bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tertiarius minutulus sp. nov. (Stephanodiscaceae, Bacillariophyta) – a new fossil diatom species from Lake Ohrid
Authors: Zaova Dušica , Cvetkoska Aleksandra , Mitic-Kopanja Danijela , Jovanovska Elena , Ognjanova-Rumenova Nadja , Levkov Zlatko 
Published: June 2020

A new fossil diatom species, Tertiarius minutulus sp. nov., is described from a sediment sequence DEEP-5045-1 of Lake Ohrid. The species is characterized by small valves (3.0–8.0 µm) with a round shape, a marginal area with radially arranged costae and a central uneven area with scattered areolae. Externally, the alveoli are occluded by cribra perforated by irregularly arranged pores. Internally, the alveoli are simple and areolae are occluded with domed cribra. The marginal fultoportulae are situated on costae close to the valve margin, located on every 5th or 7th thick internal costa. One to three fultoportulae are present on the valve face, each surrounded by two to three satellite pores. One rimoportula is present, positioned on a costa at the valve face / mantle junction. The species is compared with morphologically similar taxa and a detailed differential diagnosis is provided. Tertiarius minutulus sp. nov. is known only as a fossil taxon from Lake Ohrid, with a first occurrence during the early stages of lake basin development.
Profiling tear proteomes of patients with unilateral relapsed Behcet’s disease-associated uveitis using data-independent acquisition proteomics
Authors: Liang Anyi , Qin Weiwei , Zhang Meifen , Gao Fei , Zhao Chan , Gao Youhe 
Published: June 2020

Purpose
To explore whether unilateral relapse of Bechet’s disease-associated uveitis (BDU) causes differences in the tear proteome between the diseased and the contralateral quiescent eye and potential tear biomarkers for uveitis recurrence and disease monitoring.

Method
To minimize interindividual variations, bilateral tear samples were collected from the same patient (n = 15) with unilateral relapse of BDU. A data-independent acquisition (DIA) strategy was used to identify proteins that differed between active and quiescent eyes.

Results
A total of 1,797 confident proteins were identified in the tear samples, of which 381 (21.2%) were also highly expressed in various tissues and organs. Fifty-one (2.8%) proteins differed in terms of expression between tears in active and quiescent eyes, 9 (17.6%) of which were functionally related to immunity or inflammation. Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein 1 (fold change = 3.2, p = 0.007) was increased and Annexin A1 (fold change = −1.7, p < 0.001) was decreased in the tears of the active BDU eye compared to the contralateral quiescent eye.

Conclusions
A substantial amount of confident proteins were detected in the tears of BDU patients, including proteins that were deferentially expressed in the uveitis-relapsed eyes and the contralateral quiescent eyes. Some of these identified tear proteins play important roles in immune and inflammatory processes. Tear proteome might be a good source of biomarkers for uveitis.
Temperature alters the shape of predator–prey cycles through effects on underlying mechanisms
Authors: DeLong John P. , Lyon Shelby 
Published: June 2020

Background
Predicting the effects of climate warming on the dynamics of ecological systems requires understanding how temperature influences birth rates, death rates and the strength of species interactions. The temperature dependance of these processes—which are the underlying mechanisms of ecological dynamics—is often thought to be exponential or unimodal, generally supported by short-term experiments. However, ecological dynamics unfold over many generations. Our goal was to empirically document shifts in predator–prey cycles over the full range of temperatures that can possibly support a predator–prey system and then to uncover the effect of temperature on the underlying mechanisms driving those changes.

Methods
We measured the population dynamics of the Didinium-Paramecium predator–prey system across a wide range of temperatures to reveal systematic changes in the dynamics of the system. We then used ordinary differential equation fitting to estimate parameters of a model describing the dynamics, and used these estimates to assess the long-term temperature dependance of all the underlying mechanisms.

