bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concentration and chemical form of dietary zinc shape the porcine colon microbiome, its functional capacity and antibiotic resistance gene repertoire
Authors: Pieper Robert , Dadi Temesgen H , Pieper Laura , Vahjen Wilfried , Franke André , Reinert Knut , Zentek Jürgen
Published: August 2020

Despite a well-documented effect of high dietary zinc oxide on the pig intestinal microbiota composition less is it yet known about changes in microbial functional properties or the effect of organic zinc sources. Forty weaning piglets in four groups were fed diets supplemented with 40 or 110 ppm zinc as zinc oxide, 110 ppm as Zn-Lysinate, or 2500 ppm as zinc oxide. Host zinc homeostasis, intestinal zinc fractions, and ileal nutrient digestibility were determined as main nutritional and physiological factors putatively driving colon microbial ecology. Metagenomic sequencing of colon microbiota revealed only clear differences at genus level for the group receiving 2500 ppm zinc oxide. However, a clear group differentiation according to dietary zinc concentration and source was observed at species level. Functional analysis revealed significant differences in genes related to stress response, mineral, and carbohydrate metabolism. Taxonomic and functional gene differences were accompanied with clear effects in microbial metabolite concentration. Finally, a selection of certain antibiotic resistance genes by dietary zinc was observed. This study sheds further light onto the consequences of concentration and chemical form of dietary zinc on microbial ecology measures and the resistome in the porcine colon.
Decoding altitude-activated regulatory mechanisms occurring during apple peel ripening
Authors: Karagiannis Evangelos , Michailidis Michail , Tanou Georgia , Scossa Federico , Sarrou Eirini , Stamatakis George , Samiotaki Martina , Martens Stefan , Fernie Alisdair R. , Molassiotis Athanassios
Published: August 2020

Apple (Malus domestica Borkh) is an important fruit crop cultivated in a broad range of environmental conditions. Apple fruit ripening is a physiological process, whose molecular regulatory network response to different environments is still not sufficiently investigated and this is particularly true of the peel tissue. In this study, the influence of environmental conditions associated with low (20 m) and high (750 m) altitude on peel tissue ripening was assessed by physiological measurements combined with metabolomic and proteomic analyses during apple fruit development and ripening. Although apple fruit ripening was itself not affected by the different environmental conditions, several key color parameters, such as redness and color index, were notably induced by high altitude. Consistent with this observation, increased levels of anthocyanin and other phenolic compounds, including cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, and chlorogenic acid were identified in the peel of apple grown at high altitude. Moreover, the high-altitude environment was characterized by elevated abundance of various carbohydrates (e.g., arabinose, xylose, and sucrose) but decreased levels of glutamic acid and several related proteins, such as glycine hydroxymethyltransferase and glutamate–glyoxylate aminotransferase. Other processes affected by high altitude were the TCA cycle, the synthesis of oxidative/defense enzymes, and the accumulation of photosynthetic proteins. From the obtained data we were able to construct a metabolite-protein network depicting the impact of altitude on peel ripening. The combined analyses presented here provide new insights into physiological processes linking apple peel ripening with the prevailing environmental conditions.
Genome-wide SNP discovery and core marker sets for assessment of genetic variations in cultivated pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.)
Authors: Nguyen Nam Ngoc , Kim Minkyung , Jung Jin-Kee , Shim Eun-Jo , Chung Sang-Min , Park Younghoon , Lee Gung Pyo , Sim Sung-Chur
Published: August 2020

Three pumpkin species Cucurbita maxima, C. moschata, and C. pepo are commonly cultivated worldwide. To identify genome-wide SNPs in these cultivated pumpkin species, we collected 48 F1 cultivars consisting of 40 intraspecific hybrids (15 C. maxima, 18 C. moschata, and 7 C. pepo) and 8 interspecific hybrids (C. maxima x C. moschata). Genotyping by sequencing identified a total of 37,869 confident SNPs in this collection. These SNPs were filtered to generate a subset of 400 SNPs based on polymorphism and genome distribution. Of the 400 SNPs, 288 were used to genotype an additional 188 accessions (94 F1 cultivars, 50 breeding lines, and 44 landraces) with a SNP array-based platform. Reliable polymorphisms were observed in 224 SNPs (78.0%) and were used to assess genetic variations between and within the four predefined populations in 223 cultivated pumpkin accessions. Both principal component analysis and UPGMA clustering found four major clusters representing three pumpkin species and interspecific hybrids. This genetic differentiation was supported by pairwise Fst and Nei’s genetic distance. The interspecific hybrids showed a higher level of genetic diversity relative to the other three populations. Of the 224 SNPs, five subsets of 192, 96, 48, 24, and 12 markers were evaluated for variety identification. The 192, 96, and 48 marker sets identified 204 (91.5%), 190 (85.2%), and 141 (63.2%) of the 223 accessions, respectively, while other subsets showed <25% of variety identification rates. These SNP markers provide a molecular tool with many applications for genetics and breeding in cultivated pumpkin.
The historical and current research progress on jujube–a superfruit for the future
Authors: Liu Mengjun , Wang Jiurui , Wang Lili , Liu Ping , Zhao Jin , Zhao Zhihui , Yao Shengrui , Stănică Florin , Liu Zhiguo , Wang Lixin , Ao Changwei , Dai Li , Li Xiansong , Zhao Xuan , Jia Chunxiang
Published: August 2020

Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.), or Chinese date, is the most important species of Rhamnaceae, a large cosmopolitan family, and is one of the oldest cultivated fruit trees in the world. It originates from the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, the ‘mother river’ of the Chinese people. It is distributed in at least 48 countries on all continents except Antarctica and is becoming increasingly important, especially in arid and semiarid marginal lands. Based on a systematic analysis of the unique characteristics of jujube, we suggest that it deserves to be recognized as a superfruit. We summarized historical research achievements from the past 3000 years and reviewed recent research advances since 1949 in seven fields, including genome sequencing and application, germplasm resources and systematic taxonomy, breeding and genetics, cultivation theory and techniques, pest control, postharvest physiology and techniques, and nutrition and processing. Based on the challenges facing the jujube industry, we discuss eight research aspects to be focused on in the future.
Molecular memory of Flavescence dorée phytoplasma in recovering grapevines
Authors: Pagliarani Chiara , Gambino Giorgio , Ferrandino Alessandra , Chitarra Walter , Vrhovsek Urska , Cantu Dario , Palmano Sabrina , Marzachì Cristina , Schubert Andrea
Published: August 2020

Flavescence dorée(FD) is a destructive phytoplasma disease of European grapevines. Spontaneous and cultivar-dependent recovery (REC) may occur in the field in FD-infected vines starting the year following the first symptoms. However, the biological underpinnings of this process are still largely unexplored. In this study, transcriptome sequencing (RNAseq), whole-genome bisulphite sequencing (WGBS) and metabolite analysis were combined to dissect molecular and metabolic changes associated to FD and REC in leaf veins collected in the field from healthy (H), FD and REC plants of the highly susceptibleVitis vinifera‘Barbera’. Genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism and stress responses were overexpressed in FD conditions, whereas transcripts linked to hormone and stilbene metabolisms were upregulated in REC vines. Accumulation patterns of abscisic acid and stilbenoid compounds analysed in the same samples confirmed the RNAseq data. In recovery conditions, we also observed the persistence of some FD-induced expression changes concerning inhibition of photosynthetic processes and stress responses. Several differentially expressed genes tied to those pathways also underwent post-transcriptional regulation by microRNAs, as outlined by merging our transcriptomic data set with a previously conducted smallRNAseq analysis. Investigations by WGBS analysis also revealed different DNA methylation marks between REC and H leaves, occurring within the promoters of genes tied to photosynthesis and secondary metabolism. The results allowed us to advance the existence of a “molecular memory” of FDp infection, involving alterations in the DNA methylation status of REC plants potentially related to transcriptional reprogramming events, in turn triggering changes in hormonal and secondary metabolite profiles.
A high-quality sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica) genome
Authors: Wu Haibin , Zhao Gangjun , Gong Hao , Li Junxing , Luo Caixia , He Xiaoli , Luo Shaobo , Zheng Xiaoming , Liu Xiaoxi , Guo Jinju , Chen Junqiu , Luo Jianning
Published: August 2020

Sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica) is an important cultivated vegetable and medicinal plant in the family Cucurbitaceae. In this study, a draft genome sequence of the sponge gourd inbred line P93075 was analyzed. Using Illumina, PacBio, and 10× Genomics sequencing techniques as well as new assembly techniques such as FALCON and chromatin interaction mapping (Hi-C), a chromosome-scale genome of approximately 656.19 Mb, with an N50 scaffold length of 48.76 Mb, was generated. From this assembly, 25,508 protein-coding gene loci were identified, and 63.81% of the whole-genome consisted of transposable elements, which are major contributors to the expansion of the sponge gourd genome. According to a phylogenetic analysis of conserved genes, the sponge gourd lineage diverged from the bitter gourd lineage approximately 41.6 million years ago. Additionally, many genes that respond to biotic and abiotic stresses were found to be lineage specific or expanded in the sponge gourd genome, as demonstrated by the presence of 462NBS-LRRgenes, a much greater number than are found in the genomes of other cucurbit species; these results are consistent with the high stress resistance of sponge gourd. Collectively, our study provides insights into genome evolution and serves as a valuable reference for the genetic improvement of sponge gourd.
CmBES1 is a regulator of boundary formation in chrysanthemum ray florets
Authors: Cheng Peilei , Liu Yanan , Yang Yiman , Chen Hong , Cheng Hua , Hu Qian , Zhang Zixin , Gao Jiaojiao , Zhang Jiaxin , Ding Lian , Fang Weimin , Chen Sumei , Chen Fadi , Jiang Jiafu
Published: August 2020

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) is an ideal model species for studying petal morphogenesis because of the diversity in the flower form across varieties; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying petal development are poorly understood. Here, we show that the brassinosteroid transcription factor BRI1-EMS-SUPPRESSOR 1 (CmBES1) in chrysanthemum (C. morifolium cv. Jinba) is important for organ boundary formation because it represses organ boundary identity genes. Chrysanthemum plants overexpressing CmBES1 displayed increased fusion of the outermost ray florets due to the loss of differentiation of the two dorsal petals, which developed simultaneously with the ventral petals. RNA-seq analysis of the overexpression lines revealed potential genes and pathways involved in petal development, such as CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON (CUC2), CYCLOIDEA 4 (CYC4), genes encoding MADS-box transcription factors and homeodomain-leucine zippers (HD-Zips) and auxin pathway-related genes. This study characterizes the role of CmBES1 in ray floret development by its modulation of flower development and boundary identity genes in chrysanthemum.
Genome sequencing and population genomics modeling provide insights into the local adaptation of weeping forsythia
Authors: Li Lin-Feng , Cushman Samuel A. , He Yan-Xia , Li Yong
Published: August 2020

