bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Murder of the Jewish Chieftain Ka‘b b. al-Ashraf: A Re-examination
Authors: ROOHI EHSAN 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe murder of the Prophet's chief Jewish opponent, Ka‘b b. al-Ashraf, led to grave consequences for the tribe of Banū al-Naḍīr and for the Jews as a whole. The incident ushered in a series of hostile Muslim-Jewish encounters that reached its climax in the battle of Khaybar. Despite the constructive study undertaken by previous scholars, there still seem to be some contradictory elements and vague accounts that have been either utterly ignored or for which a satisfactory explanation is lacking. In the light of certain striking pieces of evidence, scattered in unlikely places in the sīra and tafsīr compendia, the present study sets out to examine critically the extent to which the accounts of Ka‘b's murder can be trusted. It will be argued that what we are faced with is seriously distorted material with logical absurdities and discrepancies that cannot easily be reconciled. Apart from the historical reconstruction, special attention will be devoted to a momentous historiographical point—that our reports have been doctored for political reasons. This helps us adopt a more realistic view of the individuals whose names occurred in the accounts of the event in question.
Art Music and Transterritoriality: Reflections on Cuban Migrations to Europe during the 1990s
Authors: MORALES FLORES IVÁN CÉSAR , KUSS MALENA 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe fall of Communist rule in Eastern Europe (1989–91) had a profound impact on economic, socio-political, and cultural conditions in Cuba during the 1990s. It was the beginning of the so-called ‘Special Period in Times of Peace’. Increasing dire economic conditions on the island led to many changes that impoverished cultural life, including the relocation of composers in Europe, the United States, and other countries in the Americas. The situations encountered by composers who migrated to Europe varied, depending on generational differences and on the dynamics of the socio-political and cultural powers to which each of them were exposed in their new reception contexts. Whether adopting an uncontested identification with the new cultural milieu or resorting to discursive strategies of appropriation and de/re-territorialized negotiation, this text centres on the compositional journeys of four Cuban composers who settled in different European cities: Leo Brouwer (Córdoba, Spain); Eduardo Morales-Caso (Madrid); Keyla Orozco (Amsterdam); and Louis Aguirre (Aalborg, Denmark). Each case represents an invaluable experience of aesthetic reconstruction in a new creative territory that, by its own transterritoriality, has in turn enriched the sonic map of the Caribbean island.
A New Type of Polar Cap Arc Observed in the ~1500 MLT Sector: 1. Northern Hemisphere Observations
Authors: Han De‐Sheng , Feng Hui‐Ting , Zhang Hong , Zhou Su , Zhang Yongliang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA new type of polar cap aurora observed in ~1500 MLT sector, abbreviated as 15MLT‐PCA, is identified on examining the long‐term spectrographic imager observations on the DMSP satellite over the Northern Hemisphere. Apparent dependencies of 15MLT‐PCA on the solar cycle, season, universal time, and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) are presented, which indicate that the 15MLT‐PCA occurs in the northern summer under conditions of large dipole tilt angle, long‐lasting positive IMF By, and predominant negative Bx. The IMF Bz and other solar wind conditions show less control over the occurrence of 15MLT‐PCA. The particle precipitations of 15MLT‐PCA show magnetosheath‐like or mantle‐like properties with the ions showing clear energy dispersion property. We suggest that the 15MLT‐PCA is caused by reconnection between a twisted lobe field line and an antisunward IMF field line, which differs from the mechanism for High‐latitude dayside aurora (HiLDA) that share some common observational features with the 15MLT‐PCA.
The hierarchical assembly of septins revealed by high-speed AFM
