bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atypical neural variability in carriers of 16p11.2 copy number variants
Authors: Al‐Jawahiri Reem , Jones Myles , Milne Elizabeth
Published: July 2019

Copy number variations (CNVs) at the 16p11.2 chromosomal region are associated with myriad clinical features including intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. The aim of this study is to determine whether 16p11.2 deletion (DEL) and duplication (DUP) carriers demonstrate a distinct and reciprocal pattern of electroencephalography (EEG) activity as represented by neural variability measures. EEG data were previously collected as part of the Simons Variation in Individuals Project. Variability measures, as estimated by single‐trial ERP and spectral power analyses in the alpha and beta frequency bands, in addition to signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNRs), were analyzed in DEL (n = 20), DUP (n = 8), and typical (n = 11) groups. We also analyzed mean visual evoked potentials and spectral power (alpha and beta power) to facilitate comparisons with other studies of associated disorders and CNVs. From measures of single‐trial variability, we found higher intraparticipant variability in P1 amplitude and timecourse amplitude in DEL compared to controls. Compared to DUP, DEL showed higher variability in absolute alpha and absolute beta power but lower variability in P1 latency. SNRs did not differ between the groups. From measures of amplitude, latency, and spectral power, DUP showed lower relative alpha power compared to controls. Although it is yet unclear whether 16p11.2 CNV dosage impacts neural activity in an opposing manner, findings suggest that 16p11.2 DEL impacts the level of variability of neural responses. Higher neural variability may play a role in a range of cognitive processes in 16p11.2 CNV carriers. Autism Res 2019, 12: 1322–1333. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

The study analyzed the consistency of patterns of brain waves and rhythms in those affected with a loss or gain of DNA material in the 16p11.2 region. Compared with typical individuals, 16p11.2 deletion carriers showed greater inconsistency in the way the brain responds to the same visual event. This high inconsistency in brain activity may play a role in some core symptoms in 16p11.2 copy number variation carriers.
Four Ps for Effective Communication
Authors: Dearing Smith Kelley
Published: July 2019

Louisville water company used a four‐pronged communications strategy—people, product, partnerships, and pipe—to foster community support and customer satisfaction.
Tuning the mechanical and physicochemical properties of cross‐linked protein films
Authors: Parveen Sultana , Chaudhury Susmitnarayan , Dasgupta Swagata
Published: July 2019

Films derived from natural sources such as proteins provide an advantage over synthetic films due to their noncytotoxicity, biodegradability, and vast functionality. A new protein source gained from the cataractous eye protein isolate (CEPI) obtained after surgery has been investigated for this purpose. Glycerol has been employed as the plasticizer and glutaraldehyde (GD) as a cross‐linker. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was employed to characterize the films. Nanoindentation and thermogravimetric analyses reveal improved mechanical and thermal properties of the cross‐linked films. The films with 20% (w/w) GD exhibited properties such as the highest modulus and low water solubility. It is possible to tune the properties based on the extent of cross‐linking. All the films were completely degraded by the enzyme trypsin. The similarity of these films was checked by using the prepared films as a delivery vehicle for a model compound, ampicillin sodium. The encapsulation efficiency was found to be 74%, and in vitro release studies showed significant amounts of drug release at physiological pH. This study will help us understand how the properties of protein films can be tuned to obtain the desired physicochemical properties. These biodegradable protein films could find use in pharmaceutical industries as delivery carriers.
Management of incidental gallbladder cancer in a national cohort
Authors: Lundgren L , Muszynska C , Ros A , Persson G , Gimm O , Andersson B , Sandström P
Published: July 2019

Background

Incidental gallbladder cancer is a rare event, and its prognosis is largely affected by the tumour stage and treatment. The aim of this study was to analyse the management, treatment and survival of patients with incidental gallbladder cancer in a national cohort over a decade.

Methods

Patients were identified through the Swedish Registry of Gallstone Surgery (GallRiks). Data were cross-linked to the national registry for liver surgery (SweLiv) and the Cancer Registry. Medical records were collected if registry data were missing. Survival was measured as disease-specific survival. The study was divided into two intervals (2007–2011 and 2012–2016) to evaluate changes over time.

Results

In total, 249 patients were identified with incidental gallbladder cancer, of whom 92 (36·9 per cent) underwent re-resection with curative intent. For patients with pT2 and pT3 disease, median disease-specific survival improved after re-resection (12·4 versus 44·1 months for pT2, and 9·7 versus 23·0 months for pT3). Residual disease was present in 53 per cent of patients with pT2 tumours who underwent re-resection; these patients had a median disease-specific survival of 32·2 months, whereas the median was not reached in patients without residual disease. Median survival increased by 11 months for all patients between the early and late periods (P = 0·030).

