by surgeons at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. As more females opt for a surgical career, barriers faced by female surgeons are becoming increasingly evident, many of which are rooted in cultural norms. In Pakistan, a predominantly Muslim‐majority, low middle‐income country, certain societal expectations add additionally complexity and challenges to existing cultural barriers.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was administered via e‐mail to the full‐time faculty and trainees in the Department of Surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from July 2019 to November 2019.

Results

In total, 100 participants were included in this study, with the majority being residents (55.6%) and consultants (33.3%). 71.9% of female surgeons felt that cultural barriers towards a surgical career existed for their gender, as compared to 25.4% of male surgeons (p < 0.001). 40.6% of females reported having been discouraged by family/close friends from pursuing surgery, as compared to only 9.0% of males (p < 0.001). Moreover, a greater percentage of females surgeons were responsible for household cooking, cleaning and laundry, as compared to male surgeons (all p < 0.001). Lastly, 71.4% of female surgeons felt that having children had hindered their surgical career, as compared to 4.8% of males (p < 0001).

Conclusion

Our study shows that significant cultural barriers exist for females pursuing a surgical career in our setting. Findings such as these emphasize the need for policy makers to work towards overcoming cultural barriers.
Radiation‐Associated Thyroid Cancer Surveillance and Management in a Cohort of Late Effects Patients
Authors: Koo Eva , Henderson Michael A. , Dwyer Mary , Skandarajah Anita R.
Published: May 2020

Background and aims

Compared to the general population, the incidence of thyroid cancer in childhood and adolescent and young adult malignancy survivors is increased 14.0–18.0 times (CI 11.7–23.8). The cumulative incidence is variably reported as 0.5% by age 45 with 30‐year incidence of 1.3% in women and 0.6% in men. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of radiation‐associated thyroid cancer amongst patients treated with prior radiation to the thyroid followed up in a late effects service. A secondary aim was to assess screening compliance in this cohort.

Methods

The medical records of all patients attending the late effects service from 1 January 2000 to 20 February 2013 were interrogated to identify patients exposed to thyroid irradiation. The screening compliance and incidence of thyroid cancer were assessed for the duration whilst under the guidance of the late effect service. Mode of diagnosis, all imaging and cytology were retrieved from the institutional electronic record. Cytology was categorized according to Bethesda.

Results

Four hundred and sixty‐five patients were exposed to direct or scatter neck irradiation. Compliance with thyroid surveillance was observed in 76.9%. Ultrasound features of microcalcification and increased internal vascularity had a low sensitivity (62.5%) for predicting a malignant nodule, which improved when used in conjunction with a Bethesda IV–VI result (91.7%). However, cytological assessment was not performed in 45.6% of operative cases. Thirty‐three patients had thyroid carcinoma of which 45.4% (n = 15) were incidental. The majority were papillary thyroid cancers (88.9%); of which 12.5% were node positive and 34.4% were multifocal. The incidence of thyroid cancer was elevated 57.6 times compared to the Australian general population (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Due to the high incidence of thyroid cancer, this study supports screening in this cohort. However, due to the risk of overtreatment, we endorse further investigation of thyroid nodules with ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology based on sonographic criteria as for the general population and American Thyroid Association guidelines.
Variations of OH defects and chemical impurities in natural quartz within igneous bodies
Authors: Potrafke Alexander , Breiter Karel , Ludwig Thomas , Neuser Rolf Dieter , Stalder Roland
Published: May 2020