Authors: Jiao Fang , Cannon Kevin S. , Lin Yi-Chih , Gladfelter Amy S. , Scheuring Simon 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSeptins are GTP-binding proteins involved in diverse cellular processes including division and membrane remodeling. Septins form linear, palindromic heteromeric complexes that can assemble in filaments and higher-order structures. Structural studies revealed various septin architectures, but questions concerning assembly-dynamics and -pathways persist. Here we used high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) and kinetic modeling which allowed us to determine that septin filament assembly was a diffusion-driven process, while formation of higher-order structures was complex and involved self-templating. Slightly acidic pH and increased monovalent ion concentrations favor filament-assembly, -alignment and -pairing. Filament-alignment and -pairing further favored diffusion-driven assembly. Pairing is mediated by the septin N-termini face, and may occur symmetrically or staggered, likely important for the formation of higher-order structures of different shapes. Multilayered structures are templated by the morphology of the underlying layers. The septin C-termini face, namely the C-terminal extension of Cdc12, may be involved in membrane binding.
Global distribution and conservation status of ecologically rare mammal and bird species
Authors: Loiseau Nicolas , Mouquet Nicolas , Casajus Nicolas , Grenié Matthias , Guéguen Maya , Maitner Brian , Mouillot David , Ostling Annette , Renaud Julien , Tucker Caroline , Velez Laure , Thuiller Wilfried , Violle Cyrille 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIdentifying species that are both geographically restricted and functionally distinct, i.e. supporting rare traits and functions, is of prime importance given their risk of extinction and their potential contribution to ecosystem functioning. We use global species distributions and functional traits for birds and mammals to identify the ecologically rare species, understand their characteristics, and identify hotspots. We find that ecologically rare species are disproportionately represented in IUCN threatened categories, insufficiently covered by protected areas, and for some of them sensitive to current and future threats. While they are more abundant overall in countries with a low human development index, some countries with high human development index are also hotspots of ecological rarity, suggesting transboundary responsibility for their conservation. Altogether, these results state that more conservation emphasis should be given to ecological rarity given future environmental conditions and the need to sustain multiple ecosystem processes in the long-term.
Genome-wide chromatin accessibility is restricted by ANP32E
Authors: Murphy Kristin E. , Meng Fanju W. , Makowski Claire E. , Murphy Patrick J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGenome-wide chromatin state underlies gene expression potential and cellular function. Epigenetic features and nucleosome positioning contribute to the accessibility of DNA, but widespread regulators of chromatin state are largely unknown. Our study investigates how coordination of ANP32E and H2A.Z contributes to genome-wide chromatin state in mouse fibroblasts. We define H2A.Z as a universal chromatin accessibility factor, and demonstrate that ANP32E antagonizes H2A.Z accumulation to restrict chromatin accessibility genome-wide. In the absence of ANP32E, H2A.Z accumulates at promoters in a hierarchical manner. H2A.Z initially localizes downstream of the transcription start site, and if H2A.Z is already present downstream, additional H2A.Z accumulates upstream. This hierarchical H2A.Z accumulation coincides with improved nucleosome positioning, heightened transcription factor binding, and increased expression of neighboring genes. Thus, ANP32E dramatically influences genome-wide chromatin accessibility through subtle refinement of H2A.Z patterns, providing a means to reprogram chromatin state and to hone gene expression levels.
Structural characterization of the ICOS/ICOS-L immune complex reveals high molecular mimicry by therapeutic antibodies
Authors: Rujas Edurne , Cui Hong , Sicard Taylor , Semesi Anthony , Julien Jean-Philippe 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe inducible co-stimulator (ICOS) is a member of the CD28/B7 superfamily, and delivers a positive co-stimulatory signal to activated T cells upon binding to its ligand (ICOS-L). Dysregulation of this pathway has been implicated in autoimmune diseases and cancer, and is currently under clinical investigation as an immune checkpoint blockade. Here, we describe the molecular interactions of the ICOS/ICOS-L immune complex at 3.3 Å resolution. A central FDPPPF motif and residues within the CC’ loop of ICOS are responsible for the specificity of the interaction with ICOS-L, with a distinct receptor binding orientation in comparison to other family members. Furthermore, our structure and binding data reveal that the ICOS N110 N-linked glycan participates in ICOS-L binding. In addition, we report crystal structures of ICOS and ICOS-L in complex with monoclonal antibodies under clinical evaluation in immunotherapy. Strikingly, antibody paratopes closely mimic receptor-ligand binding core interactions, in addition to contacting peripheral residues to confer high binding affinities. Our results uncover key molecular interactions of an immune complex central to human adaptive immunity and have direct implications for the ongoing development of therapeutic interventions targeting immune checkpoint receptors.