Understanding the genetic basis underlying the local adaptation of nonmodel species is a fundamental goal in evolutionary biology. In this study, we explored the genetic mechanisms of the local adaptation of Forsythia suspensa using genome sequence and population genomics data obtained from specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing. We assembled a high-quality reference genome of weeping forsythia (Scaffold N50 = 7.3 Mb) using ultralong Nanopore reads. Then, genome-wide comparative analysis was performed for 15 natural populations of weeping forsythia across its current distribution range. Our results revealed that candidate genes associated with local adaptation are functionally correlated with solar radiation, temperature and water variables across heterogeneous environmental scenarios. In particular, solar radiation during the period of fruit development and seed drying after ripening, cold, and drought significantly contributed to the adaptive differentiation of F. suspensa. Natural selection exerted by environmental factors contributed substantially to the population genetic structure of F. suspensa. Our results supported the hypothesis that adaptive differentiation should be highly pronounced in the genes involved in signal crosstalk between different environmental variables. Our population genomics study of F. suspensa provides insights into the fundamental genetic mechanisms of the local adaptation of plant species to climatic gradients.
Kiwifruit Genome Database (KGD): a comprehensive resource for kiwifruit genomics
Authors: Yue Junyang , Liu Jiacheng , Tang Wei , Wu Ya Qing , Tang Xiaofeng , Li Wei , Yang Ying , Wang Lihuan , Huang Shengxiong , Fang Congbing , Zhao Kun , Fei Zhangjun , Liu Yongsheng , Zheng Yi
Published: August 2020

Kiwifruit (Actinidiaspp.) plants produce economically important fruits containing abundant, balanced phytonutrients with extraordinarily high vitamin C contents. Since the release of the first kiwifruit reference genome sequence in 2013, large volumes of genome and transcriptome data have been rapidly accumulated for a handful of kiwifruit species. To efficiently store, analyze, integrate, and disseminate these large-scale datasets to the research community, we constructed the Kiwifruit Genome Database (KGD;http://kiwifruitgenome.org/). The database currently contains all publicly available genome and gene sequences, gene annotations, biochemical pathways, transcriptome profiles derived from public RNA-Seq datasets, and comparative genomic analysis results such as syntenic blocks and homologous gene pairs between different kiwifruit genome assemblies. A set of user-friendly query interfaces, analysis tools and visualization modules have been implemented in KGD to facilitate translational and applied research in kiwifruit, which include JBrowse, a popular genome browser, and the NCBI BLAST sequence search tool. Other notable tools developed within KGD include a genome synteny viewer and tools for differential gene expression analysis as well as gene ontology (GO) term and pathway enrichment analysis.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis of VvMLO3 results in enhanced resistance to powdery mildew in grapevine (Vitis vinifera)
Authors: Wan Dong-Yan , Guo Ye , Cheng Yuan , Hu Yang , Xiao Shunyuan , Wang Yuejin , Wen Ying-Qiang
Published: August 2020

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera), one of the most economically important fruit crops in the world, suffers significant yield losses from powdery mildew, a major fungal disease caused byErysiphe necator. In addition to suppressing host immunity, phytopathogens modulate host proteins termed susceptibility (S) factors to promote their proliferation in plants. In this study, CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated 9) technology was used to enable the targeted mutagenesis ofMLO(mildew resistance Locus O) family genes that are thought to serve asSfactors for powdery mildew fungi. Small deletions or insertions were induced in one or both alleles of two grapevineMLOgenes,VvMLO3andVvMLO4, in the transgenic plantlets of the powdery mildew-susceptible cultivar Thompson Seedless. The editing efficiency achieved with different CRISPR/Cas9 constructs varied from 0 to 38.5%. Among the 20VvMLO3/4-edited lines obtained, one was homozygous for a single mutation, three harbored biallelic mutations, seven were heterozygous for the mutations, and nine were chimeric, as indicated by the presence of more than two mutated alleles in each line. Six of the 20VvMLO3/4-edited grapevine lines showed normal growth, while the remaining lines exhibited senescence-like chlorosis and necrosis. Importantly, fourVvMLO3-edited lines showed enhanced resistance to powdery mildew, which was associated with host cell death, cell wall apposition (CWA) and H2O2accumulation. Taken together, our results demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing technology can be successfully used to induce targeted mutations in genes of interest to improve traits of economic importance, such as disease resistance in grapevines.
A newborn screening pilot study using methylation-sensitive high resolution melting on dried blood spots to detect Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes
Authors: Ferreira Igor Ribeiro , Costa Régis Afonso , Gomes Leonardo Henrique Ferreira , dos Santos Cunha Wilton Darleans , Tyszler Latife Salomão , Freitas Silvia , Llerena Junior Juan Clinton , de Vasconcelos Zilton Farias Meira , Nicholls Robert D. , Guida Letícia da Cunha
Published: August 2020