In this study, we present the first systematic dataset on natural variations of OH defect and trace element contents in quartz within igneous bodies. Samples were derived from bore holes of two plutonic bodies from the Krušné Hory/Erzgebirge (German–Czech border), representing typical A-type (Cínovec/Zinnwald granite cupola) and S-type (Podlesí Stock) granite intrusions. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy of quartz was used to investigate the sample set with regard to its OH defect speciation and content. For Zinnwald quartz, IR absorption spectra reveal different lithologies due to changes of the OH defect inventory, enabling a subdivision of the granitic body: (1) hydrothermal greisen quartz of the uppermost part of the intrusion have low OH defect contents (average of 15 µg/g H2O); (2) zinnwaldite granite quartz vary strongly in defect content and show the highest content of the dataset (10–70 µg/g H2O); (3) quartz from an underlying biotite granite have slightly lower, but very uniform contents down to the bottom of the borehole at 1600 m (average 20 µg/g H2O). Infrared spectra of Podlesí quartz reveal a gradual increase in total defect water content with increasing depth over 350 m (30–55 µg/g H2O). Lithium contents in quartz samples from the uppermost part of the Zinnwald intrusion correlate with the occurrence of Li-specific OH defects, while cathodoluminescence (CL) images do not show specific differences. Our findings evidence the potential of OH defects in quartz as a tool to decipher differentiation trends in igneous bodies, and the application of their eroded material for provenance analyses.
Time-based service constraints for inventory systems with commitment lead time
Authors: Ahmadi Taher , Atan Zümbül , de Kok Ton , Adan Ivo
Published: May 2020

We consider a firm which targets a certain level of customer responsiveness with a minimum operational cost. The firm employs a preorder strategy, in which customers place their orders before their actual need based on a predefined time window called commitment lead time and, in turn, they receive a bonus. The firm aims to determine the optimal control policy, which consists of the optimal commitment lead time and the optimal base-stock level, such that the total operational cost is minimized subject to a time-based service level target. We formulate two time-based service criteria to measure the firm’s responsiveness in terms of average customer waiting time and individual customer waiting time in two constraint optimization models called ACO and CCO, respectively. We derive the exact probability distribution of customer waiting time, and we propose exact and heuristic optimization algorithms to solve the ACO and CCO models. We show that the commitment lead time not only increases the firm’s responsiveness level but also decreases the customers’ maximum waiting time. We find that when the firm targets a high level of responsiveness, the value of commitment lead time is more highlighted. We study multiple interesting extensions with two customer classes, random replenishment lead times and a combined model with two time-based service level targets.
Frequent KIT mutations in skin lesions of patients with BRAF wild-type Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Tóth Béla , Kiss Norbert , Hársing Judit , Kárpáti Sarolta , Csomor Judit , Bödör Csaba , Tímár József , Rásó Erzsébet
Published: May 2020

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is characterized by mutations of the RAS-RAF-MAPK signaling pathway. We analyzed MAP2K1, NRAS and KIT mutation incidence in skin lesions of BRAF wild-type (wt) LCH patients. We evaluated the occurrence of MAP2K1, NRAS and KIT mutations in seven LCH and one indeterminate cell histiocytosis (ICH) patients. MAP2K1 mutation frequency was found to be 3/7 (42.9%) in LCH and also found in ICH. Similarly, the KIT mutation frequency was found to be equally prevalent (4/7, 57.1%) in LCH and also occurred in ICH. Involvement of KIT exons in LCH-ICH indicated that exon 9/11/18 were equally prevalent followed by exon 13. This exploratory analysis on BRAF-wt LCH revealed a KIT mutation rate comparable to MAP2K1. Although the detected KIT mutations are different from activating mutations found in other KIT-dependent neoplasms, our data suggest that KIT-inhibitors might have a role in treating BRAF-wt LCH patients.
Fermentation process for producing CFAs using Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Imatoukene Nabila , Back Alexandre , Nonus Maurice , Thomasset Brigitte , Rossignol Tristan , Nicaud Jean-Marc
Published: May 2020

