bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Besnus Transition in Single‐Domain 4C Pyrrhotite
Authors: Koulialias Dimitrios , Lesniak Barbara , Schwotzer Matthias , Weidler Peter G. , Löffler Jörg F. , Gehring Andreas U.
Published: November 2019

The discontinuous change in magnetic properties at a temperature of about 32 K, denoted as the Besnus transition, is a diagnostic feature for detecting 4C pyrrhotite in geological systems. The transition is grain size dependent, and it has been assumed that the single‐domain (SD) to multidomain (MD) threshold is in the micron size range. Here we present a combined crystallographic and magnetic study of a pure phase, SD 4C pyrrhotite that was produced by ball milling of a MD precursor. The mechanical treatment generated varying grain sizes of less than 20 μm, which are solely in a SD magnetic state. It also decreases the coherent scattering domains of the grains from 216 nm in the MD sample to 30 nm, which is taken to set limits for the MD/SD threshold in 4C pyrrhotite grains. The alternating current susceptibility response associated with the Besnus transition is diagnostic for distinguishing SD and MD 4C pyrrhotite. The unambiguous identification of SD 4C pyrrhotite provides a better insight into its occurrence in geological systems.
Properties of the Body of a Turbidity Current at Near‐Normal Conditions: 1. Effect of Bed Slope
Authors: Salinas Jorge S. , Cantero M. I. , Shringarpure M. , Balachandar S.
Published: November 2019

We study the body of turbidity currents in normal flow conditions by means of highly resolved direct numerical simulations of a homogeneous model. We focus on turbidity currents where the net amount of sediment is held fixed. We consider the sediment to be fine enough that their settling effect is neglected, and in the companion work we consider the effect of settling velocity. We consider five different shear Richardson numbers from 5 to 80. Under normal condition, basal drag and entrainment at the interface precisely balance the momentum supplied to the current from the excess weight of the sediment. The normal flow properties of a turbidity current can be fully characterized in terms of bulk Richardson number Ri and bulk Reynolds number Re. The velocity, concentration, and turbulent kinetic energy profiles take a self‐similar shape when the current is at near‐normal conditions. We observe the flow to display supercritical features for
and to display subcritical features for
. From the behavior at intermediate Richardson numbers it appears that the transition between subcritical to supercritical behavior is not sharp. We observe good agreement between experimental and simulation results in both regimes. The entrainment coefficient as a function of bulk Richardson number at normal condition is in good agreement with the empirical relation and with available experimental results. We present a simple model for drag coefficient as a function of bulk Reynolds and Richardson numbers.
Comparison of Near‐Surface NO2 Pollution With Pandora Total Column NO2 During the Korea‐United States Ocean Color (KORUS OC) Campaign
Authors: Thompson Anne M. , Stauffer Ryan M. , Boyle Tyler P. , Kollonige Debra E. , Miyazaki Kazuyuki , Tzortziou Maria , Herman Jay R. , Abuhassan Nader , Jordan Carolyn E. , Lamb Brian T.
Published: November 2019

Near‐surface air quality (AQ) observations over coastal waters are scarce, a situation that limits our capacity to monitor pollution events at land‐water interfaces. Satellite measurements of total column (TC) nitrogen dioxide (NO2) observations are a useful proxy for combustion sources, but the once daily snapshots available from most sensors are insufficient for tracking the diurnal evolution and transport of pollution. Ground‐based remote sensors like the Pandora Spectrometer Instrument (PSI) that have been developed to verify space‐based TC NO2 and other trace gases are being tested for routine use as certified AQ monitors. The KORUS‐OC (Korea‐United States Ocean Color) cruise aboard the R/V Onnuri in May–June 2016 represented an opportunity to study AQ near the South Korean coast, a region affected by both local/regional and long‐distance pollution sources. Using PSI data in direct‐Sun mode and in situ sensors for shipboard ozone, CO, and NO2, we explore, for the first time, relationships between TC NO2 and surface AQ in this coastal region. Three case studies illustrate the value of the PSI and complexities in the surface‐column NO2 relationship caused by varying meteorological conditions. Case Study 1 (25–26 May 2016) exhibited a high correlation of surface NO2 to TC NO2 measured by both PSI and Aura's Ozone Monitoring Instrument, but two other cases displayed poor relationships between in situ and TC NO2 due to decoupling of pollution layers from the surface. With suitable interpretation the PSI TC NO2 measurement demonstrates good potential for working with upcoming geostationary satellites to advance diurnal tracking of pollution.
Long‐Period Astronomical Forcing of Westerlies' Strength in Central Asia During Miocene Climate Cooling
Authors: Frisch Konstantin , Voigt Silke , Verestek Verena , Appel Erwin , Albert Richard , Gerdes Axel , Arndt Iris , Raddatz Jacek , Voigt Thomas , Weber Yuki , Batenburg Sietske J.
Published: November 2019