Results
We found that predator–prey cycles shrank in state space from colder to hotter temperatures and that both cycle period and amplitude varied with temperature. Model parameters showed mostly unimodal responses to temperature, with one parameter (predator mortality) increasing monotonically with temperature and one parameter (predator conversion efficiency) invariant with temperature. Our results indicate that temperature can have profound, systematic effects on ecological dynamics, and these can arise through diverse and simultaneous changes in multiple underlying mechanisms. Predicting the effects of temperature on ecological dynamics may require additional investigation into how the underlying drivers of population dynamics respond to temperature beyond a short-term, acute response.
Bird-window collisions: different fall and winter risk and protective factors
Authors: Brown Barbara B. , Hunter Lia , Santos Sabrina 
Published: June 2020

Background
To reduce bird fatalities from millions of window collisions each year in North America, it is important to understand how design and landscape elements relate to collision risk. The current study extends prior research that found that buildings near ornamental pear trees (Prunus calleryana) and buildings with mirrored windows significantly increased odds of collisions among eight buildings on the University of Utah campus in winter. The previous study found bird-friendly glass was not related to collision risk, although only one fatality occurred at two buildings with ORNILUX® ultraviolet (UV) or fritted windows. We reasoned that extending data collection to include fall might provide a better test of efficacy. We tested the following three hypotheses: (1) Buildings with mirrored windows would experience more collisions, replicating the original study; (2) the addition of fall migration data would reveal fewer collisions at the buildings with bird-friendly windows; (3) the danger of pear tree proximity would be heightened in winter, when fruit is ripe enough to appeal to frugivores, especially the Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) that frequent these trees.

Methods
Trained observers monitored buildings three times per week in Fall (September 12 to October 27, 2019) and Winter (October 29, 2019 to January 24, 2020). Collisions were photographed and documented in the iNaturalist University of Utah Bird Window Collision Project.

Results
There were 39 total collisions, from 0 to 14 per building.Using generalized estimating equations, buildings near pear trees had 3.33-fold increased odds, mirrored windows had 5.92-fold increased odds, and bird-friendly windows had an 84% lower odds (Odds ratio = 0.16) of bird window collisions when analyzed separately; all were statistically significant (p < 0.01). A test of all possible combinations of risk and protective factors revealed that the best fit model included pear trees (odds = 2.31) and mirrored windows (odds = 2.33). A separate analysis tested the pear tree by season interaction model; it yielded the deadliest combination, with 40-fold increased odds for buildings near pear trees in winter season.

Discussion
This research provides the first peer-reviewed evidence found for the efficacy of bird-friendly fritted windows and ORNILUX ® UV windows in buildings. In addition, it replicated a study that established the dangers of mirrored windows and fruiting pear trees near buildings. These risks were especially dangerous to Cedar Waxwings, who constituted 62.2% of the identifiable window collision victims. This research highlights how building risks depend on window design, landscape choices, species, and season. If replicated, analyses of risk factors can help identify buildings that require mitigation to make existing windows less deadly. Results also support the installation of bird-friendly glass in new or renovated buildings to reduce fatalities.
Defective Ion Channel in Cystic Fibrosis: Current Development in Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Godfrey Ngoga , Ganyam M. M. , Ibiang G.O. , Difa C. A. , Christian Nelson 
Published: June 2020