Past research has sought to improve the production of cyclopropane fatty acids by the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica by heterologously expressing the E. coli fatty acid synthase gene and improving cultivation processes. Cyclopropane fatty acids display properties that hold promise for biofuel applications. The E. coli fatty acid synthase gene was introduced into several genetic backgrounds of the yeast Y. lipolytica to optimize lipid synthesis; the mean cyclopropane fatty acid productivity was 43 mg L−1 h−1 on glucose, and the production rate reached its maximum (3.06 g L−1) after 72 h of cultivation in a bioreactor. The best strain (JMY6851) overexpressed simultaneously the E. coli cyclopropane fatty acid synthase gene under a hybrid promoter (hp8d) and Y. lipolytica LRO1 gene. In fed-batch process using crude glycerol as carbon source, JMY6851 strain displayed high lipid accumulation (78% of dry cell weight) and high biomass production (56 g L−1). After 165 h of cultivation, cyclopropane fatty acids represented 22% of the lipids produced; cyclopropane fatty acid productivity (103.3 mg L−1 h−1) was maximal at 72.5 h of cultivation.
Biocontrol ability and volatile organic compounds production as a putative mode of action of yeast strains isolated from organic grapes and rye grains
Authors: Choińska Renata , Piasecka-Jóźwiak Katarzyna , Chabłowska Beata , Dumka Justyna , Łukaszewicz Aneta
Published: May 2020

The inhibiting activity of three yeast strains belonging to Pichia kudriavzevii, Pichia occidentalis, and Meyerozyma quilliermondii/Meyerozyma caribbica genera against common plant pathogens representing Mucor spp., Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium expansum, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium cereals, Fusarium poae, as well as Botrytis cinerea genera was investigated. The yeast strains tested had a positive impact on growth inhibition of all target plant pathogens. The degree of inhibition was more than 50% and varied depending on both the yeast antagonist and the mold. Ethyl esters of medium-chain fatty acids, phenylethyl alcohol, and its acetate ester prevailed among the analyzed volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by yeasts in the presence of the target plant pathogens. Due to the method used, assuming no contact between the antagonist and the pathogen, the antagonistic activity of the yeast strains studied resulted mainly from the production of biologically active VOCs. Moreover, the antagonistic activity was not only restricted to a single plant pathogen but effective towards molds of different genera, making the yeast strains studied very useful for potential application in biological control.
FOXO transcription factor family in cancer and metastasis
Authors: Jiramongkol Yannasittha , Lam Eric W.-F.
Published: May 2020

Forkhead box O (FOXO) transcription factors regulate diverse biological processes, affecting development, metabolism, stem cell maintenance and longevity. They have also been increasingly recognised as tumour suppressors through their ability to regulate genes essential for cell proliferation, cell death, senescence, angiogenesis, cell migration and metastasis. Mechanistically, FOXO proteins serve as key connection points to allow diverse proliferative, nutrient and stress signals to converge and integrate with distinct gene networks to control cell fate, metabolism and cancer development. In consequence, deregulation of FOXO expression and function can promote genetic disorders, metabolic diseases, deregulated ageing and cancer. Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells spread from the primary tumour often via the bloodstream or the lymphatic system and is the major cause of cancer death. The regulation and deregulation of FOXO transcription factors occur predominantly at the post-transcriptional and post-translational levels mediated by regulatory non-coding RNAs, their interactions with other protein partners and co-factors and a combination of post-translational modifications (PTMs), including phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation and ubiquitination. This review discusses the role and regulation of FOXO proteins in tumour initiation and progression, with a particular emphasis on cancer metastasis. An understanding of how signalling networks integrate with the FOXO transcription factors to modulate their developmental, metabolic and tumour-suppressive functions in normal tissues and in cancer will offer a new perspective on tumorigenesis and metastasis, and open up therapeutic opportunities for malignant diseases.
Kosakoniacowanii as the New Bacterial Pathogen Affecting Soybean (Glycine max Willd.)
Authors: Krawczyk Krzysztof , Borodynko-Filas Natasza
Published: May 2020