The continental expression of global cooling during the Miocene Climate Transition in Central Asia is poorly documented, as the tectonically active setting complicates the correlation of Neogene regional and global climatic developments. This study presents new geochemical data (CaSO4 content, carbonate δ13C and δ18O) from the endorheic alluvial‐lacustrine Aktau succession (Ili Basin, south‐east Kazakhstan) combined with findings from the previously published facies evolution. Time series analysis revealed long‐eccentricity forcing of the paleohydrology throughout the entire succession, split into several facies‐dependent segments. Orbital tuning, constrained by new laser ablation U‐Pb dates and a preexisting magnetostratigraphy, places the succession in a 5.0 Ma long interval in the middle to late Miocene (15.6 to 10.6 Ma). The long‐term water accumulation in the Ili Basin followed the timing of the Miocene Climate Transition, suggesting increased precipitation in the catchment area in response to climate cooling and stronger westerly winds. This was paced by minima of the 2.4 Ma eccentricity cycle, which favored the establishment of a discharge playa (~14.3 Ma) and a perennial lake (12.6 to 11.8 Ma). Furthermore, low obliquity amplitudes (nodes) caused a transient weakening of the westerlies at ~13.7 to 13.5 Ma and at ~12.7 Ma, resulting in negative hydrological budgets and salinization. Flooding of the windward Ili Basin coeval with aridification in the leeward basins suggests that the Tian Shan was a climate boundary already in the middle Miocene. Our results emphasize the impact of climate fluctuations on the westerlies' strength and thus on Central Asian hydrology.
Structural Evolution and Metasomatism of Subducted Metaophiolites in the Northwestern Alps
Authors: Tartarotti P. , Martin S. , Meyzen C. M. , Benciolini L. , Toffolo L.
Published: November 2019

A subduction complex of the northwestern Alps consists of serpentinites, eclogitic metagabbros, flysch‐like metasediments, meta‐ophicarbonates, and gneissic slices. Unlike other subduction complexes, it contains unusual hybridized rocks described here for the first time in the northwestern Alps. They are preserved as patches interstitial in the metagabbro and as layers within metagabbros and serpentinites. The hybridized rocks are made of high modal zoisite/clinozoisite + white mica pseudomorphs of lawsonite, garnet, and amphibole associated with an Alpine eclogite‐facies fabric. While these eclogitic metagabbros are chemically comparable to oceanic oxide gabbros from the ultraslow Southwest Indian Ridge, the layers are extremely enriched in Al2O3 and CaO and depleted in TiO2, MgO, and SiO2 relative to metagabbros. Patches have a geochemical signature that is intermediate between that of layers and metagabbros. Trace element compositions of hybridized rocks suggest a contribution from a fluid derived from a mixed source made of sediments and serpentinites. Except for Ba, Rb, and K, layers are comparable to the global subducting sediments, indicating a sedimentary contribution, whereas the enrichment in Cr indicates a serpentinite contribution. Metasediment dehydration and chemical exchange of Ca and Sr have resulted in significant lawsonite crystallization in the subduction zone, as reflected by the ubiquitous presence of lawsonite pseudomorphs. In light of the unique textures and geochemical signature of the lawsonite pseudomorph‐bearing hybridized rocks, an origin by fluid‐rock interaction and Ca‐metasomatism in the subduction environment is inferred and considered in the Western Alps context.
Association of BMI category with change in children’s physical activity between ages 6 and 11 years: a longitudinal study
Authors: Jago Russell , Salway Ruth , Emm-Collison Lydia , Sebire Simon J. , Thompson Janice L. , Lawlor Deborah A.
Published: November 2019

Background/objectives

To examine the association of body mass index (BMI) with change in children’s physical activity and sedentary time between ages 6 and 11.

Participants

A total of 2132 children participated from 57 schools in Southwest England, from the B-PROACT1V study.

Methods

Mean minutes of MVPA and sedentary time per day were derived from accelerometer-based measurements at ages 6, 9 and 11. Linear multilevel models examined the association of BMI categories with MVPA and sedentary time between 6 and 11, adjusting for seasonality, wear time, gender and household education. Differences in change over time were examined using interaction terms.

Results

Average weekday MVPA decreased between ages 6 and 11 by 2.2 min/day/year (95% CI: 1.9 to 2.5), with a steeper decline at weekends. Average sedentary time increased at a rate of 12.9 min/day/year (95% CI: 12.2 to 13.6). There were no differences in mean levels of MVPA by BMI categories at age 6, but differences emerged as children aged, with the gap between children who were healthy weight and overweight increasing by 1.7 min/day (95% CI: 0.8–2.6) every year, and between healthy and obese by 2.0 min/day (95% CI: 0.9–3.1) each year. Children who were overweight/obese engaged in less average weekday sedentary time at age 6 than those of healthy weight, but the gap closed by age 11.

Conclusion

MVPA declines and sedentary time increases on average for all children between ages 6 and 11. While there are no differences in activity levels by BMI category at age 6, differences in MVPA emerge over time for those who are overweight and obese. Developing interventions that support children to retain activity levels as they approach older childhood, particularly those who are overweight/obese could improve public health.
A split-GFP tool reveals differences in the sub-mitochondrial distribution of wt and mutant alpha-synuclein
Authors: Vicario Mattia , Cieri Domenico , Vallese Francesca , Catoni Cristina , Barazzuol Lucia , Berto Paola , Grinzato Alessandro , Barbieri Laura , Brini Marisa , Calì Tito
Published: November 2019

Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by dopaminergic neuronal loss that initiates in the substantia nigra pars compacta and by the formation of intracellular inclusions mainly constituted by aberrant α-synuclein (α-syn) deposits known as Lewy bodies. Most cases of PD are sporadic, but about 10% are familial, among them those caused by mutations in SNCA gene have an autosomal dominant transmission. SNCA encodes α-syn, a small 140-amino acids protein that, under physiological conditions, is mainly localized at the presynaptic terminals. It is prevalently cytosolic, but its presence has been reported in the nucleus, in the mitochondria and, more recently, in the mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs). Whether different cellular localizations may reflect specific α-syn activities is presently unclear and its action at mitochondrial level is still a matter of debate. Mounting evidence supports a role for α-syn in several mitochondria-derived activities, among which maintenance of mitochondrial morphology and modulation of complex I and ATP synthase activity. α-syn has been proposed to localize at the outer membrane (OMM), in the intermembrane space (IMS), at the inner membrane (IMM) and in the mitochondrial matrix, but a clear and comparative analysis of the sub-mitochondrial localization of WT and mutant α-syn is missing. Furthermore, the reasons for this spread sub-mitochondrial localization under physiological and pathological circumstances remain elusive. In this context, we decided to selectively monitor the sub-mitochondrial distribution of the WT and PD-related α-syn mutants A53T and A30P by taking advantage from a bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) approach. We also investigated whether cell stress could trigger α-syn translocation within the different mitochondrial sub-compartments and whether PD-related mutations could impinge on it. Interestingly, the artificial targeting of α-syn WT (but not of the mutants) to the mitochondrial matrix impacts on ATP production, suggesting a potential role within this compartment.
Correction: miR-29a contributes to breast cancer cells epithelial–mesenchymal transition, migration, and invasion via downregulating histone H4K20 trimethylation through directly targeting SUV420H2
Authors: Wu You , Shi Wanyue , Tang Tingting , Wang Yidong , Yin Xin , Chen Yanlin , Zhang Yanfeng , Xing Yun , Shen Yumeng , Xia Tiansong , Guo Changying , Pan Yi , Jin Liang
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
High-glucose-induced miR-214-3p inhibits BMSCs osteogenic differentiation in type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wang Rongze , Zhang Yuanxu , Jin Fujun , Li Gongchen , Sun Yao , Wang Xiaogang
Published: November 2019

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune insulin-dependent disease associated with destructive bone homeostasis. Accumulating evidence has proven that miRNAs are widely involved in the regulation of bone homeostasis. However, whether miRNAs also regulate osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in T1DM mice is under exploration. In this study, miRNA microarray was utilized to screen the differentially expressed miRNAs, which uncovered that miR-214-3p potentially inhibited BMSCs osteogenic differentiation in T1DM mice. We found that high glucose suppressed BMSCs osteogenic differentiation with significant elevation of the miR-214-3p expression. Further study found that the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs was inhibited by AgomiR-214-3p while enhanced by AntagomiR-214-3p in BMSCs supplemented with high glucose. Moreover, we found that miR-214-3p knockout T1DM mice were resistant to high-glucose-induced bone loss. These results provide a novel insight into an inhibitory role of high-glucose-induced miR-214-3p in BMSCs osteogenic differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Molecular studies revealed that miR-214-3p inhibits BMSCs osteogenic differentiation by targeting the 3′-UTR of β-catenin, which was further corroborated in human bone specimens and BMSCs of T1DM patients. Taken together, our study discovered that miR-214-3p is a pivotal regulator of BMSCs osteogenic differentiation in T1DM mice. Our findings also suggest that miR-214-3p could be a potential target in the treatment of bone disorders in patients with T1DM.
Diffractive small angle X-ray scattering imaging for anisotropic structures
Authors: Kagias Matias , Wang Zhentian , Birkbak Mie Elholm , Lauridsen Erik , Abis Matteo , Lovric Goran , Jefimovs Konstantins , Stampanoni Marco
Published: November 2019

Insights into the micro- and nano-architecture of materials is crucial for understanding and predicting their macroscopic behaviour. In particular, for emerging applications such as meta-materials, the micrometer scale becomes highly relevant. The micro-architecture of such materials can be tailored to exhibit specific mechanical, optical or electromagnetic behaviours. Consequently, quality control at micrometer scale must be guaranteed over extended areas. Mesoscale investigations over millimetre sized areas can be performed by scanning small angle X-ray scattering methods (SAXS). However, due to their long measurement times, real time or operando investigations are hindered. Here we present a method based on X-ray diffractive optics that enables the acquisition of SAXS signals in a single shot (few milliseconds) over extended areas. This method is applicable to a wide range of X-ray sources with varying levels of spatial coherence and monochromaticity, as demonstrated from the experimental results. This enables a scalable solution of spatially resolved SAXS.
ZEB1/NuRD complex suppresses TBC1D2b to stimulate E-cadherin internalization and promote metastasis in lung cancer
Authors: Manshouri Roxsan , Coyaud Etienne , Kundu Samrat T. , Peng David H. , Stratton Sabrina A. , Alton Kendra , Bajaj Rakhee , Fradette Jared J. , Minelli Rosalba , Peoples Michael D. , Carugo Alessandro , Chen Fengju , Bristow Christopher , Kovacs Jeffrey J. , Barton Michelle C. , Heffernan Tim , Creighton Chad J. , Raught Brian , Gibbons Don L.
Published: November 2019

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, due in part to the propensity of lung cancer to metastasize. Aberrant epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a proposed model for the initiation of metastasis. During EMT cell-cell adhesion is reduced allowing cells to dissociate and invade. Of the EMT-associated transcription factors, ZEB1 uniquely promotes NSCLC disease progression. Here we apply two independent screens, BioID and an Epigenome shRNA dropout screen, to define ZEB1 interactors that are critical to metastatic NSCLC. We identify the NuRD complex as a ZEB1 co-repressor and the Rab22 GTPase-activating protein TBC1D2b as a ZEB1/NuRD complex target. We find that TBC1D2b suppresses E-cadherin internalization, thus hindering cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
Coevolution of male and female mate choice can destabilize reproductive isolation
Authors: Aubier Thomas G. , Kokko Hanna , Joron Mathieu
Published: November 2019

