bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatially explicit models as tools for implementing effective management strategies for invasive alien mammals
Authors: Bertolino Sandro , Sciandra Chiara , Bosso Luciano , Russo Danilo , Lurz Peter W.W. , Di Febbraro Mirko 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Invasive alien species are major drivers of global change that can have severe impacts on biodiversity and human well‐being. Management strategies implemented to mitigate these impacts are based on a hierarchical approach, from prevention of invasion, via early warning and rapid response, to invasive species management.

We evaluated how different classes of spatially explicit models have been used as predictive tools to improve the effectiveness of management strategies. A review of literature published between 2000 and 2019 was undertaken to retrieve studies addressing alien mammal species through these models.

We collected 62 studies, dealing with 70 (27%) of the 261 mammal species that are considered to be introduced worldwide. Most of the studies dealt with species from the orders Rodentia (34%), Artiodactyla and Carnivora (both 24%); the most commonly studied families were Sciuridae (13%) and Muridae (12%).

Most of the studies (73%) provided spatial predictions of potential species spread, while only ca. 15% of the studies included evaluations of management options. About 29% of the studies were considered useful in risk assessment procedures, but only because they presented climatic suitability predictions worldwide, while studies modelling suitability before a species was introduced locally are still lacking for mammals. With some exceptions, spatially explicit population models are still little used, probably because of the perceived need for detailed information on life history parameters.

Spatially explicit models have been used in relatively few studies dealing with invasive mammals, and most of them covered a restricted pool of species. Most of the studies used climate matching to evaluate the suitability of geographic areas worldwide or the possibility of species that were already established spreading further. Modelling procedures could be a useful tool to assess the risk of establishment for species not yet present in an area but likely to arrive; however, such studies are lacking for mammals.
Through the impact glass: Insight into the evolution of melt at the Mistastin Lake impact structure
Authors: Hill Patrick J. A. , Osinski Gordon R. , Banerjee Neil R. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBy analyzing impact glass, the evolution of the impact melt at the Mistastin Lake impact structure was investigated. Impact glass clasts are present in a range of impactites, including polymict breccias and clast‐rich impact melt rock, and from a variety of settings within the crater. From the glass clasts analyzed, three petrographic subtypes of impact glass were identified based on their clast content, prevalence of schlieren, color, texture, and habit. Several alteration phases were also observed replacing glass and infilling vesicles; however, textural observations and quantified compositional data allowed for the identification of pristine impact glass. Although the various types of glasses show significant overlap in their major oxide composition, several subtle variations in the major oxide chemistry of the glass were observed. To investigate this variation, a least‐squares mixing model was implemented utilizing the composition of the glass and the known target rock chemistry to model the initial melt composition. Additionally, image analysis of the glass clasts was used to investigate whether the compositional variations correlated to textural difference in the lithologies. We propose that the textural and compositional dichotomy observed is a product of the evolution, assimilation, and emplacement of the glass. The dichotomy is reflective of the melt either being ballistically emplaced (group 2 glasses: occurring in melt‐poor polymict breccias at lowermost stratigraphic position outside the transient crater) or the result of late‐stage melt flows (group 1 glasses, occurring in melt‐bearing polymict breccias and impact melt rocks at higher stratigraphic positions outside the transient crater).
Amorphous silicates in the matrix of Semarkona: The first evidence for the localized preservation of pristine matrix materials in the most unequilibrated ordinary chondrites
Authors: Dobrică E. , Brearley A. J. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe have investigated the fine‐grained matrix of the least‐altered unequilibrated ordinary chondrite (UOC) Semarkona (LL3.00) using different electron microscope techniques. Unlike previous studies, which found that the matrix of Semarkona was extensively altered to phyllosilicates, we have discovered the widespread occurrence of much more pristine amorphous silicates in the sample that we have studied. Detailed TEM study shows that these materials occur pervasively in the matrix as (1) continuous groundmass; (2) distinct, circular to subrounded features, which contain nanometric‐size sulfides and carbides; or (3) distinct objects containing parallel, linear features composed of sulfides and voids. These amorphous silicates have many textural and compositional similarities to the occurrences of amorphous silicates found in pristine carbonaceous chondrites (CCs); however, minor differences were also identified. Most of the textural and chemical differences suggest that these materials formed at different times and locations in the solar nebula, compared to matrix materials in CCs. Nevertheless, their occurrence suggests that the amorphous silicates in Semarkona formed by similar processes to those proposed for amorphous silicates in CCs, that is, rapid cooling that favored disequilibrium condensation of material evaporated during chondrule‐forming events. In addition, the occurrence of minimally altered amorphous silicates in Semarkona demonstrates that the effects of aqueous alteration, which have been widely described in this meteorite, are not pervasive. Instead, our new observations demonstrate that aqueous alteration has affected Semarkona heterogeneously and that locally, regions of much more pristine matrix that have escaped extensive alteration are still preserved within this meteorite. Such materials provide significant new insights into the pristine characteristics of ordinary chondrite matrix material that has not been previously available.
Chemical and physical properties of Žďár nad Sázavou L chondrite and porosity differentiation using computed tomography
Authors: Kalasová Dominika , Zikmund Tomáš , Spurný Pavel , Haloda Jakub , Borovička Jiří , Kaiser Jozef 
Published: March 2020