Soybean (Glycine max Willd.) is one of the most economically important crops in the world, and it’s importance continuously increasing. Routine screening of Polish soybean fields has revealed an outburst of a new disease of soybean plants, with symptoms resembling those described for the bacterial blight, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinae, and bacterial pustule caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines. The symptoms were observed in the field, on the leaves of investigated plants. The goal of this paper was the identification and characterization of the causal agent of that disease. Our studies have excluded virus and fungi and pointed the bacteria as the disease causal agent. Identification based on biological (Biolog Gen III), and molecular methods (16S rDNA, and gyrB sequencing, PCR species-specific testing) revealed that the soy pathogenic bacteria is Kosakonia cowanii species. We believe that the presence of such pathogens in the environment pose a serious threat for the crops and is also a warning, that in the near future we may be faced a new type of bacterial pathogens: both epi- and endophytic, abundant in the natural environment, with huge metabolic potential, and ability of quick colonization of new ecological niches and hosts, e.g. opportunistic pathogens of plants or humans. What’s important is that the plant-pathogenic and plant-epiphytic “environmental” strains of such species can be distinguished from each other only post factum, in the pathogenicity tests. They are indistinguishable or very hard to distinguish morphologically, biochemically or molecularly.
Advances in exploring activity cliffs
Authors: Stumpfe Dagmar , Hu Huabin , Bajorath Jürgen
Published: May 2020

The activity cliff (AC) concept is of comparable relevance for medicinal chemistry and chemoinformatics. An AC is defined as a pair of structurally similar compounds with a large potency difference against a given target. In medicinal chemistry, ACs are of interest because they reveal small chemical changes with large potency effects, a concept referred to as structure–activity relationship (SAR) discontinuity. Computationally, ACs can be systematically identified, going far beyond individual compound series considered during lead optimization. Large-scale analysis of ACs has revealed characteristic features across many different compound activity classes. The way in which the molecular similarity and potency difference criteria have been addressed for defining ACs distinguishes between different generations of ACs and mirrors the evolution of the AC concept. We discuss different stages of this evolutionary path and highlight recent advances in AC research.
Efficiency and Mechanism of Palladium(II) Extraction from Chloride Media with N-Hexadecylpiperidinium Chloride
Authors: Cieszynska Anna , Wieczorek Daria
Published: May 2020

N-hexadecylpiperidinium chloride ([PIP16]Cl) has been synthesized and examined as a reagent for extractive recovery of palladium(II) from hydrochloric acid solutions. The effect of the contact time between the two phases, temperature and the concentration of palladium(II) ions, the extractant and HCl, were also evaluated. The anion-exchange mechanism of palladium(II) extraction with [PIP16]Cl was confirmed by Job’s method, UV–VIS, IR and1H NMR analysis. The extraction of palladium(II) from 0.1 mol·L−1HCl solution with [PIP16]Cl in toluene was very effective and amounted to almost 100%. Increases in both HCl and NaCl concentrations and increasing temperature had negative effects on the effectiveness of palladium(II) extraction. [PIP16]Cl also exhibited selectivity to extraction of palladium(II) over some other metals: rhodium(III), iron(III), aluminium(III), copper(II) and lead(II). From among the examined stripping solutions the most effective were 0.5 mol·L−1aqueous solution of ammonia and 0.1 mol·L−1thiourea in 0.1 or 1 mol·L−1HCl. The percentage of palladium(II) stripped from loaded organic phase reached nearly 100%. The feasibility of regeneration of [PIP16]Cl and its reuse in subsequent extractions was also investigated.
Interaction of gold nanoparticles with cholesterol oxidase enzyme in bionanocomplex—determination of the protein structure by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Wojnarowska-Nowak Renata , Polit Jacek , Sheregii Eugen M.
Published: May 2020

