bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Three‐Dimensional Noise Modeling Method Based on Singular Value Decomposition and Its Application to CMONOC GPS Network
Authors: Ma Jun , Li Zhao , Jiang Weiping , Cao Chengdu , Huo Liang , Zhou Xiaohui
Published: November 2020

Construction of noise model is an important task in the analysis of Global Positioning System (GPS) reference station coordinate time series. Ignoring the relationship between the noise on different components within a GPS station network may affect the accuracy of station's velocity and its uncertainty. In view of this problem, we propose to use the singular value decomposition (SVD) method to establish a new three‐dimensional (3‐D) noise model for GPS station networks. Our simulation tests show that the accuracy of the noise amplitude obtained based on the proposed 3‐D noise model is 30–50% higher than that directly obtained from Create and Analyze Time Series (CATS) software, thereby improving the accuracy of the velocity uncertainty by approximately two times. Taking the coordinate time series of 82 GPS stations from the Crustal Motion Observation Network of China (CMONOC) as an example, we confirm that significant correlation exists among noise amplitude estimates in the different components of the CMONOC stations. In general, the variation of white noise (WN) amplitude is 2–6% smaller than that of flicker noise (FN) amplitude, and the FN amplitude in the vertical component is 1% larger than that in the horizontal component. Compared with the velocity uncertainty obtained from CATS software, the variations of the velocity uncertainty obtained from the new 3‐D noise model in the horizontal components (7% for North, 8% for East) are slightly less than that in the Up component (9%). However, the velocity estimation is hardly affected by the new 3‐D noise model.
Land‐Atmosphere Drivers of Landscape‐Scale Plant Water Content Loss
Authors: Feldman Andrew F. , Short Gianotti Daniel J. , Trigo Isabel F. , Salvucci Guido D. , Entekhabi Dara
Published: November 2020

Plant water content observations using microwave remote sensing measurements allow monitoring of landscape‐scale plant water stress. During soil drying following rainfall events, we use a Granger causality framework to quantify the degree to which environmental factors drive satellite‐based plant water content loss across Africa's diverse biomes. After soil drying into the water‐limited regime, satellite observations show that plants dry while solar radiation, vapor pressure deficit, and diurnal temperature amplitude increase. We find that soil drying primarily drives plant water content loss across African drylands, though with regional effects of diurnal temperature amplitude increases (found to indicate vapor pressure deficit increases here). We also detect interactions between these factors that reinforce plant drying during periods of soil moisture loss. Our results provide observational evidence across Africa that individual and interactive components of surface drying and heating can all drive plant water stress, especially during intermittent poststorm drying periods.
Traces of the 1997 Indonesian Wildfires in the Marine Environment From a Network of Coral δ13C Records
Authors: Li Xiaohua , Wang Xiaowei , Liu Chuanyu , Liu Yi , Yu Kefu , Sun Weidong
Published: November 2020

Great efforts have been made to understand the impacts of the 1997 Indonesian wildfires on land ecology and human health, yet its influences on marine environments are poorly understood owing to sparse observations. Here we present weekly to monthly resolution coral δ13C records across the South China Sea in conjunction with a regional ocean general circulation model to study the effects of these cataclysmic wildfires on nearby oceans. Large and persistent negative δ13C excursions were found in corals from the interior South China Sea several months after the wildfires. This delay indicates that the 13C‐depleted ash fallout was distributed by ocean currents rather than direct atmospheric transport, which is supported by the results of our numerical model. Thus, the impacts of tropical wildfires on marine ecology may last for 1 year and extend thousands of kilometers from the burning center.
Prediction of the Ionospheric Response to the 14 December 2020 Total Solar Eclipse Using SUPIM‐INPE
Authors: Martínez‐Ledesma M. , Bravo M. , Urra B. , Souza J. , Foppiano A.
Published: November 2020

We present the first prediction of the ionospheric response to the 14 December 2020 solar eclipse using the SUPIM‐INPE model. Simulations are made for all known ionosonde stations for which solar obscuration is significant. The found response is similar to that previously reported for other eclipses, but it also shows a modification of the equatorial fountain transport that will impact the low latitudes after the event. In addition to the large reduction of electron concentration along the totality path (~4.5 TECu, ~22%), a significant electron and oxygen ion temperature cooling is observed (up to ~400 K) followed by lasting temperature increases. Changes of up to ~1.5 TECu (~5%) are also expected at the conjugate hemisphere. These predictions may serve as a reference for eventual ionospheric measurements of multiple instruments and are leading to a better understanding of the ionospheric response to solar eclipses.
A Method to Update Model Kinematic States by Assimilating Satellite‐Observed Total Lightning Data to Improve Convective Analysis and Forecasting
Authors: Chen Zhixiong , Sun Juanzhen , Qie Xiushu , Zhang Ying , Ying Zhuming , Xiao Xian , Cao Dongjie
Published: November 2020

