bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aflatoxin exposure was not associated with childhood stunting: results from a birth cohort study in a resource-poor setting of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Mahfuz Mustafa , Hasan S M Tafsir , Alam Mohammed Ashraful , Das Subhasish , Fahim Shah Mohammad , Islam M Munirul , Gazi Md Amran , Hossain Muttaquina , Egner Patricia A , Groopman John D , Ahmed Tahmeed 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjective:Chronic aflatoxin exposure has been associated with childhood stunting (length-for-age/height-for-age < –2sd), while data lacks for Bangladesh, a country with substantial burden of childhood stunting. This paper examined the association between aflatoxin exposure and childhood stunting in a slum setting of Dhaka city.Design:In this MAL-ED aflatoxin birth cohort study, plasma samples were assayed for aflatoxin B1-lysine adduct (AFB1-lys) by MS at 7, 15, 24 and 36 months of age for 208, 196, 173 and 167 children to assess chronic aflatoxin exposure. Relationship between aflatoxin exposure and anthropometric measures was examined by mixed-effects logistic regression models.Setting and participants:The study was conducted in Mirpur, Dhaka, where children were followed from birth to 36 months.Results:Prevalence of stunting increased from 21 % at 7 months to 49 % at 36 months of age. Mean AFB1-lys concentrations at 7, 15, 24 and 36 months were 1·30 (range 0·09–5·79), 1·52 (range 0·06–6·35), 3·43 (range 0·15–65·60) and 3·70 (range 0·09–126·54) pg/mg albumin, respectively, and the percentage of children with detectable AFB1-lys was 10, 21, 18 and 62 %, respectively. No association was observed between aflatoxin exposure and stunting in multivariable analyses. Factors associated with childhood stunting were age, low birth weight, maternal height, stool myeloperoxidase and number of people sleeping in one room.Conclusions:A relatively lower exposure to aflatoxin may not influence the linear growth of children. This finding indicates a threshold level of exposure for linear growth deficit and further investigation in other areas where higher concentrations of aflatoxin exposure exist.
Strengthening public health nutrition: findings from a situational assessment to inform system-wide capacity building in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Prowse Rachel JL , Richmond Sarah A , Carsley Sarah , Manson Heather , Moloughney Brent 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjective:To assess public health nutrition practice within the public health system in Ontario, Canada to identify provincial-wide needs for scientific and technical support.Design:A qualitative descriptive study was conducted to identify activities, strengths, challenges and opportunities in public health nutrition practice using semi-structured key informant interviews (n 21) and focus groups (n 10). Recorded notes were analysed concurrently with data generation using content analysis. System needs were prioritised through a survey.Setting:Public health units.Participants:Eighty-nine practitioners, managers, directors, medical officers of health, researchers and other stakeholders were purposively recruited through snowball and extreme case sampling.Results:Five themes were generated: (i) current public health nutrition practice was broad, complex, in transition and collaborative; (ii) data/evidence/research relevant to public health needs were insufficiently available and accessible; (iii) the amount and specificity of guidance/leadership was perceived to be mismatched with strong evidence that diet is a risk factor for poor health; (iv) resources/capacity were varied but insufficient and (v) understanding of nutrition expertise in public health among colleagues, leadership and other organisations can be improved. Top ranked needs were increased understanding, visibility and prioritisation of healthy eating and food environments; improved access to data and evidence; improved collaboration and coordination; and increased alignment of activities and goals.Conclusions:Collective capacity in the public health nutrition can be improved through strategic system-wide capacity-building interventions. Research is needed to explore how improvements in data, evidence and local contexts can bridge research and practice to effectively and efficiently improve population diets and health.
Broken Boundaries: Border and Identity Formation in Post-Colonial Punjab
Authors: JAIN Vanshaj Ravi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe study ofuti possidetisin international law has proceeded without any detailed examination of its application to South Asian borders. Yet, the consequences ofuti possidetisin the Indian subcontinent offer critical insight into the legal and functional critique levied against the doctrine. The South Asian experience provides evidence thatuti possidetiscannot be considered a norm of regional customary international law, confined to Latin America and Africa. Simultaneously, it provides compelling proof of this doctrine's ruinous impact on self-determination, pointing to its potential for identity-alteration and intrastate violence: consequences that have received scarce attention in legal scholarship. By undertaking a detailed study of the Radcliffe Line in Punjab, this paper makes a prudent attempt to commence filling this gap in the literature by re-centring South Asia in the debate onuti possidetis.