Sexual interactions play an important role in the evolution of reproductive isolation, with important consequences for speciation. Theoretical studies have focused on the evolution of mate preferences in each sex separately. However, mounting empirical evidence suggests that premating isolation often involves mutual mate choice. Here, using a population genetic model, we investigate how female and male mate choice coevolve under a phenotype matching rule and how this affects reproductive isolation. We show that the evolution of female preferences increases the mating success of males with reciprocal preferences, favouring mutual mate choice. However, the evolution of male preferences weakens indirect selection on female preferences and, with weak genetic drift, the coevolution of female and male mate choice leads to periodic episodes of random mating with increased hybridization (deterministic ‘preference cycling’ triggered by stochasticity). Thus, counterintuitively, the process of establishing premating isolation proves rather fragile if both male and female mate choice contribute to assortative mating.
Vapour-phase-transport rearrangement technique for the synthesis of new zeolites
Authors: Kasneryk Valeryia , Shamzhy Mariya , Zhou Jingtian , Yue Qiudi , Mazur Michal , Mayoral Alvaro , Luo Zhenlin , Morris Russell E. , Čejka Jiří , Opanasenko Maksym
Published: November 2019

Owing to the significant difference in the numbers of simulated and experimentally feasible zeolite structures, several alternative strategies have been developed for zeolite synthesis. Despite their rationality and originality, most of these techniques are based on trial-and-error, which makes it difficult to predict the structure of new materials. Assembly-Disassembly-Organization-Reassembly (ADOR) method overcoming this limitation was successfully applied to a limited number of structures with relatively stable crystalline layers (UTL, UOV, *CTH). Here, we report a straightforward, vapour-phase-transport strategy for the transformation of IWW zeolite with low-density silica layers connected by labile Ge-rich units into material with new topology. In situ XRD and XANES studies on the mechanism of IWW rearrangement reveal an unusual structural distortion-reconstruction of the framework throughout the process. Therefore, our findings provide a step forward towards engineering nanoporous materials and increasing the number of zeolites available for future applications.
Community-level respiration of prokaryotic microbes may rise with global warming
Authors: Smith Thomas P. , Thomas Thomas J. H. , García-Carreras Bernardo , Sal Sofía , Yvon-Durocher Gabriel , Bell Thomas , Pawar Samrāt
Published: November 2019

Understanding how the metabolic rates of prokaryotes respond to temperature is fundamental to our understanding of how ecosystem functioning will be altered by climate change, as these micro-organisms are major contributors to global carbon efflux. Ecological metabolic theory suggests that species living at higher temperatures evolve higher growth rates than those in cooler niches due to thermodynamic constraints. Here, using a global prokaryotic dataset, we find that maximal growth rate at thermal optimum increases with temperature for mesophiles (temperature optima $$\lesssim 4{5}\ ^{\circ }$$
≲
4

5

∘

C), but not thermophiles ($$\gtrsim 4{5}\ ^{\circ }$$
≳
4

5

∘

C). Furthermore, short-term (within-day) thermal responses of prokaryotic metabolic rates are typically more sensitive to warming than those of eukaryotes. Because climatic warming will mostly impact ecosystems in the mesophilic temperature range, we conclude that as microbial communities adapt to higher temperatures, their metabolic rates and therefore, biomass-specific CO$${}_{2}$$

2

production, will inevitably rise. Using a mathematical model, we illustrate the potential global impacts of these findings.
Antibody cross-reactivity accounts for widespread appearance of m1A in 5’UTRs
Authors: Grozhik Anya V. , Olarerin-George Anthony O. , Sindelar Miriam , Li Xing , Gross Steven S. , Jaffrey Samie R.
Published: November 2019

N1-methyladenosine (m1A) was proposed to be a highly prevalent modification in mRNA 5’UTRs based on mapping studies using an m1A-binding antibody. We developed a bioinformatic approach to discover m1A and other modifications in mRNA throughout the transcriptome by analyzing preexisting ultra-deep RNA-Seq data for modification-induced misincorporations. Using this approach, we detected appreciable levels of m1A only in one mRNA: the mitochondrial MT-ND5 transcript. As an alternative approach, we also developed an antibody-based m1A-mapping approach to detect m1A at single-nucleotide resolution, and confirmed that the commonly used m1A antibody maps sites to the transcription-start site in mRNA 5’UTRs. However, further analysis revealed that these were false-positives caused by binding of the antibody to the m7G-cap. A different m1A antibody that lacks cap-binding cross-reactivity does not show enriched binding in 5’UTRs. These results demonstrate that high-stoichiometry m1A sites are exceedingly rare in mRNAs and that previous mappings of m1A to 5’UTRs were the result of antibody cross-reactivity to the 5’ cap.
Adjacent cationic–aromatic sequences yield strong electrostatic adhesion of hydrogels in seawater
Authors: Fan Hailong , Wang Jiahui , Tao Zhen , Huang Junchao , Rao Ping , Kurokawa Takayuki , Gong Jian Ping
Published: November 2019

