bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacteriophage host range evolution through engineered enrichment bias, exploiting heterologous surface receptor expression
Authors: Zeng Ziyue , Salmond George P. C. 
Published: August 2020

SummaryResearch on the initial phage–host interaction has been conducted on a limited repertoire of phages and their cognate receptors, such as phage λ and the Escherichia coli LamB (EcLamB) protein. Apart from phage λ, little is known about other phages that target EcLamB. Here, we developed a simple method for isolating novel environmental phages in a predictable way, i.e. isolating phages that target a particular receptor(s) of a bacterium, in this case, the EcLamB protein. A plasmid (pMUT13) encoding the EcLamB porin was transferred into three different enterobacterial genera. By enrichment with these engineered bacteria, a number of phages (ZZ phages) that targeted EcLamB were easily isolated from the environment. Interestingly, although EcLamB‐dependent in their recombinant heterologous hosts, these newly isolated ZZ phages also targeted OmpC as an alternative receptor when infecting E. coli. Moreover, the phage host range was readily extended within three different bacterial genera with heterologously expressed EcLamB. Unlike phage λ, which is a member of the Siphoviridae family, these newly isolated EcLamB‐dependent phages were more commonly members of the Myoviridae family, based on transmission electron microscopy and genomic sequences. Modifications of this convenient and efficient phage enrichment method could be useful for the discovery of novel phages.
Life in hot acid: a genome‐based reassessment of the archaeal order Sulfolobales
Authors: Counts James A. , Willard Daniel J. , Kelly Robert M. 
Published: August 2020

SummaryThe order Sulfolobales was one of the first named Archaeal lineages, with globally distributed members from terrestrial thermal acid springs (pH < 4; T > 65°C). The Sulfolobales represent broad metabolic capabilities, ranging from lithotrophy, based on inorganic iron and sulfur biotransformations, to autotrophy, to chemoheterotrophy in less acidophilic species. Components of the 3‐hydroxypropionate/4‐hydroxybutyrate carbon fixation cycle, as well as sulfur oxidation, are nearly universally conserved, although dissimilatory sulfur reduction and disproportionation (Acidianus, Stygiolobus and Sulfurisphaera) and iron oxidation (Acidianus, Metallosphaera, Sulfurisphaera, Sulfuracidifex and Sulfodiicoccus) are limited to fewer lineages. Lithotrophic marker genes appear more often in highly acidophilic lineages. Despite the presence of facultative anaerobes and one confirmed obligate anaerobe, oxidase complexes (fox, sox, dox and a new putative cytochrome bd) are prevalent in many species (even facultative/obligate anaerobes), suggesting a key role for oxygen among the Sulfolobales. The presence of fox genes tracks with a putative antioxidant OsmC family peroxiredoxin, an indicator of oxidative stress derived from mixing reactive metals and oxygen. Extreme acidophily appears to track inversely with heterotrophy but directly with lithotrophy. Recent phylogenetic re‐organization efforts are supported by the comparative genomics here, although several changes are proposed, including the expansion of the genus Saccharolobus.
Impact of a quality improvement project to reduce the rate of obstetric anal sphincter injury: a multicentre study with a stepped‐wedge design
Authors: Gurol‐Urganci I , Bidwell P , Sevdalis N , Silverton L , Novis V , Freeman R , Hellyer A , van der Meulen J , Thakar R 
Published: August 2020

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of a care bundle (antenatal information to women, manual perineal protection and mediolateral episiotomy when indicated) on obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) rates.DesignMulticentre stepped‐wedge cluster design.SettingSixteen maternity units located in four regions across England, Scotland and Wales.PopulationWomen with singleton live births between October 2016 and March 2018.MethodsStepwise region by region roll‐out every 3 months starting January 2017. The four maternity units in a region started at the same time. Multi‐level logistic regression was used to estimate the impact of the care bundle, adjusting for time trend and case‐mix factors (age, ethnicity, body mass index, parity, birthweight and mode of birth).Main outcome measuresObstetric anal sphincter injury in singleton live vaginal births.ResultsA total of 55 060 singleton live vaginal births were included (79% spontaneous and 21% operative). Median maternal age was 30 years (interquartile range 26–34 years) and 46% of women were primiparous. The OASI rate decreased from 3.3% before to 3.0% after care bundle implementation (adjusted odds ratio 0.80, 95% CI 0.65–0.98, P = 0.03). There was no evidence that the effect of the care bundle differed according to parity (P = 0.77) or mode of birth (P = 0.31). There were no significant changes in caesarean section (P = 0.19) or episiotomy rates (P = 0.16) during the study period.ConclusionsThe implementation of this care bundle reduced OASI rates without affecting caesarean section rates or episiotomy use. These findings demonstrate its potential for reducing perineal trauma during childbirth.Tweetable abstractOASI Care Bundle reduced severe perineal tear rates without affecting caesarean section rates or episiotomy use.