The bionanocomplexes of proteins and nanoparticles are promising bionanomaterials for medical purposes like the sensitive and the selective diagnostic devices, as well as, the modern therapeutic agents. The presence of the noble metals allows for obtaining the plasmonic effect and for generating the surface-enhanced Raman scattering phenomenon (SERS). The knowledge of the nanoparticle interaction with the protein molecule is extremely necessary for the development of the suitable product. The interaction of the bionanocomplex components can cause the conformational changes in the protein structure and the modification of surface properties of the nanoparticles. In the case of the binding of the gold nanoparticles with the enzymes, it is critical to preserve the catalytic activity, which is connected with maintaining the proper molecule structure. In the presented study, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used for the investigation of the interaction and the structural properties of the cholesterol oxidase (ChOX)—the gold nanoparticles bionanocomplex. The ChOX is one of the most important enzymes for the medical diagnostics and the promising antibacterial agent. The infrared spectra of the AuNP-ChOX bionanocomplex and the ChOX in different forms (the solid and the suspended in the buffer) are presented and discussed. The obtained spectra include the considerable number of the absorption lines identified and attributed to the corresponding chemical bonds and the functional groups of the protein. The analysis of the obtained infrared spectra revealed the important information about the changes of the protein structure after the immobilization on the gold nanoparticles. Moreover, it allows to recognize the differences in the structure of the protein in a different environment, which is of great importance in the context of bionanotechnology.
Gene expression variability between randomly and targeted transgene integration events in tobacco suspension cell lines
Authors: Kirchhoff Janina , Schiermeyer Andreas , Schneider Katja , Fischer Rainer , Ainley W. Michael , Webb Steven R. , Schinkel Helga , Schillberg Stefan
Published: May 2020

Genome editing tools such as zinc-finger nucleases provide novel strategies for genetic manipulation in plants. Unlike agrobacterium-mediated or direct gene transfer, which introduce genes randomly into the genome and thereby potentially resulting in high variation of gene expression, the targeted gene addition provides predictable integration of DNA sequences into a specified location of the plant genome. We investigated whether various independent cell lines that all contain a transgene placed in the same genomic locus by zinc-finger nuclease-mediated homologous recombination (HR) would yield a more reproducible and homogeneous level of expression compared to integration events generated via agrobacterium-mediated transformation at random sites. The variance of gene expression of targeted HR events and random integration events was analyzed inNicotiana tabacumL cv. Bright Yellow 2 (BY-2) suspension cells by measuring protein amount produced from the transgene by flow cytometry, thus providing the first report on positional effects of marker gene expression in a quickly proliferating plant suspension cell line. Marker protein levels of targeted HR and single-copy random events covered a similar range; however, the uniformity of protein expression in a given cell line was significantly higher in targeted events than in lines with randomly inserted transgene; the same is true for the overall viability of protoplasts from HR lines. In conclusion, using targeted insertion into a qualified locus of a well-characterized line leads to more reliable results than random insertion into the genome.
Preparation and characterization of activated carbons obtained from the waste materials impregnated with phosphoric acid(V)
Authors: Zięzio Magdalena , Charmas Barbara , Jedynak Katarzyna , Hawryluk Monika , Kucio Karolina
Published: May 2020

In the paper spent coffee grounds were used as a precursor to obtain activated carbons. The raw material was impregnated with phosphoric acid(V) at the different impregnations ratios: 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2. Carbonization was carried out according to two procedures differing in activation atmosphere (N2 or CO2). The obtained activated carbons were characterized on the basis of low-temperature nitrogen adsorption/desorption, thermal analysis, potentiometric titration method, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Carbons obtained according to procedure 2 (activation in CO2) were characterized by better developed porosity, e.g. surface (SBET to 720.9 m2/g) and pore volume (Vp to 0.334 cm3/g). All obtained carbons had surface acidic (mainly carboxyl) groups and exhibited the amorphous structure. The thermal analysis showed that the obtained materials were thermally stable up to the temperature ~ 420 °C.
When Did the Health Gradient Emerge? Social Class and Adult Mortality in Southern Sweden, 1813–2015
Authors: Bengtsson Tommy , Dribe Martin , Helgertz Jonas
Published: May 2020