This study assesses the benefit of convective‐scale data assimilation (DA) for model initialization using well‐known functional relationships between lightning flash rate and vertical velocity. Based on the relationships, a lightning DA scheme to update model kinematic states was implemented in the Weather Research and Forecasting Data Assimilation (WRFDA) three‐dimensional variational (3DVar) system. This scheme combines total lightning observations with model‐based prescribed vertical velocity profiles to retrieve kinematic information through a DA scheme. With the availability of space‐borne lightning imagers in recent years, total lightning observations from the Lightning Mapping Imager (LMI) on board the FY‐4A geostationary satellite were assimilated in combination with radar DA. A detailed analysis of the impact of the lightning DA scheme on convective precipitation forecasting was conducted using a squall line case over Beijing on 13 July 2017. The assimilation of LMI data provides added benefits to the assimilation of radar radial winds by reducing wind errors and strengthening convergence along the squall line in the analysis. Although the microphysical states are identical due to the assimilation of reflectivity, the lightning DA scheme helps in promoting updraft developments at lightning observation locations, which improves the representation of mixed‐phase convection. The quantitative verification of short‐term convective forecasts indicated that the lightning DA adds value to the radar DA by improving the precipitation forecast skill. The lightning DA scheme was evaluated further for a heavy rainfall case in 2018 over the Beijing metropolitan area and revealed overall similar forecast improvements for composite reflectivity and accumulated rainfall.
Discerning Lunar Pyroclastic and Impact Glasses via Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Zeng Xiaojia , Li Xiongyao , Liu Jianzhong , Mo Bing , Yu Wen , Tang Hong
Published: November 2020

It is a challenge to distinguish the various lunar glasses, which are characterized by complex origin (volcanic eruption or impact melting) and large compositional variation (picritic, basaltic, or feldspathic). In this work, we present the Raman spectra (200–1,500 cm−1) of a series of lunar glasses (i.e., pyroclastic glasses [PGs], mare impact glasses [MIGs], and highland impact glasses [HIGs]), which were recognized in lunar breccia meteorites Northwest Africa 7948, 10480, 12384. As the Raman technique is sensitive to the composition of glasses, our results show that different types of lunar glasses exhibit various Raman peak positions (RPP) in 400–600 cm−1 and 800–1,200 cm−1 spectral ranges. Specifically, RPP for PGs commonly shift upward to high frequency in the 400–600 cm−1 spectral range (i.e., > 570 cm−1), compared with the RPP for MIGs and HIGs (i.e., < 570 cm−1). In addition, MIGs and HIGs can be distinguished by the relationship of their RPP in 400–600 and 800–1,200 cm−1 ranges (i.e., for MIG, RPP800–1,200 > 1,510 − RPP400–600; for HIG, RPP800–1,200 < 1,510 − RPP400−600). Based on these observations, new Raman diagnostic criteria were proposed to discern lunar pyroclastic and impact glasses (although there may be instances of lunar glasses with different compositions than those measured here). This method offers a nondestructive, quick, and low‐cost way for distinguishing different types of lunar glasses in laboratory (e.g., for the future returned‐soils sampled by Chang'E‐5).
Velocity of SuperDARN Echoes at Intermediate Radar Ranges
Authors: Koustov Alexander V. , Luciuk Michael R. , Gillies Robert G. , Ullrich Sydney , Larson Bion , McWilliams Kathryn A. , Schmidt Marina T.
Published: November 2020

The study investigates the relationship between Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) high‐frequency (HF) radar velocities measured at intermediate ranges of 600–1,000 km from the radar and the E × B plasma drift. Two approaches are implemented. First, a 3‐h interval of SuperDARN Rankin Inlet (RKN) radar measurements and Resolute Bay incoherent scatter radar RISR‐C measurements in nearly coinciding directions is investigated to show that (1) HF echoes with low velocities (less than 200 m/s) are often detected when E × B drifts are in excess of 1,000 m/s; (2) high‐velocity HF echoes from the E region have velocities somewhat below the expected values of the ion‐acoustic speed of the plasma and the HF line‐of‐sight velocity does not show a tendency for an increase at the largest E × B drifts; (3) for E region echoes, 12 MHz velocities are slightly larger than those at 10 MHz; and (4) 12‐MHz echoes are often received from the electrojet heights while 10‐MHz echoes are received from the F region heights so that the observed velocities are quite different with the latter reflecting the E × B drift of the plasma. In the second approach, velocities of 10‐ and 12‐MHz RKN echoes are compared for a large data set comprising several months of observations to show that occurrence of 12‐MHz low‐velocity echoes is fairly common (up to 25% of the time) whenever the plasma drifts are fast. Under this condition, the SuperDARN cross polar cap potential is underestimated, on average, by ~4 kV.
LncRNA LINC00472 regulates cell stiffness and inhibits the migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma by binding to YBX1
Authors: Deng Xiangying , Xiong Wei , Jiang Xianjie , Zhang Shanshan , Li Zheng , Zhou Yanhong , Xiang Bo , Zhou Ming , Li Xiaoling , Li Guiyuan , Zeng Zhaoyang , Gong Zhaojian
Published: November 2020