Prader-Willi (PWS) and Angelman (AS) syndromes are two clinically distinct imprinted disorders characterized by genetic abnormalities at 15q11-q13. Early diagnosis of both syndromes provides improved treatment and accurate genetic counseling. Whole blood (WB) is the most common DNA source of many methodologies to detect PWS and AS, however, the need of WB makes a massive screening difficult in newborns due to economic and technical limitations. The aim of this study was to adapt a Methylation-sensitive High-Resolution Melting (MS-HRM) approach from dried blood spot (DBS) samples, assessing the different DNA isolation techniques and diagnostic performance. Over a 1-year period, we collected 125 DBS cards, of which 45 had already been diagnosed by MS-HRM (20 PWS, 1 AS, and 24 healthy individuals). We tested three different DBS-DNA extraction techniques assessing the DNA concentration and quality, followed by MS-HRM and statistical comparison. Each DBS-DNA extraction method was capable of accuracy in detecting all PWS and AS individuals. However, the efficiency to detect healthy individuals varied according to methodology. In our experience, DNA extracted from DBS analyzed by the MS-HRM methodology provides an accurate approach for genetic screening of imprinting related disorders in newborns, offering several benefits compared to traditional whole blood methods.
Prospects for microwave plasma synthesized N-graphene in secondary electron emission mitigation applications
Authors: Bundaleska N. , Dias A. , Bundaleski N. , Felizardo E. , Henriques J. , Tsyganov D. , Abrashev M. , Valcheva E. , Kissovski J. , Ferraria A. M. , do Rego A. M. Botelho , Almeida A. , Zavašnik J. , Cvelbar U. , Teodoro O. M. N. D. , Strunskus Th. , Tatarova E.
Published: August 2020

The ability to change the secondary electron emission properties of nitrogen-doped graphene (N-graphene) has been demonstrated. To this end, a novel microwave plasma-enabled scalable route for continuous and controllable fabrication of free-standing N-graphene sheets was developed. High-quality N-graphene with prescribed structural qualities was produced at a rate of 0.5 mg/min by tailoring the high energy density plasma environment. Up to 8% of nitrogen doping levels were achieved while keeping the oxygen content at residual amounts (~ 1%). The synthesis is accomplished via a single step, at atmospheric conditions, using ethanol/methane and ammonia/methylamine as carbon and nitrogen precursors. The type and level of doping is affected by the position where the N-precursor is injected in the plasma environment and by the type of precursors used. Importantly, N atoms incorporated predominantly in pyridinic/pyrrolic functional groups alter the performance of the collective electronic oscillations, i.e. plasmons, of graphene. For the first time it has been demonstrated that the synergistic effect between the electronic structure changes and the reduction of graphene π-plasmons caused by N doping, along with the peculiar “crumpled” morphology, leads to sub-unitary (< 1) secondary electron yields. N-graphene can be considered as a prospective low secondary electron emission and plasmonic material.
Characterization and reutilization potential of lipids in sludges from wastewater treatment processes
Authors: Liu Shuai , Luo Tao , Liu Guo-hua , Xu Xianglong , Shao Yuting , Qi Lu , Wang Hongchen
Published: August 2020

Lipids in sewage sludge are considered to be high-class raw materials for biodiesel or other valuable products. We profiled the characteristics and assessed the reutilization potential of lipids from different sludge sources, including sludge from the primary sedimentation tank (PST sludge) and sludge from the secondary sedimentation tank in a conventional activated sludge system (CAS sludge), as well as sludge from ultrashort-sludge retention time (SRT) activated sludge systems with different SRTs (USAS sludge, with SRTs of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 d). The results showed that the lipids in the sludges were mainly composed of cellular lipids, free fatty acids (FFAs), wax and gum. The highest lipid content was found in the PST sludge (156.8 ± 11.9 mg/g, dry basis), followed by the USAS sludges (67.9 ± 11.0–132.2 ± 11.8 mg/g) and the CAS sludge (46.0 ± 16.5 mg/g). Lipid species such as Cer, So, PE, PC, and TG were abundant, comprising over 80% of the cellular lipids in the sludges. With higher lipid contents, the PST sludge and USAS sludge (0.5 d SRT) were suggested to have a higher reutilization potential for use in producing biodiesel. In addition, the CAS sludge was promising for resource reutilization and energy recovery due to the large amount of excess sludge.
Comparative study of alterations in phospholipid profiles upon liver cancer in humans and mice
Authors: Lu Haiyan , Zhang Hua , Xiao Yipo , Chingin Konstantin , Dai Chao , Wei Feng , Wang Nanya , Frankevich Vladimir , Chagovets Vitaly , Zhou Fan , Chen Huanwen
Published: August 2020

The relevance of molecular alterations between mouse liver cancer models and humans was studied by iEESI-MS analysis; revealing differences in the alterations of phospholipids between humans and mice and pinpointing similarly behaving phospholipids.
One-pot chemoenzymatic synthesis of glycopolymers from unprotected sugars via glycosidase-catalysed glycosylation using triazinyl glycosides
Authors: Tanaka Tomonari , Matsuura Ayane , Aso Yuji , Ohara Hitomi
Published: August 2020

Glycopolymers were successfully synthesised from unprotected sugars in aqueous media via a one-pot chemoenzymatic process including glycosidase-catalysed glycosylation using triazinyl glycosides.
Microplasma-enabled nanocarbon assembly for the diameter-selective synthesis of colloidal graphene quantum dots
Authors: Yang Jhih-Siang , Chang Yi-Chen , Huang Quan-Hou , Lai Yu-Ying , Chiang Wei-Hung
Published: August 2020

A microplasma synthesis of diameter-controlled colloidal graphene quantum dots under ambient conditions is demonstrated.
Function of various levels of hierarchical organization of porous Ce0.9REE0.1O1.95 mixed oxides in catalytic activity
Authors: Woźniak Piotr , Miśta Włodzimierz , Małecka Małgorzata A.
Published: August 2020