Electrostatic interaction is strong but usually diminishes in high ionic-strength environments. Biosystems can use this interaction through adjacent cationic–aromatic amino acids sequence of proteins even in a saline medium. Application of such specific sequence to the development of cationic polymer materials adhesive to negatively charged surfaces in saline environments is challenging due to the difficulty in controlling the copolymer sequences. Here, we discover that copolymers with adjacent cation–aromatic sequences can be synthesized through cation–π complex-aided free-radical polymerization. Sequence controlled hydrogels from diverse cation/aromatic monomers exhibit fast, strong but reversible adhesion to negatively charged surfaces in seawater. Aromatics on copolymers are found to enhance the electrostatic interactions of their adjacent cationic residues to the counter surfaces, even in a high ionic-strength medium that screens the electrostatic interaction for common polyelectrolytes. This work opens a pathway to develop adhesives using saline water.
A study on the effect of fingerprints in a wet system
Authors: Kim Donghyun , Yun Dongwon
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we study the influence of the fingerprint and sweat on the fingerprint on the friction between the hand and an object. When sweat contacts a finger or an object, it is sometimes easy to pick up the object. In particular, we can see this phenomenon when grasping a thin object such as paper and vinyl. The reason for this phenomenon is the increase of friction force, and this paper physically analyzes this natural phenomenon. To this end, we investigate the cause of the friction force between a solid and liquid to calculate the friction force when water is present within the fingerprint. To support the theoretical analysis, we conduct experiments to measure the friction force by making a finger-shaped silicon specimen. By comparing the theoretical and experimental results, we defined the change of friction force if there was water in the fingerprint. Through this study, it is possible to analyze the role of the fingerprint and sweat on the finger, and thereby explain the friction change depending on the amount of sweat.
Synergistic PA and HA mutations confer mouse adaptation of a contemporary A/H3N2 influenza virus
Authors: Baz Mariana , M’hamdi Zeineb , Carbonneau Julie , Lavigne Sophie , Couture Christian , Abed Yacine , Boivin Guy
Published: November 2019

The mouse is the most widely used animal model for influenza virus research. However, the susceptibility of mice to seasonal influenza virus depends on the strain of mouse and on the strain of the influenza virus. Seasonal A/H3N2 influenza viruses do not replicate well in mice and therefore they need to be adapted to this animal model. In this study, we generated a mouse-adapted A/H3N2 virus (A/Switzerland/9715293/2013 [MA-H3N2]) by serial passaging in mouse lungs that exhibited greater virulence compared to the wild-type virus (P0-H3N2). Seven mutations were found in the genome of MA-H3N2: PA(K615E), NP(G384R), NA(G320E) and HA(N122D, N144E, N246K, and A304T). Using reverse genetics, two synergistically acting genes were found as determinants of the pathogenicity in mice. First, the HA substitutions were shown to enhanced viral replication in vitro and, second, the PA-K615E substitution increased polymerase activity, although did not alter virus replication in vitro or in mice. Notably, single mutations had only limited effects on virulence in vitro. In conclusion, a co-contribution of HA and PA mutations resulted in a lethal mouse model of seasonal A/H3N2 virus. Such adapted virus is an excellent tool for evaluation of novel drugs or vaccines and for study of influenza pathogenesis.
First nearly complete skull of Gallotia auaritae (lower-middle Pleistocene, Squamata, Gallotiinae) and a morphological phylogenetic analysis of the genus Gallotia
Authors: Cruzado-Caballero Penélope , Castillo Ruiz Carolina , Bolet Arnau , Colmenero Juan Ramón , De la Nuez Julio , Casillas Ramón , Llacer Sergio , Bernardini Federico , Fortuny Josep
Published: November 2019

The Canary Islands are an Atlantic archipelago known for its high number of endemic species. Among the most known endemic vertebrate species are the giant lizards of the genus Gallotia. We describe the cranial osteology of the first almost complete and articulated fossil skull of the taxon Gallotia auaritae, recovered from the lower-middle Pleistocene of the La Palma island. In this work, X-ray computed microtomography images were used to perform an exhaustive phylogenetic analysis where most of the extant and fossil species of the genus Gallotia were included for first time. This analysis recovered a monophyletic Gallotia clade with similar topology to that of molecular analyses. The newly described specimen shares some characters with the group formed by G. bravoana, G. intermedia and G. simonyi, G. auaritae, and its position is compatible with a referral to the latter. Our study adds new important data to the poorly known cranial morphology of G. auaritae, and the phylogenetic analysis reveals an unexpected power of resolution to obtain a morphology-based phylogeny for the genus Gallotia, for inferring the phylogenetic position of extinct species and for helping in the identification of fossil specimens.
The gene structure and hypervariability of the complete Penaeus monodon Dscam gene
Authors: Apitanyasai Kantamas , Huang Shiao-Wei , Ng Tze Hann , He Shu-Ting , Huang Yu-Hsun , Chiu Shen-Po , Tseng Kuan-Chien , Lin Shih-Shun , Chang Wen-Chi , Baldwin-Brown James G. , Long Anthony D. , Lo Chu-Fang , Yu Hon-Tsen , Wang Han-Ching
Published: November 2019

Using two advanced sequencing approaches, Illumina and PacBio, we derive the entire Dscam gene from an M2 assembly of the complete Penaeus monodon genome. The P. monodon Dscam (PmDscam) gene is ~266 kbp, with a total of 44 exons, 5 of which are subject to alternative splicing. PmDscam has a conserved architectural structure consisting of an extracellular region with hypervariable Ig domains, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic tail. We show that, contrary to a previous report, there are in fact 26, 81 and 26 alternative exons in N-terminal Ig2, N-terminal Ig3 and the entirety of Ig7, respectively. We also identified two alternatively spliced exons in the cytoplasmic tail, with transmembrane domains in exon variants 32.1 and 32.2, and stop codons in exon variants 44.1 and 44.2. This means that alternative splicing is involved in the selection of the stop codon. There are also 7 non-constitutive cytoplasmic tail exons that can either be included or skipped. Alternative splicing and the non-constitutive exons together produce more than 21 million isoform combinations from one PmDscam locus in the P. monodon gene. A public-facing database that allows BLAST searches of all 175 exons in the PmDscam gene has been established at http://pmdscam.dbbs.ncku.edu.tw/.
Effects of combined d-fagomine and omega-3 PUFAs on gut microbiota subpopulations and diabetes risk factors in rats fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Hereu Mercè , Ramos-Romero Sara , Busquets Cristina , Atienza Lidia , Amézqueta Susana , Miralles-Pérez Bernat , Nogués Maria Rosa , Méndez Lucía , Medina Isabel , Torres Josep Lluís
Published: November 2019