On the 2015 St. Patrick's Storm Turbulent State of the Ionosphere: Hints From the Swarm Mission
Authors: De Michelis P. , Pignalberi A. , Consolini G. , Coco I. , Tozzi R. , Pezzopane M. , Giannattasio F. , Balasis G. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe scaling features of electron density fluctuations during the St. Patrick's magnetic storm (17 March 2015) are analyzed to try to characterize the possible turbulent nature of the ionosphere during the development of the geomagnetic storm. The electron density values recorded by two of the three satellites of Swarm constellation during a period of 7 days (16–22 March 2015) around the storm peak are analyzed at middle‐ and high‐latitude regions in both hemispheres. The analysis reveals interesting patterns in the scaling properties of electron density fluctuations and a possible explanation for the occurrence of high values of the Rate of change Of the electron Density Index (RODI). Indeed, the obtained results seem to suggest that very high values of RODI, which describes the structuring of the plasma within a fixed time and is used as an ionospheric disturbance index, are correlated with the antipersistent character of electron density fluctuations and with the values around 5/3 of the power spectral density scaling exponent. These features are independent of the different phases of the analyzed geomagnetic storm and seem to support the idea of a fluid and/or magnetohydrodynamic turbulence as the main responsible of the high values of RODI recorded at high latitudes in the auroral and polar cap regions.
Foreshock Cavities at Venus and Mars
Authors: Collinson Glyn , Sibeck David , Omidi Nick , Frahm Rudy , Zhang Tielong , Mitchell David , Halekas Jasper , Espley Jared , Futaana Yoshifumi , Jakosky Bruce 
Published: July 2020

Abstract“Foreshock cavities” are regions of turbulent and heated solar wind plasma that form upstream of Earth's bow shock. Despite being common at Earth, none have yet been reported at other planets. Here we present a survey of events encountered by the ESA Venus Express spacecraft consistent with foreshock cavities at Venus and a case study of a foreshock cavity encountered at Mars by NASA's MAVEN orbiter. Cavities appear to be common at Venus, and their properties appear to be very similar to those at Earth. Foreshock cavities appear to be observed preferentially in fast solar wind and when the interplanetary magnetic field is “radial” (parallel to the Sun‐planet line). Our collected observations are consistent with the hypothesis that “foreshock cavities” are simply the result of a transient encounter with a planetary foreshock. We posit foreshock cavities represent one of the following two possibilities: (1) a spacecraft encountering a traveling foreshock formed by a finite bundle of interplanetary magnetic field lines connecting to a shock or (2) the transient temporary motion of the foreshock over the spacecraft.
Closure Investigation on Cloud Condensation Nuclei Ability of Processed Anthropogenic Aerosols
Authors: Hu Dawei , Liu Dantong , Zhao Delong , Yu Chenjie , Liu Quan , Tian Ping , Bi Kai , Ding Shuo , Hu Kang , Wang Fei , Wu Yangzhou , Wu Yunfei , Kong Shaofei , Zhou Wei , He Hui , Huang Mengyu , Ding Deping 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWhether the cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) ability of aerosol could be predicted by compositions has been long debated. Measurements of submicron aerosol compositions and size‐resolved CCN activation fraction were conducted at a mountain site (1,344 m) near Beijing region during wintertime. The site is influenced in the noon‐afternoon by ground anthropogenic sources through convective mixing (CM) and for certain period received aged pollutants by regional advection (RA). By comparing the measured CCN‐derived hygroscopicity parameter (κCCNc) with that predicted using chemical composition in bulk (κchem), we found for CM period, κchem overpredicted κCCNc by 71 ± 11% (25 ± 13%) at SS = 0.1% (0.3%); whereas for RA‐only period, κchem underpredicted by 13 ± 6% (18 ± 11%) at SS = 0.1% (0.3%). The former, representing fresher aerosols in smaller size, could be explained by not considering the size‐resolved composition, as the bulk measurement mainly reflects the features of larger particle. The latter is proved to result from the depression of droplet surface tension by potential surface‐active organics and the possible liquid‐liquid phase separation occurring at moderate RH, and a use of depressed surface tension (than pure water) of 0.063 ± 0.002 J m−2 would reach an agreement. We propose that a hybrid approach combining size‐resolved composition and reduced surface tension, for fresher and aged sources, respectively, should improve the estimation of aerosol CCN ability.