CryoEM structure of the type IVa pilus secretin required for natural competence in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Weaver Sara J. , Ortega Davi R. , Sazinsky Matthew H. , Dalia Triana N. , Dalia Ankur B. , Jensen Grant J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNatural transformation is the process by which bacteria take up genetic material from their environment and integrate it into their genome by homologous recombination. It represents one mode of horizontal gene transfer and contributes to the spread of traits like antibiotic resistance. InVibrio cholerae, a type IVa pilus (T4aP) is thought to facilitate natural transformation by extending from the cell surface, binding to exogenous DNA, and retracting to thread this DNA through the outer membrane secretin, PilQ. Here, we use a functional tagged allele of VcPilQ purified from nativeV. choleraecells to determine the cryoEM structure of the VcPilQ secretin in amphipol to ~2.7 Å. We use bioinformatics to examine the domain architecture and gene neighborhood of T4aP secretins in Proteobacteria in comparison with VcPilQ. This structure highlights differences in the architecture of the T4aP secretin from the type II and type III secretion system secretins. Based on our cryoEM structure, we design a series of mutants to reversibly regulate VcPilQ gate dynamics. These experiments support the idea of VcPilQ as a potential druggable target and provide insight into the channel that DNA likely traverses to promote the spread of antibiotic resistance via horizontal gene transfer by natural transformation.
Preparation of nickel-iron hydroxides by microorganism corrosion for efficient oxygen evolution
Authors: Yang Huan , Gong Lanqian , Wang Hongming , Dong Chungli , Wang Junlei , Qi Kai , Liu Hongfang , Guo Xingpeng , Xia Bao Yu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNickel–iron composites are efficient in catalyzing oxygen evolution. Here, we develop a microorganism corrosion approach to construct nickel–iron hydroxides. The anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacteria, using sulfate as the electron acceptor, play a significant role in the formation of iron sulfide decorated nickel–iron hydroxides, which exhibit excellent electrocatalytic performance for oxygen evolution. Experimental and theoretical investigations suggest that the synergistic effect between oxyhydroxides and sulfide species accounts for the high activity. This microorganism corrosion strategy not only provides efficient candidate electrocatalysts but also bridges traditional corrosion engineering and emerging electrochemical energy technologies.
JMJD3 acts in tandem with KLF4 to facilitate reprogramming to pluripotency
Authors: Huang Yinghua , Zhang Hui , Wang Lulu , Tang Chuanqing , Qin Xiaogan , Wu Xinyu , Pan Meifang , Tang Yujia , Yang Zhongzhou , Babarinde Isaac A. , Lin Runxia , Ji Guanyu , Lai Yiwei , Xu Xueting , Su Jianbin , Wen Xue , Satoh Takashi , Ahmed Tanveer , Malik Vikas , Ward Carl , Volpe Giacomo , Guo Lin , Chen Jinlong , Sun Li , Li Yingying , Huang Xiaofen , Bao Xichen , Gao Fei , Liu Baohua , Zheng Hui , Jauch Ralf , Lai Liangxue , Pan Guangjin , Chen Jiekai , Testa Giuseppe , Akira Shizuo , Hu Jifan , Pei Duanqing , Hutchins Andrew P. , Esteban Miguel A. , Qin Baoming 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe interplay between the Yamanaka factors (OCT4, SOX2, KLF4 and c-MYC) and transcriptional/epigenetic co-regulators in somatic cell reprogramming is incompletely understood. Here, we demonstrate that the histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) demethylase JMJD3 plays conflicting roles in mouse reprogramming. On one side, JMJD3 induces the pro-senescence factor Ink4a and degrades the pluripotency regulator PHF20 in a reprogramming factor-independent manner. On the other side, JMJD3 is specifically recruited by KLF4 to reduce H3K27me3 at both enhancers and promoters of epithelial and pluripotency genes. JMJD3 also promotes enhancer-promoter looping through the cohesin loading factor NIPBL and ultimately transcriptional elongation. This competition of forces can be shifted towards improved reprogramming by using early passage fibroblasts or boosting JMJD3’s catalytic activity with vitamin C. Our work, thus, establishes a multifaceted role for JMJD3, placing it as a key partner of KLF4 and a scaffold that assists chromatin interactions and activates gene transcription.