AbstractA very bright and long bolide was observed over the eastern part of the Czech Republic during late local evening on December 9, 2014. This bolide was recorded by professional instruments in the Czech part of the European Fireball Network. Three meteorites weighing in total 87 g were found in the predicted area and were named Žďár nad Sázavou. The complete material composition of the meteorite was obtained from one cut‐off piece using petrography, mineralogy, and scanning electron microscopy (together with X‐ray energy dispersive spectroscopy and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy). X‐ray computed tomography (CT) was applied on all pieces for the determination of their grain and bulk density, digitization of shape, and examination of the structural homogeneity. CT has proved its important role for nondestructive exploration of brecciated meteorites formed by distinct lithologies or petrological types. In this article, we discuss its limits in terms of structural and material resolution based on the correlation of state‐of‐the‐art CT data and SEM images. Furthermore, we introduce a new way of air cavity quantification, which distinguishes the natural porosity of meteorite and cracks related to erosion processes. This helps to discuss the presence of weathering products based on comparison of the meteorite pieces found at different times after impact.
Comparative and population genomics approaches reveal the basis of adaptation to deserts in a small rodent
Authors: Tigano Anna , Colella Jocelyn P. , MacManes Matthew D. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOrganisms that live in deserts offer the opportunity to investigate how species adapt to environmental conditions that are lethal to most plants and animals. In the hot deserts of North America, high temperatures and lack of water are conspicuous challenges for organisms living there. The cactus mouse (Peromyscus eremicus) displays several adaptations to these conditions, including low metabolic rate, heat tolerance, and the ability to maintain homeostasis under extreme dehydration. To investigate the genomic basis of desert adaptation in cactus mice, we built a chromosome‐level genome assembly and resequenced 26 additional cactus mouse genomes from two locations in southern California (USA). Using these data, we integrated comparative, population, and functional genomic approaches. We identified 16 gene families exhibiting significant contractions or expansions in the cactus mouse compared to 17 other Myodontine rodent genomes, and found 232 sites across the genome associated with selective sweeps. Functional annotations of candidate gene families and selective sweeps revealed a pervasive signature of selection at genes involved in the synthesis and degradation of proteins, consistent with the evolution of cellular mechanisms to cope with protein denaturation caused by thermal and hyperosmotic stress. Other strong candidate genes included receptors for bitter taste, suggesting a dietary shift towards chemically defended desert plants and insects, and a growth factor involved in lipid metabolism, potentially involved in prevention of dehydration. Understanding how species adapted to deserts will provide an important foundation for predicting future evolutionary responses to increasing temperatures, droughts and desertification in the cactus mouse and other species.
A lamin‐like protein OsNMCP1 regulates drought resistance and root growth through chromatin accessibility modulation by interacting with a chromatin remodeller OsSWI3C in rice
Authors: Yang Jun , Chang Yu , Qin Yonghua , Chen Dijun , Zhu Tao , Peng Kaiqing , Wang Huaijun , Tang Ning , Li Xiaokai , Wang Yusen , Liu Yinmeng , Li Xianghua , Xie Weibo , Xiong Lizhong 
Published: March 2020

