bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disentangling the conundrum of self-determination and its implications in Greenland
Authors: Cambou Dorothée Céline
Published: May 2020

In 2009, the Act on Greenland Self-Government was adopted. It recognises that “the people of Greenland is a people pursuant to international law with the right of self-determination”. Within this framework, the people of Greenland have gained significant control over their own affairs and the right to access to independence. Yet, the extent to which this framework ensures the right of self-determination in accordance with fundamental human rights can still be questioned. From a human rights perspective, the right of self-determination is not a one-time right. It is fundamental human right that applies in different contexts beyond decolonisation and which has implications not only for colonial countries and peoples but also for the population of all territories, including indigenous and minority groups. From this perspective, this contribution seeks to disentangle and analyse the different facets of self-determination in Greenland while considering the implications of the right based on the multifarious identity of the peoples living in the country as colonial people, citizens, indigenous and minority groups, including their claim to control mining resources.
Not a Peasant Movement: The Livelihood Struggles of the Taiwanese Labouring Population under the Broken Promise of High-tech Development
Authors: Tsai You-Lin
Published: May 2020

In contrast to popular opinion, this paper suggests that recent protests against the Taiwanese government's expropriation of farmland for high-tech development in Taiwan do not constitute a peasant movement. Based on Karl Polanyi's double-movement thesis and Ching Kwan Lee's analysis of workers’ uprisings in the context of market reform, this paper shows that the local cause of such a mobilization is the labouring population's struggle to maintain a livelihood against increasing economic and employment insecurity. Moreover, the intensification of market despotism, economic insecurity and the relocation of firms to China have broken the various promises offered by high-tech development. As a result, local protestors have begun to question the necessity of expropriating farmland to make way for the construction of new science industrial parks.
Design characteristics and aesthetics in evolutionary design of architectural forms directed by fuzzy evaluation
Authors: Mars Agnieszka , Grabska Ewa , Ślusarczyk Grażyna , Strug Barbara
Published: May 2020

This paper deals with design characteristics-oriented approach to architectural design based on the combination of three methods – recognition, generation, and evaluation. Design characteristics are understood as a set of specific features which constitute a discriminant of a class of architectural forms. The Biederman recognition-by-components theory is used to recognize the design structure. An evolutionary algorithm, which serves as a generative tool, is driven by the fuzzy evaluation based on Birkhoff's aesthetic measure. Phenotypes of architectural objects are seen as configurations of Biederman's basic components essential for visual perception. Genotypes of these objects are represented by graphs with bonds, where nodes represent object components, node bonds represent component surfaces, while graph edges represent relations between surfaces. Graph evolutionary operators, that is, crossover and mutation, are defined in such a way that they preserve characteristic features seen as design requirements specified for designed objects. The fitness function is determined by the fuzzy evaluation of designs based on Birkhoff's aesthetic measure for polygons adapted for three-dimensional solids. The approach is illustrated by examples of designing objects with the use of a fuzzy evaluation mechanism, which takes into account both aesthetic criteria and the degree to which design requirements corresponding to object characteristic features are satisfied.
On the birth and death of algebraic limit cycles in quadratic differential systems
Authors: LLIBRE JAUME , OLIVEIRA REGILENE , ZHAO YULIN
Published: May 2020

In 1958 started the study of the families of algebraic limit cycles in the class of planar quadratic polynomial differential systems. In the present we known one family of algebraic limit cycles of degree 2 and four families of algebraic limit cycles of degree 4, and that there are no limit cycles of degree 3. All the families of algebraic limit cycles of degree 2 and 4 are known, this is not the case for the families of degree higher than 4. We also know that there exist two families of algebraic limit cycles of degree 5 and one family of degree 6, but we do not know if these families are all the families of degree 5 and 6. Until today it is an open problem to know if there are algebraic limit cycles of degree higher than 6 inside the class of quadratic polynomial differential systems. Here we investigate the birth and death of all the known families of algebraic limit cycles of quadratic polynomial differential systems.
Association between food availability and young people’s fruits and vegetables consumption: understanding the mediation role of the theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Lwin May Oo , Malik Shelly , Lau Jerrald
Published: May 2020

Objective:

To evaluate the relationship between fruits and vegetables (F&V) availability at home and young people’s F&V consumption behaviour, and how the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) constructs could potentially mediate the relationship.

Design:

Cross-sectional face-to-face survey questionnaire to assess the TPB constructs and home food availability assessed using open inventories method. F&V availability was categorised into low and high levels based on median split.

Setting:

Singapore.

Participants:

Two hundred and ten households (each consisting one parent–child pair) recruited via stratified cluster sampling with child participants ranging from 9 to 16 years of age.

Results:

Mediation analyses were conducted using structural equation modelling. The relationship between home F&V availability and F&V consumption behaviour did not have a significant direct association, but there were significant indirect effects through the routes of perceived behavioural control (PBC) and intention as well as attitude and intention. Specifically, higher level of F&V availability at home was related to more positive PBC and attitude towards F&V, and subsequently greater intention to consume F&V and higher consumption of F&V.