Conclusion

Re-resection of pT2 and pT3 incidental gallbladder cancer was associated with improved survival, but survival was impaired when residual disease was present. A higher re-resection rate and more R0 resections in the later time period may have been associated with improved survival.
LC–MS bioanalysis of intact proteins and peptides
Authors: Kang Lijuan , Weng Naidong , Jian Wenying
Published: July 2019

Bioanalysis assays that reliably quantify biotherapeutics and biomarkers in biological samples play pivotal roles in drug discovery and development. Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC–MS), owing to its superior specificity, faster method development and multiplex capability, has evolved as one of the most important platforms for bioanalysis of biotherapeutics, particularly new scaffolds such as half‐life extension platforms for proteins and peptides, as well as antibody drug conjugates. Intact LC–MS analysis is orthogonal to bottom‐up surrogate peptide approach by providing whole molecule quantitation and high‐level sequence and structure information. Here we review the latest development in LC–MS bioanalysis of intact proteins and peptides by summarizing recent publications and discussing the important topics such as the comparison between top‐down intact analysis and bottom‐up surrogate peptide approach, as well as simultaneous quantitation and catabolite identification. Key bioanalytical issues around intact protein bioanalysis such as sensitivity, data processing strategies, specificity, sample preparation and LC condition are elaborated. For peptides, topics including quantitation of intact peptide vs. digested surrogate peptide, metabolites, sensitivity, LC condition, assay performance, internal standard and sample preparation are discussed.
Strategy for rapid screening of antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory active ingredients in Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. based on UHPLC–Q‐TOF–MS/MS and characteristic ion filtration
Authors: Liu Mi , He Mingzhen , Gao Hongwei , Guo Sa , Jia Jia , Ouyang Hui , Feng Yulin , Yang Shilin
Published: July 2019

Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. is traditionally used as a raw material for making dumplings or steamed stuffed buns, and its fresh leaves are boiled with water for tea. Herein, we established an ultra‐high–performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC–Q‐TOF–MS/MS) combined with characteristic ion filtration (CIF) strategy to rapidly screen active ingredients with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties in G. procumbens. This strategy involved screening the active part of G. procumbens using antioxidation and anti‐inflammatory activity assays; discovering the active compounds by speculating on the active site's chemical composition by UHPLC–Q‐TOF–MS/MS plus CIF; and verifying the active compounds' activities. The ethyl acetate extract (EEAF) of G. procumbens was the major active site. Eighty‐one compounds were identified from the EEAF using UHPLC–Q‐TOF–MS/MS plus CIF. Furthermore, polyphenols such as cynarine, isochlorogenic acids A and isochlorogenic acids C have excellent antioxidizing and anti‐inflammatory activities. This study provides a practical strategy for rapid in vitro screening of the antioxidizing and anti‐inflammatory activities of traditional vegetables and herbs and identification of active ingredients.
Material‐Auswahlbox zur Herstellung fortgeschrittener Polymermembranen für die Wasseraufbereitung
Authors: Panglisch Stefan , Kouchaki Shalmani Arman , Weber Martin , Gronwald Oliver , Berg Peter , Heijnen Martin , Krug Michaela , Koti Marcel , Nahrstedt Andreas , Abetz Volker , Handge Ulrich A. , Grünig Lara , Ulbricht Mathias , Stratmann Inga
Published: July 2019

Im Rahmen des Forschungsprojektes MABMEM werden neue, leistungsfähige Membranen für eine nachhaltige Wasserwirtschaft entwickelt. Die Leistungsfähigkeit der Membranen wird in vergleichenden und standardisierten Foulingtests sowie in Bezug auf die Abtrennung von Spurenverunreinigungen im Labormaßstab evaluiert. Sieben Kandidaten werden derzeit in Demonstratorversuchen mit Realwassermatrix in einem Wasserwerk zur direkten Aufbereitung eines Talsperrenwassers ohne vorherige Flockung über einen Zeitraum von 6 Monaten getestet. Im Anschluss werden die neuen Membranmaterialien mit dem Ablauf einer Kläranlage betrieben.
Impact of ductus arteriosus constriction and restrictive foramen ovale on global hemodynamics for term fetuses with d‐TGA
Authors: Zhang Xiancheng , Haneishi Hideaki , Liu Hao
Published: July 2019

The ductus arteriosus (DA) constriction and restrictive foramen ovale (FO) are known as the leading cause of compromise and death of fetuses with dextro‐transposition of the great arteries (d‐TGA). Although the d‐TGA fetal hemodynamics is of great importance in making diagnosis and management of the congenital heart defect, it remains poorly understood, particularly in terms of abnormal DA and FO. In this study, we developed a closed‐loop 0‐1D multiscale model of the fetal cardiovascular system (CVS) specified for the d‐TGA circulation and conducted a systematic study of the impact of the DA constriction and restrictive FO on fetal hemodynamics. We found that the DA constriction led to a pronounced increase in the pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary and mitral valve (PV and MV) regurgitation as well as left heart volume; the restrictive FO was responsible for reducing MV E/A ratio, ie, the ratio of peak early filling and late diastolic filling velocities, and PV peak systolic flow (PSV) but could increase both aortic valve (AV) PSV and aortic isthmus systolic index (ISI). Moreover, the amount of blood flowing through the DA was observed equivalent to that through the FO; the influence of DA constriction on the cerebral and placental perfusions are larger than that of the FO. Our results demonstrate that the proposed fetal cardiovascular model may be a useful tool for studying the underlying mechanisms associated with d‐TGA fetal circulation and providing insights into its complex physiology and pathology.
Nitrogen‐Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide Hydrogel Achieved via a One‐Step Hydrothermal Process
Authors: Song Man , Zhao Jie , Meng Yu , Riekehr Lars , Hou Peng‐Xiang , Grennberg Helena , Zhang Zhi‐Bin
Published: July 2019