Summary

Lamin proteins in animals are implicated in important nuclear functions, including chromatin organization, signalling transduction, gene regulation and cell differentiation. Nuclear Matrix Constituent Proteins (NMCPs) are lamin analogues in plants, but their regulatory functions remain largely unknown.

We report that OsNMCP1 is localized at the nuclear periphery in rice (Oryza sativa) and induced by drought stress. OsNMCP1 overexpression resulted in a deeper and thicker root system, and enhanced drought resistance compared to the wild‐type control. An assay for transposase accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC‐seq) analysis revealed that OsNMCP1‐overexpression altered chromatin accessibility in hundreds of genes related to drought resistance and root growth, including OsNAC10, OsERF48, OsSGL, SNAC1 and OsbZIP23.

OsNMCP1 can interact with SWITCH/SUCROSE NONFERMENTING (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodelling complex subunit OsSWI3C. The reported drought resistance or root growth‐related genes that were positively regulated by OsNMCP1 were negatively regulated by OsSWI3C under drought stress conditions, and OsSWI3C overexpression led to decreased drought resistance.

We propose that the interaction between OsNMCP1 and OsSWI3C under drought stress conditions may lead to the release of OsSWI3C from the SWI/SNF gene silencing complex, thus changing chromatin accessibility in the genes related to root growth and drought resistance.
Cytokinin‐induced protein synthesis suppresses growth and osmotic stress tolerance
Authors: Karunadasa Sumudu S. , Kurepa Jasmina , Shull Timothy E. , Smalle Jan A. 
Published: March 2020

Summary

Cytokinins control critical aspects of plant development and environmental responses. Perception of cytokinin ultimately leads to the activation of proteins belonging to the type‐B Response Regulator family of cytokinin response activators. In Arabidopsis thaliana, ARR1 is one of the most abundantly expressed type‐B Response Regulators.

We investigated the link between cytokinin signaling, protein synthesis, plant growth and osmotic stress tolerance.

We show that the increased cytokinin signaling in ARR1 gain‐of‐function transgenic lines is associated with increased rates of protein synthesis, which lead to growth inhibition and hypersensitivity to osmotic stress. Cytokinin‐induced growth inhibition and osmotic stress hypersensitivity were rescued by treatments with ABA, a hormone known to inhibit protein synthesis. We also demonstrate that cytokinin‐induced protein synthesis requires isoforms of the ribosomal protein L4 encoded by the cytokinin‐inducible genes RPL4A and RPL4D, and that RPL4 loss‐of‐function increases osmotic stress tolerance and decreases sensitivity to cytokinin‐induced growth inhibition.