Conclusions:

Parents should make F&V more readily available at home as increased exposure to F&V could be related to enhanced liking, sense of control and intention to consume F&V and facilitate children’s healthy diet.
The juniper tree. A conversation with Michael B. Schiffer and Randall H. McGuire
Authors: Coelho Rui Gomes
Published: May 2020

What are the circumstances through which we become archaeologists? In April 2018, Rui Gomes Coelho met with his former adviser, Randall H. McGuire, and his adviser’s adviser, Michael B. Schiffer, for a conversation about the reasons why they became interested in archaeology, about mentorship and about how they connect their experiences to broader social questions. This conversation is an affective reflection that crosses the emergence of behavioural archaeology, Marxist archaeology, the postprocessual turn and the context that shaped the origins of the archaeology of the recent past.
How Narratives and Evidence Influence Rumor Belief in Conflict Zones: Evidence from Syria
Authors: Schon Justin
Published: May 2020

Armed conflict creates a context of high uncertainty and risk, where accurate and verifiable information is extremely difficult to find. This is a prime environment for unverified information—rumors—to spread. Meanwhile, there is insufficient understanding of exactly how rumor transmission occurs within conflict zones. I address this with an examination of the mechanisms through which people evaluate new information. Building on findings from research on motivated reasoning, I argue that elite-driven narrative contests—competitions between elites to define how civilians should understand conflict—increase the difficulty of distinguishing fact from fiction. Civilians respond by attempting thorough evaluations of new information that they hope will allow them to distinguish evidence from narratives. These evaluations tend to involve some combination of self-evaluation, evaluation of the source, and collective sense-making. I examine this argument using over 200 interviews with Syrian refugees conducted in Jordan and Turkey. My findings indicate that people are usually unable to effectively distinguish evidence from narratives, so narrative contests are powerful drivers of rumor evaluation. Still, civilian mechanisms of rumor evaluation do constrain what propaganda elites can spread. These findings contribute to research on civil war, narrative formation, and information diffusion.
Epidemiology of peripheral artery disease in Palestine
Authors: Jamee Amal , Aboyans Victor , Magne Julien , Elhendy Mohammed , Marie Preux Pierre , Lacroix Philippe
Published: May 2020

Summary: Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is one of the most common manifestations of atherosclerosis affecting more than 200 million people globally but little is known about its epidemiology in Middle East populations, particularly in Arab countries. The present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of PAD in the general population aged 40 years and more in Gaza-Palestine, and to determine the prevalence of its associated risk factors. Patients and methods: The study design was a cross-sectional with a stratified proportional sampling, involving the five governorates in Gaza Strip. We selected 1490 individuals aged age ≥ 40 years living in the area for more than 3 years. The questionnaire on lifestyle and cardiovascular risk factors was applied and the ankle-brachial index (ABI) was measured by Doppler examination in both legs in all participants. PAD was defined as an ABI ≤ 0.90. We excluded 92 participants (6 %) because of missing ABI or ABI > 1.40. Results: One-half of the 1398 participants had at least two associated cardiovascular risk factors, one-third were on aspirin and 15 % on statins. Overall, we found PAD in 191 (13.7 %) cases. This prevalence increased with age, and 18.7 % of adults older than 65 years had PAD. The prevalence was higher in females than in males (respectively 15.6 % vs 11.6 % p = 0.031). In the multivariate logistic regression model, significant associated factors with PAD in males were CAD (OR: 3.5; 95 % CI: 1.4–8.6), hypertension (OR: 2.8; 95 % CI: 1.3–6.1), and current smoking (OR: 2.7; 95 % CI: 1.1–6.6). In women, hypertension remains the main associated risk factor. Conclusions: Our study highlights the high prevalence of PAD in the Gazan community, mostly related to the high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and other cardiovascular conditions.
Large vessel vasculitis secondary to granulocyte-colony stimulating factor
Authors: Soto Castillo Juan José , Loarce-Martos Jesús , Blanc-Molina José Miguel
Published: May 2020

Summary: Aortitis is a rare entity that may cause fever of unknown origin. This entity has a wide various etiologies, which main cause is rheumatologic, but not only. Iatrogenia has also been described, including chemotherapy and supporting treatment (like granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in oncological patients. The evidence in favour of this pharmacological link is growing. The differential diagnosis of fever, in febrile neutropenia setting, can be difficult to itemize.
Themes of Gerotranscendence in Narrative Identity Within Structured Life Review
Authors: Jeffers Sharlene L. , Hill Ricco , Krumholz Miriam F. , Winston-Proctor Cynthia
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Narrative identity is a person’s internalized and evolving life story. It provides a person with some degree of unity and purpose over the life course. It is shaped by the themes, plots, and images available within an individual’s culture. Research in narrative gerontology finds that positive themes within narrative identity in late life are sparse because of a pervading “narrative of decline,” which may contribute to prevalence of late life depression. Structured Life Review (SLR) is an effective intervention to manage depressive symptoms in older adults. It relies on clinician-guided storytelling and themes drawn from Erikson’s developmental stages to foster positive narrative identity. In this theoretical review, the authors explore gerotranscendence-related themes to inform narrative identity through SLR, the goal being to advance the argument that gerotranscendence can adaptively navigate negative narrative themes. It should be considered within clinical narrative practice to improve psychological well-being for older adults.
Pressure Effects on the SEIS‐InSight Instrument, Improvement of Seismic Records, and Characterization of Long Period Atmospheric Waves From Ground Displacements
Authors: Garcia Raphael F. , Kenda Balthasar , Kawamura Taichi , Spiga Aymeric , Murdoch Naomi , Lognonné Philippe Henri , Widmer‐Schnidrig Ruldolf , Compaire Nicolas , Orhand‐Mainsant Guénolé , Banfield Donald , Banerdt William Bruce
Published: May 2020