We report a one‐step method to efficiently achieve reduced graphene oxide hydrogel doped with nitrogen using ammonium formate as reducing reagent and nitrogen supplier by means of hydrothermal method. The resultant materials exhibit C/O atomic ratio as high as ∼10.9 and contains decent nitrogen doping (∼5.2 at. %). As a comparison, only solid precipitates of lower reduction efficiency and no nitrogen doping are obtained when L‐ascorbic acid is used. Electrochemical measurements show that the nitrogen‐doped reduced graphene oxide exhibits enhanced electrocatalytic ability for oxygen reduced reaction, indicating its great potential as low‐cost and precious‐metal‐free catalyst for energy storage applications.
Competitive victimhood as a lens to reconciliation: An analysis of the black lives matter and blue lives matter movements
Authors: Solomon Johanna , Martin Adam
Published: July 2019

Literature on intergroup conflict and identity is well established; this literature includes work on competitive victimhood—the process by which groups attempt to establish that they have suffered more than opposing groups (Noor et al.,Personality and Social Psychology Review, 2012, 16(4), 351–374) to restore feelings of moral identity, or cache often for use in a political context (Sullivan et al.,Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2012, 102(4), 778). Within prior work on competitive victimhood, models of reconciliation based on the particular needs and identities established within the competitive victimhood dynamic have also been posited (SimanTov‐Nachlieli et al.,European Journal of Social Psychology, 2015, 45(2), 139–145; Shnabel et al.,Journal of Experimental Social Psychology,2013, 49(5), 867–877). While competitive victimhood theory has been applied in prior work to several cross‐national settings, there exist other important areas of intergroup tension that have not been explored. We propose that the concept of competitive victimhood can be fruitfully used to understand movement‐countermovement dynamics, including those related to conflictual race relations in the United States. Specifically, this article will examine the dynamic between the movements “Black Lives Matter” and “Blue Lives Matter” as a salient paired research case of a movement and countermovement for investigating identity and victimhood. In our present article, we map the discourse of the Black and Blue Lives Matter movements as illustrations of collective victimhood (Schori‐Eyal et al.,Journal of Applied Social Psychology,2014, 44(12), 778–794) and competitive victimhood (Noor et al.,Personality and Social Psychology Review, 2012, 16(4), 351–374). We find that while both movements demonstrate competitive victimhood, they are also qualitatively different. Due to differences in threat, power, and history of those the movements advocate for, each movement demonstrates different needs (Burton,Conflict: Human needs theory, Springer, 1990). We posit that the identity dynamics of competitive victimhood within social movements specifically lead to important and different identity needs for agency and morality (Shnabel & Noor, inRestoring civil societies: The psychology of intervention and engagement following crisis(pp. 192–207), Wiley‐Blackwell, Chichester, England, 2012). We examine what these differences would mean in these particular movements, as well as for potential avenues of community building based on addressing these needs. In all cases, we aim to show that what has largely been considered a criminal justice phenomenon in the United States is fundamentally political, with roots and possible solutions in intergroup identity dynamics that can be fruitfully explored within political psychology.
The Role of Water Revisited and Enhanced: A Sustainable Catalytic System for the Conversion of CO2 into Cyclic Carbonates under Mild Conditions
Authors: Alassmy Yasser A. , Pescarmona Paolo P.
Published: July 2019

The role of water as highly effective hydrogen‐bond donor (HBD) for promoting the coupling reaction of CO2 with a variety of epoxides was demonstrated under very mild conditions (25–60 °C, 2–10 bar CO2). Water led to a dramatic increase in the cyclic carbonate yield when employed in combination with tetrabutylammonium iodide (Bu4NI) whereas it had a detrimental effect with the corresponding bromide and chloride salts. The efficiency of water in promoting the activity of the organic halide was compared with three state‐of‐the‐art hydrogen bond donors, that is, phenol, gallic acid and ascorbic acid. Although water required higher molar loadings compared to these organic hydrogen‐bond donors to achieve a similar degree of conversion of CO2 and styrene oxide into the corresponding cyclic carbonate under the same, mild reaction conditions, its environmental friendliness and much lower cost make it a very attractive alternative as hydrogen‐bond donor. The effect of different parameters such as the amount of water, CO2 pressure, reaction temperature, and nature of the organic halide used as catalyst was investigated by using a high‐throughput reactor unit. The highest catalytic activity was achieved with either Bu4NI or bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium iodide (PPNI): with both systems, the cyclic carbonate yield at 45 °C with different epoxide substrates could be increased by a factor of two or more by adding water as a promoter, retaining high selectivity. Water was an effective hydrogen‐bond donor even at room temperature, allowing to reach 85 % conversion of propylene oxide with full selectivity towards propylene carbonate in combination with Bu4NI (3 mol %). For the conversion of epoxides in which PPNI is poorly soluble, the addition of a cyclic carbonate as solvent allowed the formation of a homogeneous solution, leading to enhanced product yield.
A Calcium Organic Salt/rGO composite with Low Solubility and High Conductivity as a Sustainable Anode for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Yan , Guo Huinan , Li Weiqin , Huang Yike , Zhang Zeting , Liu Guishu , Wang Yijing
Published: July 2019