Across today’s developed world, there is a clear mortality gradient by socioeconomic status for all ages. It is often taken for granted that this gradient was as strong—or even stronger—in the past when social transfers were rudimentary and health care systems were less developed. Some studies based on cross-sectional data have supported this view, but others based on longitudinal data found that this was not the case. If there was no gradient in the past, when did it emerge? To answer this question, we examine social class differences in adult mortality for men and women in southern Sweden over a 200-year period, using unique individual-level register data. We find a systematic class gradient in adult mortality emerging at ages 30–59 only after 1950 for women and after 1970 for men, and in subsequent periods also observable for ages 60–89. Given that the mortality gradient emerged when Sweden transitioned into a modern welfare state with substantial social transfers and a universal health care system, this finding points to lifestyle and psychosocial factors as likely determinants.
A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of Randomized Evaluations of the Effect of Child Social Skills Training on Antisocial Development
Authors: Beelmann Andreas , Lösel Friedrich
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Developmental and life course criminology (DLCC) engages not only in correlational longitudinal research but also in programs of developmental prevention. Within this context, child training on social skills plays an important role. The present article contains a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of this type of intervention.

Method

We updated a meta-analysis on this topic Lösel & Beelman (Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 587:84–109, 2003) to cover more recent studies while focusing specifically on aggression, delinquency, and related antisocial outcomes. From a systematic search of 1133 reports, we found 113 studies with 130 eligible RCT comparisons between a program and control group. Overall, 31,114 children and youths were included in these evaluations. Most interventions were based on a cognitive-behavioral approach.

Results

Overall, the mean effect was positive, but rather small (d = 0.25 using the random effect model). There were similar effects on aggression, delinquency, and other outcomes, but a tendency to somewhat stronger effects in behavior observations and official records than in rating scales. Most outcome measurements were assessed within 3 months or up to 1 year after training. Only a minority (k = 14) had follow-up assessments after more than 1 year. In the latter studies, mean effects were no longer significant. Indicated prevention for youngsters who already showed some antisocial behavior had better effects than universal approaches and (partially related to this) older youngsters benefited more than preschool children. There was much heterogeneity in the findings. Evaluations performed since our previous meta-analysis in 2003 did not reveal larger effects, but training format, intensity, and other moderators were relevant.

Conclusions

Mean results are promising, but more long-term evaluations, replications, booster approaches, and combinations with other types of interventions are necessary to ensure a substantial impact on antisocial development in the life course.
Epidemiological characteristics of confirmed COVID-19 in Guizhou province, China
Authors: Li Xiahong , Wang Xue , Liu Jun , Huang Guangtao , Shi Xiuquan
Published: May 2020

Objective:

To explore the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 associated with SARS-Cov-2 in Guizhou province, and to compare the differences in epidemiology with other provinces.

Methods:

The data were extracted from National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Health Commission of Guizhou province, and Health Commission of Hubei province from January 20 to February 12, 2020. Information included such as general demographic indicators, population data and clinical outcome.

Results:

A total of 135 cases were analyzed in the study. The average age was 39.46±18.95 years. The ratio of males to females was 0.985:1. Most of COVID-19 patients were 18-45 years old (52.27%). Close contact history was the most common (37.88%), followed by residence history in Hubei (34.85%). There was no difference between males and females in age (P=0.953) and exposure condition (P=0.186). Correlation analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between the migration index and the number of confirmed cases (r=0.816, P=0.007).