Mars atmospheric pressure variations induce ground displacements through elastic deformations. The various sensors of the InSight mission were designed in order to be able to understand and correct for these ground deformations induced by atmospheric effects. Particular efforts were made, on one hand, to avoid direct pressure and wind effects on the seismometer and, on the other hand, to have a high performance pressure sensor operating in the same frequency range as the seismometer. As a consequence of these technical achievements and the low background seismic noise of Mars, the InSight mission is opening a new science domain in which the ground displacements can be used to perform atmospheric science. This study presents an analysis of pressure and seismic signals and the relations between them. After a short description of the pressure and seismic sensors, we present an analysis of these signals as a function of local time at the InSight location. Then the coherent signals recorded by both pressure and seismic sensors are described and interpreted in terms of atmospheric signals and ground deformation processes. Two different methods to remove the pressure effects recorded by SEIS sensors are presented, and their efficiency is estimated and compared. These decorrelation methods allow the pressure generated noise to be reduced by a factor of 2 during the active day time period. Finally, an analysis of SEIS signals induced by gravity waves demonstrates the interest of ground displacement measurements to characterize their arrival azimuth.
Inferring Subsurface Preferential Flow Features From a Wavelet Analysis of Hydrological Signals in the Shale Hills Catchment
Authors: Liu Hu , Yu Yang , Zhao Wenzhi , Guo Li , Liu Jintao , Yang Qiyue
Published: May 2020

Preferential flow (PF)‐dominated soil structure is often considered a unique system consisting of micropores and macropores and thus supposed to provide dual‐pore filtering effects on hydrological signals, through which smoothing effects are likely to be stronger for matrix flow and weaker for PF via macropores. By using time series of hydrological signals (precipitation, canopy interception, throughfall, soil moisture, evapotranspiration, water storage in soil and groundwater, and catchment discharge) propagating through the Shale Hills Catchments and representative soil series, the filtering effects of the catchment and soil profiles were tested through the wavelet analysis. Typical filtering effects, that is, the characteristic of the role of soil and the groundwater table as a buffer, were observed from the wavelet spectrum, gradually smoothing off the precipitation signal. The hypothesized dual‐pore style filtering effects of the soil profile were also confirmed through the coherence spectra and phase differences, rendering them applicable for possible use as “fingerprints” of PF to infer subsurface flow features. We found that PF dominates the catchment's discharge response at the scales from 3 to 12 days, which contributes to the catchment discharge mainly as subsurface lateral flow at upper or middle soil horizons. Through subsurface PF pathways, even the hilltop is likely hydrologically connected to the valley floor, building connections with or making contributions to the catchment discharge. This study highlights the potential of wavelet analysis for retrieving and characterizing subsurface flow processes based on the revealed dual‐pore filtering effects of the soil system. Although some limitations and uncertainties still exist, we believe that wavelet methods provide a highly potential but underexplored approach to studying subsurface hydrology.
Interferon and anti-TNF therapies differentially modulate amygdala reactivity which predicts associated bidirectional changes in depressive symptoms
Authors: Davies Kevin A. , Cooper Ella , Voon Valerie , Tibble Jeremy , Cercignani Mara , Harrison Neil A.
Published: May 2020

A third of patients receiving Interferon-α (IFN-α) treatment for Hepatitis-C develop major depressive disorder (MDD). Conversely, anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) therapies improve depression providing key empirical support for the “inflammatory theory” of depression. Heightened amygdala reactivity (particularly to negatively valanced stimuli) is a consistent finding within MDD; can predict treatment efficacy and reverses following successful treatment. However, whether IFN-α and anti-TNF enhance/attenuate depressive symptoms through modulation of amygdala emotional reactivity is unknown. Utilizing a prospective study design, we recruited 30 patients (mean 48.0 ± 10.5 years, 21 male) initiating IFN-α treatment for Hepatitis-C and 30 (mean 50.4 ± 15.7 years, 10 male) anti-TNF therapy for inflammatory arthritis. All completed an emotional face-processing task during fMRI and blood sampling before and after their first IFN-α (4-h) or anti-TNF (24-h) injection and follow-up psychiatric assessments for 3 months of treatment. IFN-α significantly increased depression symptoms (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale HAM-D) at 4 weeks (p < 0.001) but not 4-h after first dose (p > 0.1). Conversely, anti-TNF significantly improved depressive symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Rating Scale HADS) at both 24-h (P = 0.015) and 12 weeks (p = 0.018). In support of our a-priori hypothesis, both IFN-α and anti-TNF significantly modulated amygdala reactivity with IFN-α acutelyenhancingright amygdala responses to sad (compared with neutral) faces (p = 0.032) and anti-TNF converselydecreasingright amygdala reactivity (across emotional valence) (p = 0.033). Furthermore, these changes predicted IFN-induced increases in HAM-D 4 weeks later (R2 = 0.17,p = 0.022) and anti-TNF-associated decreases in HADS at 24-h (R2 = 0.23,p = 0.01) suggesting that actions of systemic inflammation on amygdala emotional reactivity play a mechanistic role in inflammation-associated depressive symptoms.
Revisiting the role of CD4+ T cells in cancer immunotherapy—new insights into old paradigms
Authors: Tay Rong En , Richardson Emma K. , Toh Han Chong
Published: May 2020

Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionised cancer treatment, with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy and adoptive cell therapy (ACT) increasingly becoming standard of care across a growing number of cancer indications. While the majority of cancer immunotherapies focus on harnessing the anti-tumour CD8+ cytotoxic T cell response, the potential role of CD4+ ‘helper’ T cells has largely remained in the background. In this review, we give an overview of the multifaceted role of CD4+ T cells in the anti-tumour immune response, with an emphasis on recent evidence that CD4+ T cells play a bigger role than previously thought. We illustrate their direct anti-tumour potency and their role in directing a sustained immune response against tumours. We further highlight the emerging observation that CD4+ T cell responses against tumours tend to be against self-derived epitopes. These recent trends raise vital questions and considerations that will profoundly affect the rational design of immunotherapies to leverage on the full potential of the immune system against cancer.
Kinesin light chain 4 as a new target for lung cancer chemoresistance via targeted inhibition of checkpoint kinases in the DNA repair network
Authors: Baek Jeong-Hwa , Yun Hong Shik , Kim Ju-Young , Lee Janet , Lee Yeon-Joo , Lee Chang-Woo , Song Jie-Young , Ahn Jiyeon , Park Jong Kuk , Kim Jae-Sung , Lee Kee-Ho , Kim Eun Ho , Hwang Sang-Gu
Published: May 2020

The poor therapeutic efficacy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is partly attributed to the acquisition of chemoresistance. To investigate the mechanism underlying this resistance, we examined the potential link between kinesin light chain 4 (KLC4), which we have previously reported to be associated with radioresistance in NSCLC, and sensitivity to chemotherapy in human lung cancer cell lines. KLC4 protein levels in lung cancer cells correlated with the degree of chemoresistance to cisplatin treatment. Furthermore, KLC4 silencing enhanced the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin by promoting DNA double-strand breaks and apoptosis. These effects were mediated by interaction with the checkpoint kinase CHK2, as KLC4 knockdown increased CHK2 activation, which was further enhanced in combination with cisplatin treatment. In addition, KLC4 and CHEK2 expression levels showed negative correlation in lung tumor samples from patients, and KLC4 overexpression correlated negatively with survival. Our results indicate a novel link between the KLC4 and CHK2 pathways regulating DNA damage response in chemoresistance, and highlight KLC4 as a candidate for developing lung cancer-specific drugs and customized targeted molecular therapy.
APN-mediated phosphorylation of BCKDK promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis and proliferation via the ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Zhai Mengying , Yang Zixia , Zhang Chenrui , Li Jinping , Jia Jing , Zhou Lingyi , Lu Rong , Yao Zhi , Fu Zheng
Published: May 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent human malignancies worldwide and has high morbidity and mortality. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying HCC recurrence and metastasis is critical to identify new therapeutic targets. This study aimed to determine the roles of aminopeptidase N (APN, also known as CD13) in HCC proliferation and metastasis and its underlying mechanisms. We detected APN expression in clinical samples and HCC cell lines using immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, real-time PCR, and enzyme activity assays. The effects of APN on HCC metastasis and proliferation were verified in both in vitro and in vivo models. RNA-seq, phosphoproteomic, western blot, point mutation, co-immunoprecipitation, and proximity ligation assays were performed to reveal the potential mechanisms. We found that APN was frequently upregulated in HCC tumor tissues and high-metastatic cell lines. Knockout of APN inhibited HCC cell metastasis and proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Functional studies suggested that a loss of APN impedes the ERK signaling pathway in HCC cells. Mechanistically, we found that APN might mediate the phosphorylation at serine 31 of BCKDK (BCKDKS31), promote BCKDK interacting with ERK1/2 and phosphorylating it, thereby activating the ERK signaling pathway in HCC cells. Collectively, our findings indicate that APN mediates the phosphorylation of BCKDKS31 and activates its downstream pathway to promote HCC proliferation and metastasis. Therefore, the APN/BCKDK/ERK axis may serve as a new therapeutic target for HCC therapy, and these findings may be helpful to identify new biomarkers in HCC progression.
Streamlined human antibody generation and optimization by exploiting designed immunoglobulin loci in a B cell line
Authors: Seo Hidetaka , Masuda Hitomi , Asagoshi Kenjiro , Uchiki Tomoaki , Kawata Shigehisa , Sasaki Goh , Yabuki Takashi , Miyai Shunsuke , Takahashi Naoki , Hashimoto Shu-ichi , Sawada Atsushi , Takaiwa Aki , Koyama Chika , Tamai Kanako , Kurosawa Kohei , Lin Ke-Yi , Ohta Kunihiro , Nakazaki Yukoh
Published: May 2020