Food contains bioactive compounds that may prevent changes in gut microbiota associated with Westernized diets. The aim of this study is to explore the possible additive effects of d-fagomine and ω-3 PUFAs (EPA/DHA 1:1) on gut microbiota and related risk factors during early stages in the development of fat-induced pre-diabetes. Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were fed a standard diet, or a high-fat (HF) diet supplemented with d-fagomine, EPA/DHA 1:1, a combination of both, or neither, for 24 weeks. The variables measured were fasting glucose and glucose tolerance, plasma insulin, liver inflammation, fecal/cecal gut bacterial subgroups and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The animals supplemented with d-fagomine alone and in combination with ω-3 PUFAs accumulated less fat than those in the non-supplemented HF group and those given only ω-3 PUFAs. The combined supplements attenuated the high-fat-induced incipient insulin resistance (IR), and liver inflammation, while increasing the cecal content, the Bacteroidetes:Firmicutes ratio and the populations of Bifidobacteriales. The functional effects of the combination of d-fagomine and EPA/DHA 1:1 against gut dysbiosis and the very early metabolic alterations induced by a high-fat diet are mainly those of d-fagomine complemented by the anti-inflammatory action of ω-3 PUFAs.
Effects of Eucalypt Plant Monoterpenes on Koala (Phascolarctos Cinereus) Cytokine Expression In Vitro
Authors: Marschner Caroline , Krockenberger Mark B. , Higgins Damien P.
Published: November 2019

Protective immunity is crucial for survival of any species, though the koala as a specialist feeder adapted to an exclusive diet of eucalypts that contain plant secondary metabolites of varying toxicity and of immunomodulatory property. Being constantly exposed to such dietary chemicals it raises the question of their immune effects in a specialist eucalypt feeder. This study demonstrates that natural levels of circulating eucalypt plant secondary metabolites have dose dependent in vitro effects on cytokine expression of koala peripheral blood mononuclear cells, suggesting a potential trade-off of reduced function in multiple arms of the immune system associated with koala’s use of its specialized dietary niche.
Connecting Crop Productivity, Residue Fires, and Air Quality over Northern India
Authors: Jethva Hiren , Torres Omar , Field Robert D. , Lyapustin Alexei , Gautam Ritesh , Kayetha Vinay
Published: November 2019

Northwestern India is known as the “breadbasket” of the country producing two-thirds of food grains, with wheat and rice as the principal crops grown under the crop rotation system. Agricultural data from India indicates a 25% increase in the post-monsoon rice crop production in Punjab during 2002–2016. NASA’s A-train satellite sensors detect a consistent increase in the vegetation index (net 21%) and post-harvest agricultural fire activity (net ~60%) leading to nearly 43% increase in aerosol loading over the populous Indo-Gangetic Plain in northern India. The ground-level particulate matter (PM2.5) downwind over New Delhi shows a concurrent uptrend of net 60%. The effectiveness of a robust satellite-based relationship between vegetation index—a proxy for crop amounts, and post-harvest fires—a precursor of extreme air pollution events, has been further demonstrated in predicting the seasonal agricultural burning. An efficient crop residue management system is critically needed towards eliminating open field burning to mitigate episodic hazardous air quality over northern India.
Carbon isotopic evidence for rapid methane clathrate release recorded in coals at the terminus of the Late Palaeozoic Ice Age
Authors: Van de Wetering Nikola , Esterle Joan S. , Golding Suzanne D. , Rodrigues Sandra , Götz Annette E.
Published: November 2019

The end of the Late Palaeozoic Ice Age (LPIA) ushered in a period of significant change in Earth’s carbon cycle, demonstrated by the widespread occurrence of coals worldwide. In this study, we present stratigraphically constrained organic stable carbon isotope (δ13Corg) data for Early Permian coals (312 vitrain samples) from the Moatize Basin, Mozambique, which record the transition from global icehouse to greenhouse conditions. These coals exhibit a three-stage evolution in atmospheric δ13C from the Artinskian to the Kungurian. Early Kungurian coals effectively record the presence of the short-lived Kungurian Carbon Isotopic Excursion (KCIE), associated with the proposed rapid release of methane clathrates during deglaciation at the terminus of the Late Palaeozoic Ice Age (LPIA), with no observed disruption to peat-forming and terrestrial plant communities. δ13Corg variations in coals from the Moatize Basin are cyclic in nature on the order of 103–105 years and reflect changes in δ13Corg of ~±1‰ during periods of stable peat accumulation, supporting observations from Palaeozoic coals elsewhere. These cyclic variations express palaeoenvironmental factors constraining peat growth and deposition, associated with changes in base level. This study also demonstrates the effectiveness of vitrain in coal as a geochemical tool for recording global atmospheric change during the Late Palaeozoic.
CD56+CD57+ infiltrates as the most predominant subset of intragraft natural killer cells in renal transplant biopsies with antibody-mediated rejection
Authors: Jung Hey Rim , Kim Mi Joung , Wee Yu-Mee , Kim Jee Yeon , Choi Monica Young , Choi Ji Yoon , Kwon Hyunwook , Jung Joo Hee , Cho Yong Mee , Go Heounjeong , Kim Sang-Yeob , Ryu Yeon-Mi , Kim Yun Jae , Kim Young Hoon , Han Duck Jong , Shin Sung
Published: November 2019