FBXO45 is a potential therapeutic target for cancer therapy
Authors: Lin Min , Wang Zhi-wei , Zhu Xueqiong 
Published: July 2020

AbstractFBXO protein 45 (FBXO45), a substrate-recognition subunit of E3 ligases, has been characterised to have pivotal roles in many human diseases, including nervous system diseases, inflammatory diseases and human malignancies. In this article, we describe the expression of FBXO45 in several types of human tumour specimens and highlight the downstream substrates of FBXO45. Moreover, the biological functions of FBXO45 in the regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, the cell cycle and metastasis are mentioned. Furthermore, we describe that the expression level of FBXO45 is regulated by several upstream factors such as miR-27a, Hey1, m6A and the lncRNA RP11. As FBXO45 has a critical role in tumorigenesis and progression, FBXO45 might be a novel therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
CryoEM structure of the tegumented capsid of Epstein-Barr virus
Authors: Li Zhihai , Zhang Xiao , Dong Lili , Pang Jingjing , Xu Miao , Zhong Qian , Zeng Mu-Sheng , Yu Xuekui 
Published: July 2020

AbstractEpstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the primary cause of infectious mononucleosis and has been shown to be closely associated with various malignancies. Here, we present a complete atomic model of EBV, including the icosahedral capsid, the dodecameric portal and the capsid-associated tegument complex (CATC). Our in situ portal from the tegumented capsid adopts a closed conformation with its channel valve holding the terminal viral DNA and with its crown region firmly engaged by three layers of ring-like dsDNA, which, together with the penton flexibility, effectively alleviates the capsid inner pressure placed on the portal cap. In contrast, the CATCs, through binding to the flexible penton vertices in a stoichiometric manner, accurately increase the inner capsid pressure to facilitate the pressure-driven genome delivery. Together, our results provide important insights into the mechanism by which the EBV capsid, portal, packaged genome and the CATCs coordinately achieve a pressure balance to simultaneously benefit both viral genome retention and ejection.
Observation of Weyl fermions in a magnetic non-centrosymmetric crystal
Authors: Sanchez Daniel S. , Chang Guoqing , Belopolski Ilya , Lu Hong , Yin Jia-Xin , Alidoust Nasser , Xu Xitong , Cochran Tyler A. , Zhang Xiao , Bian Yi , Zhang Songtian S. , Liu Yi-Yuan , Ma Jie , Bian Guang , Lin Hsin , Xu Su-Yang , Jia Shuang , Hasan M. Zahid 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe absence of inversion symmetry in non-centrosymmetric materials has a fundamental role in the emergence of a vast number of fascinating phenomena, like ferroelectricity, second harmonic generation, and Weyl fermions. The removal of time-reversal symmetry in such systems further extends the variety of observable magneto-electric and topological effects. Here we report the striking topological properties in the non-centrosymmetric spin-orbit magnet PrAlGe by combining spectroscopy and transport measurements. By photoemission spectroscopy below the Curie temperature, we observe topological Fermi arcs that correspond to projected topological charges of ±1 in the surface Brillouin zone. In the bulk, we observe the linear energy-dispersion of the Weyl fermions. We further observe a large anomalous Hall response in our magneto-transport measurements, which is understood to arise from diverging bulk Berry curvature fields associated with the Weyl band structure. These results establish a novel Weyl semimetal phase in magnetic non-centrosymmetric PrAlGe.
Increasing trends in regional heatwaves
Authors: Perkins-Kirkpatrick S. E. , Lewis S. C. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractHeatwaves have increased in intensity, frequency and duration, with these trends projected to worsen under enhanced global warming. Understanding regional heatwave trends has critical implications for the biophysical and human systems they impact. Until now a comprehensive assessment of regional observed changes was hindered by the range of metrics employed, underpinning datasets, and time periods examined. Here, using the Berkeley Earth temperature dataset and key heatwave metrics, we systematically examine regional and global observed heatwave trends. In almost all regions, heatwave frequency demonstrates the most rapid and significant change. A measure of cumulative heat shows significant increases almost everywhere since the 1950s, mainly driven by heatwave days. Trends in heatwave frequency, duration and cumulative heat have accelerated since the 1950s, and due to the high influence of variability we recommend regional trends are assessed over multiple decades. Our results provide comparable regional observed heatwave trends, on spatial and temporal scales necessary for understanding impacts.