There is increasing evidence that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in human tumorigenesis. By using publicly available expression profiling data from lung adenocarcinoma and integrating bioinformatics analysis, we screened a lncRNA, LINC00472. LINC00472 expression in lung adenocarcinoma tissues was significantly lower and tightly associated with patient prognosis and TNM clinical stages in lung adenocarcinoma. LINC00472 also inhibited lung adenocarcinoma cell migration and invasion and increased cell stiffness and adhesion. RNA pull down and RIP assays identified that LINC00472 interacted with the transcription factor Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1), which partially reversed the inhibition of cell migration and invasion and increased LINC00472-induced cell stiffness and adhesion. LINC00472 also regulated the density and integrity of F-actin in A549 and PC-9 cells possibly via YBX1. LINC00472 inhibited the cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) processes via the modulation of YBX1. These results indicated that LINC00472 inhibited the cell EMT process by binding to YBX1, and affected the mechanical properties of the cell, ultimately inhibited its ability to invade and metastasize. Collectively, the present study provides the first evidence that LINC00472 changes the mechanical properties and inhibits the invasion and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma cells.
Targeting miR-18a sensitizes chondrocytes to anticytokine therapy to prevent osteoarthritis progression
Authors: Lian Chengjie , Tao Tianyu , Su Peiqiang , Liao Zhiheng , Wang Xudong , Lei Yiting , Zhao Pei , Liu Lei
Published: November 2020

Inflammation participates in the development of OA and targeting inflammatory signaling pathways is a potential strategy for OA treatment. IL-1β is one of the most important inflammatory factors to trigger the activation of NF-κB signaling and accelerate OA progression, whereas OA patients could hardly benefit from inhibiting IL-1β in clinic, suggesting the importance to further explore the details of OA inflammation. We here showed that expression of miR-18a in chondrocytes was specifically induced in response to IL-1β in vitro as well as in rat model of OA during which NF-κB signaling was involved, and that nuclear-translocated p65 directly upregulated miR-18a expression at transcriptional level. Further, increased miR-18a mediated hypertrophy of chondrocytes, resulting in OA degeneration, by targeting TGFβ1, SMAD2, and SMAD3 and subsequently leading to repression of TGF-β signaling. And the level of serum miR-18a was positively correlated to severity of OA. Interestingly, other than IL-1β, pro-inflammation cytokines involving TNFα could also remarkably upregulate miR-18a via activating NF-κB signaling and subsequently induce chondrocytes hypertrophy, suggesting a pivotal central role of miR-18a in inflammatory OA progression. Thus, our study revealed a novel convergence of NF-κB and TGF-β signaling mediated by miR-18a, and a novel mechanism underlying inflammation-regulated OA dependent of NF-κB/miR-18a/TGF-β axis. Notably, in vivo assay showed that targeting miR-18a sensitized OA chondrocytes to IL-1β inhibitor as targeting IL-1β and miR-18a simultaneously had much stronger inhibitory effects on OA progression than suppressing IL-1β alone. Therefore, the diagnostic and therapeutic potentials of miR-18a for OA were also revealed.
Self-templated synthesis of uniform hollow spheres based on highly conjugated three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks
Authors: Liu Yuan-Yuan , Li Xiang-Chun , Wang Shi , Cheng Tao , Yang Huiyan , Liu Chen , Gong Yanting , Lai Wen-Yong , Huang Wei
Published: November 2020

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have served as a family of porous crystalline molecules for various promising applications. However, controllable synthesis of COFs with uniform morphology is paramount yet still remains quite challenging. Herein, we report self-templated synthesis of uniform and unique hollow spheres based on highly conjugated three-dimensional (3D) COFs with diameters of 500–700 nm. A detailed time-dependent study reveals the continuous transformation from initial nano sphere-like particles into uniform hollow spherical structures with Ostwald ripening mechanism. Particularly, the resulting 3D COF (3D-Sp-COF) is prone to transport ions more efficiently and the lithium-ion transference number (t+) of 3D-Sp-COF reaches 0.7, which even overwhelms most typical PEO-based polymer electrolytes. Inspiringly, the hollow spherical structures show enhanced capacitance performance with a specific capacitance of 251 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, which compares favorably with the vast majority of two-dimensional COFs and other porous electrode materials.
A trimeric Rab7 GEF controls NPC1-dependent lysosomal cholesterol export
Authors: van den Boomen Dick J. H. , Sienkiewicz Agata , Berlin Ilana , Jongsma Marlieke L. M. , van Elsland Daphne M. , Luzio J. Paul , Neefjes Jacques J. C. , Lehner Paul J.
Published: November 2020

Cholesterol import in mammalian cells is mediated by the LDL receptor pathway. Here, we perform a genome-wide CRISPR screen using an endogenous cholesterol reporter and identify >100 genes involved in LDL-cholesterol import. We characterise C18orf8 as a core subunit of the mammalian Mon1-Ccz1 guanidine exchange factor (GEF) for Rab7, required for complex stability and function. C18orf8-deficient cells lack Rab7 activation and show severe defects in late endosome morphology and endosomal LDL trafficking, resulting in cellular cholesterol deficiency. Unexpectedly, free cholesterol accumulates within swollen lysosomes, suggesting a critical defect in lysosomal cholesterol export. We find that active Rab7 interacts with the NPC1 cholesterol transporter and licenses lysosomal cholesterol export. This process is abolished in C18orf8-, Ccz1- and Mon1A/B-deficient cells and restored by a constitutively active Rab7. The trimeric Mon1-Ccz1-C18orf8 (MCC) GEF therefore plays a central role in cellular cholesterol homeostasis coordinating Rab7 activation, endosomal LDL trafficking and NPC1-dependent lysosomal cholesterol export.
An all-natural bioinspired structural material for plastic replacement
Authors: Guan Qing-Fang , Yang Huai-Bin , Han Zi-Meng , Ling Zhang-Chi , Yu Shu-Hong
Published: November 2020