These findings reveal that an increase in protein synthesis negatively impacts growth and osmotic stress tolerance and explain some of the adverse effects of elevated cytokinin action on plant development and stress physiology.
Individualized concept for the treatment of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Miura Kenichiro , Sato Yasuyuki , Yabuuchi Tomoo , Kaneko Naoto , Ishizuka Kiyonobu , Chikamoto Hiroko , Akioka Yuko , Nawashiro Yuri , Hisano Masataka , Imamura Hideaki , Miyai Takayuki , Sakamoto Seisuke , Kasahara Mureo , Fuchinoue Shohei , Okumi Masayoshi , Ishida Hideki , Tanabe Kazunari , Hattori Motoshi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractManagement of children with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) who develop end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) remains challenging because of concomitant liver disease. Patients with recurrent cholangitis are candidates for liver‐kidney transplantation, while the treatment for patients with splenomegaly and pancytopenia due to portal hypertension is controversial. Herein, we report 7 children who were treated using an individualized treatment strategy stratified by liver disease. Two patients with recurrent cholangitis underwent sequential liver‐kidney transplantation, while 4 patients with splenomegaly and pancytopenia but without recurrent cholangitis underwent splenectomy followed by isolated kidney transplantation. The remaining patient, who did not have cholangitis and pancytopenia, underwent isolated kidney transplantation. Blood cell counts were normalized after splenectomy was performed at the median age of 8.7 (range, 7.4‐11.7) years. Kidney transplantation was performed at the median age of 8.8 (range, 1.9‐14.7) years in all patients. Overwhelming post‐splenectomy infections and cholangitis did not occur during the median follow‐up period of 6.3 (range, 1.0‐13.2) years. The estimated glomerular filtration rate at the last follow‐up was 53 (range, 35‐107) mL/min/1.73 m2. No graft loss occurred. Our individualized treatment strategy stratified by recurrent cholangitis and pancytopenia can be a feasible strategy for children with ARPKD who develop ESRD and warrants further evaluation.
Cereal production, undernourishment, and food insecurity in South Asia
Authors: Mughal Mazhar , Fontan Sers Charlotte 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSouth Asia remains one of the major strongholds of hunger in the world, despite the fact that, following the Green Revolution, cereal production in the countries of this region tripled during the second half of the 20th century. This study examines the role played by this increase in cereal production in improving the region’s nutrition and food security situation. We study the association between the different aspects of food security and cereal production in South Asia that have prevailed over the past 25 years. We find a beneficial role of the production and yield of cereals in lowering the extent of undernourishment. A 1% increase in cereal production and yield is associated with up to 0.84% decrease in the prevalence of undernourishment. The impact is significant over a period of 3 years. The positive effect is particularly evident in the case of rice and maize production. An improvement is seen in the aspects of availability, stability, and utilization of food security but not in the aspect of access. These findings are robust to alternative specifications and techniques. The results explain, in part, the means by which South Asian nations have managed to stall relative increases in extreme hunger and food insecurity.
Output volatility, composition of trade, and transmission of economic shocks across countries
Authors: Karim Ridwan , Stoyanov Andrey 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn this paper we investigate how supply and demand shocks in one country affect output volatility in other countries. While the evidence for cross‐country transmission of demand shocks is mixed, we find that volatile supply in one country leads to larger imports and output volatility in other countries. As a result, the effect of trade openness on output volatility is highly heterogeneous across countries and depends on the composition of their trade. Those countries whose imports originate in economies with volatile supply experience a greater impact of trade on output volatility.
The development of instructional guidelines for elementary mathematical writing
Authors: Colonnese Madelyn W. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMathematical writing recently has been defined as writing to reason and communicate mathematically. But mathematics instructional resources lack guidance for teachers as to how to implement such writing. The purpose of this paper is to describe how methods of design‐based research were used to develop an instructional resource when one does not currently exist. Thirty‐four participants—including teachers, mathematics coaches, mathematics curriculum developers, literacy coaches, a mathematician, and academics in elementary mathematics education, mathematics education, writing education, and science education—participated in a multi‐step process to recommend, revise, and confirm instructional guidelines for elementary mathematical writing. The development process began with thirty‐two recommendations from science writing and language arts writing. Through multiple cycles of feedback, five instructional guidelines and related considerations and techniques for implementation of elementary mathematical writing emerged.
Comparison of the accuracy of two soil moisture sensors and calibration models for different soil types on the loess plateau
Authors: Jia Junchao , Zhang Pingping , Yang Xiaofeng , Zhen Qing , Zhang Xingchang 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe accurate monitoring of soil moisture is critical for many environmental and hydrological applications, and commercial sensors have been used widely to detect the soil water content. However, the sensitivity of these sensors to the soil texture and bulk density demands calibration before conducting determinations. In the present study, we calibrated two soil moisture sensors (TDR‐315L and Diviner 2000) for six common soil types found on the Loess Plateau, China. The root mean square error (RMSE), ratio of the lack‐of‐fit mean square error and mean square pure error were calculated to compare the accuracies of the sensors and models. The results indicated thatTDR‐315L was more accurate than Diviner 2000 for all of the samples. A new model that includes the bulk density and clay content obtained higher accuracy when calibrating theTDR‐315L sensor. And it is showed that theRMSEof volumetric water content (VWC) from the new model compared to the gravimetry are less than 0.039 m3m−3. For the Diviner 2000 sensor, adjusting the parameters in the calibration model allowed the accurate estimation of theVWC, where theRMSEofVWCfrom the calibration model compared to the gravimetry are less than 0.033 m3m−3. The results obtained in this study may facilitate the use of sensors in soil moisture observational networks and environmental and hydrological applications.
Phosphatidic acid directly binds with rice potassium channel OsAKT2 to inhibit its activity
Authors: Shen Like , Tian Quanxiang , Yang Lele , Zhang Hongsheng , Shi Yiyuan , Shen Yue , Zhou Zhenzhen , Wu Qi , Zhang Qun , Zhang Wenhua 
Published: March 2020