Portfolio allocation patterns and policy‐making effectiveness in minority coalition governments
Authors: KÖNIG THOMAS , LIN NICK 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAlthough minority coalition has become a relatively frequent form of governance, it is often considered politically ineffective in policy making. To obtain sufficient support in parliament, government bills must go through the scrutiny activities initiated by coalition partners and overcome the concerns of external support parties in opposition. By examining parliamentary scrutiny on government bills, this paper explains the surprising policy‐making effectiveness in minority coalition governments. Specifically, we argue and show that different patterns of portfolio allocation with the specific ideological locations of the ministerial office‐holder, the coalition partner and the external supporter, structure the extent to which government bills are scrutinized in parliament, and therefore, the effectiveness of the minority coalition on managing and implementing policies. We empirically examine bills initiated by 256 ministries in 13 Danish minority coalitions between 1985 and 2015, and we reveal robust evidence that corroborates our argument.
Association of blood pressure changes with survival after paramedic rapid sequence intubation in out‐of‐hospital patients with stroke
Authors: Fouche Pieter F , Jennings Paul A , Boyle Malcolm , Bernard Stephen , Smith Karen 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveRapid sequence intubation (RSI) is used to secure the airway of some patients with stroke. Recent observational studies suggest that RSI is associated with poorer survival, and that decreases in systolic blood pressure (BP) following RSI could be a cause of worse survival. The present study aims to find if decreased systolic BP after paramedic RSI is associated with poorer survival in stroke patients transported by ambulance.MethodsThe present study was a retrospective analysis of all stroke patients who received paramedic RSI attended by Ambulance Victoria, Australia. Logistic regression predicted the survival for strokes that had received RSI. The change in systolic BP during paramedic care was the main predictor.ResultsOf 43 831 patients with stroke, 882 (2%) received RSI. Almost 48% of RSI had a decline in systolic BP of more than 20% from baseline, and the decline in systolic BP after RSI was largest for intra‐cerebral haemorrhage (−22.7 mmHg) compared to ischaemic strokes (−10.1 mmHg) or subarachnoid haemorrhage (−15.6 mmHg) (P = 0.001). Sixteen percent of the RSI group had an episode of hypotension anytime during the out‐of‐hospital care. For each 10 mmHg decrease in systolic BP with RSI for intra‐cerebral haemorrhage an increase of 11% in the odds of survival is apparent (P = 0.04); for subarachnoid haemorrhage an increase of 17% (P = 0.02) and for ischaemic strokes a non‐significant decrease of 7% (P = 0.26).ConclusionsParamedic RSI‐related decrease in systolic BP is associated with improved survival in those with intra‐cerebral or subarachnoid haemorrhage but not ischaemic stroke.
Cooking, textural, and mechanical properties of rice flour‐soy protein isolate noodles prepared using combined treatments of microbial transglutaminase and glucono‐δ‐lactone
Authors: Ojukwu Moses , Tan Joo Shun , Easa Azhar Mat 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA process for enhancing textural and cooking properties of fresh rice flour‐soy protein isolate noodles (RNS) to match those of yellow alkaline noodles (YAN) was developed by incorporating microbial transglutaminase (RNS‐MTG), glucono‐δ‐lactone (RNS‐GDL), and both MTG and GDL into the RNS noodles (RNS‐COM). The formation of γ‐glutamyl‐lysine bonds in RNS‐COM and RNS‐MTG was shown by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Scanning electron microscope showed that compared to others, the structure of RNS‐COM was denser, smoother with extensive apparent interconnectivity of aggregates. The optimum cooking time was in the order: YAN > RNS‐COM > RNS‐MTG > RNS‐GDL > RN (rice flour noodles); tensile strength was in the order: YAN > RNS‐COM > RNS‐MTG > RNS‐GDL > RN; and elasticity were in the order: YAN > RNS‐COM > RNS‐MTG, RNS‐GDL > RN. Overall, RNS‐COM showed similar textural and structural breakdown parameters as compared to those of YAN. Changes in microstructures and improvement of RNS‐COM in certain properties were likely due to enhanced crosslinking of proteins attributed to MTG‐ and GDL‐induced cold gelation of proteins at reduced pH value. It is possible to use the combination of MTG and GDL to improve textural and mechanical properties of RNS comparable to those of YAN.Practical ApplicationCombined MTG and GDL yield rice flour noodles with improved textural properties.The restructured rice flour noodles have the potential to replace yellow alkaline noodles.