Long-term droughts may drive drier tropical forests towards increased functional, taxonomic and phylogenetic homogeneity
Authors: Aguirre-Gutiérrez Jesús , Malhi Yadvinder , Lewis Simon L. , Fauset Sophie , Adu-Bredu Stephen , Affum-Baffoe Kofi , Baker Timothy R. , Gvozdevaite Agne , Hubau Wannes , Moore Sam , Peprah Theresa , Ziemińska Kasia , Phillips Oliver L. , Oliveras Imma 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTropical ecosystems adapted to high water availability may be highly impacted by climatic changes that increase soil and atmospheric moisture deficits. Many tropical regions are experiencing significant changes in climatic conditions, which may induce strong shifts in taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity of forest communities. However, it remains unclear if and to what extent tropical forests are shifting in these facets of diversity along climatic gradients in response to climate change. Here, we show that changes in climate affected all three facets of diversity in West Africa in recent decades. Taxonomic and functional diversity increased in wetter forests but tended to decrease in forests with drier climate. Phylogenetic diversity showed a large decrease along a wet-dry climatic gradient. Notably, we find that all three facets of diversity tended to be higher in wetter forests. Drier forests showed functional, taxonomic and phylogenetic homogenization. Understanding how different facets of diversity respond to a changing environment across climatic gradients is essential for effective long-term conservation of tropical forest ecosystems.
Comprehensive identification of mRNA isoforms reveals the diversity of neural cell-surface molecules with roles in retinal development and disease
Authors: Ray Thomas A. , Cochran Kelly , Kozlowski Chris , Wang Jingjing , Alexander Graham , Cady Martha A. , Spencer William J. , Ruzycki Philip A. , Clark Brian S. , Laeremans Annelies , He Ming-Xiao , Wang Xiaoming , Park Emily , Hao Ying , Iannaccone Alessandro , Hu Gary , Fedrigo Olivier , Skiba Nikolai P. , Arshavsky Vadim Y. , Kay Jeremy N. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGenes encoding cell-surface proteins control nervous system development and are implicated in neurological disorders. These genes produce alternative mRNA isoforms which remain poorly characterized, impeding understanding of how disease-associated mutations cause pathology. Here we introduce a strategy to define complete portfolios of full-length isoforms encoded by individual genes. Applying this approach to neural cell-surface molecules, we identify thousands of unannotated isoforms expressed in retina and brain. By mass spectrometry we confirm expression of newly-discovered proteins on the cell surface in vivo. Remarkably, we discover that the major isoform of a retinal degeneration gene, CRB1, was previously overlooked. This CRB1 isoform is the only one expressed by photoreceptors, the affected cells in CRB1 disease. Using mouse mutants, we identify a function for this isoform at photoreceptor-glial junctions and demonstrate that loss of this isoform accelerates photoreceptor death. Therefore, our isoform identification strategy enables discovery of new gene functions relevant to disease.
Characterization of an alternative BAK-binding site for BH3 peptides
Authors: Ye Kaiqin , Meng Wei X. , Sun Hongbin , Wu Bo , Chen Meng , Pang Yuan-Ping , Gao Jia , Wang Hongzhi , Wang Junfeng , Kaufmann Scott H. , Dai Haiming 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMany cellular stresses are transduced into apoptotic signals through modification or up-regulation of the BH3-only subfamily of BCL2 proteins. Through direct or indirect mechanisms, these proteins activate BAK and BAX to permeabilize the mitochondrial outer membrane. While the BH3-only proteins BIM, PUMA, and tBID have been confirmed to directly activate BAK through its canonical BH3 binding groove, whether the BH3-only proteins BMF, HRK or BIK can directly activate BAK is less clear. Here we show that BMF and HRK bind and directly activate BAK. Through NMR studies, site-directed mutagenesis, and advanced molecular dynamics simulations, we also find that BAK activation by BMF and possibly HRK involves a previously unrecognized binding groove formed by BAK α4, α6, and α7 helices. Alterations in this groove decrease the ability of BMF and HRK to bind BAK, permeabilize membranes and induce apoptosis, suggesting a potential role for this BH3-binding site in BAK activation.