Organic electrodes hold great promise for sustainable electrodes in sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) owing to their easy availability from biomass. However, traditional organic electrodes suffer from two inherent problems, high solubility in organic electrolytes and low electronic conductivity. Here, a calcium organic salt, Cabpdc (bpdc=4,4′‐biphenyldicarboxylate) was designed and formed into a composite with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to improve these two problems by a “two‐in‐one” approach. As expected, the Cabpdc/rGO composite displayed competitive cycle and rate performances as an anode for SIBs. Additionally, all‐organic sodium‐ion full cells were successfully fabricated combining this anode with a commercial organic cathode, promising applications for sustainable SIBs.
A model‐based abstraction layer for heterogeneous SDN applications
Authors: Castellano Gabriele , Cerrato Ivano , Gharbaoui Molka , Fichera Silvia , Martini Barbara , Risso Fulvio , Castoldi Piero
Published: July 2019

Modern controllers for software‐defined networks (SDN) enable the execution of arbitrary SDN applications (eg, Network Address Translation (NAT), traffic monitors) that may be exploited by an overarching set of services (eg, application‐layer orchestrators) to build even richer services. To this purpose, the above overarching services require a mechanism that allows reading the run‐time state and writing the configuration of arbitrary SDN applications, possibly through a uniform API. Unfortunately, most SDN applications are not designed/implemented by taking into account the possibility to be used as part of higher level service workflows (eg, a complex intrusion prevention system that leverages multiple elementary services as individual components), hence they may not provide an adequate interface that would allow overarching services to exploit their features. This paper addresses this problem by proposing an approach to represent the run‐time state of arbitrary applications, where data are exported according to high‐level model‐based structures. Furthermore, the mapping from the high‐level data model to the actual data representation within the SDN application is enabled by a suite of algorithms that are generic enough to operate independently of the actual source code of the application, thus avoiding undesired and invasive modifications to existing applications. The paper also presents a software framework and a prototype implementing the proposed approach, characterizes the resulting performance, and discusses pros and cons of the proposed approach.
The spectrum of malignant melanoma on cytology: A tertiary care center study
Authors: Kapatia Gargi , Gupta Parikshaa , Rohilla Manish , Gupta Nalini , Srinivasan Radhika , Rajwanshi Arvind , Dey Pranab
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Malignant melanoma accounts for around 3% of all malignancies. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a convenient diagnostic procedure for the diagnosis of melanoma and its metastases.

Aim

To explore the cytological spectrum of malignant melanoma including the rare metastatic sites.

Material and Methods

A total of 51 patients of malignant melanoma or its metastases on FNAC were studied over a period of 5 years. The FNAC smears of these cases were analyzed in detail by two different observers (GC and PD).

Results

Among the 51 patients studied, the mean age was 54 years (range 19‐97 years). Male‐to‐female ratio was 1.04:1 with 25 females and 26 males. The commonest primary site of the melanoma cases was lower extremity. The inguinal lymph node was the most common site for metastasis. Melanin pigment was the predominant feature followed by prominent nucleoli. Epithelioid pattern was the predominant shape.

Conclusion

Cytopathologists must be aware of the wide range of morphological spectrum seen in the cases of melanoma for a greater accuracy in diagnosis and to circumvent pitfalls in diagnosing melanoma.
The importance of the propagule–sediment–tide “power balance” for revegetation at the coastal frontier
Authors: Ge Zhen‐Ming , Li Shi‐Hua , Tan Li‐Shan , Li Ya‐Lei , Hu Zhong‐Jian
Published: July 2019