Each level of hierarchical structure of the star-like Ce0.9REE0.1O1.95 mixed oxides has its own functionality and is susceptible to modification.
Coordination chemistry of mercury(ii) halide complexes: a combined experimental, theoretical and (ICSD & CSD) database study on the relationship between inorganic and organic units
Authors: Samie Ali , Salimi Alireza , Garrison Jered C.
Published: August 2020

The coordination sphere can be influenced by many factors of inorganic and organic units. Despite the predominant role of inorganic unit in coordination sphere determination, organic unit can change it via one major or cooperativity of minor effects.
Highly efficient non-fullerene organic solar cells enabled by a delayed processing method using a non-halogenated solvent
Authors: Xu Xiaopeng , Yu Liyang , Yan He , Li Ruipeng , Peng Qiang
Published: August 2020

A delayed processing method is demonstrated successfully to optimize the morphology of PM6:BTP-BO-4Cl, boosting the PCE up to 17.33%.
A cysteine derivative-enabled ultrafast thiol–ene reaction for scalable synthesis of a fully bio-based internal emulsifier for high-toughness waterborne polyurethanes
Authors: Wang Xiao , Liang Haiyan , Jiang Jizhou , Wang Qingwen , Luo Ying , Feng Pengju , Zhang Chaoqun
Published: August 2020

Fully bio-based internal emulsifiers were synthesized via flow chemistry with a productivity of 360.0 g h−1; they were used as a replacement of DMBA and DMPA to prepare WPUs with superior thermophysical and mechanical properties.
Superhydrophobic graphene-coated sponge with microcavities for high efficiency oil-in-water emulsion separation
Authors: Han Longxiang , Bi Hengchang , Xie Xiao , Su Shi , Mao Peng , Sun Litao
Published: August 2020

We present a graphene-coated sponge for high flux and high efficiency oil-in-water emulsion separation through superhydrophobic microcavities.
Regulated molecular rotor in phase transition materials with switchable dielectric and SHG effect
Authors: Gao Ya-Fang , Zhang Zhi-Xu , Zhang Tie , Su Chang-Yuan , Zhang Wan-Ying , Fu Da-Wei
Published: August 2020

Two molecular rotor compounds exhibited a switchable dielectric phase transition and SHG effect at differentTc.
Children's English Consonant Acquisition in the United States: A Review
Authors: Crowe Kathryn , McLeod Sharynne
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Speech-language pathologists' clinical decision making and consideration of eligibility for services rely on quality evidence, including information about consonant acquisition (developmental norms). The purpose of this review article is to describe the typical age and pattern of acquisition of English consonants by children in the United States.

Method

Data were identified from published journal articles and assessments reporting English consonant acquisition by typically developing children living in the United States. Sources were identified through searching 11 electronic databases, review articles, the Buros database, and contacting experts. Data describing studies, participants, methodology, and age of consonant acquisition were extracted.

Results

Fifteen studies (six articles and nine assessments) were included, reporting consonant acquisition of 18,907 children acquiring English in the United States. These cross-sectional studies primarily used single-word elicitation. Most consonants were acquired by 5;0 (years;months). The consonants /b, n, m, p, h, w, d/ were acquired by 2;0–2;11; /ɡ, k, f, t, ŋ, j/ were acquired by 3;0–3;11; /v, ʤ, s, ʧ, l, ʃ, z/ were acquired by 4;0–4;11; /ɹ, ð, ʒ/ were acquired by 5;0–5;11; and /θ/ was acquired by 6;0–6;11 (ordered by mean age of acquisition, 90% criterion). Variation was evident across studies resulting from different assessments, criteria, and cohorts of children.

Conclusions

These findings echo the cross-linguistic findings of
McLeod and Crowe (2018)
across 27 languages that children had acquired most consonants by 5;0. On average, all plosives, nasals, and glides were acquired by 3;11; all affricates were acquired by 4;11; all liquids were acquired by 5;11; and all fricatives were acquired by 6;11 (90% criterion). As speech-language pathologists apply this information to clinical decision making and eligibility decisions, synthesis of knowledge from multiple sources is recommended.
The Milky Way’s nuclear star cluster: Old, metal-rich, and cuspy
Authors: Schödel R. , Nogueras-Lara F. , Gallego-Cano E. , Shahzamanian B. , Gallego-Calvente A. T. , Gardini A.
Published: August 2020

Context. The environment of Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*), the central black hole of the Milky Way, is the only place in the Universe where we can currently study the interaction between a nuclear star cluster and a massive black hole and infer the properties of a nuclear cluster from observations of individual stars.

Aims. This work aims to explore the star formation history of the nuclear cluster and the structure of the innermost stellar cusp around Sgr A*.

Methods. We combined and analysed multi epoch high quality AO observations. For the region close to Sgr A* we apply the speckle holography technique to the AO data and obtain images that are ≥50% complete down to Ks ≈ 19 within a projected radius of 5″ around Sgr A*. We used H-band images to derive extinction maps.