Conclusion:

Among the cases, most patients were young adults. Most epidemiological characteristics were no difference between males and females. Family-based transmission should not be ignored, as a close contact history was the top reason of exposure. Moreover, population movements also had significant impact on outbreaks.
Heteronuclear Cross-Relaxation under Dynamic Nuclear Polarization in Nicotine and Caffeine
Authors: Aladin V. , Trenkler P. A. , Corzilius B.
Published: May 2020

Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) is a technique in magic-angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) which leads to sensitivity enhancement and helps to overcome the issue of low polarization in detected nuclei. Recent research showed, that methyl groups, which show active reorientation dynamics and cause heteronuclear cross relaxation at typical DNP temperatures around 100 K, may be used as a pinpoint source of polarization for selective and site-specific probing. In this study, we investigated the cross-relaxation behavior of methyl groups in nicotine and caffeine under DNP. These effects could be useful for investigating receptor/ligand binding.
High diversity of metazoan parasites in carp gudgeons (Eleotridae:Hypseleotrisspp.) from Eastern Australia
Authors: Rochat E.C. , Blasco-Costa I. , Scholz T. , Unmack P.J.
Published: May 2020

Knowledge of the parasite fauna of Australian freshwater fish is fragmentary and incomplete. An understanding of fish hosts and their associated parasites is vital for the successful management of aquatic ecosystems. In this study, we surveyed the parasite fauna of carp gudgeons (Hypseleotrisspp.), a complex of species of Australian freshwater fishes, using morphology and molecular data for the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA genes. We examined 137 individuals of three different taxa in the carp gudgeon species complex and found 16 parasitic taxa of the Digenea, Cestoda, Nematoda and Arthropoda (five adults and 11 larvae). Eleven parasites are reported for the first time from the carp gudgeons (Pseudodactylogyrussp.,Gyrodactylussp.,Clinostomumsp.,Paradilepis patriciae,P.cf.kempi, two unidentified species ofParadilepis,Dendrouterinasp.,Parvitaeniasp., two lineages of Cyclophyllidea gen. sp.,Procamallanussp., larvae of a spirurine nematode andLernaeasp.), in addition toApatemoncf.hypseleotrisNegm-Eldin & Davies, 2001 and the invasive tapewormSchyzocotyle acheilognathi(Yamaguti, 1934), which were previously reported from these fish hosts. Parasite species richness was double in Lake's and Midgley's carp gudgeons relative to western carp gudgeon. These findings highlight the key role of carp gudgeons as intermediate hosts for multiple parasites with complex life cycles using native birds as definitive hosts and the usefulness of DNA data for the identification of parasite larvae.
Silk textiles, crisis and adaptative strategies in Catalonia, 1770–1850s (Barcelona and Manresa)
Authors: Parera Àngels Solà , Ferrer-Alós Llorenç , Pujolà Lluís Virós , Yamamichi Yoshiko
Published: May 2020

This article compares the impact of the economic crisis of 1787–1832, including the war and the loss of colonial markets, on the silk industry in Barcelona and Manresa, the two main centres of silk production in eighteenth-century Catalonia. In particular, it explores how families adopted different strategies in adapting to the crisis. Some moved into different sectors, including the emerging cotton industry, sometimes accompanied by geographical mobility. Others innovated by manufacturing specialised products, such as ribbons and handkerchiefs, often taking advantage of technological innovations in the textile industry. The article also offers some reflections on the role of women in these adaptative strategies, as far as the limited evidence allows.
Distribution of Olrog’s GullLarus atlanticusfrom Bahía San Blas during the non-breeding period: signals of partial migration
Authors: COPELLO SOFÍA , SUÁREZ NICOLÁS , YORIO PABLO , RAVASI MARÍA T. , PAZ JESICA A. , BORBOROGLU PABLO GARCÍA , GRILLI MARICEL GRAÑA , FAVERO MARCO , SECO PON JUAN P.
Published: May 2020