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is involved in the production of mucus, sweat and digestive juices. These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery. But in people with cystic fibrosis, a defective gene in CFTR causes the secretions to become sticky and thick. Instead of acting as a lubricant, the secretions plug up tubes, ducts and passage ways, especially in the lungs and pancreas. This mucus leads to the formation of bacterial microenvironments known as biofilms (a niche that harbors bacteria; Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ) that are difficult for immune cells and antibiotics to penetrate. Viscous secretions and persistent respiratory infections repeatedly damage the lung by gradually remodeling the airways, which makes infection even more difficult to eradicate. CFTR, a Cl– selective ion channel, is a prototypic member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter super family that is expressed in several organs. Understanding how these complexes regulate the intracellular trafficking and activity of CFTR provides a unique insight into the aetiology of cystic fibrosis and other diseases associated to it. Cystic fibrosis patients exhibit lung disease consistent with a failure of innate airway defense mechanisms. The link between abnormal ion transport, disease initiation and progression is not fully understood, but airway mucus dehydration seems paramount in the initiation of CF lung disease. New therapies are currently in development that target the ion transport defects in CF with the intention of rehydrating airway surfaces.
AMMI Biplot Analysis in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Genotypes for Genotype X Environment Interaction at Four Agro-ecologies in Telangana State
Authors: Lingaiah N. , Sudharshanam A. , Rao V. Thirumala , Prashant Y. , Kumar M. Vijay , Reddy P. Indhudar , Prasad B. Ram , Reddy P. Raghu Rami , Rao P. Jagan Mohan 
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was to determine the genotype × environment interaction (GEI) and stability performance of eight promising cotton genotypes at four agro-ecologies in Telangana State. The experimental material consisting of eight genotypes were planted in randomized block design replicating thrice in four diverse environments of Telangana state during 2017, Kharif season. The present investigation was carried out in four diverse environments of Telangana state viz. RARS, Warangal, ARS, Adilabad, ARS, Modhole and RARS, Palem (Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University) during 2017, Kharif season. The study was conducted at four diversified agro-ecologies of Telangana State. The experimental material comprised of eight genotypes viz., WGCV-109, ADB-638, WGCV-122, Narasimha, WGCV-119, WGCV-119, Srirama, WGCV-48 and ADB 645. First pooled analysis of variance was carried out to know the significance variation in genotype x environment interaction followed by AMMI analysis for genotype x environment interaction studies. Analysis of variance was significant for environments and (G x E) components indicating the use fullness of AMMI analysis in identifying the stable genotypes. Among the eight cotton genotypes, WGCV-109, Narasimha and ADB-645 were found to be best yielders over environments whereas the genotypes G7 (WGCV-48) and G4 (Narasimha) found to be stable. Most of the genotypes showed environment specificity. As a result, almost all of the evaluated genotypes were affected by the genotype x environment interaction effects, hence no genotype had superior performance in all environments.
Sedimentisphaeraceae
Authors: Spring Stefan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Se.di.men.ti.sphae.ra.ce'ae. N.L. fem. n.
Sedimentisphaera
, type genus of the family; suff.
–aceae
, ending to denote a family; N.L. fem. pl. n.
Sedimentisphaeraceae
, the
Sedimentisphaera
family.

Planctomycetes / Phycisphaerae / Sedimentisphaerales / Sedimentisphaeraceae
Cells are Gram‐negative, free‐living, unpigmented, nonmotile, and non‐spore‐forming irregular cocci that divide by binary fission. Intracellular membranes are not formed. Most strains are resistant against rifampicin and kanamycin A but susceptible to chloramphenicol. Vitamins required for growth. Tests for catalase and oxidase are negative. Nitrate is not reduced. Members of the family are anaerobic and utilize carbohydrates by fermentation. The family encompasses mainly bacteria found in anoxic hypersaline environments. The affiliation of novel species to this family mainly depends on the phylogenetic position, which should be determined on the basis of comparative sequence analyses of 16S rRNA genes or genomes.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 46–47 (genome analyses).