Results. We provide Ks photometry for roughly 39 000 stars and H-band photometry for ∼11 000 stars within a field of about 40″ × 40″, centred on Sgr A*. In addition, we provide Ks photometry of ∼3000 stars in a very deep central field of 10″ × 10″, centred on Sgr A*. We find that the Ks luminosity function (KLF) is rather homogeneous within the studied field and does not show any significant changes as a function of distance from the central black hole on scales of a few 0.1 pc. By fitting theoretical luminosity functions to the KLF, we derive the star formation history of the nuclear star cluster. We find that about 80% of the original star formation took place 10 Gyr ago or longer, followed by a largely quiescent phase that lasted for more than 5 Gyr. We clearly detect the presence of intermediate-age stars of about 3 Gyr in age. This event makes up about 15% of the originally formed stellar mass of the cluster. A few percent of the stellar mass formed in the past few 100 Myr. Our results appear to be inconsistent with a quasi-continuous star formation history. The mean metallicity of the stars is consistent with being slightly super solar. The stellar density increases exponentially towards Sgr A* at all magnitudes between Ks = 15−19. We also show that the precise properties of the stellar cusp around Sgr A* are hard to determine because the star formation history suggests that the star counts can be significantly contaminated, at all magnitudes, by stars that are too young to be dynamically relaxed. We find that the probability of observing any young (non-millisecond) pulsar in a tight orbit around Sgr A* and beamed towards Earth is very low. We argue that typical globular clusters, such as they are observed in and around the Milky Way today, have probably not contributed to the nuclear cluster’s mass in any significant way. The nuclear cluster may have formed following major merger events in the early history of the Milky Way.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Operationalization of the Water-Environment-Energy-Food (WE2F) Nexus: Case Study of the Upper Niger Basin and Inner Niger Delta, West Africa
Authors: Seidou Ousmane , Maiga Fatoumata , Ringler Claudia , Kalcic Spela , Ferrini Luca
Published: August 2020

The ever-increasing demand for water, food, and energy is putting unsustainable pressure on natural resources worldwide, often leading to environmental degradation that, in turn, affect water, food, and energy security. The recognition of the complex interlinkages between multiple sectors has led to the creation of various holistic approaches to environmental decision making such as Integrated Natural Resources Management (INRM), Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), Virtual Water (VW), Water Footprint (WF) and lately the Food-EnergyEnvironment-Water nexus (WE2F). All these approaches aim to increase resource use efficiency and promote sustainability by increasing the cooperation between traditionally disjoint sectors, and mainly differ by the number and relative weights of the sectors included in their framework. They also suffer from the same face and the same barriers for implementation, some of which may never be fully overcome. The paper discusses the benefits of adopting a WE2F nexus approach in the Upper Niger Basin (UNB) and the Inner Niger Delta (IND), but also the multiple difficulties associated with its practical implementation. IWRM/WE2F initiatives in the UNB/IND such as the BAMGIRE project piloted by Wetlands International and funded by the Dutch Embassy in Mali to secure livelihoods and biodiversity in a changing environment, is taken as an example of partial success in the use of a nexus approach to watershed management. It was shown there are multiple barriers to the operational implementation of the WE2F. However, while a full understanding of all interlinkage between sectors may never be possible, data collection, scientific research and model development can improve our ability to understand the complex system in which we live, and hence take better decisions
Spatial and temporal rainfall variability and erosivity: Case of the Issen watershed, SW-Morocco
Authors: Ait Haddou Mohamed , Kabbachi Belkacem , Aydda Ali , Gougni Hicham , Bouchriti Youssef
Published: August 2020

The Issen basin is a dry area affected by climate variability and desertification. It is located in high spot of Moroccan flora biodiversity that includes argan tree ecosystem as a part of the Western High Atlas (WHA). The objective of this work is to assess rainfall variability and erosivity as determining factors of soil erosion and vegetation cover degradation. The results reveal an arid to superior semi-arid climate where annual rainfall range from 200 mm in the centre of the Argana corridor, to 500 mm in the snow-covered northern foothills. The analysis of the 37 years of rainfall data indicate a coefficient of variation Cvis about67%. The erosivity index presents a high variability range from 34 to more than 81 MJ.mm/ha.h.yr in the wettest areas, indicating considerable soil erosion. In addition, the basin suffering from severe periods of drought due to the occurrence of the continuous decrease of the accumulated precipitation. Eventually, the rainfall variability and erosivity can affect ecosystem function and services (ecosystem degradation, water availability, etc).
Modeling filter material with an orthotropic structure based on woven mesh
Authors: Ilyushchanka Aliaksandr , Charniak Iryna , Kaptsevich Vyacheslav , Korneeva Valeria , Kusin Ruslan , Zakrevsky Igar , Chuhayeu Pavel
Published: August 2020

A description is given of a filter material with an orthotropic structure based on woven mesh; its advantages are considered, and design options for filter elements from this material are given that are of practical interest for cleaning various liquids, including transmission ones. A model is proposed and the results of calculations of the structural and hydrodynamic properties of a filter material with an orthotropic structure based on woven mesh are presented.
Split variational inclusions for Bregman multivalued maximal monotone operators
Authors: Abbas Mujahid , Gürsoy Faik , Ibrahim Yusuf , Khan Abdul Rahim
Published: August 2020

We introduce a new algorithm to approximate a solution of split variational inclusion problems of multivalued maximal monotone operators in uniformly convex and uniformly smooth Banach spaces under the Bregman distance. A strong convergence theorem for the above problem is established and several important known results are deduced as corollaries to it. As application, we solve a split minimization problem and provide a numerical example to support better findings of our result.
„Zur Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Familie bei
Beschäftigten einer Universitätsfrauenklinik“ –
Auswertung einer systematischen Berufsgruppen-übergreifenden
Befragung
Authors: Jerg-Bretzke Lucia , Karremann Mona , Beschoner Petra , de Gregorio Nikolaus , Janni Wolfgang , Ebner Florian , Rottler Edit , Walter Steffen , de Gregorio Amelie
Published: August 2020