An inherently infinite-dimensional quantum correlation
Authors: Coladangelo Andrea , Stark Jalex 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBell’s theorem, a landmark result in the foundations of physics, establishes that quantum mechanics is a non-local theory. It asserts, in particular, that two spatially separated, but entangled, quantum systems can be correlated in a way that cannot be mimicked by classical systems. A direct operational consequence of Bell’s theorem is the existence of statistical tests which can detect the presence of entanglement. Remarkably, certain correlations not only witness entanglement, but they give quantitative bounds on the minimum dimension of quantum systems attaining them. In this work, we show that there exists a correlation which is not attainable by quantum systems of any arbitrary finite dimension, but is attained exclusively by infinite-dimensional quantum systems (such as infinite-level systems arising from quantum harmonic oscillators). This answers the long-standing open question about the existence of a finite correlation witnessing infinite entanglement.
Mechanistic insights into chromatin targeting by leukemic NUP98-PHF23 fusion
Authors: Zhang Yi , Guo Yiran , Gough Sheryl M. , Zhang Jinyong , Vann Kendra R. , Li Kuai , Cai Ling , Shi Xiaobing , Aplan Peter D. , Wang Gang Greg , Kutateladze Tatiana G. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractChromosomal NUP98-PHF23 translocation is associated with an aggressive form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and poor survival rate. Here, we report the molecular mechanisms by which NUP98-PHF23 recognizes the histone mark H3K4me3 and is inhibited by small molecule compounds, including disulfiram that directly targets the PHD finger of PHF23 (PHF23PHD). Our data support a critical role for the PHD fingers of NUP98-PHF23, and related NUP98-KDM5A and NUP98-BPTF fusions in driving leukemogenesis, and demonstrate that blocking this interaction in NUP98-PHF23 expressing AML cells leads to cell death through necrotic and late apoptosis pathways. An overlap of NUP98-KDM5A oncoprotein binding sites and H3K4me3-positive loci at the Hoxa/b gene clusters and Meis1 in ChIP-seq, together with NMR analysis of the H3K4me3-binding sites of the PHD fingers from PHF23, KDM5A and BPTF, suggests a common PHD finger-dependent mechanism that promotes leukemogenesis by this type of NUP98 fusions. Our findings highlight the direct correlation between the abilities of NUP98-PHD finger fusion chimeras to associate with H3K4me3-enriched chromatin and leukemic transformation.
Intellectual disability-associated UNC80 mutations reveal inter-subunit interaction and dendritic function of the NALCN channel complex
Authors: Wie Jinhong , Bharthur Apoorva , Wolfgang Morgan , Narayanan Vinodh , Ramsey Keri ,   C4RCD Research Group, Belnap Newell , Claasen Ana , Courtright Amanda , de Both Matt , Huentelman Matthew , Rangasamy Sampathkumar , Richholt Ryan , Schrauwen Isabelle , Siniard Ashley L. , Szelinger Szabolics , Aranda Kimberly , Zhang Qi , Zhou Yandong , Ren Dejian 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe sodium-leak channel NALCN forms a subthreshold sodium conductance that controls the resting membrane potentials of neurons. The auxiliary subunits of the channel and their functions in mammals are largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that two large proteins UNC80 and UNC79 are subunits of the NALCN complex. UNC80 knockout mice are neonatal lethal. The C-terminus of UNC80 contains a domain that interacts with UNC79 and overcomes a soma-retention signal to achieve dendritic localization. UNC80 lacking this domain, as found in human patients, still supports whole-cell NALCN currents but lacks dendritic localization. Our results establish the subunit composition of the NALCN complex, uncover the inter-subunit interaction domains, reveal the functional significance of regulation of dendritic membrane potential by the sodium-leak channel complex, and provide evidence supporting that genetic variations found in individuals with intellectual disability are the causes for the phenotype observed in patients.