High-throughput prediction of the carrier relaxation time via data-driven descriptor
Authors: Zhou Zizhen , Cao Guohua , Liu Jianghui , Liu Huijun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIt has been demonstrated that many promising thermoelectric materials, such as tetradymite compounds are also three-dimensional topological insulators. In both cases, a fundamental question is the evaluation of carrier relaxation time, which is usually a rough task due to the complicated scattering mechanisms. Previous works using the simple deformation potential theory or considering complete electron-phonon coupling are, however, restricted to small systems. By adopting a data-driven method named SISSO (Sure Independence Screening and Sparsifying Operator) with the training data obtained via deformation potential theory, we propose an efficient and physically interpretable descriptor to evaluate the relaxation time, using tetradymites as prototypical examples. Without any input from first-principles calculations, the descriptor contains only several elemental properties of the constituent atoms, and could be utilized to quickly and reliably predict the carrier relaxation time of a substantial number of tetradymites with arbitrary stoichiometry.
Quantitative magnetic resonance image assessment of the optic nerve and surrounding sheath after spaceflight
Authors: Rohr Jesse J. , Sater Stuart , Sass Austin M. , Marshall-Goebel Karina , Ploutz-Snyder Robert J. , Ethier C. Ross , Stenger Michael B. , Martin Bryn A. , Macias Brandon R. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA subset of long-duration spaceflight astronauts have experienced ophthalmic abnormalities, collectively termed spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). Little is understood about the pathophysiology of SANS; however, microgravity-induced alterations in intracranial pressure (ICP) due to headward fluid shifts is the primary hypothesized contributor. In particular, potential changes in optic nerve (ON) tortuosity and ON sheath (ONS) distension may indicate altered cerebrospinal fluid dynamics during weightlessness. The present longitudinal study aims to provide a quantitative analysis of ON and ONS cross-sectional areas, and ON deviation, an indication of tortuosity, before and after spaceflight. Ten astronauts undergoing ~6-month missions on the International Space Station (ISS) underwent high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) preflight and at five recovery time points extending to 1 year after return from the ISS. The mean changes in ON deviation, ON cross-sectional area, and ONS cross-sectional area immediately post flight were −0.14 mm (95% CI: −0.36 to 0.08, Bonferroni-adjusted P = 1.00), 0.13 mm2 (95% CI −0.66 to 0.91, Bonferroni-adjusted P = 1.00), and −0.22 mm2 (95% CI: −1.78 to 1.34, Bonferroni-adjusted P = 1.00), respectively, and remained consistent during the recovery period. Terrestrially, ONS distension is associated with increased ICP; therefore, these results suggest that, on average, ICP was not pathologically elevated immediately after spaceflight. However, a subject diagnosed with optic disc edema (Frisen Grade 1, right eye) displayed increased ONS area post flight, although this increase is relatively small compared to clinical populations with increased ICP. Advanced quantitative MRI-based assessment of the ON and ONS could help our understanding of SANS and the role of ICP.
The first versatile human iPSC-based model of ectopic virus induction allows new insights in RNA-virus disease
Authors: Peischard Stefan , Ho Huyen Tran , Piccini Ilaria , Strutz-Seebohm Nathalie , Röpke Albrecht , Liashkovich Ivan , Gosain Hiteshika , Rieger Bettina , Klingel Karin , Eggers Britta , Marcus Katrin , Linke Wolfgang A. , Müller Frank Ulrich , Ludwig Stephan , Greber Boris , Busch Karin , Seebohm Guiscard 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA detailed description of pathophysiological effects that viruses exert on their host is still challenging. For the first time, we report a highly controllable viral expression model based on an iPS-cell line from a healthy human donor. The established viral model system enables a dose-dependent and highly localized RNA-virus expression in a fully controllable environment, giving rise for new applications for the scientific community.
An agent-based algorithm resembles behaviour of tree-dwelling bats under fission–fusion dynamics
Authors: Zelenka Ján , Kasanický Tomáš , Budinská Ivana , Kaňuch Peter 
Published: October 2020