Im Zuge der zunehmenden Arbeitsverdichtung sowie Schichtdienstarbeit sind
Beschäftigte im Medizinsektor häufig einem Interrollenkonflikt
ausgesetzt. Gerade die Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Familie ist ein wichtiger
Faktor für nachhaltige Mitarbeiterzufriedenheit,
Leistungsfähigkeit und Gesundheit. Im Rahmen des
Qualitätsmanagements erfolgte im Sommer 2017 eine anonyme und
freiwillige Befragung aller Beschäftigten der
Universitätsfrauenklinik Ulm. Dabei wurde ein standardisierter
Fragebogen zur Arbeitszufriedenheit sowie Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf
ausgegeben, indem u.a die Work-Family-Conflict (WFC) und Family-Work-Conflict
(FWC) Scale verwendet wurde. Die Rücklaufquote betrug 63%
(n=136). Als „Medizinisches Personal“ (n=115)
wurde der Zusammenschluss aus Arzt/Ärztin (n=33), Pflege
(n=53) und Hebammen (n=31) definiert. Zwischen
Beschäftigten mit (n=73) und ohne Kind (n=59) fand sich
kein signifikanter Unterscheid im WFC sowie FWC. Die Gruppe der
Pflegekräfte/Hebammen sowie Ärzte hatte einen
signifikant höheren Interrollenkonflikt (p<0,001) als die Gruppe
Verwaltung/Sonstige. Es zeigte sich sowohl für den WFC als auch
den FWC ein signifikanter negativer Zusammenhang mit dem Faktor
Arbeitszufriedenheit. Vor allem die Gruppe Pflege/Hebammen weist
hinsichtlich des Interrollenkonflikts eine signifikant höhere Belastung
als die Gruppe der Verwaltung auf. Der negative Zusammenhang von WFC/FWC
mit dem Faktor Arbeitszufriedenheit deutet auf einen hohen Handlungsbedarf hin.
Gerade vor dem Hintergrund des Pflege- und Hebammenmangels in Kliniken muss dies
effektiv und zeitnah geschehen.
Analytical Method Development and Validation of UV-visible
Spectrophotometric Method for the Estimation of Vildagliptin in Gastric
Medium
Authors: Kumari Beena , Khansili Aparna
Published: August 2020

Background Vildagliptin is an antidiabetic agent, belongs to the
dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitors.

Objective The aim of investigation was to develop a simple UV-visible
Spectrophotometric method for the determination of vildagliptin in its pure form
and pharmaceutical formulations, further to validate the developed method.

Material and Methods Vildagliptin was estimated using UV-Visible double
beam spectrophotometer at the wavelength of maximum absorption (210 nm) in
acidic medium containing 0.1N HCl. The drug was characterized by melting point,
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR)
techniques. The analysis of the drug was carried out by novel UV-Visible method
which was validated analytical parameters like linearity, precision, and
accuracy as per guidelines laid down by International Conference on
Harmonization (ICH).

Result Melting point of drug was found 154°C which is corresponds
to its actual melting range. Similarly by the interpretation of spectra the drug
was confirmed. The linear response for concentration range of 5–60
µg/ml of vildagliptin was recorded with regression coefficient
0.999. The accuracy was found between 98–101%. Precision for
intraday and interday was found to be 1.263 and 1.162 respectively, which are
within the limits. To establish the sensitivity of the method, limit of
detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were determined which were
found to be 0.951 µg/ml and 2.513 µg/ml
respectively.

Conclusion The UV method developed and validated for vildagliptin drug
was found to be linear, accurate, precise and economical which can be used for
the testing of its pharmaceutical formulations.
Outcomes of Pulmonary Endarterectomy Operation Concomitant with Cardiac Procedures
Authors: Erdem Hasan , Korun Oktay , Yanartaş Mehmed , Taş Serpil , Erden Benay , Yerlikhan Onur , Erkilinç Atakan , Kaymaz Cihangir , Sunar Hasan , Yildizeli Bedrettin
Published: August 2020

Background The aim of this study was to analyze the results of pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) performed simultaneously with additional cardiac procedures in a single tertiary-level center.

Methods Data of patients who underwent PEA with additional cardiac procedures for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) in our clinic were retrospectively reviewed using patient records.

Results Between March 2011 and April 2019, 56 patients underwent PEA with additional cardiac surgery. The most common additional procedure was coronary artery bypass grafting (21 patients; 38%). The median intensive care unit and hospital stays were 4 (3–6) days and 10 (8–14) days. Mortality was recorded in six patients (11%). In multivariate analysis, only preoperative pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (p = 0.02; odds ratio [OR]: 1.003) and cardiopulmonary bypass duration (p = 0.02; OR: 1.028) were associated with mortality. When the cutoff value of 1000 dyn.s.cm−5 was taken in the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, preoperative PVR predicted mortality with 83% sensitivity and 94% specificity (area under curve = 0.89; p < 0.01).