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are widely utilized as therapeutic drugs for various diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. Using the avian-derived B cell line DT40, we previously developed an antibody display technology, namely, the ADLib system, which rapidly generates antigen-specific mAbs. Here, we report the development of a human version of the ADLib system and showcase the streamlined generation and optimization of functional human mAbs. Tailored libraries were first constructed by replacing endogenous immunoglobulin genes with designed human counterparts. From these libraries, clones producing full-length human IgGs against distinct antigens can be isolated, as exemplified by the selection of antagonistic mAbs. Taking advantage of avian biology, effective affinity maturation was achieved in a straightforward manner by seamless diversification of the parental clones into secondary libraries followed by single-cell sorting, quickly affording mAbs with improved affinities and functionalities. Collectively, we demonstrate that the human ADLib system could serve as an integrative platform with unique diversity for rapid de novo generation and optimization of therapeutic or diagnostic antibody leads. Furthermore, our results suggest that libraries can be constructed by introducing exogenous genes into DT40 cells, indicating that the ADLib system has the potential to be applied for the rapid and effective directed evolution and optimization of proteins in various fields beyond biomedicine.
Guidelines for the Li–Fraumeni and heritable TP53-related cancer syndromes
Authors:   The European Reference Network GENTURIS, Frebourg Thierry , Bajalica Lagercrantz Svetlana , Oliveira Carla , Magenheim Rita , Evans D. Gareth
Published: May 2020

Fifty years after the recognition of the Li–Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), our perception of cancers related to germline alterations of TP53 has drastically changed: (i) germline TP53 alterations are often identified among children with cancers, in particular soft-tissue sarcomas, adrenocortical carcinomas, central nervous system tumours, or among adult females with early breast cancers, without familial history. This justifies the expansion of the LFS concept to a wider cancer predisposition syndrome designated heritable TP53-related cancer (hTP53rc) syndrome; (ii) the interpretation of germline TP53 variants remains challenging and should integrate epidemiological, phenotypical, bioinformatics prediction, and functional data; (iii) the penetrance of germline disease-causing TP53 variants is variable, depending both on the type of variant (dominant-negative variants being associated with a higher cancer risk) and on modifying factors; (iv) whole-body MRI (WBMRI) allows early detection of tumours in variant carriers and (v) in cancer patients with germline disease-causing TP53 variants, radiotherapy, and conventional genotoxic chemotherapy contribute to the development of subsequent primary tumours. It is critical to perform TP53 testing before the initiation of treatment in order to avoid in carriers, if possible, radiotherapy and genotoxic chemotherapies. In children, the recommendations are to perform clinical examination and abdominal ultrasound every 6 months, annual WBMRI and brain MRI from the first year of life, if the TP53 variant is known to be associated with childhood cancers. In adults, the surveillance should include every year clinical examination, WBMRI, breast MRI in females from 20 until 65 years and brain MRI until 50 years.
Recent introgression between Taiga Bean Goose and Tundra Bean Goose results in a largely homogeneous landscape of genetic differentiation
Authors: Ottenburghs Jente , Honka Johanna , Müskens Gerard J. D. M. , Ellegren Hans
Published: May 2020

Several studies have uncovered a highly heterogeneous landscape of genetic differentiation across the genomes of closely related species. Specifically, genetic differentiation is often concentrated in particular genomic regions (“islands of differentiation”) that might contain barrier loci contributing to reproductive isolation, whereas the rest of the genome is homogenized by introgression. Alternatively, linked selection can produce differentiation islands in allopatry without introgression. We explored the influence of introgression on the landscape of genetic differentiation in two hybridizing goose taxa: the Taiga Bean Goose (Anser fabalis) and the Tundra Bean Goose (A. serrirostris). We re-sequenced the whole genomes of 18 individuals (9 of each taxon) and, using a combination of population genomic summary statistics and demographic modeling, we reconstructed the evolutionary history of these birds. Next, we quantified the impact of introgression on the build-up and maintenance of genetic differentiation. We found evidence for a scenario of allopatric divergence (about 2.5 million years ago) followed by recent secondary contact (about 60,000 years ago). Subsequent introgression events led to high levels of gene flow, mainly from the Tundra Bean Goose into the Taiga Bean Goose. This scenario resulted in a largely undifferentiated genomic landscape (genome-wideFST = 0.033) with a few notable differentiation peaks that were scattered across chromosomes. The summary statistics indicated that some peaks might contain barrier loci while others arose in allopatry through linked selection. Finally, based on the low genetic differentiation, considerable morphological variation and incomplete reproductive isolation, we argue that the Taiga and the Tundra Bean Goose should be treated as subspecies.
Partial cross mapping eliminates indirect causal influences
Authors: Leng Siyang , Ma Huanfei , Kurths Jürgen , Lai Ying-Cheng , Lin Wei , Aihara Kazuyuki , Chen Luonan
Published: May 2020

Causality detection likely misidentifies indirect causations as direct ones, due to the effect of causation transitivity. Although several methods in traditional frameworks have been proposed to avoid such misinterpretations, there still is a lack of feasible methods for identifying direct causations from indirect ones in the challenging situation where the variables of the underlying dynamical system are non-separable and weakly or moderately interacting. Here, we solve this problem by developing a data-based, model-independent method of partial cross mapping based on an articulated integration of three tools from nonlinear dynamics and statistics: phase-space reconstruction, mutual cross mapping, and partial correlation. We demonstrate our method by using data from different representative models and real-world systems. As direct causations are keys to the fundamental underpinnings of a variety of complex dynamics, we anticipate our method to be indispensable in unlocking and deciphering the inner mechanisms of real systems in diverse disciplines from data.
Genomic adaptations to aquatic and aerial life in mayflies and the origin of insect wings
Authors: Almudi Isabel , Vizueta Joel , Wyatt Christopher D. R. , de Mendoza Alex , Marlétaz Ferdinand , Firbas Panos N. , Feuda Roberto , Masiero Giulio , Medina Patricia , Alcaina-Caro Ana , Cruz Fernando , Gómez-Garrido Jessica , Gut Marta , Alioto Tyler S. , Vargas-Chavez Carlos , Davie Kristofer , Misof Bernhard , González Josefa , Aerts Stein , Lister Ryan , Paps Jordi , Rozas Julio , Sánchez-Gracia Alejandro , Irimia Manuel , Maeso Ignacio , Casares Fernando
Published: May 2020