The Olrog’s GullLarus atlanticusis an endemic and threatened species of the south-western Atlantic. Little is known about its movements during the non-breeding period. The objective of this study was to analyse the migration of the species by tracking adults from Bahía San Blas (Buenos Aires province, Argentina) with geolocators and using information of sightings of ringed gulls. Differences between males and females were evaluated using tracking data and ringed data were used to determine age differences. A single core area (kernel 50%) from 21 tracked birds was identified. This area included the study colony and also other breeding colonies located up to 300 km to the north. The range area (kernel 95%) included coastal areas up to 1,000 km from the colony. All sightings of ringed gulls (n= 41) occurred north of the breeding colony, however 12 adult individuals were sighted during the winter in its breeding grounds. Our results suggest the occurrence of partial migration behavior in Olrog’s Gull. The migration pattern reported here implies than during the non-breeding season, breeding and wintering areas away from the nesting grounds should be considered as one system in the design of conservation strategies for this regionally threatened gull.
Coronary sinus stenosis: an underdiagnosed cause for paediatric exertional chest pain
Authors: Hegde Saloni A. , Moore Jeffrey , Suarez William A.
Published: May 2020

Undiagnosed coronary sinus obstruction can be a source of paediatric exertional chest pain and death. We present a case series of three interesting children who developed only exertional angina from various degrees of coronary sinus stenosis or atresia. We discuss the diagnosis and management of each case and the potential pathophysiology involved with their symptoms.
The origins ofowldin Scots
Authors: MAGUIRE WARREN
Published: May 2020

The usual development of OE [ɑld] in words such asoldin Scots is toauld, reflecting the development of this sequence in northern dialects more generally. But in some Scots dialects other pronunciations of these words, reminiscent of dialects of English south of the Ribble–Humber Line, are found. These forms, of the typeowld, are found across Lowland Scotland, with particular concentrations in the far north and southwest. Origins in Irish English and English in England have been suggested for this feature of Scots but these hypotheses have not been explored. Aitken & Macafee (2002: 61–2) instead argue for an endogenous origin of bothauldandowld, but this proposed double endogenous development of OE [ɑld] is problematic in a number of ways. In this article, I examine the history of these developments in Scots in comparison to their development in dialects of English in England and Ireland. The lack of evidence for theowlddevelopment in Older Scots suggests that these forms are of relatively recent origin. Crucially, theEighteenth-Century English Phonology Database(ECEP) reveals that theowldpronunciations were in fact a feature of early forms of Standard English. Furthermore, several characteristic features of Irish English have spread into southwest Scotland, and the distribution ofowldforms in the area fits this pattern. Thus Scots forms such asowldare not the result of endogenous development, but have their origin in English, in the case of southwest Scotland at least in part from Irish English, and elsewhere in Scotland from early forms of Standard English. Theseowldforms have been ‘localised’ and reinterpreted as ‘Scots’, alongside or replacing originalauld. The analysis of the origins of this feature highlights not only the role of contact with varieties of English in the development of Scots, but also the importance of sources such as the ECEP database for understanding the historical phonology of Scots and English.
Challenging humanitarian intervention in the twenty-first century: British domestic actors and horizontal foreign policy contestation during the Syrian crisis
Authors: Betti Andrea
Published: May 2020

Twenty years after the NATO intervention in Kosovo, domestic Western societies seem to have become more distrustful of the possibility of invoking and implementing humanitarian intervention (HI). This paper focuses on the 2011–2015 British domestic debate on the possibility of using force against the Syrian Government of Bashar al-Assad and against the Islamic State in Syrian territory. The goal is to understand how relevant domestic actors, namely the Government and the political parties, debated the concept of HI and engaged in several discursive strategies with the goal of influencing the decision on whether or not to intervene. The perception of the Members of Parliament about the failure of previous British governments of different ideological affiliations to carry out successful and useful interventions, especially in Iraq and Libya, favoured the development of an ‘intersubjective understanding’ that reflects a more precarious consensus on HI. The paper explains how the historical analogies of operationsIraqi Freedomagainst Saddam Hussein andUnified Protectoragainst Muammar Gaddafi shaped the perceptions of political parties by pushing them to claim a larger say in disputes related to the legitimacy and feasibility of these operations.