AbstractUtilization of computational approach in the study of social behaviour of animals is increasing and we attempted such an approach in our study of tree-dwelling bats. These bats live in highly dynamic fission–fusion societies that share multiple roosts in a common home range. The key behavioural component associated with complex and non-centralized decision-making processes in roost switching is swarming around potential locations in order to recruit members to the new roost. To understand roost switching dynamics of bat groups in their natural environment, we employed a computational model, the SkyBat, which is based on swarm algorithm, to model this process. In a simulated environment of this agent-based model, we replicated natural fission–fusion dynamics of the Leisler’s bat,Nyctalus leisleri, groups according to predefined species and habitat parameters. Spatiotemporal patterns of swarming activity of agents were similar to bats. The number of simulated groups formed prior to sunrise, the mean number of individuals in groups and the roost height did not differ significantly from data on a local population of bats collected in the field. Thus, the swarm algorithm gave a basic framework of roost-switching, suggesting possible applications in the study of bat behaviour in rapidly changing environments as well as in the field of computer science.
Reduced spermatozoa functionality during stress is the consequence of adrenergic-mediated disturbance of mitochondrial dynamics markers
Authors: Starovlah Isidora M. , Radovic Pletikosic Sava M. , Kostic Tatjana S. , Andric Silvana A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHere we investigate the stress-signaling responsible for the effects of acute/repeated psychological stresses (the most common stresses in human society) on spermatozoa number and functionality, as well as the transcriptional profile of mitochondrial dynamics markers by using the in vivo and ex vivo approaches. Acute and repeated stress inhibit spermatozoa functionality (acute –> 3.2-fold, repeated –> 2.5-fold), while only repeated stress reduces the spermatozoa number (1.7-fold). Stress hormones mimic these effects and decrease the spermatozoa functionality (adrenaline: 10 µM –> 2.4-fold, 100 µM – > 2.8-fold; hydrocortisone: 50 pM –> 2.7-fold, 500 pM –> 8.5-fold). They also significantly disturb the transcriptional profile of all main mitochondrial dynamics markers in spermatozoa. Ex vivo manipulation of stress signaling in spermatozoa reveals that most of these effects are mediated through ɑ1-and/or-β-adrenergic receptors. The transcription of these receptors and their kinases in the same samples is under the significant influence of adrenergic signaling. Our results are the first to show the importance of mitochondrial dynamics markers in spermatozoa since the transcriptional profiles of sixteen-out-of-ninteen are disturbed by manipulation of stress-hormones-signaling. This is a completely new molecular approach to assess spermatozoa functionality and it is important for a better understanding of the correlations between stress, environmental-life-style and other factors, and male (in)fertility.
Spectral weight reduction of two-dimensional electron gases at oxide surfaces across the ferroelectric transition
Authors: Jaiban P. , Lu M.-H. , Eknapakul T. , Chaiyachad S. , Yao S. H. , Pisitpipathsin N. , Unruan M. , Siriroj S. , He R.-H. , Mo S.-K. , Watcharapasorn A. , Yimnirun R. , Tokura Y. , Shen Z.-X. , Hwang H. Y. , Maensiri S. , Meevasana W. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe discovery of a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the $$\hbox {LaAlO}_3/\hbox {SrTiO}_3$$

LaAlO
3

/

SrTiO
3

interface has set a new platform for all-oxide electronics which could potentially exhibit the interplay among charge, spin, orbital, superconductivity, ferromagnetism and ferroelectricity. In this work, by using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and conductivity measurement, we found the reduction of 2DEGs and the changes of the conductivity nature of some ferroelectric oxides including insulating Nb-lightly-substituted $$\hbox {KTaO}_3$$

KTaO
3

, $$\hbox {BaTiO}_3$$

BaTiO
3

(BTO) and (Ca,Zr)-doped BTO across paraelectric-ferroelectric transition. We propose that these behaviours could be due to the increase of space-charge screening potential at the 2DEG/ferroelectric regions which is a result of the realignment of ferroelectric polarisation upon light irradiation. This finding suggests an opportunity for controlling the 2DEG at a bare oxide surface (instead of interfacial system) by using both light and ferroelectricity.