The evolution of winged insects revolutionized terrestrial ecosystems and led to the largest animal radiation on Earth. However, we still have an incomplete picture of the genomic changes that underlay this diversification. Mayflies, as one of the sister groups of all other winged insects, are key to understanding this radiation. Here, we describe the genome of the mayflyCloeon dipterumand its gene expression throughout its aquatic and aerial life cycle and specific organs. We discover an expansion of odorant-binding-protein genes, some expressed specifically in breathing gills of aquatic nymphs, suggesting a novel sensory role for this organ. In contrast, flying adults use an enlarged opsin set in a sexually dimorphic manner, with some expressed only in males. Finally, we identify a set of wing-associated genes deeply conserved in the pterygote insects and find transcriptomic similarities between gills and wings, suggesting a common genetic program. Globally, this comprehensive genomic and transcriptomic study uncovers the genetic basis of key evolutionary adaptations in mayflies and winged insects.
Participatory practices at work change attitudes and behavior toward societal authority and justice
Authors: Wu Sherry Jueyu , Paluck Elizabeth Levy
Published: May 2020

Generalized attitudes toward authority and justice are often conceptualized as individual differences that are resistant to enduring change. However, across two field experiments with Chinese factory workers and American university staff, small adjustments to people’s experience of participation in the workplace shifted these attitudes one month later. Both experiments randomly assigned work groups to a 20-minute participatory meeting once per week for six weeks, in which the supervisor stepped aside and workers discussed problems, ideas, and goals regarding their work (vs. a status quo meeting). Across 97 work groups and 1,924 workers, participatory meetings led workers to be less authoritarian and more critical about societal authority and justice, and to be more willing to participate in political, social, and familial decision-making. These findings provide rare experimental evidence of the theoretical predictions regarding participatory democracy: that local participatory experiences can influence broader democratic attitudes and empowerment.
Cryo-EM structures provide insight into how E. coli F1Fo ATP synthase accommodates symmetry mismatch
Authors: Sobti Meghna , Walshe James L. , Wu Di , Ishmukhametov Robert , Zeng Yi C. , Robinson Carol V. , Berry Richard M. , Stewart Alastair G.
Published: May 2020

F1Fo ATP synthase functions as a biological rotary generator that makes a major contribution to cellular energy production. It comprises two molecular motors coupled together by a central and a peripheral stalk. Proton flow through the Fo motor generates rotation of the central stalk, inducing conformational changes in the F1 motor that catalyzes ATP production. Here we present nine cryo-EM structures of E. coli ATP synthase to 3.1–3.4 Å resolution, in four discrete rotational sub-states, which provide a comprehensive structural model for this widely studied bacterial molecular machine. We observe torsional flexing of the entire complex and a rotational sub-step of Fo associated with long-range conformational changes that indicates how this flexibility accommodates the mismatch between the 3- and 10-fold symmetries of the F1 and Fo motors. We also identify density likely corresponding to lipid molecules that may contribute to the rotor/stator interaction within the Fo motor.
Tuning the interfacial spin-orbit coupling with ferroelectricity
Authors: Fang Mei , Wang Yanmei , Wang Hui , Hou Yusheng , Vetter Eric , Kou Yunfang , Yang Wenting , Yin Lifeng , Xiao Zhu , Li Zhou , Jiang Lu , Lee Ho Nyung , Zhang Shufeng , Wu Ruqian , Xu Xiaoshan , Sun Dali , Shen Jian
Published: May 2020

Detection and manipulation of spin current lie in the core of spintronics. Here we report an active control of a net spin Hall angle, θSHE(net), in Pt at an interface with a ferroelectric material PZT (PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3), using its ferroelectric polarization. The spin Hall angle in the ultra-thin Pt layer is measured using the inverse spin Hall effect with a pulsed tunneling current from a ferromagnetic La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 electrode. The effect of the ferroelectric polarization on θSHE(net) is enhanced when the thickness of the Pt layer is reduced. When the Pt layer is thinner than 6 nm, switching the ferroelectric polarization even changes the sign of θSHE(net). This is attributed to the reversed polarity of the spin Hall angle in the 1st-layer Pt at the PZT/Pt interface when the ferroelectric polarization is inverted, as supported by the first-principles calculations. These findings suggest a route for designing future energy efficient spin-orbitronic devices using ferroelectric control.
Establishing charge-transfer excitons in 2D perovskite heterostructures
Authors: Zhang Jia , Zhu Xixiang , Wang Miaosheng , Hu Bin
Published: May 2020