Petroleum-based plastics are useful but they pose a great threat to the environment and human health. It is highly desirable yet challenging to develop sustainable structural materials with excellent mechanical and thermal properties for plastic replacement. Here, inspired by nacre’s multiscale architecture, we report a simple and efficient so called “directional deforming assembly” method to manufacture high-performance structural materials with a unique combination of high strength (281 MPa), high toughness (11.5 MPa m1/2), high stiffness (20 GPa), low coefficient of thermal expansion (7 × 10−6 K−1) and good thermal stability. Based on all-natural raw materials (cellulose nanofiber and mica microplatelet), the bioinspired structural material possesses better mechanical and thermal properties than petroleum-based plastics, making it a high-performance and eco-friendly alternative structural material to substitute plastics.
Expanding the genetic architecture of nicotine dependence and its shared genetics with multiple traits
Authors: Quach Bryan C. , Bray Michael J. , Gaddis Nathan C. , Liu Mengzhen , Palviainen Teemu , Minica Camelia C. , Zellers Stephanie , Sherva Richard , Aliev Fazil , Nothnagel Michael , Young Kendra A. , Marks Jesse A. , Young Hannah , Carnes Megan U. , Guo Yuelong , Waldrop Alex , Sey Nancy Y. A. , Landi Maria T. , McNeil Daniel W. , Drichel Dmitriy , Farrer Lindsay A. , Markunas Christina A. , Vink Jacqueline M. , Hottenga Jouke-Jan , Iacono William G. , Kranzler Henry R. , Saccone Nancy L. , Neale Michael C. , Madden Pamela , Rietschel Marcella , Marazita Mary L. , McGue Matthew , Won Hyejung , Winterer Georg , Grucza Richard , Dick Danielle M. , Gelernter Joel , Caporaso Neil E. , Baker Timothy B. , Boomsma Dorret I. , Kaprio Jaakko , Hokanson John E. , Vrieze Scott , Bierut Laura J. , Johnson Eric O. , Hancock Dana B.
Published: November 2020

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality. Genetic variation contributes to initiation, regular smoking, nicotine dependence, and cessation. We present a Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND)-based genome-wide association study in 58,000 European or African ancestry smokers. We observe five genome-wide significant loci, including previously unreported loci MAGI2/GNAI1 (rs2714700) and TENM2 (rs1862416), and extend loci reported for other smoking traits to nicotine dependence. Using the heaviness of smoking index from UK Biobank (N = 33,791), rs2714700 is consistently associated; rs1862416 is not associated, likely reflecting nicotine dependence features not captured by the heaviness of smoking index. Both variants influence nearby gene expression (rs2714700/MAGI2-AS3 in hippocampus; rs1862416/TENM2 in lung), and expression of genes spanning nicotine dependence-associated variants is enriched in cerebellum. Nicotine dependence (SNP-based heritability = 8.6%) is genetically correlated with 18 other smoking traits (rg = 0.40–1.09) and co-morbidities. Our results highlight nicotine dependence-specific loci, emphasizing the FTND as a composite phenotype that expands genetic knowledge of smoking.
Nearest-neighbor NMR spectroscopy: categorizing spectral peaks by their adjacent nuclei
Authors: Behera Soumya P. , Dubey Abhinav , Chen Wan-Na , De Paula Viviane S. , Zhang Meng , Sgourakis Nikolaos G. , Bermel Wolfgang , Wagner Gerhard , Coote Paul W. , Arthanari Haribabu
Published: November 2020

Methyl-NMR enables atomic-resolution studies of structure and dynamics of large proteins in solution. However, resonance assignment remains challenging. The problem is to combine existing structural informational with sparse distance restraints and search for the most compatible assignment among the permutations. Prior classification of peaks as either from isoleucine, leucine, or valine reduces the search space by many orders of magnitude. However, this is hindered by overlapped leucine and valine frequencies. In contrast, the nearest-neighbor nuclei, coupled to the methyl carbons, resonate in distinct frequency bands. Here, we develop a framework to imprint additional information about passively coupled resonances onto the observed peaks. This depends on simultaneously orchestrating closely spaced bands of resonances along different magnetization trajectories, using principles from control theory. For methyl-NMR, the method is implemented as a modification to the standard fingerprint spectrum (the 2D-HMQC). The amino acid type is immediately apparent in the fingerprint spectrum. There is no additional relaxation loss or an increase in experimental time. The method is validated on biologically relevant proteins. The idea of generating new spectral information using passive, adjacent resonances is applicable to other contexts in NMR spectroscopy.
Revealing fine-scale spatiotemporal differences in SARS-CoV-2 introduction and spread
Authors: Moreno Gage K. , Braun Katarina M. , Riemersma Kasen K. , Martin Michael A. , Halfmann Peter J. , Crooks Chelsea M. , Prall Trent , Baker David , Baczenas John J. , Heffron Anna S. , Ramuta Mitchell , Khubbar Manjeet , Weiler Andrea M. , Accola Molly A. , Rehrauer William M. , O’Connor Shelby L. , Safdar Nasia , Pepperell Caitlin S. , Dasu Trivikram , Bhattacharyya Sanjib , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Koelle Katia , O’Connor David H. , Friedrich Thomas C.
Published: November 2020