Type genus
:
Sedimentisphaera
Spring et al. 2018, VL184.
Ectoine Synthase: An Iron‐Dependent Member of the Cupin Superfamily
Authors: Czech Laura , Hoeppner Astrid , Smits Sander HJ , Bremer Erhard 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe ectoine synthase EctC (EC 4.2.1.108) is a member of the hydro‐lyases (EC 4.2.1), a group of enzymes that cleaves carbon–oxygen bonds. It catalyzes the last step in the synthesis of the microbial osmotic stress‐protectant and chemical‐chaperone ectoine [(S)‐2‐methyl‐1,4,5,6‐tetrahydropyrimidine‐4‐carboxylic acid]. Genes encoding the ectoine biosynthetic enzymes are widely found in the members of theBacteriabut rarely inArchaea. Notably, a few halophilic protists and some marine microalgae are also capable of ectoine production. The EctC‐catalyzed enzyme reaction is strictly iron dependent and proceeds via cyclocondensation of the EctA‐formed substrateN‐γ‐acetyl‐l‐2,4‐diaminobutyric acid via a water elimination. Crystal structures of the EctC proteins from the cold‐adapted Gram‐negative bacteriumSphingopyxis alaskensis(Sa) and the thermotolerant Gram‐positive bacteriumPaenibacillus lautus(Pl) revealed a common overall protein fold and classify the ectoine synthase as a member of the cupin superfamily. The side chains of the three residues (Glu, Tyr, and His) coordinating the catalytically critical iron protrude into the lumen of the cupin barrel, closely positioned to theN‐γ‐acetyl‐l‐2,4‐diaminobutyric acid substrate‐binding site. High‐resolution crystal structures of the (Pl)EctC protein in its apo‐, substrate‐, and product‐bound forms allowed a proposal of the EctC enzyme reaction mechanism.
Interaction of Metal Complexes with G‐Quadruplexes
Authors: Jarjayes Olivier , Lavergne Thomas , Thomas Fabrice 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
There is growing evidence that guanine‐rich sequences are ubiquitous in the human genome. They provide DNA with the ability to fold under a topology known as G‐quadruplex (G4), which is distinct from the classical Watson–Crick double helix and characterized by a great polymorphism and dynamics. G4s are found in the promoter region of important oncogenes and in the telomeric region of chromosomes, where they play significant regulatory roles. The stabilization of G4 structures results in the downregulation of oncogenes such as c‐myc, but also inhibits telomerase, which is overexpressed in 85% of the cancer cells, hence contributing to their immortality. Therefore, G4s are now considered a promising target for designing new anticancer drugs. These important therapeutic perspectives have stimulated the development of G4 binders (organic and inorganic), which have grown exponentially during the past decade. The specific recognition of the G4, which is required for cellular applications, is based on the targeting of specific structural features: The upper guanine tetrad that exposes a large aromatic surface to the solvent, specific shape and folding of the loops and grooves. For this purpose, metal complexes proved to be a powerful platform. By combining the effects of the positively charged metal, which can be involved in electrostatic interactions with electronegative regions, and aromatic rings (chelating or not) designed to interact through π‐stacking, strong G4 binders were obtained. The typical versatility of the ligands and complexes synthesis allows for easy screening and, hence, convenient optimization, while offering the possibility to incorporate reactive or fluorescent fragments. Several families of complexes have emerged in the literature, with distinct metal ions and functionalities, which show tight and specific interactions with G4s, while G4s can be also used as scaffold for catalysis. All these aspects are reviewed and discussed in this article after a brief presentation of the main factors determining the G4 folding and the biological implications.
Validation of the dosimetry of total skin irradiation techniques by Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Li Ruiqi , Tseng Wenchih , Wu Qiuwen 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPurposeTo validate the dose measurements for two total skin irradiation techniques with Monte Carlo simulation, providing more information on dose distributions, and guidance on further technique optimization.MethodsTwo total skin irradiation techniques (stand‐up and lay‐down) with different setup were simulated and validated. The Monte Carlo simulation was primarily performed within the EGSnrc environment. Parameters of jaws, MLCs, and a customized copper (Cu) filter were first tuned to match the profiles and output measured at source‐to‐skin distance (SSD) of 100 cm where the secondary source is defined. The secondary source was rotated to simulate gantry rotation. VirtuaLinac, a cloud‐based Monte Carlo package, was used for Linac head simulation as a secondary validation. The following quantities were compared with measurements: for each field/direction at the treatment SSDs, the percent depth dose (PDD), the profiles at the depth of maximum, and the absolute dosimetric output; the composite dose distribution on cylindrical phantoms of 20 to 40 cm diameters.ResultsCu filter broadened the FWHM of the electron beam by 44% and degraded the mean energy by 0.7 MeV. At SSD = 100 cm, MC calculated PDDs agreed with measured data within 2%/2 mm (except for the surface voxel) and lateral profiles agreed within 3%. At the treatment SSD, profiles and output factors of individual field matched within 4%; dmax and R80 of the simulated PDDs also matched with measurement within 2 mm. When all fields were combined on the cylindrical phantom, the dmax shifted toward the surface. For lay‐down technique, the maximum x‐ray contamination at the central axis was (MC: 2.2; Measurement: 2.1)% and reduced to 0.2% at 40 cm off the central axis.ConclusionsThe Monte Carlo results in general agree well with the measurement, which provides support in our commissioning procedure, as well as the full three‐dimensional dose distribution of the patient phantom.
Finite‐time extremum seeking control for a class of unknown static maps
Authors: Guay Martin , Benosman Mouhacine 
Published: June 2020