Charge-transfer excitons (CTEs) immensely enrich property-tuning capabilities of semiconducting materials. However, such concept has been remaining as unexplored topic within halide perovskite structures. Here, we report that CTEs can be effectively formed in heterostructured 2D perovskites prepared by mixing PEA2PbI4:PEA2SnI4, functioning as host and guest components. Remarkably, a broad emission can be demonstrated with quick formation of 3 ps but prolonged lifetime of ~0.5 μs. This broad PL presents the hypothesis of CTEs, verified by the exclusion of lattice distortion and doping effects through demonstrating double-layered PEA2PbI4/PEA2SnI4 heterostructure when shearing-away PEA2SnI4 film onto the surface of PEA2PbI4 film by using hand-finger pressing method. The below-bandgap photocurrent indicates that CTEs are vital states formed at PEA2PbI4:PEA2SnI4 interfaces in 2D perovskite heterostructures. Electroluminescence shows that CTEs can be directly formed with electrically injected carriers in perovskite LEDs. Clearly, the CTEs presents a new mechanism to advance the multifunctionalities in 2D perovskites.
The Perlman syndrome DIS3L2 exoribonuclease safeguards endoplasmic reticulum-targeted mRNA translation and calcium ion homeostasis
Authors: Pirouz Mehdi , Wang Chih-Hao , Liu Qi , Ebrahimi Aref G. , Shamsi Farnaz , Tseng Yu-Hua , Gregory Richard I.
Published: May 2020

DIS3L2-mediated decay (DMD) is a surveillance pathway for certain non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), transfer RNAs (tRNAs), small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs), and RMRP. While mutations in DIS3L2 are associated with Perlman syndrome, the biological significance of impaired DMD is obscure and pathological RNAs have not been identified. Here, by ribosome profiling (Ribo-seq) we find specific dysregulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-targeted mRNA translation in DIS3L2-deficient cells. Mechanistically, DMD functions in the quality control of the 7SL ncRNA component of the signal recognition particle (SRP) required for ER-targeted translation. Upon DIS3L2 loss, sustained 3’-end uridylation of aberrant 7SL RNA impacts ER-targeted translation and causes ER calcium leakage. Consequently, elevated intracellular calcium in DIS3L2-deficient cells activates calcium signaling response genes and perturbs ESC differentiation. Thus, DMD is required to safeguard ER-targeted mRNA translation, intracellular calcium homeostasis, and stem cell differentiation.
Understanding the interface interaction between U3Si2 fuel and SiC cladding
Authors: Kocevski Vancho , Lopes Denise A. , Claisse Antoine J. , Besmann Theodore M.
Published: May 2020

Triuranium disilicide (U3Si2) fuel with silicon carbide (SiC) composite cladding is being considered as an advanced concept/accident tolerant fuel for light water reactors thus, understanding their chemical compatibility under operational and accident conditions is paramount. Here we provide a comprehensive view of the interaction between U3Si2 and SiC by utilizing density functional theory calculations supported by diffusion couple experiments. From the calculated reaction energies, we demonstrate that triuranium pentasilicide (U3Si5), uranium carbide (UC), U20Si16C3, and uranium silicide (USi) phases can form at the interface. A detailed study of U3Si2 and SiC defect formation energies of the equilibrated materials yielding the interfacial phases U20Si16C3, U3Si5 and UC reveal a thermodynamic driving force for generating defects in both fuel and cladding. The absence of either the U3Si2 or SiC phase, however, causes the defect formation energies in the other phase to be positive, removing the driving force for additional interfacial reactions. The diffusion couple experiments confirm the conclusion with demonstrated restricted formation of U3Si5, UC, and U20Si16C3/USi phases at the interface. The resulting lack of continuous interaction between the U3Si2 and SiC, reflects the diminishing driving force for defect formation, demonstrating the substantial stability of this fuel-cladding system.
Treatment of atherosclerosis by macrophage-biomimetic nanoparticles via targeted pharmacotherapy and sequestration of proinflammatory cytokines
Authors: Gao Cheng , Huang Qiaoxian , Liu Conghui , Kwong Cheryl H. T. , Yue Ludan , Wan Jian-Bo , Lee Simon M. Y. , Wang Ruibing
Published: May 2020

Vascular disease remains the leading cause of death and disability, the etiology of which often involves atherosclerosis. The current treatment of atherosclerosis by pharmacotherapy has limited therapeutic efficacy. Here we report a biomimetic drug delivery system derived from macrophage membrane coated ROS-responsive nanoparticles (NPs). The macrophage membrane not only avoids the clearance of NPs from the reticuloendothelial system, but also leads NPs to the inflammatory tissues, where the ROS-responsiveness of NPs enables specific payload release. Moreover, the macrophage membrane sequesters proinflammatory cytokines to suppress local inflammation. The synergistic effects of pharmacotherapy and inflammatory cytokines sequestration from such a biomimetic drug delivery system lead to improved therapeutic efficacy in atherosclerosis. Comparison to macrophage internalized with ROS-responsive NPs, as a live-cell based drug delivery system for treatment of atherosclerosis, suggests that cell membrane coated drug delivery approach is likely more suitable for dealing with an inflammatory disease than the live-cell approach.
The bromodomain containing protein BRD-9 orchestrates RAD51–RAD54 complex formation and regulates homologous recombination-mediated repair
Authors: Zhou Qin , Huang Jinzhou , Zhang Chao , Zhao Fei , Kim Wootae , Tu Xinyi , Zhang Yong , Nowsheen Somaira , Zhu Qian , Deng Min , Chen Yuping , Qin Bo , Luo Kuntian , Liu Baohua , Lou Zhenkun , Mutter Robert W. , Yuan Jian
Published: May 2020