Evidence-based public health approaches that minimize the introduction and spread of new SARS-CoV-2 transmission clusters are urgently needed in the United States and other countries struggling with expanding epidemics. Here we analyze 247 full-genome SARS-CoV-2 sequences from two nearby communities in Wisconsin, USA, and find surprisingly distinct patterns of viral spread. Dane County had the 12th known introduction of SARS-CoV-2 in the United States, but this did not lead to descendant community spread. Instead, the Dane County outbreak was seeded by multiple later introductions, followed by limited community spread. In contrast, relatively few introductions in Milwaukee County led to extensive community spread. We present evidence for reduced viral spread in both counties following the statewide “Safer at Home” order, which went into effect 25 March 2020. Our results suggest patterns of SARS-CoV-2 transmission may vary substantially even in nearby communities. Understanding these local patterns will enable better targeting of public health interventions.
Author Correction: Caspase-8 mediates inflammation and disease in rodent malaria
Authors: Pereira Larissa M. N. , Assis Patrícia A. , de Araújo Natalia M. , Durso Danielle F. , Junqueira Caroline , Ataíde Marco Antônio , Pereira Dhelio B. , Lien Egil , Fitzgerald Katherine A. , Zamboni Dario S. , Golenbock Douglas T. , Gazzinelli Ricardo T.
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: How machine learning can help select capping layers to suppress perovskite degradation
Authors: Hartono Noor Titan Putri , Thapa Janak , Tiihonen Armi , Oviedo Felipe , Batali Clio , Yoo Jason J. , Liu Zhe , Li Ruipeng , Marrón David Fuertes , Bawendi Moungi G. , Buonassisi Tonio , Sun Shijing
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
WOX genes expression during the formation of new lateral roots from secondary structures in Populus nigra (L.) taproot
Authors: Baesso Barbara , Terzaghi Mattia , Chiatante Donato , Scippa Gabriella Stefania , Montagnoli Antonio
Published: November 2020

Despite the large amounts of data available on lateral root formation, little is known about their initiation from secondary structures. In the present work, we applied a bending treatment to Populus nigra (L.) woody taproots to induce the formation of new lateral roots. The development of lateral roots was monitored by stereomicroscopic examination of cross-sections. Tissues were sampled from the bending zone in the proximity of the vascular cambium before (time 0) and after the application of bending at three different time points (24, 48, and 72 h) and analyzed for the expression of P. nigra WOX homologs. The initiation of new lateral roots was observed to originate from the vascular cambium zone and was followed by primordium formation and root emergence. PnWOX4a, PnWOX4b, PnWOX5a, PnWOX5b, PnWOX11/12a, and PnWOX11/12b were shown to be expressed during the formation of new lateral roots at different developmental stages. The mechanical stress simulated by bending treatment was shown to activate the molecular mechanism leading to the expression of WOX genes, which are hypothesized to control SLR formation in the cambium zone of poplar taproot.
Micropore closure time is longer following microneedle application to skin of color
Authors: Ogunjimi Abayomi T. , Carr Jamie , Lawson Christine , Ferguson Nkanyezi , Brogden Nicole K.
Published: November 2020

Microneedles (MNs) allow transdermal delivery of skin-impermeable drugs by creating transient epidermal micropores, and micropore lifetime directly affects drug diffusion timeframes. Healthy subjects (n = 111) completed the study, self-identifying as Asian (n = 32), Bi-/multi-racial (n = 10), Black (n = 22), White (n = 23), Latino (n = 23), and Native American/Hawaiian (n = 1). L* was measured with tristimulus colorimetry to objectively describe skin lightness/darkness. MNs were applied to the upper arm; impedance and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured at baseline and post-MN to confirm micropore formation. Impedance was repeated for 4 days to determine micropore lifetime. Post-MN changes in TEWL and impedance were significant in all groups (p < 0.05), confirming micropore formation regardless of skin type. Micropore lifetime was significantly longer in Blacks (66.5 ± 19.5 h) versus Asians (44.1 ± 14.0 h), Bi-/multi-racial (48.0 ± 16.0 h), and Whites (50.2 ± 2.6 h). Latinos (61.1 ± 16.1 h) had significantly longer micropore closure time versus Asians (44.1 ± 14.0 h). When categorizing data according to L*, micropore lifetime was significantly longer in darker skin. We report for the first time that micropore lifetime differences are present in human subjects of different ethnic/racial backgrounds, with longer micropore lifetime in skin of color. These results also suggest that objectively measured skin color is a better predictor of micropore lifetime than self-identified race/ethnicity.
Heat tolerance and thermal preference of the copepod Tigriopus californicus are insensitive to ecologically relevant dissolved oxygen levels
Authors: Dinh Khuong V. , Cuevas-Sanchez Arani Y. , Buhl Katherine S. , Moeser Elizabeth A. , Dowd W. Wesley
Published: November 2020