Little is known about the characteristics and clinical implications of specific subsets of intragraft natural killer (NK) cells in kidney transplant recipients. We analyzed 39 for-cause renal transplant biopsies performed at our center from May 2015 to July 2017. According to histopathologic reports, 8 patients (20.5%) had no rejection (NR), 11 (28.2%) had T cell-mediated rejections (TCMR) only, and 20 (51.3%) had antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR). NK cells were defined as CD3–CD56+ lymphocytes that are positive for CD57, CD49b, NKG2A, or KIR. The density of NK cells was significantly higher in the ABMR group (2.57 ± 2.58/mm2) than in the NR (0.12 ± 0.22/mm2) or the TCMR (0.25 ± 0.34/mm2) group (P = 0.002). Notably, CD56+CD57+ infiltrates (2.16 ± 1.89) were the most frequently observed compared with CD56+CD49b+ (0.05 ± 0.13), CD56+NKG2A+ (0.21 ± 0.69), and CD56+KIR+ (0.15 ± 0.42) cells in the ABMR group (P < 0.001). Death-censored graft failure was significantly higher in patients with NK cell infiltration than those without (Log-rank test, P = 0.025). In conclusion, CD56+CD57+ infiltrates are a major subset of NK cells in kidney transplant recipients with ABMR and NK cell infiltration is significantly associated with graft failure post-transplant.
Logical measurement-based quantum computation in circuit-QED
Authors: Joo Jaewoo , Lee Chang-Woo , Kono Shingo , Kim Jaewan
Published: November 2019

We propose a new scheme of measurement-based quantum computation (MBQC) using an error-correcting code against photon-loss in circuit quantum electrodynamics. We describe a specific protocol of logical single-qubit gates given by sequential cavity measurements for logical MBQC and a generalised Schrödinger cat state is used for a continuous-variable (CV) logical qubit captured in a microwave cavity. To apply an error-correcting scheme on the logical qubit, we utilise a d-dimensional quantum system called a qudit. It is assumed that a three CV-qudit entangled state is initially prepared in three jointed cavities and the microwave qudit states are individually controlled, operated, and measured through a readout resonator coupled with an ancillary superconducting qubit. We then examine a practical approach of how to create the CV-qudit cluster state via a cross-Kerr interaction induced by intermediary superconducting qubits between neighbouring cavities under the Jaynes-Cummings Hamiltonian. This approach could be scalable for building 2D logical cluster states and therefore will pave a new pathway of logical MBQC in superconducting circuits toward fault-tolerant quantum computing.
Hepcidin mediates hypoferremia and reduces the growth potential of bacteria in the immediate post-natal period in human neonates
Authors: Prentice Sarah , Jallow Amadou T. , Sinjanka Edrissa , Jallow Momodou W. , Sise Ebrima A. , Kessler Noah J. , Wegmuller Rita , Cerami Carla , Prentice Andrew M.
Published: November 2019

Septicemia is a leading cause of death among neonates in low-income settings, a situation that is deteriorating due to high levels of antimicrobial resistance. Novel interventions are urgently needed. Iron stimulates the growth of most bacteria and hypoferremia induced by the acute phase response is a key element of innate immunity. Cord blood, which has high levels of hemoglobin, iron and transferrin saturation, has hitherto been used as a proxy for the iron status of neonates. We investigated hepcidin-mediated redistribution of iron in the immediate post-natal period and tested the effect of the observed hypoferremia on the growth of pathogens frequently associated with neonatal sepsis. Healthy, vaginally delivered neonates were enrolled in a cohort study at a single center in rural Gambia (N = 120). Cord blood and two further blood samples up to 96 hours of age were analyzed for markers of iron metabolism. Samples pooled by transferrin saturation were used to conductex-vivogrowth assays withStaphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coliandKlebsiella pneumonia. A profound reduction in transferrin saturation occurred within the first 12 h of life, from high mean levels in cord blood (47.6% (95% CI 43.7–51.5%)) to levels at the lower end of the normal reference range by 24 h of age (24.4% (21.2–27.6%)). These levels remained suppressed to 48 h of age with some recovery by 96 h. Reductions in serum iron were associated with high hepcidin and IL-6 levels.Ex-vivogrowth of all sentinel pathogens was strongly associated with serum transferrin saturation. These results suggest the possibility that the hypoferremia could be augmented (e.g. by mini-hepcidins) as a novel therapeutic option that would not be vulnerable to antimicrobial resistance. Trial registration: The original trial in which this study was nested is registered at ISRCTN, number 93854442.
Takotsubo syndrome and cardiac implantable electronic device therapy
Authors: El-Battrawy Ibrahim , Erath Julia W. , Lang Siegfried , Ansari Uzair , Behnes Michael , Gietzen Thorsten , Zhou Xiaobo , Borggrefe Martin , Akin Ibrahim
Published: November 2019