Stratigraphic Framework of the Cryogenian in China
Authors: YU Yang , YE Qin , ZHANG Kexin , HE Weihong , SONG Bowen , XU Yadong , KOU Xiaohu , WANG Jiaxuan , YANG Fengli 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe Cryogenian is a critical period in the history of the Earth. It is marked by multiple extreme climate changes that caused alternating global glacial and interglacial intervals. These dramatically changed the sedimentary system, and metal ores and source rocks distributed widely during this period. Therefore, studying the Cryogenian stratigraphic framework and sedimentary basins is important to improve the stratigraphic resolution for metal mineral and hydrocarbon prospecting and exploration in China. This review paper firstly divides three tectonic‐stratigraphic regions in China in the Cryogenian, including the tectonic‐stratigraphic regions of Great South China, Xingmeng‐Tarim, and North China. Secondly, geochronologic data and geological records are combined to clearly depict the Cryogenian sedimentary sequence of continental blocks and micro‐continental blocks in different tectonic‐stratigraphic regions. The results were used to propose a new comparison scheme of stratigraphy for the Cryogenian in China. Finally, according to differences of sedimentary evolution and tectonic evolvement, sedimentary basins and their lithofacies paleogeography are identified and summarized, respectively.
Deformation at the Easternmost Altyn Tagh Fault: Constraints on the Growth of the Northern Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau
Authors: ZHANG Jin , YUN Long , ZHANG Beihang , QU Junfeng , ZHAO Heng , HUI Jie , WANG Yannan , ZHANG Yiping 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHow the Altyn Tagh fault (ATF) extends eastwards is one of the key questions in the study of the growth of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. Detailed fieldwork at the easternmost part of the ATF shows that the ATF extends eastward and bypasses the Kuantan Mountain; it does not stop at the Kuantan Mountain, but connects with the northern Heishan fault in the east. The ATF does not enter the Alxa Block but extends eastward along the southern Alxa Block to the Jintanan Mountain. The Heishan fault is not a thrust fault but a sinistral strike‐slip fault with a component of thrusting and is a part of the ATF. Further to the east, the Heishan fault may connect with the Jintananshan fault. A typical strike‐slip duplex develops in the easternmost part of the ATF. The cut and deformed Quaternary sediments and displaced present gullies along the easternmost ATF indicate that it is an active fault. The local highest Mountain (i.e., the Kuantan Mountain) in the region forms in a restraining bend of the ATF due to the thrusting and uplifting. The northward growth of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau and the active deformation in South Mongolia are realized by sinistral strike‐slipping on a series of NE–SW‐trending faults and thrusting in restraining bends along the strike‐slip faults with the northeastward motion of blocks between these faults.