Shifting climate patterns may impose novel combinations of abiotic conditions on animals, yet understanding of the present-day interactive effects of multiple stressors remains under-developed. We tested the oxygen and capacity limited thermal tolerance (OCLTT) hypothesis and quantified environmental preference of the copepod Tigriopus californicus, which inhabits rocky-shore splashpools where diel fluctuations of temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) are substantial. Egg-mass bearing females were exposed to a 5 h heat ramp to peak temperatures of 34.1–38.0 °C crossed with each of four oxygen levels: 22, 30, 100 and 250% saturation (4.7–5.3, 5.3–6.4, 21.2–21.3, and 50.7–53.3 kPa). Survival decreased at higher temperatures but was independent of DO. The behavioral preference of females was quantified in seven combinations of gradients of both temperature (11–37 °C) and oxygen saturation (17–206% or 3.6–43.6 kPa). Females avoided high temperatures regardless of DO levels. This pattern was more pronounced when low DO coincided with high temperature. In uniform temperature treatments, the distribution shifted toward high DO levels, especially in uniform high temperature, confirming that Tigriopus can sense environmental pO2. These results question the ecological relevance of OCLTT for Tigriopus and raise the possibility of microhabitat selection being used within splashpool environments to avoid physiologically stressful combinations of conditions.
Comparative physiological and transcriptomic analysis of pear leaves under distinct training systems
Authors: Liu Zheng , An Liyuan , Lin Shihua , Wu Tao , Li Xianming , Tu Junfan , Yang Fuchen , Zhu Hongyan , Yang Li , Cheng Yinsheng , Qin Zhongqi
Published: November 2020

Canopy architecture is critical in determining the light interception and distribution, and subsequently the photosynthetic efficiency and productivity. However, the physiological responses and molecular mechanisms by which pear canopy architectural traits impact on photosynthesis remain poorly understood. Here, physiological investigations coupled with comparative transcriptomic analyses were performed in pear leaves under distinct training systems. Compared with traditional freestanding system, flat-type trellis system (DP) showed higher net photosynthetic rate (PN) levels at the most time points throughout the entire monitored period, especially for the interior of the canopy in sunny side. Gene ontology analysis revealed that photosynthesis, carbohydrate derivative catabolic process and fatty acid metabolic process were over-represented in leaves of DP system with open-canopy characteristics. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis uncovered a significant network module positive correlated withPNvalue. The hub genes (PpFKF1andPpPRR5) of the module were enriched in circadian rhythm pathway, suggesting a functional role for circadian clock genes in mediating photosynthetic performance under distinct training systems. These results draw a link between pear photosynthetic response and specific canopy architectural traits, and highlight light harvesting and circadian clock network as potential targets for the input signals from the fluctuating light availability under distinct training systems.
Key differences between olfactory ensheathing cells and Schwann cells regarding phagocytosis of necrotic cells: implications for transplantation therapies
Authors: Nazareth L. , Shelper T. B. , Chacko A. , Basu S. , Delbaz A. , Lee J. Y. P. , Chen M. , St John J. A. , Ekberg J. A. K.
Published: November 2020

Transplantation of peripheral nervous system glia is being explored for treating neural injuries, in particular central nervous system injuries. These glia, olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) and Schwann cells (SCs), are thought to aid regeneration by clearing necrotic cells, (necrotic bodies, NBs), as well as myelin debris. The mechanism by which the glia phagocytose and traffic NBs are not understood. Here, we show that OECs and SCs recognize phosphatidylserine on NBs, followed by engulfment and trafficking to endosomes and lysosomes. We also showed that both glia can phagocytose and process myelin debris. We compared the time-course of glial phagocytosis (of both NBs and myelin) to that of macrophages. Internalization and trafficking were considerably slower in glia than in macrophages, and OECs were more efficient phagocytes than SCs. The two glial types also differed regarding their cytokine responses after NB challenge. SCs produced low amounts of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α while OECs did not produce detectable TNF-α. Thus, OECs have a higher capacity than SCs for phagocytosis and trafficking, whilst producing lower amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These findings suggest that OEC transplantation into the injured nervous system may lead to better outcomes than SC transplantation.
Apoptosis, the only cell death pathway that can be measured in human diploid dermal fibroblasts following lethal UVB irradiation
Authors: Gary Anne-Sophie , Rochette Patrick J.
Published: November 2020

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a major environmental genotoxic agent. In skin, it can lead to the formation of mutagenic DNA damage. Several mechanisms are in place to prevent the conversion of these DNA damage into skin cancer-driver mutations. An important mutation prevention mechanism is the programmed cell death, which can safely dispose of the damaged cells. Apoptosis is the most studied and best characterised programmed cell death, but an increasing amount of new cell death pathways are emerging. Using different pharmacological cell death inhibitors and antioxidants, we have evaluated the implication of apoptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis and parthanatos in UVB-induced cell death in human diploid dermal fibroblasts. Our results show that apoptosis is the only known cell death mechanism induced by UVB irradiation in fibroblasts. We also showed that lethal UVB irradiation induces a PARP-dependent drastic loss of cellular metabolic activity caused by an overused of NAD+.
Investigation of proteinaceous paint layers, composed of egg yolk and lead white, exposed to fire-related effects
Authors: Legan Lea , Retko Klara , Peeters Kelly , Knez Friderik , Ropret Polonca
Published: November 2020