Revegetation of pioneer plants is a critical phase in community establishment for mudflats in seriously degraded coastal wetlands. We tested a hypothesis of the importance of a “power balance” among propagule resilience and sedimentary and tidal disturbances for vegetation reestablishment. Our experiment used three types of propagules (seeds, seedlings, and corms) of native Scirpus species in the fringing flats with similar tidal flows and varying sedimentary intensities in the Yangtze Estuary. Regardless of the initial planting densities, the seed germination rate was extremely low in the field situation. Although the incubated seedlings were planted directly on the bare flat, the wave movement easily flushed the seedlings, even at the site with moderate sedimentary accretion. Failure of the revegetation practice using the seed and seedling materials indicated that the combined “growing and anchoring power” of young seedlings and “stabilizing power” of the sediment were insufficient to withstand the “dislodging power” of the tidal energy. In contrast, the planting approach with underground propagules (corms) proved to be feasible for vegetation establishment at the sites with moderate and low‐level sedimentary intensities. The successful practice improved the tipping point of plant survival and tussock formation could be surpassed when the combined growing and anchoring power of seedlings that developed from corms with the stabilizing power of the sediment was greater than the dislodging power of the wave energy. However, at the site with high‐level sedimentary intensity, the excessive sediment converted to the burying stress power as seedlings developed from the corms, revealing a burial threshold for seedling survival. The risk of seedling establishment was high when the burying stress power of the sediment far outweighed the combination of the growing power of the seedlings and the sediment removal power of the tidal current and surpassed the tipping point of vegetation die‐off. Additionally, we checked the practice cost of the different approaches to ensure a highly cost‐effective revegetation planning based on site suitability. This study highlights that understanding of the propagule–sediment–tide power balance offers a tool for improvement of the revegetation and management of site‐specific sedimentary and hydrological environments for many degraded coastal ecosystems.
Are Drosophila preferences for yeasts stable or contextual?
Authors: Günther Catrin S. , Knight Sarah J. , Jones Rory , Goddard Matthew R.
Published: July 2019

Whether there are general mechanisms, driving interspecific chemical communication is uncertain. Saccharomycetaceae yeast and Drosophila fruit flies, both extensively studied research models, share the same fruit habitat, and it has been suggested their interaction comprises a facultative mutualism that is instigated and maintained by yeast volatiles. Using choice tests, experimental evolution, and volatile analyses, we investigate the maintenance of this relationship and reveal little consistency between behavioral responses of two isolates of sympatric Drosophila species. While D. melanogaster was attracted to a range of different Saccharomycetaceae yeasts and this was independent of fruit type, D. simulans preference appeared specific to a particular S. cerevisiae genotype isolated from a vineyard fly population. This response, however, was not consistent across fruit types and is therefore context‐dependent. In addition, D. simulans attraction to an individual S. cerevisiae isolate was pliable over ecological timescales. Volatile candidates were analyzed to identify a common signal for yeast attraction, and while D. melanogaster generally responded to fermentation profiles, D. simulans preference was more discerning and likely threshold‐dependent. Overall, there is no strong evidence to support the idea of bespoke interactions with specific yeasts for either of these Drosophila genotypes. Rather the data support the idea Drosophila are generally adapted to sense and locate fruits infested by a range of fungal microbes and/or that yeast–Drosophila interactions may evolve rapidly.
Broad‐scale changes in tundra‐nesting bird abundance in response to hyperabundant geese
Authors: Flemming Scott A. , Smith Paul A. , Rausch Jennie , Nol Erica
Published: July 2019

Environmental changes can propagate through food webs in complex ways via trophic cascades. In the North American Arctic, hyperabundant populations of geese are causing significant habitat change and the resulting trophic cascades are known to impact plant and invertebrate communities. However, the potential impacts on other tundra‐nesting birds are not fully understood. Here, we evaluate the impacts of light geese (Snow Geese,Chen caerulescens,and Ross’ Goose,Chen rossii) populations on other tundra‐nesting birds, using count data collected during bird surveys conducted at varying distances from light goose colonies across the Canadian Arctic. From a dataset of 920 12–16 ha plots distributed across the Canadian Arctic, we identified 527 that were within 200 km of the mapped extent of known light goose colonies. After accounting for regional variation, we demonstrate that densities of most Cover‐Nesting Shorebirds and passerines are depressed in the vicinity of light goose colonies. We suggest that these trends are the results of the combined effects of goose‐induced changes in habitat and predator–prey interactions. These direct and indirect effects of light geese could be contributing to the declines experienced by some tundra‐nesting bird populations in parts of their range. Ongoing climate‐related changes to habitat, predators, and arthropods could interact with this effect of geese to further alter the suitability of tundra habitats for Arctic‐breeding birds, in additive or even unanticipated ways.
Extent and drivers of vegetation type conversion in Southern California chaparral
Authors: Syphard Alexandra D. , Brennan Teresa J. , Keeley Jon E.
Published: July 2019