Zircon U–Pb Ages and Lu–Hf Isotope of the Dongchuan Group in Central Yunnan, China, and their Geological Significance
Authors: HAN Kunying , ZHANG Heng , DING Xiaozhong , REN Liudong , SHI Chenglong , PANG Jianfeng 
Published: August 2020

AbstractOn the southwestern margin of the Yangtze Block, the Dongchuan Group consists of slightly metamorphosed sedimentary rocks, including silty slate, argillaceous slate, clayey slate, arkose, dolomite, and minor volcanic rocks. To date, it is still a controversy over the depositional age and stratigraphic sequence of the Dongchuan Group. In this study, we analyzed five samples of meta‐sedimentary rocks and one sample of meta‐tuff from the Yinmin, Luoxue and Etouchang Formations of the Dongchuan Group in the Yuxi region for detrital zircon U‐Pb ages and Lu‐Hf isotope. The detrital zircon ages of the meta‐sediments vary from 3073 to 1703 Ma, mainly clustered at three periods, from 1889 to 1840, 2490 to 2008 and 2878 to 2844 Ma. The youngest age peak of all the samples is ∼1859 Ma, with the∊Hf(t) values of the zircons ranging from –20.3 to +4.3 and more than 90% being negative, indicating that the Paleoproterozoic crustal accretion on the southwestern margin of the Yangtze Block was dominated by reworking of the ancient crustal materials involved in the assembly and breakup of the Columbia supercontinent. Another important age range is between 2490 Ma and 2008 Ma, with∊Hf(t) values from –14.7 to +8.9 and 70% of them are negative, suggesting that the magmatism in the source area was also dominated by reworking and recycling of the ancient crustal materials, with minor juvenile mantle substances added. The detritus was probably derived from the Paleoproterozoic crystalline basement in the southern Yuxi region. The oldest peak age is ∼2847 Ma and the∊Hf(t) values are from –7.7 to +7.0 with 50% of both positive and negative values, demonstrating a possible ∼2.85 Ga ancient continental nucleus on the southwestern margin of the Yangtze Block and substantial growth in juvenile crust materials during this period. Besides, the weighted average age of the zircons from the meta‐tuff of the Etouchang Formation is 1677 ± 14 Ma. Combining the previous research data and this study, we can constrain the depositional age of the Dongchuan Group in central Yunnan Province to the period from the late Paleoproterozoic to early Mesoproterozoic, slightly earlier than that of the Dongchuan Group in the Dongchuan area near to the southwestern Sichuan Province. The depositional age of the Dongchuan Group is older than that of the Kunyang Group.
Quaternary Stratigraphic Division and Paleoenvironmental Evolution Observed from Core LZK1 on Hengsha Island, Shanghai
Authors: KE Xue , XIE Jianlei , ZHANG Zongyan , ZOU Yarui , WANG Guoquan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe Quaternary sediments in the Yangtze delta are loose and lack precise stratification marks in the lithology. Moreover, due to the limitations of dating methods, it is difficult for Quaternary cores to deliver accurate age constraints. Thus, it is a challenge to establish the Quaternary stratigraphic framework. Gravity core LZK1 was drilled on Hengsha Island, Shanghai, in the Yangtze delta, in 2012. The core was terminated at 403.83 m below the local land surface, the uppermost 291.2 m comprising a thick sequence of Quaternary sediments. This study investigated the stratigraphic subdivision and paleoenvironmental change of the Quaternary sediments. From bottom to top, the Quaternary stratigraphic sequence can be subdivided into the lower Pleistocene Anting Formation, Middle Pleistocene Jiading Formation, Upper Pleistocene Chuansha Formation and Nanhui Formation, Holocene Loutang Formation, Shanghai Formation, and Rudong Formation. According to this study, the Hengsha Island area was dominated by a freshwater lacustrine environment during the early Pleistocene, an alternation of shallow lake and shore lake environment during the Middle Pleistocene, a delta plain to lagoonal environment during the early Upper Pleistocene, a fluvial channel to floodplain environment from the LGM (Last Glacial Maximum) to the end of the Upper Pleistocene, and a delta environment during the Holocene.
Sedimentary Paleoenvironment of the Eastern Hexi Corridor, NW China: Constraints from Chert Geochemistry and Sedimentary Analysis of Early Paleozoic Strata
Authors: ZHANG Yiping , CHEN Xuanhua , ZUZA A.V. , ZHANG Beihang , ZHAO Heng 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe eastern Hexi Corridor, northwest China, is located at the tectonic junction of the Alxa Block, the North China Craton, and the Qinling‐Qilian Orogen. The early Paleozoic Xiangshan Group record critical information regarding paleoenvironment, paleoclimate and paleotectonic setting, from which we here present a focused study on the chert beds within the Xiangshan Group. Through field mapping, microstructural observation, whole‐rock geochemistry analyses and detrital zircon dating, we suggest that the Xiangshan Group chert was deposited along a passive continental margin, formed primarily through biological activity with minor hydrothermal influence and terrestrial input. The characteristics of the chert support a low latitude sedimentary paleoenvironmental origin, and reveal the fact that the Alxa Block was separated from the North China craton, while emerged some paleogeographic affinity with the Qilian region in the Middle‐Late Cambrian.