SummaryThis article proposes an extremum‐seeking control design that achieves finite‐time stability of the optimum of an unknown measured cost function. The finite‐time extremum‐seeking control technique is shown to achieve finite‐time practical stability of the optimum of the cost function. The main characteristic of the proposed extremum seeking control approach is that the corresponding target averaged system achieves finite‐time stability. A simulation study is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Precipitation, runoff, and yields from terraced drylands with stubble‐mulch or no tillage1
Authors: Baumhardt R. L. , Johnson G. L. , Dockal J. R. , Brauer D. K. , Schwartz R. C. , Jones O. R. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDryland crops rely on precipitation as their exclusive water source, but storm water runoff decreases the amount available for biomass and grain production. Management practices that minimize runoff often increase the opportunity time for infiltration and improve precipitation storage as soil water. Our objective was to quantify storm water runoff from contour farmed terraces in relation to precipitation and field characteristics and then relate runoff to soil water at planting and yields of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] grown in a 3‐yr wheat–sorghum–fallow (WSF) rotation. Comparisons of long‐term (1984–2010) runoff observations indicated mean annual runoff for both uncropped periods of the WSF rotation were significantly greater with no‐tillage (NT) than stubble‐mulch (SM) tillage. By contrast, soil loss was greater for SM than NT because residue cover of undisturbed NT soil was less subject to entrainment and loss. Increasing field slope from 1.2 to 1.8% produced greater fallow runoff, which is water lost from dryland production. Nevertheless, soil water was significantly greater with NT, which reduced evaporative losses during fallow compared with SM. Long‐term wheat yields exhibited no difference due to tillage, but NT grain sorghum yields increased significantly over SM tillage. The data show that while runoff with NT was typically greater than SM, profile soil water at planting was also greater for NT and increased grain sorghum yields significantly. We conclude that decreasing evaporative water losses with NT residues is the primary factor affecting soil water conservation.
The relationship between type of urinary diversion and quality of life after radical cystectomy: Ileal conduit versus orthotopic bladder
Authors: Elbadry Mohamed S. , Ali Ahmed Issam , Hassan Ali , Clement Kieran David , Hammady Ahmed Rashed , Abdbelaal Abdalla , Barsoum Nady Mounir , Hassan Mohamed Abd Elmalek , Gabr Ahmed H. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectivesWe aimed to compare health‐related quality of life (HrQoL) in patients who underwent ileal conduit (IC) vs orthotopic neobladder (ONB) as a method of urinary diversion (UD) after radical cystectomy (RC) for invasive bladder cancers.MethodsThe questionnaires of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Bladder Cancer (FACT‐BL) were used to evaluate and compare the HrQoL in 113 patients with 1 year follow‐up.ResultsForty‐nine patients were included in the ONB group and 64 patients in the IC group. Patients with IC showed superior scores in all domains of the FACT‐BL questionnaire and this reached statistical significance in physical well‐being (PWB), functional well‐being (FWB), over all FACT‐G, Bladder‐Specific Subscale and FACT‐BL total scores (P‐values = .01, .01, .001, .001, and .001, respectively).ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate marginally improved HrQoL in IC patients when compared with patients undergoing ONB which may be attributed to an increased morbidity and postoperative complications in the ONB group.