The native chaparral shrublands of Southern California support exceptional biodiversity and provide critical ecological services, but increased fire frequency threatens to extirpate much of the chaparral due to long regeneration times needed between fires for many species. When short fire intervals inhibit shrub recovery, this favors invasion of exotic herbaceous species, and vegetation type conversion from woody shrubs to grassland is therefore a serious ecological concern in this biodiversity hotspot. Despite a history of field studies documenting the detrimental effect of short‐interval fire, the extent of vegetation type conversion and the conditions under which it occurs have not been documented at a landscape scale. Our objective was thus to provide an unbiased assessment of how and how much vegetation type conversion is occurring in Southern California chaparral. We used a chronosequence of aerial photographs to quantify percentage woody and herbaceous cover change from 1953 to 2016 across randomly sampled plots in San Diego County, then related conversion and decline to a range of explanatory variables including fire, proximity to human disturbance, and biophysical landscape characteristics. Within the 63‐yr study period, there was substantial net woody cover loss, and in the plots that were initially more than 75% woody cover in 1953, 59% experienced a decline, with a mean woody cover loss of 22.5%. Of these, 28% heavily type‐converted to the point that herbaceous vegetation covered more than 50% of the plot. The top drivers for woody conversion and decline included a fire interval shorter than 15 yr and total number of fires, actual evapotranspiration, and elevation. Although human land use variables were not strong independent contributors to either chaparral conversion or decline, 26% of the initial vegetated plots were directly converted to development or other human disturbance types. The combination of direct habitat loss and unintentional vegetation type conversion represents a substantial ecological impact in Southern California that can have far‐reaching impacts via loss of ecological services and by increasing the flammability of the landscape in general. Efforts to reduce fire frequency will be key to preventing further losses.
Acknowledging differences: number, characteristics, and distribution of marine benthic communities along Taiwan coast
Authors: Lin Yuting Vicky , Denis Vianney
Published: July 2019

Our knowledge of the ability of coral reefs to face contemporary challenges disregards the wide variety of benthic communities (BCs) that could be associated with contrasted dynamics when facing stressors. Accordingly, this study investigates the number, characteristics, and distribution of BCs responsible for the development of coastal three‐dimensional structures in Taiwan. A total of 89 transects among three regions (north, east, and south) and two depths (−10 and −40 m) were characterized using a morpho‐functional categorization of benthic organisms. Using an unsupervised learning algorithm, k‐means cluster, an optimal number of k groups were identified among transects in order to minimize total intra‐group variance and represent a first level of organization, mirroring the number of BCs. Each BC was then described into prevailing categories and typified by an association with significant indicator groups. Their distributions were further examined and tested among regions and depths. Seven BCs were identified as having different composition and indicator categories. Their distributions suggest that, while sea surface temperature and light regime may be associated with a panel of available BCs, local conditions may have the final say on whether a BC eventually thrives at a given location. Overall, this study proposes an innovative and simple analytical framework for acknowledging differences among BCs. Our results encourage greater consideration of these shades in coral reef ecology studies, as they could conceal a variety of roles and dynamics important for the conservation of these endangered ecosystems.
Anthropogenic N deposition, fungal gene expression, and an increasing soil carbon sink in the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Zak Donald R. , Argiroff William A. , Freedman Zachary B. , Upchurch Rima A. , Entwistle Elizabeth M. , Romanowicz Karl J.
Published: July 2019

Terrestrial ecosystems in the Northern Hemisphere are a globally important sink for anthropogenic CO2 in the Earth's atmosphere, slowing its accumulation as well as the pace of climate warming. With the use of a long‐term field experiment (ca. 20 yr), we show that the expression of fungal class II peroxidase genes, which encode enzymes mediating the rate‐limiting step of organic matter decay, are significantly downregulated (−60 to −80%) because of increases in anthropogenic N deposition; this response was consistent with a decline in extracellular peroxidase enzyme activity in soil, the slowing of organic‐matter decay, and greater soil C storage. The reduction in peroxidase expression we document here occurred in the absence of a compositional shift in metabolically active fungi, indicating that an overall reduction in peroxidase expression underlies the slowing of decay and increases in soil C storage. This molecular mechanism has global implications for soil C storage and should be represented in coupled climate–biogeochemical models simulating the influence of enhanced terrestrial C storage on atmospheric CO2 and the future climate of an N‐enriched Earth.
Infection at an ecotone: cross‐system foraging increases satellite parasites but decreases core parasites in raccoons
Authors: Weinstein Sara B. , Van Wert Jacey C. , Kinsella Mike , Tkach Vasyl V. , Lafferty Kevin D.
Published: July 2019

Ecotones can increase free‐living species richness, but little is known about how parasites respond to ecotones. Here, we use parasite communities in raccoons (Procyon lotor) to test the hypothesis that parasite communities can be divided into core and satellite species, each with fundamentally different responses to ecotones. We used published parasite surveys to classify parasites as common core or rare satellite species, and then surveyed raccoons in coastal California to examine how proximity to two aquatic ecotones altered parasite communities. Raccoons near ecotones had more satellite and fewer core parasite species. Specifically, the marine ecotone increased parasite diversity by adding satellite species to a persistent core community, whereas the freshwater ecotone shifted the community from core to satellite species without a net change in parasite richness. We hypothesize that increased parasite richness at the marine ecotone resulted from increased diet diversity, but that raccoons were sinks for some parasites. Increased exposure to rare parasites at ecotones has implications for wildlife health and provides insight into observed associations between ecotones and emerging disease.
Transition‐Metal‐Free Synthesis of 1,2‐Disubstituted Indoles
Authors: Chesnokov Gleb A. , Ageshina Alexandra A. , Topchiy Maxim A. , Nechaev Mikhail S. , Asachenko Andrey F.
Published: July 2019