Diet composition of an opportunistic predator from an upwelling area in the Southeastern Pacific
Authors: Sarmiento‐Devia Ricardo , Sepúlveda Maritza , Pavez Guido , Valdés Jorge , Canto Anahí , Orellana Muriel , Oliva Doris 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to use scat analysis to analyse the dietary composition of the South American sea lion (SASL, Otaria byronia) over a short temporal scale and in different but closely located colonies in the Humboldt Current System of northern Chile. Scat samples were collected at Arica (18°34′S), Iquique (20°48′S) and Mejillones (23°04′S) during the summer (January to March) and winter (July) of 2015. A total of 16 595 individual prey items from nine species were found in 194 of the 215 scat samples. In general, squat lobster (Pleuroncodes monodon) was the most important prey item for the sea lion diet, both by number and according to the index of relative importance (%IRI), followed by anchovy (Engraulis ringens), which was the most frequent prey item in the scats and the most important by weight. Patagonian squid (Loligo gahi) ranked third in importance in the sea lion diet. However, some spatiotemporal variations in the consumption of prey were found. Squat lobster was the most important prey for sea lions in Arica and Iquique, while anchovy was the dominant prey in Mejillones. Regarding seasonal variation, squat lobster was more important in winter than in summer in the three localities, while anchovy was also more important during winter, except in Mejillones where the levels of consumption of this prey were similar in both seasons. These results show that SASL adjust their dietary preferences, modifying the contribution of different prey both spatially and temporally. Spatiotemporal variations in the SASL diet can be explained by temporal changes in the distribution and abundance of their prey.
Relationships among the corpus luteum, follicles and conceptus in sheep
Authors: Ali Ahmed , Derar Derar R. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the intra‐ and interovarian relationships among the corpus luteum (CL), the largest follicle (LF) and follicular population in non‐pregnant and between the conceptus and ovarian structures in pregnant ewes. In experiment 1, the follicular and luteal structures were examined in 538 reproductive systems of non‐pregnant Awassi ewes. The follicular population was categorised into small (SF), medium (MF) and large (LF) groups. Inter‐relationships between CL and follicular population and between LF and subordinate follicles were determined. In experiment 2, the location and number of conceptuses were identified and correlated with the ovarian structures in 58 reproductive systems of pregnant ewes. Effects of pregnancy status, stage of pregnancy, pregnancy side and conceptual number on follicular population were determined. The results showed that the right ovary was more active than the left ovary. CL had intraovarian positive effect on the number of medium and large follicles. LF had no local suppressive effect on the subordinate follicles. Side and stage of pregnancy and the conceptual number did not affect the follicular population. Accordingly, it can be concluded that the LF has no local suppressive effect on the subordinate follicles. The CL has intraovarian positive effect on the follicular population. Follicular population does not show remarkable changes during the first term of pregnancy. The present study probably provides information which may help in the understanding of the ovarian dynamics during pregnancy in sheep.
RT‐PCR analysis of mRNA revealed the splice‐altering effect of rare intronic variants in monogenic disorders
Authors: Zhang Xia , Qiu Wenjuan , Liu Huili , Ye Xiantao , Sun Yu , Fan Yanjie , Yu Yongguo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundVariants perturbing the normal splicing of pre‐mRNA can lead to human diseases. The splice‐altering effect and eventual consequence on gene function was sometimes uncertain and hinders a definitive molecular diagnosis.MethodsThe impact of four rare intronic variants on splicing was analyzed through reverse transcription ‐ polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis of mRNA derived from the peripheral blood of patients. The results were compared with in‐silico prediction. Potential implication on molecular diagnosis was discussed.ResultsFour rare intronic variants of SLC9A6, DLG3, GAA, and OCRL were identified in patients with suspected disorders, respectively. Although these four variants were all predicted to alter splicing by in‐silico tools, RT‐PCR analysis of mRNA derived from peripheral blood showed these variants affected splicing in different ways: c.899+3_899+6del of SLC9A6 resulted in one‐exon skipping and an out‐of‐frame transcript; c.905‐2A > G of DLG3 resulted in a mix of in‐frame transcripts; c.1195‐11T > A of GAA resulted in the in‐frame insertion of nine nucleotides; c.723‐2A > C of OCRL resulted in one‐exon skipping and in‐frame deletion of 102 nucleotides. The consequence revealed by mRNA analysis is essential for accurate interpretation of pathogenicity.ConclusionFour intronic variants all caused aberrant mRNA splicing. For intronic variants with uncertain impact on splicing, mRNA analysis is helpful for ascertainment of alternative splicing and accurate interpretation of pathogenicity.