Recent studies have reported that takotsubo syndrome (TTS) patients are suffering from life-threatening arrhythmias. The aim of our study was to understand the short and long-term usefulness of cardiac implantable electronic devices in TTS patients.We constituted a collective of 142 patients in a bi-centric study diagnosed with TTS between 2003 and 2017. The patient groups, divided according to the treatment with (n = 9, 6.3%) or without cardiac devices (n = 133, 93.7%), were followed-up to determine the importance of devices and its complications. One patient was treated with a permanent pacemaker, five patients with a wearable cardioverter defibrillator, two patients with a subcutaneous defibrillator and one patient with a transvenous defibrillator. Regular device check-up was documented in all patients, presenting an ongoing high-degree AV-block. Neither device complications nor life-threatening tachyarrhythmias were documented after acute TTS event. However, patients comprising the device group suffered significantly more often from a highly reduced EF (30 ± 7.7% versus 39.1 ± 9.7%; p < 0.05), cardiogenic shock with use of inotropic agents (66.6% versus 16.6%; p < 0.05) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (44.4% versus 5.3%; p < 0.05). Our data confirm the usefulness of pacemaker in TTS patients. However, the cardioverter defibrillator including wearable cardioverter defibrillator may not be recommended.
A plant biostimulant from the seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum (Sealicit) reduces podshatter and yield loss in oilseed rape through modulation of IND expression
Authors: Łangowski Łukasz , Goñi Oscar , Quille Patrick , Stephenson Pauline , Carmody Nicholas , Feeney Ewan , Barton David , Østergaard Lars , O’Connell Shane
Published: November 2019

The yield of podded crops such as oilseed rape (OSR) is limited by evolutionary adaptations of the plants for more efficient and successful seed dispersal for survival. These plants have evolved dehiscent dry fruits that shatter along a specifically developed junction at carpel margins. A number of strategies such as pod sealants, GMOs and hybrids have been developed to mitigate the impact of pod shatter on crop yield with limited success. Plant biostimulants have been shown to influence plant development. A challenge in plant biostimulant research is elucidating the mechanisms of action. Here we have focused on understanding the effect of an Ascophyllum nodosum based biostimulant (Sealicit) on fruit development and seed dispersal trait in Arabidopsis and OSR at genetic and physiological level. The results indicate that Sealicit is affecting the expression of the major regulator of pod shattering, INDEHISCENT, as well as disrupting the auxin minimum. Both factors influence the formation of the dehiscence zone and consequently reduce pod shattering. Unravelling the mode of action of this unique biostimulant provides data to support its effectiveness in reducing pod shatter and highlights its potential for growers to increase seed yield in a number of OSR varieties.
Identifying sex-linked markers in Litoria aurea: a novel approach to understanding sex chromosome evolution in an amphibian
Authors: Sopniewski Jarrod , Shams Foyez , Scheele Benjamin C. , Kefford Ben J. , Ezaz Tariq
Published: November 2019

Few taxa exhibit the variability of sex-determining modes as amphibians. However, due to the presence of homomorphic sex chromosomes in many species, this phenomenon has been difficult to study. The Australian frog, Litoria aurea, has been relatively well studied over the past 20 years due to widespread declines largely attributable to chytrid fungus. However, it has been subject to few molecular studies and its mode of sex determination remained unknown. We applied DArTseq™ to develop sex-linked single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and restriction fragment presence/absence (PA) markers in 44 phenotypically sexed L. aurea individuals from the Molonglo River in NSW, Australia. We conclusively identified a male heterogametic (XX-XY) sex determination mode in this species, identifying 11 perfectly sex-linked SNP and six strongly sex-linked PA markers. We identified a further 47 moderately sex-linked SNP loci, likely serving as evidence indicative of XY recombination. Furthermore, within these 47 loci, a group of nine males were found to have a feminised Y chromosome that significantly differed to all other males. We postulate ancestral sex-reversal as a means for the evolution of this now pseudoautosomal region on the Y chromosome. Our findings present new evidence for the ‘fountain of youth’ hypothesis for the retention of homomorphic sex chromosomes in amphibians and describe a novel approach for the study of sex chromosome evolution in amphibia.
Total adiponectin is associated with incident cardiovascular and renal events in treated hypertensive patients: subanalysis of the ATTEMPT-CVD randomized trial
Authors: Kim-Mitsuyama Shokei , Soejima Hirofumi , Yasuda Osamu , Node Koichi , Jinnouchi Hideaki , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Sekigami Taiji , Ogawa Hisao , Matsui Kunihiko
Published: November 2019

The predictive value of serum adiponectin for hypertensive cardiovascular outcomes is unknown. This study was performed to investigate the association of adiponectin with incident cardiovascular and renal events (CV events) in hypertensive patients. We performed post-hoc analysis on 1,228 hypertensive patients enrolled in the ATTEMPT-CVD study, a prospective randomized study comparing the effects of two antihypertensive therapies. The participants were divided into quartiles of baseline serum total adiponectin or high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to determine the prognostic factors associated with CV events. Kaplan-Meier analysis for CV events by quartiles of baseline total adiponectin showed that patients in the highest total adiponectin quartile (Q4) had more CV events (P = 0.0135). On the other hand, no significant difference was noted regarding the incidence of CV events among patients stratified by HMW adiponectin quartile (P = 0.2551). Even after adjustment for potential confounders, the highest total adiponectin quartile (Q4) remained independently associated with incident CV events in hypertensive patients (HR = 1.949: 95%CI 1.051–3.612; P = 0.0341). These results showed that total adiponectin, but not HMW adiponectin, was independently associated with the incidence of CV events in treated hypertensive patients, thereby highlighting total adiponectin as a valuable predictor for hypertensive cardiovascular outcomes.