Fires can have a negative impact on the environment, human health, property and ultimately also on various objects of cultural heritage (CH). This paper deals with an investigation into the degradation of selected proteinaceous paint layers that were exposed to fire-related effects (i.e., fire effluents and/or high temperatures) in a modified cone-calorimeter system. Paint layers of egg yolk adhesive (E) and lead white tempera (E + LW) were exposed to fire-related impacts on top of a CH stack and in a specially designed CH test chamber. On the CH stack, the proteinaceous paint layers were exposed to fire effluents and high temperatures, while in the CH test chamber, the samples were exposed mainly to fire effluents. The molecular changes to the exposed paint layers were analysed by invasive and non-invasive spectroscopic analyses (i.e., FTIR and Raman spectroscopy) and complimented with pyrolysis-GC–MS, while the colour changes were evaluated using colourimetry. It was concluded that the proteinaceous binder degrades into aromatic amino acids and/or fatty acids after exposure to the overall impacts of the fire. Aromatic amino acids were detected by means of the FTIR and py-GC–MS analyses. In the case of the lead white tempera exposure, partial dissociation of the lead white pigment was confirmed by the detection of alteration products, such as lead oxide and lead carbonate. Moreover, the investigation of the E + LW samples exposed for longer times revealed the presence of lead carboxylates. On the other hand, no significant molecular changes were observed with the CH samples exposed to fire effluents in the CH test chamber. The research offered us an insight into the fire-induced effects on selected paints for the first time.
Synergistic effect of smoking on age-related hearing loss in patients with diabetes
Authors: Bae Seong Hoon , Kwak Sang Hyun , Choi Jae Young , Jung Jinsei
Published: November 2020

This study investigated the synergistic effects of risk factors on age-related hearing loss (ARHL) using nationwide cross-sectional data of 33,552 individuals from the 2010‒2013 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Patients with ARHL were selected based on their pure-tone audiometry results. Previously reported risk factors for ARHL were analyzed using logistic regression and propensity score-matching, and synergistic effects between risk factors were analyzed using propensity score-matching. Of the 12,570 individuals aged 40–79 years, 2002 (15.9%) met the criteria for ARHL. Male sex, exposure to occupational noise, and diabetes showed a significant relationship with ARHL (p < 0.05) in both the logistic regression and propensity score-matching analyses. Smoking and diabetes showed the strongest significant synergistic effect on ARHL (odds ratio [OR] 1.963, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.285‒2.998; p = 0.002). In the subgroup analysis based on smoking status, current smokers with diabetes had a significant relationship with ARHL (OR 1.883, CI 1.191‒2.975; p = 0.009), whereas ex-smokers with diabetes did not (OR 1.250; CI 0.880‒1.775; p = 0.246). This implies that current smokers with diabetes may benefit from the cessation of smoking. In conclusion, patients with diabetes should strictly avoid or cease smoking to prevent the progression of ARHL.
Vocal panting: a novel thermoregulatory mechanism for enhancing heat tolerance in a desert-adapted bird
Authors: Pessato Anaïs , McKechnie Andrew E. , Buchanan Katherine L. , Mariette Mylene M.
Published: November 2020

Animals thriving in hot deserts rely on extraordinary adaptations and thermoregulatory capacities to cope with heat. Uncovering such adaptations, and how they may be favoured by selection, is essential for predicting climate change impacts. Recently, the arid-adapted zebra finch was discovered to program their offspring’s development for heat, by producing ‘heat-calls’ during incubation in hot conditions. Intriguingly, heat-calls always occur during panting; and, strikingly, avian evaporative cooling mechanisms typically involve vibrating an element of the respiratory tract, which could conceivably produce sound. Therefore, we tested whether heat-call emission results from a particular thermoregulatory mechanism increasing the parent’s heat tolerance. We repeatedly measured resting metabolic rate, evaporative water loss (EWL) and heat tolerance in adult wild-derived captive zebra finches (n = 44) at increasing air temperatures up to 44 °C. We found high within-individual repeatability in thermoregulatory patterns, with heat-calling triggered at an individual-specific stage of panting. As expected for thermoregulatory mechanisms, both silent panting and heat-calling significantly increased EWL. However, only heat-calling resulted in greater heat tolerance, demonstrating that “vocal panting” brings a thermoregulatory benefit to the emitter. Our findings therefore not only improve our understanding of the evolution of passerine thermal adaptations, but also highlight a novel evolutionary precursor for acoustic signals.
Supercapacitor performance of porous nickel cobaltite nanosheets
Authors: Chen Xin , Xie Rui , Li Hui , Jaber F. , Musharavati F. , Zalnezhad E. , Bae S. , Hui K. S. , Hui K. N.
Published: November 2020