SummaryThe plant Shaker K+ channel AtAKT2 has been identified as a weakly rectifying channel that can stabilize membrane potentials to promote photoassimilate phloem loading and translocation. Thus, studies on functional characterization and regulatory mechanisms of AtAKT2‐like channels in crops are highly important for improving crop production. Here, we identified the rice OsAKT2 as the ortholog of Arabidopsis AtAKT2, which is primarily expressed in the shoot phloem and localized at the plasma membrane. Using an electrophysiological assay, we found that OsAKT2 operated as a weakly rectifying K+ channel, preventing H+/sucrose‐symport‐induced membrane depolarization. Three critical amino acid residues (K193, N206, and S326) are essential to the phosphorylation‐mediated gating change of OsAKT2, consistent with the roles of the corresponding sites in AtAKT2. Disruption of OsAKT2 results in delayed growth of rice seedlings under short‐day conditions. Interestingly, the lipid second messenger phosphatidic acid (PA) inhibits OsAKT2‐mediated currents (both instantaneous and time‐dependent components). Lipid dot‐blot assay and liposome‐protein binding analysis revealed that PA directly bound with two adjacent arginine residues in the ANK domain of OsAKT2, which is essential to PA‐mediated inhibition of OsAKT2. Electrophysiological and phenotypic analyses also showed the PA‐mediated inhibition of AtAKT2 and the negative correlation between intrinsic PA level and Arabidopsis growth, suggesting that PA may inhibit AKT2 function to affect plant growth and development. Our results functionally characterize the Shaker K+ channel OsAKT2 and reveal a direct link between phospholipid signaling and plant K+ channel modulation.
Staying in touch with the endocytic network: The importance of contacts for cholesterol transport
Authors: Martello Andrea , Platt Fran M. , Eden Emily R. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCholesterol homeostasis is critical for cell function and human health. Cholesterol is heterogeneously distributed among cellular membranes, with the redistribution of endocytosed dietary cholesterol playing a pivotal role in the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis. While gaps remain in our understanding of intracellular dietary cholesterol transport, a highly complex network of pathways is starting to emerge, often involving inter‐dependent vesicular and non‐vesicular transport mechanisms. The last decade has seen a surge in interest in non‐vesicular transport and inter‐organellar communication at membrane contact sites. By providing platforms for protein interactions, signalling events, lipid exchange and calcium flux, membrane contact sites (MCS) are now appreciated as controlling the fate of large amounts of lipid and play central roles in the regulation and co‐ordination of endocytic trafficking. Here, we review the role of MCS in multiple pathways for cholesterol export from the endocytic pathway and highlight the intriguing interplay between vesicular and non‐vesicular transport mechanisms and relationship with neurodegenerative disease.