Homologous recombination (HR) is important for error-free DNA double strand break repair and maintenance of genomic stability. However, upregulated HR is also used by cancer cells to promote therapeutic resistance. Therefore, inducing HR deficiency (HRD) is a viable strategy to sensitize HR proficient cancers to DNA targeted therapies in order to overcome therapeutic resistance. A bromodomain containing protein, BRD9, was previously reported to regulate chromatin remodeling and transcription. Here, we discover that following DNA damage, the bromodomain of BRD9 binds acetylated K515 on RAD54 and facilitates RAD54’s interaction with RAD51, which is essential for HR. BRD9 is overexpressed in ovarian cancer and depleting BRD9 sensitizes cancer cells to olaparib and cisplatin. In addition, inhibitor of BRD9, I-BRD9, acts synergistically with olaparib in HR-proficient cancer cells. Overall, our results elucidate a role for BRD9 in HR and identify BRD9 as a potential therapeutic target to promote synthetic lethality and overcome chemoresistance.
International consensus on the diagnosis and management of dumping syndrome
Authors: Scarpellini Emidio , Arts Joris , Karamanolis George , Laurenius Anna , Siquini Walter , Suzuki Hidekazu , Ukleja Andrew , Van Beek Andre , Vanuytsel Tim , Bor Serhat , Ceppa Eugene , Di Lorenzo Carlo , Emous Marloes , Hammer Heinz , Hellström Per , Laville Martine , Lundell Lars , Masclee Ad , Ritz Patrick , Tack Jan
Published: May 2020

Dumping syndrome is a common but underdiagnosed complication of gastric and oesophageal surgery. We initiated a Delphi consensus process with international multidisciplinary experts. We defined the scope, proposed statements and searched electronic databases to survey the literature. Eighteen experts participated in the literature summary and voting process evaluating 62 statements. We evaluated the quality of evidence using grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Consensus (defined as >80% agreement) was reached for 33 of 62 statements, including the definition and symptom profile of dumping syndrome and its effect on quality of life. The panel agreed on the pathophysiological relevance of rapid passage of nutrients to the small bowel, on the role of decreased gastric volume capacity and release of glucagon-like peptide 1. Symptom recognition is crucial, and the modified oral glucose tolerance test, but not gastric emptying testing, is useful for diagnosis. An increase in haematocrit >3% or in pulse rate >10 bpm 30 min after the start of the glucose intake are diagnostic of early dumping syndrome, and a nadir hypoglycaemia level <50 mg/dl is diagnostic of late dumping syndrome. Dietary adjustment is the agreed first treatment step; acarbose is effective for late dumping syndrome symptoms and somatostatin analogues are preferred for patients who do not respond to diet adjustments and acarbose.
Discovery of a new sialic acid binding region that regulates Siglec-7
Authors: Yamakawa Nao , Yasuda Yu , Yoshimura Atsushi , Goshima Ami , Crocker Paul R. , Vergoten Gérard , Nishiura Yuji , Takahashi Takashi , Hanashima Shinya , Matsumoto Kana , Yamaguchi Yoshiki , Tanaka Hiroshi , Kitajima Ken , Sato Chihiro
Published: May 2020

Siglec-7 is a human CD33-like siglec, and is localised predominantly on human natural killer (NK) cells and monocytes. Siglec-7 is considered to function as an immunoreceptor in a sialic acid-dependent manner. However, the underlying mechanisms linking sialic acid-binding and function remain unknown. Here, to gain new insights into the ligand-binding properties of Siglec-7, we carried out in silico analysis and site-directed mutagenesis, and found a new sialic acid-binding region (site 2 containing R67) in addition to the well-known primary ligand-binding region (site 1 containing R124). This was supported by equilibrium dialysis, STD-NMR experiments, and inhibition analysis of GD3-binding toward Siglec-7 using synthetic sialoglycoconjugates and a comprehensive set of ganglioside-based glycoconjugates. Our results suggest that the two ligand-binding sites are potentially controlled by each other due to the flexible conformation of the C-C′ loop of Siglec-7.
Origin of ω-phase formation in metastable β-type Ti-Mo alloys: cluster structure and stacking fault
Authors: Li Mingjia , Min Xiaohua
Published: May 2020

The ω-phase formation and its collapsed structures in metastable β-type Ti-Mo alloys were illustrated by first-principles calculations and experimental evidence of a partially collapsed ω-phase in the nano-scale Mo-depleted region under a rapid cooling via high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy. The ease of ω-phase formation within -Mo-Ti-Mo- poor cluster structure was not only due to the low energy barrier in the collapse pathway, which was caused by the reduced lattice distortion, but also due to the softening of the shear modulus (G111) as a result of the small charge density difference. The most stable collapsed structure of the ω-phase strongly depended on the minimum stacking fault energy among different collapse degrees in accordance to the smallest charge density difference. Therefore, the concurrent compositional and structural instabilities of the ω-phase was attributed to the coupling effect of the cluster structure with stacking fault from the atomic and electronic basis.