In this work, nickel cobaltite (NiCo2O4) nanosheets with a porous structure were fabricated on nickel foam as a working electrode for supercapacitor applications. The nanosheets were fabricated by electrochemical deposition of nickel–cobalt hydroxide on the nickel foam substrate at ambient temperature in a three-electrode cell followed by annealing at 300 °C to transform the coating into a porous NiCo2O4nanosheet. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed a three-dimensional mesoporous structure, which facilitates ion transport and electronic conduction for fast redox reactions. For one cycle, the NiCo2O4electrodeposited nickel foam has a high specific capacitance (1734.9 F g−1) at a current density (CD) of 2 A g−1. The electrode capacitance decreased by only approximately 12.7% after 3500 cycles at a CD of 30 A g−1. Moreover, a solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) was built utilising the NiCo2O4nanosheets, carbon nanotubes, and a polyvinyl alcohol-potassium hydroxide gel as the anode, cathode, and solid-state electrolyte, respectively. The ASC displayed great electrochemical properties with a 42.25 W h kg−1energy density at a power density of 298.79 W kg−1.
Key factors explaining critical swimming speed in freshwater fish: a review and statistical analysis for Iberian species
Authors: Cano-Barbacil Carlos , Radinger Johannes , Argudo María , Rubio-Gracia Francesc , Vila-Gispert Anna , García-Berthou Emili
Published: November 2020

Swimming performance is a key feature that mediates fitness and survival in aquatic animals. Dispersal, habitat selection, predator–prey interactions and reproduction are processes that depend on swimming capabilities. Testing the critical swimming speed (Ucrit) of fish is the most straightforward method to assess their prolonged swimming performance. We analysed the contribution of several predictor variables (total body length, experimental water temperature, time step interval between velocity increments, species identity, taxonomic affiliation, native status, body shape and form factor) in explaining the variation ofUcrit, using linear models and random forests. We compiled in total 204 studies testingUcritof 35 inland fishes of the Iberian Peninsula, including 17 alien species that are non-native to that region. We found that body length is largely the most important predictor ofUcritout of the eight tested variables, followed by family, time step interval and species identity. By contrast, form factor, temperature, body shape and native status were less important. Results showed a generally positive relationship betweenUcritand total body length, but regression slopes varied markedly among families and species. By contrast, linear models did not show significant differences between native and alien species. In conclusion, the present study provides a first comprehensive database ofUcritin Iberian freshwater fish, which can be thus of considerable interest for habitat management and restoration plans. The resulting data represents a sound foundation to assess fish responses to hydrological alteration (e.g. water flow tolerance and dispersal capacities), or to categorize their habitat preferences.
A novel way to identify specific powdery mildew resistance genes in hybrid barley cultivars
Authors: Dreiseitl Antonín
Published: November 2020

Powdery mildew, a common cereal disease caused by the fungus Blumeria graminis, is a major limiting factor of barley production and genetic resistance is the most appropriate protection against it. To aid the breeding of new cultivars and their marketing, resistance genes can be postulated in homogeneous accessions. Although hybrid cultivars (F1) should be homogeneous, they are often not genetically uniform, especially if more than two genotypes are involved in their seed production or due to undesirable self-pollination, out-crossing and mechanical admixtures. To overcome these problems the accepted method of postulating specific resistance genes based on comparing response type arrays (RTAs) of genetically homogeneous cultivars with RTAs of standard genotypes was substituted by analysing the frequency of response types to clusters of pathogen isolates in segregating F2 generations. This method combines a genetic and phytopathological approach for identifying resistance genes. To assess its applicability six hybrid cultivars were screened and from three to seven with a total of 14 resistance genes were found. Two genes were newly located at the Mla locus and their heritability determined. In addition, three unknown dominant genes were detected. This novel, comprehensive and efficient method to identifying resistance genes in hybrid cultivars can also be applied in other cereals and crops.
Synchrotron microtomography applied to the volumetric analysis of internal structures of Thoropa miliaris tadpoles
Authors: Fidalgo G. , Paiva K. , Mendes G. , Barcellos R. , Colaço G. , Sena G. , Pickler A. , Mota C. L. , Tromba G. , Nogueira L. P. , Braz D. , Silva H. R. , Colaço M. V. , Barroso R. C.
Published: November 2020

Amphibians are models for studying applied ecological issues such as habitat loss, pollution, disease, and global climate change due to their sensitivity and vulnerability to changes in the environment. Developmental series of amphibians are informative about their biology, and X-ray based 3D reconstruction holds promise for quantifying morphological changes during growth—some with a direct impact on the possibility of an experimental investigation on several of the ecological topics listed above. However, 3D resolution and discrimination of their soft tissues have been difficult with traditional X-ray computed tomography, without time-consuming contrast staining. Tomographic data were initially performed (pre-processing and reconstruction) using the open-source software tool SYRMEP Tomo Project. Data processing and analysis of the reconstructed tomography volumes were conducted using the segmentation semi-automatic settings of the software Avizo Fire 8, which provide information about each investigated tissues, organs or bone elements. Hence, volumetric analyses were carried out to quantify the development of structures in different tadpole developmental stages. Our work shows that synchrotron X-ray microtomography using phase-contrast mode resolves the edges of the internal tissues (as well as overall tadpole morphology), facilitating the segmentation of the investigated tissues. Reconstruction algorithms and segmentation software played an important role in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of each target structure of theThoropa miliaristadpole at different stages of development, providing information on volume, shape and length. The use of the synchrotron X-ray microtomography setup of the SYRMEP beamline of Elettra Synchrotron, in phase-contrast mode, allows access to volumetric data for bone formation, eye development, nervous system and notochordal changes during the development (ontogeny) of tadpoles of a cycloramphid frogThoropa miliaris. As key elements in the normal development of these and any other frog tadpole, the application of such a comparative ontogenetic study, may hold interest to researchers in experimental and environmental disciplines.