Herein, we report a new transition‐metal‐free robust and cost‐effective method for synthesis of 1,2‐disubstituted indoles from easily available unactivated (i.e. without EWG, PPh3 or SiR3 groups) tertiary amides. Scope of synthetic applicability of the presented protocol was shown on 23 examples of 1,2‐disubstituted indoles with different substitution patterns obtained in good to excellent yields. The reported method turned out to be especially effective for synthesis of N‐arylated 2‐CF3‐indoles. Moreover, this approach can be performed in a one‐pot two‐step manner directly from commercially available secondary amines. Mechanistic studies showed that acyl transfer might be an important step in the course of the reaction. Viability of the presented approach for benzofurans and benzothiophenes synthesis was also discussed.
Humour is serious: Minority group members’ use of humour in their encounters with majority group members
Authors: Dobai Anna , Hopkins Nick
Published: July 2019

This article adds to the social psychological literature on how minority group members seek to manage their interactions with majority group members. Specifically, it focuses on minority group members’ use of humour in interactions where they anticipate or actually experience prejudice. The data on which our analysis is based originate from interviews conducted with Roma in Hungary (N = 30). Asked about their interactions with majority group members, interviewees reported using humour as a means to (a) manage embarrassment; (b) gather information about the other's intergroup attitudes; and (c) subvert taken‐for‐granted understandings of social relations. The humour involved was diverse. Sometimes it entailed the telling of (Roma‐related) jokes. Sometimes it involved the exaggerated performance of roles and identities that ironised majority–minority social relations. The significance of humour as a tool for minority group members to exert some control over their interactions with majority group members is discussed.
Numerical analysis of particle erosion in the rectifying plate system during shale gas extraction
Authors: Peng Shanbi , Chen Qikun , Shan Congxin , Wang Di
Published: July 2019

Erosion caused by sand particles in the pipe system is a major concern in the shale gas industry. In the rectifying plate system, the fluid with high Reynolds number is assumed to be the fully turbulent flow. To investigate particle erosion under the complex flow in the rectifying plate system, various erosion simulations are conducted in this study. Because the gas velocity, sand input, particles size, and particles shape can affect the erosion in rectifying system, the effect of gas velocities (5‐30 m/s), sand inputs (50‐400 kg/d), and particle parameters (various particle sizes and various particle shapes) on erosion is simulated. Moreover, the erosion experiment conducted in Tulsa University is used to verify the accuracy of simulation model. Through the calculation and analysis, it is obtained that different gas velocities will change the position where the max erosion rate appears. Various sand inputs lead to different max erosion rates. In addition, the effect of sand input on the distribution of erosion scars on rectifying plate is more obvious than that of on elbows. Finally, the effect of size and shape of particles on erosion is investigated. It is found that with the increase in particle diameter, the shape of erosion scar on elbow 1 changes gradually from an ellipse to the V‐shape.
A comparison of snowmelt‐derived streamflow from temperature‐index and modified‐temperature‐index snow models
Authors: Follum Michael L. , Niemann Jeffrey D. , Fassnacht Steven R.
Published: July 2019

Reliable estimation of the volume and timing of snowmelt runoff is vital for water supply and flood forecasting in snow‐dominated regions. Snowmelt is often simulated using temperature‐index (TI) models due to their applicability in data‐sparse environments. Previous research has shown that a modified‐TI model, which uses a radiation‐derived proxy temperature instead of air temperature as its surrogate for available energy, can produce more accurate snow‐covered area (SCA) maps than a traditional TI model. However, it is unclear whether the improved SCA maps are associated with improved snow water equivalent (SWE) estimation across the watershed or improved snowmelt‐derived streamflow simulation. This paper evaluates whether a modified‐TI model produces better streamflow estimates than a TI model when they are used within a fully distributed hydrologic model. It further evaluates the performance of the two models when they are calibrated using either point SWE measurements or SCA maps. The Senator Beck Basin in Colorado is used as the study site because its surface is largely bedrock, which reduces the role of infiltration and emphasizes the role of the SWE pattern on streamflow generation. Streamflow is simulated using both models for 6 years. The modified‐TI model produces more accurate streamflow estimates (including flow volume and peak flow rate) than the TI model, likely because the modified‐TI model better reproduces the SWE pattern across the watershed. Both models also produce better performance when calibrated with SCA maps instead of point SWE data, likely because the SCA maps better constrain the space‐time pattern of SWE.
Extracellular vesicles transmitted miR‐31‐5p promotes sorafenib resistance by targeting MLH1 in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: He Jinlan , He Jianxiong , Min Li , He Yan , Guan Hui , Wang Jingjing , Peng Xingchen
Published: July 2019