Conclusion PEA for CTEPH may be performed safely with other cardiac operations. This type of surgery is a complex procedure that should be performed only in expert centers. Patients with high preoperative PVR are at increased risk of perioperative complications.
Effect of elastic modulus on inertial displacement of cell-like particles in microchannels
Authors: Dubay R. , Fiering J. , Darling E. M.
Published: August 2020

Label-free microfluidic-based cell sorters leverage innate differences among cells (e.g., size and stiffness), to separate one cell type from another. This sorting step is crucial for many cell-based applications. Polystyrene-based microparticles (MPs) are the current gold standard for calibrating flow-based cell sorters and analyzers; however, the deformation behavior of these rigid materials is drastically different from that of living cells. Given this discrepancy in stiffness, an alternative calibration particle that better reflects cell elasticity is needed for the optimization of new and existing microfluidic devices. Here, we describe the fabrication of cell-like, mechanically tunable MPs and demonstrate their utility in quantifying differences in inertial displacement within a microfluidic constriction device as a function of particle elastic modulus, for the first time. Monodisperse, fluorescent, cell-like microparticles that replicate the size and modulus of living cells were fabricated from polyacrylamide within a microfluidic droplet generator and characterized via optical and atomic force microscopy. Trajectories of our cell-like MPs were mapped within the constriction device to predict where living cells of similar size/modulus would move. Calibration of the device with our MPs showed that inertial displacement depends on both particle size and modulus, with large/soft MPs migrating further toward the channel centerline than small/stiff MPs. The mapped trajectories also indicated that MP modulus contributed proportionally more to particle displacement than size, for the physiologically relevant ranges tested. The large shift in focusing position quantified here emphasizes the need for physiologically relevant, deformable MPs for calibrating and optimizing microfluidic separation platforms.
Near-IR nanosensors help blind mice see
Authors: Miller Johanna L.
Published: August 2020

When blindness sets in gradually, the patient’s remaining vision can hinder prospective treatments. In a new experimental strategy, researchers turn to a different wavelength.
Nanotubes from layered transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Musfeldt Janice L. , Iwasa Yoshihiro , Tenne Reshef
Published: August 2020

The two-dimensional materials form one- and zero-dimensional hollow structures with a host of promising mechanical, optical, and electrical properties.
The warmth of wind power
Authors: Miller Lee
Published: August 2020

As wind turbines harvest energy, they redistribute heat in the lower atmosphere. Farmers have been exploiting the effect for decades.
Patient-delivered partner therapy for chlamydia in Australia: can it become part of routine care?
Authors: Goller Jane L. , Coombe Jacqueline , Bourne Christopher , Bateson Deborah , Temple-Smith Meredith , Tomnay Jane , Vaisey Alaina , Chen Marcus Y. , O'Donnell Heather , Groos Anita , Sanci Lena , Hocking Jane
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
Patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) is a method for an index patient to give treatment for genital chlamydia to their sexual partner(s) directly. In Australia, PDPT is considered suitable for heterosexual partners of men and women, but is not uniformly endorsed. We explored the policy environment for PDPT in Australia and considered how PDPT might become a routine option. Methods: Structured interviews were conducted with 10 key informants (KIs) representing six of eight Australian jurisdictions and documents relevant to PDPT were appraised. Interview transcripts and documents were analysed together, drawing on KIs’ understanding of their jurisdiction to explore our research topics, namely the current context for PDPT, challenges, and actions needed for PDPT to become routine. Results: PDPT was allowable in three jurisdictions (Victoria, New South Wales, Northern Territory) where State governments have formally supported PDPT. In three jurisdictions (Western Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania), KIs viewed PDPT as potentially allowable under relevant prescribing regulations; however, no guidance was available. Concern about antimicrobial stewardship precluded PDPT inclusion in the South Australian strategy. For Queensland, KIs viewed PDPT as not allowable under current prescribing regulations and, although a Medicine and Poisons Act was passed in 2019, it is unclear if PDPT will be possible under new regulations. Clarifying the doctor–partner treating relationship and clinical guidance within a care standard were viewed as crucial for PDPT uptake, irrespective of regulatory contexts. Conclusion: Endorsement and guidance are essential so doctors can confidently and routinely offer PDPT in respect to professional standards and regulatory requirements.
Energetics and kinetics of substrate analog-coupled staphylococcal nuclease folding revealed by a statistical mechanical approach
Authors: Mizukami Takuya , Furuzawa Shunta , Itoh Satoru G. , Segawa Saho , Ikura Teikichi , Ihara Kunio , Okumura Hisashi , Roder Heinrich , Maki Kosuke
Published: August 2020

Significance

The structural/energetic basis of ligand binding-coupled protein conformational changes remains elusive. There are two limiting scenarios: conformational selection (CS) and induced-fit (IF). The difference is whether the ligand binds to the protein before (IF) or after (CS) the conformational change. To elucidate this complex reaction, we developed a statistical mechanical model considering the physical interactions and applied it to the staphylococcal nuclease folding coupled with binding of a small-molecule ligand. Quantitative modeling revealed that a ligand-dependent CS-to-IF shift resulted from the stabilization of the compact transition state by Coulombic interactions causing a change in the reaction flux ratio. The model was supported by experimental/computational evidence for transient formation of an encounter complex of the ligand with a denatured protein state.
The esophageal gland mediates host immune evasion by the human parasiteSchistosoma mansoni
Authors: Lee Jayhun , Chong Tracy , Newmark Phillip A.
Published: August 2020

Significance

Schistosomes are parasitic flatworms infecting hundreds of millions of people. As they alternate between mammalian and molluscan hosts, their survival and propagation depend upon stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Tracking the fate of these stem cells during early intramammalian development, we find that the esophageal gland, an accessory digestive organ, develops before the rest of the digestive system is formed and feeding begins, suggesting a role for this organ beyond nutrient uptake. We show that schistosomes lacking the esophageal gland die in naive mice but survive in immunodeficient mice lacking B cells; they are unable to lyse ingested immune cells before passing them into the gut. These results unveil an immune-evasion mechanism, which is essential for schistosome survival and pathogenesis.