Sorafenib provides survival benefits in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but its use is hampered by acquired drug resistance. It is important to fully clarify the molecular mechanisms of sorafenib resistance, which can help to avoid, delay or reverse drug resistance. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can mediate intercellular communication by delivering effector molecules between cells. Here, we studied whether EVs are involved in sorafenib resistance of RCC and its possible molecular mechanisms. Using differential centrifugation, EVs were isolated from established sorafenib‐resistant RCC cells (786‐0 and ACHN), and EVs derived from sorafenib‐resistant cells were uptaken by sensitive parental RCC cells and thus promoted drug resistance. Elevated exogenous miR‐31‐5p within EVs effectively downregulated MutL homolog 1 (MLH1) expression and thus promoted sorafenib resistance in vitro. Mice experiments also confirmed that miR‐31‐5p could mediate drug sensitivity in vivo. In addition, low expression of MLH1 was observed in sorafenib‐resistant RCC cells and upregulation of MLH1 expression restored the sensitivity of resistant cell lines to sorafenib. Finally, miR‐31‐5p level in circulating EVs of RCC patients with progressive disease (PD) during sorafenib therapy was higher when compared to that in the pretherapy status. In conclusion, EVs shuttled miR‐31‐5p can transfer resistance information from sorafenib‐resistant cells to sensitive cells by directly targeting MLH1, and thus magnify the drug resistance information to the whole tumor. Furthermore, miR‐31‐5p and MLH1 could be promising predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets to prevent sorafenib resistance.
Promoting Empathetic Reading WithBetween Shades of GrayThrough a Global Blogging Project
Authors: Schieble Melissa , Kucinskiene Lolita
Published: July 2019

The authors drew on empirical data from a blogging project that brought English teachers from the United States and Lithuania together online to discuss the young adult novelBetween Shades of Grayby Ruta Sepetys. The novel tells the story of a 15‐year‐old girl, Lina, and her family, who are forcibly separated and deported to a Siberian labor camp under Stalin's occupation of the Baltic States during World WarII. The authors argue that the pedagogical context sheds light on what an empathetic reading of the state‐sponsored atrocities described in this book might entail, thus avoiding common pitfalls with difficult knowledge when readers are positioned to try on through role‐play or detach through close reading and literary analysis. Throughout, the authors define and promote one possibility of what empathetic reading can look like when pedagogies position readers as empathetic learners.
Collaboration of MYC and RUNX2 in lymphoma simulates T‐cell receptor signaling and attenuates p53 pathway activity
Authors: Hay Jodie , Gilroy Kathryn , Huser Camille , Kilbey Anna , Mcdonald Alma , MacCallum Amanda , Holroyd Ailsa , Cameron Ewan , Neil James C.
Published: July 2019

MYC and RUNX oncogenes each trigger p53‐mediated failsafe responses when overexpressed in vitro and collaborate with p53 deficiency in vivo. However, together they drive rapid onset lymphoma without mutational loss of p53. This phenomenon was investigated further by transcriptomic analysis of premalignant thymus from RUNX2/MYC transgenic mice. The distinctive contributions of MYC and RUNX to transcriptional control were illustrated by differential enrichment of canonical binding sites and gene ontology analyses. Pathway analysis revealed signatures of MYC, CD3, and CD28 regulation indicative of activation and proliferation, but also strong inhibition of cell death pathways. In silico analysis of discordantly expressed genes revealed Tnfsrf8/CD30, Cish, and Il13 among relevant targets for sustained proliferation and survival. Although TP53 mRNA and protein levels were upregulated, its downstream targets in growth suppression and apoptosis were largely unperturbed. Analysis of genes encoding p53 posttranslational modifiers showed significant upregulation of three genes, Smyd2, Set, and Prmt5. Overexpression of SMYD2 was validated in vivo but the functional analysis was constrained by in vitro loss of p53 in RUNX2/MYC lymphoma cell lines. However, an early role is suggested by the ability of SMYD2 to block senescence‐like growth arrest induced by RUNX overexpression in primary fibroblasts.
Transient induction of Cdk9 in the early stage of differentiation is critical for myogenesis
Authors: Tarhriz Vahideh , Eyvazi Shirin , Musavi Maryam , Abasi Mozhgan , Sharifi Kazem , Ghanbarian Hossein , Hejazi Mohammad Saeid
Published: July 2019

Cdk9 is a serine‐threonine protein kinase that has been recognized as a regulator of cardiac differentiation. Recently, we have reported that transient induction of Cdk9 using noncoding RNA targeting Cdk9 sequences results in efficient cardiac differentiation. Concerning Cdk9 regulatory roles, here, we proposed whether constant overexpression of Cdk9 might influence the differentiation of myoblast C2C12 cells into myotubes. We overexpressed Cdk9 in mouse myoblast C2C12 cells to investigate its regulatory roles on myogenic differentiation. Upon Cdk9 overexpression, the expression level of myogenic regulatory factors was determined. Moreover, the expression profile of three important myomiRs consist of miR 1, 133 and 206 was examined during the differentiation process. Although Cdk9 expression is necessary for inducing differentiation in the early stage of myogenesis, continuous Cdk9 expression inhibits differentiation by modulating myomiRs and myogenic gene expression. Our results indicate that the transient induction of Cdk9 in the early stage of differentiation is critical for myogenesis.